2017: America Shattered [MT-Open]

[Inyourfaceistan]

--------------------------------- Roanoke, DC -----------------------------------------

A light drizzle fell on the mountain city as a man in a black trench coat and black beret stepped out of an armored landrover. With three armed guards in grey camoflauge, he entered the executive headquarters. The tan-skinned man and his escort promptly walked to the president's office, only stopping to salute the uniformed personel guarding the elevators and doors. Two Virginia National Guard soldiers promptly allowed him into the large office where the newly elected president was working at his desk.

"Afternoon, Mr. President."
"Good afternoon, 'General Ray', if that is what you call yourself nowadays."
"You heard Defense Secretary Paterson yourself. An 'impromptu battlefield promotion'."
"Yes, if you consider a near-bloodless coup a 'battlefield'..."
"As much as I would consider 39% of the vote 'a majority'..."
"A career politician winning in a multi-party system with a small lead is nothing compared to a mid-level CIA agent being promoted to a five-star general."
"A mid-level CIA agent with prior special forces experience, I remind you."
"Yah, yah. So why are you here?"
"We need a bit of cash, see..."
"More money for your pet project?'
"No, Fort Stormrock is actually funded mostly by private donations. We need to money because Lockheed-Martin and Northrop Grumman were merely set back by the collapse, and they both plan to continue production of their various technologies."
"Your point?"
"We have two extremely advanced and powerful defense corporations headquartered in our territory. If we are two stay on top we need to keep ourselves as major clients and investors."
"I see. Very well. However, do not expect me to write you a blank check everytime you get a wet dream for some fancy-ass armored death machine..."

As President Richards looked up he found that General Ray had already been walking off since he had said "very well". That man was a peice of work. The son of a CIA officer father and a Cuban exile mother, he showed an interest in both world politics and military at a young age that only grew from there. As much as the primed-and-proper suit wearing politican Richards couldn't stand to have a loose cannon ideolouge like Ray, the man had been instrumental in the planning and execution of the coup that put the young nation where it was.

Channel 4 Atlantic to Mississipi!

Booming Marijuana Industry Brings New Jobs!

Following the decision by the Legislative Council to legalize marijuana in the Chesepeake Confederacy, this crop that once plagued the less-developed regions of the Appalachians is now having a great effect on the economy. At least three major corporations with dozens of small-business operations have begun springing up in mountain towns from Maryland to Kentucky. The surge of jobs is helping to bring the flow of currency into this formerly impoverished region.

[The Dijel]

Near Fairbanks, Democratic Union of Alaska

Powder snow fell gently from the gray maelstrom sky, coating the hard-packed snow drifts with a downy soft layer. Away to the west, the orange glare of the setting sun illuminated the landscape, casting perpendicular shadows across the landscape, also caught in the soft light was a heavy column of thick black smoke, an oily bloodstain on the landscape.
In the midst of this almost idyllic landscape, Justicar Vimes ovserved the dark blot with a barely-suppressed shiver; he knew what it reprisented, perhaps on a deeper level than one might have thought him capable of. Leaning casually against the flank of a requisitioned local police car wearing the classic trench coat and pork-pie hat combo of yesteryear, augmented by some hastily-aquired body armour, Vimes hardly cut a heroic figure; and he knew it. In fact, he was counting on it.
The somewhat dented police vehichle sat inexpertly concealed in a layby on the side of the deserted Fairbanks-Whitehorse road, but, Vimes knew, it would not be deserted for long. Hours earlier, DUA forces had launched a final assault on the city of Fairbanks, the last refuge of the deposed facist regime in Alaska; a fight with only one outcome. That was why Vimes was there; members of the regime and their sympathisers had been fleeing to the Canadian Yukon since the earliest days of the war, lest they be caught and face justice from a people in no mood for mercy.
Back out on the road, headlights flashed out in the growing darkness, even as the last fingers of sunlight retreated from the world, heading east.
With a calm, professional air, Vimes backed his vehicle out from its hiding place so that it blocked the middle of the road, with only a thin strip of tarmac seperating it from the frigid snowdrits on either side. This done, and with the lights fast approaching, Vimes stalked off westwards along the side of the road, hidden both by the coming night and the lip of the roadside ditch, M16 rifle in hand. He knew what to do.
As the source of the lights, a small commercial-type van sounding more than a little worse for wear, approached the impromtu roadblock, the driver brought it to a crawl while the passanger opened their window, revealing the dark barrel of their own weapon. Seconds later, the quiet was broken by a salvo of shots, shredding the cabin of the unfortunate poice cruiser, the echoes dying in the drifting snow. As the passanger disembarked from the van, creeping forward towards Vimes' car, Vimes moved.
Silently, he clambered up the icy bank, then, standing on the roadway, he fired his UGL towards the cab of the van. The round hit the frame of the drivers' side door, blowing out the windows and removing the driver as a threat. That was how Vimes viewed it. At the sound, the man out front pivoted as if on a potter's wheel.
"Drop the weapon!" Was yelled in Vimes' voice "Justicar! Drop the gun!"
The man peered blindly into the half-light as Vimes circled round behind the now stationary van, Frozen by panic.
"Alright!" He cried out desperately, seeming to come to a conclusion "I submit! No more" He threw down his weapon, staring as it clattered actoss the icy surface. "Just let me live..." His voice was barely a whimper now.
"Only time will tell" Vimes was only inches from the man's ear now.

Peoples' Square Amphitheatre, Juneau, Democraic Union of Alaska

"Now, Comrades, that our own boarders are secure, we may move our gaze further afield. A new epoch is dawning, my friends, our future is in our own hands, and it will be glorious!"
The square echoed with general murmurs of support, just short of full applause, as Comrade-General Davids finished his debriefimg of the assembly on the so-called 'Operation Fair-Banks', the push to remove the last enclave of the facists from Alaskan soil. Down in the lowwer tiers, deligates from each of the town and district soviets in all parts of the country sat wrapped up against the cold, each shuffling through notes on issues their people wanted raised, encompassing everything from weapons development to fishing licences. Higher up, at street level, the people of Juneau peered at the leaders of their land, still unused to seeing them so close. In the dark days just passed, few could get this close and live to tell the tale; even before that, it was a rare polistician who mingled with their people so freely.
The last few months had certainly been eventful for the people of Juneau: in some parts of the city, they were still burying those killed in the uprising; here, they were building the future.

[North Yakistan]

Des Moines, Iowa

All were silent as the lone prisoner made his way up the steps of the state capitol towards the makeshift gallows. Somewhere in the distance anti-death penalty protesters were shouting slogans but they had been kept back as not to interrupt the execution. This event was far more than just disposing of a criminal, it was a statement. Thats why it was here, at the capitol, rather than in some prison, and why he would be hung rather than sedated. This was a deterrent, a sign to those who may break the laws what may become of them.

standing off to the side of the crowd, Senator Kohls leans in and whispers in the ear of King Marcus. "I still think this is a little extreme. killing a man over voter fraud." "Were not killing him for voter fraud" Marcus replied. "Were killing him because when he tried to forge 6,000 pro socialist ballots he shot a pregnant woman to cover it up. There are alot of reasons this is important Tom, not just the public administration of justice, but showing our commitment to democracy. And most importantly, showing the dammed socialists what will happen if they try to cheat again."

The man had reached the gallows, and took his place as the charges were read. He had no last words to say, and the noose was promptly hung around his neck. There was a sickening snap when the body dropped, but the people remained quiet. Justice had been served, and they all knew it.

[Inyourfaceistan]

World News

Europe: The EU has cut ties with Russia in response to the nations ever-growing anti-LGBT laws and culture, as well as for Russia's role in supporting the regime of Bashar Al-Assad. EU leaders have also charged the Russian Federation of directly funding violent militias and insurgents across the globe.

Asia: A large tsunami in the Indian Ocean has caused widespread devastion in India and parts of Indonesia. Geologists blame an unstable fault line resulting in a series of underwater eruptions for the disaster.



South America: Tensions are hot after a raid by the Colombian Army on a FARC stronghold killed three Venezuelan and one Nicaraugan military officers. Venezuela and Nicaragua claim their personel were assinated while on a purely observational mission; while the Colombians accuse the socialist nations of aiding and training the FARC terrorists. Venezuela has threatened to block trade shipments to Colombia if the situation is not remedied. Meanwhile Israel has vowed to stand by its major ally in Latin America.

[Len Hyet]

Austin, Texas
Capitol of the Texas Republic
Office of President Benjamin Silva

President Silva sighed and rolled his neck, doing his damnedest to crack every bone he could. It had been a long day and he was tired. There was only a few more objects on his list for the day. Firstly he had to deal with the establishment of a Texas Mint. The old US Dollar had been co-opted by the Texan government for now, but the life of the average US Dollar was only a little more than a year, and it had already been almost six months. Just the establishment of the Republic had taken this long, now it was time to get down to the daily grind. He keyed the intercom, and a well dressed Senator walked in. Silva rose, smiling.

"Ah Senator Thompson, good to see you."

"Likewise Mister President. How has the day been?"

"Long and difficult Senator. Can I get you something cold?"

"No thank you Mister President, I'd just as soon get down to business."

The President grunted. "Right to it then, good. Now Senator, you're the head of the Republic Engraving and Printing Commission, correct?"

"Yes Mister President. We've written a bill establishing the Mint of the Republic. It will allocate funds to build facilities capable of producing approximately ten million bills per day, and twenty five million coins. That should be enough accounting for the needs of the total populace, but if it isn't then we have included a provision that puts the right for allocation of funds to create more establishments over time under the powers of the Budgetary Committee." Replied the Senator.

"What's the probability of it passing?"

"Almost a sure thing Mister President. It seems that of the nine parties that hold seats, the Green Party, Republican Party, and Progressive Party all sponsored the bill. The Republican Party will keep the Tea Party and Beloved of Christ Party in line, the Green Party will keep the Atheist Party firmly in support, and that gives us a majority."

"Thank you Senator, that will be all."

"Yes Mister President."

The Senator walked out, and in walked the President's last appointment. General Kendrick Hernandez, Commanding General of the Texas and Oklahoma National Guards, now combined into the one Army of the Republic. He saluted, a gesture which the President returned.

"Thank you for coming General, have a seat."

"Of course Mister President."

"Now, did you draw up the plans for an invasion of Louisiana?"

"Yes Mister President, we are of course assuming that the Louisiana National Guard will be assisting us?"

"Yes General, the Governor has contacted me personally and in return for remaining governor of the state he has agreed to aid us in subduing the pockets of resistance in his state."

"Remind me Mister President what do we get out of this?"

"One of the largest ports in the Continental United States along with access to the Gulf as well as the welcome reinforcements of their National Guard being added to our own General. Is the plan feasible?"

"Yes Mister President, and we believe it offers us the greatest chance of success."

The President twirled a pen between his fingers. He wasn't the kind of man who micromanaged, and he heartily encouraged his subordinates to be the same. The General was a smart man, who had studied tactics his whole life. He also had proven to be remarkably loyal to the once governor of Texas.

"Do it." He said, and stood. The General was about to salute, but President Silva stuck out his hand. Slightly bemused, the General shook.

"Good luck General."

"Thank you sir."

The two men finally saluted, and the General walked out.

---

Border of Louisiana
The 1st Texas Infantry Regiment
Colonel James Kendall

The Colonel stood, smoking a powerfully scented cigar, the very image of a tough-as-nails infantry commander. Colonel Kendall stood next to his counterpart in the Louisiana National Guard, Colonel John Quentin, commanding officer of the 256th Louisiana Infantry Brigade. The two men shook hands, then collectively grinned as the first ranks of soldiers crossed over into Louisiana. The Louisiana National Guard had been beaten back almost over the Texas border by brigands, rebels, and other unfortunate dregs of society. The Governor had agreed to allow his state to become part of the Republic of Texas, on the condition he remained governor of his state pending elections.

The Texans had agreed. A truck rumbled by the two Colonels, carrying a squad of infantrymen. They cheered and waved at the Colonels, who grimly saluted. As elated that the two men were that they were finally going to reclaim Louisiana, they knew men would die in the attempt.

[Inyourfaceistan]

--------------------------- Classified Location, West Virginia -----------------------

Two UH-60 Blackhawks flew through the early morning skies as a faint hint of sunrise began to crest over the great divide from the east. They crested a tree-covered hillside and revealed a massive construction project underway deep within the West Virginia mountainscape.

Bulldozers were hard at work moving tons of rock and rubble from two large tunnel entrances, while the sound of drills could be heard echoing from the black voids at the base of the mountain. Half-cylinder barracks were being pushed up against the bare rock before being covered in concrete and loose debris.

The helicopters landed as the first cracks of sun peirced the mountains surrounding the major compound. A light dew still hung in the shadows of the oak and fir trees as a high-ranking officer and his staff walked forward to meet the helicopter. He saluted as General Ray stepped out of the military-grade aircraft.

"Morning Sir."
"Please, call me Comrade."
"Will do, Comrade Ray."
"Thank you, General O'Brian. What is the situation?"
"The main entrance tunnels are nearing completion, and we are on-schedule to complete the smaller foot tunnels. Semi-external barracks are under development as we speak, and the ground work is being laid for the Mk-41 VLS silos."
"Excellent. Estimated date of completion?"
"Unsure, sir. Probably four months operational status, maybe a year or so until optimum state of readiness."
"Good. I knew I could count on you, your men and your crews."


---------------------------------- Annapolis, Maryland ---------------------------------

Governer Martin O'Malley had managed to retain his position as head of the Maryland executive. However, with most of his base either fleeing the state or slowly turning to the other side of the spectrum, he feared his time in power was running out. Already, Tea Party canidates had won elections in the mountain communities, as well as rural Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore.

"Sir, don't you think this is a little extreme?"
"Maybe. But it is the only way. Society and the greater good must be protected; even at the cost of the individual."
"Don't you think the other states will retaliate?"
"Perhaps. But they are too busy selling pot and buying stealth fighters to react in time. I can already promise you their system will collapse. People need an authoritarian state managing their money for them or else the economy will fail and villainous entrepenuers will exploit everyone."
"But isn't that fascism?"
"NO! Fascism is like swastikas and stuff! Those goons are the fascists."
"Okay... What do you want me to do?"
"Have your men sweep the streets and find those loyal to the opposition. Scare them off, if not, dispose of them. I will order the police to stand down, and even if they refuse, my budget cuts have weakened them."
"Yes Sir! For a New Maryland Republic!"

Channel 4 Atlantic to Mississipi!

Violence in Urban Maryland!

Mobs wearing black shirts with blue berets have begun storming the streets in a fit of violence and anger. Toting nightsticks, baseball bats and shotguns these gangs call themselves the "Social Defense Service " or "SDS" and have begun intimidating and attacking everyone they see as anti-progressive. Targets are registered Republicans, Tea Party and Libertarians. Individuals seen as "redneck" or "hicks" and Israeli-Americans are also reported to be targeted by these mobs.

In a shocking move, Governer Martin O'Malley has ordered the police to stand down, claiming that sending in the cops will only make the situation worse. So far, at least sixteen law enforcement officers have been fired, and six have been detained for insubordination.

More on this story as it develops.

[Len Hyet]

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center
Houston, Texas
Headquarters of the Texas Intelligence Agency (TIA)

Director Kurt P. Russel sipped at his coffee, even as the screen in front of him displayed San Fransisco. Another showed a site that needed monitoring in West Virginia, dozens of trucks and hundreds of persons going in and out suggested a massive contrsuction effort, and considering the quality of the government in Roanoke, massive construction projects that were visited by two official helicopters and included a perimeter secured by armed soldiers got high priority very quickly.

Texas had been blessed, he decided, by the former government of the United States. The LBJ Space Center was uniquely suited to spying on the rest of the world. With access to military grade Former-US Government satalites, the once head of the Space Program here was perfectly positioned to keep an eye on their less savory neighbors. He had of course, taken the precaution of changing the access codes on every Former-US Government satellite to his own, and in fact used a thirty digit randomly generated collection of letters and numbers just to access the codes, which themselves were over a hundred digits long.

He scratched out a memo that his staff would type up. It outlined the construction, and hazarded a guess that it was to entrench either a command and control bunker or missile silos. The two were remarkably similar up until the final parts of construction.

Then he switched his attention to a screen showing Louisiana. He and the President both were watching the same screen. It showed the 1st Battalion, 143rd Infantry Regiment. The only parachute battalion in the entire US Army National Guard before the end of the Federal Government. The Battalion was a source of pride to Texas, and had been dubed the 1st Ranger Battalion. Right now they were shown in thermal imaging. An encampment of raiders had been harassing the Texaa-Louisiana push for New Orleans. Now they were going to be wiped out. The Rangers approached in an L-shaped formation, and took out the sentries with suppressed weapons. A volley of small dark objects that rolled around the encampment soon revealed themselves to be grenades with bright flashes on the heat-sensitive image. The Director nodded and turned his attention away from the screen. The rest of this was just a mop-up.

[Ralnis]

Los Angeles,
Califorina
Emperor Norton I was in his office as he was watching the news as the major one today was with the EU and the Russian Federation. Then there was the regional news as missippi had a riot and the Emperor just sighed. He walked through the main room and saw his advisors and guard as they sluted him. The advisor came up and started walking and talking with him,
"Are you sure about this your majesty?"
" of course, it will be beneficial if we annex Utah into the Empire, besides parliament has already approved on the funding for the war for about 5 months."
"That is what your majesty wants, but what about the international scale?"
"Right now. I am going to make a speech about the EU and Russian tensions and also about the tidal waves."
"Oh and about the reaserch?"
"We'll talk about it later, I have a speech to go to"

Outside we're many reporters from different news organizations that were in the Empire that were standing at the palace building. The Emperor walked on a podium tha several microphones attached to the podium and the Emperor spoke.

My fellow citizens of the Empire,

I have great heard of the great deal of stress that has came between the Russian Federation and the EU concerning with the laws and this charge that Russia has done, the Empire is neutral on the subject of the charges of what the Federation has done at the time, but I do condemn the actions of the increase anti-LGBT that has been going on in Russia. We here in the Empire allow same-sex marriage and allow the LGBT to be active in the military and politics, by this we wish to champion the same freedoms of each man, woman, and child of our glorious country.

On the second note. The Empire will offer higher immigrant numbers and sent relief aid to those in Indonesia and India for it would be the right thing any citizen of the old United States, and most importantly, of our glorious empire.

Thank you for your time, and long live the Empire.

1st Imperial Mojave Regiment,
Nevada-Utah border
The first advancements of expanding the Empire was the invasion if Utah, unlike Nevada who joined willingly and even now is still a cosidererd its own nation because of the influence that they hold, especially in Las Vegas. Utah is a different story however, Utah has done skirmishes against the Empire for quite some time, when the Emperor asked for a invasion, the Parliament agreed and asked Nevada to use their land to travel across,they accepted and the first Imperial Mojave Regiment was formed for the purpose of invading Utah and defending both the Empire and Nevada's interest. The push into Utah commences as follows.

[Isle of Lost]

Confederacy of Carolina (in general)

Rich with history from many ages past, Charleston was chosen as the capital for the Confederacy of Carolina. Despite this, the main business sectors of the CoC lay firmly with Atlanta and Wilmington. The crumbling of the U.S had left a gap in which major money could be made if used correctly. The current CoC had been blessed with the ports of Savannah, Charleston and Wilmington.

The past year or two since South Carolina broke away from the U.S, liberated North Carolina, and annexed Georgia had been spent in relative peace. The Citadel in Charleston officially became the "Officers Academy of Carolina" and massive military budget spending increased with Fort Stewart, Fort Benning and Fort Bragg looked at in particular.

Several civil acts were also passed by the new General Assembly and General Congress which extremely cut down a number of laws that were considered "Un-free and unfair".

Finally, in a spectacular move last month, the government bought and rezoned a total of 200 acres along the Savannah River (mid way through) making it available to weapons development companies. It is expected that more companies will come to flourish in the area due to very excellent business development opportunities opening in throughout the CoC.

Fort Stewart

Soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division (former U.S 3rd ID) loaded up and began to move down south. Border disputes with Florida were starting to become an issue, and the CoC government had resolved that moving soldiers to the border in a simple threat would suffice.

[North Yakistan]

Des Moines, Iowa

Marcus finished going over the report handed to him and then turned to the politicians and military commanders gathered in the room.

"The Montanans have excepted our offer. They are massing and camouflaging troops in the Missouri Breaks and they are gearing up their SAC bases to launch strikes. they are ready to go whenever we send the signal. General Kramer, how are our preparations going?"

"Well, National guard units have been put in position. Minnesota militias have been organized to secure the flanks and remote areas. Iowan militias will cross the Missouri north of Sioux City and drive into South Dakota."

Marcus looked pleased, he turned to the head of the Confederate intelligence agency, the "New CIA", "And how are your efforts going?"

"Good, we arnt making alot of headway in bribing the Bakken PMC's, but the total lack of government in the uncontrolled part of South Dakota means that the towns are very receptive to our offer. We have organized and supplied several militias who will cross north into Bakken territory and initiate raids, we will have them caught between three fronts."

Marcus smilled, "Good gentlemen, soon, we will have the whole northern plains together in one great confederacy, and with the oi and natural gas of the Dakotas backing us, we will finally have a strong and diverse economy. Gentleman, to the liberation of the Dakotas."

---------

Hawley, Minnesota

The camp was abuzz with activity. The National guard units of Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin were all concentrated in the area directly across the border from Fargo, when word came they would launch a surprise assault on the city and take it by means of a Coup de main. Once the city was secure they would drive on down I-94 and blitzkrieg their way across the plains, leaving the remoter areas for the militias to handle. The Bakken PMC's were tough, professional troops, but the Confederate troops were confident that they could smash through and link up with the Montanan troops moving east. After that, it would all be mop up.

[Great Nepal]

Dugway Proving Ground
Utah, The republic of America
The call had just come in from the border, the empire had done what had been feared, perhaps the move of capitol from New Mexico up to Idaho wasn't such a bad idea after all, although if the president in that new capitol had a backbone, empire would be forced to retreat, sue for peace and the republic would have its first victory since the failure of the great experiment and maybe even manage to get their hands on Area 51, even as a shared ownership. While, with access to Dugway, they knew most stuff about Area 51, having that area would still be pretty neat however all that would have to wait because currently, there was an invasion.

General shouted, "mobilise everything within Utah, I will talk to the president" as he ran to the elevators to take a trip down, to the deepest holes known to man, the command centre. As he swiped his card to enter the room, he reached for the red phone, every commanding general had one of those, the phone that linked straight to president's emergency mobile, something that was always with him and something that gave them priority over literally anything, except maybe a super massive black hole heading straight for Earth, although even that would be a tug of war...

Either way, president was on the line even before first ring, answering "yes, Walter?", on yea that is another thing, president knew every one of these commanding generals by their first names, it was frankly a feat of memory, general stated, "president, we have situation here", reply to which was simple "what kind of situation, Walter". Water didn't pause to listen before replying "code red situation", there was immediately noise on the other line as president got men to move to Utah, because while he didn't know exactly what was happening, he knew exactly what code red meant. It was an hostile invasion. Only one question was left, "was it the Texans?" General replied coldly, "negative president, it appears the Californians beat them to the punch", president took a deep breath as he replied "I have authorised full deployment of every thing we have got, you should have reinforcements at your hand within twenty four hours. Until then, you are to defend dugway and chemical depot at all costs, you are authorised to use any means necessary to hold back the enemy", there was special emphasis on the word 'any', while it wasn't spelt out the implication was as clear as it could be, "effective immediately, Utah is at condition white, rest of the republic is at condition red. If the enemy gets close to Dugway, you are to contact new mexico and give code 'VRM46EI1LJ31RFDIJG0OY84JE64JBYL4WYB2J7WQ', he will know what it means", everyone knew what it meant... long code to be sent to general in New Mexico? That meant one thing and only one thing... general however pretended not to know, because it was simpler that way as he replied"yes sir".

[Pragia]

Thomas Steele
St Louis, Missouri, MWC
Thomas looked out from his office window, out onto the gathered military forces. There were a few machines among them, however it was mainly brave men and women of the Midwestern Armed Forces. His command center had radios connected to the room he was in. He watched as 4 B-2s from Whiteman AFB flew by, both as a show of force and to scout out positions.

Thomas eyed some council bills that were recently passed. Top of the list was a massive humanitarian effort approval to help the tsunami victims in southeast Asia, the plan was mainly as a PR stunt, however better relations in the region could be beneficial. The MWC occupied much of the bread basket of America, and the food surpluses were extremely valueable to other nations.

The other major note was on the corporate rights act. The bill was a personal favorite, giving corporations that were the backbone of the confederacy more legal rights. The best part of these big buisnesses were that they were throughout the US. Products made elsewhere were helping the MWC at home, and bettering relations abroad. A near non-existant corporate tax rate has proven to draw big buisnesses worldwide to the confederacy.

[Len Hyet]

Austin, Texas
Capitol of the Texas Republic
Office of President Benjamin Silva

The President perched a pair of reading glasses precariously on his nose, before scanning the document in front of him. It was a rather imaginative position, the President was six foot four and well muscled from years in the United States Marine Corps. In contrast the glasses on his nose were small and gold framed, looking very out of place on his large form. He placed the glasses on the table and picked up the telephone.

"General Hernandez?"

"Yes Mister President?"

"Alert the Joint Chiefs and place the Guard on Alert. The Empire has moved against our dear neighbors the Republic."

"Yes sir."

"Put them on screen."

The video screen in front of the President flickered to life, as it showed the briefing room of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The heads of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard stared back, along with a representative from the Texas Intelligence Agency, and their entourage. The President nodded to the TIA Representative, who cleared his throat and launched into a briefing.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, at approximately Oh eight hundred hours this morning, advance units from the Empire of the Desert crossed the border into the Republic of America. The border guard was overrun almost immediately, and the Empire appears to be making a bee line for the Dugway Proving Ground. Gentlemen the Dugway Proving ground is a choke point. With nothing around it for miles except desert. If the Empire takes the Proving Ground then the Republic will have no choice but to retreat almost out of Utah entirely, falling back to more defensible positions."

"Thank you Representative." Nodded the President. For Security reasons the TIA Representative's name was a closely guarded secret, which was also why he was wearing sunglasses indoors.

"Now, Gentlemen. Options."

General Hernandez stood.

"Mister President as you know we are currently securing Louisiana, an effort that occupies the 45th Brigade and and her support units. The 72nd Brigade is on permanent standby at the New Mexico Border. The 56th is on guard at the Kansas Border. The 155th and 256th Brigades are on standby in the heart of Texas, where they will stay until such a time as they are needed. The Oklahoma National Guard is on permanent standby in the pan-handle. Standard Border Patrol is handled by the Texas Border Guard along the Mexico and Arkansas borders. The 149th Fighter Wing has a squadron on standby, and can have Fighter Bombers in the air and ready to run strafing attacks inside of four minutes. As you know Mister President, we are the only State in the Union "

"Well. I think it's time we formally greeted our neighbors." The President replied. He picked up the phone and dialed the Texas Embassy in the Republic of America.

---

Santa Fe
Capitol of the Republic of America
Office of Ambassador James J. Josiah

The Ambassador nodded.

"Yes Mister President. I'll make the offer."

He placed down the phone, then dialed the number for the President of the Republic. The Ambassador sighed slightly at the misnomer, but his job wasn't to decide policy, just spout it.

[Inyourfaceistan]

Channel 4 Atlantic to Mississipi!

Governor takes power, Maryland Secedes!

This morning Governor Martin O'Malley has declared himself interim chancellor of Maryland and has broken with the "pathetic and oppressive anarcho-capitalist" Chesepeake Confederacy. He has proclaimed the SDS the new military and law enforcement agency of Maryland, and demanded all national guard units either surrender or join his new army.

Meanwhile, communities in the mountainous and rural areas of Maryland have refused to abide by Chancellor O'Malley's rule; and ChesCon forces in Maryland have held their ground. A showdown is likely to ensue...

----------------------------------- Roanoke, DC ----------------------------------------

President Jack Richards sat watching his TV. The news was on broadcasting footage of O'Malley appointing himself dictator of Maryland.

"THAT LITTLE BITCH!!!" He screamed as he pounded his fist on the table. The president motioned for one of his aides. "Get me General McCully on the line."
"Hello Mr. President?"
"Hello General. I assume you are aware of the situation in Maryland?"
"Yes Sir. What action should we take?"
"I want a missile through his front door."
"You want to bomb the government district of Annapolis?"
"No. I want a missile through his front door."
"You want an airstrike on his residency?"
"No. I want a missile to go 'Ding-dong' through his front door."
"Very well sir. Understood."

[Isle of Lost]

South of Folkston, Georgia

Effective use of CH-2 (former I-95) allowed for the troops of the 1st ID to arrive on the CoC-Florida border in under 2 hours from departure. The troops, under command of General William I. Pilkington stormed the disputed territory and halted a single mile south of the original Georgia-Florida border. 25 M1A2 Abrams MBTs were offloaded at Folkston train station and began moving the very few miles south towards the remainder of the soldiers.

At this time a single message was dispatched informing the Florida government in Tallahassee of Pilkinton's intentions to invade the state if the disputed territory was not given.

Hunter AAFB

Former U.S Marine pilots stationed at MCAS Beaufort strolled down the aircraft parking lanes to their F/A-18Ds which they had not flown since the collapse of the U.S government. 15 F-18s of VMFA(AW)-533 had been on a routine training exercise from Beaufort to St. Simon's Island when the state of South Carolina seceded. With their mission now aborted, all 15 aircraft made a landing at Hunter AAFB, where they refueled and were parked in hangers. Several hours later, Georgia seceded and the entire flight became stranded in GA.

The creation of the CoC and the reunion of South Carolina with Georgia did fix VMFA(AW)-533's issue. Instead, the entire squadron was moved to Hunter AAFB as a southern defense of Savannah and Charleston.

Today 10 of the 15 F/A-18s lifted off into the air and started heading south towards the CoC-Florida border.

[Flodoria]

I'll be using news reports for most of my IC posts that don't have to do with the military. This is due to the fact that I'll have to create a dozen or so characters in order to RP the board alone.

=7=

A employee's reminder that travel outside of the state boundaries is restricted on penalty of termination of contracts.
In foreign news, several warlords have recently taken control of most if not all of the eastern coast of the former united states, lawlessness has returned despite the US military's efforts to control the criminal bands. The corporate board has also issued a new proposal for a Canadian-Corporate oil pipeline that would extend from existing Canadian pipelines into the Bakken industrial area.

Breaking news
Californian sources report that the Californian "Empire" and an American pretender state have begun small scale clashes between their respective forces. Marshall Rhodes had this to say about the development:
"These so called nations are nothing more than warlord's personal playgrounds maintaining power through fear. Our forces will be maintaining border patrols and if the time comes, we will be increasing the territory of the state in order to increase our buffer between these criminals."

A very touching speech. I will now read the employee of the week listi-

[Ralnis]

Parliament Building,
Los Angeles, California

" Why do you want to send more men when it seems that are forces are already doing well with the invasion of Utah?"
"Parliament, if we do not secure both of the Utah's biological weapons before they are able to launch them against us or our neighbors, which I also believe that we must capture those two chemical sites before they use it on us."
The Parliament started talking to each other for a few minutes and then they reached a decision.
" In the case that the Republic do have biological weapons that can threaten the people of the Empire and of its citizens, we are sending the main forces in order to quickly end this war and secure Utah for our Empire, use these soldiers sparingly your Majesty."
" Thank you Parliament."
Emperor Norton I started walking through the halls as his general was with him. The general saluted him as Norton ushered him to walk with him." Are you sure that you want to send reinforcements to take Utah? Are forces have already crushed the border defenses and are making a rush for the Proven Grounds as we speak."
" We must not falter the desperate minds of the Republic of America if we do take both of the chemical testing sites, I will think a hefty counter-attack."
" I would have think that they will be defending those both sites at all cost, but they left some of their towns and other bases with lesser defenses."
" That will be good, but the majority of our forces should be capturing both the sites and then have a third force to push deep into the enemy forces and take Salt Lake City."
" Yes Emperor"
Dugway Proving Ground
The Mojave Regiment made it to the Proven Ground during nightfall and start commencing sieging the ground and pushing into the enemy forces with fire support from both armor and air as bombing runs where going around the clock as they give the main infantry the go ahead to charge and secure the biological stockpile and research by doing as little damage as possible.
Desert Chemical Depot
The other regiment was going for the Chemical Depot with the same goal in mind as artillery and air support was bombing the defenses as the imperial soldiers were pushing into the enemy defenses, hoping to secure the base and biological stockpile and research with little damage as possible.
Salt Lake City
The Third Regiment was sent towards Salt Lake City in order to capture it and disrupt the Republic forces here in Utah and make the invasion of Utah much faster. The soldiers were parachuting under enemy lines in order to disrupt defenses as the main forces were striking deep into the enemy forces with artillery launching at the city's defenses and helping the soldiers strike deep into the enemy forces.

[Great Nepal]

Dugway Proving Ground
Colonel James ran towards the general, saying "general, we have got a problem" to which general replied simply "I know colonel, we have lots of bad guys shooting at us", without taking either his gun or eyes away from the enemy. Colonel took a deep breath as he said, "sir, we can not hold them off for long, how are the reinforcements coming?", the answer to this meant everything and the answer was not good, "we will have to wait, south is already getting its reinforcements from Arizona and the capitol's troops are at the city, probably twelve or maybe over twelve". Colonel replied "there is no way in hell that we can hold them off for another two hours, let alone twelve plus. We need to do it", general didn't reply, he preferred not to but he knew as well as anyone that there was no other options, doing it was the final and desperate attempt to keep the Californians back and he simply nodded as he walked back inside the base, back underground to the command centre where he gave the order "code nerve", and authorised it with the computer using all sort of identification methods... this would release 100 kg of gas which not even masks would help with, VX nerve gas at the ground level hopefully causing mass damage to opposition resulting in their withdrawal.

Before this could be achieved, forces would need to be evacuated from the ground level and the order to do so was given, well for everyone except conscripts who were to provide cover fire to enable retreat of other troops. Once this was achieved, motor oil could be felt above ground, only this wasn't motor oil... it was nerve agent.

Desert Chemical Depot
Things were better in the depot, much better because Arizonan troops had arrived to reinforce the defences and the battle for control was still continuing.

Salt Lake City
Salt lake was much better situation, the best trained troops in the republic, capitol's forces had arrived and their mere presence brought with it a massive boost of morale, as commander of the city said "if the capitol forces are here, nothing can go wrong" although that wasn't strictly true, while the forces of capitol were highly trained they were still human not supermen... they couldn't in fact turn unwinnable situation to a victory, merely turn hard to win situation to victory; fortunately this wasn't an winnable situation, merely hard to win one. City was kept under curfew, with orders to shoot anyone who was outside so as to ensure enemy couldn't infiltrate the lines.

Presidential Palace
Nova Boise, Idaho
President was swamped however, there was a message that he needed to take, the call from Texans... perhaps they could help out? Not though of as a traditionally friendly city but California was threat to both them and the Texans and if former states could join forces with the soviets, why couldn't two Americans join forces? He picked up the phone as he replied "yes?"

---

Official Diplomatic Communique of The Republic of America

The parliament, and the Emperor of Empire of the Desert,
We fully and unreservedly condemn the attack upon state of Utah, which was not only dishonourable and undeclared but was also completely and utterly unprovoked. This is a blatant demonstration of pure imperialism and greed by the empire and unjustifiable as such we demand you to cease and desist the attack immediately, and withdraw all of your forces behind the borders of Nevada-Utah.

I would also like to remind you that we possess large quantities of biological, chemical and radiological weaponry which are stored in safe positions and we are more than capable and willing to utilize these god awful weapons against your cities, including San Francisco and Los Angeles. Unless there is visual conformation from state of Utah that you have withdrawn your forces from the state, you can rest assured that we will bring hell on your cities through use of these god awful weapons. To our estimation, we possess tons of VX nerve gas among other forms of chemical weapons, thousands of nuclear weapons, and large quantity of biological weaponry including but not limited to Botulinum toxin, Coxiella burnetii, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus.

We would be very sad if we had to use these awful weapons against former brothers, but rest assured that we will do so for the defence of the republic. So, I am informing you for the last time: Withdraw within 12 hour of receipt of this message or start evacuation of California because I swear to god that I will personally ensure that California is uninhabitable for centuries to come.

We hope we can reach a peaceful compromise, for peace in the world.

Ulysses S. Kshetri
President of The Republic of America

[Ralnis]

Imperial Palace,
Los Angeles, California
After reading the letter, the Emperor screamed" Unjustified! Their own soldiers were skirmishing us and they expect us to back down?"
The General came in and the Parliament was on screen as they were in sure vote for the case." Your Majesty, it has come to our attention that some of our soldiers have been exposed by a toxic nerve agent that was left by the Old USA, it has became also to our attention that you want to launch our tactical strikes against them, despite that it is not needed for the chaos that it will no in doubt surely cause. I know that we are a Empire but we have decided that this act of expansion will be your fault and you will make a former apology on national television. We also are making sure that for now on Parliament and the people have more political power."
" Then I guess I will be the figurehead then?"
" Don't worry Emperor, all of the leaders of this new region are like that one way or another, and besides imperialism is a very bad ethnic report for us, especially if we are to have some allies in this new America."
All of the forces in Utah have been sent back to the Nevada border and all the reporters were waiting for the Emperor's apology.
My fellow citizens of the Empire,

I am sorry for the misunderstood attack on the Republic's soil. It was my fault that I have misunderstood the skirmishes on the Republic and have gone against the Parliament decisions and almost condemning our great country to my own ego. This Empire was built on blood, but it will be paved by peace and I wish to share that peace with both the Republic of America and the Republic of Texas in an alliance, I will understand if they do not wish to, but if they do join, then it will be a great day indeed for all people everywhere and a start of a new hope for a new America of sorts.
Thank you and Long Live the Empire.

[Len Hyet]

Nova Boise, Idaho
Capitol of the Republic of America
Office of Ambassador James J. Josiah

"Yes Mister President, as you know the Republic of Texas has a vested interest in keeping the Empire of the Desert as far away from our own borders as possible. Which is why we would propose the following to yourself and your nation sir. We propose a non-aggression pact, to give eachother a bit of breathing room. We affirm the borders as remaining where they are between ourselves, to spare any nasty skirmishes. In addition, in return for material support in any war that is waged upon your state, we get access to the Naval Satellite Base. Furthermore, we would pledge ourselves to a mutual defense pact. Is that agreeable Mister President?"

The Ambassador sat back in his chair, keeping the telephone close to his ear.

[Inyourfaceistan]

World News

Europe: Earlier this morning EU officials have vowed to stop all Russian trade in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Naval ships of various nations have all been placed on high alert. Meannwhile Russia has declared it will not cave to EU threats, and promises retaliation of any ships are sunk.

South America: A full blown war has erupted these last few hours as a Venezuelan armored division crossed into Colombia. Colombian AirForce and naval units struck back by bombing Venezuelan Army positions outside of Maricaibo.The naval forces of the autocratic socialist regime have also moved to disrupt shipments of their rivals, mainly to and from Israel. Israel has deployed armed escort ships in response to this hostile action.

[Pragia]

East St. Louis
Now was zero hour for the Confederate assault. The state of Illinois had fractured into a large pile of Gang kingdoms, and the Confederacy was moving in to secure order. The Confederate first assault wave was large; 10,000 men and a few dozen Bradley and Stryker IFVs, with a steady stream of reserves. They marched across Poplar Bridge, not a single shot was fired yet.

When they reached the other side of the river, that's when things got ugly. Dozens of mobsters with all manner of weaponry began shooting up the Confederate soldiers. A B-2 flew high above, a single 2000 lb. laser guided bomb hitting what had been designated as a major hideout. As they pushed up through the streets, resistance was breaking up, and by dinner time, the crossing was done.

Other forces were crossing all along the mississippi, making footholds for confederate supply routes. The war of Midwestern Imerialism had begun.

Cheyanne Mountain Complex Control Room
The Council sat upon their high chairs, discussing the recent fighting in Utah and Louisiana. The Confederates needed allies, and the Council members needed votes to stay in office. They turned their view southward, and decided that it'd be nessecary.

To: President of the Republic of Texas
From: The Council of the Midwestern Confederacy
Subject: A bond of Nations
Encryption: Moderate (Access code 333/SQR/9145)
With recent warfare happening to our west between the Empire of California and the "Republic of America" The Midwestern Confederacy needs allies to help stabilize this fractured nation. Even now, our troops march on Chicago to liberate Americans from the grip of Warlords. To get to the point: The Midwestern Confederacy wishes to extend a hand in Alliance to the Republic of Texas, and an opening of our borders to trade and political collaboration.

[Inyourfaceistan]

To: President Nikolai Dragov of the Russian Federation,
From: President Jack Richards of the Chesepeake Confederacy,
Encryption: Medium

I would like to establish diplomatic relations between our two nations. While we may be young and small we still control a large number of valuable assets from the prior government.

It has also come to our attention your tensions with the EU. If a healthy relationship is established between our nations I can assure you will we be able to make the eastern Atlantic safe for Russian vessels.

To: President Marco Rodriguez of Colombia,
From: President Jack Richards of the Chesepeake Confederacy,
Encryption: Medium

I would like to establish diplomatic relations between our two nations. I would like to restore the relationship held between our former government and yours. We are also angered by the acts of socialist aggression taking place in your region, and would like to help defeat the ideological enemy of mankind in any way possible.

--------------------------------- Annapolis, Maryland -------------------------------------

When the morning sun rose in the Maryland sky, there was a mere pile of rubble where the governors mansion had just been. In the dead of night and F-35 had flown in from Patuxent River Naval Airstation and fired a single AGM-84 SLAM straight through the large wooden doors. The missile exploded causing severe structural damage and a resulting ultimately caused the unprotected residency to collapse.

Meanwhile, holdout police and Maryland National Guard units have begun to engage the SDS directly; utilizing training and superior weaponry against the partisan forces. Similar situations have since taken place across the state.

[Ralnis]

Los, Angeles,
California
With the Emperor being less then a figurehead and the Parliament have the same power as the US Senate. Hawaii had joined the Empire as a vassal state and in important one at best as they hold a very important point for the Imperial Navy. The Empire also has started investing more of the budget into building the infrastructure, bringing in foreign investors, and increase the number of off site and on site oil drills in the Empire in order to greatly improve the economy. While the Empire is now seen as a bad guy in America and it doesn't want that to be the case however, the Empire has started improving on its defenses and intelligence networks in case the nations of the East started trying to poke their noses in Empire matters. The main reason was that the Empire had start developing stealth drones and stockpiling its own arsenal of biological and nuclear weaponry in case the of war against the Republic and to make sure threats such as that are met with justified results.

The Emperor still has some personal power as he plant some spies within the Republic of America and the Republic of Texas while keeping the border defenses built up and prepared for anything coming from those two countries.

To: China
From: Emperor Norton I of the Empire of the Desert
Encryption: High
The Empire wishes to establish relations with China, despite us being young and see as aggressive we had turned aside our aggressiveness to take a more economic approach and wish to form new diplomatic bridges with the world's superpower and economic producer and hopes that this can start a much brighter future for the both of us.

To: Republic of America
From: Empire of the Desert
Encryption: Low
From the Parliament to the President, we are sorry for the violent, unjustified acts against the Republic. This attack was against our wishes and because of it have demised the power of the Emperor considerably and wish to try and repair or establish any diplomatic relations we have between us so that we can strive for a better America to live in.
Signed,
Lord Roderick, Head of the Parliament of the Empire of the Desert

[Len Hyet]

Austin, Texas
Capitol of the Texas Republic
Office of President Benjamin Silva

The President grumbled as he put his signature on the final draft of a correspondence to the Royal Government of England. He was grumbling because it basically amounted to a plea for recognition and aid, something the proud Texan was neither accustomed nor welcome to doing. However, the needs of the nation came first as always.

Official Communique
From: The Republic of Texas
To: Her Majesties Government
Concerning: The official Recognition of the Republic

Your Majesty and Excellencies,

As you are no doubt aware the continental United States is no more, having fractured into half a dozen or more independent states. The foremost of these states, and the only one who still holds true to the constitution of the former United States as well as a democratic system of government, is the Republic of Texas. Therefore, we humbly request that Your Majesties Government recognize our state not only as a sovereign nation, but as the legal heir to the United States' seat in both the North Atlantic Treaty Organization as well as the United Nations.

Sincerely and Truthfully,
President Benjamin H. Silva
Republic of Texas

He folded it and stepped outside to hand it to his secretary who would encrypt it before sending it to the United Kingdom. As he did so an aide handed him a sealed message from the Midwestern Confederacy. The President thanked the aide and went into his office. Reading the letter he placed it down and composed a reply.

Official Communique
From: The Republic of Texas
To: The Council of the Midwestern Confederacy
Concerning: A pact of opportunity.

Esteemed Counilmembers,

It is with great pleasure that we accept your magnanimous offer of an alliance. Freedom of trade can do nothing but good for the both of our Nations, and a defensive pact would ensure the peace and stability of the region.

Respectably,
President Benjamin H. Silva
Republic of Texas