[Kerbin Only] Kerbin in Jeopardy

[The United Kolonia Republic]

Port Oppurg, Tutzing Islands

11:55 PM, December 23rd

Ferdinand sighed as he walked off the Ironclad for what may have been the last time. He looked at its stripped up sides, the 7 inch guns removed to ensure that their port would at least have some protection from the enemy.

The 7 inch guns, from the moment that the Ironclad had arrived home, had been stripped one by one and placed in windows, rooms and hidden places across Oppurg. The news that a Blorbik formation was heading down towards the islands made people run and hide, fearing an invasion unlike any they had experienced.

Their joy of being liberated from the fear of pirates was soon being replaced by a fear of being trapped between two sides in a war that would lead to the end of everything they'd ever know.





Unnamed Beach, Northern Tutzing Islands

1:12 AM, December 24th

The Submarine poked out of the water only a couple hundred meters from the shore. Out of the barley visible hatch, 15 Kolonians jumped into the inky black water below. Carrying their rifles and equipment in waterproof bags, they swam away from the now diving submarine, and to a land that they had never been trained to fight in.

The men climbed their way onto the beach, under the cover of the truly black Ostreich night, and to the two vans waiting for them at the dirt road over a small hill at the beach. The Kolonians spent no time lingering at the beach, and within three minutes after the submarine's surfacing they were on their way to Tutzing, leaving behind only footprints and the tracks of a dragged sack on the beach.

[Blorbs]

Off the coast of the South Tutzing Island, Port Oppurg

A small collection of Blorbik craft move towards the shore of the island. The mere handful of ships were a fragment of the original convoy, having split off with the rest either landing or turning back for Fyalzken. Around one-thousand soldiers were aboard, along with copious amounts of supplies and other humanitarian aid for the civilians.

"You think they'll be happy about it?" An officer addresses one of his peers, standing at the top of one of the landing craft.

"Happy about what?"

"Us just coming in here and taking control of the place."

"I'm sure they'll like it more than the Pirates, at the very least."

"They'd have got to, I mean, we're not only not raiding them, but giving them a bunch of food and supplies. How could they not like it?"

"All we really know is that some people on a some boat from a museum are in support of the CDN."

"That doesn't mean everyone on the island is."

"Yeah, well—" He was interrupted with a sudden jerk as the landing craft hit the beach and stopped, nearly sending him over the railing.

"Kraken! Well, we'd better be getting off. I've got to administer the distribution of supplies."

The two walked down a staircase and onto the warm beach. Around them, dozens of Kerbs are seen unloading crates and bags of wheat, dried food, clean water, and other supplies. Natives of the island began to notice and formed a crowd near the landing site, watching the men take the goods into the nearby town and hand them out. None of them seemed intent on violence, though a few gave the crew dirty looks. A small crowd, noticing the Blorbik flags and Internationale shield, cheered loudly towards the Kerbs coming off the ship. The rest stood silently, or walked back to their homes.

"How long do you think its going to take just to hand stuff out on the island? We've got nearly a dozen other places to go."

"Could be a while," the other officer mumbled, while placing down a large jug of water, "but we're not out of here once that's done."

"Yes yes, I realize we have to set up a literal government on the island."

"Can't be too hard, eh?" he joked.

"Shouldn't actually be incredibly hard, it is a democratic commune so a lot of the set-up will be done by the people themselves."

"Assuming nobody interferes, I've heard that there might be some CDN forces hiding out on the island."

"As I said before to all the men, if you find them inform me and tell them we are here, peacefully, constructing a democratic government and handing out supplies."

"Of course."

[Dolphiland]

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BREAKING NEWS: Peackeeping forces deployed to Icaria.
By Wilhelm Kerman, 23/12/2017, DNN.

---

The Ministry of Defense recently announced that, in cooperation with the CDN nations, they will be sending troops as
part of a joint peacekeeping task force to restore stability to the Icarian region in response to growing instability.

Error: Image not found

Dolfikland's contribution is currently mainly aerial, with V/STOL fighters from the Amphibious Assault Ship HMS Venera along with
land-based RAF units operating from bases in Kerthenia performing CAS strikes against hostile targets in Icaria, clearing the way for
CDN-backed democratic forces to assume control of the nation and restore a stable and democratic system to the fractured nation. Royal
Marine forces have also been deployed as part of the CDN peacekeeping force, to assist in peacekeeping operations and to provide security
and support for the so called "Icaria Democratic Forces", or ODF for short.

The CDN peacekeeping force includes troops from most of the CDN member states, such as Eusonia, Kerthenia, and various others others.
A left-wing faction, claiming to be the "Icaria Democratic Republic", is known to be operating in the southern region of the nation, and
there are reports of forces from various members of the global communist bloc providing military aid to this dangerous insurgent group,
claims which are supported by reports of Blorbik naval units in the region. The CDN has yet to comment on these reports, and no communist
nation has officially announced any military involvement within the nation.


-Wilhelm Kerman, DNN.

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COMMENTS:

Despacito22 writes:

Good to see the CDN doing what it was formed to do; protecting the little nations of the world from authoritarian influence and protecting democracy and people's rights.

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TheRedsWillRise writes:

The CDN has no place in Icaria, they should stop trying to imperialize other countries and mind their own business.

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[Barkadia]

Just Outside of Prenzlau

"It feels like we have sat in this trench for a while. What's the point? Why can't we push out?"

"The commander says that the warlord in this area will throw everything at us to take the city back. Of course, he won't be able to, but we still have to defend it."

"True I guess."

They get up and sit at at an elevated pallet

"Go Fish?"

"Better than staring at each other."

They pass out the cards

"3?"

"Go fish"

Someone begins to scream

"ATAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!"

Gunfire and explosions are heard

"Come on!"

They get to the trench again and begin shooting

"At the tree line! Get some mortar fire on the tree line!"

Someone runs inside a house just behind the trench and calls support in

"HERE IT COMES!"

The shells whistle as they come down from the air and hit the tree line

"YEAH! Look at the explosions!"

It goes momentarily silent

"KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN, THIS WAS ONLY A WAVE OF THEM!"

More fighters arrive from the tree line

"SOMEONE GET ON THE HMG! THEY'RE GONNA KEEP COMING!"

The HMG begins to fire

"Looks like we'll be up all night now Rootoff!"

"Go fish!"

Someone turns around in a break in the fighting

"WHERE THE FUCK ARE THE MORTARS?! WE HAD THEM A FEW MINUTES AGO!"

"Apparently there's been a logistics issue and the mortar rounds got sent to a different part of the front! They're on their way though. Half an hour at most!"

"Fucking hell.."

The fighting continues during the night

"Man, I'm tired. Why won't they let up? We've only lost like 5 people, and they've obviously lost at least a few hundred."

"Like I said earlier. The warlord is very committed to this city."

"I doubt he can commit for long now."

The sun begins to rise and the last wave is mowed down

"I think it's over. I don't see anymore coming."

"It probably is. I'd ask the officer over there, though."

Rootoff leaves his position and questions the officer

"Sir, is it over?"

"Yes, it finally is. We have expended a large amount of our ammunition. We will have to wait for supplies and reinforcements before we can go on the offensive again. But we have held the city."

"Good. Good. Does this mean we can sleep now?"

"Yes, you have earned a nap."

Rootoff turns to yell down the trench

"HEY! WE CAN SLEEP NOW!"

Cheering echoes through the trench

[Blorbs]

Etshafen, Red Ostreich

Several Blorbik officers stand in a large room, a line of Ostreich citizens in front of them. Each pick up a ballot, fill in a number of checks, and place it into a box.

Another Blorbian walks over, "This is all for the council election?"

"It sure is."

"You really got it up very fast, no?"

"Turns out, there were already a number of underground political and revolutionary movements in Etshafen. When we came in from Heersland, many of them surfaced themselves and we just told them to organize into parties."

"Holding similar elections up there too?"

"Soon. Heersland is a lot poorer than here so we're currently just working on distributing food and setting up homes. They're working with us though."

"Most the people have been supportive, correct?"

"Mhm. There seem to be a lot of warlords, but they either decide to work with us instead or just get abandoned by all their Kerbs. We think it might not be quite as easy up north so we're just focusing on Commune-building down south for now."

Outside, a convoy of trucks assemble and drive down a road to the local port. Off in the distance, a Blorbik civilian cargo ship heads towards the dock in the cool blue water. A short while later, the cargo ship docked to the port and its crew began to unload the supplies into the Military convoy.

The captain of the ship walked temporarily off the boat and onto the dock, addressing the officer there, "Good luck!"

"Yes," he paused, "thank you."

"Where are you headed with it?"

"We'll be going down south, giving it to the people there and seeing if we can set up a stable government there."

"Great." He is quiet for a moment, taking in the warm breeze. "But why the military?"

The officer thought for a moment. He was unsure exactly what he was and was not allowed to say. Finally, he came to a conclusion, "I suppose that... the government of Blorbs just wants people who are... dedicated to the cause and they can trust to... truly help the people of Ostreich the most they can."

"Well that certainly is a noble cause. Again, good luck!" The captain tips his hat to the officer and walks back onto the ship. The unloading continues on for another hour or so, and then the convoy of transport trucks, currently filled to the brim with supplies instead of people, drives off from the port and heads south.

[Barkadia]

House of Firdeck Sonderson, Corticis

"Man, am I tired! I should've gone to bed earlier."

Someone knocks at the front door

"Who is it?"

It is the general overseeing the intervention in Ostreich

"Sir, I need you to come to the war room. We need to discuss sending additional reinforcements to Ostreich."

"Let's go right now then."

Them and their escort make their way to the train which then takes them to the war room

"Hello gentlemen. Excuse my current attire. I went straight from bed to here."

He and the general take a seat

"So it has come to my attention that we should send more reinforcements to Ostreich?"

"Expanding the BEF with tanks and more personnel would definitely aid us in the intervention."

A diplomat at one end of the room begins to talk

"Sir, I want to make it perfectly clear that if any opposing force discovers what we are doing that they will escalate to match us. Our political situation is already tedious from closing our borders to most of the world."

"Of course, of course. But even without sending reinforcements, they'll still discover us being there, no?"

"Yes, but it is better if we are only a small player by the end of this."

"General, any thoughts?"

"If we have more guys and more vehicles, we can win this much faster. The political situation will be irrelevant if we score a quick victory. Not to mention our successful defense of Prenzlau. I think this conflict will be easily won."

"How would the situation be irrelevant? And also, how do you expect to spread a revolution across a whole goddamn country with 11,000 men?"

"You underestimate our capabilities."

"You overestimate them severely, general."

"I understand the fragility of the situation. But, I feel like the general is right. If we can win this fast enough, our troops will come home fast and the war will be solved. We are far more powerful compared to the warlords and tiny CDN armies. We are the fighters of this. The great powers will solve it diplomatically. We can do this."

"Sir, I hope you didn't make the wrong decision with this. The fate of the whole world might rest on what happens in Ostreich."

"I can assure you that the world will be safe under the guise of superpower diplomacy. I think we have nothing to worry about."

"If you say so"

Everyone gets up to leave. The general stops Firdeck.

"Sir, I think you made the right choice."

"I hope I did. When will they be there?"

"As soon as possible, I assure you. Give me a month and I'll give you a Red Ostreich."

"You got it."

They walk to the train to go back to Corticis

[Kheyaus]

Good evening, Kheyaus, and welcome to yet another edition of the Saturday Update, the most reliable news network on Kerbin for over thirty years! Without further ado, here's the latest:

Border Security Tightened, Military Budget Raised
With an unstable global political scheme, Defense Minister Dosukai Harris has decided to raise the military budget and tighten border security after consultation with the Grand Chairman. "We want to let other nations know that we do not mean this to be a threat in any way, shape or form," read a press release from the Ministry of Defense. "Significantly increased presence of CDN troops in our neighbor of Ostriech has caused significant panic amongst the population, and these are simply defensive measures to prevent the possibility of attack should the CDN decide to militarize Ostriech. We are also increasing spending on troop recruitment and training after several complaints were filed against the Ministry from senior military officials over lacks of rationing and equipment. Slight increases in funding should be expected in the next month, and military service will be even more comfortable than it was before, all thanks to the generosity of the Chairman!" The Office of the Chairman would also like the People of Kheyaus to learn from the catastrophe that is Ostriech. The People of Ostriech failed the government, and warlords have risen from the ashes of a once-great nation to ravage the population, stealing from and slaughtering the locals. The only way for a nation to be truly successful is for total unity of its People, and so far, the People of Kheyaus are totally united under the most noble cause of them all. We can overcome these imperialists overstepping their authority, but only if we are united as a single, consolidated people!

Car in Every Household by 2020!
"Thanks to our wise and equitable Grand Chairman, our economy is the best it has been in our entire rich and stable history," said the Minister of Economic Success Richard Nomuca on Tuesday. "Cities and people throughout the Motherland are thriving with life and happiness thanks to the Economic Enhancement Programme. Because of this brilliant plan, we have some of the lowest unemployment rates on the planet. Aeroko, our leading aerospace and technology corporation, is on the cutting edge of science. They have developed a revolutionary new system of data storage, able to hold the information on a totally virtual 'cloud.' These technological advancements combined with the new interconnected system of Enhancement Centres allow faster transfer of blueprints and schematics, and thanks to this, Yokama Autos plans to manufacture over one million vehicles by the beginning of next year, and promises to put a standard vehicle in every household in a little over two years."

Anti-Hate Speech Laws Enacted
Due to recent problems with hate crimes in the South Western regions of Kheyaus, Grand Chairman has enacted new laws prohibiting and censoring all forms of hate speech. "This law is designed to help create a more united and equal society, and will hopefully prevent the next generation of Kheyausians from being biased towards any race or ideology," stated the Ministry of Public Enlightenment on Thursday. "These laws will be accompanied by a fully revamped educational curriculum, now involving lessons to teach the young that racism, homophobia, and sexism is absolutely unacceptable, and people from all walks of life should be seen as equals, united under the Grand Leader, with true purpose and meaning in their lives." While, according to studies, overall crime rates have been decreasing, the amount of hate crimes has been increasing for reasons still unknown. We must remember to see all Party-Members with an open heart and an open mind, no matter how different they may seem from oneself at first.

Thank you for joining us on the Weekend Update, and have a wonderful week! Long Live the People's Republic!

Approved and Verified by the Ministry of Public Enlightenment

[Qusmos]

23:43 23-12-17, Ostreich

The night was oddly loud for a countryside near the ruins of a town as the high-pitched whine of jet engines droned above. Formerly known as Zierennau, it now stood as a scattering of stones in an otherwise undisturbed countryside. Shallow craters could be seen as well as blackened steel and seared brick. The contrast between vibrant grass and ruin was jarring and striking.

Major Wolfram Serge and Lieutenant Marcella Reuter are speaking about their mission in the Ostreich. Marcella speaks first.

"What happened here?"

"The warlords got to it, I'd assume. If anyone from here is still alive, they certainly aren't alright."

"Must be why we're here, I suppose."

"Exactly, we're here to stabilize the Ostreich and establish a government. The rest of the CDN is either here already or will arrive soon."

"What's the current government, for lack of a better word?"

"The Ostreich is currently divided into sections controlled by warlords. We've landed in warlord territory and our objective is to reach the Modian Kingdom."

"And we're going to try to ally with them, I presume? No point in causing more harm than needed."

"Spot on. We're going to ally with the Modian Kingdom and work to meet up with the rest of the CDN there."

The sound of jet engines can be heard faintly above them and as Marcella looks up, a dim outline of a parachute is visible against the dark blue sky along with some sort of vehicle.

"I can't make it out exactly, but I think that's a Bolt of some form in the sky."

"Yes, we should see 100 Bolts and 25 Breezes by tomorrow night if all goes well."

"Wait, they committed some Breezes to this operation? They must really care about this then. Those are actually pretty comfortable to be inside of. The Bolts though, they never got proper air conditioning. If it gets warm we'll have some issues."

Major Serge's voice deflates.

"Very astute of you. They did, unfortunately still, bring those old Bolts. At least the command vehicles have AC, so we'll be fine. Can't say the same for the rest of the men."

"Let's go find the drop point. GPS should help us get there and once we do, we should be a lot safer. I expect the rest of Enigma Company to be almost there by now."

Summary of Force Allocation

QSF, Phantasm Battalion
Enigma Company(Maj. Wolfram Serge)

Spectre Platoon(1Lt. Lorenz Alexander)
Shadow Platoon(1Lt. Marcella Reuter)
Soul Platoon(1Lt. Alexandre Belrose)

Ghost Company(Maj. Nicholas Adelard)

Phantom Platoon(1Lt. Sonja Nicole)
Wraith Platoon(1Lt. Marita Vienne)
Shade Platoon(1Lt. Nicolas Warner)

Bolt Light Vehicle Family

80 x Bolt APC
20 x Lightning LRAAV
5 x Bolt EV
5 x Bolt MCV
5 x Bolt MEV
5 x Bolt ATGM-V

Breeze Light Vehicle Family

20 x Breeze APC
5 x Zephyr LLRAAV
5 x Breeze RV

00:37 24-12-17, Ostreich

A C-3 Duck is preparing to drop 3 Lightning LRAAVs. All LRAAVs are secured to the floor in preparation for the drop.

"Prepared for the drop. Deploy parachute 1 on all LRAAVs."

"Parachutes deployed."

"Release!"

The right engine spits out orange flames from its sides and rear as it chokes for air.

"Right side power has failed. I repeat, right side power has failed. Abort release!"

The locks on the vehicles are already free and the 3 LRAAVs are flying out of the rear of the Duck. As their parachutes expand, they drift down to land.

"We're not over the drop point! It'll be hard for Phantom and Shade Platoons to find these. "

As the pilot restarts the left engine, the loadmaster attempts to communicate with Ghost Company. However, communications aboard the Duck aren't working due to the momentary power loss. They are damaged and will need repair at the airbase.

1:12 24-12-17, Ostreich

Ghost Company is taking inventory of the LRAAVs that were airdropped earlier last night. Major Adelard speaks first.

"Lt. Nicole, how many LRAAVs have you received?"

"6 of the 7 we were allocated have arrived. We expect that the final LRAAV is late, and it's unlikely that anything has occurred. However, we are searching for it."

"Lt. Vienne, how about you?"

"We've found and brought together all 6 of our LRAAVs.

"Lt. Warner, I expect good news. Are all of your Lightnings present?"

Warner stutters slightly.

"2 are missing, sir. We're searching for them as best we can, but they're probably just late."

"Find them by tomorrow, to both of you, or we're going to have some issues.

Major Adelard leaves as Lt. Warner and Nicole discuss the missing vehicles. Lt. Warner speaks first.

"Their trackers show that the last location is in the southeast. They've probably been lost. We'll need some more to replace them from back home."

"I'll tell the Major. Hopefully, he can find out how they ended up there. Maybe that pilot is still on the airfield they launched from?"

"We'd better hope so. For everyone's sake."

[The Serrian Archipelago]

Alessio Yuri's home, Southern downtown Serria

Alessio is confused as to what to do. His commanders told him to stand down, but ever since he left work a few days ago he hasn't been able to think about anything else. Even his colleagues have noticed that Alessio is not acting the way he normally is. He didn't think something was wrong, he knew something was wrong. Over the past week, Alessio had gone to the ancestry office in the Serrian Public Library and collected papers to see the history of these new employees at the Bureau of Trade. Although it seemed normal, he found occasional tamperings and events and pictures that seemed out of order.

"This can't be right," he says to himself, as he connects recent events with a web to organize his thoughts. Alessio notices a man on a nearby rooftop. When he turns his head and looks towards him, the man walks away.

Serrian Counter-Intelligence Service Headquarters, Director's office

The director of the SCIS and a few of his advisors are all standing in a room.

"Well, if this is a thing, it's big. If it isn't, we're wasting resources. What do we have on our hands here?" says the Director.

One of the advisors replies, "We don't have much evidence so far. All we really have is an incident of a word being said and a paranoid scanner at BoT. To be fair, it is that Yuri's responsibility to be paranoid.

"I can understand that mindset," replies another advisor.

The Director responds, "Yeah, I understand what you're all saying But the bottom line here is that the Director at the Bureau of Trade doesn't feel like this is an issue. The people under's opinions shouldn't influence our decisions on a mass administrative level. Of course, we should be keeping track of this, and we will keep our eyes peeled. If anything fishy gets too far, we'll find out about it alright."

'Hopefully. I don't understand why any country would wish to infiltrate us, but it's our job to stop it," replies an advisor.

"Let's see what happens. Let's see."

[Blorbs]

Downtown Southern Serria, Serrian Archipelago

A Kerb in a long black jacket walked lightly towards a door on the fourth floor of an apartment building. On the front of the door the number 48 is attached, and to its side is a mailbox with ALESSIO YURI printed in small embossed letters. From his pocket, the Kerb pulls a small metal box. On its side is a very small KBN logo. He opens the top, and extracts a number of small pieces of metal; lock picking tools. He walks over to the lock, and begins picking the lock. Outside, the wind blows fiercly, and the noise inside is conveniently loud enough to mask any sound from the tools.

With a click, the lock comes undone. The KBN operative quickly puts away the tools, though in his haste he accidentally drops a single one on the ground. Masked by the howling wind, he slowly opens the door while also pulling another item out of his pocket. In his gloved hand he clutches a small note, covered in perfect Serrian writing. Alessio stands at his balcony, taking in the cool air and light of the golden hour. The KBN operative slowly creeps across Alessio's flat until reaching the balcony. When he approaches, the operative silently sticks the note to the inside of the open sliding glass door to Alessio's balcony.

With sudden motion he hits Alessio in the back of the head with his elbow, knocking him over the low railing and down to the hard concrete four stories below. He immediately jumps back inside, not stopping even to see him fall. The KBN operative then proceeds to lock the doorknob from the inside of the apartment, close it, and casually stroll out to the elevator.

[Barkadia]

BARKADIA REOPENS BORDERS

It is Felipemas for most of the capitalist world. But for us, it is a normal day. Usually, that is. As the globe is aware, we have recently closed our borders with the majority of the world due to the creation of the CDN, fearing of what could happen. But since we have now realized those fears as unjustified and simply dumb, we have decided to reopen our borders with everyone on the planet. The planet is fearful of what might happen, with the war in Ostreich and general tensions rising. But we hope on our rival's most special day, we can all cherish something nice, and move slowly towards deescalation. Every border policy put into place from the closing to now is abolished. Merry Felipemas, Kerbin.

[Kerthenia]

The following post is Secret In Character

Western Ostreich
Diesel engines roar as mysterious shapes emerge from the water, angled prows poking out first. First one, then two, until 30 AAVs emerge from the waves. In the distance, some sort of ship can be seen. Larger craft begin to make landfall, releasing tens of smaller vehicles from their own holds. Inside one of the AAVs, 2 Marines are talking.
“Not the best luck to be deployed on Felipemas.”
“Eh, we’ll be fine.”
“So what’s the plan after we deploy the rest of the MEU?”
“From the briefing, we have to sweep in and attempt to deal with the warlords, presumably with 'diplomacy.'”
“They wouldn’t have put us here with these vehicles if they really wanted diplomacy with everyone. Any specific problems we might see?”
“Red shipments and landings on the Ostreich have already occurred. There’s also a violent dictator up north who we’re going to -ah- neutralize. Probably lethally.”
“Important job then, this.”
“Yup. We’re rolling in 5 minutes once the AAVs all land. M3A2s should be here soon too, but I don’t expect more than 4 for us.”
"M3A2s? Merry Filipemas indeed."

Elmschau, Western Ostreich

A 2nd MEU has landed and the Kerthenian Marines are starting to situate themselves. They are starting to board their vehicles. An officer is speaking to another.
“What are the troops saying about those new M9s?”
“It’s been odd for them. The bullpup apparently feels natural but they’re oddly light. Most of 'em will be sticking with the M7 for now, though. Army's getting them first.”
“Shame, these are some nice rifles and the engineers who made them deserve a raise.”
“Eh, we’ll see how it goes. I’m skeptical about a bullpup in the first place, myself. I'd prefer what's tried-and-true.”
“Well, rollout is on Felipemas. Hopefully it’s similarly blessed.”
“Agreed.”

USK Landing Zone

Kerthenian Marines in the Ostreich (I know they're humans but Arma doesn't support Kerbals right now. In the meantime, enjoy the true-to-canon camouflage and flag patches.)

[Qusmos]

20:19 25-12-17, Ostreich

Felipemas was ordinarily a day of peace from conflict and war, but this day in Ostreich was different. Qusmosi forces advanced south of the ruins of Zierrenau as quickly as possible, and had met no resistance so far.

Two Qusmosi soldiers, one being the vehicle commander, are inside a Zephyr integrated into a group of Bolts as Eclipse 1. A Breeze APC directs the column. The column is roughly half the mechanized component of Spectre Platoon.

"No hazards as of yet, commander."

"Remember that we must stay alert. The warlords' forces aren't going to ignore us just because it's Felipemas."

A cloud of dust appears to the port side of the Zephyr. Soon after, a loud crack is heard. The commander radios into the column.

"All vehicles, alert. Locate the source of that shot or we're all gone! Anything that can kick up that much dust is something we can't bounce off!"

Roger that Eclipse 1! Scatter the column!

As the column scattered, 2 more shots rang out. One ripped through the engine of a Bolt APC with a sickening tearing sound. Another tore through the front transmission of another Bolt APC, eventually piercing the front 2 tires.

"Everyone out! Dawn 4 is down! I repeat, Dawn 4 is down!"

"Dawn 10 is in need of repair! Engage targets! Everyone out!"

"Dawn Group, this is Eclipse 1. 5 targets spotted on IR scopes, returning fire. Range: 541 meters."

With a familiar roar and burst of flame, a shell exited the barrel at hypersonic speed with a high-pitched whine as it cut through the air. The target burst into flame as a tungsten rod bounced around the crew compartment, eventually piercing the fuel tank.

"Reload, turn turret to target 2! IR signatures match some sort of Leopard 1."

2 more shots rang out from the foliage about 500 m away. 1 impacted the ground near a Lightning as a burst of dust flew into the air. Another slammed straight through the side of the crippled APC, igniting it. The crew were in a depression in the ground to avoid small arms fire.

"Dawn 10 is down! I repeat, Dawn 10 is down!"

A Bolt fired its 20mm autocannon for roughly 5 seconds at the nearest target as 20 APDS bullets exited the barrel. They pierced the weak front of the Leopard 1, bouncing around inside the crew cabin and maiming the warlord crew of the tank. 3 Leopards remained operable.

After Action Report to 1Lt. Lorenz Alexander

The fighting continued as Eclipse 1 destroyed 3 tanks with Eclipse 2 destroying 1. Dawn 5 destroyed an opposing Leopard as well. However, losses were heavy. The burning hulks of 3 Bolt APCs lay in the savannah, one left with the corpses of 10 kerbals burnt alive inside. 2 others had crippling engine or tire damage. Spectre Platoon's mechanization was wounded and would require repairs for at least 1 day. Still, Dawn Group advanced on, leaving its vehicles for repairs with Genesis Group.

Dawn Group has been restructured into Eclipse Group, possessing the vast majority of the Zephyrs and Lightnings allocated to Spectre Platoon. Genesis Group has been restructured for a primarily anti-infantry role with a few tank destroyers to protect against ambush.

[Avellum]

On board Marauder 2, callsign "Warhammer 1".


"Vehicles identified. Leopards... Shit!"

KRAK!

"We're still here. Gunner! Turret traverse right, driver! rotate hull, pick him up! Warhammer one, Strike One Alpha, Ostreich armour elements confirmed hostile!"

"Target acquired! 981 meters! Battle computer has lock!"

WRRRR... CLUNK!

"Gun ready!"

"Return the favour!"

THUD!... CLANG!

"Secondary explosions on target! Recalculating!"

"Good kill, good kill. I see lots of little pieces down there. Next customer!"

"Target acquired! 1107 meters! Lock!"

WRRRR... CLUNK!

"Gun ready!"

"Fire!"

THUD!...CLANG!

"Target hit!"

"Right through! Enemy armour asset out of the game!"

"Seeing no additional targets."

"Copy, my scopes are clear too. Wait one! Enemy rotor wing armed with rocket pods just lifted off from the treeline! Brace!"

WOOSH... THUDTHUDTHUDTHUD

WRRRR... CLUNK!

"Gun ready!"

"Bastards! Blackjack 3 confirmed immobile and weapons down!"

"Tracking! I think I can nail the fucker!"

"You hit it, I owe you a drink!"

THUD!...CLANG!

"Helo out of action!"

"Beautiful! Fucking beautiful! 125 right through the cockpit, through that pilot's thick arse skull, and then through the engine! Hahaaa! I owe you a drink! I owe you all fucking drinks!"

"Strike one Alpha, this is Castello. Report."

"Strike one Alpha, we hear you Castlello. Encounter with hostile tanks and a helo. All targets destroyed. Blackjack three weapons and mobility down. Request recovery vehicle"

"Copy, recovery vehicle rolling. Skyeye one detected a hostile compound in your AO, location uploaded to battle computer. Can you engage?"

"With pleasure Castello. Strike one Alpha out. Driver! Be ready to advance as soon as recovery arrives! Let's show these bastards what happens when you fuck with the armoured fist of Avellum!"

[Blorbs]

Grand Chairman's Office, NKC, Blorbs

Grand Chairman Valcella I.R. Kerman stood at her desk, gazing at the shine of buildings in the city in the dark of the night. There were few vehicles on the roads, and a single passenger aircraft blinked its lights to her, high in the sky.

The door opened, revealing a number of very high-ranking Blorbik officials. Their uniforms were saturated with medals, insignia, and other honors. "Polenka! Please, come in, sit." She gestured towards a dark, mahogony conference table, centered in her office.

"Thank you Valcella, we're very glad to be here."

"Yes," she said, herself sitting down at the head of the table, "now, what news do you bring me?"

Another, much older looking Kerb by the name of Wer Kerman spoke up, "Primarily of our operations in Estrik [Ostreich]." Wer smiles as he speaks this. He himself had fought in the Blorbik revolution and, speaking of the similar victories in Ostreich, he recalled the joy of victory those many years ago.

"Yes, of course, operation Safari. What is our progress so far?"

"As you know, we have arrived and peacefully set up in Esthafen and Heersland. Esthafen has already had its first elections, and we are working in Heersland to construct a government. After the shipment of supplies from Fyalzken, we then traveled down to Sudkuste and Grenzland where we have distributed the Humanitarian Aid and are continuing our efforts to further construct local governments."

"Fantastic. And what of the islands?"

"Our landings were successful and we are yet to have any form of violent resistence. The supplies were taken openly by the locals, but we have faced issues with setting up the local councils and will continue to work on it."

"How about the second wave of soldiers we were sending in to the south?"

"Yes, I was just getting to that. All two-thousand of them arrived successfully earlier today at a Red-controlled port with minimal harassment from pirates. They're currently stayed in the south near Klathu, awaiting next orders."

"Anything else?"

"As of yet, no. Operation Safari will continue, and you will of course be informed of any future developments."

"Of course. And, in that case, let us move on to the next topic of discussion."

[Barkadia]

On a dirt road 25 miles out of Prenzlau

"These new helmets are very uncomfortable. Why couldn't we stick with the hats?"

"You wore these helmets at home, Rootoff. And also, it's because hats are very not good for anyone's head in combat."

"Then why did we even have them?"

"Because we thought this would be an easy safari."

A tank rolls down the road and keeps going

"Man, I'm glad those tanks and 4000 guys arrived today. We really needed the help honestly."

"Yeah, now we can finally secure this whole area and kill the warlord."

"What if he surrenders?"

"Then we unfortunately can't kill him."

A tank pulls up on the road in between their double column and the tank commander pops out of the hatch

"Hello boys! We'll be supporting you! Keep us safe, the armor can only stop so much!"

He climbs back into the tank

"Don't worry, Rootoff. Those are imported Anderian tanks. They'll be able to stop whatever this warlord has."

"I hope so."

A rocket is fired from a line of bushes a few hundred meters away and hits the turret of the tank

"SHIT!"

The troops are shot at from several directions

"IT'S AN AMBUSH! GET DOWN!"

The troops hastily prone and return fire

"THE TANK SEEMS FINE! I THINK THE ROCKET DID NO DAMAGE!"

A Leo 1 pulls out from bushes just in front of the soldiers

"OOOOOOOOH SHIT"

It fires at the front hull of the friendly tank, and the shell bounces off

The tank takes aim at the Leo and fires, the Leo going up in flames with the turret flying off

"WOO! THEY GOT THE LEO!"

The ambushing troops begin falling back

"WE MUST CHASE THEM SOLDIERS! TRY TO STAY UNDER THE COVER OF THE TANK!"

The tank and the column follow the retreating army northwards

"Hehe Rootoff, we're going to destroy the warlord's forces right here!"

"Don't get your hopes up, this might be a bait."

"With what? We can take out these remnants in hours, even if they have the high ground."

"Don't try it."

They go through a row of bushes to find a hill in front of them with defenses and machine guns

The machine guns start firing

"WATCH OUT! GET DOWN!"

Rootoff looks to his right and watches his friend get shot 3 times in the chest and fall to the ground

"NO-"

"GET THE FUCK DOWN ROOTOFF, THE MEDICS WILL GET HIM."

He falls back to the bush line

"We're gonna need the big guns to get them off that hill. Keep your heads down unless you want to end up like the first of us that saw that hill."

The officer uses a radio on the back of a soldier to radio in for artillery support

"Give it about 5 minutes everyone. Watch the fire rain down!"

In the distance, artillery guns are heard firing shell after shell

"WATCH IT COME!"

There is a whistle above the hill followed by massive explosions

"BOOM BOOM BOOM! They're all gone!"

The officer uses his binoculars

"Seems like they got everything we can see. Be careful. Medics, save the wounded."

Rootoff takes a glance at his buddy, who has mostly bled out on the grass

A medic tries to wake him up and takes a pulse, but shakes his head and walks towards another body

"Alright soldiers, let's get to the top of that hill. We can set up and wait for the rest of the army. We will continue pushing tomorrow."

As Rootoff walks up the hill, he takes one glance back at his friend's body

One single tear rolls down his face

[Blorbs]

Above the Ostreich Western Peninsula

A medium sized cargo aircraft dangles above the pure-white clouds of the Ostreich coastlines. In the belly of the beast, two dozen Kerbs sit in full Blorbik military gear, ordained in complete SUDPAT camouflage. With a click, the cargo door slowly begins to open as a Blorbik officer walks in from the cockpit.

"This is it, Polenka! We're finally ready to drop. For most of you here, this is your first time actually being deployed into combat. Just remember everything you've trained for, and most of all, what we fight for!"

A bright green light switches on, signalling for the soldiers to make their descent. One by one in rapid succession they leap off the aircraft in perfect motion. Around them lofts a net of other aircraft and paratroopers all simultaneously making their descent. Further below, some aircraft let loose a number of armoured vehicles to support the several hundred of Blorbs' most elite soldiers currently dropping from the skies.

As they drop, many of the new soldiers who's first real operation this is collectively ready themselves over free communications channels. Several of them, dropping quite close to eachother, sing The Internationale over comms.

"зєт єcєгитєл
изйєзиз кєгбәләcє!"

"Pull chutes!"

"әњ! Are you all ready for this?"

"Someone has to be."

"Are we even sure there will be fighting?"

"Not with that attitude!"

"We're told to expect it."

"There!" One points to the edge of a small town, "Thats our LZ."

"Affirmitave."

From the ground, a local Kerb gazes in amazement at the seemingly infinite stream of parachutes descending from the heavens. As they begin to land, a round shoots by with a crack.

"дяғғ!"

"Zovif! змиг-є meters!"

"кџзкџә!"

The mere half dozen that had yet landed on the ground instantly sent out a wall of lead and fire, in the first use of the brand-new V11 rifle in actual combat. Seemingly as fast as the bullet had passed by, the assailant was neutralized and the town went dead quiet.

"He's down!"

"Are there more?"

"I don't think so. But it looked like he was wearing a military uniform."

"Must have been one working for the warlord here."

"Hopefully that was the only one until we can get everyone down on the ground. Especially all the armor."

"And then, we can make the freedom of this people a reality.

[Corgelia]

Corgelian News Service

Corgelia, the CDN, and Ostreich

With the growing conflict in Ostreich, Corgelia has joined many members of the CDN in sending forces to help the democratic government. The Fourth Light Mobility Regiment has been sent to the unstable region, along with humanitarian aid and volunteer workers attempting to help the low standard of living in the country. Many hope the conflict will end quickly but it appears to be growing by the day.

Joining the ITS

In a joint statement with the Serrian Archipelago, the government announced it's membership in the International Trade Sphere. Though it may be small now, It is still looking for new members, and it will hopefully grow quickly.

Military

As the new budget rolls in, the military is already spending it's increased funding. New volunteers continue to join to defend Corgelia against possible foreign aggression. The government has confirmed the purchase of ten AMLIS (Alton multi-layered intercept systems) from the Serrian Archipelago. New orders have come in for many types of military equipment and the military is looking it's strongest in 50 years.

Aquarius Referendum

As tensions continue to rise between Corgelia and Mon Faira, Aquarius has shown itself as incredibly valuable to both sides. With Mon Faira's demand for a referendum on the status of Aquarius, many people of the region showed themselves to vote. With 78 percent turnout, the vote was 76-24 in favor of Remain. The Aquarian Independence Party opposes the vote, yet the people of Aquarius celebrated the day after and the region's government has said there will not be a recount.

[The United Kolonia Republic]

Yakub Forward Operating Base, 23 kilometers south of Nienhagen

1:02 PM, December 26th

The afternoon sun baked the Ostreich Savannah, the sound of birds and wind blowing was the only thing breaking the hot air. Eva scanned the base, clutching her rifle at the observation post and slapping the machine gun to get rid of the dust. The sea glistened in the distance, the faintest outlines of ships hinting at the Kolonian Convoys approaching the port. She breathed in the air, hot and damp, and watched as the Raketenjagdpanzers began to start up in the base.

The signal was clear. She climbed down the observation ladder and walked across the dirt, towards the convoy of armor leaving the compound. She quickly instructed a utility officer nearby to get someone to replace her position on watch. She waved to Filip, the commander of one of the Rocket Tanks, and sprinted alongside it. He shouted for his driver to bring the tank to a halt, and Eva climbed onboard the vehicle.

"I've had enough of this fucking base." She panted, happy to get out of the base and even more excited to get to do something on the Ostreich. "Thank god we're you guys are getting out of this shithole. I got someone to take my watch." Filip grinned.

"It's sure as hell great to have you onboard. This is the Raket II, brand new and armed with 20 ATGMs. We have a lovely .60 Cal machine gun onboard to, so if you want to take the position as designated machine gunner then we'd surely be happy. Just keep your head down when the rockets start to fly...

With that, the two ducked back into the cabin, the air conditioning a gift that afternoon. They shut the hatches and kept watch on the cameras as they rolled down the plains towards the south, and towards the warlords of the old nation.




91 kilometers south of Nienhagen

2:39 PM, December 26th

The further they pushed, the worse it got. At Nienhagen, the worst that Eva saw were run down buildings and sick Kerbals, but out here, it was total disaster. The hundred vehicle convoy slowly began to split apart as they passed new towns, their troops carrying food and medicine to the people in them. M113s and the occasional fire support vehicle were leaving, focusing the push on the Raketenjagdpanzers and their fire support M113s.

Filip opened the hatches of the Raketenjagdpanzer and scanned the horizon. He sat out in the hot sun, baking away as the wind tried to cool him in any way. He closed his eyes for a moment, content with everything, happy to be here and ex-

The ATGM hit the APC next to them square on. The Kolonian poking his head out got his body blown into the sky, the insides of the vehicle and its crew being blown in tiny fragments out of the rear door of the APC.

"Oh fuck!" Filip shouted, grabbing Eva by the shoulder and pulling her up onto the deck of Raket II. She grabbed the .60 cal and prepared for anything. The convoy kept pushing, spreading out and leaving the destroyed vehicle behind. Crews manned their machine guns and prepared their rockets for launch.

Eva saw the dust kick up. "Rocket flying!" she screamed, and began firing at the position where it came from, at least a kilometer away. 30 machine guns erupted in unison. The warlord's rocket crew pressed the attack, guiding the rocket closer and closer to one of the Raketenjagdpanzers.

One of the MG rounds hit home. He dropped dead as a bullet went through his head, the ATGM diving into the ground. The other soldiers, afraid of a similar fate, began the retreat back to the town ahead.

The convoy spread out, wary of more launches. ATGMs on the Raketenjagdpanzers were activated, their gunners searching for any target that could be considered hostile. It wasn't long before a technical appeared down the main road. Glancing through binoculars proved that the truck had a Katyusha launcher and was lowering its transmission to launch.

"Raket II, firing!"

Eva turned her head away as the rocket went off next to her head, its engine burning hot as the gunner aimed the truck dead in his sights. The ATGM, built by Hostin Rocketry, did its job. The three soldiers only saw the rocket in the last seconds.

One dived out of the truck's cabin, leaving his two friends to be inside when it hit.

The shaped charge activated. The warhead activated the explosives, forcing the molten copper forward at 11 times the speed of sound. The remaining fuel ignited thanks to the explosive, blowing the cabin apart and maiming the Kerbal on the ground instantly. The copper went through layer after layer of metal, bringing it with it as it headed towards the rockets, which promptly exploded in a massive fireball. The rockets that didn't explode went off, launching towards the convoy and showering anyone who was exposed with shrapnel.

Some cheered at the truck's destruction, others shook their heads. Raket II's periscope retracted and the crew took a breath. They logged the kill, their first of the war. The gunner, Sandra, took a breath, accepting that she'd killed the crew and it was all her doing.

The town loomed ahead. Some low rises still stood from the Ostreich monarchy, whilst the rest of the buildings were either mud huts or shacks made of scrap metal. The troops came to a halt outside the town. Suddenly, out of seemingly nowhere, a woman and three children went running towards the vehicles. In immediate response, machine guns were armed and pointing at them. The raised her hands and showed that she had no weapons, and made her kids do the same.

A two Kolonian soldiers went up to her. She spoke in a low whisper, her words almost indistinguishable. "They have our town... They are in every house, at every corner, they have hostages, hundreds of them. Thank you for co-" A singe round from a high caliber rifle killed her. The soldiers covered her screaming children, one of them catching another round, and rushed them behind an APC.

"Move, move, more!" went out over the radios, followed by shouts from the town. An RPG hit square onto the front plate of Raket V, but its warhead failed to penetrate thanks to the ERA plating. ATGMs flew towards the positions of the sniper and the RPG crew, killing them with their explosives. .60 and .50 caliber machine guns rattled away at targets, enemy soldiers that were brave enough to step out were mowed down.

The APC carrying the children was surrounded by three others, their soldiers getting out and moving behind them. Raketenjagdpanzers and M113s became infantry cover as bullets went past. They pushed the advance, making it into the village and firing everything they had at anyone who attempted to resist.

Eva scanned the low rises ahead for anything out of the ordinary. It took a few moments before she saw the front of an RPG sticking out. She fired her machine gun, and was soon followed by others. The Kerbal grabbing it pulled the trigger as he was shot, the warhead ricocheting off the ground and airbursting above some of the exposed troops, sending a few down heavily injured.

"Take down that building at all costs! Those radio dishes make me think this is their quarters!"

Raket X, the only Raketenjagdpanzer 6 HOC, lifted its 2 meter ATGM out of the cover. "Prepare backblast!" shouted the crew. "3, 2, 1!" The missile lifted off, the gunner turning on its laser lock, and guided it into the support structure of the building, which rumbled and suffered enough damage for half of it to collapse. The firing stopped at the same time.

Somewhere else in the town, gunfire broke out. Screams of Kerbals carried through the streets, ending once the gunfire came to a halt. The dust carried up a few minutes later showed the surviving warlord's fighters driving away, leaving behind the town and a scene of absolute hell for the Kolonians to clear up.

[Occula]

50 Miles from the Southern coast of Kheyaus

Three Mark V Special Operation Crafts and two CB90-class fast assault crafts approach a Kheyausan bulk carrier ship carrying petroleum.

"Captain! We are ready to intercept." said a Kutenese pirate carrying an AK-47.

"Okay then. Signal the other boats. Let us take them swiftly."

The soldier followed his captain's orders and signaled the other boats to attack. The three Mark Vs flanked the trade ship from the right, while the CB90s flanked left. The ship's security guards opened fire on the pirates with m-16s, and the pirates returned fire with their AKs and mounted machine guns. One of the Mark Vs pulled up next to the hull of the ship, and the Kutenese pirates began climbing up into the ship while the other boats provide cover fire. The first pirate to climb up was shot in the chest and sent falling back down into the pirate boat. Then as the mounted machine guns began taking out the security guards, the pirates boarded the ship and began clearing the deck. The same thing occurred on the left side of the ship.

On the ship's deck, the pirate captain led his men to the superstructure and they managed to rid of the guards protecting the superstructure. Inside, the pirates tied up the bulk carrier's captain and crew and took hold of the steering. They turned the boat around and began heading back to Occula.

"Take that flag down too. This is our ship now." ordered the captain.

The pirates lowered the Kheyausan flag and raised the Kutenese Pirates' flag.

International Statement from the Occulan Federation

Salutations, nations of the world. This is a message to all world governments from the Prime Minister of the Occulan Federation's Office. Occula is currently in need of trade partners. Ever since the dismantlement of the Occulan Empire, our economy has plummeted into a recession. A large cause of this is a lack of foreign trade. Occula gratefully asks for the establishment of trade deals between our countries.

Sincerely,
Prime Minister Propincus Bellorum

[The Serrian Archipelago]

The Palace of the Grand Master
Incoming Message

---

Recently, Omniabstracta has decided, with Kolonia and Corgelia, to join the International Trade Sphere or the International Sphere of Trade, and we congratulate them on this decision. We will be working with these nations, and those we have not mentioned, to decrease global barriers to trade and work with other countries to lower unnecessary hurdles to the trade.

In other news, the Order of Serria's provisional government in Ostreich has found itself in a somewhat global proxy war, and we wish not to align ourselves with the conflict. The Provisional government and resources in aid centers and in the government itself shall not be ceded to a foreign power, but only an independent regional, proven democratic government. No matter if communist or capitalist or neither, it must be a democratic nation with zero governmental pressure or influence from a foreign nation, as would the Lord request. Our country and the Order wish nothing other than what is best for the people in the current horrible situation in the Ostreich, and we wish to remind our people here at home that we are doing our absolute best to aid the situation. After a request from the Knights on their mission, we are sending 5 Rendastaggio 2 8x8 Armored Personnel Carriers to assist in peacekeeping operations. The advanced medical facilities found in the Provisional Government shall be open to all men and women on both sides of the conflict, not just one. Any side can send their sick, ill, wounded, or dead, to the hospital run by the Order of Serria. We will be opening multiple helipads for MEDI/CASEVAC helicopters to drop off the wounded, as well as an unpaved runway for the aircraft to drop off those needed. Although the conflict may be out of our hands, many lives may not.

I am also happy to announce that the newly elected Serrian High Council has re-elected me, after discussion with the proper parties, as the new Grand Master of this Divine Archipelago. I wish that I have served you well in the past, and may the nation have a prosperous time in the future.

[Wasabiton]

2:00 AM, North East Ostreich
Task Force Black Sheep
As the broken country of Ostreich came into view, Confirmation was received of the capture of the city of Achben as well as its small airport by the Neighboring warlord bribed by the Imperial Intelligence Agency. Upon hearing it, The flaps on the lead C-20 Cargo aircraft prepared to land followed by the planes behind waiting to land after. When the first C-20 landed, Akida Kerman stepped out and shook the hand of the commander of the forces from the neighboring warlord followed by half of the men in task force Black Sheep. As the other planes landed, The rest of the task force arrived as well as 2 Type-3000 MBTs, 2 Tatsu IFVs, and Many Weapons and Ammo. After everything was unloaded, Akida visited the Warlord who owned this town who was thrown in jail after it was taken. After Touring Achben, Akida Went to the city hall where the Citizens gathered to make a speech.

"Citizens of Achben, I come today with great news. With the help of your fellow countrymen, We have liberated this town from tyranny to form a new republic to represent the people. After the surrounding area is cleared and secured, a constitution will be written followed by free elections being held to elect a President and members of Congress. However, It will be hard to do alone. That is why we ask you to volunteer for military service to help secure and protect the republic and keep stability in Achben. Soldiers will be trained and paid well by military personnel from Hokubuhon. If you do not want to serve in the military you can still help by volunteering to rebuild the city or join the police or fire department. Service for any of these will not be mandatory and we will respect your decision if you choose not to help. Before I go, I want to reach out to the CDN backed government in this country and announce our willingness to cooperate with them to defend against other factions who threaten our democratic way of life. Thank you for lending me your ears and goodbye." Akida proceeded to step away from the podium as cheers erupted from the citizens of Achben.

Northern News Network Breaking News

The results of the December 26th elections have come in with top three parties being the Freedom Party, Conservative Union, and the Liberal Coalition. Minor Parties on the more extreme sides of the political spectrum have also managed to gain votes. Emperor Daisuke has confirmed the results as legitimate and will respect them along with his Wife Yonhin who will take the throne following the Abdication of Emperor Daisuke on January 1st. The first session of the IMperial Congress has been confirmed to take place on January 20th begining with the appointment of the Head of Congress followed by the selection of a prime minister by the future Empress Yonhin.

[Klathu]

Just outside Kerstol Military Base
Prime Minister Douglas A. Kerman

People of Kerbin, people of Klathu: We the Government of Klathu have deemed it necessary that we reveal to you that Klathu is officially involved in the conflict occurring in the former Ostreich. The reason we have announced this now and not sooner is that it would have been a diplomatically poor choice.

Klathu also wishes to make it known and to make it explicitly clear that we are not fighting a war; we are merely supporting the true government of the Ostreich. The extent of the support is this: our military advisors have been sent in order to advise the fledgling Communist government on its military actions, while air strikes are also taking place. These have targeted warlords' locations, as well as other possible hostiles such as the pirates. We have also sent a small ground force to help support the military, consisting of the 1st Armored Division and the 1st Infantry Division. The naval missile cruiser, KGS Cantankerous, has been dispatched to the Tutzing Islands off our coast. In addition to this, a task force has been sent on an as of yet undisclosed mission.

[Kheyaus]

Good evening, Kheyaus, and welcome to yet another edition of the Saturday Update, the most reliable news network on Kerbin for over thirty years! Without further ado, here's the latest:

Alliance with Occula
“Today marks the start of a bright and glorious future between the states of Kheyaus and Occula,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Taiko Kostas on Tuesday. “Trade routes have already been agreed upon, and it is true that they will, in fact, be mutually beneficial. Kheyausian agricultural goods have already started flowing into Occulan ports, and luxury Occulan merchandise is being imported to the West. The finest imported Occulan products will be available at local markets in the coming months. We here at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would like to thank the Occulan Prime Minister and government for their cooperation and open-mindedness, but again, I can not stress the role that Grand Chairman played in organising all of this and improving the lives of people not only in Kheyaus, but in Occula as well.” However, the Ministery of Defense wants to remind all crew-members of cargo vessels to not be alarmed at the presence of military personnel and equipment on board, as they are just precautions against potential Occulan pirate attacks. Fortunately, safety cameras will be installed on ships and in ports to deter and catch thefts and attacks, so there is no need for any concern to all passengers. Our first transport arrived in Occula on Wednesday, and was greeted with fanfare and a ceremony, symbolic of our blossoming relationship with the Honourable and Kind Occulans. All other cargo vessels have arrived without incident so far.

New Year’s Festivities in Full Swing
Festivals celebrating the dawn of a New Year are in full swing all across the nation of Kheyaus. The most popular way to commemorate the New Year is a week-long celebration, know as Yin-Go, that takes place in the last week of December. Fireworks will light up the sky as party-goers eat Yingo-man under the stars, bathed in orange light from traditional lanterns and watching public screens to get the latest statistics on annual productivity and predicted outputs for the next year. State-sanctioned souvenir stalls distribute dolls and toy soldiers to the children as well as candy, and parents are allowed to drink alcohol for this one event. Finally, on New Years Eve, as a spectacular grand finale to the festival, an effigy of an Imperialist Dog and Traitor to the Revolution is burned in the centre of town, as people in the crowd yell and cheer at the Burners. It was started as a fascinating blend of cultures, taking the traditional Lunar New Year festivities and applying them to the standard New Year, a result of ancient Imperialism in the 1700’s, and adapted during the Great Revolution to be a way to praise and honour the Glorious Regime. As you gather with your families and celebrate, reflect on all the things that Grand Chairman and the Revolution have done for you, and think about what you and your family can do next year to improve productivity and agricultural output.

2017 Most Productive Year on Record
2017 has officially been labelled the most productive year on record, according to the Annual Economic Report released by the Ministry of Econlmic Success at the end of every year. “This is truly fantastic,” noted Minister Nomuca in a statement on Friday. “We have reached a new high in almost every field by working together under the wise Grand Chairman. Agricultural output is nearly doubled from last year, and Shori Boot production and distribution is the highest it has been in decades. This is no doubt thanks to the sheer brilliance of Grand Chairman’s Economic Enhancement Programme, which, as predicted, has greatly alleviated economic stress felt earlier this year. Nearly 50,000 Social Enhancement Centres have been finished, based off of the prototypes constructed and activated in November, bringing the First Stage of the plan to an earlier-than-expected close. 100% of the population now has access to an Enhancement Centre, where the next generation of the Regime will be raised, surrounded by their peers, their teachers, and state-of-the-art information and technology. 97% of the population is expected to be totally literate by 2030, and every settlement larger than 1,000 people now has access to electricity, sanitation, and clean water. This sudden increase in communication, infrastructure, and efficiency has allowed Collectives and Factories to be more in touch with one another, in turn allowing for the synchronised growing of special crops and a lack of surplus, which means less waste and more variety and quantity of food and goods for the everyday comrade to be increased. The Second Stage is set to be released to the public in the beginning of next year. Here’s to an even more productive 2018! For the Chairman!”

Thank you for joining us on the Saturday Update, and have a wonderful week! Long Live the People's Republic!

Approved and Verified by the Ministry of Public Enlightenment

[The Serrian Archipelago]

The Palace of the Grand Master
Incoming Message

---

Greetings. Today, the First of the year 2018 AD, we wish the world good luck. 2017 has seen a large rise in tensions and escalations with the formations of many different opposing and aggressive pacts. We have decided as we always have as a nation and people to stay out of these petty fights. We will endure the struggle of the foreign pressure and pull through, alone, under God, as one Divine nation. The situation global is dire, and with the generous Order assisting those globally with its many volunteers of different cultures and nationalities, we salute you. Our people respect the work you put in to make these years better. As we start another one of those years, it is important to learn the lessons of the past. War does nothing but destroys lives, dreams, and hopes for greed, oil, and money.

In Serria, the New Year shall bring more economic progress, increased Faith, and more development. Infrastructure projects are being opened, worked on, and started all over the country. 2017 has been a very productive domestic year, with increased Gini and KDI coefficients, as well as a larger Gross Domestic Product. With the largest GDP per capita on the planet, it is important to value to retain the values that brought us to this fortunate position in the first place.

Our admiration for the Lord has done nothing but defend us in spite of the global chaos and secure our independence. The guidance He has brought us has made our leadership understand what to do next for you, the citizens of the country and those abroad. We encourage you to attend service every week, as 98% of our population are Filipist, and 78% attend mass regularly.

---

A prayer for those being torn apart in the Ostreich:

Lord, may you protect those who are being devastated by the proxy conflict stirring in the Ostreich. May you also protect the thousands of men and women around the globe that are participating in aid, relief, and peacekeeping, under the Order, another organization, on their own, or in thoughts and prayers. May you enlighten those who continue to tear apart the already fractured nation in the workings of peace, stability, and tranquility.

Amen.

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Me, our government, our people, our community, and our nation wish that maybe, one year from now, at this podium, I will be able to say that the world is a better, more secure, and happier place than I can say it is right now. We can dream, we can hope, we can aspire, and we can apply that to work.

Goodnight, and have a Happy New Year, Kerbin.