RP (InviteOnly/IC) [HiremusAUContinuity] Great Schism Reboot

[Old North Fish]

During the Second Age, the Saurovonian who duelled Legion went back in time to save the Skysmic Pantheon from destruction. But after a sequence of events, he changed history and time itself unravelled. A much more different universe sees the region, the Emperor's Harem in the midst of the Great Schism, however, things are different. Iievius, now a burgeoning populace, a cultural haven in the region and a current war machine, ravaged the landscapes of Fal'Shia and thus Banter Reef was secure in the hands of the Iievians. They look further east for potential spoils of war. Bloody war. The Fifth Dominion rises as a trading, diplomatic and goodwill-founded nation, and, unlike the weak Old North Fish and its neutralist tendencies in the previous universe, the re-incarnated Old North Fish is a rising threat to the hostile neighbours which lie to the west, south and east of its borders...

[The Fifth Dominion]

Calgarie Palace, Ostagar, Province of Aerinoth, Holy Empire of the Fifth Dominion

The Chamber of Consideration was a small room adjacent to the much Chamber of Laws, where the appointed Lords of the Realm created new laws with which to govern the Fifth Dominion. It was a circular room, with a large desk placed opposite the door and in front of bulletproof glass door leading out to the balcony. The ceiling was adorned with plaster moldings depicting various mythological figures and battles from the Dominion's past. The floor consisted of lacquered oak, polished to the point that it reflected the ceiling perfectly. Despite all the grandeur, it was easily the most cramped room in the entire Palace. Tyrael Menethos III, Emperor of the Fifth Dominion, sat at the desk, dressed in casual clothes. His black Court Jacket lay crumpled on the floor at his feet.

The Emperor squinted at the Bill, reading it through and ensuring all was as he requested. Opposite him stood a Palace Clerk, ready to inform the Lords of whether or not the Bill had been approved. The Emperor suddenly shook his head and reached for a pen, subsequently crossing out an entire section of the Bill. He nodded, and after adding in additional clauses, signed it and applied the Imperial Seal: that of an Eagle carrying the streamer of faith, victory and honour. He gestured the Clerk to come forward and handed the Bill to him. The Clerk gave a bow and backed out of the Chamber, expertly opening the door and leaving without turning. The door shut, and Tyrael sighed.

The door immediately reopened, and Lord-General Jonas Eisenhower, the Chief Advisor, stormed in.

"Majesty. I believe I am owed an explanation?"

Tyrael cracked his knuckles and resumed his previous posture, suppressing a yawn.

"Lord Eisenhower. As the Emperor and your Sovereign, I owe you nothing."

Eisenhower walked up to the desk and slammed his hands on its surface. Tyrael looked annoyed as a carefully positioned pen rolled off of its decorative mount. The two Imperial Guardsmen flanking Tyrael quickly moved up to the desk, but Tyrael waved them back.

"Dammit, Tyrael! What is this sudden policy of isolationalism!? We should be out there! We should be fighting and conquering!"

"Lord Eisenhower, surely you understand the desperate situation of our treasury? We need to get as many sources of income as possible, and this means the most trading partners we can afford to have. If we were to join in on the war, we will lose at least half of those possible partners."

Eisenhower stood straight, staring the Emperor in the eye.

"Majesty, more riches can be gained if only you would send in our Army---"

"Ahh. I'm afraid that will not be much of an option," Tyrael interjected, "I just signed into Law the Bill which would transfer some funding from our Army to our Navy."

"WHY!? With our Army, we could have taken over the entire eastern continent! We could have become a major power! Who knows? We may have been able to expand into an Interstellar Imperium for all we know!"

There was a chilling silence in the room. The Guardsmen shifted uneasily. Tyrael sighed, and reached for the pen, before placing it back on its mounting. Eisenhower continued to glare.

"Lord Eisenhower. This decision was very logical. Firstly, we are an island nation. The Navy is our first line of defence. Secondly, because of the ongoing war, we need more escorts for merchant ships. Thirdly, even if we did expand, the Navy would be needed to keep our forces supplied. Do you say this is not the case?"

Eisenhower pinched his forehead, and took a deep breath.

"No. No, Your Majesty."

Tyrael nodded, and stood up, retrieving his Court Jacket and putting it on. After adjusting the medals on his Jacket, he walked around the desk and next to Eisenhower. He patted the man's shoulders.

"Then YOU WILL see this endeavour through."

Eisenhower looked up.

"My lord?"

"You will be in charge of the expansion of our Navy. Honestly man...if you ever attended the Legislation Meetings, you would have heard my reasoning."

Eisenhower straightened up.

"Your Majesty...I would have, were it not for the fact that you assigned me to watch over the start of the P.A.L.A.D.I.N. project. Which brings me to my other point. Why must we use sabotage and espionage? It is dishonourable, and surely we could gain victory aplenty through honourable means?"

Tyrael shook his head and left the Room. Eisenhower was left standing there awkwardly until the Guardsmen ushered him out and locked the door.

[Morphisia]

Tell'Cas Shan'fi was the current of a long line of dynastic "Presidents" of the nation of Morphisia. It was a tourist paradise, with a tropical climate and bountiful landmarks and attractions. The nation itself had an excellent economy and its citizens experienced great civil liberties....at the cost of political freedoms. Of course, this was all the result of a shocking secret well kept from the rest of the world - this prosperity was built on the backs of slave labour. But it was justified - or at least, in Tell'Cas's view it was justified: the slaves were firstly NOT citizens of Morphisia, and they were NOT individuals. They were a race of humanoid amphibians called Fishians, who originated from Old North Fish. The Fishians born in Morphisia automatically became a property of the state, and they were put to work to service the needs of the genetically superior humans. Indeed, without the heavy manual labour and mass production duties performed by the Fishians, Morphisia would have ceased to function as a state.

Despite this, this secret had to be guarded. If the Kingdom of Old North Fish heard of this, there was no telling what their joint human-Fishian government would do. Despite its successes, Morphisia was not ready to take on the Fishians. Which is why, just this morning, he had decided to issue the go-ahead for the invasion of Tibetan China. Their spies had wandered into one of the Fishian labour camps, and this secret could not be allowed to spread. Tell'Cas looked towards the setting sun of the afternoon...the direction where the enemy now lay...

No declaration of war would be given. It would be a surprise attack like one the world had never known....

[Salviur]

Kekekekeke! The Whispers screeched as they descended for another strafing of the lines. Valentus cowered behind the burnt corpse of a car and waited for them to pass. In the distance he could seem the columns of thick smoke billowing from the endless fires. The fighting would be around Mistcroft now, after the Slethiuns had broken through at Vace Ridge. He still had his radio, but the empty static suggested he was probably out of range. He was the last member of his company; the medic that had survived the initial attack had died of his burns a few hours ago. Convinced that the Whispers had left him he crept cautiously back towards the scorched shell of the Koronian library. The attack had been terrifying and swift. Whispers and Banshees had pulverised the district with shells and incendiary bombs; Most of the area had been so badly destroyed that few buildings had two walls remaining. Valentus checked his rifle and slung it back onto his back, he still had half a dozen grenades and three clips. There were more munitions in the library but he did not want to return to that prison of horror.

[Davatria]

With every darkness there is a light. But with every light there is a darkness. Will clicked his fingers in annoyance. His sister materialised before him. "Yes Milord?"

The King slapped his table with disgust, sending the steel figurines skittering across the tiled floor. He clicked his fingers again and snapped angrily "Why can't you be more useful?".

His sister trembled helplessly before him, "It's no use milord, I just don't have the mind for business."

"All you can do is read that rubbish about the Old gods! They don't exist you stupid wench!"

She bowed and scurried away, averting her gaze. Will felt the tension of his guards eyes upon and him looked at the angrily.

"What do you think you men are doing?"

"I think its treason. Milord", the irritatingly silky voice said into his left ear.

Will rolled his eyes to the heavens. "If it isn't Lady Ashe..." He paused carefully preparing his next barb.

"Are you done with your servants and want to try a real man?"

Will felt the cold steel pressing against his adam's apple and quickly grew silent.

Ashe's eyes glittered dangerously, and she smiled. "You may be King, but save your jibes for your inferiors."
Releasing the tension from his throat, she stalked out triumphantly.

"Guards! Arrest that woman!"

Neither guard made a move and Will glared at them before rushing out of the throne room in a rage.

[Morphisia]

General Lich'dor'ee was in charge of the Invasion of Tibetan China. He quickly glanced at the clock and mentally noted that he still had another hour before the attack would commence. The General was currently sitting at his desk, peering into a monitor. His Intelligence Chiefs had picked up rumours that the Fifth Dominion's Political Action League Administration Division's Intelligence Network (P.A.L.A.D.I.N.) had started a large scale global operation which affected every nation on the planet. Lich'dor'ee scrolled through the captured documents, seeing nothing but names: William Strongbow, Quinmil Covston, Alf Knuteson..... and Lich'dor'ee.

What these names meant, the General did not know. Was it a hit-list? A list of individuals being tracked? Individuals to be bribed? The list contained the names of at least two people in every nation, with some, like Old North Fish, possessing 7 people on the list. The General sighed and leaned back on his chair. What did P.A.L.A.D.I.N. want?

Suddenly, he felt a tingling sensation going down his spine. He then tensed, and heard soft footsteps behind him. Then the click of a gun. The General froze.
"Lich'dor'ee. Turn."
The General slowly complied, preparing to rush the attacker, but froze in shock. Standing right before him...was none other than himself. The appearance...the voice...the accent....it was all perfect.
"What is this? Who are you?"
The doppelganger smiled and fired a tranquiliser dart. The General crumpled, unconscious. From the shadows, masked individuals emerged, wearing the jumpsuits of P.A.L.A.D.I.N. They stripped the general down to his underwear and dragged him away as the doppelganger changed into Lich'dor'ee's clothes. Before the P.A.L.A.D.I.N. squad extracted with the General, one agent pressed a button on a remote control device. The doppelganger cringed and grasped at his head, before falling unconscious. He would awaken in 1 minute, his memories being overwritten by that of Lich'dor'ee, as well as a fabricated one of him falling asleep, to ensure continuity of memory.

For all intents and purposes, the doppelganger WAS Lich'dor'ee, and would remain so until he heard a keyword which would trigger his real memories.

The infiltration was successful.

[Old North Fish]

The ambitious young man laughed and joked with the other nobles around the lively table, but deep within, there resided a restlessness that could not be presently sated. He felt oppressed, mainly by the Duke himself. Why Old North Fish had Dukes as the supreme leader and Sovereign, the young Quinmil did not know, but what he did know, was, following the Naming only a week before, once he came to power, he'd be known as King Quinmil, and not some Duke. Quinmil did have to admit, though, that the Duke had all but been passive with surrounding nations and nationstates. Letters shot back and forth between Old North Fish and Hilltop Island, re-affirming their allegiance. Further, the Duke had just set-up the "Fresh Food People Fund" to meet the needs of the burgeoning populace and supply the army with fresh food rather than the stale bread and milk that they had put up with over the last month. Some said the Duke had gone potty, but Quinmil knew different. The Duke's silent ambitions to control the Eastern Realms had been initiated in the last 10 years and things were finally being put to the test.

--

They were ready. The rogue patrol stationed at the Fishian-Vojnean borders, consisting of Alfalshians and Vojneans alike, were about to cross back into their homeland borders. No longer shackled by monarchist ideals, they edged their way into the dense forest, and out onto the highway they knew so well. A couple of older men who remember the past days knelt and kissed the tarmac, but not after a dozen trucks rumbled by. A pub looked like the place to spend the night, they muttered amongst themselve, arguing about whose turn it was to shout the group drinks. As if that was enough, thought the leader, "Squadron Leader" Michael Cathos, they couldn't even find a single lit hostel let alone a pub...

[Tibetan-China]

Excitedly, the brothers sheltered in the caves of the mountains. They'd have to spend the night and return to their village on the border the following morning, but as they ate their traditional meal of yams and cabbage, spiced with a few known Tibetan-Chinese herbs, they talked animatedly about their findings. Not that it was intentional, but the week was spent chopping firewood and the yaks were heavy-laden. The day before, however, proved even more interesting. The Morphisian Forests was a good location, but little did they know they were wandering into one of the army camps. Jahnk had reminded his younger brother, Rahbish to stay hidden but had no idea why or when the army was there. Even before they left, however, they happened across a parchment detailing something or rather concerning their homeland. Perhaps their chief elder would spare them the month's Divine Tribute sacrifice if they procured this confidential information.

As the setting sun dipped below the horizon, the couple re-aligned the yaks' ties and bedded down for the night.

[Morphisia]

The People's Voice Newspaper

Our brave armies have begun the invasion of Tibetan-China at 6am this morning. No declaration of war was given, as those scum do not deserve the mercy of being treated with respectful combatants! All hail Tell'Cas Shanfi, our leader! He will lead us to victory and squash the Tibetan Chinese bugs for all their years of sinful existance. They chose not to be ruled by Shanfism and this, they sealed their fate! Our cause is just! FREEDOM! LIBERTY! JUSTICE!

[Old North Fish]

After several hours, and a couple of scuffles, the group trudged into an inn. The bartender looked up and raised his eyebrows. He nodded to the shaded men standing around the room. Cathos and his men, however, were ignorant, explaining their ranking amongst the army they had just defected. Cathos himself slapped the bartender on the back and said "A dozen Vojnean beers for m'lads here!", throwing a handful of silver coins. Almost at once, the men leapt from the shadows, binding the men's arms and feet. "You Fishian scum! What be your business in these parts!"

"We're Vojneans!", screamed Cathos amidst the rabble, but he knew deep within the Vojneans' unwielding cruelty. Immediately, they were taken to the back and loaded onto a carriage.

As the horses sped off into the night toward Dratzon Castle, the bartender turned back to his business, picking up the silver coins that had fell to the floor, ringing out in perfect harmony...

[Morphisia]

The Morphisian land forces of some 40,000 men were in trucks and racing down the roads to the Tibetan Chinese capital, Golmon. The lack of a declaration of war and the fact that most of the villages they passed were asleep meant that slipping past the border guards were a simple task. Once the capital was reached, the Morphisians would directly attack the sleeping Tibetan-Chinese garrison, hopefully managing to inflicting enough casualties to warrant a surrender. Behind the trucks carrying the troops were some 200 tanks. General Lich'dor'ee nodded as he mentally went over the plan. It would have to work...

[Tibetan-China]

Grin, the village bellringer, saw them from a mile off, mainly because the bellhouse was a fair distance from the town centre. The phone lines were already cut off. He had no time to wonder why, but immediately began to run back, overly out of breath as he approached his house. Saddling the old weary horse, he let out a mighty "Hyah" only to see the horse falter and snort. Cursing loudly, he ran to the neighbouring farmhouse, begging for a horse. By now, the rumbling of the army was getting closer. Their household, regrettably, was still a-slumbering. It seemed he'd have to take Old Man Gherkin's old bike. Cycling out of town, he headed for the next town to warn them and hopefully to communicate his concerns there.

---

The next town proved to be the most annoying. Not a single policeman had believed his story, and had rung his parents to come and pick him up. Grin was not to be persuaded, however, and snuck out to the village. It seemed that no one believed him, seeing Tibetan-China had been at peace for over a century. He took it upon himself to ride to the next town. No luck there, he felt exhausted and frustrated.

Grin seemed out of hope, but then he remembered his Uncle Rick, who resided in Golmon, the bustling capital of the nation. Crossing his fingers, he dialled the number at a local phone booth. His uncle did pick up, and quickly replied that he was glad Grin was safe because apparently, his home was utterly destroyed. Fighting back tears, Grin told him of all he knew and of the ignorance of the towns he had been to. It seemed that the capital, at least, had been alerted...

[Morphisia]

"Go go go!"
The men rushed out of the trucks, moments before it was hit and exploded. The Tibetan Chinese knew they were here! They took cover from the hail of bullets and rockets behind suburban houses.
Sergeant Morphus gulped as he witnessed the fate of a trooper who had moved too slow from the burning wreck of the truck - cut down mercilessly. He closed his eyes and took three deep breaths. Then, he peeked out of cover and opened fire.
"Fire, men! We must hold until the tanks get here!"

[Tibetan-China]

The capital city of Golmon was not a city capable of fully defending or being ready for any real large-scale threats. Tibetan-China had always prided itself as the Nation of Peace amongst the Eastern Realms. And now, this peace had to be fought for, to be defended for.

Commander Smyles, resident of Golmon and Chief Commander of the Military Force of Tibetan-China gasped as he heard the news. Nodding quickly, he ended the call from the police station. The garrison was operating at full capacity, obliged to aid the capital, and the people of the city could be heard for kilometres on end, screaming out.

His quick thinking led him to the Control Room at the top of the garrison, where the leaders of the five platoons were assembled, awaiting instructions. It seemed that the only way to make a stand was to go underneath the enemy force. Dig.

As the old armoury was investigated, a couple hundred grenades were brought forth and the soldiers were immediately commanded to dig. A single platoon would feign defence from the windows, hurling grenades, and shooting at whoever dared to come close.

Smyles grimly hoped that the element of unfamiliarity would aid them, seeing the policemen ambushing enemies at every lane and alleyway as well as the townsfolk, armed with butcher's knives and garlic cleavers...

[Morphisia]

"Arrgh!"
The scream rang out from behind them. Sergeant Morphus turned to see one of his troops being stabbed to death by civilians with knives. They were surrounded: soldiers with guns over there and citizens with improvised weapons over here. The sergeant acted on reflex.

He opened fire, a berserker rage overtaking his thoughts.

"Open fire! Kill them all!"

His men complied and they began shooting everyone that moved not wearing a Morphisian uniform. Bodies filled the streets, and there was an eerie silence. Thinking that all enemy forces were gone, the Sergeant peeked from his cover again. The fire resumed.

Then the realisation hit him. The enemy TROOPS were still alive. They had just murdered CIVILIANS. The sergeant swore and tried to will the enemy fire to end. Then he heard something that gave him hope. Loud engines. The tanks were here.

[Tibetan-China]

The screams that had pervaded the calm of Golmon were long gone, replaced by the screams of soldiers upon seeing their family and friends massacred. But time could not be wasted. The tunnels that were being dug had to take at least 3 hours with replacement troops digging when the first round was weary. The second platoon was tasked the actual defence on-field and were recalled from the tunnels, which still contained the 3rd - 5th platoons.

The sound of engines dashed the hopes of a quick defence. Tanks, appearing on all sides, were closing in. The first platoon, on lookout immediately alerted the Generals of each platoon. But wait. What was this?!

From over the horizon came the banner of the Tibetan-Chinese. But they were not soldiers. THEY WERE CIVILIANS! What were those imbeciles doing? Led in the front, was a small lad. Grin himself, flanked by his Uncle as well as the civilians from surrounding towns. It had taken them almost half a day to arrive, but thank goodness they had at all! Smyles sighed in relief, but realised that they were civilians. The tunnels were being dug and the first platoon had to be sent out now along with the 2nd.

[Morphisia]

General Lich'dor'ee observed the scene with his binoculars. The tank advance had been halted by a wall of civilians gathered around a Tibetan Chinese banner. He could imagine the heated arguments the tank crews were undoubtedly having, whether to attack them or not.

He decided to make the choice easier for them. He picked up his radio.

"This is General Lich'dor'ee to all tank crews. Let nothing stop your advance. Nothing. Out."

He then leaned back and watched as the tanks moved forward once more....

[The Fifth Dominion]

The Citadel - the Headquarters of P.A.L.A.D.I.N.(Political Action League Administration Division's Intelligence Network)

Lord Eisenhower stepped out the elevator. He was in the underground segment of the sprawling Citadel complex in the heart of Aerinoth Island - the Fifth Dominion's largest and most important island. The elevator had taken him down 2.5km into the planet's crust to a repurposed nuclear bunker which now served as the prison complex for the individuals who had been captured and replaced by P.A.L.A.D.I.N. agents. The infiltration process had taken a lot of time and money, involving plastic surgery, genetic experimentation, and hypnotic procedures to make agents and the nations they infiltrated believed that they were the individual that the agent had replaced. The infiltration was a success, and the agents were all in place. The next stage of the plan would be a perfectly synchronised international radio broadcast containing the keyword which would "wake" the sleeper agents and restore their memories. But this would have to wait.

Eisenhower found himself standing in front of a cell. The latest arrival was interned within: General Lich'dor'ee of Morphisia. Eisenhower nodded at the guard, who allowed him in. Eisenhower then pulled out a stun baton and began the interrogation.....

[Tibetan-China]

By now, the diggers had bravely reached directly underneath the tanks. Unsure of what to do, they radioed their respective commanders, awaiting further instructions. The citizens that had rallied 'neath the banner of Tibetan China along the crest of the hills had been mercilessly slain, the remainder fleeing for the dense forest growth. However, the faithful citizens had succeeded in their ploy. They had served as a kind of...distraction. As the tunnellers were ordered to dig holes upward to destabilise the tanks' formation, the platoons still at the tower began to push outwards, inching forward behind sandbags.

[Morphisia]

The tanks were advancing towards the garrison and opened fire at the walls, breaching them. "Forward! Let nothing stop our advance!"
They rolled onwards, ready to storm the garrison, when suddenly the ground beneath them collapsed and the sunk, becoming useless. Enemy troops then swarmed the tank, struggling to open the hatches. Sergeant Morhpus peered from behind his cover and realised that the tan kcrews would be massacred if they did not help.

"ATTACK!"

The Morphisian infantry rushed out from cover, guns blazing. The second wave of tanks could also be heard in the distance.....

[The Fifth Dominion]

Calgarie Palace, Ostagar, Province of Aerinoth, Holy Empire of the Fifth Dominion

Lord Eisenhower strode into the almost deserted Throne Room, feeling the glare of 20 Imperial Guardsmen on his back. He approached the Emperor and knelt before the throne.

"Lord Eisenhower. Report on the Infiltration."

"Your Majesty, we have uncovered additional news on Morphisia following the successful extraction and replacement of General Lich'dor'ee." He paused, and upon registering the Emperor's nod, continued: "As you already know, the nation of Morphisia is widely known for its extensive civil rights and political freedoms. This is something that has been confirmed by the many millions of tourists Morphisia receives each year. However, it would appear that this is in fact, a ruse. You are aware, no doubt, of the existence of homo amphibium, also referred to as Fishians. They are native to the nation of Old North Fish, where they live in harmony with the human colonists since the early 9th Century AD. It would appear that Morphisia's prosperity relies entirely on the usage of Fishians for slave labour. While this is nothing to concern ourselves with, given our isolationist policy, there is something I feel we should act upon, Your Majesty."

Tyrael Menethos III, the Emperor of the Fifth Dominion straightened up and gestured at Eisenhower to continue.

"The Morphisians, it seems, are finding it hard to keep control of the Fishian slaves.Our good friend Lich'dor'ee has, after some "persuasion," informed us of a "Project: Sentinel," the aims of which are to create intelligent robotic wardens to quell Fishian unrest. However, what I find concerning is that these Sentinels are heavily armed, with the firepower of an entire division, and will be immune to conventional weaponry. If these Morphisians decide to use these Sentinels offensively, there is no tellin--"

"Enough, Lord Eisenhower," the Emperor interjected. "Quite enough. It is not our place to meddle in the affairs of others. I have read your report, and you wrote that Lich'dor'ee called them the "Defenders of Humanity." This makes it seem like these Sentinels will only target Fishians. The Dominion is at no risk."

"But Old North Fish should at least be warned----"

"Enough. And thank you, Lord Eisenhower, for the prompt nature of your report. You may return to your duties."

Eisenhower tried to say something, then stopped. He simply nodded, and walked out of the Throne Room, and back to the Citadel....

[New Alamarr]

Raphael straightened his suit.

Tie straight. Shirt tucked. Hair perfectly combed to the side.

Perfect.

Step out. Lights. Camera. Action.
---------------------------------

Jordan watched from below, squeezing around the throng of people gathered in the square. It had filled to bursting point, a bag of people stretched and strained with popping buttons and disconnecting threads. He could just about see the man who had recently swept across the nation, on the balcony, faint and far, if he turned his head just so, looking over the huge crowds. His voice however, boomed across the square proclaiming his divine right to rule, his descent from the royal house of Varnathox, their divine right, as the Children of the Empire, his strength as a leader and their strength as a nation. They were New Alamarr; forged from the ruins of an empire long ago, the Alamarr Empire. Alfalshi was just another name to demean them, they who had once stood strong. They were the Noble Race. They were Alamarr.

They were Alamarr. They were Alamarr. They were Alamarr.

Strong Alamarr

[Morphisia]

The People's Voice Newspaper

VICTORY!
Our most righteous armies have triumphed over the scum of Tibetan China! Their capital is now ours! The Great Hero-General Lich'dor'ee has accepted the surrender of the Tibetan-Chinese Government today, and they have now become part of the freedom and democracy of our Great Land! Let us all hail the great one, Tell'Cas Shan'Fi, for his infinite wisdom has led our free peoples to victory! Hail Tell'Cas! Long live Morphisia! Home to the free, and the brave!

---

Lumber Jack scrunched up the newspaper in disgust. How dare they spout such tremendous lies? Freedom and democracy? The land was ruled by a DICTATOR for crying out loud! Home to the free? What about his people? What about Homo amphibium? They were all enslaved and worked to death, regularly beaten and deprived of even the most basic rights. Lumber Jack took deep breaths, trying to calm down. Then he turned.

Behind him stood some 300 escaped slaves, much like him. They had been forced into this life based solely on the circumstances of birth: they didn't do anything wrong, and they most certainly did not choose to be born slaves. They had all endured enough, and were prepared to see that it ended.

Lumber Jack nodded.

"It's time."

***

The internment camp was one of hundreds littered around the rural areas of Morphisia. The humans all lived their comfortable lives in the cities, while the Fishians toiled and died out here. But no more. Not after tonight. Lumber Jack cut through the chain link fence, then lay motionless in the darkness, waiting for the Morphisian Army trooper to walk past. He then crawled in, and waited for the others to do so. Each escaped slave was carrying a bag full of weapons, which would be distributed to all the interned slaves.

The fires of revolution would soon rise up....

[Tibetan-China]

As the cheers rang out amongst the enemy camp, most of the devastated city helplessly attempted to rebuild, their hearts and minds broken by such sudden turmoil. It seemed that Tibetan-China, or at the very least, what it represented, had been quashed, snuffed out of its longlived existence.

[Morphisia]

The Fishian Slave Revolt of Morphisia

General Lich'dor'ee slammed the table.

"How!? How did those Fishian scum overrun ALL of our labour camps?"

The General Staff remained silent. The General continued with his rant.

"I will not allow this! I cannot allow them to ruin our economy!" his face was flushed red. "Call back all the Army units you have sent in. Activate the Sentinel Projects."

His staff members all nodded and hurried outside the command bunker. The view on the screen changed to a CCTV footage of a deserted hangar. Suddenly, the hangar was dismantled within by giant metal hands. The Sentinels had been activated and the ten which had been completed walked into the fields surrounding the hangar. They were some 6 metres tall - shaped like an armoured knight of old, with shining metal plating. Lich'dor'ee knew that they carried concealed heavy weapons - 4 20mm chainguns with a selection of either anti-personnel, armour piercing or explosive rounds, and two multiple missile launchers installed in the shoulders. The Sentinels stood immobile.

"Sir, Sentinels are awaiting your orders."

The General spoke quickly. "Sentinels. Pacify and detain the slaves." Each Sentinel had cables hidden within their wrists which were able to pop out of the hands to grab objects and drag them into the firm steel hands - and these would be the method through which the slaves would be recaptured. The Sentinels all coloured their "eyes" green to signal confirmation and started to move. Then, a staff member rushed into the bunker.

"General! Another camp has been overrun!"

The General's fury then rose up, and he shouted in rage: "Sentinels! KILL THEM ALL! LET NOTHING STOP YOU!"

The Sentinels paused and then flashed their eyes green once more. They then used thrusters installed into the joints of their limbs and flew into the air and out of view.

"General, sir...uh...did you just order them to kill them all?"

"Oh no. Sentinels! This is General Lich'dor'ee, belay the kill order!"

A single text message appeared on the screen from Sentinel-01: "Order ignored, previous order contained parameters: 'let nothing stop you'.""