It was one more unforeseen and unwanted surprise in the midst of growing internal tensions between certain factions inside Gholgoth, and now this latest shocking turn of events would require even greater Gothic effort to help calm. The Freekish Intelligence Agency had been frantically gathering data from Gothic Central Command, where the joint regional ABM defense network nerve center was located. It was unclear how such a launch was allowed to take place, though following the paper trail was secondary to the need to secure Azura from not only internal societal breakdown, but also from outside forces. President Nero Sevrin had summoned his top military advisers and quickly began reviewing Freekish contingency plans for nuclear strikes within Gholgoth, protocols drafted decades ago during the infamous Haven Cold War.
Judging from the sheer damage, salvaging operations will prove to be largely fruitless in the short term. It would appear that Azuran continuity of government protocols have failed to go operational, and it is our estimate that Azura itself has lost 90 to 95% of it's capacity to function on a governmental, societal, and military level. FIA Chairman Ghaal Renworth then handed a series of intelligence reports to the President and sighed deeply, gauging Sevrin's response.
Nero knew that in this situation it would be prudent to inform the Grand Warlord of his intentions, but under Executive Authority it was his responsibility to immediately carry out contingency operations and begin allocating naval, ground, and air forces accordingly. To a man of more religious conviction, it would certainly seem as if the end times are approaching. There's no question that we must defend what's left of Azura, for we are honor bound to do so and we cannot allow vultures to take advantage of the situation and lay claim to Gothic soil. This is my biggest concern at this stage, having to deal with outside forces on multiple fronts, but it appears that this route is unavoidable.
He rose from his seat and made his way to an array of bright monitors, some displaying Gothic news stations and others showing incoming intelligence data. As of 0900 hours yesterday, the Navy has become combat ready and I have begun deploying task forces accordingly to deal with the Ralkovian/Brewdomian/Scandinvan front. I would ask at this time that Freekish Southern Command begin moving units into blocking position in order to halt the influx of outside military forces.
The top Warchief in Automagfreek, known only as Zander, agreed. Indeed, the Navy now has considerable assets at sea, and we can operate regionally at full capacity. I've also taken the liberty of contacting our counterparts in Gothic Central Command, Gothic Northern Command, and Gothic Southern Command, to inform them of our deployments and to request the same from them. I've also activated some twenty five million reservists for immediate deployment in addition to our full active duty force, and have placed an additional one hundred and fifty million reservists on standby-alert. This is a big mess we're dealing with, region wide, and I know how Damien Dreadfire would handle this situation.... hell, I even know how Lord Vladius would react... but now is your time to show your military prowess.
Nero nodded grimly in agreement, though it was a trial that he would ideally wish to avoid at this early stage of his political career. Regardless, the orders were sent to the Department of the Navy for allocation of the entire 3rd, 9th, and 16th Navies to secure Azuran waters and airspace, and to block the intrusion of outside elements. A dispatch was also quickly drafted by the Great Hall and sent within the next hour.
The Imperial Republic of Automagfreek
~From the desk of President Nero Sevrin~
Today the great Freekish Republic mourns for the loss of Azuran life, and indeed all of Gholgoth has been dealt a blow by such sudden and inexplicable destruction. It is in moments such as these that Gothic solidarity is tested, and in this darkest hour we Freeks shall honor the oaths we swore so long ago and come to the aid of what remains of Azura. To those still alive and in the midst of such Hell on Earth, know that you are not alone and that almighty Gholgoth shall answer your cries and stand beside you in solidarity. I have ordered an immediate and large deployment of naval forces to begin sailing to Azrua to provide assistance and security, not only from anarchy and societal breakdown from within, but from afar as well.
Any surviving Azuran who wishes to seek refuge in Automagfreek shall be granted it immediately and without question, and will be shipped out of Azura and into Freekish territory on regularly scheduled departures. When our first responders arrive on the scene, we shall establish several humanitarian aid distribution centers and begin unloading food, water, temporary shelter, NBC gear, and everything and anything required. We also call upon all of the Gothic Lords to send whatever assistance they can, be it direct aid or security not only for stabilizing Azura, but also to protect our region from outsiders.
To those seeking to take advantage of this terrible event and stake their claim to Azuran lands, know that should you intrude into Gothic waters or airspace you will be met with terrible and unrelenting force. Gholgoth has not and will never allow foreigners to encroach into our sovereign territory, and we will respond to any threat immediately and without warning. And to those who seek to aid Azura, your actions are appreciated. However, we will not allow any foreign vessel to sail into Azruan waters, and any who wish to do so must first have their ship(s) stopped and inspected by Freekish or joint Gothic authority before being allowed to continue.
Do not seek to test the resolve of Automagfreek or almighty Gholgoth, for even in our darkest hour we a force not to be trifled with. There will be no further warning nor instruction... stay out.
Signed,
PRESIDENT Nero Sevrin
