The Miscellaneous Works (Democritus Only!)

by **Federal Pacifica** » Mon Nov 04, 2019 2:05 am

Project Bay Area

In 2023, SilTech made a major breakthrough in quantum computing and engineering, leading to the development of an archaic and basic, but otherwise functional, quantum computer. This discovery was not announced publicly and was quickly appropriated by the Department of the Interior and the Central Government. For years quantum computing was a dead end area, seemingly heading down a path of endless cost with little result. This breakthrough was an eye opener to central officials though, and should news of it reach other powers, a race for this technology would begin. The U.R has other plans though, to research and develop this technology as much as possible before officially announcing it and opening it up for civilian markets. It will not be a race, rather the U.R's goal is to exploit it's current advantage to utterly dominate the quantum market before any other technological power.

Two years since the breakthrough, great leaps have been made in quantum communications and satellites, development of a coding language for quantum computers, and the quantum computers themselves. Consuming roughly 30 billion dollars of funds, the U.R quantum project is one of it's most closely guarded secrets in technological research, usurping it's now pointless anti-matter program. The U.R has been developing quantum computing applications in cyber operations, cyber defense, programming, communications, and artificial intelligence. In contrast with typical discoveries, the United Republics has kept this information from even her closest allies, though plans exist to bring Canada into the fold once further progress is made and when the project eventually expands into military applications.

This year, the United Republics will launch a quantum communication satellite that utilizes the quantum entanglement phenomena as a means of encryption for highly sensitive communications. By no means anything highly futuristic, as it requires lasers to point at the satellite, it will still provide a means for Interior and other sensitive communications to be encrypted with no means of being hacked. Quantum entanglement, while not completely understood, is a highly sensitive phenomena, any outside signal that intrudes will immediately terminate the communication.

U.R Cyber Operations are among the few to currently apply more advanced variants of the original archaic quantum computer, greatly expanding both it's offensive and defensive cyber operations capabilities. Quantum computers are not valued based upon their speed, but rather their ability to multi-task. Classical computers can only do one calculation or function at a time, a quantum computer can multi-task and do many calculations at once, that's what makes a quantum computer more lucrative. Current U.R Cyber Operations utilize quantum computers that can at most run up-to five calculations at once. Despite being years since the breakthrough, the technology has been progressing slowly due to the lack of understanding of quantum mechanics in general, however in another two years it is expected that Quantum computing technology will have progressed sufficiently to the point of being able to run at most 10 to 15 calculations at once, at the current rate things are progressing.

Project Bay Area is one of the U.R's most important projects, often compared to the Manhattan Project both in scope and secrecy. While not capable of physical destruction like a nuclear weapon, if used properly, a quantum computer can be the digital worlds equivalent of a nuclear weapon and will make cyber warfare more dangerous and efficient; it also will make weapons deadlier and more efficient, and overall will profoundly change modern war as we know it. Due to this, the U.R for now maintains utter secrecy given the chaotic and volatile international system of present; the U.R will not release this technology to anyone until it has research it to the fullest of extents, specifically in defending against it. It is likely that within the next year, the U.R will bring Canada within the fold to develop military technology using quantum electronics, as the military potential is quite profound. Aside from Canada, it is likely that the U.R will not announce it's developments in quantum computing both publicly or secretly to a close ally, for the next few years as it works to further develop the technology.

Other Projects
The United Republics as of present is also conceptualizing a system of "satellite MAD". Satellites are a major component of both civilian and military activities, however satellite weapons pose a major threat to both the nations of the world and also the prospect of a human space age any time soon. Anti-Satellite weaponry targeting military satellites could create hazardous conditions in orbit, making it more and more dangerous to maintain anything in orbit. The U.R is willing to exploit this however, and is conceptualizing what could potentially develop into a new project. The idea as of how is the development of a network of dummy satellites that orbit the Earth, these satellites contain within them a high-powered explosive that if detonated would shred the satellite into millions of dangerous pieces that will then orbit the Earth. With enough of these satellites, the U.R could start a chain reaction that would shred the entire satellite network of every nation, including it's own, depriving entire world the ability to even launch satellites due to the hazardous conditions created. The U.R would do this in the event that space becomes too militarized and a hostile nation is threatening the U.R with satellite-based WMD's or other weaponry that she can not defend against.

The rational is that if the world decides to abuse the ability of using satellites and more importantly decide to use satellite weapons to threaten the United Republics as a means of exploiting her into submission, the U.R will deprive everyone of the ability to launch or use satellites, effectively depriving humanity of satellites for the next few decades.
Project has not been green-lighted as of yet, mainly due to the fact that the U.R is not too keen on depriving itself of her own satellites, but developing and keeping it as a last resort emergency option is being considered.

by **Losconia** » Wed Nov 13, 2019 3:36 pm

Political Conditions of Central America

For the past two hundred years, Central American politics has always been volatile in nature. Infighting between Liberals and Conservatives nearly tore the Federal Republic apart in 1838. It was only the cunning politics of Francisco Moreno (nicknamed the "Savior of Central America" in modern times) that the FRCA managed to survive past the 1840s. Central America emerged from near collapse as a more unified entity, spearheading the eventual formation of the Collective of American States. Central America would become the heart of the a growing progressive movement in the Collective, and would serve as the Collective's source of soft-power. However, the seeds for future internal political conflict were sowed, as during the Collective's era Central America underwent rabid decentralization as the federal government based in San Salvador lost more and more power. The provinces began to detach their affairs from San Salvador, this was fine because Central America was a member of an even more larger Federation and were ultimately subservient to the Collective's government based in Mexico City.

With the dissolution of the Collective in 2016 and the formation of the N.A.F, once again the provinces of Central America were still bonded to another federal government, this time based in Seattle. Under the N.A.F era, many provinces further distance themselves from the dictates of San Salvador, notably Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. With the devolution of the N.A.F in 2023, Central America found itself in a complicated position. The federal government in San Salvador had little control over a big part of it's country. Centralization attempts were made, but were profusely refused in Nicaragua, Honduras, and Costa Rica; the governments of Guatemala and El Salvador supported these centralization attempts. The issue of centralization in Central America should be has sparked a new growing political divide that risks sparking a political crisis similar to the one in 1838.

On one side, you have the Centrales, those that support a centralized Central American state. The Centrales believe that Central America should be a Unitary state under one centralized government, or at least that the current federal system be reformed so that the central government is granted more centralized control over the provinces. Supporters of the Centrales argue that Central America has a very homogeneous culture and people, and that a devolved state is unnecessary or even detrimental. Centrales cite economic problems as their primary argument, arguing that the current decentralized state of affairs has resulted in slow economic growth and inefficient economic policies; they argue that the provinces are competing for economic dominance against each other rather than ensuring the collective economy of Central America is stable and efficient. Centrales also argue that the decentralized state of affairs is leading to a population that identifies more with their province than the nation as a whole, and thus they argue that this nationalistic sentiment will result in the "balkanization" of Central America.
Centrale support can be predominantly seen in Guatemala and El-Salvador, both of which make up 55.79% of the entire Central American population.

On the other side, you have the Federales, those that support the status-quo or the current federal system. Federales believe that a Unitary state will only cause more problems and that Central America should remain a Federation. Federales range from those that support a reformed federal state to those that support the status-quo state of affairs. Federales argue that a Unitary system will destroy the identities and individual cultures of the provinces, and that ultimately a unitary state will be dominated by Guatemala and El-Salvador, with the other provinces being unable to govern themselves the way their local population wishes. Federales also argue that the provinces each have their own unique identities that these identities would be destroyed under a unitary system. More extreme Federales take this arguement further, arguing that more that the Centrale belief of a unified homogeneous culture is a post-nationalistic conspiracy to destroy the provinces unique culture and establish a Guatemalan-Salvadoran cultural hegemony. Federales are supported predominantly in Nicaragua, Honduras, and Costa Rica, all of which make up 43.47% of the Central American population.

Belize has remained conflicted. It aligns more with the Federales, since Belize truly does have it's own culture, having only joined the Federal Republic in 1981 after centuries of British rule. However, Belize borders the Centrale dominated Guatemala and is detached from the rest of the Federale provinces, thus the Belize government has not stated any official opinion.

Federales are untrusting of Centrale intent, as Federales have argued that they agree with the Centrale argument in regards to the state of the economy, but Centrales have refused to compromise or establish common ground, which Federales have argued is a sign that the Centrales wish to empower the state in general and that their true intent is authoritarian. Centrales counter this point by arguing that if the Federales truly agreed with Centrale concerns, they would have supported the centralization attempts that would have a unified economic policy among all provinces, of which Centrales have argued is perfect compatible with federal ideals.
Centrale's have developed a perception that the Federales are just separatists or confederationists that want to tear down a unified Central America in favor of what they called a "balkanized mess" of competing states. The Federales perceive the Centrales as authoritarian supremacists that wish to bring about an era of Guatemalan-Salvadoran domination at the expense of the other provinces. Both factions view each other as detrimental to the prospect of a unified Central America.

With the 2025 Central American elections set to conclude later this year, the division between Federale and Centrale risks tearing the Federal Republic in half. Since Centrale support comes from more than 50% of the population, predominantly in Guatemala and El-Salvador, it is expected that the Centrale parties will win a marginal majority in the Central American Assembly, and may also end up winning control over the executive branch. However, Federale control over the Senate is ensured as more provinces support the Federales than the Centrales. Centrales are platforming under the prospect of a new constitution that would reform the current system and give more power to the federal government, which they argue is currently useless, a massive radicalization in policy than the current incumbent Centrale establishment, of which has attempted to maintain a begrudging policy of compromise. Federales are platforming under a platform of maintaining the status-quo, arguing that the Centrales overestimate the lack of power the federal government has and argues that the Centrales are going to turn the country into a unitary state. Federales have become further radicalized and have argued that should the Centrales push through radical reforms that risk "destabilizing the system", the provinces should stand together in opposition to the Centrale government. However, Federale sentiment has begun to appear more as anti-Guatemalan and anti-Salvadoran, which has pushed many potential Federale sympathizers in Centrale dominated province away from the movement, further ensuring a Centrale victory in the current election.
Nothing is set in stone though and the Federales could possibly turn the tide of the election; however, what is certain is that the outcome of this election, no matter if Centrale or Federale comes out top, will most likely split the country into two hostile factions.

For now, everything is calm, normal, there is no violent clashes between the two or armed mobs attacking polling stations. However, much like an active volcano, it may seem calm and normal, but as the pressure builds up it will eventually erupt. Whether Central Americans realize this or not, a Second Central American Civil War is on the horizon and many of Central America's allies/neighbors are beginning to prepare for the worst. Unfortunately, there is no miracle in the form of another Francisco Moreno, the politicians on both sides are quite the opposite of Moreno's cunning and skill. This time, there will no "Savior of Central America" to cunningly navigate out of this catastrophe.

by **New Metropolitan France** » Tue Nov 19, 2019 12:30 am

Involved Countries: French Confederation
Democritus Date: 6 May, 2025

DEAD MAN'S SWITCH

After a decade of research and development, Project Talos was complete. President Dupont studied the report carefully, noting the attention to detail shown within the finalized design. Six installations across the French Confederation, including three in Metropolitan France. Together with existing ABM devices, the pillars of Talos would ensure that the Seventh Republic was perhaps the world's leader in the field of air and missile defense capabilities. The pillar in French Guiana had in particular been a masterstroke of strategic planning; positioned on the South American mainland, it was in an excellent position to be able to target FSR ICBMs whilst still in the boost phase. The report was careful to warn that placing such a high value asset within striking distance of Europe's primary enemy was a significant risky - in the event of war, French Guiana would undoubtedly be assaulted and swiftly overrun. The other dominions, too, would need extra attention. Dupont smiled at the solution proposed by his military officials. Each Talos pillar outside of Metropolitan France would possess an insurance policy... a dead man's switch connected to several thermobaric warheads around the facility. The bombs would be easily overridden manually by the facility's commander, in case of a power failure or other such unforeseeable circumstances, however would be deliberately detonated if ever required in contingency conditions to leave no traces of the valuable technology used in the laser's design.

Dupont carefully used acid to destroy the Talos report - it had been for his eyes only, and didn't require any further action on his part. Yawning, the president lazily flicked through a stack of files that had to similarly be checked over and destroyed before he could leave the office for the evening.

Project Pelican - R&D

Operation Javelin - Final draft

Project Laelaps - Budget allocation.

The French Confederation was a super power, and the world would not soon forget it.

by **Lusophone** » Sun Nov 24, 2019 7:12 pm

New Exchequer Sec. Lahela Brito delivers her first budget, calls for higher inflation and tighter regulation

New Exchequer Secretary Lahela Brito said Thursday that Portugal is in a "new normal" that requires the Bank of Portugal to pursue higher inflation to ensure healthy growth, but also extra regulatory vigilance to prevent a financial crisis.

The new normal, Brito explained, is that very low unemployment hasn't translated into higher inflation, as would have been expected, even as the Bank's interest rate target is low by historical standards.

Brito acknowledged the positive aspects of the new normal, such as the fact that low unemployment has generated jobs for disabled workers and others who might otherwise struggle to find positions, but warned that prevailing low interest rates could increase risk-taking by lenders and borrowers.

In today's new normal, it is important to achieve inflation and inflation expectations around our 2% target on a sustained basis while guarding against financial imbalances

Brito said in remarks prepared for a speech to the National Tax Association in Lisboa.

We want to be mindful of the risk of financial imbalances that could amplify any shock and help tip the economy into recession, which the Bank of Portugal has less conventional space to address in today's low interest rate environment.

Core inflation stood at 1.6% in the latest reading of the Bank's preferred gauge.

To adjust, she argued, the Bank should raise regulatory standards for banks, especially by raising capital requirements.

Specifically, Brito reiterated a call to raise the Bank’s countercyclical capital buffer, a mechanism to make banks maintain higher levels of capital in case an economic downturn or other financial shock occurs. The Exchequer Secretary argued that activating the buffer could also serve as a brake to prevent banks from overextending themselves.

Brito's prescription puts her in a minority on the Bank's board, which has aimed to tailor bank regulations to business activities along with the amount of capital banks are required to hold. But the Bank of Portugal is wrestling with whether it needs to change its approach to monetary policy.

The central bank has been ... discussing what this new normal means for our framework for some time,

said Brito.

We need to be especially careful to preserve as much of our conventional policy space as we can, while exploring mechanisms to augment the effectiveness of our framework.

Lahela Brito's call comes as the the new Exchequer Secretary has delivered her first budget following her confirmation after Stella Lourenco's resignation, her predecessor. The shake-up takes place as world economies brace for the impacts of the Bancor switch and the continuous impact of the Galician conflict on Portugal.

Expenditure

Social protection - $252 billion
Personal social services - $32 billion
Health $155 billion
Transport - $35 billion
Education - $102 billion
Defense - $49 billion
Industry, agriculture and employment - $23 billion
Housing and environment - $31 billion
Public order - $35 billion
Foreign Office, as well as int. development, culture and sport - $53 billion
Debt interest - $41 billion
The Office for Budget Responsibility, the Exchequer’s independent forecaster, expects the global trend for low interest rates to keep debt payments low.

by **Lusophone** » Thu Nov 28, 2019 8:48 pm

Sara Palveiro declares 'I was right about Manquinho,' as latest terror attacks refuel her return and of the far-right

Former President Sara Palveiro has announced that the Front National party, founded by her brother nearly a half-century ago, will now be called CHEGA! (ENOUGH!).

Palveiro's move reflects the party’s attempt to appeal to a broader range of voters in the aftermath of failed bid for re-election as President. The results of the legislative elections also played a part in this new move, a result that saw the majority her party enjoyed dwindle.

Under the new name, Palveiro’s aim is to rally people of all political stripes. Future elections “can lead to a veritable Portuguese revolution,” she told the party’s political leadership at a meeting outside Lisboa.

The name change is a “historic moment in the life of our movement,” she said, unveiling a logo that puts the country front and center.

Party members were asked to vote by mail on the proposed new name and 53% cast a ballot. She said that 'CHEGA!' was approved by nearly 81% of those who voted.

Palveiro hopes the latest terror attacks will "reawaken the country" and boost her nationalist party’s fortunes.

Her once scored higher in the 2019 elections than any other party, but the profile of Palveiro, a nationalist once at the center of Portugal’s political limelight, has dimmed since she was trounced by Oluwakemi Taliscas in the presidential election.

Sara Palveiro has worked to remove the racist and antisemitic stigma from the party co-founded by her brother in 1972. She said at the party congress she wants the party to be viewed as a robust governing force, not just a protest movement.

The latest Lisboa terror attacks also prompted Palveiro to boast on Twitter that she was "right about Manquinho."

Sara T. Palveiro
@realsarapalveiro
As a former president, having seen the horrors of extreme leftism first hand, I pray and grieve with families who have lost love ones in the latest far-left terror attacks. And despite our political differences, Sec. Wilma Sampaio was a dedicated Portuguese who has dedicated herself to our country by the way of foreign policy...
RETWEETSLIKES
68.7k56.2k

Sara T. Palveiro
@realsarapalveiro
...Unfortunately, this terror attack could have been preventable. Now, finally the European elites and the LYING MEDIA can see that our war on terror in Galicia was justified and I WAS RIGHT ABOUT MANQUINHO! Why else would this transgenderformer leave our country and flee to Galicia and then South America? LIES! WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH, JOIN CHEGA!...
RETWEETSLIKES
54.3k98.7k

Sara T. Palveiro
@realsarapalveiro
...I HOPE THAT PRES. TALISCAS WILL FINISH OUR WAR ON TERROR INSTEAD OF PUSSY-FOOTING AROUND AND REALIZE I WAS RIGHT! WE NEED TO FREE PORTUGAL AND FREE EUROPE OF FOREIGN INTERFERENCE! CYBERATTACKS AND TERROR ATTACKS ARE UNACCEPTABLE...............WIN BIG! TANK YOU TROOPS AND GOD BLESS!
RETWEETSLIKES
82.6k126k

Chico Manquinho was the former leader of the socialist Movimento Popular party, but later fled the country after accusations he was involved in the Lisboa and Norte attacks. Manquinho's refuge in Galicia paved the way for what would later become Palveiro's 'war on terror,' promising to "cleanse Galicia and Europe of far-left pro-South American extremism." Read it here

Manquinho's transport to Puertollano later was classified by Palveiro's government as a "disrespect of Portuguese sovereingty and rule of law" and as an "obstruction of justice." Read it here

Chico Manquinho's involvement in the latest Lisboa attacks seem to confirm a theory pedaled by Palveiro's administration back in 2023.

by **New Metropolitan France** » Fri Dec 06, 2019 4:16 pm

Euro Sea, date unknown, 2025

The Second Fantastic War would soon be over. The Germans had all but lost in the Caribbean, potentially spared embarrassment by FUNA intervention, and the socialists had all but lost Galicia. No peace agreement had been signed, but it was clear that each side had slowed to a crawl. While the last great confrontations were likely at an end, evidence of losses sustained by both sides remain - and the Confederation's armed forces were determined to learn from the strategies employed by both sides. That was why two attack submarines of the North Atlantic Fleet, alongside two survey vessels and an underwater survey vehicle were paying a visit to the site of the Battle of the Euro Sea.

The hulks of socialist ships, and the debris field, covered a large area of the seafloor. The missile attack from Europe's air forces had sent many to the bottom, and the French would study each wreck carefully. They could potentially still have evidence of FSR, Spanish, and Puertollanoan military technology, although officially this mission was being led by civilian historians wishing to study the world's first significant naval defeat of the 21st century. Air power had once again triumphed over naval supremacy, the lesson of the Second World War being retaught to a new generation.

A technician carefully cataloged the identifiable remains of the Galicia Relief Fleet, while the underwater drone took the opportunity to examine the radar and sonar array setup for each vessel still visible. Were there any apparent gaps in missile defenses that had made the attack more or less successful? Were there any new models of equipment mounted to the wrecks that intelligence had missed being brought into service? Had any aircraft that ditched into the sea arrived on the bottom intact? These details would all be recorded, alongside the location of impact of the anti-ship missiles which had been responsible for sending the vessels to the bottom of the Euro Sea.

While there was no CSN legislation on war graves, the French were careful to only examine - not taking anything with them back to the surface.

by **Greater Persian State** » Fri Dec 06, 2019 8:57 pm

Note: This is for character development and such, ICly this is not public knowledge whatsoever

Akbar Meets with Advisors and Associates

Prime Minister and Marshal of the Republican Guard Davud Akbar stews and sinks into a comfortable silk chair. At the Prime Ministerial residence at 12 Patriots Way, Akbar sat as his Cabinet Ministers, SDU allies, and campaign leaders discussed policy and the election.

"...its impossible to keep focus if we're doubling our machine gun nests and anti tank equipment on the Soviet border!"

"...if we back down to Soviet Russia it will only serve to give the UIC another talking point."

"...this bickering is pointless. We need to focus on the campaign. The UIC is full of thugs."

"How can we make that argument anymore?" interrupts Akbar, as he rises from his seat. "We call out the UIC for its criminal bullying, which of course he is responsible for, and they calls us the NKVD for our actions after the coup." Akbar rose and stared out the window at the small crowd of UIC activists chanting against him. The bullet proof glass and walls dimmed the chants to almost nothing. But Akbar could see what they were mouthing, "Down with the Tyrant!", "Down with the Commissar!" Akbar thought as his Ministers stood, waiting in silence. For 9 years they had followed him, for 9 years he had commanded the absolute loyalty of his cabinet, and his party controlled Parliament. And now, was that to end? The nation was rocked by crisis over Akbar's actions after the coup, Soviet provocation at the border disrupting years of good relations, the economy while growing was rocked by the instability, and the Turkish Question remained unsolved. There was so much left to do, Akbar had already drawn up plans for green energy development, he had looked over plans to implement vast and comprehensive intelligence sharing with the French, and of course the Federative Council needed to be nurtured into maturity as a functioning body of a plurinational Republic. His advisors stood in silence waiting for Akbar's voice on these pressing affairs would could in their eyes, doom the Republic they built to blind fanaticism or solidify a Republic for 5 generations. For 9 years Akbar's voice had been the path to victory. He turned to them, the Ministers and advisors took a step back, some bowed their hands in a sort of reverence to the man who they saw as the repeated savior of democracy. Akbar began to light a cigarette, he did not smoke often, and spoke.

"I spoke to a farmer in the south. I asked him how his affairs were, he told me very well. He said that this years crop was the best. I asked him, was this not SDU policy? He told me that God had granted him a bountiful harvest for his penitence and prayer. I told him that the SDU had paid for new irrigation systems through the ARA. He told me that without God, nothing is possible. I tried to explain the SDU's efforts to expand the agricultural sector, but he took my shoulder and told me that the might of God is so great that it politics is irrelevant. So much of this country believes that God and God alone with save them and their families. From whom? شیطان. From the Devil. From starvation, from chaos, from violence, and from poverty. If the people believe in a benevolent God, and try I do to believe. We must give them a devil. We will give them Jalili. We will give them an incompetent who will deliver starvation. A man who leads a gang they will bring chaos and violence, and an incompetent who will bring poverty. My directive is simple, give them a devil. Only then can be triumph now, so we may solve the questions of the future later."

by **Anxiety Cafe** » Sat Dec 07, 2019 10:54 pm

Involved Countries Through Location: San Martinia
RL Date:December 8, 2019
Democritus Date: July 15, 2025

The recent ANDES agreement between the San Martinian and French militaries was far more than a SIGINT-cooperation pact; it represented a gateway for further San Martinian-French military cooperation. General Buenaventura had been the greatest supporter of the agreement solely because of that; the French could be an invaluable ally. Their military resources were expansive, and their diplomatic power arguably reached further. Further cooperation could benefit San Martinia greatly, and due to his nation's geopolitical position, could benefit the French as well.

That was why the general was up at such a late hour. ANDES was the first step, and he needed to make sure his nation continued to nurture that valuable relationship. The rewards would soon already begin being reaped, once again thanks to his urging. This endeavor would no doubt immensely benefit both nations, especially with the ongoing Second Fantastic War, in which both remained neutral.

The general looked down at his itinerary: French Guiana, and then Martinique. He had a long journey ahead. It was time to brush up on his French.

by **Greater Persian State** » Sat Dec 14, 2019 10:15 am

Note: This is for character development and such, ICly this is not public knowledge whatsoever

SDU Meeting with DUG Represenatives

The ticking of the conference's room clock ricocheted off the rooms wooden panels. This ornate room with wooden panels and designs, as well as paintings of Persia's pre revolutionary past was one of the few buildings that had been left untouched by the Islamic Revolution, the Iran-Iraq War, the Civil War, and the Regime War. It was built during the Qajar rule and had been renovated in 1975. Here in this conference room, Davud Akbar and the SDU and the representatives of the Democratic Unity Group were at an impasse. The Social Democratic Union could not form a government without the support of the market and social liberals of the DUG. The Democratic Unity Group's representatives led by Deputy Leader Khaliq Harun knew that they would never support the Islamists. The Islamists were first off...Islamists. Despite its outward statement of a party dedicated to a variety of conservative and traditionalists views, many arch-conservative Khomeinists still held positions of authority, and some hardcore Iranian nationalists had sway. They were protectionists and nativists, clearly conflicted with the DUG's free trade and open for business position. And of course so much of the DUG's support came from Iraqi Arabs, they would lose their base if they ever supported such a government. The SDU knew that as well, so the DUG couldn't even bluff to support a UIC government.

However, on the other hand the DUG could abstain, leaving the SDU short of 200 votes and forcing Akbar's hand on another election. Perhaps one his party wouldn't allow him to lead them into. And of course, if when trading resumed Persia lacked a government, the resulting instability would be catastrophic.

"You're right, we agree that we will never allow Jalili to form a government. It would the death of us all." said Harun, breaking the awkward pause.

"Then we have the mandate, we all have an obligation to keep the UIC out and support us, the largest party." replied Akbar.

Harun wiped his forehead, he had to say it. It would be a huge ask, to ask the founding leader? To....it might be too much.

"Look, we support that in theory yes. But we'd need policy concessions in the next budget and you don't seem very enthusiastic about those. But there's something else perhaps..."

"Yes? We're on board." said Akbar. But as Harun failed to respond, Akbar slouched back into his seat and the other SDU Ministers opened their mouths. Some began to have tears welling up.

Harun struggled to speak..."It's been nine years...." Even the DUG representatives were looking away. "And after the events of the coup, we don't feel like a fourth...Ak..bar ministry would be appropriate. Especially after those controversial constitutional reforms." There was another silence.

Akbar looked at the two portraits hanging beside the clock hanging over the door. The first one was Mohammad Mosaddegh, Akbar's inspiration. Overthrown by a foreign backed imperialist coup, and the other was his own portrait. He had built this nation from the rubble he had grown up in. Was he ready to end it yet...? No, not yet.

"There would have to be a transitional period, another year before an SDU leadership election."

Harun looked at the floor and then looked up. "We'd need some policy concessions then, a more moderate budget."

"That could be arranged." muttered Akbar....

by **The East African Commonwealth** » Sat Dec 14, 2019 1:09 pm

*This is not information known IC. Please do not use it in any forum posts relating to regional affairs.

Afrika City, The Capitol Building
August 8th, 2025 11:44 EAT

Rais Nuru looked over the last bits of the paperwork from the Angolan Government relating to the African Highway Project. Angola had been a bit stubborn about the northern stretch of the route and had requested that it be re-drawn further away from the border of Katanga to avoid any more possible Hyper-Democratic influences entering the nation. While Nuru thought the change was not worth the massive stack of paperwork on his desk he did understand the concerns of President João Lourenço after the nation was nearly plunged into civil war following attacks by Hyper-Democrats. As he finished signing the final dotted line Nuru sighed and stood up from his chair, taking a breather from the ten hours worth of signatures he just made. He walked to his office window, overlooking Banner Square in front of the Capitol Building. The small grey square was vacant other then the lone flagpole in the center of it with a few people milling about. While the flag waving in the breeze from Lake Victoria was battered and in constant need of repair, to Nuru it was the symbol of the tenacity of the nation. The same flag had been flying for over a century, repaired countless times by individuals keeping the dream of Solomon Leonis alive. Nuru smiles watching that flag wave, but it quickly disappeared as he turned back toward his sparse office.

One of the few furnishing Nuru had in the room was a map of Africa adorned on one of the walls. The massive chart displayed current projects across the continent the EAC had ventured on, troop deployments (friend and foe alike), and the various conflict that had been exploding all over Africa. Looking at the maps and charts of Africa had only brought him frustration as every time he received a report from the military or the news he would have to add new red dots signifying a terror attack or a possible conflict. It was enough to depress even the most optimistic person seeing all of the red on his map. There is a knock at the door, taking Nuru's gaze away from the map, "Please enter."

The door clicks and opens and a man in a dark green uniform enters. Nuru sighs, "General Aloizi, how can I help you." While Nuru did not have any issues with the General his arrival was usually accompanied by bad news.

"Sir." The General says handing the Rais a manila folder, "We have reports on the rumor of Australians mercenaries in Gabon. Unfortunately, our findings confirm that the Australian Company Sharp End has deployed mercs to the nation."

Nuru takes the folder and opens it, reviewing the findings, "General, just once I wish that you could give me some good news, or at the very least not have me add another damn red pin to this map of mine."

General Aloizi shrugs at that comment, "Sorry sir, if its any consultation I too am getting tired of all the trouble the world seems to bring here. Most of Africa causes enough problems on its own, having Europe and the FSR piggyback off of it adds fire to the flames. And now Australia? Seems like everyone wants a piece of the African pie now."

"And we just signed the African Initiative with them too." Nuru shuts the folder and puts it on his desk, "Throw up a flashy smile in politics while bending the doctrine behind out backs. Makes trusting those abroad difficult to say the least, not even counting all of the insurgencies funded internationally."

Nuru walks around his desk and takes a seat. The General grabs one of the chairs in front of the desk. The Rais looks at Aloizi, "General, for the duration of my time as Rais we have had nothing but trouble again and again and every fire we put out starts a new one somewhere else" he leans forward, "I had hoped that trade deals and inter-African projects would do some good but it seems the international community is always poised to get involved in our affairs."

"Why not end the Cold War then?" Aloizi asks, surprising the Rais.

Nuru blinks a few times before responding, letting out a small laugh, "If only it were that simple my friend. This Cold War-"

"Was started because of FSR involvement in Africa." Aloizi interrupts surprising Nuru for a second time, "As much as we all hate to admit it, Europe is here to stay. Their dominion over Algeria and Egypt cement that fact. But the FSR? They created conflict all over the continent to expand their influence and threaten Europe's all while African are used as pawns in their tactics." The General stands and point to the map, "Nigeria, the DRC, and the CAR have all been victims of this conflict. Angola was almost added to that list and now Gabon may be as well." He looks back at Nuru, "The FSR just lost its fleet and it will lose its last foothold in Europe. When we finish the training for this new divisions we will have the military needed to counter any of the FSR allies in Southern and Central Africa."

Nuru's tone harshly changes as he looks at Aloizi, "General, what you are talking about is war with half of our neighbors."

"No sir, what I am talking about is ending a war that has all of Africa in its grip." Aloizi says, "Africa can't keep fighting like this time and time again. Every time we get up on our feet we get kicked down by the world. We need to stop staying neutral in this cold war and make a choice, and as much as I hate it Europe is a better alternative to the FSR."

For a moment Nuru says nothing, then he sighs, "General, right now we have positive relations with most, if not all, of the world. Declaring war on our neighbors, that we just signed multiple agreements with, would damage the world's view of us. On top of that we currently have no countermeasures to a ballistic missile strike by the FSR. I want this Cold War to end, but not by throwing our people in the line of fire."

The two sit silently for a moment before Aloizi reaches into his pocket and takes out a flash drive. "Sir, I can understand your views on this, but this game of politics is costing thousands of lives the longer it is dragged out. For the first time Africa has a nation capable of providing real stability and unity and on top of all of that ending the Cold War." He places the flash drive on Nuru's desk, "This drive has what the general staff is calling War Plan Zulu. Its a combat plan for the scenario of a war with the FSR and all of its African Allies. I am not telling you to use it by any means, but to have it and know it is an option should we need to act." The General walks over to the door and turns around, "I will take my leave now sir, but I urge you to consider actions other then political and economic ones. I am sorry I am the one to have to tell you this."

With that the General leaves the room, leaving Nuru alone with only his thoughts and the flash drive on his desk. He picks up the small device that to him carries the very wight of the continent on it. He stares at it for a moment before taking a deep breath and putting the flash drive in the top drawer of his desk. He would not consider such an option, war was to be avoided at all costs at this point. At this point he would stay the course and unless things changed he would have to continue the slow but steady progress he was making in a long term peace. Unfortunately, as General Aloizi had said....

....it is an option.

by **The East African Commonwealth** » Wed Dec 25, 2019 8:11 pm

Afrika City, Ministry of Defense
August 31st, 2025 1722 EAT

The Ministry of Defense building had been renovated following the re-establishment of the EAC, but the structure was old, cramped, and a bit outdated. That was, all except for the sub-basement. Beneath Banner Square the EAC had created a bunker that housed both a bomb shelter for the government and part of the military command structure to ensure that in the case of war with ballistic or hypersonic weapons the military could keep fighting. It was also the location of the EAC's top secret Cyber-Warfare team, a team that General Aloizi was currently on his way to see. Over the last month the general had been growing more and more displeased with the actions of the government and the Nuru Administration. While there was peace for the moment it had been bought by dealing with the very nations that had started this Cold War to begin with. As he walked down the dimly lit concrete hallway he found himself balling his fists. He hated the position that the Commonwealth was in, but he did not blame Nuru as much as the man seemed to frustrate him lately. He blamed the FSR, the government that held its finger on the ballistic trigger and forced Africa to bend the knee with revolution and unrest. He had seen it in the years before the EAC's establishment when he worked for Zambia's Military and he was starting to see it again. His face turns into a scowl, "Damn those red bastards..."

He reaches the end of the hallway and comes to a metal door with a keypad and fingerprint scan. He enters a code into the keypad and presses his finger on the sensor. After a moment there is a click as the door unlocks and he steps into the Cyber-War Wing of the complex. The room is cramped and dreary with every inch of it is covered in monitors, servers, and other computer components that General Aloizi can even identify. While to many major military powers this may seem like chaos to Aloizi it was his silver bullet. Upon seeing the general, the analysts and officers in the room stop typing and stand to salute. The General returns the salute and the members of the Cyber-Warfare team sit back at their desks and continue their work. One officer, a Major, approaches the General. "Sir," Major Kotoa says shaking the General's hand, "Thank you for coming in on such short notice."

General Aloizi nods, "Of course, you sounded like you had a breakthrough when we last spoke. Did you finally break the code?"

"To an extent sir." Kotoa responds, "If you could follow me sir, I have all of the reports in my office." The general nods and the two walk over to a small isolated cubical in the corner of the room. The room has folders scattered all over except on the desk in the middle which has five manila folders laying on top of it. The two officers enter to room and Kotoa shuts the door behind them. The two take a seat on either side of the desk and Kotoa picks up the five folders and hands them to General Aloizi.

"Sir, early this morning we managed to break the final layer of Cypher Black and Orange and with that we now have limited access to both of their assets and data." Kotoa says as the general opens the first folder. "Cyphers Yellow and Blue are still causing us issues and Cypher Green still has layers of security we are still bypassing."

The general raises an eyebrow as he reads through the reports on Cyphers Black and Orange, "Major, this is very promising work you have here. However, I want you to define limited."

Kotoa nods, "Well sir, the access we have is to mid level, nothing classified or high profile yet but we are still going. Any assets are locked out as well but we can be aware of what these assets are and possibly where they are."

The General sighs, "Major this work is vital for War Plan Zulu. You told me you would have the codes broken in 9 months, its been 12. While I admit there has been progress and you and your team have overcome major unexpected obstacles, it is too slow." He puts a hand on his temples, "What do I need to give you to hasten the pace of your work? More funding, men, gizmos?"

Kotoa sighs, "While all of that would be great sir, its not just the materials or manpower we need. We need experience. Everyone in this branch is either new or has limited experience in these matter. To be honest, I am surprised my team and I have gotten this far with all of the setbacks we have had." he shrugs, "We need someone who is very well versed in Cyber War to help us break these codes under your new time table."

Aloizi leans back in his chair. It was true that he had been pushing the Cyber-War division hard, but it was essential these codes were cracked for Zulu. He grabs the folders and stands up, "I can't make any promises, but I will see if I can get a specialist for you. Extra funding and more resources will be diverted from some of my other projects will be diverted as well."

Kotoa shakes his head, "That's just it sir, I am the foremost specialist in the nation. I don't know where you are going to find anyone-"

"Who says they have to be from the EAC?" The general says.

There is a cold silence for a moment before the Major speaks, "Sir, what are you saying?"

"Simple." Aloizi says, "If we can't find someone with enough experience within our borders then we have to look elsewhere."

"But...sir our neutrality-"

"Will remain unbroken if a lone officer acts on his own accord." Aloizi says, "We need to break these codes and if Nuru wants to throw me to the dogs to protect the neutrality if I am found out I will let him. We have to be prepared for when this cold war turns hot and that day will be coming soon." He walks over toward the door, "I am willing to fall on my saber if it means ensuring the safety of the EAC and Africa."

Aloizi turns to Kotoa for a moment, "And that means that should anyone ask, this conversation never happened, you never mention the need for an expert, and you had no idea that I blatantly disregarded orders."

Kotoa reluctantly nods, "Yes sir."

Aloizi opens the door, "Continue your work here Major, with or without me." With that Aloizi walks out of the office and back into the bustling Cyber-War Department, the drumming of keyboards almost distracting him from the weight that he now carried on his shoulders.

by **Bendicion** » Thu Dec 26, 2019 10:54 pm

0230
Buka Town, Bougainville
Pacific Initiative Camp-Jensen Hall

"Wake up!", shouted Juliana as ran she towards the sleeping quarters, "Everybody wake up!", she shouted a second time as she reached the doorway of the sleeping quarters, a room housing around 30 male and female volunteers in double-decked beds.

"What? Why? Wh-what's happening?!", a man grumbled as he slowly sat up. The rest of the room began to wake up as Juliana tried catching her breath. "Juliana, what is wrong?", the man said once more as he hastily wore a t-shirt.

"T-th-the ca-cam-", Juliana tried catching her breath.

"Slow down Juliana", the man told her, holding her by her arms, trying to make her focus. The people inside the room were already hastily changing clothes.

Then suddenly, a huge explosion shook the ground, followed by another that smashed the window just opposite the sleeping quarter's doorway letting loose several shards of glass and wood. The man grabbed Juliana just in time to take cover from the shrapnel.

"Att-att-attack", Juliana replied. The man looked at her. "Bandits ar-are atta-attacking the so-southern g-ga-gates, Jacob", she continued.

Another huge explosion blasted outside.

"Everybody! Stay close to the ground and wall!", Jacob began saying orders to the volunteers inside the quarters."Keep your head down!".

Shouts and screams from other parts of the building filled the air as several explosions outside rocked every part of the old structure.

"What are we going to do!?", shouted one of the volunteers as a lull of the explosions gave time for hearing.

"Just stay low and protect your head!", one volunteer replied, as another explosion blasted outside.

Suddenly, the sound of a helicopter arrived, followed by a whirring sound of automatic gunfire.

"Oh god! Oh god!", one of the female volunteers began to cry as the whirring sound started to come from above. "Please God, protect us!".

"Please God. Help us", Jacob thought as he looked back at the room. Several of volunteers he was sleeping with minutes ago were crying and embracing each other. "Why us Lord?", he closed his eyes as the door the Jensen building some few meters from the sleeping quarter's doorway opened with a huge bang.

"Everybody keep quiet", Jacob told the room, putting his pointing finger infront of his mouth. "Stay calm and quiet", he reiterated once more and stood against the wall on the right side of the doorway.

Several rapid footsteps from outside the doorway moved closer and closer. Jacob grabbed a small wooden plank from a nearby bed, as his heart beat faster in anticipating of someone entering the doorway to the room.

Suddenly, a man's shadow appeared in front of the doorway.

"Hyaa!!", Jacob shouted as he lunged outside of the doorway with his wooden plank against the shadow.

Before he could slam the plank on the man, two men grabbed hold of him and put him on a headlock, tackling him towards the ground, arms wrapped behind him. He turned towards the man he was aiming for. He wore military gear, more sophisticated than he anticipated. The man kneeled closer to him.

"Sgt. Mamani, Australian Army. We're here to help."

by **Bendicion** » Thu Jan 16, 2020 8:13 am

Invovled Countries Through Location: Philippines, Australia
RL Date:Jan 16,2020
Democritus Date:October 20,2025

0030 hours
Hobart Military Base
Briefing Room

The big black-walled soundproof room was filled with men wearing brown military uniforms alongside what appeared to be clerks and assistants frantically taking notes or getting the room ready for the meeting. The door to the broom suddenly opened and a young officer in khaki uniform entered followed by an older looking man, probably in his late 50s, wearing the same khaki uniform.

"Attention! Chief General Campbell present!", announced the young officer as he gave way to Chief General Campbell who gestured everyone to sit on their seats.

"Gentlemen, I know you have all heard the reports", Gen. Campbell spoke as he was given a folder full of paper by a nearby clerk in uniform. The others anxiously waited for his sentence to continue."The Philippines is in civil war, and yet we are still debating on what to do about it". He opened the file and started brushing through it.

"Canberra is saying that we should make a follow-up thorough analysis of the real situation", a general uttered, "We don't want to get caught up in another conflict where we are up against a possible hostile environment. We have to wait for more inf-"

"Morrison is a joke! He doesn't know the real situation in the ground", another general interrupted with a big voice. "Our agents in Manila have continuously reported that dissent among the population is at an all time high, it only needs a spark".

The room had a second of silence before General Campbell started again."Three factions. We are facing three potential enemies or allies gentlemen", he continued as he placed down the folder on the round table, with only three yellow papers held in his hand."Communists", he held one yellow paper showing information and data about the particular group." Nope. FSR might just come. We get exposed and we get our credibility with Europe down", he held another paper up. "Islamists. Another pass. Not too many people are a fan of them", he continued, holding up another paper. "And finally, Fajardo the Schmuck". He held the paper high. "Still can't gentlemen. We got no reliable promises with this one. Plus, the international community hates him as much as his own people. So nope. Three down. Still nothing", he ended as he leaned back on his chair.

The whole room fell silent only but a few murmurs.

"We make the Filipinos trust us first.", the entire room looked at the person speaking, a man around his mid 40's.

"Gen. Hutchinson. Sir. What do you mean by that?", Gen. Campbell asked.

"We need to make them believe we are the best option.Same way we did in Nigeria", Hutchinson replied.

"Ah. Can you please elaborate on that perspective?", another of the generals asked.

Hutchinson gave an annoyed look.

"Listen closely to what I will say, and we might just have a chance to grab the best out of this."

And the entire room did so.

by **The East African Commonwealth** » Sun Jan 19, 2020 3:02 pm

Afrika City, Cyber-Warfare Branch
November 6th, 2025 0200 EAT

"And you're sure about this Major?" General Aloizi says.

Major Kotoa nods handing a USB drive to the general, "Sir I was just as surprised as you were. All the details are in here."

Aloizi looks at the thumb drive silently, only the fan in the Major's sparse office can be heard as his mind races. "I never thought we would be given the go ahead for Operation Backlight, especially with Nuru in office."

"My sources claim he was torn by the decision, but ultimately agreed to it." Kotoa says, "Honestly, the choice surprised me as much as it did you. The Rais has always been prone to use diplomatic measures, turning to Backlight must mean something is up. Maybe Gabon has him shaken, I know the assembly is."

"No, I don't think that's it here." The general says before shaking his head, "Regardless of why he approved the Op, what matters is that it has been approved. I'll figure out why after we get this done. Major, after this briefing I want you to get started on Backlight immediately, time is of the essence here."

The major nods, "Yes sir, same procedures as usual?"

"In this case absolutely, paper only." The Major frowns at the comment but does not protest. Knowing the nation's files could be tampered with, Aloizi had made the decision to have everything on paper rather then in a hard drive to prevent leaks or data loss. Even if the Cyber-War Wing was breached it would take an enemy operative a long time to find what they were looking for. However, the Cyber War team and the Major, being tech people, were not thrilled with the idea of using typewriters for data again.

"Now, Backlight can wait, what is the status of the Cypher? Are we making progress?"

The Major nods and presses a file forward on his wooden desk, "We have officially cracked Blue, Yellow, Green, and Red. We expect Cypher Black and Cypher Orange to be cracked by the end of the month at this rate. The foreign expert you sent us has done wonders helping us do this, he has been invaluable."

The General nods, "Just keep him out of sight, last thing I need is Nuru pulling the plug on us just when we are making progress and cause an incident." Aloizi opens the file and begins to look through the papers. Unlike last time when the papers were full of progress reports and code, these files contained hard data. "How long is it going to take to process all of this and make use of it?"

"Give us three months and you will have all you need for Headlong, and then some." Kotoa says grinning, "We may not be Zackarothian Cyber Divisions but we'll get you what you need."

The general closes the folder and puts it in his briefcase beside him. "This is good work and we are making significant progress here. With Both Backlight and High Castle in full motion I think we can meet the timetable. I just have to get Nuru and the other military branches on board."

"That's easier said then done." The Major says. Aloizi gives him a harsh look to which the Major simply shrugs, "Tell me I'm wrong."

Aloizi sighs, "No, but you commenting does not help."

"What can I say, I'm a realist. Nuru will be a tough nut, never mind Admiral Motas." Kotoa says, "We may be able to set the stage now but we lack most of the key players." The Major then lowers his voice, "Plus there the danger of the Rais finding out what we are up to and shutting it down before you can convince him otherwise."

"And that right there is why I will be spending the next few weeks on the phone and having meetings." Aloizi rubs his forehead, "The things I do for this country...."

"Well sir, I hope they are at least productive. Next time you stop by, maybe can you bring some of that sunlight. It gets a little dark down here." Kotoa says jokingly.

A small smile appears on the generals face, "I'll see if we can blow open a hole in your roof. On that note, I do have to get back topside and start those conversations. it is going to be a long time until I get another break so don't expect to see me in person for a while. Keep me up to date on your operations."

Aloizi stands up and grabs his briefcase. As he heads toward the door Kotoa stops him, "Before you go sir, do you mind indulging me? I have had something on my mind."

The General stops and turns back toward the Major, "Of course. What's on your mind?"

"Its about Kilimanjaro sir."

Aloizi raises an eyebrow, "What about it?"

Kotoa folds his hands on his desk, "I just think its...interesting...that for the biggest military event in recent memory with the whole world and nation watching that the 23rd Battalion was chosen to represent the EAC. If I recall they were pulled out of training early and had some of the lowest scores out of any troops that were being trained at the time. Curious choice to show the EAC's weakest at an event meant to show strength."

The general stood silent for a moment before turning around and grabbing the doorknob, "That is an interesting thought there Major, I'll have to look into that."

The general leaves and closes the door behind him, leaving the Major alone in his office. Kotoa smiles and shakes his head, "Sometimes you're the surprising one General."

by **Federal Pacifica** » Sun Jan 19, 2020 11:59 pm

2020 Pacifican Elections:
Major Parties

It's been five years since the New Progressives seized the executive, now for the third time in the history of the United Republics, election season is upon us. Out of the many political parties running, seven have dominated the elections so far. The following are the details of the seven dominant parties, such as their history, attitudes, ideology, etc. What will also be detailed is the Interior's assessment of them. While the Interior nominally stays out of politics, it assesses each party to determine whether or not it is a potential threat to either national security or, more importantly, whether or not it is an existential threat to Pacifican identity.

The Seven Major Parties

by **Federal Pacifica** » Wed Jan 22, 2020 6:17 pm

2020 Pacifican Elections:
Results & Conclusion

Elections were held within the United Republics on November 5th, 2025. Noé Hawking of the Federalist party won the presidency, giving the Federalists control over the executive branch. Hawking adheres to the standard Federalist platform, however he is more libertarian than his fellow party members. While Hawking's is more interested in internal policy, he has adopted a more open foreign policy and has expressed interest in being more involved in international affairs. Hawking's will officially be inaugurated on the 1st of January, 2026.

The legislative branch is more chaotic than ever before and is now organized as follows:

House of Delegates
Federalists: won 24.7% of the seats
Unity and Reform: won 23.5% of the seats
New Progressives: won 19.2% of the seats
Neutralists: won 18.3% of the seats
True Neutralists: won 4.4% of the seats
Liberty and Freedom: won 4.1% of the seats
Renaissance Party: won 2.6% of the seats.

Other minor parties & independents won: 3.2‬% of the seats.

Senate
Non-partisan de-jure, de-facto factionalism between four primary factions: Federalist partisans, Centralists (those purely focused on the interests of Pacifica collectively, favors increased centralization), Republicans (those purely focused on the interests of their respective Republics, favors increased decentralization), and Non-Aligned (literally anyone else).

Seats contested: 7 out of 28 (4 seats per Republic)
California: Federalist faction won 1 seat
Cascadia: Federalist faction won 1 seat
Deseret: Centralist faction won 1 seat
Sonora: Republican faction won 1 seat
Montana: Republican faction won 1 seat
Colorado-Wyoming: Non-Aligned faction won 1 seat
Associated Pacific Territories: Non-Aligned won 1 seat

Faction total (out of total 28 seats)
Federalist Faction: 9 seats
Centralist Faction: 7 seats
Republican Faction: 7 seats
Non-Aligned Faction: 5 seats

by **New Metropolitan France** » Thu Jan 23, 2020 6:58 pm

Invovled Countries Through Location: FSR & France
Democritus Date: 22 November 2025

PART ONE OF POTENTIAL SERIES

International Waters, northeast of the South American mainland

The operation was carefully planned to appear as if an accident, an unplanned series of events that could be blamed upon human error. Fatigue, it would be said, due to the high alert status the French Confederation military had been placed at for almost two years, and an ill-disciplined patrol crew. Of course, new SIGINT upgrades to the P9E flying in the continent's interior would ensure that it could monitor the situation from afar, and leave the FSR none the wiser to what had actually transpired. Even the two French jets that would act as bait were not made aware of the plan.

And so two outdated Mirage 2000s took off from French Guiana, and began a standard patrol pattern of the French EEZ. It was a dull task, given to the youngest and inexperienced pilots - often their first posting after completing training. And in spite of Guiana being in close geographic proximity to the Republic's greatest rival, it was in reality a backwater outpost of the greater Confederation. A place for less disciplined personnel to be exiled to, some suggested. Much as the two Mirage pilots had been after minor disciplinary infractions while based in Algeria.

Perhaps it was for this reason that the Mirage pilots opted to investigate a vessel on the edge of the EEZ, within international waters, rather than continue along their standard flight path. If it were a fishing boat, it might have been about to enter the patrol zone and fish illegally; that was what they would report to their commander. A swift flyover showing off the menacing exocet missile pylons under both wings would scare them away. This in of itself was a partial violation of protocol given the ship had not actually entered French waters, however it would break the boredom of a mission which they had repeated for what felt like the hundredth time. The first Mirage lowered its altitude, while the second remained at around 6,000 meters and began a long right turn to observe the first Mirage's descent. Mirage One would then close directly upon the vessel, the pilot realizing only at a distance of around eight miles the nationality and class of the ship - a FSR patrol boat. Unwilling to change course and show weakness to the socialist crew, Mirage One resolved to fly over at low altitude as planned...

by **Orostan** » Thu Jan 23, 2020 8:19 pm

International Waters - Northeast of Orostan

The light grey patrol boat moved through the water at a moderate speed, the crew inside far from the state of high alert they were supposed to be in. All forces near French Guiana were supposed to be on high alert due to the war in Galicia and potential for conflict in France, but command hadn't been serious about enforcing the alert status for a while now. Nobody actually thought there would be war with France, and if there was a war they'd see the French preparing for it and could prepare themselves. Puertollano was also next door to back them up if anything bad happened. As a result, the attitude among Federation forces in the north of Orostan was relatively relaxed, but not quite at the level to be playing Russian Roulette yet.

The radar technician on the boat was expecting a quiet patrol. The most dangerous action his boat had undertaken in the past week was being at sea during a storm, so the first beep from his radar station didn't bother him. Out in international waters, it was probably a large flock of birds or something. He kept reading the novel in his hands. Reading while on duty was breaking several rules, but the Captain himself was doing the same thing with a newspaper. He'd probably be on his phone if they had reception out here.

The second beep did bother him, and he glanced up from his book at the radar screen. Two contacts. Both outdated French aircraft, and one was descending fast. He put the book down.

"Uh, Captain?"

The Captain didn't look up from his newspaper.

"What is it?"

The radar console was beeping a little bit faster now, and the Captain stopped reading, slowly placing his newspaper on the armrest of his chair as the rest of the crew on the bridge became aware of the beeping.

"We have two contacts. Two French jets. One coming at us fast."

The Captain sat up in his chair. The rest of the people on the bridge had looked up from whatever they were doing now too. The only one really on duty, the ship's helmsman, looked backwards at the rest of the bridge as the situation unfolded.

---

The patrol boat first informed command of their situation, and then transmitted a message aimed at the French aircraft requesting they back down. After they didn't, the message was repeated again as the crew prepared the ship's forward gun. The captain requested permission to fire on the French aircraft approaching his boat from his commanders, hopefully they'd be scared off. Permission was given as the alarm was sounded across the Federation's border with French Guiana. Radar stations had received orders to scan for incoming stealth aircraft, and troops across the border had been notified that this time it might be the real deal. SAM batteries were readied, and aircraft were scrambled. Just in case.

A squadron of fighters from a nearby airbase was dispatched as well, and sent in the direction of the patrol boat. They were ordered not to fire on the French, and only to try to force them to retreat.

At sea, the patrol boat began firing at the approaching French aircraft as soon as they entered range. The first shots would undoubtedly miss, but by the time the gunner became more accurate it was hoped the French would have turned around if they hadn't already. The French ground based radar would surely detect the air reinforcements that the boat was told were approaching and leave. The boat in the meantime, would continue along its present course. If the French wanted a game of chicken, they would get it.

by **New Metropolitan France** » Fri Jan 24, 2020 2:50 am

PART TWO

The Mirage pilots had not anticipated this turn of events. All thoughts of boredom at the patrol had evaporated instantly, and with it the courage of Mirage One - especially once the bofors on the patrol boat begun to spit out shells. He continued the merge, until an air burst went off close enough to shake the airframe. With that, he opted to break off the buzz pass and instead rose to higher altitude. Some of his speed was bled off during the climb, and so Mirage Two took up a defensive position in support. They swiftly reported their transgressions, and the socialist ship's response, to their commander - they were promptly ordered to avoid use of acquisition radar to prevent any FSR assets nearby from being further alarmed, and instead return to the mainland immediately. They would become aware of the FSR interceptors which had arrived to shadow them, but would maintain a mutually-reinforced defensive stance until crossing into the French EEZ.

Upon landing, the pilot of Mirage One shakily jumped out of the cockpit and brushed a gloved hand over a mark on one of the wings. The bofors may have been antiquated, but the Mirage 2000 was not much better in the contemporary era of conflict. He probably would have made it, he told himself; at that speed and low altitude the patrol craft would have probably struggled to hit him on the first pass. The black scar that had shaken the airframe was a lucky shot, that was all.

Grimacing, he turned to face his superior as they got out of a waiting car, awaiting a reprimand. He was, however, surprised to see a smile on his face. What could that mean?

"Your Mirages will remain out on the tarmac; get your wingman and meet me for debriefing."

Cayenne

The junior military staff couldn't believe their ears. Personnel, aircraft, communications and electronic signals were all showing the FSR alert status being raised and poised along the border, and yet the colonel instructed them to do nothing? The SAM sites were to stand idle, the search radars inactive, garrisons to remain dormant and no call to either of the Atlantic fleets for reinforcements? Were they truly betting on the same regime which was at war with the rest of Europe, the country whose predecessors launched ballistic missiles at Zackaroth, acting with restraint?

The only other order given was for the air base personnel to move into the reinforced bunkers, all modern aircraft to remain in the strengthened hangers, and await further instructions. Clearly they were expecting something then...

Paris

The meeting of the President, Defense Minister, and Foreign Minister had been planned to coincide with the operation in Guiana. While publicly it was to discus the crisis in Gabon, privately they were immediately present to draft a response when news of the patrol buzzing came in. A message was dispatched to the governments of the FSR, Puertollano, San Martinia and FUNA informing them of an incident of some kind at sea. The pilots would be interrogated and reprimanded, the communique stated, and French Confederation forces would not change their alert status from previous levels. Transcripts and recordings of the Mirage flight would also be made available, in time. The Seventh Republic was incredibly thankful that no damage had been done to the patrol vessel, and would personally apologize to its crew for the unprofessional and aggressive actions by the two Mirages.

An offer was also made to pay for the ammunition expended by the ship.

by **Lusophone** » Sun Jan 26, 2020 5:41 pm

In leaked audio, PM Hildred Cardoso suggests Tulsi Gama is provoking 'fractures within the coalition'

An audio recording of Prime Minister Hildred Cardoso leaked Sunday, in which Cardoso asserted that CHEGA! and the "South Americans" are currently "grooming" a Left Coalition member to break away from the caucus and start an independent party and champion their interests.

The comment appears to be directed at Tulsi Gama MP, who has been accused of being cozy with the far-right in the past and infamous for her friendship with Chico Manquinho.

'm not making any accusations, but I think they've got their eye on somebody and are grooming her to provoke fractures within the coalition,

" Cardoso said, speaking at a private gathering.

She's Palveiro's favorite.

Cardoso never names Gama, but other than President Taliscas, there are five other prominent women within the Left Coalition -- her, Tulsi Gama MP, Eira Vento MP, Secretary of State for Justice and Public Ministry Amy Linhares MP and author Manoela Veloso -- and none of the other woman have been accused of being boosted by the far-right or connected to "South America."

Cardoso did not provide proof about how Palveiro nor how foreign actors are "grooming" Gama. She only pointed to allegations that far-right news and propaganda sites often report on Gama's activity and that moments related to Gama have been reportedly amplified by trolls and bots on Twitter with ties to Chico Manquinho. Gama has denied those allegations.

They have a bunch of sites and bots and other ways of supporting her so far,

Cardoso said in the recording.

In the leaked audio, Cardoso also noted that some of Gama's foreign policy views align closely with South American interests.

by **The East African Commonwealth** » Wed Jan 29, 2020 4:52 pm

4th Division Headquarters - 12th Armored Brigade
Livingstone, Zambia
December 8th, 0900

There was a lot of things in Sergeant Zaria Kilari’s life that she enjoyed. A warm fireplace at night, the waves crashing on the beach, the sunrise over Mount Kilimanjaro…..but none of those things could compare to the absolute thrill of being a tank crewman. Today she was getting that thrill through and through as she pressed her G-27A2 Loyalist to its top speed of 40 mph, cresting one of the hills in the combat ground outside the Livingston Army Base. The tank gets airborne for a split second as it flies over the hill giving Zaria a feeling of weightlessness. A moment later that is replaced by the sudden shock of the 70 ton tank impacting the earth and the engine sputtering in protest.

“WHAT THE HELL IS YOUR PROBLEM!?!?” Lieutenant Obia yells from the command seat.

“That our driver has one hell of an addiction to pushing our old girl to the limit.” Sergeant Hemmings said smirking. Zaria laughed, her and Hemmings had been part of the same tank crew since basic training back in 23’ and has been a pair ever since then. The two had stuck with each other for the last three years and in that time
they had become one of the best tanker crews around. One of.

“Keep this thing on the road damnit!” Obia called again as the tank spun around towards another group of shallow hills, “How the hell did either of you make it out of basic!?”

They would be the best had it not been for them scaring off every tank commander they had assigned to them. Well that and breaking every machine they jumped in. They had been through six different tank commanders so far, making Obia the seventh. So far he was faring about as well as the rest of them had, and he had only been with them for a month.

The tank began to go up another hill when Obia yelled out “FULL STOP!” Causing Zaria to halt the steel monster. “Sergeant Kiari, I specifically told you to go back to the training road. We need to meet up with the rest of the unit. You are disobeying a direct order.”

“No sir, I am not.” Zaria replies, “You told us to go back to the road, one that our mission report stated is possibly rigged with IEDs. Instead of putting the vehicle and our crew in danger I opted to take the route through the hillsides to meet up with the rest of our unit as it is a more direct path, has more covering terrain, and lacks IEDs according to our intel.”

There was a silence for a moment before Obia replied with a curt, “Proceed.” Zaria rolls her eyes. It was the same with every officer they had, they thought they were some big shot wig from either the old national armed forces, some fresh recruit who thought they knew everything, or some jackass who thought only they knew best and disregarded everything the rest of the crew said. Thankfully Obia would listen to them, but being a fresh officer there were days when he realized he had a lot to learn.

As the tank began to move up the hill again a call over the radio catches the attention of the crew, ‘Platoon A-23, Unit 4, report to hanger. Repeat, report to hanger and cease training operations.’.

In the gunner’s seat Hemming groans, “Well shit.”

Zaria sighed in agreement, “Well this isn’t going to be fun.”

Obia simply sits back in his command seat and slumps forward, grumbling under his breath as the tank makes its way toward the Livingstone base. Until recently, Livingstone had been a quiet little border town with a small base left over from the Zambian Army. When UNITAS decided to set up camp on the Angolan border, the EAC brass felt that Livingstone would be a good Forward Operating Base for any counterinsurgency operations. The base had been expanded, renovated, and given a full airbase making it one of the EAC’s largest and most well protected bases now that the 4th Division was stationed there. In the five months Zaria had been in the little city she had fallen in love with the rolling hills surrounding it, both for its scenic views and for tank operations.

After a half hour drive the G-27 rolls onto the main base and heads toward the hanger. As usual the base is buzzing with activities from Humvees and new HEMTT HUVs transporting goods around the base and F-16’s and Blackhawks conducting air patrols. Looking through her small viewports, Zaria could see all the bustle and while she was well aware the EAC was not a military powerhouse, she was still proud of how far the nation had come in just three years. The question on everyone’s mind was if it could last three more with the Cold War becoming hotter and hotter each day.

Zaria drives the tank into its ‘hanger’ a small vehicle bay on the far side of the base. She brings the vehicle to a halt and shuts the engine off, silencing the vehicles humming that they had been hearing for the last few hours. The three-man crew dismounts as Obia calls in their return to base over the radio. As Zaria puts her feet on firm ground again she hears a pair of footsteps behind them and turns around to see two men in military uniforms approaching them. It doesn’t take her long to see the three stars on the shoulders of one of them men and she immediately stands at attention and salutes. Obia and Hemming notice the man a moment after Zaria and follow suit.

The Lieutenant General and what appeared to be his aid return the salute in kind. Obia steps forward, “Sir, Armored Platoon 23, Unit 4 Reporting as ordered.”

“At ease.” The General says, leading the three tankers to switch to the ‘at ease’ position. Zaria looks at the general’s chest and see the name ‘Rehishower’ on his uniform. Strange, the commanding officer of the 4th was named Hausburn, having two generals around meant something was up.

The General looks back and forth at the assembled crew, “Which one of you is Sergeant Kiari”

Zaria blinks for a second, surprised, and then steps forward, “That would be me, sir.”

General Rehishower looks at Zaria and smirks, “So you’re the tanker who keeps driving the repair crews up a wall.”

Zaria turns red, “Sir, I apologize for any inconvenience this has caused-”

Rehishower holds up a hand, “Sergeant I am not here to get you into any trouble, in fact just the opposite.” He drops the hand and looks at the G-27 behind her, “You drive the crew’s crazy because you push whatever tank you operate to the limit. To anyone else, this would be worth of a scolding and reprimands, but to me you represent a potential asset to me. Have you heard of the Combat Platform project?”

“Yes Sir.” Zaria says, “It’s the new project to develop Commonwealth built combat vehicles ranging from APCs to Tanks. Just about any vehicle operator has heard about it.”

“Good.” The General looks at his aid who walks over to Zaria and giver her a folder. “In that folder is your new orders, you are to pack up your gear and report to Hanger 4 by 2200 tonight. Effective Immediately you are being transferred to the CP Program at ZU’s Kasama Testing Grounds. Is that understood Sergeant?”

Zaria’s mind raced, but she responded anyway, “Yes Sir.” Transferred? From a frontline operation to a test dummy?!? Had she crossed the line with breaking her machines and command decided enough was enough? Or was this General Rehishower genuine about seeing her as an asset to the CP Program?

Rehishower, oblivious to Zaria’s concerns, nods, “Very well, Unit 4 you are dismissed, a new driver will be with your unit by the end of the week to make up for the absence of the Sergeant.” With that the General turns around and leaves the hanger, leaving Zaria and the crew by themselves.

Obia is the one to break the silence fires, “At least I won’t be in danger of cracking my head open now.” He gets a scold from Zaria but simply shrugs as he turns toward the barracks. He raises his hand and waves as he walks away, “Good luck in Kasama Sergeant.”

Hemming looks over at Zaria, “Well, it looks like the dream team is finally being disbanded.” He says smiling, though Zaria knows him well enough that he is likely just as rattled by the news.

Zaria punches him in the shoulder, “You only get a break from me. Give it a month and I will be back in the drivers seat dragging you all over Africa. There will be only so much for me to break at a testing ground.”

Hemming laughs, “I can see the headline now – crazy Sergeant destroys all of ZU’s prototypes, military development set back by years!”
The two laugh for a bit before going quiet again, “Hey, I only have a few hours left and it may be a while before we see each other again.” Zaria says, “Want to go down to that bar on T-1 and break a few things for old times’ sake?”

“Only if you’re paying.” Hemming says getting another punch as the two walk off towards the base’s bus station.

by **The East African Commonwealth** » Fri Jan 31, 2020 8:28 pm

Kasama, Zambia
December 10th, 0800

Zaria was woken up by a jolt as the bus hits another pothole driving though Kasama. She groggily checks her watch and sees the time is almost 0800. She had probably another ten minutes before she reached the Training Grounds. Bummer, she had quite enjoyed being able to sleep for a change since it was a commodity in the military these days. The old bus creaked as it entered the city's outskirts and drove onto a road heading northwest of the city. So far the trip had been quite dull with the only highlight being getting some shuteye, but other then that nothing of notice had happened. That quickly changed as Zaria looked out the window and did a double take. On the hill just south of the bus, three machines rolled down the hill. They were clearly not tanks as they had an 8 by 8 suspension, but what made them stand out was their dual turret.

Zaria had heard about the LCP-1’s and the mortar variant with the dual cannon, but she had never seen it before. While she was not a gunner like Hemming, she still thought the technology and mechanism behind the dual cannon system were fascinating. She watched as the dual gunned machines rolled down the hill and came to a stop. A moment later they raised their cannons and began to fire a volley of mortars toward a target range about a mile away. Their guns fired in rapid succession sending their 120mm mortar screaming toward their targets at a frightening rate. In the bus Zaria whistled, “Man Hemming is gonna be so pissed that he missed out on this.”

The bus makes a left turn and the three LCP’s are blocked by a hill, hiding them from Zaria’s sight. She looks back toward the front of the bus as she feel it come to a halt and sees a gate being raised in front of her. Moments later the bus drives through and Zaria officially entered the Zambia United Testing Grounds. While it was not as interesting as those three LCPs from before, Zaria reminds herself that this place is her new home for the foreseeable future. The bus comes to a stop and the doors open. She grabs her bag sitting next to her and walks off the bus onto the testing grounds. While there was activity on the base, it was far less then Livingstone. A man in what appeared to be a workers uniform approached Zaria and raises and eyebrow, “You Zaria Kiari?”

“Sergeant Zaria Kiari yes, and you would be….?”

“Andrew Walters.” The worker said, “Yes, I am aware it an American name, No I am not America, and before you start making American jokes please do not, I have heard them all.”

Zaria blinks, this guys was a unique one for sure. “Um, well Mr. Walters I was assigned here-“

“To test and break my machines? Yes, yes I am aware, why do you think I am out here meeting you so early.”

“Early?” Zaria says surprised, “And what do you mean your machines?”

“I’m the one who designed the UCP and LCP series of vehicles.” Walters says in a matter of fact way. “I am the head engineer of this facility after all.” Before Zaria can say anything he turns towards a large hanger and begins walking toward it, “Now come on, don’t want to be late for your first day.”

Zaria stands dumbstruck for a moment before following, “This is a great start.” She mumbles to herself.

As she follows Walters toward the hanger Zaria looks around the base. The military personnel inside the base were minimal, mostly at the checkpoints to get inside the base. There appeared to be a set of barracks on the far side of the base and a small helipad, but other then that the complex appeared to be largely a civilian one that only had military staff for protection. "That's strange..." Zaria thought to herself, "Why are there so few MPs for a important military project....?"

After a few minutes of walking, Walters led Zaria into a large hanger with the number "06" emblazoned on the side. The two walked over to the small officer door on the side of the building where Walters stopped and looked at Zaria. "Kiari, this will be your new home while you are here." Walters says motioning to the massive building, "You will be living and working within this hanger for the time being with tests being done outside during select days."

Zaria rolls her eyes, "First off, its Sergeant Kiari, I am not one of your eggheads. Second, why am I not in the barracks with the rest of the military forces assigned here?"

Walters shrugs, "Beats me, General Rehishower just told me you would be working and living here. And I am aware of your rank, I just prefer the personal touch."

Before Zaria can say anything,Walters opens the door and motions for her to head in. Zaria reluctantly follows his request and enters the building. In her head she is envisioning walking in to a gleaming row of LCP-1's to test drive, or even may a prototype UCP-1 that everyone in the armored corp had been talking about. Being a test driver and breaking those machines in would be a dream, and that dream would make getting reassigned completely worth it. Sadly, her dreams were shattered when entered Hanger 06. As she walks past the door her nose is assaulted by the smell of burnt electronics, motor oil, and smoke. Instinctively she grabs her nose and coughs, trying to get a breath of fresh air, "Walters what the hell!" She yells turning back at the engineer.

He shrugs once again, "Its a testing facility, if you can't handle a bit of fumes then you should leave right now."

She glares at him but says nothing. She looks around the vast hanger and sees wires, scrap metal, and electronics strewn about everywhere. If she hadn't known better she would think she was in some sort of junkyard if it hadn't been for the EAC's banner mounted on the wall and a makeshift set of containers with what appeared to be housing inside of them on the far side of the hanger. As she walks further into the building she has to watch her step to avoid stepping on cables or tripping over random parts from....something. To Zaria some of these parts looked like they were more meant for an aircraft then an army vehicle, but she did not say anything to Walters about it. As they reach the center of the hanger Zaria sees a large metal frame of some sort. The frame appears to be some sort of vehicle, but it is far larger then anything she had previously seen. Further, the thing had wiring, parts, and twisted metal poking out from all over it, making the frame seem more like a jumble of random bits and pieces then a military project, not like the LCPs she has seen that was for sure. As they approach the strange design Walters picks up a wrench from a pile of tools next to the machine and slams it against one of the frame's metal supports, causing a loud 'CLANG' to resonate across the vast hanger.

"Hey Hoko!" He yells at the frame, "Your test driver is here."

A man's head shoots out from the twisted mess of steel and wires almost like a meerkat coming out of its burrow. The man grinned and jumped out from the mess of wires onto the top of the frame before jumping onto the hanger's floor, "Ah, so you must be tank wrecker I have heard so much about."

Zaria's eyes narrow, "Tank wrecker?"

The man puts his hands up, "Take it easy, just a joke! Though I suppose it is the reason that you are here.....regardless I am happy to have you aboard. The name is Marcus Hoko, chief engineer and head designer for the XCP Project. Its a pleasure to meet you."

Zaria looks up and down at Hoko. The man didn't look much older then maybe 23 or 24 but he was the head of a project? And further she had been separated from Hemmings and removed from Livingstone for this nightmare of an engineering project? Zaria glares at Hoko and then looks at Walters, "Is this some kind of joke?! I was transferred off a massive military training exercise for front line combat to help some kid test out some toys?"

Hoko's cheerful demeanor drops and Walters sighs, "Kiari, while this may not be the most action packed job within the military it is extremely important. I understand that you are a soldier and while you may view the work we 'eggheads' do as lesser work it is still vital to our military and how we operate." He extends his hand toward Hoko, "...and while it is true that Hoko is young he is also by far the brightest student I have ever seen come out of the Commonwealth Institute of Technology and he has been instrumental in the CP Project. Regardless of your feelings for working with a 'kid' this is you job and you have been ordered to help move the project forward." Walters puts his hand down and looks at Zaria, "While I do not fully understand all your military jargon I do understand that you follow orders. And what are those orders."

Zaria grits her teeth, "Continuing the development of the CP project and testing machines."

Walters nods, "And your orders are to develop and test this machine right here with Hoko. Is that a problem Sergeant?"

Zaria glared at the engineer but nodded, "Yes sir."

There was a tense silence for a moment before Walters responded, "Very well, then I will let you move into your facilities and let Hoko explain to you what the project is whenever you are moved in. I'll let the two of you get acquainted."

With that Walters heads back toward the door of the hanger leaving a furious Zaria alone with Hoko. Hoko takes a hesitant step forward, "Look Sergeant I-"

"Let me make something clear kid." Zaria says turning around, "Whatever this project is better be worth it. I was taken off my crew for this scrapbox of a machine of yours. Make it worth my time."

Before he can say anything Zaria storms off toward the far section of the hanger where a makeshift housing section had been set up, leaving Hoko alone once more with his machine. The young engineer sighs and scratches his head before looking at the twisted frame, "Well looks like we have another non-believer to convert, huh buddy."

by **Fregantes Empire** » Sat Feb 01, 2020 2:37 pm

December 2025, Athens: The Chancellorship Office

Chancellor Fleuchaim, dwelling in his deep thoughts, is interrupted by the knocking on door and the announcement of his aide;

Aide: “Your Excellency?”

Fleuchaim: “Yes?”

Aide: “The Regional Kuvernitis (Governor) of Macedonia is requesting an urgent audience”

Fleuchaim: “Doesn’t he know the procedures? Ah, these Salonicans! Set an available date and send an invitation to Thessaloni-

Aide: “Your Excellency, the Kuvernitis is already here. He is seated in the waiting room.”

Fleuchaim: *Is this a joke?* “Fine, send him in.”

Aide: “At once, Your Excellency.”
—————————————————————————————————
Kuvernitis: “Your Excellency! It is a pleasure to see you in good health!”

Fleuchaim: “I wish I could reciprocate the feeling, in light of your lack of respect to the etiquette and procedures. I guess all Salonicans are in one way or another a bit.....unrefined. Anyways, what is it that you deem more important than my duties at hand?”

Kuvernitis: “The arrogance of an Athenian as always! Cutting to the chase, Thessaloniki and Preveza has a joint proposal to Athens.”

Fleuchaim: “Preveza as well?”

Kuvernitis: “Correct, and the Exarch of Preveza will be joining us through a videoconference as well.”

Fleuchaim: “The Mirai maniacs as well? My day couldn’t have been worse.” (Proceeds to turn on the television and answer the expected call)

Exarch: “Your Excellency! I wish you a good day. My apologies for not being there personally, I was busy with some cleaning, whose nature is quite knowledgeable to you. If you know what I mean.”

Fleuchaim: *That explains the loss of contact with our spy. Poor soul.*

Kuvernitis: “Now that we are all here, let us talk about the proposal: Reunification of Crete and Rhodes with our Latinocracy”

Fleuchaim: “Absorbing a country we ourselves gave independence to rid ourselves of extremism and terrorism. Tell me, how do we benefit from allowing Ultranationalist scum into our nest and damaging our credibility?”

Exarch: “First, achieving total control over the Aegean Sea; Second, pressuring the Turks as they currently have a near-revanchist Persia to deal with; Third, actually doing something other than our usual dormant status.”

Kuvernitis: “The act won’t be perceived as a deviance from our general foreign policy, as the URT has tried to counter the Turkish influence in the Mediterranean in the past. Plus, a unification of the Greek people is a legitimate argument. If anything, the popularity of Ultranationalism is non-existant, so no nation on the planet can openly support them.”

Fleuchaim: “That may be so, but we me must remember the Communist involvement during the referendum on the Turkish military mission. Some particular nations across the Atlantic might interfere like the last time. Plus, do you propose an actual invasion? That’s very unrealistic. There will be an international uproar. We must force a referendum on them rather than an invasion.”

Exarch: “Our thoughts exactly. We will call for a referendum, and since they are mainly economically dependent on us, we will impose sanctions if they refuse. “Silencing the voice of the people” etc. We then encourage our businesses in the island to conduct pro-unification propaganda, while we ‘incentivise’ dual-citizenship holders to vote accordingly. About foreign involvement, a ‘quarantine’ of the islands would suffice.”

Kuvernitis: “The blockade you are proposing, my dear Exarch, will antagonise the islanders. Instead, why not position our navy to patrol between the Peloponnese and Cyrenaica? URT has plans for the Southern Mediterranean anyways. If they encounter a South Ameri- I mean, a suspicious vessel coming through, they can investigate or at least report it, no?”

Fleuchaim: “Interesting. We can also promise huge investments and development throughout the islands. They have been sort of backwater territories since they haven’t shared the fruits of our successes. But what if the referendum fails?”

Exarch: “Let the Navy encircle the islands and play Carmina Burana O Fortuna from all vessels. Psychological nightmare.”

Kuvernitis: “The referendum cannot fail. We will promise them the autonomy of a Special Administration. We will ensure the Hellenic culture in the islands will be upheld and protected. Plus, the new generation is getting sick of the extremism anyways. Many are coming here to study and work. The promise of proper democracy and better conditions will be surely appealing. If nothing works, our Syndicalist connections will make sure to remind the Cretan Communists where to place their loyalty.”

Fleuchaim: “Indeed. Fine, Athens accepts. We will issue the statement as soon as possible. Meanwhile, get the ‘incentives’ ready and get your operatives to infiltrate the islands. We will deal with the businesses.”

Exarch: “The Mirai had already infiltrated the islands years ago. After all, there is a large number of dual-citizens between us thanks to the independence conditions. Putting beside this, Your Excellency, we want a compensation for coming up with this proposal: Rhodes.”

Fleuchaim: “As long as Crete is within the Athenian sphere, Preveza and Thessaloniki can do whatever they wish with Rhodes.”

Kuvernitis: “Good, I am happy to see that we can all agree to something once in a while.”

Exarch: “Indeed. Now, if you excuse me, I need to take my leave. I have a Quantum Computing lecture at the High Institute. Good day to all of you.” (Call ends)

Fleuchaim: *So, they are interested in Quantum Computing this time. Where are they receiving the necessary equipment anyways?*

Kuvernitis: “I must excuse myself as well, Your Excellency. Take care.”

Fleuchaim: “I see. Safe travels, and please make an appointment next time.”

Kuvernitis: (Leaves while laughing)

Fleuchaim: *Since when those two factions are interested in expansion? No matter, as long as we benefit, every cooperation is plausible* “Markus!”

Aide: (Comes inside) “Yes Your Excellency?”

Fleuchaim: “Cancel all of my meetings, redirect the important ones to the Imperial Palace. After that, book a flight from Athens to Rome and contact the Patriarch of Athens. Inform him that he will attend a meeting with the Pope.”

Aide: “The Pope, Your Excellency? How did we manage to convince him?”

Fleuchaim: “Ah Markus, learn something will you? We didn’t convince him, we ordered him. He is a Roman puppet, if you haven’t noticed. Anyways, do what I said. I shall be going. The Empress will be awaiting my presence.”

Aide: “At once, Your Excellency.”

Fleuchaim: *Time will tell if we are actually going to get those islands back.*

by **The East African Commonwealth** » Sat Feb 01, 2020 7:42 pm

Zambia United Testing Facility
Kasama, Zambia
December 11th, 0700

The beeping of an alarm wakes Zaria and interrupts her first real night of sleep in ages. She had spent most of the prior day unpacking and setting up her living quarters which was an old shipping container which had been fitted with plumbing, electricity, and air conditioning and by the time she was done she had just wanted to sleep. Needless to say, she had gotten her wish. Groggily she looks at the alarm and presses down on the top button, turning off the noise. She stands up and makes herself some coffee and prepares herself for her first day of work...or whatever she wanted to label this new station as. As she finishes putting on her BDUs she sighs thinking about her arrival yesterday and how irritated she had been. "This damn kid better not be wasting my time..." She mumbles, still waking up. Zaria grabs her coffee and opens the door to the rest of the hanger for her first day working in the facility.

It takes her eyes a moment to adjust to the bright lights of the hanger but she can see the facility had remained the same. It still looked like a junkyard with that abomination called the XCP in the middle of the hanger. It took her a moment to realize there was a crane over the machine holding some large component over the vehicle's mid section. She raises an eyebrow and takes a sip of her coffee before making her way towards the machine. As she makes her way toward the XCP, Zaria sees a head pop out of the machine. That was a surprise, she had thought for sure Hoko would be sleeping since he had been working all day yesterday. Curious she walks over and calls out, "Hoko? What are you doing up?"

Hoko looks over at Zaria and quickly scrambles out of the XCP and stands at a haphazard attention, "Oh, Sergeant I apologize if all the noise woke you. I didn't want to wake you up in the middle of the night."

"Why are you acting like I'm a drill Sergeant?" Zaria says crossing her arms, "And its seven in the morning."

Hoko blinks, "Wait it's morning already?!" He looks at his watch and taps it a few times, "I guess I must have lost track of time."

"Wait, did you work all night?"

Hoko nods, "Actually three nights now. But don't worry Sergeant, I get two hour burst of sleep and enough coffee to keep me awake."

Zaria puts her hand to her forehead, "Freaking engineers...." She looks at him, "Why the hell have you been up for three days?"

Hoko looks over at the suspended component above the machine, "Prepping for this."

Zaria looks at the suspended object and begins to make out details on it she missed before. The large component was boxy except for the fact that it has a cylinder running down its length that made it almost look like it had a tumor. It looked like there were two massive radiators on either side of the object along with a tangle of wires, gears, and pulleys. After a moment something clicked in Zaria's head but it seemed too surreal to even suggest. She looks back at Hoko, "Is that a jet engine? I only drive things that stay on the ground.....mostly."

"Well it is, and it isn't." Hoko says jumping back on the XCP, "This is an engine based on the engines of 5th gen fighter jets built for a combat vehicle."

Internally Zaria screams and takes a swig of her coffee to process the information. This kid was going to be the death of her at this rate. "Why, respectfully, the f*ck did you build a jet engine for...whatever the XCP is?"

Hoko smiles for a moment before quickly hiding it, "Well, um, Sergeant you are not the first person to ask this. The AX series was created to act as a high output engine capable of supplying a massive amount of power to allow for this project."

"Wait, the AX series?" Zaria says a bit surprised, "Are you telling me that all of the CP projects have these types of engines?"

Hoko nods, relieved that Zaria's glare had been replaced, "Correct, though the AX Series Model 1 and Model 2 are more scaled testing beds then the fully fledged product. The Model 1 was to see if the concept would actually work and the Model 2 was examining what the up scaling of the power would result in. This AX is the first Model 3, or Type 3 as ZU is rebranding it as."

Zaria's brain switches from a skeptic critic to an interested vehicle operator, "Why have I never heard of this before? That seems like a radical design change."

"Well, the AX Series is regarded as a national secret after it was displayed to the military, a General named Aloizi gave it Top Secret Status." Hoko says looking back at the engine, "Only ZU Engineers are even allowed to open it up, hence why the company has been busy hiring as many engineers as they can. As for the design change, we needed a way to give the Commonwealth an edge in combat. Once Dr. Walters heard my idea during my thesis he gave me a job here and began to work with me in designing the entire CP program to test the idea and turn it into a viable military concept." He frowns a bit, "Downside is my thesis was locked behind military archives so I can't publish it which was a huge bummer, but hey, the program is worth it."

Zaria shakes her head, "Wait, YOU designed that engine!? A kid in college?"

"It was my senior thesis so I just graduated!" Hoko says quickly, "But yes, this engine and the science behind it are all mine. Dr. Walters helped with some of it after my thesis and initial design was completed and some of the materials issues I had, but it's my life's work."

Zaria was quiet for a moment, "So what can it do?"

Hoko grins, "Oh, give you 3,000 shp to play with."

"3,0000?!?" Zaria says her jaw dropping, "The Loyalists tanks don't even come near that much!"

Hoko nods, "That's because its based on a totally different concept. 5th Gen Jets have to make engines lightweight, durable, and easy to maintain for the most part. They have a high output that can be flexible depending on the output of the plane's thrust. Other tanks such as the Abrams and Loyalist have turbine based systems, but have to draw off a ton of power due to the immense amount of pressure inside of the turbine to actually use the power. However, they lose an insane amount of power doing this, leaving the tank with only a fraction of its initial energy causing lost fuel and power for the tank to use. My system harnesses this energy and allows it to be used while ensuring the machine is not threatened with overheating or explosion. Hence why my engine looks more like a traditional jet engine then a turbine type used by most of the world. It brings in a new age of ground engines that will produce more power and flexibility then any before them. Or....that's the theory anyway."

Hoko looks at Zaria, "That's why you are here. You have a reputation for breaking machines and I need you to beat up this engine as much as you can. Since this is the first Type 3 we have no idea how it will actually preform when paired with a vehicle or what its problems may be. If this engine is going to be what gives the edge to the Commonwealth we need to find out its limits and what they may be."

Zaria looks at the engine for a second and sighs, "I owe you an apology."

Hoko blinks, "Uh, what for."

"For judging you." Zaria says, "I thought I was going to be working on some second-rate prototype that was already being cut. On top of that I though you were going to be a know it all kid who was going to be naive or not understand actual combat concepts. It seems I was wrong on both accounts, and for that I apologize."

Hoko stares at Zaria surprised, "Um, its not a problem Sergeant. You're not the first person to view me like that."

"That doesn't matter." Zarai says, "What matters is that you are currently the only person qualified to get the XCP operation and I am the only person qualified...apparently...to thoroughly break this....this...what exactly is this vehicle?"

"A tank."

"Thank God." Zaria says, "If you had said something like an APC I was going to be seriously disappointed." She walks up to the 'tank' and puts her hand on the frame, "Though this scrapbox is going to need to go a long way to be battle ready."

"True, but by the end of the week it will be road ready." Hoko says, "Hence why we brought you here."

"Not combat, but definitely a good start." She looks at the suspended engine and smiles.

Hoko looks surprised, "I don't think you could smile."

"Only when I get paid to break stuff."

by **Orostan** » Sat Feb 01, 2020 8:42 pm

Brasilia

“Well, what do you think?”

The buzz of the military command center swirled around the analyst as he looked up at his friend, who was looking at the computer screen in front of them both.

“I think we should tell our boss, Marcus.”, said the friend as he gestured to the computer screen.

Marcus looked back at the computer as his friend straightened out his military intelligence uniform, looking down at his shirt as he did it.

“It’s a fucking warehouse Luis. It’s probably involved with the corruption. You saw those balance sheets too. I just thought it was interesting.”

Luis looked up from his shirt at the computer again. A officer carrying a Manila folder nudged past him and Luis glanced backwards for a moment.

“Yeah, but what kind of East African warehouse corruption deal involves a warehouse in the middle of nowhere, armed guards, and a giant truck?.”

Luis leaves over and tapped a somewhat blurry shape on the screen. A flatbed truck with a tarp covering up its cargo pulling into the warehouse. Whatever the cargo was, it was big and boxy.

Marcus sighed.

“I guess we’d better write a report and call it in.”

The Miscellaneous Works (Democritus Only!)

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Leaked Audio | Portuguese Republic

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