One Step Forward - One Step Back (IC/Sunalaya Only)

[High Alyria]

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Referendum Results Begin In Victory - Ends In Disaster
OOC
Theme Intro

During the early months of 2016 two regional states of Vukmire, Yokohaul and Diezina, passed a legislation to allow a referendum that polled the local population to either leave the Vukmiri state and join under the Serran Constitutional Monarchy or remain within the nation they currently are in. For decades both Yokohaul and Diezina have had a considerable majority of ethnic Espanians, specifically Serrans. Mistreatment and differentiating ethnic backgrounds has caused strife between the two cultural communities. Now with proper effort and precious time dedicated to this legislation Yokohaul and Diezina could finally return to their brethren nation they belong to. With a majority vote of 70% in Diezina and a majority vote of 74% in Yokohaul saying yes to leave Vukmire. However after a single day of celebration in May 31st Vukmiri boots and tanks roll in Yokohaul and Diezina while taking over the local capital administration buildings. Riots and rebellion immediately broke out with even the local police denying any Vukmiri official governance causing only the military police to be the local authorities. Now mysterious professional foot soldiers with IFVs and APCs have also shown up protecting civilians and causing small skirmishes between Vukmiri forces.

*In Serran Language*

Hours After Success of Referendum
Capital - Kravois(Cinnigrad), De Zyttia(Diezina)

In front of the window on the top floor a man walked back and fourth, continuously pacing and on the phone. His body behavior indicated he was somewhat panicking. Another man sat on a elongated sofa, watching the other man pace in the room with a emotionless face. "My men have told me they've already seized a few government buildings near the de facto border! How are we suppose to counter this illegal move of occupation!" the panicked man began to mumble and spew random words. "I knew we shouldn't have agreed to this referendum! We've only dug a deeper hole and gave them an actual excuse to punish us some more." He then looked toward the north side of the room, with a window revealing the outside. Smoke trails was visible a few kilometers out of the city, riots were beginning to unravel as military men forced the new government to stand down. The other black suited man sitting down rose up from the sofa as the other began to quickly pack his things in a travel bag. "Don't worry. We've already anticipated the arrival of this event." The other man replied in a nonchalant tone. He was a Serran from the homeland, an official of sorts. "Don't worry? Humph, and how are we suppose to do that when tanks are rolling over here as we speak, Lorys!? the panicked man yelled. Lorys walked up to him, only a few inches away from their faces bringing intimidation in the encounter. Lorys patted the man's shoulder and spoke, "We've already thought all of the outcomes when we decided to help your people's efforts. The referendum was made legally, passed and succeeded. In the international eyes it would go only bad for them intervening in a proper judicial decision allowed by their own governance." he said with a senseless smile. "Do you really think our leaders would do something recklessly, Mr. Vevre?" Vevre began to calm down as Lorys' patted his shoulders, nodding in agreement. "You're right. Hopefully you and your leaders can fizzle this out before it gains worldwide attention. I guess I've worried to much, I'll unpack my things." Vevre responded as Lorys started to walk out of the door. "As I repeated before Mr. Vevre, don't you worry about a thing. Just stay here and do what they tell you, inform us as much as you can. This is only the spark of things, we are only pawns in this world." Lorys' voice faded when he walked out of the door toward his guarded vehicle with small grin lighting across his face.

Friday, June 3rd 2016
Béziers, YevraLa(Yokohaul)

Amaia was only 17 years old, she was also part Serran, Vekalsan and Vukmiri. She was quite beautiful and athletic and emotionally strong, everyone had envied her life of significance. Béziers, her home town of 34,000 people, was 21 miles near the de facto border declared only a few hours ago. She stood on the patio watching her siblings play soccer on the street they lived on, texting her boyfriend at the same time. The riots and rebels during the past few days did not faze her as much, her family were well off. Though this day was different from before, quiet, the quiet that would give you goosebumps and make you uncomfortable. "Jerón! Mom said you have to come in the house in one hour." Amaia shouted. Her brother nodded and continued to play with the ball with his friends. She sighed and went back inside to grab a drink. Her dog ran up to her itching for a scratch on the head. "Aww, Meatloaf." she said then got back up as the dog followed her. Amaia opened the fridge scanning across the cold landscape, noticing there was one single soda can left she picked it up and opened it. It made a small fizzle while the clear mist went up to her face. A grin indicated her thirst for a cold drink after hours of laying outside. As Amaia took her first sip gun shots were heard not to far from the neighborhood, it was too close to be usual and wasn't the regular fireworks shot at local authorities. She frowned looking toward the front of her house, "Jerón?" Her brother, 15, immediately ran in the house panting with some of his friends behind him. "What's going on?" Amaia asked. Jerón quickly grabbed her drink and chugged it, "Hey! That was mi-" Her brother interrupted her, "Shhh! Close the curtains and close the doors." he demanded at his friends. "Can you at least tell me what the hell is going on?!" Amaia retorted. He sighed, "There was these guys at the end of the block, we saw one of them shooting someone. I don't know who but they didn't like the guys who usually patrolled our neighborhood. Th-the-they wore different clothing. One of them glanced at us and aimed their guns shouting something. They freaking shot Harii, Amaia! I think there from Vukmire." Amaia was trying to understand all the words Jerón had said, "What?!" she replied. "Where's mom?!" he sighed again. "Look we need to leave now!" Amaia still couldn't understand what was going on, her life had been mostly easy, now being confronted with something no one thought was coming.

Friday, June 4rd 2016
Hestia, Serra

"The rebels can hold out for another two weeks, as of now Group 1 through 5 have indicated aggression from Vukmiri authorities. As long as we make no comment on that specific matter we can begin near the end of June. The two regional infrastructure and resources are still currently intact while our groups are successfully looking toward to control it at the very moment. Part of the 1st CSG have been fully supplied to conduct naval missions in the Medias Sea. as of now the rest will take another week to prepare. Also our forces have amassed to do one more en masse exercise here north of the capital, giving way for preparatory mobilization." A military adviser informed. Crown Dignitary Valleau nodded, "Details on Group 1 through 5's supplies, how many rebels jailed from riots?" he asked. Anther man pointed on the screen of their electric counter top. "Supplies from our first shipment are slowly draining, Sir." the military officer responded. "Prioritize them immediately and quietly." Valleau replied. Another man began to speak, "We have reports of 576 rebels have been detained, 19 of those have been released while the rest are speculated to be interrogated harshly by the opposition. An unknown number have been killed, we will immediately look into that." The leader once again nodded as the High King stood in amazement from all the information that have been gathered in a short amount of time. "I guess it is time to make an announcement about the illegal occupation, Mr. Valleau do you wish to attend?" the High King asked. "I would love to however it is important I stay here and watch the situation closely, go on ahead your majesty." Valleau replied. A few hours had passed, High King Helvram had anticipated this event to come. Each and every phase had been carefully planned and thought out, he knew there was no turning back after this.

"In response to the legality of the referendum and unacceptable occupation of the newly monarchical republics of YevraLa and De Zyttia, formerly known as the Vukmiri states of Yokohaul and Diezina, we demand that the sovereign nation of Vukmire cease the occupation of these newly independent states. It is truly saddening that the lives of these innocents and normal citizens are interrupted by the selfless goals of governance. The future of YevraLa and De Zyttia is determined by the people who live on their land - they properly voted to leave Vukmire. If they choose to vote once again and decide to unite with Serra. That's it." - High King Helvram of Serra, 4:32 PM Friday, June 4rd 2016

[The Shady Looking Vukmiri Delegates]

May 31st, 2016, Cinnigrad, Diezina Province

With the referendum gaining unprecedented and unanimous support in the provinces of Yokohaul and Diezina, with leaving votes going up to 70% in both provinces. The ethnic majorities in this region are Espanians, mainly of Vekelse or Serran background. The referendum if recognized by the Vukmiri government, allows them to be independent and may prompt them to join the nation of Serra, a regional competitor to the country of Vukmire. The Administration of these cities, including infrastructure services, police, and government have begun to defect from Vukmire to show their discontent with the actions of the federal government in the wake of the vote, leaving only the exterior of Vukmire to sort out this mess. Military police moving into the two big cities of these territories, Zokol and Cinnigrad, shields in hand with batons and shotguns in the other. Some have even seen armored APC's carrying heavily armed men with rifles and equipment. After days and weeks of clashing with protesters, soldiers begin to become more abundant, with the appearance of riot troopers waning, it has become a martial law state instead of riots and protests against the government and it has become very clear that Vukmire won't be leaving under any normal circumstances.

Saturday June 4th, 2016
Zokol, Yokohaul Province
"Roy... Roy... Roy wake up!" Suddenly the man named Roy jumps in his seat, his breath heavy as the condensation forms on the front of his riot mask, baton loosely hanging around his wrist with the sweat of his uniform clothes clinging to his skin on this hot day. "What? Are we there?" Roy replies out loud, his brown eyes scouting the back of the armored car, twitching around to familiarize himself with where he is. "Yeah man! I've been calling for name for like ten minutes man!" The riot trooper opposite of him says with a friendly and cheerful laugh, though upon further inspection he ways trembling and breathing heavy, just like Roy... he was nervous, Roy could tell instantly. "Yeah... what's out there?" He says in a shaky tone, looking to the solid doors of the armored car, blowing a strand of black hair out of his eyes and sliding on his leather gloves, cloaking his tanned hand. "Only about two thousand angry protesters and rioters." The riot trooper says with a nervous chuckle as he stares at the red light in the armored car, dreading the moment it turns green, signaling to exit the vehicle. Roy sighs and looks to the door, a loud moaning and grinding sound being heard in the armored car, flooding the cramped and hot room with the noise. "There's the water cannon..." he mutters to himself, soon being cut off when the light turns green. The whole car jumbles and bounces while riot troopers file out while Roy struggles to stand up, soon walking out and nearly tripping over his shield. He soon covers his eyes from the dazzling bright light, but it wasn't from the sun, it was from a burning police cruiser. Shocked Roy simply stands in the line with his shield and baton up, occasionally whacking a protester and deflecting rocks by a inch with his shield. This goes on for minutes, hours until his line is broken... by something behind him? Soldiers in red, grey, and black digital uniforms up to the rioters with rifles, form a line with their weapons pointed forwards, prompting the protesters to jump back in fear, their horrified faces the last thing Roy sees, followed by the flash... then the boom.

Friday, June 3rd 2016
Ramsvelt, Ramsvelt Administrative District

A heavy slam is heard on the dark wood, gold trimmed table, causing papers and a nervous expression from several other men and women in the back, coughing and straightening the tie for their suits.
"Senator Mortimer! I encourage you to re-consider your decision!" An angered woman states loudly, her beet red face highlighting the vein forcing itself through the skin of her forehead. Mortimer simply stands there, rocking on the heels of his fine leather shoes, cracking his old and frail hands while stroking his bushy white mustache, that match his equally bushy and white eyebrows. "We are placed as a sober second thought, Senator Collins... does gunning down innocent civilians seem like a rational and sane idea to you, Senator Collins?" He says with a hidden smirk as he leans forward across the table, looking at the young and disgruntled Senator whose hair falls in front of her face, shrouding all emotions. "Senator Mortimer..." she opens up with a deep breath, moving back her dirty blonde hair and calming down, her tomato red face reseting to its natural white color. "You do understand the Serran government will supporting this decision that the Yokohaul and Diezina districts have made correct? I believe that they will even go so far to arm them... we have to be ready for that, Senator, if we cannot negotiate with them, then we will install fear into their bones. We have soldiers waiting on standby, ready to shoot to kill... Senator Mortimer, you are aware of the stakes here correct?" She ends with a smooth tone, her own sly grin forming causing the old man Mortimer to sweat, tugging at his own collar and sliding back his grey hair. "Well... um, yes..." he looks to the other Senators in the room and groans in defeat... "yes, yes... I suppose you are right." His shaky hand lifts up the pen and signs the only empty signature on the page, soon dropping it and sitting down into his seat and covering his face with his hands. "What have I done?" He mumbles while watching Senator Collins leave the room, the stack of papers in hand.

[High Alyria]

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We Will Be United One Day - Blood, Brethren, Serra

De Zyttia(Diezina) & YevraLa(Yokohaul)
Monday, June 20th 2016

The referendum's success had to wait, Vukmire did not care if it was legal and passed their every step of government. They weren't going to be seen as weak and let two profitable regions leave due to some diplomatic maneuvering of their former government officials & citizens. After a week of rebelling against their former rulers, mysterious men in multiple groups have appeared to aid the new states of De Zyttia & YevraLa. They did not seem like the ragtag militia formed by ordinary people; they were polite, professional, spoke quite little, and very well equipped. Armed with guns manufactured by Serra, lined with strings of APCs and IFVs, even some were seen with the MBT-70, a modernized 122mm smoothbore tank made and sold in Serra also. A understandable coincidence due to the close proximity of the nation though these military equipment are not cheap to afford and supply. They worked with multiple rebels and militias, even help instate the Zyttian & YevraLan armies into something more organized. They secured infrastructural hubs and safely protected the citizens of both monarchical republics. Life within the states grown more chaotic, people were more fierce toward the Vukmiri MPs, many were considered refugees while most stayed and resented the Vukmiri.

In De Zyttia, rebellion was more physical and bloody. Multiple clashes between the Vukmiri authorities and rebels lasted from dawn to midnight. While in YevraLa, rebellion was more cybernetic while those mysterious military men hyped up the physical tensions. Intelligent civilians who've cracked within the oppositions cyber networks sabotaged them, forcing power in specific districts to shut down, erasing or stealing information from computers or even spying on their internet activity in both Diezina and YevraLa. Civilian drones were used to spy on the totalitarian regime, though often times in night to mask them in the dark. During the darker days of rebellion people whisper and raise their fists toward the sky chanting, "We will be united one day. Blood, Brethren, Serra!"

Amaia Bonnet
Laredo, YevraLa(Yokohaul)

It'd had been weeks since Amaia's family left their estate, it was now controlled by the Vukmiri soldiers. With no trace of their father, it was assumed he was held captive or killed. In such a short time everything had been taken from her, what had she done to deserve this? Her lavish lifestyle? Being apart of the upper-middle class? Her own blood? She couldn't make sense of it, now her mother, brother, his few friends and herself were running away in the countryside. Fields of wheat and barley were seen from miles, it was this large field of grains that grabbed the eyes of governments. It supplied large amounts of food resources to the main population, with enough to sell of even feed portions of the entire nation. It was not the only thing eye-grabbing from YevraLa or De Zyttia. Amaia walked on the side of the dirt road, hiding in the wheat when military vehicles from Vukmire would pass by. However most of the time they only encountered other YevraLans and Zyttians. Food was rationed as they only packed so little due to being rushed to leave, she had never felt this hungry before. "You think that gas station has been abandoned over there?" Jerón wondered. Amaia and her mother looked forward seeing a gas station building faintly. "Ahh, finally a safe place we can stay tonight. Hopefully Leveigne can answer my calls here and we can get a car." Her mother panted. Amaia said nothing, only worrying where her father and boyfriend was. Jerón's friends, Ernesto, Lucio and Benedetto rushed toward the building as it was getting dark, revealing the lights were out in the gas station. Once the whole group arrived near the building they checked just in case anybody was there, it was silent. It seemed the cashier had abandoned the entire building leaving only them all by themselves. Amaia had walked within the aisle searching for anything that would last awhile or fit, at the end of the aisle there was a rack that held a small backpacks for travel. Looking at the price she picked one up and searched for edibles such as snacks or drinks. Part of the region seemed apocalyptic, no order, it was similar to a war zone. She walked up to the cashier counter and left a twenty Crown bill next to the register, glancing at the cigarette and condom compartments laying behind the island counter. Every seemed ready to go except for Amaia's mother, Lucio and Ernesto.

Immediately the sound of gas guzzling from the engines of war soon filled the entire area. It startled everyone, Jerón took a peak near the windows as every hid behind the racks. Foot soldiers and military vehicles closed in, causing Jerón to quickly run toward the back of the building. However he had failed to duck low enough, a bullet strayed into the window shattering it into pieces and went through his upper back. In a spur he fell down while his mother scream and rushed towards him. He still seemed alive although in a state of paralysis, a pool of blood quickly shined as the moonlight outside the window lit above it. Benedetto had tried to pull Mrs. Bonnet away but to no avail, Amaia herself was in shock. She had just seen her brother shot to the ground, she slowly tried to walk closer however more bullets rained within the building. Jerón's three friends quickly dashed to the back room as their tears left a wet trail on the ground, grabbing Amaia with them. Ernesto opened the back door and ran straight toward the hill that was covered in trees. All of them as fast as they could while the mother chose to stay with her son to die. It had seemed Amaia lost everything.

Group 1

Group 1 was one of the mysterious pack of soldiers who wandered across the new "independent" states. They wore camouflage combat uniforms with tactical vests, often their faces were covered up to hide their identities. Each group was estimated to have 250 men and they were 5 active groups in total working within De Zyttia and YevraLa. Group 1 had managed to secure the small provinces of Margaux, Lafit, and Côrtes near the Serran border, also which housed great industrial capacity. 'Secure', it mostly meant less visible tensions between the existing Vukmiri and Serrans. Though in most places it was rough, the military police had become quite a nuisance which had caused firefights in between. In short the other groups had also succeeded to protect specifc sub-regions, though this would not last long as the Vukmiri grew to be more violent. In Group 1's most north region, Lafit, they had begun to set a dug in mobile SAM(S-300VM) and covered the area to ensure no one would come near. It was there only anti-aircraft system from the entire collage of groups though with an engaging range over 200 km against aircraft.

Hestia, Serra

"Everything is going smoothly it seems." the High King commented. Valleau stood next to him as the people punched in numbers and ran with multiple documents around them. "We only have to wait until they make the wrong choice, once they do it will be easier for us." an officer responded. "They're smart enough, they should be very careful for their next move. We should prepare if they choose to disrupt the conflict." Valleu said as others nodded. One adviser had laid out the plans on the table, "Our naval fleet is finally suited, the other group is preparing in case of Plan 1BV is a go. SSN-Artuga has finally reached their destination as well and await further orders. Their supplies can last for about 110 days before the next scheduled restock. We are only currently waiting for word from our people in Medias sea." the adviser stated. "What about our allies?" Valleau asked. "They've been prepared for the past week, sir. Once we go though with this we can go full throttle for a month if needed." another man replied. "Hmm, Order the forward air base to conduct constant air surveillance here and here, fully armed for aerial combat as well." Valleau commanded. It seemed nothing was going to change the course of what was going to happen in the next month or so. No one knew what was going to happen except the gods themselves.

[The Shady Looking Vukmiri Delegates]

June 15th, 2016
Vukmire

In the north and eat of the country, the conflict would be all that anyone would talk about, "have you heard about Yokohaul? Hey! What's new about the firefights?" The VNN news and Media company, a symbol of the Vukmiri freedom of the people has gone dark, not a peep out of the outlet ever since the conflict began in the east, the last article of info being a mediocre piece of news announcing the referendum details to the public. There has been unrest in the west, most supressing their fear for the conflict by staying silent any carrying on their days, toiling away like the world was a perfect peace. Some brave enough to voice their opinions in the cities are beat down, be it by actual police, military, or patriotic countrymen. It would seem that the Internet would be the only place left that the people could voice their opinions freely without restriction, but even then the gap is abysmal, cyber police monitor all social networking sites possible, taking down dissenters of the new "Vukmiri Regime" at the cloak of night. Secret police and espionage are no rumor or a secret totalitarian joke now around the country, they are seen, they are fact, and they are active.

Anarchist groups have been prevalent in small towns and communities in the east, bordering the afflicted provinces that are struck by the horns of war and terror. These groups loot and cut off supply routes of Vukmiri soldiers with home made explosives and fire to stall the advance of their nations soldier as far as they can. On the coasts, boats are taking refugees to wherever possible in Ventismar, Ophion, and Dogmana. Tensions are high as this conflict may spread out and holster attention from other nations of the world.

June 12th, 2016
Loredo, Yokohaul
Ever since Roy saw those innocents gunned down in front of him, he has never been the same, once brimming with awkwardness, optimism, and nerdy facts, he now remains a husk, all traces of personality drained from his body and soul. He still remembers the incident clear as day, stepping over the row of bodies as the protesters fled and his line charged forward with anger and zeal, yelling and chanting as their batons bruised skin, broke bone, and cursed courage and bravery to the ground, yet he stands here, becoming the very person he feared and resented, a military patch on his shoulder and a rifle in hand, he was now a soldier. Roy stood on the corner of the town, the wide grassland and fields of wheat to his left and a humble, family owned gas station to his right. To Roy, this is what he needed, some peace and quiet to himself. He soon adjusted his cap and sunglasses, moving around in his magazine harness, having left his ballistic gear at base, seeing he wouldn't have needed it at all.

Instead of the new modern variants of the service rifle, he picked an older version, a heavier version with a wooden stock and grip, much similar to a "kalash" he say in a magazine. He picked it because it reminded him of his old self, simple, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing. Roy chuckled to himself, if there is one thing he wasn't, it was humble. Soon he turnt his head onto the nearest road where a rumbling noise was coming from. "Great... just what we needed." The noise grows louder to reveal a group of Vukmiri armored cars coming over the hill, headed for the gas station for a much needed resupply. Roy stood still on the corner, hands at his side as a command officer smiled and nodded peacefully. Roy came to respec this new Lieutenant, he was nice and relaxed, having the feeling of a responsible but friendly big brother. "Lieutenant, nothing has been seen recently sir, nothing but wheat." Roy says, his voice stiff and tightened, not wanting to sound lazy in front of the man. "It's fine Lucifer, hey, do me a favor will ya? Turn on the pumps in the gas station?" He says with a smooth and calming voice, icy eyes clashing with his approachable self. "Y-Yes sir." Lucifer... that was Roy's last name, it was used quite often ever since he joined the military, before that it was only used by his father, jokingly calling Roy the devil. Roy continues to daydream as he walks to the gas station, but his train of thought is broken as a stray bullet shatters the station window and topples over a shadowy figure inside. "Hold your fire!" The lieutenant yells, raising his hands in front of his soldiers as they are left to see the silhouettes run to the body and soon out of the building. "Lucifer, the building." The lieutenant says in a much more stern and serious voice. Roy gulps and enters the building, rifle in hand. He turns on the gas pumps and the cars begin to refuel, however the body overtakes his curiosity. His footsteps tap along the tiled floors before he turns the corner to see a... a woman, cradling a body, a body of... a young boy, no older than 16 years old. Roy's eyes widen as he raises his finger to his lips and back steps out of the gas station.

June 24th, 2016
Ramsvelt

"Full mobilization Chancellor Hannibal?" The 'evil harlot who turned this into a war,'Senator Collins asks to the leader of the nation. "Full mobilization." The redheaded woman nods. "Get the generals to figure out a plan of action for both the provinces and the southern neighbors." The woman says with a deep sigh as Collins walks off, her pretentious snobbery leering on everyone in the government building. Haley was the Chancellor of Vukmire, winning the election two years ago, even against election fraud, soon becoming the leader of the nation. "You're on in five Ms. Hannibal." A man with a headset comes in, giving her a nod and soon leaving her grand office. "Here goes nothing..." Haley stands up, and exits her office as well. She is about to give her official statement on the ultimatum Stent to them by their neighbors, planning to ease the burden of the public who she has restrained so much of. She approaches the podium, speech in hand, tapping on the microphone and clearing her throat.

I, Haley Hannibal, Chancellor of Vukmire, formally decline the ultimatum sent by our southern neighbors regarding the status of the Yokohaul and Diezina territories to the east. As the nation's head I implore them to step out of the conflict before they accidentally become involved in some shape, way or form. I also stretch out my hand to the citizens of Yokohaul and Diezina, let us be one again and stop this pointless fighting, no good will come of it, but if not so be it, but we will have peace in the end, through force or not.

[High Alyria]

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The Drums of War Shout for Blood
Current Frontline Borders and Military Positions

*In Serran*

Nightfall July 1st, 2016
Hestia, Serra

Conflict in Eastern Vukmire grew more violent with the Vukmiri leadership refusing to accept the ultimatum and allow the independence of two regions distinctly different in culture and blood. This has only tensed the situation further than ever imagined with only a small spark needed to instill a war within Aivaea island.

In a dark room lighted by the screens of multiple computers the Crown Dignitary and the High King were continuing to be informed of the conflict north-east of Serra. "That's everything I assume, our carrier group is in place, our forces are fully mobilized, the groups within YevraLa and De Zyttia have gained intelligence and solidified their positions. I can still take care of the rest your majesty." Valleau said with a small smile. Helvam shook his hand firmly, getting ready to leave for a meeting with the Cavaells, one of the richest families in Serra. "I'll come back as soon as Mr. Cavaell has set manufactures in Kurzera, it would be a highly valuable area for the time being. Are you sure you don't need any of my help?" High King Helvram asked, with a small chuckle. After the meeting he would meet his daughter afterword, it was not common for them to be together as schedules and meetings limited that. "Oh of course, don't worry. We've already carefully planned the important details, go! Before your daughter somehow wonders off with her curiosity of hers, hah!" Valleau stated, causing both men to laugh. The High King soon left leaving Crown Dignitary Valleau with a few of his party officials. Valleau's smile no longer rested upon his face, it transformed into something more sinister, evil, malicious. "Order the men to be ready, we begin at 10:20. Ensure no one sees them beforehand." Valleau said sharply, his voice was more authoritarian. One of his top party officials asked to speak, "Sir, I really stand opposed to this. Please reconsider. There are other ways we can start this war, this only leads to the death of our majesty." one of the party members said. Valleau only looked down, not even acknowledging him. "He quickly grabbed his pistol from his holster and shot at the direction of the spoken party official. First one shot, two shots, three shots, four shots, he kept continuing until his clip had emptied into the other man's flesh. "Such a shame, you could've been an honored member of the party." Valleau walked toward the soulless body, squatting in front of it. "It was a good thing these walls are sound proof." he added, tapping the wall on the side. "Remove the body, and clean up the blood." he demanded toward the other officers, not even looking at them while all were shocked or somewhat afraid. One officer immediately contacted someone over the phone, getting ready for their plan as the Crown Dignitary left the room. Meanwhile in the car the High King had called his daughter to see what was she doing, "Alright Relora, I'll come see you shortly after this meeting. Love you." Helvram said over the phone, hanging it up. He smiled as he looked out the window, his life was luxurious compared to his own father. He just inherited the founding his family had created, bringing no reforms or progression to the state. It was not like he could anyhow, the power of the Serran monarch was limited by the Imperial Diet & Conclave. The car stopped, reaching it's destination to this heavenly mansion a homeless person could ever dream of. Helvram slowly stepped out of the car, looking up at the sky admiring the beauty, an eerie feeling came across his chest. Valleau sat in chair near the window, revealing his face in the moonlight. He tapped on the table as he looked at the sky knowing the next few hours of chaos would be his doing. He felt no remorse for that man, only the impatience to move on with his planning. His smartphone turned bright with messages, signaling that it had commenced. Things had turned for the worst, suddenly a wind of metal marked across the car and convoy, drawing blood from security and the High King himself. Helvram felt his chest pump louder than ever, feeling warm liquid pouring out of holes made by the bullets that hit him. His eyes slowly closed before falling to the ground, with the sound of exchanged gunfire being his last remembrance of life whispering the name of his wife and daughter. The later morning our beloved country, Serra would cry for war, roaring revenge and anguish.

Monday July 4th, 2016
Hestia, Serra

It was near the afternoon, many had attended to see Relora's coronation although she was still mourning her fathers death. Time had become a precious commodity for her now as work and papers were thrown at her immediately after High King Helvram's death. "Your grace, we're ready for you." a servant had said, bowing toward Relora. She nodded, looking over the balcony seeing cameraman and recognizing foreign rulers such as Queen Diana and Princess Sierra Abrams from Rhodevus, and others as well. Most were royals who wanted to court her although she quickly ignored them though not on purpose. "Of course, let's hurry this shall we." Relora replied. A Revanist priest awaited Princess Relora on the balcony while millions watched expressing many emotions. Relora walked up to the sunlight, cheering and clapping promptly followed as she waved toward the enormous crowd. The priest nodded and began to speak to you, "Your highness." he bowed. Relora gave a small grin. The priest then proceeded to give her a few blessings, whispering in ancient Serran. "By our God's grace we bestow..." he went on and on. "...Duchess of Naehir, Queen of Aelassa and Vaenou, High Queen of Serra" the priest finished, handing the crown to Relora as she bent down holding the crown jewels on both of her hands. Many cheered as party poppers blew up into the sky, wishing their new monarch good fortune. She then walked back into the palace, heading toward her family's throne slowly gazing at the gems and gold plastered on it. Relora felt overwhelmed, she had never thought this would happen until she grew older and met a fine husband to marry, however times quickly changed. She was truly alone on this. As she sat on the throne it officially declared her ruler of Serra while camera crews took photos and videos of the historical event. Immediately an adviser handed her a piece of paper to read that she prepped beforehand by her father's councilmen and some of the SNP party's top officials though there were more words that she looked forward to reading.

"I am truly gracious of my family's title bestowed upon me, inheriting this great nation we all live in. I will try my best to further strengthen it and work cooperatively with the current parliament ensuring that our nation reserves it's pride, honor, prestige, and history. For the past month, certain events..." She unknowingly paused for a brief second, giving some discomfort. "has caused some distress within all of us, even giving grief. We must remind ourselves that we have to push forward or others will leave us behind in this cruel world of ours. We can only count on ourselves and our allies, those who are merciful and caring..." She stared into the paper a little longer, noticing that some words had definitely changed the last time she seen it. "... Although sometimes in this world we must fight against those who refuse to progress toward a better world. Avenging those we have lost. That is why in a very recent legislation made by the parliament and the SNP party we can no longer stand and tolerate the actions of Vukmire, who've refused to accept our humane ultimatum. They have continuously put our brethren under themselves, slaving them for ages in harsh labor. " A red hot feeling filled her heart as she read the next few lines, it was outrage, pure hatred. "Even causing the death of our honorable High King, Helvram Aevaenor, with their assassination plot. Early this morning it was confirmed that the perpetrators had worked for the Vukmiri government while even being special operatives of their defense department. As we can no longer tolerate their hostile behavior we have no choice. By the grace of god, our noble governmental parliament, and I, High Queen of Serra we officially declare a state of war against the nation of Vukmire." As she finished she quickly stood up and left as reporters yelled out questions though they were soon kicked out by the Serran Nationalist Party members. Valleau had gotten what he wanted, pure hatred and the pursuit of vengeance. Every citizen rose up to be hardcore nationalist, shouting that one day their enemies will pay in blood.

Same Day
De Zyttia & YevraLa

Immediately Group through 1 and 5 had firmly held their positions, a SAM was placed in YevraLa to deny enemy air superiority, a small tank battalion had pushed forward to control the southern districts of De Zyttia as Group three began to take positions in the villages around them. The others had grew more violent than before against the Vukmiri forces, causing large firefights. Four SaS-14s flew toward Vukmiri airspace equipped with several ARMs to conduct SEAD against any known enemy air defenses, those fighters were exceptional however did not hold the firepower to go against any air superiority fighter at the moment, which they patiently waited for their fellow fighter jets to do that job thereafter. Two armored brigades from the 1st division pushed into YevraLa knowing full well of the surroundings due to intelligence given to them by covert operatives. An enlisted soldier was smoking during the ride to the secured positions, looking at the sky wondering what his fate was. He had hoped not to die so early, though he knew that would probably be the case anyhow. Miles west of where he was the 4th and 6th divisions were preparing to cut off De Zyttia from the Vukmiri mainland once the air force had finished their SEAD missions, it's intentions was to cut their supplies and quickly secure the two region while enforcing it with multiple divisions dug in. They had to move quickly, which increased the miliary's oil consumption to a large degree although Valleau had secured an oil source from an foriegn nation that would last for four whole years which was more than enough for a war that would only last for a few weeks or a single month. All other military positions stood sharp, ensuring there would be no breakthrough within other parts of their borders while keeping an eye on other foreign militaries in case of surprise elements were put in play. The SSN Artuga stood silent in the ocean depths, waiting for their part in the war.

[The Shady Looking Vukmiri Delegates]

The entire nation of vukmire shakes at the declaration of war, some finding it to be a boon to the nation as they finally receive the chance to strike up arms against their southern neighbors, a moment they have been itching to get. Other outright deny the existence of war, emigrating out of the country or moving to the west, but yet have tried to challenge the all seeing watchful eye of Vukmire and it's government. The military seems to slack on its mobilization of its divisions, the initial deployment being very lackluster and slow, however the air force and the navy seem to be the first responders in this case, with the fleet being mobilized out of the heart of the Derminsky crater, being right around the corner from the separating provinces, the aircraft carrier has yet to join the ships though, with the Battle cruiser being the head of the fleet with its powerful weaponry. The Airforce also begins to head east, not before one of its planes are shot down by a long range surface to air missile which prompts planes to stay out of the eastern provinces and set up a defense of interceptors until the SAM launchers can be taken out by Vukmiri forces.

VCS: Baron of the Seas, Derminsky Crater

Reya stood silent on the bow of the deck of the flagship of the entire navy and a sign of strength to her country, the ship was a one of a kind Kutzkovit battle cruiser, rumored to be given by a secretive ORDER member. The wind blew by the ship, causing it to rock a slight bit, but nothing too uncomfortable or major. Reya simply stood there, thinking about the odd missile she had to load into the VLS today, no it wasn't the usual anti ship missile, the thing took up half of the VLS when it entered, but it was big and scary, that's something she knew for sure. She was recently transfered to the ship from her previous frigate that was being repaired after a weapons storage on the aircraft carrier exploded, but yet she still stays here as per her request, something just felt more refreshing to her as her ship stood at the heart of the group of ships, feeling like the big cheese, the leader of the pack. A VTOL could be seen flying overhead and landing on the back of a frigate. "Huh, odd." She thought to herself and looked closer, usually the VTOL's would've stayed with the Helicopter carrier that stayed at the port, but no, this one was different, this one was strange. "Harper!" A grizzled and stern voice barked at her from behind, causing her to jump and grab onto the rails with dear life. "Y-Yes sir?" She jumbles to a saluting position and sweats profously in the wake of the superior man. "Didnt I tell you to load that second VLS canister at the stern?" The man yells once more, his face straining red. "N-No you didn't sir..." Reya says, feeling herself curl up as she tries to slink to the back of the ship. "THEN GET TO IT!" The man let's out a final scream as he marches away to the bridge.

Second Division, Yokohaul
The division finds itself breaking into four brigades, each of them to take the three border towns and city of Selpha, Newzgreno, Thema, and Hypbole. The goal of this strategy is to set up a defensive position with ground based assets to ensure that air forces do not penetrate into any other of the provinces with Bombers or interceptor, establishing short ranged SAM's in the towns and cities. The same strategy goes with the two cities of Veplix and Castel in Diezina, unfortunately the assets to fortify the cities were destroyed by a Serran strike fighter run and the province is left open for a short window until interceptors and air superiority jets arrive to the vicinity.
The city of Hypbole and surrounding towns seem to be under martial law for the time being, with curfews, police surveillance, and military rule being put in place.

Many citizens of the province that are occupied have shown their discontent with the Vukmiri government and have taken to protesting, rioting, and ambushing military cars with rocks, slings, and molotov cocktails.

Ivory Palace, Ramsvelt
Clearing her throat and stepping up to the podium on the stage, Haley Hannibal adjust her tie on her sharp suit and taps onto the mic to check if it works. As soon as she does this she is met with a wave of cheers, not expecting such a reaction from her people for such a small action. "Well, she says with a small chuckle and smile, we seem to be at quite a kerfuffle with our southern neighbors over the provinces of Diezina and Yokohaul, two rightfully Vukmiri provinces that will stay that way. Now regarding our fellow nation Serra, I urge and implore you to stand down and lay down your weapons, staying out of matters that do not concern you would be in your best interests, lest we want more human life to be erased by such a pointless conflict. We are not giving up Diezina and Yokohaul to some foreign menace, that is fact, we are proud and we will not bend to an outside source who has no purpose in the great country of Vukmire. she is met with a second grand applause and smiles at the audience, soon retreating inside the palace and letting out a sigh of relief.

[High Alyria]

Serra

Military mobilization had given Serra a huge edge in the war they've begun, something that was inevitable during these dark times however most did not expect it to come so early to them. If it wasn't for the governmental policies in-placed decades ago by several SNP party officials the military buildup would not have happened. It was also becoming more apparent that the decadence of the Serran liberal democracy was actually going to be a real threat to the democratic world if it isn't stopped. This decaying democracy would only show the failure of the government system and praise authoritarian and fascist practices such as the SNP(Serran Nationalist Party) had implemented throughout the years. With the underlying government control of the media, enforced patriotic behavior, SNP control of the parliament, and recent legislation of the draft or military conscription it would be safe to say that Serra has officially become fascist.

YevraLa

The 1st Mechanized Division had begun operations to take YevraLa, with LRRP and ISR large parts of the region have already been mapped with suspected enemy positions near Selpha, Newzgreno, Thema, and Hypbole. Since the air force was refueling a squadron for the next sorties that were expected to come by in a few minutes to once again to conduct SEAD, electronic warfare and then assert air superiority that would give leverage toward Serra. Ordered by the divisional superiors, the 52nd Artillery regiment began to prepare to fire against located enemy positions in Selpha. Acquisition Radar and previous reconnaissance located the intended targets in Selpha for the 155mm howitzers, “Fire mission, Platoon adjust, #2 and 4, 1 round, Shell HE, Lot XY, Charge 4, Fuze quick, Deflection 2018, Quadrant 183, 3 Rounds in effect.” an FDC said through the radio. After two of the artillery groups fired their rounds as the rest had followed suit. Once finished they quickly moved away to another position so they would less likely be spotted after firing. An artillery strike would hope to cripple enemy defenses greatly or at least instill fear and shock. After the fire for effect a two thousand-man brigade left toward the bombarded area and capture the town, some were equipped with ATGMs and MANPADS in case of heavily armored forces and attack aircraft. Thereafter several CV-1202s, MBT-70s and infantry battalions quickly went toward Newzgreno, Thema, and Hypbole in hopes to not capture the towns but go past them and surround them. Capturing cities with large significance of enemy forces would have only stifled military movement so instead with covert intelligence they would help the citizens rebel largely against the Vukmiris within these villages and force them out.

A female soldier from one of the battalions heading toward Hypbole sat quietly as others in her squad laughed and made jokes about the upcoming war in the armored carrier. It seemed she was the only one not in favor of the Crown Dignitary, although she could not do anything about it anyways. She checked her sniper rifle, making sure the magnification was on point. They could hear artillery rounds travel past them, giving a whistling sound that swoop through the air.