A Nation Torn (IC)

[Terrelis]

---

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility...". The opening words of the constitution of one of the greatest states in the world, the dreams of a group of men who envisioned a great society. This was a dream many thought had been realized at some point in the nations over 200 year history. A dream that went up in flames sparked by the words and actions of one man. It has been eight years since the beginning of the end; and five years since the day that the first shot of a grueling war was fired. The once great United States has fallen and left in its wake three new, much less powerful but more divided, states: the Commonwealth, the Republic, and the Federation. Each different in its governance and culture, all recognized as AN America but vying for the same goal: to be THE America. Can you help your nation achieve its goal and take control? Or will you work to return the United States to its former glory? The choice is yours.

---

At the 2018 State of the Union, a terrorist attack was carried out destroying the Capitol and all in attendance. Education Secretary Betsy Devos ascends to the presidency, due to being chosen as the designated survivor; Senator Mike Crapo was chosen as the congressional designated survivor. A combination of controversial, and mostly discriminatory, legislation, withdrawal from treaties, economic downfall, and failure to hold new congressional election led to the secession of California in December 2017, Washington State and New York followed in Jaunuary 2018. Devos sent in armed forces to forcibly "reclaim" the seceded territories and on January 12, 2018 several hundred civilians were killed by government forces in New York; thus was the beginning of the end. Over the course of the next year and a half a very grueling and bloody war ensued a war that started as a battle between liberals and conservatives quickly shifted into a mere battle for power. Resources were depleted and destroyed, countless lives were lost, and people were beginning to flee north. Everything came to a head on August 27, 2020 when several bombs were used by the south in Chicago, killing millions of people. Thus the Treaty of Santa Fe was formed and the post war period began.

Two states arose from the ashes of the former United States; The Republic of America in the south and the American Federation in the north.
What seemed to be an amicable end to a terrible war did not last long. Disputes over territory and resources were quicken to threaten the short lived peace agreement between the two states and less than three months after signing a treaty the fighting once again began. This time however, is was not just a fight among two states but infighting among the factions. For another two years the battle for control of the land carried on; coming to a halt with the Treaty of Indianapolis. This time though there were three states involved, the Commonwealth of America had effectively taken the west, and much of the north, reducing the Federation to the northeast. The three states established a buffer zone and agreed upon their border and set off in another battle, this time economic.

It has been two years since the treaty was signed and things have been, relatively, peaceful. However, the threat of yet another conflict has arisen. The Republic has been making advances in southern Indiana and Illinois, while the federation has been in talk with Canada to gain military support. The Commonwealth has been dealing internal issues with talks of several states wishing to secede. Even in a divided land the game of politics looms.

[Nea Byzantia]

the Chancellery, Atlanta, Georgia, the Republic, January 2024



Chancellor Adam Simms stepped up to the podium on the balcony of the Chancellery, looking out over the crowd of about 1 million people who had gathered there to hear him speak. He began speaking:

"Citizens of the Republic,

Today we gather together to remember the founding of this great Republic. We have kept the Faith, we have fought the Good Fight and will continue to fight it. God has seen fit to bless us, for our obedience and steadfastness to His Word. He has rained down on us bountiful harvests and has provided a hedge of protection around our economy. He has given strength to our armies and wisdom to our rulers. He has poisoned the well of the usurpers who claim to be America. They are not America. We are America, one nation under God and in God we trust!"

There was much applause from the crowd below. The chancellor continued his speech.

"And yet, also, there is the Evil One, Satan himself, who lurks amongst us. A serpent is in the garden. There are those within this glorious Republic who do not appreciate God's bountiful kindness, and so like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, they rebel against God and against his appointed government. But rest assured, the evildoers will be found out, for God always punishes evil and wrong. The Republic has stood and will continue to stand and one day, if God is willing, this nation shall be whole again. America shall be whole again!"

More applause and cheers from the crowd.

"As of this month, the Council has announced its intention to increase the national security budget in the interest of bringing God's justice upon the evildoers lurking in this Republic. Remember the sins of Achan and how it cost the Children of Israel dearly at the Battle of Ai against God's enemies. Remember, that if we allow sin and conspiracy to creep into our nation, God will put our our light in the world and remove our lampstand. This is why we must take the necessary actions to root out the sin and darkness in our nation. Remember also, dear citizens that our helplines are still open, please report any suspicious activity to the local authorities, God will see your good act and reward you for it;so will His appointed government. God Bless you all and God Bless the Republic!"

The crowd was ecstatic. Chancellor Simms waved and smiled and then left the balcony heading back into the Chancellery.

[Nea Byzantia]

Beauregard Estate, Atlanta, Georgia, the Republic, January 2024



The motorcade made its way up the lonely roadway past several layers of guard checkpoints, pillboxes and barbed wire until finally it came onto an acre of beautifully kept gardens and a large plantation style mansion. The chauffeur came out and opened the door of the limousine. Out came Louise Beauregard, the Minister of Financial and Economic Affairs for the Republic.

As she was helped out of the car, the front doors of the mansion were opened and out came two bodyguards and a tubby old man in the spitting image of Colonel Sanders leaning on a wooden cane. Louise Beauregard walked up to him and they embraced. They kissed each other on the cheeks and the old man looked at her and smiled.

"Tous va bien?" he asked in French ("All is well?")

"Oui, papa." she replied as they walked into the mansion ("yes, dad.").

They headed over to the living room and took a seat. A maid entered and brought them each a glass of lemonade.

"How's work, darling?" asked Samson Beauregard after the maid left

"It's fine." replied Louise as she took a sip of lemonade.

"So what is the State of the Republic...economically speaking?" asked Samson Beauregard

"The economy is fine, dad." replied Louise "You should know that, your profit margins have increased, haven't they?"

"They have, darling." said Samson Beauregard "But its not me I'm asking about."

"What do you mean?" she asked. He just looked at her cryptically. "Dad, what's going on?" she asked nervously

"I should think you know exactly what's going on, you being the Minister of Financial and Economic Affairs." replied Samson Beauregard. "Tell me," he added "how you're going to sell the Council on that rather large tax hike you'll need, not to mention the required increase in deficit spending."

She sighed. "I-I'm still figuring all that out." she said finally

"I know you are." he replied "And this time, there's nothing I can do to help you. I have influence but not direct power."

"What good is influence if you can't make people do what you want?" Louise asked frustratedly

"Influence is...a very precious commodity. It can and should only be spent a little at a time and at the right time at the right amounts. It's not something you grasp, my darling." he replied rather dismissively. She was going to reply when the maid entered.

"Sir, dinner is ready." announced the maid.

"Thank you, Delia." replied Samson Beauregard as he and Louise rose and made their way over to the dining room. A sumptuous repast of Angus steak and 5-star-chef level lasagna was laid out for dinner. They ate their meal and washed it down with fine red wine. All the while, they continued their conversation.

"Darling," began Samson "I fear for the future of the Republic."

"Why?" asked Louise "What could possibly go wrong?"

"I fear that...over the years there has been some...tensions which have developed within this nation. These tensions are of an economic and class nature. I fear the worst, I fear the return to the bad old days." he replied

"And so what do you suggest we do about it?" she asked

"We?" replied Samson Beauregard "We, are not doing anything about it. I, on the other hand, will be taking certain precautions for both our sakes. I have moved some of my wealth into an offshore account, and I've sent some agents of mine to the Cayman Islands, to see about...making an investment there. These are unstable times we live in and we must be prepared."

"Of course, dad." said Louise

"Louise, I'm always watching out for you, you know that, right?" replied Samson Beauregard

"Sure dad. I know." she said. He took her hand in his.

"Je t'aime." he said squeezing it ("I love you.").

"Moi aussi." she replied ("Me too.").

Then came the dessert, a chocolate mousse cake.

[Castriarta]

Charlotte, North Carolina, Downtown.

Liam Lefevre, First Secretary of the Working People's Revolutionary Council, dressed in a grey military style field jacket and accompanying pants, along with a grey military style strapback hat and ominous black combat boots, rushes silently through the city streets towards his destination. He has to stick to the schedule, to carry out his tasks without mistake. As he moves, he feels the extra weight of both of the guns hidden under his clothing: a .38 snub nosed revolver and his Modern Sub Machine Carbine, a very lightweight and compact firearm produced by the Revolutionary Council. Their presence makes him feel more confident, more protected.

Lefevre continues down the street before turning into a dark alleyway, immediately veering off to the left. He finds himself among a group of about eighteen to twenty young men, all dressed and armed in the same fashion. Squinting into the night darkness, Liam analyzes the group. The guerrillas usually operate in firing groups of no more than five men, which then group together into firing teams made up of a minimum of two firing groups. Tonight, however, these eighteen men will be splitting into only two groups: a cover team and an entry team.

"Are the snipers in position?" Liam broke the silence.

"Yes sir. All ten are in a position to gather intelligence, to have the ability to take an open air shot if presented, and to provide covering fire if called upon. They reported that there are ten men inside the vehicle and twelve men surrounding it acting as guards." One of the more senior fighters responded automatically.

"Let's see."

Lefevre and the eighteen men moved silently up the alleyway until they were at a position where they could see into the opposite street. Lefevre analyzed their target with a gleam and his eye. For the past few months the National Guard had been occupying the city in response to the continued violent resistance of the WPRC and their supporters. The target of the nighttime assault was to be one of the National Guard's MTVR MK23 standard cargo trucks with Armor Protection Kits (APKs) and armored rear troop carrier compartments. To overcome or at least incapacitate one of these vehicles would be a substantial victory for the urban guerrilla forces. Sure enough, there looked to be about a dozen soldiers standing around the outside of the vehicle. From where he was, Liam could only see three blurry shapes behind the windshield of the truck, but he trusted that there were more inside. With a small movement of his hand, Lefevre signaled his troops to get into place. At this point the entry and cover teams split up, preparing for their unique operations. The entry team stacked up behind cover with Liam at the head, preparing to charge the vehicle. The cover team took up positions behind cover and picked their targets, preparing to unleash a hail of bullets on their foes.

At another signal from Lefevre, the shooting began. A hail of bullets flew towards the vehicle from the covering team, slaying six of the soldiers within seconds. Following this lead, the snipers all began to put down covering fire directly into the vehicle from all openings. Lefevre saw all three of the people in the front windshield go down, and he knew that anyone who wasn't hit must be ducking. The guards outside of the vehicle were in disarray as more of them dropped and they were caught between returning fire and finding cover. Seeing the opportunity, Lefevre made another command and the entry team charged the vehicle, taking a few shots as they went. Some of the soldiers did manage to return fire, and Liam heard one of his men go down. The snipers continued to lay down covering fire as the covering team now began to advance as well. Soon every enemy soldier not inside the vehicle was dead. The entry team made the approach to the truck on the door side of the bus, in two columns of operators shoulder to shoulder. Some carried ballistic blankets as they were available. As they approached the back two operators tossed multiple flash bangs, in succession onto the drivers side of the truck to draw attention to the opposite side of the approach if the sniper shots failed to get their attention.

Once alongside the truck, the cover team — eight operators — broke several windows and stacked along the side as the entry team stacked at the door. On another order from Lefevre the snipers stopped shooting into the truck and four cover operators took immediate positions in the windows with their guns in the windows providing cover. The operators used their buddies to get the elevation needed to properly control the ported windows. Lefevre gave a second command for the entry team to make entry once the cover operators had taken their position. Although this was a separate command the time delay only took a second or two between the cover team taking positions and the entry team making entry.

Lefevre entered first, taking a position on top of the driver's seat and covering that side of the bus. The second man in took cover on the first seat covering long on the opposite side of the driver. The next four to eight operators then cleared the bus by moving down the isle clearing each seat as they go. The whole time Liam and the other guerillas yelled at the occupants to raise their hands to the ceiling and handcuffed them. Those who resisted were shot. Still moving quickly, the guerillas threw the survivors roughly out of the vehicle after stripping them of all their equipment. The cover team now entered the truck, carrying their fallen comrade and the equipment taken from the slain enemy soldiers. Once everyone was on board, Lefevre shot off down the street, taking the stolen bus all the way to the guerrilla's base of operations well outside of the downtown area. The operation was a complete success.

[Arengin Union]

Chicago

It was a new dawn for the people living in the Zone. To be alive here was something one really had to thank god for, hunting and gathering became a norm long time ago as many previously populated cities became abandoned, communities living in the country side was a common sight, many of these communities bear a particular flag, the stars and stripes, the red, white and blue, the American flag that once represented the Union. Below that flag, in many of the main poles was also the flag of the group that for many in the zone was the true government they had. The Order of the Knights of Liberty. The flag was simply a gray colored flag that had four cross edge triangles that resembled a cross.

These communities relied on the Knights for protection, law, and most importantly, hope. Hope that they would be the ones that made the country what it once was, defeat the factions and make America whole. Though a small organization, the Knights had at least a squad of soldiers in each community, recruiting had been expanded on as dozens of young men and some older would sign up to join the Order, the training was rigorous, but once a recruit passed, they won the honor of becoming a knight, a protector, a soldier of the USA.

Chicago had become the main center of operations for the Order, they also had outposts everywhere in the zone, communicating via radio and constantly stealing supply shipments from Republican and Federation convoys. The order was well armed, having also looted much of the old military bases and national guard armories around the zone, they were a force to be reckon with in their turf, battling Republican soldiers and constantly making their force run thin against smaller Order units.


Soldiers of the Order fighting against Republic soldiers in a bridge.


Soldiers of the Order attacking a Federation relay outpost

In Chicago, the subways and other buildings in specified areas had become population centers. Though the city had seen better days, it was better than living out int he wilderness. Trading for weapons, ammo, food, it was all common. But the Order kept a tight hold on the city. Commander Miller, the leader of the Order, he was determined to defeat all factions, his room was filled with maps of the country. He marked with red flags the spots the Order had attacked, with yellow flags the ones he planned to attack. next target was Atlanta, Georgia. The capital of the Republic.

[Kelmet]

United States Penitentiary, Atlanta
Converted to a Republic Military Prison

The Republic gives order and security to millions of citizens across the post-war US, but not through the power of arms alone. Behind the scenes, the Security and Intelligence service track down and eliminate the Republic’s enemies. From intractable Commonwealth senators to traitorous republic businessmen with ties in the demilitarized zone and bloodthirsty rebels who will stop at nothing to destroy the republic. S.I.S Agents must master the arts of infiltration, seduction, and assassination to advance the Republics’s causes, all while we face opposition from every directions and the capriciousness of our own leadership.

S.I.S cultivates a notoriously vast and efficient network of informants, enabling the Agent to navigate the nations political landscape with effortless suave. Naturally, the Agent’s allegiance to the Republic is without question, but great latitude exists for those so closely attuned to the State Council's secret agendas. While the upper echelons of society are reserved for the ultra wealthy Oligarchs alone, but ours is a world apart. The heart of the Republic consists of millions of loyal citizens, it is for these people the Agent risks everything to protect. Though there are few idealists in the S.I.S, the art of professional perfection is held in deep reverence and we remain the line between the republic, and a world of real nasty shit.

-Agent Ethan J. Ward filed thoughts on the S.I.S

Cell Block Y14, Officially non existent
<Insert typical interrogation room, one table three chairs all bolted to the floor with the suspects hangs cuffed to the table>
While his compatriot got her equipment together Ward began with a calming breath and an offer of a cigarette "Forgive me Franklin I'm not exactly an ace at this kind of stuff, the office set up isn't my speed I'm more of a field agent but I'm angling for a job here in Atlanta so here we are." Franklin eyes remained frozen on Ward, lips un-moving " Look Frank i'm going to be straight with you, just rip the band aid off alright? This is going to hurt, a lot, unless you give up your rebel buddies."Still nothing, silence "Very well. Then you should know that I once interrogated a guy a lot like you on and off, for a full week. The struggle really is staying awake. The pain at certain levels has the tendency to cause us to black out. That can be incredibly frustrating. But I'm confidant that we can do better now."

Wards Compatriot Scraps, his right hand women on APEX started giving him a few shots(medical) in his hands as a wave of fear rushed across the mans face. "Don't worry frank, what shes giving you is our own recipe of painkillers and a paralytic in a bit, absolutely no feeling below the elbows. See the body gets used to pain if its inflicted gradually this way it hits you all at once." While distracted by Wards theatrics Scraps was doing her share of the work. "See bud, you can avoid all this pain if you give us what we need. While we are all waiting let me share a little about myself, my father he was a factory worker he worked hard for what little he had so I admired him and for all his faults never lost faith in me or any of us kids. Now I have men and women (quickly adding in women to avoid the evil stare from Scraps) under my command, responsibilities resources and money in my pocket, me and a million others have that because of the republic." Scraps interrupted "It's hitting him, still not talking" sighing in disappointment Ward spoke sternly "Alright Frank, before we begin what will now be a very long night, just remember. Your fucking with the wrong family." Whispering the last bit in Franks ear.

[Nea Byzantia]

the Chancellery, Atlanta, Georgia, January 2024



Louise Beauregard strode into the chancellor's opulent, well furnished office.

"Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today, Chancellor." she said as she walked in.

"Louise, its always my pleasure." replied Chancellor Adam Simms as he rose from his chair behind his desk and walked up to her. They kissed each other on the cheek, as had been the custom in their inner circle for years. Then they each took a seat on a couch across from each other. Louise Beauregard set the dossier in her hand down on the coffee table between them.

"Chancellor," began Louise "It is my duty to inform you of...an unfortunate development in the current economic and financial position. But...we must be in total privacy." she said looking over at the chancellor's bodyguards who flanked the doors.

"Guards, leave us." commanded Chancellor Simms. They left and the chancellor turned back to her. "Louise, this...'development' wouldn't have anything to do with our ability to raise income, would it?" he asked

"Chancellor, I must commend your perception." she replied,"That is exactly the situation. As you know, Chancellor, in April comes Tax Season, the time when the citizens of the Republic, pay their due to the State. Unfortunately, we will not be able to raise the taxes much higher."

"Why not?" asked Chancellor Simms "I don't understand."

"If we raise the tax rates much higher, I fear there may be...complications with the populace, especially in certain more impoverished regions. Regions such as Mississippi, or the city of New Orleans for example." replied Louise Beauregard

"Revolts, you mean?" asked the chancellor "I shouldn't worry about that. The Republic's security forces are more than capable of ensuring the public's cooperation. There will be no tax evaders who will escape, don't worry about it." he rose from his seat and walked over to a small table, pouring himself a glass of cognac. "However," he added, turning back to her "I see the merit of your point. Perhaps, we should...diversify our methods of gathering income. What are you suggesting?" he asked

"Deficit spending." replied Louise, plain and simple.

"Deficit spending?" said the chancellor "That's a risky proposition. Debt is like an addiction. I remember, my daddy used to say 'Once you go interac, there's no going back'. Its the thing that brought the previous...Goddless government down...economically, at least. They abandoned the LORD and his statutes, and they spent this country into oblivion. They cast aside financial prudence and look at where its gotten us."

"Yes. But chancellor..." she protested meekly

" 'You cannot serve two masters, both God and Money.' " replied the chancellor, "That's what the Good Book says." he added with a sigh. "But," he continued,"It also says, 'Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed'. Perhaps, you can bring up your...deficit spending plan at our next council meeting."

"Of course, chancellor." Louise Beauregard replied, rising from her seat, "It will be my pleasure to do so."

"Excellent." said the chancellor taking a seat, at his desk and swirling the glass of cognac, "Thank you again, Louise."

With that, she departed. Once she was gone, the chancellor opened his laptop. He un-paused the video footage he was watching, footage of a political prisoner, a certain 'Franklin' being tortured. All the while, he downed the cognac and set it down on the desk satisfied.

"Ah. It's good to be the King." he said out loud, with nobody listening.

[German England and Russia]

{Is there a possibility of a third side? Is there a Communist side? Can I join?}

[Arengin Union]

Atlanta, Georgia. The Republic of America.
Financial District

The day seemed to be a calm one, the stock brokers buying and selling as always, preachers in the street calling out on the evils of money and for the people to repent on their sins, simple workers passing by to get to their construction sites, a simple day in the Republic. Some of the buildings around the financial district were deserted, they were still holding out to be restored, eventually. The district was surrounded by military checkpoints and drones flying by making sure no one was stepping out of line.

Down on the center of the district was the epicenter of it all, the Republic's National Bank, more an administrative building than a bank, the Republic's red flag flying in poles around the building as men and women in suits entered and exited the buildings. The massive flat screen in the square right outside of the building showing off the number of the stock market as well as news by the still existent CNN. Yet again the EU was about to suffer another loss in memberships, France this time around, with Germany threatening sanctions. The usual political crap, no different than before.

The square over watched by a set of department complexes under construction, inside was at least 50 well armed men and women, automatic rifles and RPG's, all of them in military-esque body armor. The man leading them was Major Anderson, a man in his late 30's, bearded and rugged he inflicted an image of experience as he analyzed the area with a pair of binoculars. Then he spoke on his earplug.

"Anna, everything well down there?" Anderson asked, still watching through the binos.

"Yes sir... everything is set." A female voice answered. Anna was a young woman, in her 20's. The daughter of a navy seal she had picked up her father's role in the Order when he passed away. She had just exited the bank, she walked down the small stairs into the square, she saw how a mighty fancy limousine escorted by police motor bikes approached, adorned with the Republic's flags on the sides, this was a diplomat.

"I think we might have found ourselves a target of opportunity commander..." Anna said, still walking down the square by the water fountain.

Anderson turned his attention to the vehicle, she was right. He put the binoculars down and made the gesture for all of his men to go down the building, they all began to go down the stairs to the main floor, only a few men staying behind with RPG's and DMR's.

"Everyone ready?" Anderson said, cocking his M16.

"Ready..." A man in the gateway entrance to the bank said.

"Ready..." Another near the military checkpoint said.

"Ready..." Anna said.

"Everyone. I want all security eliminated. The explosions should give us a good advantage." Anderson finally arrived to the main floor, all his soldiers waiting behind pillars and concrete barriers.

"Wait..." Anderson said. The limo finally arrived to the parking entrance. The driver window opened. Anderson prepared his rifle.

"Now!" He said.

The district was the struck multiple explosions, the ground shaken like if a small earthquake had taken the city by surprised. When it stopped everyone began to run away. The militiamen began to exit their hiding spots and quickly the main bank building was taken by a st of small explosions. Security guards began to exit the building but were quickly mowed down by the militiamen. The secret service around the limo drew their weapons, MP5's and Mossberg shotguns as they tried to get the limo to drive back and leave. Another explosion followed, coming from within the parking lot. The secret servicemen fell to the ground due to the blast.

The militamen began to flood the square as they pushed civilians out of the way and told them to leave. A militiamen carried an American flag, he followed the militiamen attacking the National Bank Building. Anderson and a dozen of the militiamen entered the building as the rest secured the area.

"Anna, either kill or get the diplomat. If you take her leave in one of the vehicles. We'll catch up later." Anderson said as he entered the building.

Police began to arrive in armored trucks and drones also arrived to try and scan the attacker, only to be shot down or bashed by the militiamen. Firefights began to take place, with the militiamen using their superior firepower to keep the police officers at bay. Then SWAT trucks and even an LAV arrived. The RPG men in the buildings did their jobs and many of the SWAT trucks and police cars were destroyed by the rockets.

Anna led a few of the militiamen to the limo, she used an MP7 and as they approached the car one of the secret servicemen tried to get up and shoot his gun, only to be shoot in the chest by Anna. Then the militiamen forced opened the door to reveal a lone women in a white pant suit, she was blonde and seemed to be suffering from shock due to the explosion.

Anna and the militiamen helped the women out of the car. As Anna and one militiamen carried the women out, the other militiamen covering them was shot dead by one of the lady's guards. Anna turned around and with her MP7 shot the man dead. Anna and his companion, followed by some militiamen carried the lady back to the same building under construction and then into one of the escape vans. They pushed her inside, Anna went up to the passenger seat and told the driver.

"Go, GO, GO!!!" She yelled.

"You got it." The driver said, the van drove off, hitting several light poles and then driving into the deserted streets.

Back at the square the battle continued as the militiamen kept fighting against SWAT and police. After a firefight inside the bank Anderson finally exited the building and rallied his troops. They began to go back to the construction site and group by group entered the escape vehicles. The flag carrier waving the American flag at the police and swat as well as military soldiers that had arrived, then he and the rest dissipated into the construction site.

"AMERICA SHALL NEVER FALL! NOT AS THE ORDER FIGHTS!" The flag carrier said as he retreated back to the escape.



The military soldiers and SWAT then tried to pursuit as the police officers entered the bank to check on survivors, then the entire building blew up. Some militiamen laid dead on the ground, but the Order had made a massive hit on the Republic.

[Nea Byzantia]

the Chancellery, Atlanta, Georgia, the Republic, January 2024

"HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?!!!" demanded Chancellor Simms screaming into the video call. On the other end of the screen sat the various generals, spymasters and intelligence agency directors employed by the Republic

"Chancellor, we don't know." said one general

"We're still investigating." said another



"FIND HER!!!" shouted the chancellor "I WANT ALL OUR AGENTS OUT THERE LOOKING FOR HER!!! DON'T YOU IMBECILES UNDERSTAND? THEY JUST KIDNAPPED OUR MINISTER OF FINANCE & ECONOMIC AFFAIRS!!! IF YOU DON'T FIND HER, THE REPUBLIC GRINDS TO A F*CKING STANDSTILL!!! DO I MAKE MYSELF ABSOLUTELY CLEAR?!!!"

"Yes, chancellor!!!" they all replied in unison.

"GET OUT OF MY SIGHT!!!" was all he said back as he ended the video call. An aide entered.

"Chancellor, the Chancellery is on lockdown. We recommend you make your way to the Bunker."

Chancellor Simms rose from his seat and turned off his laptop. He put it in his briefcase and then flanked by several secret service agents, he made his way to the bunker. On the way over, he turned to the aide,

"Triple my security detail and the security detail on all the other Council members." he commanded.

[Nea Byzantia]

the Chancellery, Atlanta, Georgia, the Republic, January 2024


(Samson Beauregard)

Chancellor Simms emerged from the Bunker a few hours later, everything was fine. There was no attack on the Chancellery, but better safe than sorry. Chancellor Simms headed back to his office in the company of his secret service detail, which had been tripled according to orders. Upon entering his office, the chancellor found his old friend and benefactor, Samson Beauregard sitting on one of the couches, enjoying a bowl of kentucky fried chicken.

"Oh, hello there, Chancellor." said Samson on seeing the chancellor walk in "Why don't you come on over and take a seat." he said motioning with a breaded chicken wing for Simms to sit down across from him. The chancellor did.

"Samson, its just terrible." said Chancellor Simms as he took a seat "Louise was taken by those dreaded..."

"...I'm aware, Chancellor." replied Samson Beauregard, cutting him off, "And I don't fault you with it."

Chancellor Simms sighed a sigh of relief. Samson Beauregard munched away on a chicken wing, crunching it in his mouth, savoring it. He looked cool as a cucumber.

"Samson, if I may," began the chancellor "You seem oddly...at ease about all of this."

"I am." confessed Samson Beauregard "I know the Knights won't kill my daughter. She's too useful. She could divulge the true economic situation in this country. They can make her divulge it too."

"But Samson, that would mean disaster." protested the chancellor

"Won't be my head on a pike...literally." quipped Samson Beauregard rising from his seat. Chancellor Simms looked despondent. He reached for a fried chicken wing, nothing warmed the soul like fried chicken. Samson, in seeming defiance of his old age, snatched the bowl off the table before the chancellor could get to it. "Ah, ah, ah." he said "Not for you, Chancellor. Go get your own flipping chicken if you want to...the Good LORD gave you two arms and two legs."

With that, Samson Beauregard limped out of the room, leaning heavily on his cane, the bowl of fried chicken clutched in his other hand. Chancellor Simms sat there for a few moments, defeated, not sure what to do, terrified for the future.

Then he got an idea. He knew just who to call. He ran over to his desk and picked up the phone, dialing a certain number.

"Hello, Colonel Maurder, I have an assignment for you. It's top priority." he said "The very stability of this Republic depends on it."

[German England and Russia]

{Can I join?}

[Nea Byzantia]

{Can I join?}

viewtopic.php?f=31&t=410810

Above is the OOC, it is there that you join. This is the IC.

[German England and Russia]

{Can I join?}

viewtopic.php?f=31&t=410810

Above is the OOC, it is there that you join. This is the IC.

{Thanks, and sorry about interrupting the flow}

[Arengin Union]

The Zone, Indiana.'

It had been a few days of driving for the Republic diplomat, Anna, and Anderson as well. Leaving the Knights Georgia command they began a drive of several days through the country towards the Zone, now they were in Indiana, driving inside a Humvee of the Indiana Knight command. Anderson smoking a cigar from the open rear of the vehicle, Anna keeping her eyes on the Diplomat, she had remained quiet for most of the trip, she was tied on her hands but due to her compliance in following orders of her captors she had not been muffled. The Humvee drove on a deserted Indiana highway, passing by hundreds of wrecked cars and farmlands, the lady noticed what seemed to be communities from far away, houses surrounded by gates and guard towers, civilization where she would least expect it.

"A rich politician like you wouldn't know about the people living here would you, people you, the Commonwealth and the Federation abandoned..." Anna said with a resentful tone. Her MP7 aimed at the diplomat.

"Anna..." Anderson said. Anna turned her head and looked at Anderson, he simply shook his head. Anna set her weapon aside.

"You thirsty miss?" Anderson said, throwing the cigar off into the canopy as the Humvee kept moving fast.

[Nea Byzantia]

"No thank you." replied Louise Beauregard still being as polite as ever. She wrinkled her nose. Something smelled horrible, like someone had just defecated. "What is that smell?" she demanded "It's putrid!"

[Arengin Union]

"No thank you." replied Louise Beauregard still being as polite as ever. She wrinkled her nose. Something smelled horrible, like someone had just defecated. "What is that smell?" she demanded "It's putrid!"

Anderson looked over the horizon, then back to Miss Beauregard. He had a smile on his face.

"That my lady, is the smell of radioactive waste. We're coming close to the Indianapolis exclusion zone. The radiation has died down in the last couple of years, at least in this area. Most small animals that wander close by die within a few minutes, that's why it smells, there's hundreds of them." Anderson said, then the driver spoke.

"Sir, we're coming close to an ash dust bowl."

Anderson reacted quickly, he put on a gas mask and so did the rest of the militiamen inside the Humvee. He then approached the Diplomat and handed her a mask as well.

"You don't wanna breath that. It'll turn your lungs into stone." Anderson said trying to help the lady put on her mask.

[Nea Byzantia]

"Thank you, sir." she replied as he put the mask on. "So this," she said motioning to the destruction all around them "all of this is from the War? And...and we just abandoned people out here? To live in this?" she asked quite saddened.

[Arengin Union]

"Thank you, sir." she replied as he put the mask on. "So this," she said motioning to the destruction all around them "all of this is from the War? And...and we just abandoned people out here? To live in this?" she asked quite saddened.

"Yeah... tough shit ain't it." Anderson said, he got in a sitting position besides Anna. The Humvee then entered the ash bowl and navigated through it, the ash was deadly but it was lightly dense and you could see the destruction around the area very well.

"People here.. they've lost hope in any of the so called governments... abandoned in misery and under threat of starvation while the people in places like the Federation or the Republic gorge on food and technology. The Order has tried to settle law and protection for the people of the Zone, we're the only thing close to a government that they have. We taught many communities to farm, and supplied them with weapons, courtesy of the Republic and the Federation I might add." Anderson said while looking over the wasteland of ash and radioactive green puddles.

"You're Louise Beauregard... the one that takes care of Financial shit for the Republic..." Anna said abruptly.

[Kelmet]

With that, she departed. Once she was gone, the chancellor opened his laptop. He un-paused the video footage he was watching, footage of a political prisoner, a certain 'Franklin' being tortured. All the while, he downed the cognac and set it down on the desk satisfied.

"Ah. It's good to be the King." he said out loud, with nobody listening.

United States Penitentiary, Atlanta
Converted to a Republic Military Prison
After Franklin broke Ward was in the prisons medical wing washing his hands and recapping with the other agents of APEX what they had learned. The intelligence was bearing fruit, so far two dozen terrorists were located and arrested and a shipping container in an abandoned warehouse full of an assortment of weapons. Most of these weapons could be the finances of this particular rebel cell, selling them to gangs or other criminal elements, but that didn't matter to ward. Those weapons would not end up shooting republic solders and that was a victory in his book. That was when APEX got news of the attack and the abduction of Minister Beauregard, since the S.I.S was without a director a situation like this called on APEX to immediately report to the chancellors personal security until new orders so with out delay the 5 members of APEX laoded up in full tactical gear and moved to the chancellor.

the Chancellery, Atlanta, Georgia, the Republic, January 2024

"HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?!!!" demanded Chancellor Simms screaming into the video call. On the other end of the screen sat the various generals, spymasters and intelligence agency directors employed by the Republic

"Chancellor, we don't know." said one general

"We're still investigating." said another

(Image)

"FIND HER!!!" shouted the chancellor "I WANT ALL OUR AGENTS OUT THERE LOOKING FOR HER!!! DON'T YOU IMBECILES UNDERSTAND? THEY JUST KIDNAPPED OUR MINISTER OF FINANCE & ECONOMIC AFFAIRS!!! IF YOU DON'T FIND HER, THE REPUBLIC GRINDS TO A F*CKING STANDSTILL!!! DO I MAKE MYSELF ABSOLUTELY CLEAR?!!!"

"Yes, chancellor!!!" they all replied in unison.

"GET OUT OF MY SIGHT!!!" was all he said back as he ended the video call. An aide entered.

"Chancellor, the Chancellery is on lockdown. We recommend you make your way to the Bunker."

Chancellor Simms rose from his seat and turned off his laptop. He put it in his briefcase and then flanked by several secret service agents, he made his way to the bunker. On the way over, he turned to the aide,

"Triple my security detail and the security detail on all the other Council members." he commanded.

The Bunker
The Chancellery
After getting cleared threw security Apex took position outside the Chancellors private office while ward took a moment to introduce himself. Snapping to attention and reporting "Sir Apex reporting to the chancellors personal security Sir." after being dismissed with a hand wave Ward went to leave, then discovered that if he wanted to get in good with the chancellor this was the best moment. Stepping outside for a quick moment Ward came back in with a small box and a packet of hand wipes placing them both of the chancellors desk. "I know you are quite the fan of fried chicken so I made sure to grab some from the commissary on our way down to the bunker." after a short pause "We'll get her back sir, that's not an if that's a when" another short pause, starting to wonder if his Midwestern accent made the chancellor uncomfortable "Look I know this whole day can be put to the phrase a shit situation we are all here for you, I am here for you so what ever you got to do that means talk, read that book your always going on about (lightly laughing, eliciting a smirk from the chancellor) smoking a cig, hell I got a pair of sparing gloves if you need to beat the hell outa someone. What ever you need sir, I'm right outside."

[Nea Byzantia]

the Chancellery, Atlanta, Georgia, the Republic, January 2024


(the Chancellor's Library, the Chancellery)

Chancellor Simms and his security detail, Ward included, made their way over to the Chancellor's Library. Chancellor Simms turned towards his guards.

"Gentlemen, leave me." he commanded "I need some privacy." They all left him. He walked over to one of the many bookshelves and pulled out a great, huge Bible and put it down on the table. He sat down and flipped the book open at any page. His eyes zoomed in on one verse. God was speaking to him. Chancellor Simms could feel it deep in his bones.

"A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools!"-Proverbs 26:3

My people are fools, thought the chancellor to himself. They need the rod, the rod is for them. But one verse, surely is not enough. He slammed the Bible shut and it made a great thud as he did. He had always enjoyed that sound, even when he was a child. He opened it randomly again and saw another verse.

"For rulers are not a terror to those who do good conduct, but bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval."-Romans 13:3

Am I not the one in authority? This rebellious people is doing evil...I must punish them. He decided. Chancellor Simms arose from his chair, as though God had given him a revelation. Of course, the chancellor had ignored other passages which admonished rulers to be just, but Simms was implacably convinced. He headed back to his office, his bodyguards in tow, and issued the following executive order:

Executive Order # 459:

A State of Emergency exists within the Republic. Let anyone caught outside in public past 19:00 hours, without official purpose or permission, be shot on sight by the officers of the peace. Let it also be known that any and all who report suspicious activity to the S.I.S will forthwith receive a reward of $50,000. Let it also be known, that anyone who does not pay their lawful income tax at the appointed time be executed by hanging in the public square and let half their property be seized.

Adam Simms, Supreme Chancellor of the Republic

[Asturial]

Colonel Maurder
Tulsa, Oklahoma, Republic of America

Colonel Maurder was filled in over the phone by the Chancellor himself. To think a rogue group like the Knights could pull off a snatch and grab of the Republic's Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs. Maurder was agitated to say the least. The public backlash for such a thing could be destabilizing enough to cause problems for the Chancellor which meant problems for the Marauders. Beyond the fact that apparently the Knights had fled into the Zone which made things somewhat harder to deal with, being not Republic held territory, they were apparently much more organized and coordinated than Maurder had been led to believe.

"Mr. Chancellor, I believe they may be headed toward Springfield, or Detroit, but our best bet is Chicago. Since the attacks there it has become a hot bed for their supporters. I can handle this, however as usual I request the absence of ROE when dealing with our enemies, and I also must be able to eliminate the HVT if she becomes a liability." Maurder was not knew to the idea of war crimes, his men had been noted as cutting bloody swathes through enemy populaces both civilian and military before. A target, was a target, and an enemy didn't stop being a threat if they carried no rifle.

"Sir I will HALO insert two companies worth of men to the enemy position as well as the target cities to prepare for a full fledged threat neutralization, with your leave of course." Maurder fully expected an okay from the chancellor and the colonel's left and righthand men had already departed to ready the Marauders.

---

Within Two hours of the Phone call Maurder and his men were aboard three C-141 Jets over the target. A storm had kicked up and night had fallen recently Making for a hellish but dramatic entry by the Marauders. The Colonel stood in the doorway of the lead plane his voice clear even over the roar of the wind and scream of the engines, thanks of course to the comm systems in their jump gear.

"Rules are as they always are. If they are any threat to the republic they deserve death. Our main goal is to reacquire a stolen asset, however secondary objectives remain of making an example of the republic's enemies. Now let's earn our wages." And with that the jump crew flicked the green light on and the men filed out.

As the Marauders entered free fall they ignited flares to be able to be tracked in the thunder clouds. Appearing as falling angels of death as far as Maurder was concerned. He liked that thought, that his men were the Republic's Angels of Death.

[Arengin Union]

Republican Military Prison 1, Atlanta.

The sounds of the morning bell woke up all prisoners on the C block of Atlanta military prison, the people considered undesirable, dangerous, or simply suspected lived inside the walls of this prison. James Armstrong was one of them, one of the many prisoners in C block marked as terrorist, his crime? Replacing a Republic flag of a post office with a USA flag, such crime could got him shot, but the DA felt it too compassionate and decided to sent him to the second worst place in the universe next to hell.

Unbeknownst to the DA, Armstrong had committed far more crimes, crimes on the line of sabotage, espionage for the Order, and even being responsible for the disappearance of several soldiers. However, Armstrong wasn't scarred of prison at all, in reality he indulged it as he would daily life. Even better, he had made quite a few friends, many in the prison population and some with the big boys, the warden knew him well too, not in a good way of course.

Armstrong heard the sound of the bells, he remained on his bed despite this, covering his head to hide from the loud noise. He remained in bed for a couple of minutes before a guard arrived outside his cell.

"Hey Armstrong. Wakey wakey fucktard." The guard said.

Armstrong simply shrugged and dug his head inside his pillow.

"HEY FUCKER WAKE UP." Another guard said, he took out his baton and took a blow at Armstrong's head. He didn't even react. Soon Armstrong was up and ready for the daily routine. Breakfast, then hard labor making big rocks into smaller rocks. Armstrong had a semi long blonder hair and a rugged goatee to mix with it, he was well known by everyone one way or the other. Most guards and the warden thought of him as a low life, smug punk that would just act sarcastic all the time, but Armstrong was smarter than what he seemed. He was planning something big. A riot.

For months Armstrong and most at C block had been making a plan to revolt, using makeshift weapons they hid on places like the laundry, the courtyard, and other places around the prison, never on the block given the daily inspections. Armstrong and the conspirators had maps as well, making the details of the riot and how it was supposed to go down they would usually talk about it in the laundry or the courtyard, the day for it came closer and closer.

[Kelmet]

Republican Military Prison 1, Atlanta.

The sounds of the morning bell woke up all prisoners on the C block of Atlanta military prison, the people considered undesirable, dangerous, or simply suspected lived inside the walls of this prison. James Armstrong was one of them, one of the many prisoners in C block marked as terrorist, his crime? Replacing a Republic flag of a post office with a USA flag, such crime could got him shot, but the DA felt it too compassionate and decided to sent him to the second worst place in the universe next to hell.

Unbeknownst to the DA, Armstrong had committed far more crimes, crimes on the line of sabotage, espionage for the Order, and even being responsible for the disappearance of several soldiers. However, Armstrong wasn't scarred of prison at all, in reality he indulged it as he would daily life. Even better, he had made quite a few friends, many in the prison population and some with the big boys, the warden knew him well too, not in a good way of course.

Armstrong heard the sound of the bells, he remained on his bed despite this, covering his head to hide from the loud noise. He remained in bed for a couple of minutes before a guard arrived outside his cell.

"Hey Armstrong. Wakey wakey fucktard." The guard said.

Armstrong simply shrugged and dug his head inside his pillow.

"HEY FUCKER WAKE UP." Another guard said, he took out his baton and took a blow at Armstrong's head. He didn't even react. Soon Armstrong was up and ready for the daily routine. Breakfast, then hard labor making big rocks into smaller rocks. Armstrong had a semi long blonder hair and a rugged goatee to mix with it, he was well known by everyone one way or the other. Most guards and the warden thought of him as a low life, smug punk that would just act sarcastic all the time, but Armstrong was smarter than what he seemed. He was planning something big. A riot.

For months Armstrong and most at C block had been making a plan to revolt, using makeshift weapons they hid on places like the laundry, the courtyard, and other places around the prison, never on the block given the daily inspections. Armstrong and the conspirators had maps as well, making the details of the riot and how it was supposed to go down they would usually talk about it in the laundry or the courtyard, the day for it came closer and closer.

Republican Military Prison 001, Atlanta.
Wardens Office
Warden Winters was quite please with himself as he stood looking out the league window that gave him an amazing view of the courtyard, and all those below. Productivity was up, inmate on inmate violence was down and this facility was all his. Gazing out sipping his usual Irish coffee he noticed one of his favorite prisoners with a fresh bruise on his face, Winters set down is coffee and called over the radio to the escort guard in the yard near Armstrong "Officer Goren, bring Inmate 82375 James Armstrong to my office. We need to have a conversation" Officer Goren, a shorter slim African american women looked out of place in the prison yard, but the inmates keep their distance out of respect and the officers out of fear. On her first day she put another guard in the hospital for attempting to assault a female prisoner, instead of sending back to the military Winters put her in the yard. "Copy that Warden, be to you in five" Grabbing Armstrong off the work line and escorting him threw the prison she stopped him in the laundry made sure they were alone and then pushed him against one of the industrial washers, "What the hell did you do now James?"

[Arengin Union]

Republican Military Prison 1, Atlanta.

The sounds of the morning bell woke up all prisoners on the C block of Atlanta military prison, the people considered undesirable, dangerous, or simply suspected lived inside the walls of this prison. James Armstrong was one of them, one of the many prisoners in C block marked as terrorist, his crime? Replacing a Republic flag of a post office with a USA flag, such crime could got him shot, but the DA felt it too compassionate and decided to sent him to the second worst place in the universe next to hell.

Unbeknownst to the DA, Armstrong had committed far more crimes, crimes on the line of sabotage, espionage for the Order, and even being responsible for the disappearance of several soldiers. However, Armstrong wasn't scarred of prison at all, in reality he indulged it as he would daily life. Even better, he had made quite a few friends, many in the prison population and some with the big boys, the warden knew him well too, not in a good way of course.

Armstrong heard the sound of the bells, he remained on his bed despite this, covering his head to hide from the loud noise. He remained in bed for a couple of minutes before a guard arrived outside his cell.

"Hey Armstrong. Wakey wakey fucktard." The guard said.

Armstrong simply shrugged and dug his head inside his pillow.

"HEY FUCKER WAKE UP." Another guard said, he took out his baton and took a blow at Armstrong's head. He didn't even react. Soon Armstrong was up and ready for the daily routine. Breakfast, then hard labor making big rocks into smaller rocks. Armstrong had a semi long blonder hair and a rugged goatee to mix with it, he was well known by everyone one way or the other. Most guards and the warden thought of him as a low life, smug punk that would just act sarcastic all the time, but Armstrong was smarter than what he seemed. He was planning something big. A riot.

For months Armstrong and most at C block had been making a plan to revolt, using makeshift weapons they hid on places like the laundry, the courtyard, and other places around the prison, never on the block given the daily inspections. Armstrong and the conspirators had maps as well, making the details of the riot and how it was supposed to go down they would usually talk about it in the laundry or the courtyard, the day for it came closer and closer.

Republican Military Prison 001, Atlanta.
Wardens Office
Warden Winters was quite please with himself as he stood looking out the league window that gave him an amazing view of the courtyard, and all those below. Productivity was up, inmate on inmate violence was down and this facility was all his. Gazing out sipping his usual Irish coffee he noticed one of his favorite prisoners with a fresh bruise on his face, Winters set down is coffee and called over the radio to the escort guard in the yard near Armstrong "Officer Goren, bring Inmate 82375 James Armstrong to my office. We need to have a conversation" Officer Goren, a shorter slim African american women looked out of place in the prison yard, but the inmates keep their distance out of respect and the officers out of fear. On her first day she put another guard in the hospital for attempting to assault a female prisoner, instead of sending back to the military Winters put her in the yard. "Copy that Warden, be to you in five" Grabbing Armstrong off the work line and escorting him threw the prison she stopped him in the laundry and pushing him against one of the industrial washers, "What the hell did you do now James?"

James simply stood quietly, calm and relaxed as always. He looked at Goren with a smile.

"I don't know what chu talking about Miss. I'm simply one of the many inmates, nothing more, nothing less ." He said as he began to walk out of the laundry only to be stopped by Goren.