The Season Turns (Telegram for Entry please)

[New Edom]

The Funeral Begins

Hung be the heavens with black, yield day to night!
Comets, importing change of times and states,
Brandish your crystal tresses in the sky,
And with them scourge the bad revolting stars
That have consented unto Henry's death!
King Henry the Fifth, too famous to live long!
England ne'er lost a king of so much worth.

—Henry VI, Part I, Act 1 Scene 1

The Palace of Justice

Coming up to the north side of the Palace of Justice, above the 6 main columns, is the main enrance to the Grand Hall. In the bottom-left corner of the pediment is the carved figure of Saint Stephen the Martyr menaced by the elders of Israel for speaking the truth. .Next is the figure of Queen Adah the Liberator, being ceded independence by a rather contrite looking Emperor Gallus. To the right of Queen Adah a man, woman and child symbolizing the birth of a new land. .Portrayed above her are the two Kings, David the Landstrider with full 16th century full plate armour and greatsword, and King David the Lawgiver in royal robes with scepter and cross in hand, both crowned with the Royal Diadem. Above them all in a semi-circle are the 12 Apostles with the Cross symbolizing the Christ above them radiating light, a lion on one side, a lamb upon the other.

A grand marble staircase leads up this entrance, which is flanked by two immense bronze carved heraldic griffons. This leads to the entrance and interior of the Grand Hall. 8 Corinthian columns rise from the floor to the cornice surrounding the base of the dome. Between each pair of columns are busts of Solomon and Moses. The floor of the dome rotunda is Shalumite marble bordered with black and verde antique marble.The height to the eye of the dome is 87 feet (27 m) and the diameter is 54 feet (16 m). Within the dome above are four panels containing 5 gold rosettes.

In the east corridor of the Palace of Justice is the Council Reception Room. This finely decorated room is used by the President of the Council of Minsters on state occasions to receive visiting royalty and foreign dignitaries and general public is barred from entry. During such events, a rotation of Honour Guard designated Army Regiments (the Redwolf Guards, the Halberdier Guards, the Hussar, Lancer, Grenadier and Marine Infantry Regiments) are posted on either side of the door and military aides assist the President of the Council with official duties. The room is panelled in black Cetian walnut inlaid with ebony, and decorated with hand-carved ornaments around the ceiling and along the four corner pillars. Pictures of sovereigns and past presidents of the council grace the walls and a Lazodirian gilt chandelier hangs from the ceiling. The floor features a carpet specially hand-woven in Haran. Facing across from each other on the north and south wall are two elaborate mirrors in gilt frames. The room measures 24 feet (7.3 m) in both directions. Directly above the Council Room are the two male warriors carved into the wall, traditional Winged Hussar on one side, Royal Lancer on the other, guarding the representation of the Ark of the Covenant.

Beneath the dome, on a large stone slab brought in for this purpose, lay the glass topped coffin of Brigadier-General Perrin Pahath-Moab, President of the Council of Ministers for two of New Edom’s least turbulent years. Victor of Damoclea, leader of the Cornellian Peacekeeping Organization, author of the peace of Delvian States, he lay in respose,brilliantly made up in spite of injuries to look as he had done in life, eyes closed, dark hair neat, his strong features at rest. He wore the full dress of the 14th Hussars, crimson and blue, gold frogging and braid and epaulets, black riding boots, his sword over his breast clutched in his hands. A smaller coffin lay at his feet, also glass topped, showing the quiet still formof his long faithful dog, the Airedale Terrier Rover.

Troopers of the 14th Regiment of Hussars stood watch in full dress in the Grand Hall. Black banners hung down; a choir quietly sang a succession of songs of mourning.

Yea though I take the wings of the morning
And dwellin the uttermost parts of the sea…

And outside, soldiers of the Halberdier Guards and Marine Infantry guarded the streets, and ushered the people in in a long viewing line of people. They came naked and with ashes in their hair, they came in black robes, they came painted white and blue, they came painted with crosses, they came in uniforms, they came in suits and dresses. There wre designated areas with the portraits of the late President to put flowers and memorabilia, and they began to fill with crocuses and lilies.

[Shalum]

Military District of Fineberg

Drakon nodded slowly in acknowledgement, though he really felt as if a weight had been lifted from his chest at the revelation that the ETC was a lot more spread than he had initially feared. "Ah, that is good to know, thank you. I was worried that they were a lot more organized than that. Sure, a motorized division is no small group, but if they were at full strength with those numbers, they would be a serious threat to both operational and national security alike. Harbourtown it is." He replied in a rumbling tone, his voice one that was both deep and gruff, and his eyes dark as they looked across at the Edomite officers before him.

"Thank you for that." The Maldorian colonel replied as he removed the folder from Estrada's hands and opened it up himself, his eyes reading over the information intently. Much of it wasn't exactly useful to him at this moment. Knowing what shops were currently operating in the area didn't help him a lot tactically, as far as he was concerned. The rest of it, however, he found quite helpful, especially the ETC order of battle. This was the kind of information that he needed especially if it came down to a slugging match. It gave them a good idea of what they would be facing, and where. "Thank you, Colonel Estrada, all of this is extremely useful. They're armed decently, but I am confident that they know not the types of those who they may end up facing." He grinned wryly at Estrada. The colonel had confidence in his troops, that was for certain.

Behind Drakon, the officers glanced among themselves, surprise showing clearly on more than a few of them, and for good reason. Truth be told, the idea of being commanded by a woman was a completely foreign thought to them. None of them had so much as served alongside a soldier of the opposite gender in their lifetimes, due to the fact that the MLA didn't take them, at all. As far as the Maldorian leadership was concerned, women had no place in the military, not even in support roles; which was completely contrary to the Shalumite military's sets of beliefs.

Truth be told, Drakon wasn't happy about it either. All of his life, he had been raised with the view that men were supposed to be running the show and all of that, and that women had no place in his line of work. But, he had his orders, and it was far too late to back out now, so he could only nod slowly in resignation and reply in the same gruff tone. "Thank you for your confidence, Colonel Estrada. The units that we'll be serving alongside should be sufficient in the event that war does break out. Regarding General Romain," he paused for a moment. "Well, I look forward to working with her, I suppose. Truth be told, I've never so much as served alongside a woman before, so it outta be interesting. Its clear that she's worthy of trust, and that is enough for me." He grunted, shooting a glance at his officers, who simply shrugged back at him. He certainly looked forward to meeting her, but only time would tell when it came to the opinion that he would have of her. He liked to think that he wasn't completely close minded.

---

For a moment, a smirk played on Brothan's lips as he watched her work away, spraying the small insects while her fine bare bottom jutted out from the back of her overalls. "Aye, it is a shame that we are needed, but that is the nature of the beast, I suppose." He replied as he continued to look down at her, enjoying the sight before him. So she was married, eh? It was a tidbit of information that didn't bother him like it would have the average, well raised Shalumite vermin. The Germans seem to care too much about honor and doing the right thing. As far as Brothan was concerned, her martial status didn't matter at all. If anything, it just meant that it would be a juicer situation.

So she's a housewife, eh? Husband away and all of that. I wonder if she's lonely and horny too, just like in those Adrian movie. Was the thought that crossed his mind, causing him to smirk a bit wider for a moment. It was an amusing thought, as far as he was concerned. "Nah, I can't say that I am married. I've yet to find the right one, but I'm sure she's out there." He replied, making sure that he smiled instead of smirked. And until then, you'd make for a good companion. He thought as he knelt down, not getting any closer though. "I wouldn't know much about the military life and moving around, I've never had to. It sounds kinda rough on you. You ever get lonely, with your husband not around?" He asked curiously, one eyebrow raised.

[Cacerta]

Hummingbird One-One, Royal Family Private Jet
En route to Fineberg, Allied States of New Edom
Anelyn had to admit that it was both stressful and relieving to be leaving Fumicino behind for New Edom, though it was hard to believe the change in circumstances since the last time she had been there. So much had happened since then and now New Edom was on the brink of Civil War -- the largest conflict involving Cacertian troops since the Triple Continent Conflict. It was quite like an intense game of chess, except if you lose pieces there's no returning them to the board. There was part of her that wondered whether or not it was such a smart decision to commit forces so readily, but she believed in Mara and the Cacertian people were a people of their word.

Henrietta and Mila had allowed her to fly and attend Perrin's funeral on the condition that she be sent alongside SISMI's best agents of the Directorate of Counterterrorism. Her safety was considered so important, that the two had decided to completely by pass the Office of the Royal Guard -- some consideration was also put in knowing that her sister, an heir to throne, was a member of the Royal Guard.

It was Anelyn's first time to directly interact with members of the Directorate other than Elsa -- and she had been considered quite relaxed and open in comparison to the others. The Queen finally understood what Mila meant by that. The half a dozen men and women that were seated with her inside One-One were stoic and quiet. Their eyes and muscles were tense and they almost appeared out of place dressed in the black, white, and green of the Royal Guard. She felt safe though, especially knowing that Mari Astrid would be with her.

Mari was most certainly out of place, dressed in the clothing of her house of which Anelyn knew concealed a variety of blades. The members of House Astrid were very eccentric, but loyal -- Anelyn couldn't ask for safer hands to trust her life.

The Queen had forgone her normal wardrobe for an appropriate black dress which -- in fact -- she had not worn since her own father's funeral nearly a decade ago. It was one of the few articles of clothing that she possessed that was not completely made of sheer or transparent material. Perhaps the only thing that foreigners would not consider exhibitionist.

Mari bowed before Anelyn briefly and spoke with her distinctive accent, "Your Highness, we are close to Fineberg and should be landing soon."

There was a little bit of nervousness in the Queen's heart. Although there was a truce, quarreling parties from all across the region would be in the same place and surely tensions would be high.

"Very well, Mari." She gave her a nod. "Let us prepare to disembark." Her SISMI guards were quick to stand up -- clear in their duty to protect the one Queen of the Kingdom of Cacerta. "To the Palace of Justice -- we will say a proper goodbye to a passed friend."

[New Edom]

Military District of Fineberg

The noise of machinery—cranes, engines, helicopters, big gas operated forklifts—made it necessary for people to speak loudly on the piers and loading areas. The heat had lessened by the day following the arrival of the reinforcements, but it was probably still warm by their standards.

The Ghants and Maldorians had been given barracks which had standard issue beds in dormitory rooms by squads for enlisted and junior NCO personnel, smaller 2-4 man dorms for junior officers and senior NCOs, private rooms for senior officers or highest ranking NCOs like sergeant-majors. There were also married quarters available; little bungalows or cottages mostly.

The base by now was full of materiel—self propelled guns, cargo trucks, ambulances, ammunition loaders, tanks, APCs, IFVs, utility vehicles, cases of rations, batteries, ammunition, spare uniforms, electronics parts, plasma bags, ROWPUs (Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Units), field showers, NBC equipment—all had to be sorted out by logistics, supply, transport, MPs, naval and merchant marine officers who were cursing, looking over tablets, clipboards, shouting into megaphones and speaking into walkie-talkies, sorting out confusion, getting things orderly.

First Lieutenant Adah Weber had been promoted following the completion of a tour of duty in Dengali with the 14th Hussars, an Armoured Cavalry Regiment, and had performed a variety of duties there. To her surprise, her next posting was a staff posting: ADC to a newly formed IX Corps. A lot of officers and NCOs got promotions along with such a posting—as what, maybe a compensation?

In her tropical field dress, with her black beret at a rakish angle on her blonde bob, she stood casually watching the helicopter come in. She was a bit gloomy—she had never met General Felicity Romain but she wasn’t thrilled at the idea of missing a troop command for a staff job. She also missed her regiment terribly; everyone would be from different arms or even from staff and support units. All the jokes would be different, and she’d be low on the totem pole in one sense but uncomfortably high in another. Not exactly her cup of tea. And everyone in the Regiment was depressed anyway--their Colonel-in-Chief, General Pahath-Moab, was dead, in a stupid accident of all things. It didn't matter when the RSM said, "Dead is just dead, Hussars." It didn't really help, it was just a damned stupid, tragic way to go. They had their own special mourning in the field in Dengali, in the hot dry sun (she laughed at foreigners who found Fineberg too hot), flies swarming everywhere, pausing in hunting village after village looking for a warlord who might be dead or a phantom...

As the two soldiers loaded the General's luggage into the land rover like vehicle, the young officer turned to look at the helicopter.

"Lieutenant Weber, I presume?" General Romain asked pleasantly and she ducked away and then stood up on the tarmac, returning the neat salute.

"Yes, Ma'am." Weber said briskly. "Lieutenant Adah Weber, 14th Hussars!"

”Yes, you were just promoted and served in the field till recently in Dengali? As you were, Captain. It’s a bit o a shock, I’m sure, going from lieutenant to captain and then right to staff position. I’m sure you would have preferred a company, but with all the experience you’ve had in action from what I saw, you’ll make a good ADC, you won’t be some General’s poodle on my staff.…”

Romain's own ADC had broken her leg during training--a stupid accident that could happen to anyone. She had wanted to promote someone from her old Division but Weber had been commended to her by Weber's own older brother, a Hussar officer, a personal friend of Pahath-Moab's.

The IX Corps staff was cobbled together out of some of Romain's former division staff, which included an intelligence officer called Havoth-Jair, who had mostly been acting as intelligence section chief at embassies until recently--Weber snidely thought he must be missing the high life--a Damoclean artillery officer called Androcles, a slanty eyed sallow skinned Dam-Dammie of all things, probably screwing like a rabbit whenever he could--an operations officer called Mars of all things, a bespectacled geek with black rimmed thick glasses that made him look like a mental retard, and a transport and logistics officer called Elimelech, half of whom seemed missing, apparently had transferred from a light infantry regiment after he lost most of a hand and an eye and got a severe limp. She had to respect that.

Weber had little time to organize anything for the general; the senior staff seemed to have things in hand, so she mostly stood around feeling like a fifth wheel as they got the general briefing started. Romain, athletic and strong looking but feminine in build, with short red hair, a fair Cornellian complexion and light blue eyes, stood out among the staff of Barans, Haranese and Dengalis, as did Weber. She’d always been self conscious about her fair hair, so in a way it was nice to serve a general with similar foreign looking features. The theater room theyw ere using for the briefing was soon crowded with officers from the 18th Light Troops, the Hutanjian HRA, the 10th Military Police, 1st Rover Team, 3rd Transport Regiment, National Air Force, 42nd Heavy Artillery, 6th Combat Engineers, and the Maldorian and Ghantar contingents.

As Romain and her staff came in, Colonel Abishai Hagar, the 18th Light Mounted Infantry (also known as the Light Troops) Regiment, the senior regimental commander present, barked out “Attention!” and chairs rumbled and people stood stiffly. Romain’s eyes swept over the assembled officers. “As you were,” she said in a loud clear voice. “We are now within the 8 Day Truce. It will be up to the government leaders and diplomats to sort out the crisis but in the meantime we are tasked with the job of preparing for a possible assault on the city of Harbourtown. The IX Corps will be supported in this by elements of the Southern Fleet under Admiral Hanneghan and by the National Air Force units stationed here and at the Silver River Air Force Base. Long range missile batteries, strategic bombers and tactical fighters will be tasked with preventing any direct naval support from the Cacertian or rebel fleets should they oppose us.

“Our job is to capture the industrial heart of southern New Edom. The End Times Church radicals have seized it, control it, and the Queen’s forces aren’t doing a damned thing about it. So they need us. Without that the country could fall apart. Our duty will be to surround the city and control all the ways in and out, and then move fast as hell to secure the Militia headquarters, armoury depots and staging areas, the airport and the port. Once that’s done, they can demonstrate all they want but there isn’t a damn lot they can do about it. If there is the slightest delay or believed intel leak, our heavy artillery will use long range barrages to destroy those Militia held areas to prevent them dispersing. We are likely however to encounter insurgents in the area and along the way.

“Now: we could end up being opposed by the Queen’s forces. The Queen, God bless her, is mad and they are deluded, so if they don’t get in our way, we won’t get in theirs but if they do, we’ll have to fight them and fight hard. These are some good tough units—9th Marine Infantry, 21st Lancers, Royal Cacertian Marines. By the end of the truce or if it is broken we should have clear ROEs about that.

“Regiment and contingent commanders, you will each be given a file which you will take as a sacred trust, briefing you on your particular duties for the planning of this operation. It includes intelligence, operations, signals, logistics and tactical support information. But in general summation: the attack will be spearheaded by the 18th MLI and the Hutanjian HRA. A squadron of the Royal Cavalry Guards will be in support with heavy armour. The 18th MLI will capture Harbourtown Commercial Airprot and the Port of Harbourtown’s naval yard. The Hutanjian HRA will capture the Militia Highway Patrol Barracks as well as establishing control of the four main highways leading into the city on the eastern side. The Maldorian contingent will be responsible for capturing the three western highway approaches. The Royal Cavalry Guards will act as a reserve with a force of 80 Li Toneur main battle tanks and supporting infantry fighting vehicles.

“1st Rover Team elements will act as long range ground recon and will work in tandem with the National Air Force to give us on the spot intel and hopefully avoid any surprises, as well as doing dirty tricks to distract and confuse the enemy.

“Main support elements will be as follows: 1 Battalion of the 10th MPs to help with prisoners and road control; the 42nd Heavy Artillery will provide main support from MRLs and self propelled howitzers; 6th Engineers will be ready to help with any chemical warfare attacks, mines or fortifications; 3rd Transport will be moving all road logistics; National Air Force units will provide any extra transport heavy lifting by air. 3 long range missile batteries will also be available for heavy artillery support, though most of them will be assigned to support the naval assault.”

Colonel Estrada was also on the stage along with Major Peter de Haren; both men were on Unwerth’s staff but had been told to observe how Romain handled things.

Major Peter de Haren’s work was done with the briefing of Romain; he had a lot of other duties as an intelligence officer on Unwerth’s staff. And so his mind wandered a little bit; he knew everything Romain was saying. Her crisp bare bones articulation left little to the imagination so he drifted. The bungalow he and his wife had moved into was very nice, pleasantly shaded and yet with nice sunshine for most of the morning and early afternoon, a vegetable garden already there, a small flower and herb garden too,and he anticipated barbecues. Barbecued lamb, lovely. Perhaps Unwerth would attend.

---

Cressy de Haren turned around as he was talking to her, putting her basket down, kneeling on the grass, a hand going up to fuss with her hair, but then dropping when she realized how dirty her hands were. Why had she not worn gloves? Who knew?

“It can be a little lonely. You know, you soldiers get a woman’s heart going, then you devote yourselves to nothing but duty. And it’s even worse I think if the man is on a general’s staff, then his life is not even just the regiment’s or something, it belongs to someone who is pursuing their own glory. I think you must need a massive amount of pride to be a general. But listen to me complain! My husband is a good man, a smart man. You should see all his books sometime. Well, welcome to the base!” she began to get up, and as she did the front of her overalls dipped and there they were, trembling a bit, pink brown tips gracing the inner material, then she was standing, and brushing off her dirty knees, holding her basket. “Whew…it sure is a warm one here, but I kind of like it…I’m sorry, I should offer you a bit of hospitality—would you care for a glass of lemonade or iced mint tea before you go?”

[New Hydrenia]

"I am glad that we understand each other, my sweet. However, I am troubled by the ETC. Should I perhaps help break them at last? Would that be possible without harming your cousin Mara? I won't do it if it harms Mara. Otherwise, however....well, who doesn't hate the ETC, other than the ETC?" Alois wondered, adding, "I am also troubled by the Feminists on Gloria Regis, but not much I can about them without going to war with both sides....and with Shrailleen, Adiron, and Cacerta. Too late for that now. The ETC might, just might, be more doable."

Alois thought aloud, taking Olivia into his confidence again and trusting her just as she had trusted and confided in him. He felt that they were a team again, once more on the same side, and that all was finally right with the world. Their world at least.

He reached over with his lips and kissed her hand to show her his sincerity.

[Damoclea]

The aircraft were MiG-27s, rather old-school, but Captain Roxane didn't care. She commanded the seven fighter jets of Flight Wing Alpha, its target the artillery of the Edomite position in Gamma District in Pelias. It was to be a proper air-to-surface attack, with the 21 KH-59 missiles on their way. Last time, the Edomites had total air supremacy. Let them deal with a change directed by God's true Prophet.

It was going to be risky, going in like this, but to soften things up for the ground offensive, it was necessary. The Edomites had taken Pelias. South Damoclea was about to take it back, whatever the price. God had determined it. It was time. The Edomites had brought Christ to Damoclea, but the South Damocleans were to be the chastening hand of the Lord to lead them back to Christ and away from that Edenist heresy.

"Do we have targets, Jazz?" Roxane asked Lieutenant Mnason, better known as "Jazz".

"Affirmative, ma'am," Jazz replied, "all targets locked in. Ready to fire!"

"Targets, Dilbert?" she now asked the other team leader, Lieutenant Phaethon, also known as "Dilbert".

"That's affirmative, too, ma'am!"

"Fire your birds, but leave some for the next wing, boys and girls!" Roxane ordered.

"Yes, ma'am!" they all shouted as they unleashed their missiles toward their targets....hoping, of course, to actually reach one.

And hoping that this wasn't a clever trap set by the Edomites to catch their birds and knock them out of the sky. Oh, well, they had the 28 AA-8 Aphid air-to-air missiles, just in case....and there were the GSh-6-30 autocannon as well.

[The Vorindun]

"Conscript Fathers of the Senate, I call upon you now to affirm my clear decision here, namely to recognize no Edomite faction until I have returned from the funeral! If any of you, Conscript Fathers, have doubts as to why you should agree to this, think of it this way. If we back anyone now, we risk being on the wrong side, not knowing if the side that we choose will be defeated or be in the wrong for something that she has done. I urge you to remain neutral here! Some of you are shouting for Mara at the top of your lungs, but what if she really is unfit to rule? And some of you are hoarse in your support for Jocasta, but what if Mara is actually the best ruler at this time, even with her mental illness? I strongly counsel you, as your Kaiser, not to make a rash decision!"

"I will see a division here! Those for holding an immediate up or down vote on Queen Mara vs. the Heir, to my left. Those for waiting until the funeral, on my right."

Of the 300 senators in the hall, some sixty passed to the left. The rest went to the right, with their Kaiser, not ready to jump just yet. After all, the Vorindun had good ties with all branches of the Obeds and even somewhat good terms with the Free Congress, since Sif Finnhald had attended the late Kaiser Karl's first Kaisertag back in 2012 when she was Acting President of Free Congress-held New Edom. It wouldn't do to cause trouble with a nation with whom the Vorindun was generally getting along, would it?

Martin smiled, knowing that, at least for now, he wasn't going to have to oppose his brother...not yet at least. He still hoped for peace in New Edom, after all. Picking one side or another risked emboldening that side to strike, too.

[New Edom]

Damoclea

New Edomite A565-B AWACS Royal Crest

Aboard the Royal Crest, an A565-B AWACs flying out of the Air Force Base at Lycaeum s under the command of Major Kephalos, the crew of 14 under his command were busy monitoring the MESA radar system. 2 Shadowhawk Air Superiority Fighters were acting as escorts for the AWACs, rotating duty with fighters from the islands.

The AESA was deceptively hard to intercept because an AESA radar will change it's frequency every pulse, at up to 1000 times per second. Since the AESA can change its frequency with every pulse, and generally does so using a pseudo-random sequence, integrating over time does not help pull the signal out of the background noise. Nor does the AESA have any sort of fixed pulse repetition frequency, which can also be varied and thus hide any periodic brightening across the entire spectrum. Traditional Radar Warning Receivers are essentially useless against AESA radars. This means that the Royal Crest could look for long periods of time without being seen in the process. This MESA radar for the A565 employed a very erratic search pattern made possible by the enormous computing power at the disposal of the crew, further adding confusion to the Radar Warning Receiver at the other end. So they were fairly confident of their abilities. However while the crew were all experienced, they had never used this system—for which they had begun training about 3 years ago—in a large scale action before. Nevertheless they were all professionals and knew their business.

The Royal Crest was also acting as Battlespace Command Center; it had a partner that was currently on the ground, the Harpy, and it rotated shifts with the other plane. 10 Terrier VTOL fighters and either 8 Corsaires or 8 Sparrowhawks were on patrol at all times, as well as 4 Kite Drones that were out in advance of them.

General Nicanor had given general orders to all units to man their patrols with celerity and intent; no one knew what would happen, but at least back home they had not started shooting, and there was a truce. Nevertheless, it was always the duty of the air patrols to be up. It was good maintenance of training, and also no one could forget how they had been caught with their pants down at the Silver River AFB by Vici Minerva and totally clobbered. Kephalos had been there; a wet behind the ears lieutenant shitting himself with fear as the bombs hit and shook the very earth. He would never forget that humiliation; never again. He was moving his body, scratching his back against the back of his seat when they got a signature showing up; MIGs. Probably Damocleans but could be Arbiters.

In fact that, when the situation was reviewed later, was probably why the Kite Drones let them through--a glitch. They had mistaken them for Imperium fighters and their operators had, tired, exhausted from being on extra watches, let them come through. So the AWACs became aware of them when Lupus Flight came under fire.

Captain Marko Joppa, leading a squadron of Terrier VTOL fighters on patrol, had been about to advise the 'Imperium' fighters that they were heading into the wrong airspace when warnings began going off in his cockpit, and he heard the point pilot shouting, "Holy Lord, they're shooting at us!"

At that moment it didn't matter if they were Dam-Dammies or Arbiters; they were attacking! The well trained pilots began to deploy countermeasures--flare and chaff going off, and Captain Joppa cursed, taking her down--that was one advantage of the Terrier, it could fly like a hummingbird if it had to, he was going down to ground, ordering others to do so as well, use the ground to break up their radar signatures if they could, try to lose these bastards as they burst on the signals of the enemy missiles. However four of his rookie pilots had taken it hard--he heard one ejection being announced, the others just disconnected; one of his flights had been decimated in a moment. Joppa felt his rage hone to a white hot blade in his mind; he would get clear of these missile attacks if he could, then hunt these shits down and kill them, avenge his destroyed flight.

Pelias

While the Royal Crest was still transmitting information to the Air Defense Batteries and the air patrol units, General Ovid Hamilcar's artillery regiment was the target. As soon as missiles inbound were detected, however, Anti-Aircraft artillery were receiving tracking information and filling the air with autocannon rounds. Big brass casings rattled like hail around the King Shepherd ADA self propelled vehicles. However several vehicles were destroyed with thunderous explosions that left them smoking, the ammunition going off, the machinegun ammo in their command hatch weapons going off like fireworks, burning, dying, mutilated soldiers around them.

General Ovid Hamilcar, getting a shave, pushed the hand of his servant aside, his face half with shaving cream and a napkin around his neck, and stood up abruptly on the porch of the house he had commandeered as headquarters. "Someone find out what that was. Was that an accident or are we under attack?"

Lieutenant Stephanie Grey, sitting around with her scout crew outside their M-28 Vigilos, was having a laundry day; they were all half undressed in a bivouac area, clipping toenails, brushing teeth, using a portable plastic field shower, hanging out underwear, arguing about which deodrant was best, when they heard the noise, however, they and other soldiers of the 3rd Shock Cavalry and 16th Light Troops that occupied the district began to run for vehicles or cover, grabbing weapons regardless of the state they were in.

[Late Roman Empire]

As the Roman plane arrived in Fineberg, Valerian and his party buckled up for the final descent, with the Emperor trying to ignore the lustful eyes of Castina on him. It was quite that she hadn't totally given up on seducing her Emperor, yes, that was how she thought of him now, but he was trying to focus on work and interact as little with the stewardess as he could. Thankfully, there was plenty of work to do, as the men talked shop.

"Titus, I really think that if something isn't done soon, we could end up with an all-out civil-war of the sort that would make both previous civil wars look tame. It could be the final one that takes a decade and rivals that of Azurlavai. So, here is the plan. Jocasta will formally ask for the resignations of Count Beroth and Dr. Aphek. They will each accept as a form of comfortable exile appointments as Ambassadors to other nations. The Queen will appoint Prince Elijah the new President of the Council, with Count Lalery as Minister of Finance, Elizabeth Corbulo as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Peter Misabel as Minister of Justice, and General Hesperinus as Minister of Defense. Benajah will keep his Chief of Staff post, with Unwerth as Commander of the Marines. Jocasta will sign off on each of these appointments, and she will continue to be seated on all cabinet meetings until it is clear that the Queen is able to govern. Even then, it would be good practice, just in case. The Dowager Queen will stay out of politics, of course. Count Falk will accept a consular or attache post as a kind of comfortable exile, too."

"I agree. Though they may not. What of Gloria Regis?" Titus wondered.

"It's not ideal, and we want to protect the lives and property of any Glorians who might be at risk, but we need to accept that for now, the Feminists and Communists are here to stay. We will offer dissidents asylum, as we have, as well as help them save as much of their property as we can, but if the alternative to an independent Gloria Regis is Imperial rule...well, that's very different from Edomite rule, and we know it. We want to protect the Cornellians there from matriarchy, but a Magi theocracy is no better, especially given its long-term goals. Nor is anarchy. Besides, if free elections do occur, we can finance the opposition quietly from Constantinople. But I will not recognize Gloria Regis until New Edom does, and only then in the person of the lawful heads of state and government. We must follow the law."

"And Old Macureus, Nekulturnya?"

"Like it or not, there is no legal alternative to the bloodthirsty Bolsheviks who now rule in Arod. We must face facts. This reunion is happening and if we recognize them now, elections are more likely to be done with international cooperation and observation. If we do not, they could be controlled ones. Face it, morally speaking, no government of either Macureus has been legitimate, Old or New, Coven or Directorate. And the Old Order was truly oppressive. It's just that we don't approve of their methods. They have to prove that we can do business with them safely. However, I want to be clear that I will not fully trust them or anything like that. There will be temporary suspension of travel and we will not recognize them until we have at least some confirmation that refugees have been permitted to depart safely. Make it clear to the Directorate that recognition is contingent upon this as a sign of good faith, as is a return to normal travel. Old Macurean assets in the Empire are to be frozen as well, just to motivate them.

"Nekulturnya is easier. Both Nekulturnya and Austrania are to be recognized at once. That, at least, should make the Mackies and the Vyrs somewhat mollified. No recognition of Muldera, of course. Not now, not ever."

"Very well, then. I think that we are in accord, Augustus. Plus, this gives cover to the New Edomites and will redirect much of the New Macs' irritation toward us a bit, dilute it a little."

"Indeed it does," the Emperor smiled, as he noticed Livia and Castina leaving the cabin for another compartment of the plane.

Whatever was that about?

In the Other Cabin

"You look at both of the highest men in the Empire as if they are cuts of meat," Livia spoke suddenly, breaking the nervous silence between the women.

"Sorry, forgive me....I meant no offense, Countess. I beg your pardon. It is just that, well...," Castina stammered now, terrified that Livia might show jealous rage and punish her.

"Shhh, enough of that. You thought, quite rightly in my husband's case, that he is a man with needs, not just the Caesar. And you have needs, too. You need powerful men, don't you? You crave that access to power, the contact with a man of such prestige as my husband," Livia assured her.

"So...you...don't mind?" Castina began to relax a little.

"Mind? No, I do not mind. You must choose, however. Tata is trying to be faithful to my stepmother, but it isn't easy and at times, I wonder if he would be a better husband, father, and Emperor if he took a mistress. Still, he has given his word and he may not be ready. On the other hand, my husband is perfectly free to take a mistress. A discreet one, you understand. Otherwise, there is a very real risk from a certain woman who is strictly forbidden to him by her brother. So, you must choose. My father or my husband? Which is it? It's too incestuous to have both. You cannot have both. Nor would they wish to share you with each other. So, which is it? Tell me now, content yourself with that man, and I will help you seduce him, if he needs any seduction."

"You will what?"

"Help you. Give you the inside track. Take your pick. Just be honest. Make your firm choice. And know that whichever you choose, his wife still outranks you and cannot be replaced."

"The Caesar, then. I do not wish to offend the Augustus ever again, even as much as I desire him. If I can have a man freely, that is much better than having to pine for the man that I can't have. I am a Roman, after all. It's more practical to accept your offer," Castina agreed.

"Very well, then. That is the prudent choice. Thank you for clearing that up. Now, keep your lovelorn looks to my husband, not my father. Is that clear?"

"Of course. Thank you. I hear and obey," Castina curtsied as they left the cabin, everything now quite clear.

The Lying in State

Valerian first walked past the coffin, saying just loudly enough as he leaned over Perrin, "Now, you belong to eternity. In peace and honor rest you here, my friend."

Valerian left a copy of the first draft of the CPO charter at the casket, just as a reminder of what had been achieved. Among the signatures, of course, were those of Count Marcian and Titus Clemens.

Titus, when his time came, simply stated, "Rest well and tell my parents, whomever they are, that I forgive them."

Livia, not bothering to hold back her tears, whispered, "Thank you for being a friend to Rome, to Father, and to my husband."

Justus simply told Perrin, "You died a hero nonetheless."

Fabia, well....she waited with William, not wishing to pay her respects alone, but with her husband.

[Spartianus]

Padan, New Edom

The delegation of the Mamlaket arrived in small numbers early in the morning. Rather than flying directly into Fineberg, the Political Security Directorate had determined that it was safer to fly into Padan and make the drive down to the capital for the funeral. Among those assembled for the trip were the Melech Ashurnasirpal, Director-General Avrahim Hasaddo of the Political Security directorate, several members of the Melech's guard in full parade uniform, and agents from the Political Security Directorate.

Leaving soon after their arrival, if no stops were made the delegation would arrive in Fineberg in the early evening. If all went according to plan, the monarch would be staying at the Betharan palace while Hasaddo and the remainder of the delegation would set themselves up in the modest accommodations of the Shartya'a embassy.

After clearing with security at the airport, a line of three black SUVs began their trip south, intending to pass through Padan-Aran on the way to Fineberg. The central vehicle carrying the melech and the Director-General was hush from the majority of the trip as the tension of the situation weighed down on the politicians minds like a thick fog. Far more than the future of New Edom would hang in the balance these next few days, and now it was a personal matter for the sovereign.

[Nalaya]

The Funeral
Fineburg, New Edom

There was something surreal about the whole thing to Siri Kalousdian. Here she was in the black dress uniform of Nalaya, emerald trim and cord denoting her branch of service while the Avangardn leaves spoke to her standing. Her normal scuffed field boots were gone, replaced by black jackboots that gleamed in the light. Flying into New Edom was almost like coming home in a twisted way to the place that occupied much of her thoughts, her hopes, her dreams. It was a place she had thought she could help through its different times of metamorphosis through tending sometimes to its people in the worst of places. Now the world was falling apart again, but not just here. This time New Edom was beyond her grasp as the ground beneath her shifted.

Siri looked over at the inscrutable features of her partner in this endeavor, the Protector herself. Attired in the distinctive apparel of the Unkndirnei dress uniform, not unlike her own save for its crimson accents and the scarlet sash, the woman had been silent for most of the plane ride. Khavar hadn't known Perrin closely and she did not feel like pretending otherwise. However, she did know how to mourn. He had been a great man, a force for change, and the future of a country that was fast beginning to fall apart.

They went through the customary waltz at the gate after they got off the plane and were taken on their way, but the somber air hung over them as if they were two lonesome crows in the rain. "I always thought I would die before him," Siri said into the silence as they approached the Palace of Justice. It was a melancholy sentence. She would notice the absence of Perrin for many years to come, whatever kind of man he had been. She respected him, honored him, and would forever do so. He was Vehandzn, an ancestor now to look over his people from the other side.

Khavar nodded as they stepped inside and made their way towards the glass coffin where the hero of New Edom lay in gentle but unending repose. She was carrying a bouquet of fragrant Sevani roses, their stems thick with thorns. One did not trim them for the dead. The Protector placed them appropriately and then walked with Siri to wish their final farewell to Perrin Pahath-Moab oustide of the formal trappings of his funeral. "I have no pretty words," Khavar said, bowing her head to the dead man. For a moment, there was regret in her grey-green eyes. "You were robbed of the right of a warrior's death, but you are still a warrior. May you be in death the person your country needs, just as you were in life."

She took a step back, allowing Siri to say her piece to the dead body. The doctor was also the poet out of all of them. She had not stopped to write down anything as preparation. There would be no scripted eulogy or any words cheaply spent. What she had to say to Perrin would be for him alone. The Virabuyzh Yndhanur leaned over and said softly:

"There is a road of silver that as river runs,
Turning never back, but sweeping on as one.
It has carried you in song, but now silence comes.
After strife and noise, scarred and beleagured quiet won.
Hear nothing but the river's unsung lullaby,
As it carries you to the land of golden sun."

Her eyes actually started to mist a little bit as she spoke. It was strange not to be able to touch the body, to squeeze a hand or lay fingers on a cheek. Nava'ai funerals were not so antiseptic. She settled for touching the cold surface of the glass for a moment with her fingertips. "Sleep well, Perrin," Siri said as she parted. "You have earned the rest of the dead."

[Cacerta]

Palace of Justice
Fineberg, Allied States of New Edom
When the Queen of Cacerta first arrived, she stood back and watched the scene -- the long line of grieving men and women who mourned the loss of the great General who had united the Edomites as one in the wake of conflict. It would be hard to imagine what Perrin might have though to see how -- following his passing -- so much division had erupted. When Anelyn finally fell in line, she only allowed Mari to stand by her side. She didn't feel it would be appropriate for her SISMI guards to follow her in for the viewing, but they would be diligently waiting to the side for her to pay her respects.

She quietly recounted what it had been like during her father's funeral. The nation was quiet for several days, businesses closed down in order to honor the passing of the dead. Anelyn had still been in school when the news of the bomb in Molfetta came. Perhaps the worse part of it all was waiting to here the news about her father's fate for it had been clear that a bomb had destroyed his airship. There was some naivety in her hope that he had survived, but there was hope and it was what had kept her going.

There had been no viewing for her father's funeral for there was nothing to show. The explosion had torn his body asunder and regret had filled Anelyn's heart for not having had the chance to say I love you, Dad one last time. She had wept at the foot of his casket during the the ceremonies and refused to leave his side until he had been properly laid to rest at the in the Palazzo Vichenza grounds next to the great progenitors of their family name.

The first several weeks of Anelyn's rule had been characterized by the word of her advisers. She had been so stricken with grief that she had secluded herself inside her room in the Torre Alta and only saw the few people she had personally appointed. Henrietta and Mila held the country together during the first month alongside tending to the troubled Queen. Anelyn owed them a debt she feared that she would never be able to repay.

When she arrived at Perrin's coffin, she touched it gently. She had only met him a handful of times, but he had left an impact on her as the face of a united New Edom and had inspired her to do the same in Cacerta. Anelyn wondered deeply if she had a fraction of the strength that had characterized Perrin and said quietly to herself, "I hope I'm doing the right thing."

[Tericio]

ignore

[New Edom]

Fineberg

Things are gonna slide, slide in all directions
Won’t be nothin’, won’t be nothin’ you can measure anymore
The blizzard—the blizzard of the world has crossed the threshold
And its overturned the order of the soul

--Leonard Cohen, “The Future”

The VIPs at the viewing of the body lying in state were ushered through specially upon arrival; it was done decorously but of course these people—Kings, Queens, Emperors, Presidents—had little time to waste, and so courteously the regular folk would be moved aside, as with ceremony the important person and entourage was brought up.

Queen Mara’s court had worked out with that of the Heir how to avoid having them meet whenever possible, and so they arrived at different times altogether. Mara, mad or not, had precedence. She wore a crepe veil to hide her tears, but raised it when she came ot the coffin and placed a kiss on the large one and the little one, her tears falling, her kohl streaming, and had to be gently led away by Prince Enoch.

Prince Elijah Shalmaneser walked by solemnly and paused a long moment looking down at an old friend, a man he had gladly accepted as leader, now gone. He murmured, “I have no great vision as yours to rule with—but I will do all that may become a man. Depend upon it.”

An old man with grey hair, olive skin, handsome clean shaven features, wearing a full dress uniform with a cocked plumed hat, greatcoat like tunic with rows of decorations and orders, a gilded sword at his side, followed Princess Jocasa, the Heir, and the King-Consort. Eyes fell upon the pair of them together, but no one said anything openly, as this was a sacred place. The old man paused in respect, then moved on with the Heir’s party.

The Prophet, Samuel Under, arrived solemnly, a naked man, bearded, painted with crosses and decorations of the End Times Church, and bowed before the dead President. “Now he belongs only to God,” he said quietly, and kept going.

For the VIPs from foreign climes who had come, there were all comforts that could be made available; they had only brief moments with the leaders of the country, as it was not yet the right time for public meetings of any sort. Private ones were possible of course.

Lieutenant Adah Weber had to go with the main line, but recognizing her, the officer of the day of the honour guard whispered, “It’s alright Lieutenant, I’ll get you in properly—we have earned it surely.” She felt in awe and sorrow seeing her dead commander lying there in state as though in life. But he was never that still, really…always ready to move, was the General. “Goodbye, sir,” she whispered, clicked her heels, came to sharp attention and saluted.

Queen Mara

Repairing back to her chambers, promised that Jocasta and her entourage would not be able to approach her without warning, Mara all but collapsed after her part of the viewing, weeping afresh as she remembered the times talking and walking with Perrin while their dogs played in the grass. Hugging Precious too her, she curled up and faced the wall in her bedroom.

---

Prince Elijah Shalmaneser met briefly with General Unwerth to discuss something. "There has apparently been a new attack on our forces in S. Damoclea," said Elijah.

"Yes," said Unwerth cautiously, "I had heard that too."

Elijah nodded. Both men were in full dress, it was like a meeting from two centuries ago, plumes and gold braid, swords and spurs, cocked hat and morning coat style naval jacket, gilded hilts on blades, white gloves.

"I think it would be wise, during the truce, to make it clear that the Griffon still has a beak and claws," said Elijah. "We may differ after if the truce bears no fruit, but I suggest we make it clear that Nicanor's command is supported. That may make others in Peregrino, Callaban, Delvian States and Ghant take pause."

Unwerth said quietly, "I will have to ask the Heir."

"Of course," said Elijah, nodding in dismissal. "I would have it no other way." Unwerth clenched his jaw, nodded, and as Elijah stared at him, reluctantly bowed and left.

Princess Jocasta

The Grand Chamberlain, Count Merodach, was in Mara's court, but Jocasta had most of the Royal Servants already at Betharan, and she made the most of it.

"I want," she had said the previous day, "For there to be elegant room service available to all. They may prefer not to congregate constantly. We will serve two sets of meals however in each Dining Room of each wing of the palace so that my sister does not blow up too much," she added with a faint wrinkling of her pretty nose.

As Romain planned her campaign against Harbourtown, so Jocasta planned her campaign to provide superb hospitality. "I only want caviar served if it is very highest quality," she warned the Master Chef.

"But of course, Highness..."

"Don't 'of course' me," said Jocasta, eyes flashing. "The very best, or I'll have you sent to a penal colony. Let us see...I'm sure the Romans will appreciate eggs, several egg dishes with breakfast...now as to cheese..."

Rebecca murmured to Michael as they walked through a congregation of loyal Monarchists, "Do you see that woman there, with the hazel eyes, dark brunette fine silky hair, good figure, perhaps early thirties? She is just shy of plump, and has a naturally smiling mouth, very soft very high olive skin, in the black sweeping gown? That's Mrs. Dahlia Kiron, widow of General Jedediah Kiron. A great patriot. He died in an accident too--a car accident. He was very loyal to King Mark and later to my husband. She's good at cards and understands the social life of Fineberg and Bara very well indeed. A mourning...and lonely widow. Interested?"

[Hittanryan]

Palace of Justice
Fineberg, Allied States of New Edom

This wasn't how Tavish DeGroot had pictured Perrin Pahath-Moab going out. The Boy General had always been a man of bold, sweeping action, or so the Fineberg Times would say. DeGroot would call him something different: a gambler--not as a pejorative, just an honest assessment of the gambits Pahath-Moab had pulled off. Gamblers were capable of both great feats and spectacular failure. Go all in, and you can win or lose big. Given the nature of New Edom, DeGroot figured that one day Pahath-Moab would finally bite off more than he could chew.

Perhaps the Boy General would finally run afoul of a truly implacable foe, be plunged into war again. He could even picture the Fineberg Times article now about the President's legendary last stand, perhaps in command of his old unit. DeGroot bemusedly wondered what the Adiran media would say if he went out in a similar fashion. Probably question what he was doing on the battlefield in the first place, at least a few would probably be celebrating.

On the other hand, maybe his death would come from within rather than without. If the past few days were any indication, New Edom's old tensions were always present, just below the surface. Pahath-Moab had been forced to navigate the wilds of New Edom's political landscape; the rapids of religious extremism, the sinkholes of old grudges, and the cliffs of warlords. If these forces were managed poorly, Pahath-Moab would have been at risk.

Instead, bam, out of the blue, not even really anybody's fault. The President, many would say dictator, of New Edom was dead not due to foreign invaders or a highly-skilled assassin, but because the contract for the Fineberg Olympic Stadium had been given to El Sleazo's Discount Construction. Now he was gone, along with anyone with the reputability and experience to conceivably take his place and keep the Interim Government going on business-as-usual. The Queen was too isolated to rally the country. The Heir had already demonstrated she couldn't unite the country, only divide it. The ETC were fanatics; it remained to be seen if they would simply tear the whole country down. What a difference a handful of lives made.

Approaching the casket alone, DeGroot looked down at the man he'd worked and sometimes sparred with, his head bowed and his expression grim, saying nothing. Though in public he'd never admit it, yes, the Boy General had caused him to curse more than one blue streak over the months. Yet in an odd way that made DeGroot uncomfortable to admit due to the stakes involved, he would miss it. Pahath-Moab was one individual who was thoroughly unpredictable. That's where the challenge came from, why outmaneuvering or successfully negotiating with him was all the more satisfying.

Fishing around in his pocket, DeGroot found the item that had caused him considerable consternation. Would it be considered distasteful, a sick display of pitch-black humor on the same level as dead baby comedy? Or would it be the opposite, too sentimental, and playing into the rhetoric of a dictator who made use of that same rhetoric to justify oppression and manipulation of the truth? Finally, however, DeGroot decided that this wasn't for the pundits, it was for the dead.

Left behind by the casket, next to Siri's rose, was a new baseball. On it, in black permanent marker, was a short phrase in DeGroot's handwriting: 'Work hard, train hard, play hard, play the game'

[Shalum]

Military District of Fineberg

Among the chaos of the base, the Maldorian and Ghantish soldiers began to settle in alongside their Edomite comrades, as they settled into the barracks they had been assigned to and visited the local mess halls to see what the cooks they had to offer. Assault rifles and pistols alike were inspected and cleaned in preparation for both war and possible training exercises that would happen between now and when the truce expired. The Maldorian officers didn't want their men to get lazy during the upcoming period of peace, so there was every intention among the upper echelons of the command structure to have the men train for combat. These workout plans applied, especially, to the Ghantar among their ranks as well, many of whom had never even used an assault weapon in combat, apparently, unlike their Maldorian counter parts.

At the motor pool, those assigned to mechanized units did the same as their infantry counterparts, inspecting their Puma APCs and light attack vehicles that they had on hand. With the Ghantish Expeditionary Forces now present, there was a total of forty Fuchs light attack vehicles available, along with ten wheeled armored personal carriers, all of which had been built in Commoner factories based out of Shalum. For the most part, the light vehicles were equipped with heavy machine guns, fifty-caliber in nature, though there were five of these vehicles equipped with TOW missiles launchers in-case they encountered enemy armor. The Pumas were all infantry carrier variants, with 14.5mm guns as their primary weapon systems with a .50 caliber weapon as a secondary armament. Of the ten APCs, eight of them were ICVs, and the other two were mortar carriers equipped with 120mm mortar systems that could provide fire support if the need arose.

While the regular troops carried out the tasks that had been assigned to them, the upper echelon of the Maldorian command led by Colonel Drakon, accompanied with the Ghantar commanders that had been assimilated into the already present MLA units, found themselves at the general briefing among the commanding officers of units that they would be working with assuming war broke out, or even if it didn't. The general consensus was that they were going to be in New Edom for a while, even if things settled down, just in-case it was decided that they were needed.

"Huh, maybe this whole 'taking orders from a woman thing' won't be so bad after all." Captain Damak had muttered under his breath to the Maldorian next to him, as he watched General Romain enter the room, a pretty blonde woman accompanying her. That line earned a few from those around him, all of whom were either Maldorian or Ghantish, since they had decided to stick together, among their own kind where they felt more comfortable. Even so, General Drakon's stony expression didn't seem change any, as he listened to the plan of attack, arms behind his back as he remained in a parade rest position. Sure, she was pretty, but the idea of taking orders from her of all people still grated against what beliefs he had been raised on. He had no plans of letting her gender affect his decision making, he was a soldier through and through, but that didn't mean he had to be a happy one within the privacy of his own barracks.

"Capturing the western highways don't sound too hard, sir. Maybe a battalion each, with armored support?" Captain Damak proposed quietly, now leaning over to whisper in Drakon's ear, not wanting to disturb things going on around them.

"Don't read my mind, captain, its not polite." The colonel rumbled lowly in reply, his lips curling upward in one of his more rare, genuine smiles. He reached up and scratched his chin, the coarse hairs scraping against his calloused hands as he thought about how he wanted to approach it. What Damak had said was more or less in-line with what he had been thinking. It would be a good way of testing his men and their new armored machines, not to mention see what mettle these Ghantar barbarians were made of. Truth be told, he didn't put a lot of stock in them when it came to warfare, at least of the modern age. If worse came to worse, however, he was sure that they would make a good first wave to send in. Not a pleasant thought, since he liked to think that he cared about his men, but as far as he was concerned, it could end up being a necessity in order to secure victory.

"Make sure the men get zip-ties. Normally we don't take prisoners, but there are special circumstances." Drakon added after a moment, earning a nod from the captain. As he stood there and thought about it more, he wondered if the Edomites would look the other way or even notice if a few prisoners disappeared without explanation. Slaves from Acheron tended to bring good money back home, after all, and the MLA could always use money for more gear and men.

---

Lieutenant Brothan absently toyed with a few blades of grass as he watched her, a few strands of the green ground cover pinched between his thumb and forefinger as he watched her. Whenever the opportunity arose, his eyes would wander here or there, as he admired her exquisite, completely exposed form. Either this woman was a temptress, or she really didn't know just how sexy she looked in nothing but coveralls. Of course, he knew that she probably didn't think anything of it, with all of the Edomite nudity laws and practices. All the more reason for me to love this deployment. He thought, the small grin still lingering on his lips.

He chuckled a bit and nodded. "That's what I hear, ma'am. Apparently women love a man in uniform, or something like that, anyways. I'd like to think that whomever I marry or end up with won't have to worry about me being in that sort of position. I'd rather be a trooper than some high ranking officer, to be honest. Nothing wrong with getting your hands dirty and a little sweaty now and then. If anything, I find it enjoyable, getting sweaty anyways." He chuckled again, his voice a deep baritone. When she rose up, he did as well, practically groaning as he saw something that he would have loved nothing more than to have a taste of.

"Aye, its a bit warm, isn't it." He replied as he absently wiped at his forehead, brushing away the thin sheen of sweat that had built up on his forehead. If not for his tattoos, many of which were tribal, but some not, he would have stripped off his uniform top. Hell, it might have earned him so points. He liked to think that he was a rather cut individual, which he was, truth be told. He smiled warmly as he replied. "Eh, sure, I could go for a cup of lemonade, I don't have anywhere I need to be anyways. Thank you for the offer, you're as kind as you are beautiful." He replied, waiting for her to lead them onward.

Maybe I'll be lucky enough to find out just how hospitable Edomites can be...

[Jedoria]

Confederation Recognizes United Macureus, Nekulturnya, Austrania, Gloria Regis

The Strana Mechty Weekly

STRANA MECHTY - Speaking before reporters, Duchess Luminita Vianu confirmed that the Confederation of Jedoria officially recognizes The Kingdom of Nekulturnya, The Republic of New Austrania, Independent Gloria Regis, and United Macureus. Born out of conflict, each country has officially been offered an exchange of embassies with the Jedorian Confederation, of which the details have yet to be revealed.

No word was given regarding the hostile take over of Old Macureus by New Maurean sleeper agents, nor was there any statement given on the legality of the coup. Given the near totality of the operation however, there is seemingly little that can be done to reverse or impede it's effects. The sudden loss of the Theocratic matriarchy has reportedly had serious repercussions for the Shraileeni Empire, which until recently could count on Old Macureus as it's closest ally. Given the threatening statements made by First Citizen Ios Melin regarding the Empire, there is little doubt the Shraileeni are reacting strongly to this event.

On an unrelated note, The Duchess offered some words of condolence regarding the funeral for Perrin Pahath-Moab, stating "New Edom finally had peace. It's unfortunate it was so temporary."
The Duchess went on to re-affirm the Confederation's support the Kingdom of Cacerta, which is currently involved in the situation regarding Gloria Regis.

In Other News
-Peace Talks Begin in Azurlavai as Jedorian troops prepare to come home
-Who's who in this New Edomite Goverment
-Ossoria builds a destroyer that can go into space, probably

[Ghant]

Palace of Justice
Fineberg, New Edom

Michael of Dakmoor, King Consort of New Edom was caught in a most interesting position. He was waiting for his family to arrive from Ghant, but in the meantime was with Jocasta's party. His wife was there, somewhere, but if she wanted to see him, she would. He thought it was best to stay away and maintain a good distance should they encounter one another.

For the occasion, Michael was wearing his Cavalry Guard Uniform main uniform, which was white with gold and black buttons, epaulets and facings. It reminded him of Livy, and that made him smile ever so slightly. He took pride in being an honorary Colonel in the regiment, and seeing as how Perrrin was first and foremost a soldier, he found it fitting.

He walked around from one lying in state to the other, paying his respects. "If I was twice the man I could be, I would still be half the man as you," Michael lamented as he stood before the remains of the man. He had a plaque made with the poem that he wrote, and he laid it to the side of the glass coffin Perrin was in.

Guilt ran through Michael's body just then. If only he had listened...to his father, to his brother-in-law, to Enoch, maybe things would have been different. Maybe Perrin and the others would still be alive...maybe Mara wouldn't be mad. Maybe a Second Great War wouldn't be on the horizon. Is it all my fault? Somewhere, he suspected his ancestors were disappointed...Dakmarans were supposed to bring peace, not war. All because of my own foolishness.

Michael turned and walked away quietly from the coffin. Then he noticed Rover and remembered the dog with fondness. Michael had something for him too...a bone treat, which he set to the side of the dog's own glass coffin. "Rest in peace, Rover. Ever may you roam the realms of the afterlife." With that, Michael walked away. He would see them all again, someday. But not today.

Through the day, lost in the solitude of his own thoughts, Michael walked in a group of monarchists. He came back too when Rebecca murmured something to him, which got his attention well enough. "Do you see that woman there, with the hazel eyes, dark brunette fine silky hair, good figure, perhaps early thirties? She is just shy of plump, and has a naturally smiling mouth, very soft very high olive skin, in the black sweeping gown? That's Mrs. Dahlia Kiron, widow of General Jedediah Kiron. A great patriot. He died in an accident too--a car accident. He was very loyal to King Mark and later to my husband. She's good at cards and understands the social life of Fineberg and Bara very well indeed. A mourning...and lonely widow. Interested?"

The King Consort examined the widow. She was attractive enough, and if she was as lonely as he, it might do both of them some good to spend some time together and see what came of it. "She seems interesting enough, mother-in-law. Certainly I would be interested." Michael couldn't help but look around for Livy to see where she was, what she was doing...what was going through her mind over the day's events.

[Macureus]

To: Deputy Director Andrik Filius
From: First Citizen Aren Dazun
Subject: Regime Change
Encryption: Low

Deputy Director,

Thank you for your kind words of support and recognition at this time. First of all, let me refute the baseless charges of mass murder surrounding the revolutionary government. There was simply an opportunity presented to the Cause by the utter incompetence of the old regime's food and drink safety enforcement, which while regrettable, was not a chance that could be ignored. We freely admit that we seized upon that, but what else should we have done? The old regime failed to prepare for such a contingency, it had no established method of succession of the entire group, just of individuals through co-opting them into the Coven, so its absence would have left potential anarchy and the rise of Communism or worse in the nation. We did what had to be done, and so we thank you for understanding this.

It is true that our government is initiating massive social and political change, of course, because as with every crisis, as the Hostilians would say, there is both danger and opportunity. This opportunity, while born of tragedy, permits us to reorganize our society along more egalitarian and meritocratic lines, abolishing the gender injustices and religious fanaticism of the past. So, yes it is a truly historic occasion. We have also liberalized some very repressive laws that were in place which restricted personal freedoms to an absurd extent.

As to reunification, yes, we are definitely working closely with our New Macurean brethren to reunite the two states as one nation. The separation was never more than an artificial, political expedient, not something that ever felt natural to either side, and reunification has been a dream of both sides ever since. Families, towns, lands, have been divided by this artificial border, which is being phased out.

It is regrettable, however, that some families are being divided all over again, as those who cannot accept reform and progress have opted to leave our nation. Still, if they are not able to stomach the changes, my government will not keep them here against their will. In fact, unfortunate as it is, it may be for the best, as those who depart will not be able to retard or impede our revolution. We will let them go and hope that they return at some point with the awareness that they were wrong, though we will be quick to forgive such prodigal children of the nation.

If you wish to assist, there is one key way that makes sense. Observers for the elections. Independent monitors who can watch for irregularities in the upcoming plebiscite and general elections, so that we can be sure that the results are truly the will of the People of both Macurean states. The elections and plebiscite are a vital part of the reunification process, allowing the People to have a say in the reunion of their country and securing its legitimacy against all detractors. If not practical, we understand, but if it can be arranged, it would do much to discredit the advocates of the Old Order, foreign and domestic.

With sincere gratitude,
First Citizen Aren Dazun, Chairman of the Central Directorate of the Liberated Meritocracy of Macureus

[Blackhelm Confederacy]

Two weeks ago
Confederate Intelligence Service Headquarters
Sacrament, Blackhelm Confederacy

In a dark room, illuminated only by the glow of various laptops and the large projector screen on the far wall, a number of the highest ranking members of the various Confederate Intelligence Agencies sat gathered. The wall showed the nation of New Edom with several red circle around various cities, and green and blue ones around others. An older man, with receding silver hair and dressed in a sharp navy blue Air Force uniform stood next to the projection, a pointer stick in his hand.

"Gentlemen" the man began. "As we can see, there have been a series of significant developments taking place in the nation of New Edom. Our men on the ground have already confirmed that the ETC is ready and willing to take action, action which will hopefully lead to the collapse of the current government and install one more to out liking"

Immediately, a younger man, in his mid-50's with rounded glasses and not wearing a uniform, but rather a plain white shirt and black tie, cut in. "Why should we support these guys? I dont see any real benefits of this"

"The reasons are several. For one thing, we will see the rise of another hardline Christian state, which will provide us with another friendly nation. For another reason, we believe that if we support the ETC, we will be able to gain a certain amount of influence within New Edom which we simply do not have while Mara is on the throne, nor will we have if another faction seizes it. And finally, from this influence, we hope to gain certain exclusive economic and military privileges within the nation, privileges which will vastly expand upon our abilities out of the region" the older man said.

A third man chimed in, looking similar in age to the original speaker, although with a close cropped buzz cut and more salt and pepper to his hair then silver. He wore the green of the Confederate army. "And how exactly to you propose to support the ETC, Legate? We can't exactly spare ground forces here, not while we are so bogged down here in Astyria with local problems."

"This has already been taken care of" the blue uniformed man replied. "Thanks to our friend Mr. Baker there" he said gesturing to a man in a suit seated towards the opposite end of the table "we have received clearance to bring in arms, and even a few advisers, through the port of Nass. The area around the port is primarily supportive of the ETC, and we believe that this can open a major supply route to the rest of the nation."

"By advisors, I assume you mean my men" the man with the buzz cut said reluctantly.

"We only require twelve men for this. I am sure this is something you can spare. If it is, we can have a ship moving out tomorrow..."

Present Day
Port of Nass
Nass, New Edom

A large container ship, no different from any of the dozens of others that made their way into the port each and every day, was now navigating its way to its berth within the Edomite port. All over the decks, as well as within the innards of the ship, sat crate upon crate of relatively mundane factory equipment and electronics meant for various locations in and around the city. The sailors on board all scurried about the vessel making preparations to dock and unload while the captain took a sip of coffee and looked out over the dockyards. He had actually had no idea what he was carrying, he only knew that he received a larger than usual sum of money to squeeze a few extra crates on, as well as to take on a few extra sailors, and to keep his mouth shut about it,

The dozen extra sailors were rather unusual too, the captain thought. They kept to themselves for the most part, and while they did the basic sailorly duties, they seemed to be relatively unused to life aboard a cargo ship, mistaking simple sea terms and not knowing how to perform various tasks, despite the fact that their sponsor assured them that the men were all veterans and knew how to handle themselves. Those twelve men now, however, were nowhere to be seen while the ordinary crew of the ship made ready to pull into port. The captain shrugged a bit as he took another sip of his coffee. It wasn't his business to ask questions anyway.

It wasn't very long before the crates were all unloaded into the dockyards, and the 12 new members of the crew seemingly disappeared into the busy harbor, never to return to the ship that brought them to this land. Within some of these crates, you see, was not the ordinary, run of the mill factory supplies. Instead, they packed enough equipment for a ready made rebel army to form. Over a hundred SA-24 launchers stacked up in nice little green boxes, each with three missiles, two dozen RPG-29's, each of these with five missiles, tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition in various calibers in large wooden crates, 10 RPO-A Schmel's and three missiles for each one, a half dozen DsHK heavy machine guns, and last but not least three Type 63 multiple rocket launchers, a hundred and twenty rockets, and eight Type 67 mortars with a dozen shells each.

This massive weapons shipment, packed nicely into some of the crates hidden deep within the bowels of the ship, would be earmarked for delivery to one of the ETC factories within the city. There, they would rendezvous with the 12 sailors who seeming deserted their posts, and the training of the ETC would begin in earnest, for if you were unable to ascertain this already, those twelve men were not ordinary sailors at all. Instead, they were members of the elite Confederate Venatores, a group similar in function to the American Green Berets, who were sent here for the express purpose of creating a viable rebels army which could be a real contender for the rulership of the nation of New Edom.

[Shalum]

Shalumite Embassy

Ambassador William Holland yawned quietly, covering his mouth with a balled fist, as he looked out over the embassy grounds. Things felt as if they had calmed down, at least for the moment, anyways. He felt as if he was cooped up, with armed guards still out in plain view, patrolling the grounds with their weapons out and ready to go if need be, not to mention travel restrictions that had been put in effect for the time being, until things became more clear. The few meetings that he had scheduled had been cancelled for obvious reasons, and it wasn't deemed safe enough for him to go to the local athletic park and kill some time. The only upside was that his Roman wife of two weeks, by the name of Fabia Attica, had been left with plenty of time to themselves. It wasn't quite the honeymoon they had been hoping for, but it certainly had been enjoyable thus far.

Another reason for the continuation of the security protocols, was the fact that his father and mother would be staying at the embassy very soon. He had managed to break away from Aragon, and the Azurlavai debacle that was currently a hot-button issue, so that he could attend the funeral with his wife Allison. Already, they had landed at the airport, and were on their way to the embassy. William knew that he needed to get ready for the funeral, his suit already laid out on his dresser waiting for him. So, with another tired yawn, he turned a went off to clean up and get ready for the viewing. Maybe another cup of Nalayan coffee was in order as well, if he wanted to be alert for the viewing, anyways.

Palace of Justice
Fineberg, Allied States of New Edom

A couple of hours later, the Shalumite delegation found themselves at the Palace of Justice, where a number of foreign leaders were already present paying their respects to the fallen. They were all dressed for the occasion, the Imperator and Ambassador both wearing well-made business suits for the occasion. The Imperatrix was in a very rare form, wearing a dark dress instead of one her own more normal suits. Normally, she hated dresses, but this was one of the few times that she could actually tolerate the longer, constricting material, if only to fit in with the world leaders around her. Of course, the normal guard detail had been left at the embassy, since it was to be assumed that the Edomites would have this event under strict control.

There was another Shalumite present, though he could not be found among his peers, but instead by his wife's side. General Jack Harper had managed to make it out to the event, as expected, while General Ferdinand Schultz and Major Valliancourt oversaw the base. The large general was in the dark blues of the marine corp's dress uniform, his rank rather apparent on his upper chest. His raven hair, which was beginning to go salt and pepper in nature, had been cut for the occasion, and he had gotten a good shave in as well. For the most part, he tried to keep his tone neutral as he passed by the caskets, quietly murmuring his respects to them.

When it came time for Tyler to pass by the coffin of the late Edomite president, the Imperator brushed his fingers along the wood of it gently for a moment, before he returned his hand to his side. Truth be told, as he gazed down at it, he wasn't quite sure what to say. He had only met the man once, so he didn't have that much experience with him. Tyler knew that the man had done a lot of good for New Edom though, which was something. "May you find peace in the embrace of the Father Almighty, President Perrin." He murmured, before moving on.

[Spartianus]

Palace of Justice

Ashurnasirpal proceeded solemnly to the viewing of the late president. In one hand he held a short wide bouquet of blue lotus and white lilies directly from the garden of the Honorian Palace in Ashur, only recently out of refrigeration from the long trip. In the, held close to his chest after coming indoors, a wide brimmed dark cavalier hat with one side pinned up with a feather from an Edomite Gryphon, dyed a brilliant yellow. With the sovereign of the far off country walked only one man; Director-General Avrahim Hasaddo seemed as ironed and pressed as the crisp pale red uniform he wore. His curled mustache appeared to be more wax than hair for this special occasion.

Even as the sovereign himself passed by the majority of the displays with little more than a nod in an effort to get to the main attraction as quickly as possible, Hasaddo having to make up the difference, once he found himself before his intended target he found himself at a loss. Ashurnasirpal felt that even in death Perrin had the look of authority that made him ask himself why he was there. The monarch gulped as he lowered his hat to his side while Hasaddo finally caught up to him.

"Quite the thing, isn't it, melech? To see the light of a nation extinguished before you. It is one thing to understand the balance of light and dark and to recognize death and rebirth, but to see it happen is an entirely different thing." Hasaddo sighed, placing a grandfatherly hand on the sovereign's shoulder. " 'Anything that has a beginning also has an end. No flame, however brilliant, does not one day splutter and fade. But then, from the ashes, the flame reignites, and a new kingdom is born, sporting a new face.' " He continued, quoting the ancient texts of the Shartya'a.

Ashurnasirpal nodded slowly, eyes watering as he fought ferociously to keep back tears. "Two thousand years ago we would have made this man a god. Not only for the things he has done, but also so that me might not have to live in a world without his guidance. Not so soon." The sovereign cleared his throat as he sniffled, his words louder and more powerful now as he addressed the late president. "I have one more thing to give you, even now as this has come to pass. It is not much, but it is the highest honor I have the power to give you. You are promoted to Knight-Premier of the Order of the Radiant Sun. I doubt you remember even becoming a member, though I do not blame you. My father awarded you the title due to your actions in Peregrino. I only hope I can now honor both of your memories by continuing that legacy."

At that point the monarch gave a rare but swift bow as he turned towards the exit, walking swiftly but with purpose as he returned his large, flamboyant hat to his head and placed the flowers in the designated area. He dared not look back.

---

Betharan Palace

Ashurnasirpal entered Fineberg's palace with a small entourage of three Political Security Directorate agents. A smiled enraptured his face the moment he entered the building and he turned to one of the agents.

"I have a favor to ask. Would you mind sending a note to Queen Mara? I know it is late, but I do think it would be fun to play cards." The agent nodded as he took the scrap of paper placed into his hand and paced off into the palace in search of his target. The Melech nodded as he gestured for the other two agents to follow him into the palace. "Come, let us find a suitable table. And please tell me one of you brought a playing card deck..."

Dear Mara,

I know it is late, but I have finally arrived at the palace. I spent a while longer at the Palace of Justice than I had originally intended to, but I am loathe that I did not manage to catch you there. If you feel up to it, I was wondering whether you would like to play cards. Considering the time and the occasion, I understand if you would rather play some other time. I merely remembered you were going to play with your cousin Ava the last time we spoke, so I thought it would be a good idea.

Either way, do have a good night. I know I will sleep like a rock after this long trip.

-Ashurnasirpal

[New Edom]

Nass, Teman

POISONERS OF EDOM, GO HOME! said signs and banners around a foreign warehousing area near the piers of Nass. Not so vast as the Harbourtown docklands, it was nevertheless a large area full of docking areas for large vessels, cranes and infrastructure towering or looming around. City Militia held the protestors at bay but let them wave their signs and flags, let them sing and chant. They worked in shifts, a large naked crowd of people of various ages.

However many products shipped in were in fact allowed through--there were foodstuffs, chemicals, medicines and other things needed to keep the city and communities around it alive. So the Harbourmaster's office had let several container vessels in, including a recent one. It was marked down as agricultural equipment parts. This was so common and with all the civil confusion going on it would get lost in the shuffle.

Therefore, supposedly local officials from the Agricultural Reform Subcommittee, a few minor city officials for health and safety inspections arrived and apparently wanted to ask the foreign sailor some questions.

What they in fact were were members of the inner circle of the ETC Militia leadership, including an Elder Brother Samson, a short bearded lean tough man, a veteran of the Anarchist conflict and 2nd Civil War, who led Operation Joshua--the Military Intelligence and Security operation for the Militia of Teman. His duty in particular included making sure that arms procurement and training took place. Welcoming the newcomers, he would have them sift through the city discretely--along with all the heavy equipment. Its 'disappearance' could easily be written off as a shipment blocked or lost due to strikes and protests, and shuffled through paperwork confusion and then...if the balloon went up...it would not matter anyway.

[Late Roman Empire]

"Take this message to Zattem Resbruck. Tell him that it is from me. I could send it directly to the Mother Empress, or through the Prince Regent, but it is vital that it comes directly from me through the Foreign Minister. Do you understand why, Justus?" the Emperor Valerian instructed the Legate to New Edom, Justus Florianus.

"Yes, of course, Augustus. I understand very well," Justus agreed, taking the missive.

To: the Mother Empress of the Enlightened Matriarchy of the Shrailleeni Empire
From: Imperator Caesar Valerianus Divus Augustus Dominus Mundus Pontifex Maximus et Imperator Romanorum

Your Enlightened Majesty,

This is a direct and personal message to you from us, His Eternity, the Divine Augustus, Pontifex Maximus, Emperor of the Romans, and Lord of the World. It has been passed by our specific intention directly and deliberately through the person of that one of your servants who stands highest in our personal estimation and esteem, the servant of yours in whom we repose the most confidence and trust, Zattem Resbruck, your Foreign Minister.

This is to inform you that, until certain matters are so arranged to as to clarify and convince us that the new regime in Arod is not intent on wholesale massacres, purges, expansion of their revolution by force of arms, and general mayhem, we have decreed the freezing of all Old Macurean national financial holdings in the Late Roman Empire, have further decreed a complete travel ban by non-essential civilians to Old Macureus, and have suspended diplomatic relations with and postponed any recognition of the new regime therein until such matters are indicated and guaranteed to us through gestures of good faith such as permitting all who wish to depart to do so, inviting an internationally recognized team of monitors, preferably CPO, for the elections and plebiscite proposed, and a complete renunciation of any recognition of Muldera as well as non-interference with New Edom or Gloria Regis . Such gestures will indicate a future intention of civilized and humane conduct, as well as an ability to deal fairly with us and yourselves, among others, and most of all, some modicum of respect for the rule of law, at least in international affairs.

This is not to say that we entirely approved of the mode and system of religion and government under the old regime. It is simply to say that the methods chosen for rectifying and redressing their grievances were so extreme as to warrant serious reservations as to their respect for basic human dignity and their empathy for their fellow man. Speaking as a Christian, it is most personally disturbing and alarming to us as we interact with such a regime and witness its callous butchery of a council of what was, quite frankly, mostly elderly women.

In hoc signo vinces,
Valerian Augustus

[Hutanjia]

CHASTILLE, NEVORN
HUTANJIA

Hespatu insisted on making the trip to New Edom for the funeral of Perrin Pahath-Moab and the Ministers.
While President Hespatu usually got his way, this was one major decision that he was voted down by his advisers. To the point that HSA Director Gotamko and General Fotona, the Chief of Staff, had threatened to take over the Government and form a triumverate with the Rangatar (Head Senator), should Hespatu actually hop a plane out of Hutanjia.

Then they got serious. While New Edom was a strong ally, almost the penultimate ally that a troubled nation could have, the Allied States were in such dire straits themselves at the moment, with so many uncontrolled factions, including a good portion of the military opposing the side that Hutanjia supported, that it made no sense to tempt fate in such a volatile mix.

It was like dangling a mouse in front of a roomful of cats. He was bound to be a target for one faction or another that opposed Princess Jocasta. After more grumbling and threats of house arrest by his cabinet, Roderique Hespatu was finally resigned to the fact that he would be unable to attend. In fact, other than the Ambassador already in Fineberg, and Colonel Hudagku, no additional dignitaries would be sent along to the funeral. Only tributes and letters of condolence from Chastille. And substantial military reinforcements, of course.

THE EMBASSY OF HUTANJIA
FINEBERG

Ambassador Eptando received the word and prepared to be the only Hutanjian of importance in attendance at the ceremonies, along with his wife, who was the Charge D'affairs for the Embassy. That is, until Colonel Hudagku showed up with two squads of Hutanjian Army Rangers.

"Colonel, I must say this is quite a surprise. I haven't seen you since we first met when your unit entered the Allied States some months ago for the exercises."

"Yes, Ambassador, 'exercises'. Well, quite a bit has transpired since then, hasn't it? Although we have talked on the phone."
Hudagku looked around the Embassy lobby as he spoke, assessing the security of the building, as it had been some time since he had set foot in the downtown Fineberg location that was a little slice of Hutanjia deep in foreign lands.

"Only for you to tell me that you had no need of my services or to talk to me." The Ambassador's tone was barely neutral.

"We were no longer on a goodwill exercise, Sir. I was taking my orders straight from Chastille at that point, as things devolved into the current state here."

"Yes, well I take my orders from Chastille, as well."

"The Ministry, yes, while my orders were from HUTCENTCOM and the Green Villa." The Green Villa was the President's home, and his working residence for most purposes.
"Listen, Ambassador, let's start over, shall we? I never personally wanted to snub you. We were put in a role that we didn't expect and I had to check with my military superiors. I was told you were in the loop, so I didn't bother contacting you about continuing rapid progress, as you are not in my military chain of command."

"That's not quite an apology, and I'm not sure I agree that I didn't need to be consulted..." The Colonel let out a large sigh as the Ambassador spoke, "...But, I'll take it."

The Colonel straightened up, somewhat relieved.
"Good. Are we ready to head to the Palace of Justice for the viewing?"

"What about your unit? Aren't you about to start major operations?"

"My Executive officer, Major Bosamto is more than capable of handling that. We coordinated our movements and strategy beforehand. I have had little sleep because of that, but it was a load off to know that things should go without a hitch."

"Are you including the new inbound forces in your plan?"

"Ambassador, really...I have it all worked out and you don't need to worry about any of it." He subtly reminded the Ambassador that military operations were not his concern, nor had they ever been. "Let's just go pay our respects, sir."

And so the three officials and their combined entourage traveled to the Palace. They paid their respects and exchanged words with several officials, even some from the ETC, as well as Queen Mara's delegation, while they avoided the Feminists and other fringe contingents, as they had no need or desire to speak with them. They attended the wake and the Ambassador continued to attend after gatherings while the Colonel rushed back to the RCT HQ, which had now moved to a new locale.

THE ROADS TO HARBOURTOWN

The RCT moved into their preliminary positions as the Jocastan command had dictated. Major Bosamto did indeed oversee operations, but all the Company and Battalion commanders were just as equally adept at getting their respective units into line. The mechanized units were prepared to take the highway junctions and key points, while Rangers both ground mobile and teams loaded into the transport helicopters would speed in to assault the Militia Highway Patrol Barracks and other key infrastructure in their sector. The rocket and artillery units stood by if heavier firepower was necessary. As well, the HTH-203 mobile mortars, divided into two teams, would be able to assist in more local actions, in conjunction with other APCs and IFVs with mounted heavy firepower. AA was covered by the ZSU SPAAGs and teams armed with MANPADs, as well as their air support provided by the 12th squadron. Should the reinforcements from home arrive in time, some would be funneled forward towards the strike forces, while a group would be held back as a reserve force. They set about coordinating and trading intel with the 18th LI, the Maldorians and the Royal Cavalry Guards, as well as integrating IFF codes to avoid any friendly fire incidents with their assigned allies.

ENROUTE TO NEW EDOM

The air convoy that consisted of the transports, HRAF fighter escorts and the essential air refuelers continued on towards New Edom bearing the rest of the regiments that made up the contributing components of the RCT. Their progress was slowed as they made stops at friendly allied bases in order to service aircraft and take on more fuel, both petrol for the planes and sustenance for the troops and crew. It was a long journey from the Wishton Sea to Cornellia, but they were more than halfway there. They would be flying into Silver River AFB, at which point they would organize, mobilize and head out to reinforce the spearhead of the RCT, hopefully in time for the planned offensive to liberate Harbourtown from rebel forces.

Further behind, the small Hutanjian naval task force forged on, bringing additional troops and the heavier gear that could not be air transported, such as the Rotor attack squadron, more engineering gear and additional provisions. It was doubtful that they would arrive in time to effect the initial battles set to occur, but hopefully they could turn the tide, or cement victory upon their introduction into the theater. At worst case scenario, they may need to aid in trying to extract the Hutanjian forces already in theater upon a possible collapse and victory by Queen Mara's forces and her allies.

Current forces in New Edom:
1st Expeditionary Hutanjian Republican Army Regimental Combat Team

CO: Colonel Barton Hudagku
XO: Major Ferdinand Bosamto

• 2nd Battalion, 1st HAR (Hutanjian Army Rangers) ~
  
• 1st Battalion, 28th Mechanized Regiment
  - 16x Salamahs (APCs)
  - 12x Saladins (IFVs)
  - 14x LRVs (MUVs)
  - 7x HTH-203s (Mobile Mortar platforms)
  - 6x ZSU 23-4s
  
• A Co., 3rd Bn, 18th Artillery Reg.
  - 8x 155mm howitzers
  - 12x 88mm howitzers
  - 22x RA-10 light towed rocket mobile batteries (on loan from 50th Reg.)
  - 8x MRLS-2 (on loan from 50th Reg.)
  
• 3rd Pltn, B Co., 144th Med. Bn.
  
• A Co., 2nd Bn, 23rd Engineer Regiment
  - 4x Kvasir T-Drops
  - 2x C430T
  - 5x TH26
  - 3x CM800
  - various Sleipnir dump trucks, cement mixers and other construction vehicles and equipment
  
• 1st Bn, 46th Logistics Bd.
  - 8x Kvasir T-Drops
  - 35x HMLVs
  - 5x LARC-5 amphib capable cargo trucks
  - 8x Petro Genesis Tanker trucks
  - 20x GAZ-Tigrs
  - Various other logistical equipment and vehicles
  
• 12th CAS Squadron
  - 12x Dassault Super Etendards
  - 20x UH-100 Transport helos
  - 12x AH-90 gunships
  - 8x LIRCAS Sergeants

I will edit in a revised orbat to include the incoming reinforcements in this space later.