While I stood here talking peace - [ORBIT, MT, IC]

[Yngen]

Now then, since we're all up in arms and about to slice each others' faces off, here's an IC thread to do it in.
To add yourself to a side, just TG me!

Republic of South Zululand
Supporters

• Corumm

Democratic People's Republic of Zululand
Supporters

• Scandinavia
• Mongolia

Bugthavn Protectorate
Supporters

• Seaxeland

Neutral/Peacekeepers

• Yngen

Now remember, in a written RP it's impossible to "win" - people can argue round and round all day so try and stay co-operative . Also try not to be "that guy" who deploys 100 aircraft carriers or 10,000,000 men.

...a war has started

The Republic of Corumm has recently landed ground troops and 'advisors' on the island of Zululand, with the declared intent of clearing the island of its dangerous warlords and establishing a stable government, which they call the Republic of South Zululand. Corummese officials have announced the creation of Zulu Army with an established aim of 300,000 personnel, though this process will take some time.

Members of the Comintern, however, have decried this as a fascist occupation and in return, have established the Democratic People's Republic of Zululand to the north. The militaries of several Comintern nation states have dispatched military forces to the region to counter the Corummese move, whilst Zululand's as-yet-unaligned neighbour, Yngen, has dispatched observers and peacekeeper forces to the area. Tensions are running high as this standoff looks ready to explode into proxy war at any point...

[Forenet Skandinavien]

Map of Zululand

Karlsborg, Zululand:

The Eleventh Fleet under Admiral Baldur Leifsson was off the coast of Zululand. To be more specific, they were in sight of the former colonial capital of Karlsborg: the first stop for the liberation of the Zulu people from oppression. Roughly 5,000 of General Henrik Schuler's 20,000 soldiers were landed near the city, with air support flying overhead, easily making short work of the outdated anti-air fixtures and clearing the way for the Scandinavian forces to enter the city. There was not much resistance encountered among the general populace, as they were so used to the warlords fighting that they knew that any resistance would quickly spell death under the new regime. The army, though slowed down by the urban warfare, was easily able to overcome the undisciplined and under-armed forces the local warlord had sent out to stop them. Soon they were at his palace, and he was quickly killed by the Scandinavian forces. General Schuler, docking at the harbor after the warlord has been dismissed, was escorted by a squadron of Knights, as customary for all high-ranking officers and officials, to the square. Though he did not know the Zulu language, he did know that Zululand used to be a Scandinavian colony under the Third Empire, and therefore there would be many who knew Scandinavian (one of the Danish dialects, to be more specific) since the former colonial administration only used Danish when teaching and on signs.

"People of Karlshavn, I am General Henrik Schuler of the Scandinavian People's Revolutionary Army, and I represent the anti-colonial counterbalance to the Corummese invasion to the south. I know that my people have wronged you in the past, but the Corummese wish to bring about a new age of colonial mistreatment. The Scandinavian government has established the Democratic People's Republic of Zululand, a new nation for the Zulu people to achieve prosperity through Marxism-Jensenism, and they have sent me to establish it. I do not wish to oppress you, rather I wish to help you rid yourselves of oppression by the Corummese and the warlords. We will aid you in rebuilding your nation, though first I ask you this: ten thousand able-bodied Zulu youth report outside of the city for training in the Zulu People's Liberation Army by Scandinavian military officers. The Zulu people have a proud military tradition, and modern technology and doctrines can only advance that in your struggle against the bourgeoisie oppressors."

There was some uneasiness in the crowd upon hearing that the newcomers were Scandinavians, however, Schuler's promises of prosperity overshadowed the distrust that they had of the foreigners. The city, among the larger ones of the nation, sent out a vast surplus of young adults willing to fight for their peoples' freedom from their oppressors.

[Corumm]

Sydhavn, South Zululand

News had reached the capital of the impending arrival of 20,000 scandinavians under General Schuler, sending the "government" into a panic. President Dingane Thokele called an urgent meeting with the Corummese representative, and real power in South Zululand, General Gerrel Milet.

He waited in his well appointed new office, flanked by his generals, who only weeks earlier had been warlords brutalizing and extorting the population. They were a comical bunch, with dozens of medals for imagined victories pinned to their uniforms.

Finally the Corummese arrived, led by General Milet.

M:"Well here we are Thokele, what was it that you wanted?"
T:"General we have heard the Scandinavians arrived in the north, is this news true?"
M:"It is indeed true, they have occupied Karlsborg"
T:" Is the army ready? should we attack?"
M:"What are you talking about, are you crazy? Your forces are nowhere near ready for anything, these recruits that keep arriving are rotten and at least half of them are on drugs most of the time. Many will be useful meat shields at most, still, I am confident we will be able to whip some of these into divisions that will not embarrass us when we send them north. In the meantime I advise you to move the militia you and your fellow "commanders" have mustered to Soby and Trælhavn"
T:"Of course, of course; we have the utmost confidence in your expertise General"

[Yngen]

Sydhaven, South Zululand

Waiting outside President Dingane Thokele's office were a quartet of Imperial personnel, here on a diplomatic mission. The first was a gruff-faced man with luxurious moustaches and sideburns, dressed in a black sweater and khaki trousers and molle webbing, an odd leather cap on his head with a long neckguard and high, wide brim. A small patch on his shoulder bore the silhouette of a shark and the motto "CAVE ABYSSUM".
Beside him was another soldier, female, with blonde hair and similar attire, younger by far, and in front of them both was a man in jeans, a checked white shirt and a duffel coat with a long, thin face. Behind all of these was a figure wearing what looked like golden armour, plates over cloth-of-gold fatigues and a high helmet with wings at the sides and a peaked crest, beneath which a mirrored gold visor stared expressionlessly.

They waited patiently to talk to the President.

[Dayaar Mongol]

Karlsborg, Zululand

The Scandinavians had arrived a day before and had already made their presence well known to the Zulu people by obliterating the so-called 'warlords' who ran things in Zululand. As the ports were already clear for docking, the Mongolian ships moved into place and unloaded their forces and supplies. Leading this expedition was none other than General Oyunchimeg, Supreme General of the Mongolian Armed Forces. He laid his eyes upon the pitiful excuse for a capital, the poverty and depression was enough to disgust anyone.

"How appalling that people must live in these conditions."

He thought to himself, as he stood amidst the hundreds of Danish-speaking Scandinavians. He was prepared for his little adventure in Zululand, though, and had studied the Danish and Zulu languages to the point where he could hold a simple conversation.

"Does anyone here know where I may find General Henrik Schuler?"

He said in Danish, awaiting a response.

[South Zulu]

Sydhaven, South Zululand

Waiting outside President Dingane Thokele's office were a quartet of Imperial personnel, here on a diplomatic mission. The first was a gruff-faced man with luxurious moustaches and sideburns, dressed in a black sweater and khaki trousers and molle webbing, an odd leather cap on his head with a long neckguard and high, wide brim. A small patch on his shoulder bore the silhouette of a shark and the motto "CAVE ABYSSUM".
Beside him was another soldier, female, with blonde hair and similar attire, younger by far, and in front of them both was a man in jeans, a checked white shirt and a duffel coat with a long, thin face. Behind all of these was a figure wearing what looked like golden armour, plates over cloth-of-gold fatigues and a high helmet with wings at the sides and a peaked crest, beneath which a mirrored gold visor stared expressionlessly.

They waited patiently to talk to the President.

President Thokele sat alone, mulling about the meeting with the Corummese. One of his aides walked in briskly.

"Your excellency there is a diplomatic mission from Yngen waiting outside to see you"
"From Yngen you say? What do they want, did they say?"
"No your excellency"
"Hmm, show them in"

[Seaxeland]

Bugthavn, Zululand

The relatively peacefulness of the city of Bugthavn, a moderately-sized port city just north of the South Zulu border, while south of the DPRZ's control zone, was broken when two unmarked attack helicopters appeared and open fired on the local warlord's palace, attacking the nearby militiamen on the roofs, as well as the technicals on the street. Before the militia could issue a direct response, the majority of their vehicles had been destroyed, especially the ones attached with AA guns, leaving only the men armed with shoulder-fired rocket launchers. Unfortunately for them, their own accuracy, as well as the accuracy of the rockets they fired, was too poor to pose much of a threat for the pilots in the attack choppers, who proceeded to make quick work of them.

Once the outside of the palace was cleared, a transport helicopter arrived, carrying 13 soldiers, and slowly descended into the streets in front of the palace. The citizens around the palace could not help but peek through their windows, their own curiosity getting them better of them, as they witnessed the soldiers unload with their military grade equipment, hardware, and weapons, all of which was still unmarked.

After cutting the chains to the gate of the warlord's palace with bolt cutters, the troops moved in cautiously, only to fall into an ambush and extremely short firefight in which they escaped with only one casualty. They then placed C4 on the doors to the palace, blowing it, and tossing in a flashbang before moving in themselves. The disoriented militia were disarmed and subdued, as their warlord was helplessly surrounded.

"Who are you!?" The warlord shouted in the Zulu language, unaware of who these men, obviously foreigners, were. "You are not Corummese, you are not Scandinavian..." The commanding officer of the small group of soldiers stepped forward, and removed his helmet and balaclava. The blonde-haired, blue-eyed, white soldier stared at the warlord for a moment before conversing with him in isiZulu. "We are your new supporters. Your new suppliers. Your new financiers. Your new protectors." The warlord was stunned, as the foreign soldiers lowered their weapons and saluted him. "We are your new allies... your majesty." The soldier smiled, then knelt, as his squad followed suit. The warlord's face slowly produced a smile. "Well in that case, welcome my friends, to Zululand."

[Yngen]

The thin man in the jeans and checked shirt spoke up first, in the native dialect.
"Good morning Mr President. Thank you for seeing us. My name is Mr Gerber, and I represent the Imperial Confederacy of Yngen."
He turned to gesture at the three behind him. "This is Captain Fare and Lieutenant Kiele of the SHARC, and this is a representative of the Goldwing Finance group."
Turning back, he took a seat opposite the President.
"Now, we are here to discuss the recent...upheavals in Zululand. The Senate has long had hopes for the increased prosperity of the country, and Sydhaven was rapidly becoming a beacon of modern values and free trade. Now it seems that war has come to Zululand, and the government of Yngen feels impelled to ask: what do you feel is the most important value for Zululand?"

In the background, the golden figure began moving around the room, checking for bugs or wiretaps.

[Stenza]

Carrier Force 3 (CF3) sent to Zululand.

CF3 has been ordered to head towards Zululand from it's current patrol route and will meet the replenishment ship RS-07 on it's way there. CF3, led by Stacy (Renamed Amanda) class carrier Bunker Hill will stay stationed off Zululand for peace patrol and to aid any refugees, should conflict arise. CF3 has no intent of combat anywhere near Zululand.

[South Zulu]

The thin man in the jeans and checked shirt spoke up first, in the native dialect.
"Good morning Mr President. Thank you for seeing us. My name is Mr Gerber, and I represent the Imperial Confederacy of Yngen."
He turned to gesture at the three behind him. "This is Captain Fare and Lieutenant Kiele of the SHARC, and this is a representative of the Goldwing Finance group."
Turning back, he took a seat opposite the President.
"Now, we are here to discuss the recent...upheavals in Zululand. The Senate has long had hopes for the increased prosperity of the country, and Sydhaven was rapidly becoming a beacon of modern values and free trade. Now it seems that war has come to Zululand, and the government of Yngen feels impelled to ask: what do you feel is the most important value for Zululand?"

In the background, the golden figure began moving around the room, checking for bugs or wiretaps.

A flicker of annoyance crossed the President's face, who did these people think they were to arrive unannounced at his door?

"We value stability, something those communist bastards up north know nothing about. But I am sure you didn't just come all this way to ask inane questions or waste my time. Is Yngen going to recognize the Republic as the sole legitimate representative of Zululand?"

[Forenet Skandinavien]

Ulundi, Zululand:

Ondini, Nordhavn, and Nobamba have all been liberated, and now with the Scandinavian forces split in two Jernlejr and Vesthavn have been liberated, with Ndondakusuka and Stor Søborg next on the schedule. Ulundi was easily taken by the Scandinavian military. Upon hearing of the impending arrival of liberators, citizens took to the streets in armed protest. The warlord's militia abandoned their posts, partly out of a desire to help and partly out of common sense. Soon the former capital of the Zulu Kingdom was under Scandinavian control. The currently occupied territory was declared to be the territory of the Democratic People's Republic of Zululand, currently under the provisional administration of General Henrik Schuler, and that Ulundi would be its capital city. Much work is to be done to make Zululand rise from the Third World. The volunteers picked up from the liberated cities were being organized into units and trained as the first soldiers of the Zulu People's Liberation Army. As that was happening industrial equipment, food, and medical supplies along with competent workers to use them were being shipped to Zululand to start the modernization of the cities, which, all throughout the island, are at most crumbling Industrial Age apartment blocks centered around open marketplaces and ruined government buildings. This had to change. The cities would be rebuilt by a joint effort of Scandinavian construction workers and unemployed Zulu proletariat looking for work where they could not find any under the warlord regimes. Food too, was being shipped to Zululand, in addition to new farming and food processing techniques that would make the products of the land safer for consumption. Medical supplies were also being shipped in, as they are invaluable to the nation's success. Many are suffering from diseases that First World medicine can cure, and many others need help recovering from drug addictions developed during the reign of the warlords.

Karlsborg, DPRZ:

Captain Jan Sørensen, an officer of the Scandinavian People's Revutionary Navy, was one of the Scandinavian military personnel left in the city to maintain order. Upon hearing Oyunchimeg speak, Sørensen, who was within a close range of the Mongolian general, responded,

"General Schuler is currently in Ulundi setting up the provisional government and finalising the first wave of liberation for the Zulu people."

After talking to Oyunchimeg, Sørensen introduced himself in a typical military fashion as one would do to an officer who seemed to be of higher rank. Saluting the general, the Scandinavian said,

"Captain Jan Sørensen of the SKS Aarhus of the Scandinavian People's Revolutionary Navy, sir!"

[Yngen]

A flicker of annoyance crossed the President's face, who did these people think they were to arrive unannounced at his door?

"We value stability, something those communist bastards up north know nothing about. But I am sure you didn't just come all this way to ask inane questions or waste my time. Is Yngen going to recognize the Republic as the sole legitimate representative of Zululand?"

"Well that depends," shrugged Mr Gerber calmly "how can we recognise you without first finding out a little more about what you stand for?"
The golden figure finished its search and nodded quietly. Gerber smiled and continued.
"So, Mr President, you speak of stability. Will this then come in the form of a free-market democracy, open to trade and ready to take its place amongst the rest of the free world?"

[South Zulu]

A flicker of annoyance crossed the President's face, who did these people think they were to arrive unannounced at his door?

"We value stability, something those communist bastards up north know nothing about. But I am sure you didn't just come all this way to ask inane questions or waste my time. Is Yngen going to recognize the Republic as the sole legitimate representative of Zululand?"

"Well that depends," shrugged Mr Gerber calmly "how can we recognise you without first finding out a little more about what you stand for?"
The golden figure finished its search and nodded quietly. Gerber smiled and continued.
"So, Mr President, you speak of stability. Will this then come in the form of a free-market democracy, open to trade and ready to take its place amongst the rest of the free world?"

Thokele shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

"Naturally, however you must understand we are in a very delicate situation. We must first subjugate these other illegal states and that will invariably require conflict, and only strong leadership can see it done so elections are off the table for now. "

"You understand we cannot risk the war effort with debilitating internal politics. Recognition by Yngen would be a great step in taking the wind off the sails of these other so called Zulu states"

[Corumm]

CNN: Corummese News Network

South Zulu awards important concessions and development contracts
The Development Ministry of the Republic of South Zulu has awarded several contracts and concessions to important Corummese firms. Among the companies benefited is Gemel Conglomerate which has been awarded the contract to build a new international airport in the city of Bulawayo, Comeco has been awarded the concession to a gold mine in Nongoma state and Mimban Devepments will be expanding the port facilities in Sydhavn.

More military advisors for South Zulu
The Ministry of Defense is sending 200 military advisors to South Zulu to contribute to the build up of its defensive capabilities. The Ministry judged the current number of advisors in Zulu inadequate due to the sheer numbers of individuals looking to join the New Zulu Army, which is being trained by Corumm.

Vice Chancellor to visit Stenza
Vice Chancellor Haria Simm is to travel to the Stenzan capital of Reach to discuss the deepening of economic ties and current international events. This will be the first visit of Corummese officials to Stenza since it underwent its leadership changes.

[Yngen]

Thokele shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

"Naturally, however you must understand we are in a very delicate situation. We must first subjugate these other illegal states and that will invariably require conflict, and only strong leadership can see it done so elections are off the table for now. "

"You understand we cannot risk the war effort with debilitating internal politics. Recognition by Yngen would be a great step in taking the wind off the sails of these other so called Zulu states"

Mr Gruber smiled broadly.
"Now of course, we understand, elections must be suspended in wartime.

However, Zululand is a vital trade partner, providing Yngen with plenty of exports as you are no doubt aware. We would very much like to see Zululand emerge as a prosperous trading state, with a happy, safe people and a free, modern state with elected politicians. It is our belief that a man who successfully led Zululand in their fight for independence, who brought wealth and freedom and prosperity....a man who perhaps had already served a term as President...that kind of man would almost certainly win an election, and could enjoy the full support of his neighbours to boot."

He leaned forwards, his tone changing a little as his voice lowered.
"Of course, you are an intelligent man. The Corummese and Saxon forces want to introduce totalitarian dictatorships to your region. This may well sound pleasant, and it would guarantee total control...if you were to win...for a short time. But totalitarian dictatorships rely on fear and brute force. You would have to watch your population every day, all day, and you would have to spend years psychologically conditioning them, training them to be obedient to the state. The Communists to the north are little better. They would similarly see everything controlled by the state, which in time would result in uprisings and unrest.

Instead, if you give the people just a little bit of freedom of choice and some disposable income in their pockets, they'll pick you to lead them. They'll spend their hard-earned cash, pay their taxes, and everyone wins. If they love you, they'll fight to keep you. If they fear you, they'll fight to get rid of you the moment the next dictator comes along. These other nations aren't offering you anything new, they're just upping the scales. You can be a warlord with new weapons and technology, sure, but all the other warlords will have the same weapons and the same technology. You can be a President instead. You could speak for every Zulu, have their love, their respect, and their tax money."

He winked.
"So perhaps you keep accepting the help of Corumm, but make damn sure your guys are involved in the training process. Your men need Zulu officers, need to swear loyalty to the Zulu Republic. Keep a close eye on it, get your experienced warriors in there to keep the Zulu Army Zulu. You do that for your own sake, because otherwise you'll end up with a Corummese army made of your own people. As for our requests? We'd like you to write up a draft constitution, all the usual about freedoms and such, and in return? We recognise your state as the legitimate Zulu state...we give you beneficial trade deals, we open the markets and everyone gets rich as lords. Sound good?"

[Seaxeland]

Kwadukuza, Zululand

The warlord palace lay in ruins, as the panicked militiamen, outnumbered and outgunned, could do nothing but surrender to the superior Saxon-Zulu forces. In the midst of the ruins wave two flags, the flag of Seaxeland and the flag of the Bugthavn Protectorate. With two major port cities under Saxon-Zulu control, the amount of weapons, supplies, and troops entering the Bugthavn Protectorate doubled. The Joint Saxon-Zulu Taskforce (JSZT) was then created for the sole purpose of wrangling the warlords in the lands outside of the major cities in the Bugthavn Protectorate. Under the former warlord, now the 1st King of the Zulu, Bongani Zuma, the Holy Army of the Zulu (HAZ) was formed, an independent military made up primarily of former militiamen. Given arms, equipment, and training by the Saxon Armed Forces (SAF), HAZ was well on it's way to becoming a modernized military fighting force, though there was much work to be done.

Bugthavn, Zululand

While the SAF and HAZ were off chasing warlords in the outskirts under the direct command of the JSZT, a battle of faith and ideology was being fought in the cities, as Saxon missionaries began converting the people, including King Bongani I, to Roman Catholicism. Meanwhile, media outlets were dispersing the teachings of Fascism to all areas under the Protectorate's control. Resources were being hauled in from Seaxeland, as the natives were taught more advanced construction methods, allowing for the modernization of the buildings. Houses were torn down, only to be erected again, bigger and stronger than before. Schools, hospitals, and churches were being built, while the harbors were being widened so they could support more ships. Law enforcement agencies and fire departments were being built, with the safety and security of the people in mind.

Power plants were being built to bring electricity to places that had never experienced it, as television and radio stations were being set up, with power lines being constructed to connect it all together. The Zulu were being brought into the 21st Century, as they would look around and see nothing but progress, the lives of the Zulu people were being changed forever. Roads were being fixed up, factories were being opened, streets and sidewalks cleaned of garbage, free healthcare and education being brought to the masses. Places that lacked food suddenly came into abundance of it. The poorest regions were being fixed up, with glass being added to windows that had none before, and air conditioners being installed into buildings that had never had them. Life was improving amongst the Zulu masses. All the masses. To the upper, the middle, and the lower classes. With all this, King Bongani I declared that when modernization was complete, the entire protectorate would host a celebration.

But behind all these happenings, there was no joy to be found in the Royal Palace. "From what you have told me of the Corummese, they seem to be aggressive to the point of stupidity." King Bogani I said while on a cellphone, speaking to Chancellor Archer of the Stratofascist Federation. "Indeed they are, your highness. No doubt their puppets in that little faux republic of their will be just as stupid." the king scoffed at the chancellor's words. "It is of no consequence, should they try anything, you could quickly turn them into plate glass." the chancellor sighed before answering. "Perhaps. Unfortunately, your highness, we know nothing of their nuclear capabilities... yet." the king curiously paused before replying "And what exactly do you mean by, 'yet'?" the chancellor chuckled "Fret not, your highness. The Zulu people will one day be united under one flag, under YOUR flag. The Corummese are nothing but a small stone, the true obstacle is the big, red, boulder in the midst of our road. The Corummese are nothing but pests, they should not be a problem since everyone pretty much hates them. The ComIntern, however, is a grave threat. Their heathen ways will be their downfall. God is on our side, my friend, and it is for that reason that we cannot fail." the king pondered some before replying "And what exactly do you get from helping me and my people, Mr. Archer?" the chancellor grinned a bit "An ally in ideology, a friend in the West, and a faithful follower of the one, true, God." the king was slightly surprised "That's all? No money? No power? No resources? Nothing else?" the chancellor sighed once more, only in am ore positive way this time "Nothing else, my friend. Nothing else." the conversation ended there, as both men hung up simultaneously, leaving the king to question his motives, his beliefs, and his faith.

[North Zululand]

Ulundi, DPRZ:

With the Scandinavian soldiers, recently granted dual citizenship and membership of equal rank in the Zulu People's Liberation Force, having returned from liberating Ndondakusuka and Stor Søborg, all of the major cities of Zululand have been divided between the three ideological sides. There was much to do in Zululand, and as Scandinavian cargo freighters docked in ports that weathered almost two hundred years of either heavy use or heavy disuse, supplies began to flow like a flood. Food was distributed to the starving so that no Zulu citizen was hungry. Scandinavian doctors who have been granted dual citizenship have taken up residence in Zululand while Zulu candidates for doctors are sent to Scandinavia to learn. These doctors are seeing vast masses of patients daily, often curing them of ailments with simple modern medicine, and where they could not cure they lessened the burden that the ailments caused. The hard-working Scandinavian proletariat joined forces with the inspired Zulu proletariat to conduct massive-scale modernization projects all across the nation. Cities were being overhauled, with each being designed now in a logical Scandinavian fashion. These new cities, often described as stepping stones to larger metropoles, have been dubbed "Sizwe's Town" in suit with the "John's Town" and "Christian's Town" that can be found in every major city across Scandinavia. These new cities would include state-of-the-art public facilities and utilities, and their homes would be suitable to live in by First World standards. Hospitals will be built in every city to care for the sick and injured; schools and universities will be built for all who wish to learn; green and nuclear power plants will be built to light up every Zulu's home, heat up their stove, and power their computers (which are being introduced); roads and rails will be paved and laid down across the nation to facilitate transportation; farms and villages will be modernised for the improvement of the quality of life and efficiency. The ports of the port cities are to be expanded, and Ulundi International Airport is to be constructed along with several airbases. The Isles' natural resource production will be improved greatly by increases in efficiency and output, and factories will be constructed to provide manufactured goods. What form of media that are available, old radio stations and Scandinavian posters, are being jointly used for administrative purposes and for propaganda purposes, teaching the Zulu people about communism.

The Zulu People's Liberation Force is making great strides in progress as well. The 20,000 Scandinavian soldiers under General Schuler, the eleventh fleet, and many squadrons of Scandinavian aircraft have been given dual citizenship and have been made a part of their corresponding branch of service in the ZPLF. Any who did not want to go through with this change was given the opportunity to opt out, instead being replaced by another who was more willing. The Zulu People's Liberation Army has reached a total size of 201,000 soldiers, not to mention the many more included among the officer and support ranks. The bulk of the army is composed of Zulu recruits from the liberated nation, and they are currently being trained by Scandinavian officers who have been granted dual citizenship. Guns, tanks, artillery pieces, and more are all being shipped to the new state to supply its military with top-notch Scandinavian equipment. The Zulu People's Liberation Navy is doing extraordinarily well, as it is currently composed of the First Fleet, the former Eleventh Fleet of the Scandinavian People's Revolutionary Navy. Its crowning jewel, former Sammenhold Class Aircraft Carrier SKS Håbe, is the Zulu Mkhumbi Wempi (ZMW) Ubunye, first and only Ubunye Class Aircraft Carrier. The ZPLN is currently, unlike the army, mostly Scandinavians, though Zulu sailors are being recruited and trained. Next, the Zulu People's Liberation Air Force is composed of many Scandinavian pilots and aircraft, and currently cannot train Zulu recruits until airfields can be constructed. The Vanguards of Unkulunkulu, the Zulu equivalent to the Knights of Valhalla, is in the preliminary process of selecting the first Vanguards. This selection process is to take place until adequate training facilities can be built.

All of this may raise the question: who is the man behind all of this? While Marshal Schuler played a large role in setting this up, Muzakayise Sizwe will be overseeing this until he dies or the the Thought Commission (which hopefully soon will be the Zulu Thought Commission and the International Thought Commission, with the Scandinavian Thought Commission conducting affairs in Scandinavia only) deems that he is not supporting party ideology. Sizwe was formerly a pastor for the Zulu Lutheran Church, the church that formed after the isles freed themselves from Scandinavian rule, and devoted his life to helping those in need, which durig the reign of he warlords was mostly everybody. Sizwe is a selfless man who lives a simple life, preferring to take joy in his family and his work rather than Earthly luxuries, yet his religiousness should not fool one. He is well-versed in science from textbooks that his father acquired from a library that was shut down and later burned by the warlord of the time, and is a logical man who believes the facts and questions everything. His policy on religion is the same as the Scandinavian one: all are allowed freedom of religion so long as said religion is not detrimental to the self or to the state, but all religious institutions are to be constructed and run by the state, meaning that only state-approved religions with large amounts of followers will get religious buildings built for them. Currently, the only two are the Social Zulu Church (the socialist adaptation of Zulu Lutheranism) and the Social Nordic Church (the largest religious group in Scandinavia).

[South Zulu]

Mr Gruber smiled broadly.
"Now of course, we understand, elections must be suspended in wartime.

However, Zululand is a vital trade partner, providing Yngen with plenty of exports as you are no doubt aware. We would very much like to see Zululand emerge as a prosperous trading state, with a happy, safe people and a free, modern state with elected politicians. It is our belief that a man who successfully led Zululand in their fight for independence, who brought wealth and freedom and prosperity....a man who perhaps had already served a term as President...that kind of man would almost certainly win an election, and could enjoy the full support of his neighbours to boot."

He leaned forwards, his tone changing a little as his voice lowered.
"Of course, you are an intelligent man. The Corummese and Saxon forces want to introduce totalitarian dictatorships to your region. This may well sound pleasant, and it would guarantee total control...if you were to win...for a short time. But totalitarian dictatorships rely on fear and brute force. You would have to watch your population every day, all day, and you would have to spend years psychologically conditioning them, training them to be obedient to the state. The Communists to the north are little better. They would similarly see everything controlled by the state, which in time would result in uprisings and unrest.

Instead, if you give the people just a little bit of freedom of choice and some disposable income in their pockets, they'll pick you to lead them. They'll spend their hard-earned cash, pay their taxes, and everyone wins. If they love you, they'll fight to keep you. If they fear you, they'll fight to get rid of you the moment the next dictator comes along. These other nations aren't offering you anything new, they're just upping the scales. You can be a warlord with new weapons and technology, sure, but all the other warlords will have the same weapons and the same technology. You can be a President instead. You could speak for every Zulu, have their love, their respect, and their tax money."

He winked.
"So perhaps you keep accepting the help of Corumm, but make damn sure your guys are involved in the training process. Your men need Zulu officers, need to swear loyalty to the Zulu Republic. Keep a close eye on it, get your experienced warriors in there to keep the Zulu Army Zulu. You do that for your own sake, because otherwise you'll end up with a Corummese army made of your own people. As for our requests? We'd like you to write up a draft constitution, all the usual about freedoms and such, and in return? We recognise your state as the legitimate Zulu state...we give you beneficial trade deals, we open the markets and everyone gets rich as lords. Sound good?"

"All you have said bears much wisdom that all Zulus could benefit from. It should please the Senate of Yngen that a constitution is already a work in progress by leading lawmakers in South Zulu, a document that will safeguard the basic human rights of all loyal citizens."

"And we certainly welcome open markets and material wealth for Zulus, we are not communists after all. Your are all welcome to stay as guests in South Zulu, however I advise you to keep a low profile. My people are still very suspicious of outsiders."

[Corumm]

Sydhavn. RSZ
Every day that passed saw the strengthening of the new state institutions. It also saw a steady weakening of President Dingane's already nominal control and the strengthening of the very real control exerted by Corummese representatives, General Milet was unofficially known among the natives as 'Proconsul Milet' .

Compliant zulus were being placed on all posts of importance from the security services, the military and the economic sectors. Even a political party was being created from the ground up, the aptly named Party of Zulu Democrats, named in honor of its benefactors in the Party of Corummese Democrats. It was envisioned as eventually bringing together all pro Corummese elements into a single organization managed from abroad.

Old tribal alliances and rivalries were being dispelled through a mix of forceful threats and generous patronage, firmly establishing Corumm as the entity to please.

Meanwhile the armed forces continued to refine its capabilities, with shipments of equipment arriving almost daily. The occupation of the Scotomo islands might have to be eventually considered, it would make supplying South Zulu a much easier endeavor. The naval squadron already present in the RSZ was also being reinforced with extra ships that were being phased out by the Corummese navy such as the aging battleship Munificent.

[Yngen]

Presidential Office

"Splendid, Mr President."
Gruber pulled a folder from one of the expansive pockets of his duffel coat. Pulling out a few sheafs of pristine, watermarked vellum paper, he slid them across to the President. They were dual language, Zulu and Anglisc/Saxon, and read as follows.

Trade Agreement between the Republic of South Zululand and the Imperial Confederacy of Yngen

---

The Republic of South Zululand (RSZ) and the Imperial Confederacy of Yngen (Yngen) hereby agree to the following terms.

• Yngen shall recognise the RSZ as a legitimate government and rightful representatives of the Zulu people
• Yngen shall provide advisory support to the RSZ
• The RSZ shall allow the presence of Yngenious business on RSZ soil, to promote trade and fiscal liquidity
• The RSZ and Yngen shall agree to reduce certain import and export tariffs
• Yngen will aim to increase the amount of raw imports from the RSZ in order to boost the economy of the RSZ
• Yngen will aim to make more secondary and tertiary products available to the RSZ in order to boost the RSZ HDI

Signed,

[Stenza]

After some days, the force of CF-13 arrived off the Zulu coast, it continued to move until it was somewhere just out of South Zulu waters before turning and heading to a full stop. The fleet consisted of:
-1 Amanda class Aircraft Carrier:
*SNS Bunker Hill

1 Admiral George Sanderson class Battleship:
-SNS Ulinov

2 Mount Woolly Class Cruiser:
-SNS Mount Zerva
-SNS Mundo Peaks

4 Yeti Class Destroyer:
-SNS Long River
-SNS Lake Wold
-SNS Captain S. Anderson
-SNS Lieutenant Commander D. Schrute

3 Reach Class Frigates:
-SNS Reach
-SNS Litavya
-SNS Laketon

1 Bee Class Amphibious Assault Vessel:
-SNS Wasp

1 Fleet Resupply Ship:
-SNS RS-07

[South Zulu]

Presidential Office

"Splendid, Mr President."
Gruber pulled a folder from one of the expansive pockets of his duffel coat. Pulling out a few sheafs of pristine, watermarked vellum paper, he slid them across to the President. They were dual language, Zulu and Anglisc/Saxon, and read as follows.

Trade Agreement between the Republic of South Zululand and the Imperial Confederacy of Yngen

---

The Republic of South Zululand (RSZ) and the Imperial Confederacy of Yngen (Yngen) hereby agree to the following terms.

• Yngen shall recognise the RSZ as a legitimate government and rightful representatives of the Zulu people
• Yngen shall provide advisory support to the RSZ
• The RSZ shall allow the presence of Yngenious business on RSZ soil, to promote trade and fiscal liquidity
• The RSZ and Yngen shall agree to reduce certain import and export tariffs
• Yngen will aim to increase the amount of raw imports from the RSZ in order to boost the economy of the RSZ
• Yngen will aim to make more secondary and tertiary products available to the RSZ in order to boost the RSZ HDI

Signed,
(Image)

The President read the agreement carefully, then scribbled his signature on the paper.

"It is done then gentlemen, this is a great step for both Zululand and Yngen"

[Yngen]

Mr Gruber smiled.
"Absolutely splendid, absolutely splendid. I shall have some of my people contact some of yours about further trade details. We in particular value the fresh fruit and coffee made in abundance here in Zululand, and I have no doubt we have some products that may be of interest to your people."

He neatly folded the documents away.
"Is there any chance we could meet with some of your chiefs of military staff? Yngen has a thriving arms industry and I think they may be interested in having a neighbour who could supply inexpensive, reliable ammunition and weapons, no?"

[South Zulu]

Mr Gruber smiled.
"Absolutely splendid, absolutely splendid. I shall have some of my people contact some of yours about further trade details. We in particular value the fresh fruit and coffee made in abundance here in Zululand, and I have no doubt we have some products that may be of interest to your people."

He neatly folded the documents away.
"Is there any chance we could meet with some of your chiefs of military staff? Yngen has a thriving arms industry and I think they may be interested in having a neighbour who could supply inexpensive, reliable ammunition and weapons, no?"

"There are political considerations at the moment that make such a deal impossible, that is not to say talks cannot be held in the future regarding the matter of armament imports. I am already treading a very fine line in signing this agreement, we must take it slow."

He pulled a paper from a pile and started writing something down.

"Is there anything else gentlemen?"

Ndondakusuka, DPRZ
A small car moved through the crowded streets, three men sitting silently inside. Southerners all, they had crossed the nominal border some hours ago and drove through mud tracks and poorly maintained roads to Ndondakusuka.

The vehicle stopped in front of a police station where with bored looking officers lounged around on chairs. Two of the men got out of the car brandishing assault rifles and opened fire before the officers could realize what happened. Bullets tore apart everything from flesh to wood, punching holes into the walls. One of the men pulled a grenade from a pocket and tossed it inside the building, the explosion rocked the building and cloud of dust and debris emerged from the wreckage.

Both men stopped firing and ran into the car and drove off into the city.

[Yngen]

"There are political considerations at the moment that make such a deal impossible, that is not to say talks cannot be held in the future regarding the matter of armament imports. I am already treading a very fine line in signing this agreement, we must take it slow."

He pulled a paper from a pile and started writing something down.

"Is there anything else gentlemen?"

Gruber laughed.
"Because the Corummese wouldn't like it if you started getting arms without their supervision?"
He shook his head.
"Your choice, President. So long as the trade is free, the rest is up to you. We'll be very interested in seeing the Constitution you eventually publish. On a personal note, Goldwing Finance is planning to begin opening operations in Zululand. Would you personally like to open a bank account? They provide very attractive return-on-investment rates, and will ensure that no matter what, your money is safe and sound. You'd be able to access it from more or less anywhere in the world, too."