1912-1990 Era War IC (Semi-Closed)

[The Traansval]

The People’s Mandate for the Federation
By Quinten van Rosevelt
Published by the Boer Federation of Labor
January 21st, 1928

When, decades and decades in the past, Monarchies ruled as autocrats and authoritarians, presiding over their states as if they were their personal property, men rose up in defiance. This was the origin of Republicanism. When Monarchs control everything and own everything as their own property, ranging from the affairs of state to the affairs of economics, men rose up and said that governments should be created by the citizenry, for the purposes of improving the population, and should be staffed by the people, and that the affairs of economics should be in the hands of the people. These men were called radicals and revolutionaries, they were persecuted, but still they persisted, because they believed in personal liberty. They overthrew nations and created their own, and banded together against a common enemy. The beginning of the 20th century thus was the climax, as the Republicans and their alliance fought what remained of the Monarchies. It began as a war for control, a fight at the sea turned into a fight over territory, but when it ended all knew that truly it was a war over which ideology would become supreme; that of the People, or that of the Monarchs. Through brute force of arms, the Monarchs won. Republics were dismantled and occupied, and now they rule supreme.

How is this possible? How could the forces of oppression and authoritarianism conquer the forces of liberty? Because Republicanism, from its early stages, was corrupted. When Monarchs not only controlled and owned the land, the resources, the goods, and the means of production, revolutionaries believed that the best solution was to make these affairs of economics open. They did not realize that it was not the monarchs who were the true threats, it was the barons. The barons were the ones who administered territories, who enforced the Monarchs rule, who stole from the people their fruits of labor. When revolutionaries abolished monarchies or set up states without one, they failed to realize that they had done nothing to stop the barons from re-inserting themselves. Barons became “Captains of Industry”, as they called themselves, or “Robber Barons”, as we called them, and once more they stole from the people their rightful gains, only now using the justification of private ownership and profit rather than royal prerogative. Those in power did not see their folly; they had toiled under a system where one man owned their labor, and so believed that true liberty meant total freedom of the economy and no regulation. They would only realize their mistake once the barons made millions, created vast economic empires, and had stuffed the pockets of politicians with their dirty money.

The reason the Republicans failed in the war is that their ideology failed. Their wish for liberty and freedom was corrupted into liberty for the rich and freedom for the powerful, while the people, the working class was exploited. Serfs were freed but then told that the only work available was to toil in a factory or in a mine for money that could only be spent in a company store. It was because of these men, the rich and powerful men who ruled Republics as oligarchs pulling strings behind the scenes, that the Traansval and her allies lost to the Monarchs. Our soldiers, recruited from the working class as the rich were given “exemptions” if they had enough money, fought bravely and beat back the jackboot Arengins and their allies. It was not the soldiers that lost the war, it was the industrialists who charged the government billions to make the implements of war, gouging the government of dollars collected from taxing the working people for the very basic tools needed by our troops to fight for our national defense. It was the commanders, few if any of whom had served in the lower ranks, and who had ordered our soldiers to retreat from positions they had held to the last man successfully. The Boer Army did not lose the war, they were betrayed by politicians and their industrialist robber baron masters.

However, it is not too late, for now the events described have allowed for a second enlightenment. The barons greed, and its effects, not only on the workers who have been laid destitute, but also on the nation as a whole, is now widely known by the workers and is a matter of public record for all who are not blinded by personal ideology. Now is the time for change, for true revolution! Our forefathers attempted to revolutionize their society and only resulted in shifting titles and cloaking authoritarianism in democracy, no more. We shall finish what they started. For the only true route to liberty, the only true route to freedom for all workers, is Socialism! That is what the Federation of Labor stands for, and that is what we fight for.

The vision of the Federation, a vision that we wish to share with and spread to all workers of the world, is that of Union Socialism. The Republican Experiment has proven that politicians can become corrupted, either by influences within themselves such as greed or lust for power or influences from others in the form of bribery. Therefore, the Federation seeks not to establish a State which shall dictate to the worker, but instead a nation where the worker shall dictate to the state. Unions, the instrument through which workers banded together to collectively fight the barons, shall become the center of socialist revolution and government. While Republicans suppressed unions through political means and through force, we shall elevate them. Unions shall become the basis for the nation, creating a Federation of Unions. Nations shall become a system of Unions which shall elect through free elections, where all workers and citizens shall be allowed to vote, representatives to form the governments at the local level, which shall then nominate representatives to form a regional government, which shall then itself elect representatives to form the government of the Federation.

It will be through this system that we shall reform and revolutionize society to be truly free for all citizens. Workplaces shall be run through democratic means, with regulations imposed by unions of workers who know their industry and know what must be regulated, rather than by a fatcat politician who believes the best informant on regulations is the capitalist robber baron. Local governments shall truly be local, elected by and run for the workers within their county. State governments shall be preserved for in order for a nation to truly be a Federation of Labor there must be a regional government which shall know its citizens needs better than a national one. But, it would be foolish to believe that a national government is not needed, for one is to ensure that foreign threats are addressed, that foreign diplomacy is handled so that foreign trade may be conducted, and to ensure as a check against any Socialist Republics which may stray from the workers.

Do not think, though, that it shall be the state who shall control the affairs of economics and commerce, oh no. Which we totally overthrow and revolutionize our political affairs, economics shall be reformed! No more shall corporations be run by a select few to make a profit off the backs of the countless thousands of workers who have no voice in the running of their jobs. Instead, the backbone of the economy shall be of workers cooperatives, whereby business shall be run by the workers, or in reformed private enterprise where half of the board of directors shall be representatives of the corporations corresponding union. Private Enterprise, either through individuals starting companies or through workers forming cooperatives, shall be preserved yes but heavily reformed. Besides a mandate of union representation mentioned before, it shall be the Unions which shall dictate economic policy and dictate regulations within their industry. If the businesses or businessmen refuse to cooperate, then they shall be taken to the courts and punished under the law for failing to follow the Unions and shall be fined, punished, or in the extreme have their holdings confiscated, redistributed, and then sent to serve time for their crimes.

Such enforcement is tough, but firm, and firmness is needed in order to see change not only happen but continue to be sustained. However, do not think that such a system shall fall to authoritarianism or totalism, no sir, but I do not fault you for such thinking. There is no nation alive today which follows a line of ideology similar to that of the Totalists that has not originated as a democracy. Democracy is an easy thing to corrupt, to shape into something different, for it is what happened to the Republics of old and continues to happen. All one must do is look to the Hoosier, to the Norcourtians, to the Warglorians, or even to our own Vice President Maritz and his Junta, to see democracy perverted and turned into Authoritarianism. Thusly is why the democratic system of Union Socialist and of the Federation is staggered such, and why it shall be joined by a Bill of Rights, similar to the ones our ancestors created after the Kruger regime ended with the old man's death. Such a bill shall ensure the right to vote for all persons regardless of gender or race, shall ensure the right to be free from persecution for beliefs either political or religious, shall ensure a right to inviolability of the person, and shall ensure a right for the people to speak their mind and their opinions without punishment, to assemble and protest without repression, to petition the government for a redress of grievances, and to express themselves through media either recorded, printed, or done by hand. These rights, these freedoms which shall be expanded upon, shall ensure that our system maintains itself as a democracy of the people.

This, and here I address not only the workers of the world but also any who find themselves in disagreement but wish to understand us, is our ideology. It is what we fight for, and it is what we shall live by. The application of Socialism, whereby under our rule the state shall control those industries vital such as those in natural resources or defense, and the workers shall control the economy at large through unions, cooperatives, and reformed free enterprise, while also controlling the political process at large by electing their local governments, by electing their union leaders, and by having a Federal system of government which ensures representation of the workers, of the industries, and of the Socialist Republics, and not that of the Barons. This is what our Mandate is, from the people, to the people.

[TENNOHEIKA BANZAI NIHON]

Gokyo, Nihon
February 1928

Today was a big day for the great Warglorian-Nihonese relations, so much even Emperor Hirohito was here. Surrounding him were several other princes, ministers, generals, admirals, and the Prime Minister. Security was tight, with Imperial Guards surrounding the area, along with Kenpeitai and Tokko watching from the sidelines. The Army and Navy troops where in dress uniform, standing at attention with their Type 38 rifles slung by their side. Nihonese fighters and bombers flew overhead as tugs and other coastal defense ships guided in the massive Warglorian Fleet.

The battleships of the 3rd and 1st Fleets greeted the Warglorians with a gun salute. The Emperor watched all of this, with his brothers, in awe over the size of the Warglorian fleet. He looked to the modern battleships, their great size and the power they held humbling. Watching as the men disembarked after their long journey, in their orderly fashion, and their uniforms crisp, medal gleaming, it was quite a sight.

Crowds of Nihonese men, women, and children cheered, waving Nihonese and Warglorian flags from the sidelines. They shouted, "TENNO HEIKA BANZAI!" and "BANZAI WARGLORIA!"

As the Warglorian procession walked down the platform, Emperor Hirohito smiled. And when they neared, he bowed as did the other officials. And he said, "Welcome to the Empire of Nihon. The people of Nihon come to greet you as defenders of peace and prosperity. We thank you for your quick arrival. Here with me are my ministers, best commanders, and later you should be introduced so your great men can start to move to their bases. But that can be done later. For now, I would like to present you with gifts from the people of Nihon." He nodded and several aides moved forward. "I wish to present to General von Falkenhausen and Admiral von Spee two of our highest quality katana swords, made of the finest metals with their sheaths made of gold, silver, and jewels." He bowed as he handed both to both officers. He then said, " I would like to welcome you to the Imperial Palace..."

Imperial Army Headquarters
February 1928

With Nihonese troops returning to Nihon and Shishiri from Opus and Hallfurt, plans were being made to have the Kangtung Army and Indianum Expeditionary Forces leaders to being recruiting, and drafting to bring the armies back to full force. The heavy equipment had been sent back and could be used by the new armies. The members of those armies that had survived in Opus were now being sent back home to their families, with medals, and honored as heroes. Other than the 2 divisions that had escaped before.

As for the Carriebean Army Group, previously consisting of 21 divisions, it was named the Shishiri Army Group and 8 divisions were deployed to Shishiri. The other 10 of the remaining 13 divisions would be sent to Wargloria to assist them in their war, and to be trained. The other 3 would be either become reserve in Nihon, or be disbanded.

The former Aclus Indianum Army Group would be joining the Manchuko group, making for a total of 30 divisions. Additionally, the High Command was working to create a new division system.

The 6th Fleet had been ordered to redeploy several ships to Gokyo, and the Imperial Navy was making plans to build more capital ships to counter aggression.

This would effectively cut down the military spending, and would be marking a point of demobilization of the Imperial Nihonese Army in order to boost the Navy and Air Corps.

With the loss of so many troops in Opus though, Imperial Nihonese Leaders had sent complaints and letters demanding an explanation of such a loss of Nihonese troops on Hoosier soil. And asking what could Nihon do to end the rebel threat.

Reports where coming of Rachanan forces being readied and them issuing a state of emergency, but Nihonese leaders knew that this was not a threat. Not even close. Even General Hedeki Tojo was quoted to the papers saying "If the Rachanan Arm ever invaded Nihon, I would have it arrested."

Manchuko
January 1928

Newspapers where being spread out, reminding Manchuko's citizens of their rights to remain silent when pestered by ICS investigators. They where told of how it would be illegal if they were detained, but in other news, were being suggested to either join the Imperial Nihonese Armed Forces, or join local militia groups.

[Shahinay]

London, Aclus
January 25th, 1928


London was the heart of an empire that stretched across the Earth. Grand, buisy and full of life, despite the freezing fog that filled the streets. It was the Armistice Day. Aclusian veterans of the Great War marched in their uniforms, steam coming from their mouths as they sang their soldier songs. Among them were the Yindrai.

After Aclusian invasion and occupation of Yindrai following the Sacred Defense, so called "Aclusian Raj" (as the winners called their new trophy) many times rose to rebelion, in reaction to the brutality of conquest, discrimination of the native population and Aclusian attempts to integrate, or rather assimilate the population. Loyalists retreated into the forests and hills of the countryside while many people still wispered the name of their martyred hero, Ąmārand Qelyunar, the Last King of Yindrai. Rebellions rose many times but all were ultimately crushed. However the ferocity of such rebellions showed Aclusian Authorities signs of how good of warriors Yindrai could provide, if for a beneficial cause.

Thus Edward VII granted the same rights to every man in Yindrai, if they were to serve in the Aclusian army. Following Edward came George V who would call upon these soldiers to fight in the Great War. A staging area for the Yindrai men to show their worth, as the Aclusians thought of it. And indeed, during the Great War the Yindrai earned with their sweat and blood the right to live in their country not like slaves, but like citizens, as it was guaranteed the next legislation that granted them also the right to vote. With their bravery on the battlefield they gained respect of their fellow Aclusian comrades. Many of them settled in London, looking for better opportunities in this world's city. They integrated, found jobs, started buissnesses, some get Aclusian education. Once could say they became loyal subjects of the Empire, bonded by the ties of jointly shed blood.

But there are two sides to every coin. With them came also those, who would oppose Aclus. Those, who remembered the times of Yindrai's independence. Of freedom. Those who hold their ancient Aydinirian traditions dear, more so than the benefits Aclus could offer. Those who fought in a war that was not theirs, who suffered for a foreign power and felt they got nothing in return. Those willing to spy for Aydinir.

Sajjan Singh was one of them. He fought against the Manticorans in Tamir, loosing an eye in the process. He had a small buissness here in London, yet he was hardly able to support his family. In his eyes (or rather eye), his Yindrai brothers were used as a mere cannon fodder by the Aclusians. He was an excellent target for AQSA. Soon after the end of the Great War Aydinirian intelligence service contacted Sajjan. Soon after he became a secret Aydinirian informer, part of large Aydinirian spy network in Aclus.

He was just opening his shop at the square when Sir Oswald Mosely started his speech. Soon, a huge crowd gathered about him, listening like enchanted to the man's voice. Sajjan had to give that to Mosely - he damned was charismatic, speaking with passion that could start a flame in peoples' hearts even in a day as cold as this one. And his voice, his message, was clear. It for sure found the right audience - chants from the crowd grew louder the more Mosely spoke. When he finished the crown cheered. Aclusian Union of Fascists was born.

Sajjan had no doubt his employers from AQSA will be very interested in this new star on the sky of Aclusian politics.
And he was right.

Aydinir
January, 1928

By the decree of the Princess-Regent, new Aydinirian administration has been established in Sirvanska. Old province borders have been redrawn, splitted and rearranged. Smaller dirsticts were established with one goal in mind - Ûranaime o Ahwarete, Divide and Rule. All to secure and ensure Aydinirian dominion over the vast lands north of the mighty Annunaypar Mountains. Diffferent ethnicities that lived inside of once powerfull Sirvanska were splitted, with new borders crossing right through their lands, making it harder for them to cooperate. Some were put against one another, artificial conflicts created to reduce the threat from their side, while Aydinirians played them like pawns on the chessboard. A large chessboard it was, as around 60 million people lived in the conquered territories, more than 1/3 of the overall population of the late Kingdom of Sirvanska.

In the same time all Sirvanskan names were erased, all places renamed to their Aydinirian counterparts - it there was none, a new Aydinirian name was to be invented.

New hīstras that were established:
1. Andharvan (once Southern Leersog, the most populous of post-Sirvanskan provinces)
2. Annunaypar (where the highest peaks of those world's highest mountains can be found)
3. Dhāyartpur (second most populous post-Sirvanskan province)
4. Gilghan Féxani (The Northern Gate, one of the 3 main passes through Annunaypar)
5. Djunnah (high elevated plateau and extension of Annunaypar, covered in tropical forests with sizeable Aydinirian minority)
6. Éxan Nambhat (The Great Desert, the most desolate and least populous province of the whole Aydinirian Empire, however rich in gold and other natural resources)

There was also a problem of native Sirvanskans, living mostly in the east, now Andharvan and Dhāyartpur. So called Sirvanskan Question. This Slavic population didn't belong to Indianum and was seen not only as an old enemy, but also as effects of the colonization of this continent by foreign powers. In a long run they were to be completely Aydinirianized, Sirvanskan culture erased or assimilated. Changing names of places to Aydinirian onces were one of the staps. That was however to be a long process, as being too harsh or too quick in action would only spark unwanted unrest and ressistance. Despite the fact organized and open Sirvanskan ressistance was crushed, SAVAK knew rebelious thoughts were still strong in Sirvanskan minds. Underground ressistance was licking its wounds, rebuilding in the shadows and waiting for the occassion to strike, evident by the recent attack of Sirvanskan rebels in Hoosier. Despite the fact they were completely mislead and used by the Hoosier to attack and slaughter their Nihonese allies (a great move from Hoosier's side that greatly Aydinirian Governemnt and the Princess-Regent herself), their mere existence was still a threat too big to tolerate.

Because of that, on the order of the Great Council and Princess-Regent herself, so called Reeducation Camps were established in Éxan Nambhat, among the sands, rocks and mesas of the Great Desert. In theory, it was meant to "reeducate Enemies of the State", "control subversive elements" and "help them integrate and become good citizens of the Empire". In reality, it was a forced-labour camp-system with a wide range of convicts, from serious criminals to political prisoners, but made especially with members of the Sirvanskan Ressistance in mind. Prisoners were to be used as mass, cheap and expendable labour force, used in mines of the resource-rich Great Desert or in one of many mass-scale work projects, planned by Princess-Regent Cifrinah. One of those work project was agreed with Hoosier Government formation of exterritorial highway from Aydinir to Parsa, going through Aryshtakova, that would connect Aydinirian client state with the Empire.

Recent international pressure and Nihonese complains about so-called "Sirvanskan Pirates" were also exactly what the Empire wanted. The world basically begged Aydinir to deal with the pirates, demanded Aydinirian action. Whatever was nessecary to restore order, stop chaos and banditry that was the work of a failed state that was Sirvanska. And Aydinir was happy to oblige.

Aydinirian rule over the northern lands could not be described simply as "tyrannical". It was more like carrot and stick. Cooperation was rewarded. Defiance punished. That's why when SAVAK decided to stop their unofficial piracy opperations, all Sirvanskans that participated in them were rewarded - manors in Aydinir proper were granted to them, where they were to move soon with their families. Where they would live like the Aydinirians. Far away from Sirvanska. This way their ties to their homeland and their countrymen would be severed and they themselves subjected to even stronger attempts of assimilation and Aydinirianization. They would be also removed from the sight of what was planned in Sirvanska - mass-scale forced eviction and expulsion of ethnic Sirvanskan Population from their homes and their replacement with Aydinirian settlers.

Sirvanskan men in the conscript age were to be called to the army first, as a mass mobilization for the upcoming war with Nihon and its allies. Also, to remove them as an obstacle. Then, one day, black trucks of SAVAK would appear in from of Sirvanskan homes, with armed men giving women, children and elders 30 minutes to pack their things. They were to soon find themselves in foreign lands, expulsed mostly to the less-populated central and western provinces of Aydinir, like mountainous Nirah or savannah-covered Śranirh. All in utmost secrecy. This way Sirvanskan Nation was to be shattered, splitted into many disconected parts that would drown in Aydinirian majority and cease to exist in a generation or two.

The World was interested in stopping the looming threat of piracy in Indianum. It was not interested in the ways of doing that, as long as they were effective. The "Sirvanskan Pirates" would be no more.

The same month an agreement was made with the Government of Hoosier. Southern Opus was to be ceded to Aydinir, with Hoosier retaining the rights to resources found that area but with split of revenue from their exploatation 50:50 between Hoosier and Aydinir. That additional land was granted to the Hīstras Éxan Nambhat.


New Aydinirian Administration:

New Aydinirian Administration after the purchase of Southern Opus:

Reeducation Camps are indeed a very picturesque place:

Melva, Socialist Republic of Hettausa
23rd January , 1928

Aydinirians sent a secret delegation to Hettausa. Delegation with a proposition. Aydinirian Empire was willing to acknowledge the existence and independence of the Socialist Republic of Hettausa as a sovereign neighbour of Aydinir. In exchange Hettausa had to accept independence and sovereignity of the Kingdom of Parsa, as well as acknowledge Aydinirian conquests in southern Sirvanska as well as abandon any possible claims to those territories.

Aydinirians also proposed that some Sirvanskan socialist sympathisers could be deported to Hettausa, if that was desired by Hettausa and their Breyburgian allies.

St. Osloverg, Arengin
Building of the International Council of States
2nd February, 1928

Eltariyos Sûrennah was once again furious at the Prince Shanrhain. Annoying, arrogant, disrespectful young pisser, that was more of a nuisance then help. Shanrhain was part of this mission, because... he wasn't sure about that. Maybe because Princess-Regent wanted to get rid of him and out of Aydinir for some time. Or maybe it was all Shanrhain's doing and his supporters in the Empire, maybe he was trying to make up for the year in house arrest with this international mission, treating it like an entertainment. Old diplomat was the head of Aydinirian delegation, yet the young prince several times already bended, or broke his order. Even broke the diplomatic savoir vivre with laughter during the ICS meeting. Although he had to agree, Nihonese accusations and lies were indeed laughable. Now, when their column of 4 cars were supposed to leave the building, Etrariyos intended to have a talk with the Prince, remind him who is in charge. Fortunately, they were supposed to go back to their place in one car. Perfect occasion for... private conversation.

Eltariyos was in the car first, while Shanrhain stayed somewhere, probably emptying another glass of wine before the ride. Minutes passed, first delegations already left. Imperial Minister started getting more and more annoyed. They will be late soon. They were supposed to leave 10 minutes ago already. And the Prince was nowhere to be seen.

Then, one of his men opened the door.
- Sir! - diplomat saluted, putting his right fist to his heart.
- Where is the Prince? - Eltariyos asked with stern and cold voice.
- The Prince ordered me to take his place. He told also several others to change seats. He took... ekhm... he took some Arenginian wench with him. And wants to have back seats of the third car all for themselves. - the diplomat answered, visibly abashed.
- Aysha! Mājinar ghabre ayshani! - Eltariyos sweared, hitting the car with his fist - That little fuc... ekhem
It took him a second to get his anger under controll.
- Sir, should I go back to him and throw that wench out?
A moment of silence.
- No. We are already late. Let's go. I'll have my talk with him once we return to the hotel.

And so, delegation left the parking. 4 cars, the first and last ones with undercover SAVAK agents posing for diplomats, for protection. The second one, with him. And several displaced diplomats, trying to fit in the back seat. The third, with Shanrhain. And his Arenginian mistress.

- By the Divines. Emperor will be furious, but another action like that and I will kill that spoiled brat. Oh, I will have my talk with him and then...

Train of Eltariyos' thoughts came to an abrupt end, when a granade hit the first car. And then, when a series from a machine gun hit the first car. And his car. His driver lost control over the wheel, blood staining the seats. Diplomats from the back seats screamed, or rather moaned. Some of them quickly stopped and remained silent. In a moment he felt it as well. He looked down, seing his own blood on his hands. He looked up, the first car burning. Effect of a granade. He heard more shots. This time from the back.

As it turned out, the assassins made a mistake of attacking too early, focusing most of their fire at the first two cars, and partially the third. SAVAK agents from the last car reacted as quickly as possible - they answered with fire, killing several of them. The rest quickly rushed to escape.

Eltariyos menaged to open the door and get out of the car, crawling and leaving a path of blood behind. He saw a burning first car, nothing was left from it. He saw how SAVAK agents rushed in pursuit of the attackers, while several others quickly appeared next to him. He tried to tell them something, but was unable to choke out a word. Somebody called for an ambulance. Eltariyos saw how one of the SAVAK agents shot in the back some young boy with dark blond hair, not older than 16. He fell down and was surrounded by 2 men. After that, Eltariyos' vision began to darken. He felt no more pain.
- My duty has ended - he thought

---

During the terrorist attack right after the first summit of the International Council of States 7 Aydinirians were killed, 3 were send to the hospital in critical state, including Imperial Minister of Foreign Affairs Eltariyos Sûrennah, while another 4 were injured, including Prince Shanrhain Zhisūdrissif. His Arenginian mistress however got a bullet right at her pretty face.

Shanrhain got 3 bullets in total, one at his chest, one at his leg and one at his shoulder. Fortunately, none of them were deadly, doctors menaged to pull the bullets out.
The worse news was that Eltariyos Sûrennah died at the hospital a couple hours later togather with one more men, raising the number of fatal casualities to 9.

Assurhan, Aydinir
Imperial Palace
The same day

- They did fucking what?!

Cifrinah's voice was sharp like a knife, as if she wanted to stab the person on the other side of the phone to death. Which at the current situation could as well be the case.
Suddenly however, her tone changed. From firely anger to a one as cold as winter itself.

- Very well then. Who raises his hand on the Divine Blood will have such a hand cut off. Connect me to the Minister of Minister of Intelligence, now. And inform the Great Council.
After that the call ended and Cifrinah had a moment to digest the news.

Aydinirian delegation was attacked, right after the end of ICS meeting. Right in front of their fucking building. In the middle of Arenginian fucking capital. 9 men dead, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Her brother in hospital.

Cifrinah and Shanrhain were once very close. There was just a year of difference between them, so they spent more of their childhood togather. There was just a year of difference between them, so they have spend more of their childhood together. They knew and understood each other. Once. Before the death of their mother. Before their father's long illness.

That's how she knew Shanrhain cannot be trusted. That he was dangerous. He almost succeed in removing her from the succession line, wanting to became Emperor himself. He was shrewd, manipulative, he envied her being the firstborn child and, the most of all, he was deadly ambitious.

Their relation and trust that was once between them was effectively broken long time ago. But he was still her brother. He was still her parents' son. He was still of the Divine Blood. She could not, and she would not tolerate something like that. What the Nihonese dared to do was outragious. Was blasphemous. That was the first thing that happened so far that Cifrinah took personally.

There was no doubt the Nihonese were the true perpetrators of this terrorist attack. And there will be consequences.
She was soon connected with Rhavanis Vakshyarani, one of her closest advisors and the Imperial Minister of Intelligence. There was a work to be done.

St. Osloverg, Arengin
Building of the International Council of States
3rd February, 1928

To: Arenginian Government

Official statement of the Aydinirian Empire

In the name of the Divine Emperor Zhisūdris, praised may be His name, Princess-Regent Cifrinah Zhisūdrissif, Queen of Assurhan Eltariyel Zhisūdrissif and the entirity of the Aydinirian People I express utmost concern and outrage at the terrorist attack that happened yesterday in front of the Building of the International Council of States. Aydinirian Empire demands condemnation and start of the investigation of this vile, disgusting and cowardly attack, as well and punishment of all perpetrators and instigators.

This is an unprecedented attack on the highest authorities of the Aydinirian Empire, without doubt politically motivated. Nine citizens of Aydinir were killed, including Imperial Minister of Foreign Affairs Eltariyos Sûrennah. Moreover, as an attempted regicide directed at Prince Shanrhain Zhisūdrissif, King of Shahinay, it is the most despicable type of crime possible to conduct, that is both blasphemous assault at the Divine Blood as well at the institution of monarchy itself. As such, we bear trust in the King of Arengin and the Arenginian Government that this act of terror and attempted regicide will be treated with due weight and piority.

Signed:
Great Hashfar Shanrhain Azdirvani

Gardens of Bhaťipur, Aydinir
5th February, 1928

After the terrorist attack in St. Osloverg, 3 days of national mourning have been announced in the Empire. During that time imperial propaganda apparatus worked without a moment's grace. Terrorist attack was performed by Yakuza. Yakuza equals the Nihonese. Nihonese Empire raised its hand on the sons of Aydinir. The Nihonese are responsible for the death of 9 Aydinirians including Imperial Minister himself. For another 3 Aydinirians in critical state. They tryied to assassinate King of Ezhid, beloved Emperor's son. To assassinate descendant of the Divines.

There had to be revange. Retaliation. Justice. There would be.

Aydinirian population was to be strike with even more terrifying news. 5th February, the grim word was heared.

Zhisūdris Ardaŝoris, praised may be His name, descendant of god Hanar̄as from the Divine Ayńadan Bloodline, by the will of the Triumvirate Divine Emperor of Aydinir, Fire of Truth, Vicar of the Divines, Great King, King of Kings, was dead. Man that won the Unification War, that challanged the invincible Aclusians, that recreated an empire by His determination, will and wits, have passed away.

According to the official version of the events, weakened by the long years of illness and increasingly deteriorating health Emperor Zhisūdris died in Gardens of Bhaťipur, where he resided, during the night between 3rd and 4th February, not long after he recieved the words of the terrorrist attack in St. Osloverg. He passed away with heart full of grief and worry of his son's health.

The press erupted. If the Emperor died because of the news of the terrorrist attack, it would mean His death is on the hands of attack's instigators. And that meant one thing - the Nihonese Empire is to be blame.
One could wonder - what a coincidence, that everything was happening at once, at the same time. Especially since Emperor's funeral and Princess-Regent coronation were scheduled on the same day, 7th February. As if all of those events were in preparation for a long time already,

And normally, someone would wonder. But now the atmosphere was too angry, too shocked. There was no question who was responsible. Who was to blame. Who was an enemy. Who had to be punished.
Even if some had doubts in their hearts, they were never spoken aloud. They were soon buried, drowned in the ocean of chants on the streets. Both mounrning and demanding retribution.

Assurhan, Aydinir
Imperial Palace
7th February, 1928


Thousands... no, tens, hundreds of thousands, were gathering at Assurhan's main square. In the thrid and highest circle of the ancient walls, at the top of the hill. Between the Imperial Palace and the Golden Temple, where the whole city down below could be seen. Many were the citizens of Assurhan, but many were pilgrims, on this sacred pilgrimage, coming here, for this very moment, from all corners of the Empire.

On the northern horizon one could see Annunaypar - the highest mountains of Earth, surrounding the city great from almost 3 sides, their peaks covered in the veil of cloud. Below, countless towers and domes of this great and ancient city, normally bustling with life, filled with noices of cars and shouts of bargaining coming from the bazaars.

But not today. Today people were climbing stairs after stairs, on their way up, to the mountain's top. To the main square. People travelled in silence, some were outright crying. All were dressed in black.

Square was filled with people but the atmosphere was increadibly quiet and serious. Thousands of Aydinirians, citizens of Assurhan, were standing in sadness and anticipation. On the platform before the entrance to the palace, the very cause of all of this. Dead body of the Divine Emperor - praised may be His name. Beloved ruler lied dead on the funeral pyre, wearing ceremonial simple white shirt and around him in in solemn silence priests, guardsmen, noblemen and His two daughters were standing.

The ceremony began, with onne person standing on the platform and coming to the funeral pure with torch in hand. It was a young woman, in her late 20's from the looks of it. She was wearing long, ceremonial Aydinirian dress, and one had to admit she was incredibly beautiful. High, slim, with olive complection, green almond-shaped eyes and long, dark red hair that flowed freely in the mountain's wind. She was looking at the pyre with sad, absent eyes, but in the same time with determination on her face. That was Cifrinah Zhisūdrissif, Princess-Regent. Next to her stood her younger sister, Queen of Assurhan Eltariyel Zhisūdrissif, sobbing at this sight. The last voyage of a great king.

Cifrinah set the pyre fire and olive that covered it easily burned with full might. The bright flames covered Zhisūdris' body, embracing Him like an old friend. Like hands of His wife. Cifrinah stepped backward but she was still standing much closer to the pyre than the rest of the people. Square was silent and sound of the burning wood was the only thing one could hear. Even wind subsided.

And then Cifrinah started to sing. And with her prists, noblemen, guardsmen, soldiers and all of the crowd. And the silence once again became a word.
Thousands throats were singing one song - slow, beautiful and sublime. Thousands throats singing in the same moment, in unique and strange harmony. Those were the ancient words of the Old Empire, one of the sacred chants in Old Aydinirian, holy language of Jarism.

The only thing he could do was listen. Chants filled the air.

Zé arṕashwōz'eŝe ain aiŝoquegōn éycıané rahetān rahetétho,
akhé ain qua amané o cahtiyané ŝumé, taḥarae ḥealthīm darās.

Aizrāsé xiťatiya āspharṣyāthi zīrdāsīwest
akhé quari īrané dawrā nébarāyashe gıārīwest.
Ain lāwāsé xiťa elqai
dhrawzhae ḥṣeaṣrīwthro chandrīwest.
Wali wiŝa qua ťān kıenōronos firıa borisiya zıarhīwthro.

Xiťatiyanam ṕaeḥṣōsīwest, ain ťandi aḥṣyarae akhé djıōząmae,
qūndā mıaskha o quiskha dō bazdīrai djıōząmaerą.

Funeral pyre of Emperor Zhisūdris:

Divine Empress Cifrinah Zhisūdrissif, praised may be Her name:

Aydinir
Imperial Palace
Few hours later

Zhisūdris' funeral and Cihrinah's coronation were broadcasted live in Aydinirian radio, with countless millions listening, even in the most remote villages. One of those listening was Prince Shanrhain, lying on his hospital bed in Ezhid, where he was transported as soon as was possible. Those who were in critical condition stayed in Arengin, where they listened too. All of that was also recorded by cameras, for later use of the imperial propaganda. For the Aydinirians surely love their spectacles. And this spectacle was going to go down in history.

Whole families, whole towns gathered around the radios, listening to the coronation speech of their new Empress:

- "I say to the Small and Great Council alike as I said to the Imperial Ministers, I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat! We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us a crime so horrible that it calls for divine vengeance. And I intend to deliver it. In the name of gods, my father, my brother and all killed in St. Osloverg, those guilty shall be hunted down and punished!

You ask, what is our policy? I say it is to seek justice, by words but if they fail by war, on land, sea, and air. War with all our might and with all the strength Triumvirate has given us, and to wage war against a monstrous tyranny and never surpassed in the dark and lamentable catalogue of human crime. That is our policy.

You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word. It is retribution. For who raises his hand on our Divine Empire will have such a hand cut off!"

That day was marked with huge military parades, that marched through the streets of every major Aydinirian city, from the shores of Dhiryani and Mazdaran in the south to Andharvan and the Great Desert itself in the north. And after the soldiers marched countless masses of people. Angry. Shouting and chanting. Although Cifrinah in Her speech never mentioned by name who was responsible, all knew who to blame. That one night angry crowds burned thousands of Nihonese flags. Dolls and puppets depicting Nihonese Emperor, his Ministers, generals and members of the royal family were hunged from trees and buildings, decapitated or burned all over the Subcontinent.

During His time, Emperor Zhisūdris was called the Fire of Truth. The Flame of Renewal. The Restorer.
Now the masses were chanting the name of His daughter. They called Her the Sword of Justice. They demanded justice. People demanded war.

The writes of this spectacle, sitting inside marble walls of the Imperial Palace of Assurhan, were more than happy to oblige.

Something Ends, Something Begins.
The Emperor passed away. Long live the Empress!
Long live Cifrinah Zhisūdrissif, praised may be Her name, descendant of god Hanar̄as from the Divine Ayńadan Bloodline, by the will of the Triumvirate Divine Empress of Aydinir, Vicar of the Divines, Great Queen. The Sword of Justice.

Aydinir
February, 1928

Gokyo, Nihon
Imperial Nihonese Army Headquarters/Imperial Nihonese Navy Headquarters
April 1, 1927

The already agreed upon pact with Wargloria was now coming into effect, and to comply with the tech sharing agreement, it was ordered that blueprints for all Nihonese ships having been built after 1910 be readied to be hand delivered to the Warglorian military officials in Wargloria by the Kenpeitai group being deployed there to support the Gestapo in their missions in Rannoria. That way there would be zero chance of interception. It was deemed that ships before 1910 were too obsolete, and would bring little to technology sharing. Less important material such as blueprints of all Nihonese operated planes would be given to the Warglorian Embassy, to be sent over their secure line to Wargloria. With that would also go designs for all Nihonese operated tanks, artillery, rifles, pistols, cars, and trucks. This could actually be very useful to Wargloria, as Nihon operates two tanks made in Manticore (ordered before conflict), a known enemy of Wargloria. While Warglorian intelligence was very good and most likely had those designs, also there was the numerous Breybrugian planes Nihon operated, valuable intelligence for Wargloria.

When their soldiers and fleet arrived, the Emperor himself ordered a celebration held for these honorable allies. Officers were given a Warglorian dictionary and ordered to practice. Regular soldiers were taught the basic customs, along with simple phrases. Civilians were told it would be good to learn some of their culture and language, and were told to not interfere with the Warglorian soldiers and their duties. Civilian police were told to take orders from them as if they were of the Nihonese military. And with the Warglorians in country that would also be a good chance to have them view the weapons in person.

Southern Aydinir
Harbours of the Imperial Navy
April 1, 1927

Under the cover of night and under the strict supervision of the AQSA, Aydinirian intelligence service, large quatities of cargo were being loaded inside the docked ships. This was a secret operation. Even if many of the workers knew, or at least suspected, what they were loading - money and characteristic barrels used to transport oil, no one knew why or to whom they were transported. No one knew in exchange for what. That was known only to the highest military personel of this imperial navy's base and AQSA Agents, that were overlooking and inspecting the site.

The night was dark and the stars covered by the thick clouds. Yet the sea was calm, as if sleeping. Not long after, mysterious cargo sailed towards its destination.

Soon after the end of the Mourning, mass mobilization of all ground, naval and air forces was called. In the same time Aydinirians were looking at maps. Making plans. Preparing for war.

Despite the fact the Nihonese possessed numerical superiotity (many called Nihon "army with a state attached"), Aydinirians had one massive advantage. Knowledge. Nihon seemed to believe it is just might, blunt force that matters. Aydinirians believed that it is the knowledge that is the power. And if knowledge is power, then being unknown is being unconquerable. That's why SAVAK and AQSA were for years working hard to get to know the enmemy and all his secrets as much as possible, in the same time protecting the secrety of Aydinirian actions and moves.

Since the begining of the Parsa Crisis the Empire knew the war will come sooner or later. That's why its started to modernize. Buying newer equipment - ships, planes, tanks, mostly from Manticore and other allies from Central Aliance. Trying to obscure the true scale of preparations.
That was being unknown.

They also knew their enemy. When Nihonese made pact with Wargloria, they sent them all the plans and blueprints of their engines of war. Confident that they were completely secure, immune to enemy interception. And they were right. But why try to intercept them, when you could simply buy them?

Aydinir likes deals. As it turned out, Wargloria likes deals too.
Aydinirians had Nihonese plans and blueprints for almost a year. At this point, they knew perfectly well all strenghts and weaknessess of each and every Nihonese ship, plane or tank. And they were ready to make use of that knowledge.

Rachana
February, 1928

After the Rachanans contacted the Parsi and Aydinirians, first talks took place. And they were fruitful. Agreements have been made. All according to the plan.

Rachana and Parsa officially declared their cease-fire in the begining of February, 1928. According to its terms, old province of Merv was to be splitted between the belligerents, with Rachana retaining controll over the majority Rachanan territories in the west. Predominately Parsi territories of eastern and central Merv, including the city of Merv itself, will join Parsa. Willing Rachanans living in areas granted to Parsa, and willing Parsi living in the areas granted to Rachana would be transfered to to their respective motherlands, to ensure the end to the ethnic tensions that plagued the region after the fall of the Khaganate. Those, who would not be willing to leave their homes behind would be granted full rights and protection. Hoosier was chosen as a neutral third party, to watch over the transfer of ethnic population and ensure everything goes smoothly.


New borders between Rachana and Parsa. New borders of Parsi provinces included.

Royal marriage between Princess Azenath of Rachana and Prince Shanrhain Zhisūdrissif was also proposed, following by talks with Rachanan nobility, military and Claudilla about the reestablishment of the Rachanan Monarchy. It was a secret to no one that marriage between Azenath and Shanrhain would have openly anti-Nihonese character. After all, Shanrhain was a survivor from a Nihonese assassination attempt. Such a marriage would also effectively place Rachana into the Aydinirian sphere of influence.

To make that fact even more even prominent and to emphasize anti-Nihonese character of joined military exercises of Aydinirian and Rachanan forces were scheluded and would take place on the Rachanan coast.

[Guuj Xaat Kil]

The Confederacy

With the conclusion of dealings with the Traansval, as well as the conclusion of Confederate operations within Rannoria, the Confederation has been strengthened with the acquisition of various pieces of strategic territory. The largest gain was in Traansval, or more specifically, near Traansval, as the Deruhm Isles had been transferred over to Confederate hands, immediately, various military bases, nearly all of them being naval, began construction, and prospectors were sent to look for any unexploited oil reserves in the shallow waters nearby. Another gain in Traansval was the ability to dock and repair in Boer ports. These two combined would allow for the CNS to project extreme amounts of naval power in the Deruhn Ocean, their only realistic rival being the Aclusians, but it was alright to be 2nd Place for the time being. Then there was the second, and perhaps the most valuable gain, in terms of short-term profits. This was the acquisition of the Capes of Fengate, located on the two sides of Lucky Bay. Not only were these places populated and had somewhat good resources, the Rannorian Navy of old saw the potential back then and already had built military naval facilities in them, and one (the eastern Cape of Fengate) had a shipbuilding facility of acceptable size! A great gain for the Confederate Navy.

In return for the gains in Traansval, there was simply a "naval maneuver". It was done to be as inconspicuous as possible, considering their conflict with the Warglorians, a major ally in the advancement of military technology. The ships involved in the so-called exercise were: Oleshye-class Battleships Oleshye and Alsace, all fourteen of their old Chechya-class Cruisers, 25 of their equally as old Danger-class Destroyers, and 100 of their Starspawn Submarines/U-boats. On February 3, these vessels began steaming out of Warhall's ports. Ready for the confidential transfer.

A call for the construction of new Standard II Minelayers, about 100 to be exact, as well as an increase of 100 in Starspawn Submarine construction from 200, was added to the 1928 Naval Order. In exchange however, there would only be 5 Warhall-class Coastal Defense Ships built instead of 10, and only 30 instead of 35 Admiralty-class Light Cruisers were to be built. The new naval facility at Fengate would allow them to start construction of these additions to the plan almost immediately.

1928 Naval Order

• 4 Independence-class Battleships
• 2 Confederacy-class Carriers
• 5 Warhall-class Coastal Defense Ships
• 15 Blackrock-class Heavy Cruisers
• 30 Admiralty-class Light Cruisers
• 30 Deep One Class Destroyers
• 30 Danger II Class Destroyers
• 30 Duelist II Class Destroyer
• 100 Standard II Minelayers
• 300 Starspawn Class Submarines
  

Of course, it wasn't just the navy who gained all of the attention. The new company of Artassaut-Ozeroy Engineering had constructed something that could be called way ahead of its time. It was siege artillery that could put the recently made and produced Warglorian Karl-Gerät, and even the Prosperity Guns that were being made. And best of all, it was compact. The designers dubbed the new weapon Gehenna, and it was a monster.

Image of Gehenna Siege Artillery (GeSA)

With a length of 40 meters, and the barrel 24.3 meters on the outside and 5.7 meters on the inside (a total of 30m), it was smaller than the Prosperity Guns. The barrel fired a 28 inch shell, smaller than Prosperity, but it was more powerful. Against Prosperity's 820 m/s muzzle velocity and maximum range of 48 kilometers, Gehenna fired a shell at 855 m/s and had a maximum range of 50 kilometers. And that was for HE shells. For AP, Gehenna could fire shells at 750 m/s and had a maximum range of 40 kilometers, against Prosperity's 720 m/s and 38km. The only downside however, is that the gun was very expensive due to its state of the art machinery and parts, costing 8.5 million against Prosperity's 6.7 (ease of manufacture for parts dropped the price from 7 mil). As a result, only 10 were ordered, to be placed at rather troublesome areas.

---

As for foreign affairs, the happenings within Aydiniri controlled Sirvanska were very intriguing to say the least. Confederate Leersog would coincidentally be declared a reserve state for various Indianum ethnicities, with an emphasis on Sirvanskans. This lead to some of them flocking to the province's relative prosperity. These would be given a choice, return to an oppressor or migrate in exchange for becoming an Occultist. Rather predictably, nearly all chose the latter. Here, the Sirvanskan identity would be reforged into something pleasant to the Great Old Ones. Then there were some things happening after some of the K'uhlda K'íits'ad 'La'áaygaa was moved into Confederate Leersog, and soon, word of strange men speaking rough Sirvanskan ambushing black trucks in former Pansk and Southern Leersog started spreading around. Of course, nothing could be conclusively traced back to anything. Whoever they were, they were good. There was even a rumor of a destroyed labor camp in the nearby Great Desert, caused by the same strange men.

Then there was the question of the small Aydiniri majority in Confederate Leersog, these would simply be relocated into Shishiri, as far away from their homeland but not too far that they could spread their influence anywhere. As for what happened after... Well, what is the spelling of "gas" in Aydiniri? Oh of course, they were working a newly found source of natural gas. A small work town popped up around that. Of course. Then there was Hettausa in the north. It was plain and simple that Varietism would not be compatible with the Confederacy, and in order to counter its spread, the KKL tasked a missionary group to begin missionary and "missionary" work within that country. If all went well, a sizable Occultist minority, loyal to the Supreme Orient in R'lyeh and the Imperator, who was the Regent of the Gods on Earth, would form. Not only that, the KKL also tasked this missionary group to start similar missions in Hoosier controlled Sirvanska, Norcourtian Leersog, much of former Carriebean, Parsa, and Aydiniri contolled Sirvanska.

On the last thing happening that interested the Confederacy was the population transfers in Merv. The KKL was ordered keep a close eye, and hand, on things. Easily dismissed rumors of "entire villages going missing" or the occassional "convoys disappearing in the night" started bubbling up, but these were quite small, and in a country as wide as Parsa, there would be difficulties in investigations.

The KKL also was doing many things back at the homeland, the most notable being the extremely violent and highly publicized purge of the so called "Confederate Chapter of the Yakuza". In a single week, entire households containing them were found dead, sometimes in rather violent ways, and in a few cases, died through torture. On the last day, the emperor himself sentenced the leaders to their deaths, via drowning. A ship was going on its maiden voyage that day, and the Yakuza leaders were strapped to the rear via rope and dragged to their deaths below the seas off R'lyeh.

[The Hoosier Alliance]

Twenty-five destroyers, ordered early in 1927, have finally been completed, making the first wave of the Hoosier navy expansion complete. However, there is still a long ways to go before the Hoosier navy is finished expanding. The Hoosier Army was, once again, to be expanded, with another twenty-five infantry divisions and twenty-five armored divisions being trained and armed, bringing the total to 125 infantry divisions and 50 armored divisions once the expansion is completed.

Hoosier divisions were being redeployed to strategic locations, with many being sent to maintain the peace in Newne Carribean and Aryshtakova, as well as guard the coasts of the nation, with large scale projects to increase coastal guns and fortifications to defend from the sea. Additionally, twenty infantry divisions and five armored divisions were being sent to Almaty and taking positions on the border with Manchuko, with the consent of the Manticorean government. Twenty divisions were also entering Rachana, with ten taking positions on the border with Crimetopolis and ten moving to the coast, all with the consent of the Rachanan government.

Northwestern Aryshtakova, near Parsi border
Captain Steven Mathews of the Hoosier Army peered through his pair of binoculars, inspecting the far away buildings nestled nicely under an overhanding cliff, forming the ghost town of Hythe. Or at least, it was supposed to be a ghost town. The dozens of Sirvanskan rebels that had moved in complicated that classification, and confirmed the fears of the local government.

Captain Mathews lowered the binoculars and looked over to his right, nodding to the Aryshtakovan general, his face hidden by the cloth wrapped around his face and head. The general turned his horse around, rode towards back over the dune the men had crossed moments before, and began shouting orders in the local language to the masses of Aryshtakovan cavalry waiting behind them.

Next to the Hoosier captain was his first lieutenant, Lewis Sanchez both men were on horseback and watched the village from afar, being there to observe the effectiveness of the newly reformed Aryshtakovan local military forces. The village in question had been cleared out by General (now "Governor") Larmos before he submitted to Hoosier. The village had been used by local rebels to attack vital roadways, and after being unable to root them out, Larmos decided to force everyone there to leave, ending the attacks. Now, however, rebels have reoccupied the village. This, however, wasn't too bad, since there were no villagers there, just the rebels.

Mathews and Sanchez watched as two columns of horsemen rode towards the village, flanking it, and kicking up sand behind them. The Aryshtakovan, General Andreyev, brought his horse back to the side of Captain Mathews. He said, in a thick Sirvanskan accent, "My men will take the village. They will do a good job." The captain nodded at the general's simple words, thankful they were spoken in English, and said, "My report will be very favorable, General. I thank you for the assistance." The Aryshtakovan nodded, not saying anything else, as they watched the locals, rebels and Totalists, clash as they came into rifle range. The Aryshtakovan cavalry broke through the rebel line easily, entering the village and beginning their massacre.

"Not one survivor," the general said. The captain agreed.

After a few minutes, Mathews noticed the look of distain on Lieutenant Sanchez's face. "What's wrong?" he asked.

Sanchez took a deep breath, "It's nothing...I just..." he trailed off, so the captain encouraged him to speak his mind, so he did. "I don't trust these fucking sandniggers."

Then general gave the lieutenant a dirty look, but said nothing. The captain, on the other hand, spoke, "The Aryshtakovans are our brothers now. We all serve the Party now. The Party doesn't see race, and neither should you. We're all Hoosiers, and they're all loyal."

The lieutenant grimaced, "Not all of them." The captain shook his head and turned his gaze to the village, where the fighting was intensifying, "No," he said, "Not all. But those men in there, those men with Hoosier rifles in their hands, with Hoosier training guiding them, they are loyal. They are our brothers. You need to be able trust them, and they need to be able to trust you."

"Well, I don't trust them."

"Then you are a fool, and that will get you killed."

They were silent for a moment, with nothing more than a respectful glance being shared between the captain and the general, as they heard the crack of rifles far away. Then, suddenly, that sounds of rifles became to noise of machinegun fire.

The three men brought up their binoculars, looking at the entrance of the village, and saw three men on horseback fleeing, before getting cut down by the machinegun fire of a Nihonese armored car.

"Those bastards," the captain muttered, "They must have stolen it when they hit the Nihonese on their march out. Bastards." The lieutenant sneered, "Look at them flee. So much for 'fighting for the Party'."

The captain shot him a glare, "And I suppose if you were down there without anti-armor weapons, you'd just stand there and take those bullets like a good boy?"

The lieutenant said nothing.

All three of them returned to watching the scene. The armored car was escorting the last of the rebels out of the city, fending off the pockets of Aryshtakovan units. The captain cursed and looked over to his lieutenant and said, "Sanchez, get command on the line, tell them-"

"Look!" The general shouted, pointing while still looking through the binoculars.

The Hoosiers returned their gaze as well, watching a band of riders charge the armored car, drawing their attention while men in the buildings fired down on the rebels on the ground. The horsemen closed the distance quickly, running circles around the car and avoiding the majority of the fire. After cutting down the few rebels left, one Aryshtakovan soldier jumped onto the armored car, planted a stick of dynamite to the top, and hopped back on his horse, fleeing with the others.

The explosion destroyed the car, and sent it's ammo cache firing into the air as the soldiers cheered their victory. The captain smiled as he turned to the general. "I'll be damned. This will be a favorable report, General. Very favorable!"




The regions occupied by Hoosier forces, especially the areas bordering Ruskland controlled regions, saw an influx of cultist missionaries, all of which were considered to be breaking the law. Many were caught after a reward was offered for their capture, and they were taken into custody by the local Hoosier and Aryshtakovan Army garrisons, with some refusing to be taken and had to be put down. Following the incident, Hoosier military and police units were put on high alert for religious extremists in the regions affected.

[The Traansval]

Kaapstad, Nordkaap, the Traansval
February, 1928

The scene is set in a room of wood, the lights are off but the open windows and balcony door allow in plenty of light. The sounds of machinery can be heard outside, machines being used to rebuild a city destroyed by war. A man, Quinten van Rosevelt, stands now, his back is to the balcony door as he reads a folder of papers in his hand, on the table is a mishmash of maps and documents. He is joined by members of the central committee, the political heart of the Federation of Labor, men through which Rosevelt works to garner foreign deals, run his army, and to run programs such as the one being done right now to rebuild Kaapstad. Across from Rosevelt and his men, stood men in military uniforms. Two wore the new uniforms of the RSK, the Federations military arm, while a third wore a uniform of green, a special badge showing him to be a member of the KvKI, the military intelligence committee established by the Republic.

Rosevelt looked up, his eyes directed towards the KvKI agent, “Your certain of this?” He asked.

Kolonel Heinrich nodded, “I am. My men have assured me that the Nihonese are good for these things.”

Rosevelt turned around, he looked towards the ports of Kaapstad. The port had been kept in good shape by the Aclusians, as it was where they had to bring supplies through, and thus had only needed minor repairs to bring back to shape. Docked now within its concrete nest were several ships from the recent deal with the Rusklanders, including one of the two battleships, renamed the ”Revolution”, and also twenty five torpedo boats from the Nihonese.

Laughter filled the room as Rosevelt felt the effect of how puzzle pieces seemed to fit perfectly into place. “Gentlemen, it seems that the Lord has guided our hand. Kolonel, thank you for this information, and tell our friends across the ocean that I have their thanks. In the meantime,
Kommissaris Dienskneg…”

At the mention of his name Dienskneg looked up. He had gone from General in charge of the western forces to Party Commissar for the Armed Forces for the Federation, in charge not only of the RSK but of the newly expanded Red Navy.

“Yes, Comrade Chairman?” Dienskneg inquired.

Rosevelt smiled, “I want you to order the Vloot to be on ready. Have the U-Boots sent out on patrols in their squadrons, and gather the vloot together in Kaapstad. I want them on constant alert.”

Dienskneg nodded his understanding and saluted the Chairman, and then left with the officers to fulfil his orders.

[TENNOHEIKA BANZAI NIHON]

-Snip-

Imperial Army/Navy Headquarters
Gokyo, Nihon
February 1928

Recruitment for the Army was up after the call for men was sent out, thousands of men in the few days had registered and many more were considering joining the great Imperial Nihonese Army. As for the Navy, the 1928 Naval Plan was established.

NAVAL PLAN FOR 1928

- 4 Nagato Class Battleships
- 2 Number 13 Class Battleships
- 2 Kaga Class Carriers
- 4 Myōkō Class Heavy Cruisers
- 40 Fubuki Class Destroyers

[The Hoosier Alliance]

February, 1928
Following the rebel attacks on Nihonese soldiers in Hoosier territory, the Hoosier and Aryshtakovan forces in the region began a brutal response to the Sirvanskan separatist threat. Hoosier and Aryshtakovan cavalry units were the greatest asset in fighting the separatists due to their mobility, allowing for quick responses and the chance to chase down fleeing insurgents. In the interior of Aryshtakova, the fighting, while brutal and bloody, was going well for the Hoosiers. However, on the outskirts of the state and on the border of the newly independent Hettausa, there was a significant problem. The rebels have been using the small nation as a base of operations, preferring to hide from the small military of the nation rather than from the might of the Hoosier Army. Even so, the threat had to be stopped.

Captain Norman McDaniel understood this and, acting under orders from the military high command in Aryshtakova, was to take his company of two hundred fifty men across the border into Hettausa and attack a series of insurgent encampments. The Hoosier government heard the cries of the Hettausans, but decided to ignore them. In fact, following the insults from the small nation, Hoosier began to ramp up military patrols on the border with Hettausa, frequently crossing into Hettausan land "by mistake" in order to show the strength of the Hoosier military. They also demanded an apology from the Hettausan government for allowing terrorists to operate in their land and suggested the Hettausans thank the Hoosiers for their efforts in the country to eliminate the separatist threat and bring order to that portion of the old Sirvanskan Kingdom.

Captain McDaniel was apart of that attempt to bring order. He and his company stood ready on the border with Hettausa. The two hundred fifty cavalrymen were to enter the small nation and eradicate several previously hidden rebel encampments that had been used as a staging ground to launch attacks into Aryshtakova. So, once they were ready, the captain gave the order, and the Hoosier soldiers rode across the border.

three hours later...
The Sirvanskan rebel's head snapped back as a bullet pierced his skull and his body fell limp like a ragdoll. The camp of forty rebels was burning, tents aflame and corpses everywhere. The few remaining rebels attempted to surrender to the overwhelming number of Hoosiers, but were quickly cut down by sabers and rifles. This was the last of the four camps to be attacked, and once the camp was searched, the Hoosiers would be returning to Aryshtakova.

As soldiers moved throughout the camp, many collected trophies and personal items as spoils of war and searched for any useful documents, which were likely not there, considering there was little organization or communication between the cells. Captain McDaniel trotted his horse into camp to observe his men and said, "Let's make this quick men. There's a village nearby and they definitely heard the noise of battle. We want to be gone by the time local military units arrive to investigate."

As he said this, shouts started to come from the woods. Several men rushed to form a line in preparation of receiving local fighters yet again, but as people started to come into sight, McDaniel ordered his men to hold their fire. They weren't rebels, they were villagers.

The captain rode out his a dozen of his men to meet the villagers as his men finished their job in the camp. As they approached, the thirty or so, most of them men, villagers stopped. They were clearly more angry than they were afraid. They began to shout at the Hoosiers, but McDaniel tried to calm them and order them back to their homes. Instead, the villagers moved to form a half circle around the thirteen men and began to shout louder, telling them to go home. The Hoosier captain tried to, once more, order them to leave, but instead was struck by a rock. His men aimed their rifles and began shouting at the locals, but McDaniel ordered them to stand down.

For the next twenty minutes, this went on. The locals shouted and taunted the soldiers, and the soldiers threatened the locals, with McDaniel trying to calm the situation. The captain heard something from behind him and saw that his men were finished searching and were mounted and ready to leave. Just as he was about to give the order to withdraw, a rock was hurled and hit a Hoosier in the head. The man lost his balance and fell off his horse, accidently firing his rifle into the air as he did. One soldier, already on edge, panicked and fired into the crowd.

McDaniel shouted as loud as he could to make his men stand down, but half a dozen more rifles were fired and the locals began to flee. They did not fire again nor did they chase the locals, but the damage was done. McDaniel dismounted and called for a medic as he knelt down next to a young woman who had been hit in the leg and abandoned. The other soldiers went to the other injured and began to try and stop the bleeding. As the medics arrived, they stabilized those that hadn't died. All together, four men and a woman were injured and two men were dead. After saving the wounded from their fate of bleeding to death in the woods, McDaniel mounted his horse, ordered his men to do the same, and turned his horse around and lead his men out of Hettausa.

[Guuj Xaat Kil]

The Confederacy

Pride

Pride was such a powerful thing. Pride in oneself, pride in your nation. Pride.

Today, three whole Armies, the 1st Army of the Tubuska, the 2nd, and the 3rd, all gathered in R'lyeh in a single display of Confederate military might. 902,439 troops marching along to the beat of the drums, and crowds on the sides, screaming at the top of their lungs their adoration to them. On each and every building, a patriotic flag waved, and in streets where the troops weren't marching, parades formed, praising the emperor, the army, the nation, and god. And that was not all that was occurring, offshore of R'lyeh, a naval parade occurred. Lines of capital ships moved about in harmony, four lines to be exact, and each of them was spearheaded by the prides of the Confederate Navy, all four of the Kthanid-class Battlecruisers, XKW Kthanid, XKW Derbamoc, XKW Triec, and XKW Nunavut. Trailing just behind them were their older ships of the Kongo class, consisting of the XKW Kongo, XKW Cesopium, XKW Warhammer, and the XKW Unchained. And behind those, the latest battleships of the navy, the Hastur, Dagon, and Emperor Lothar class battleships. Finally, there was the back, which consisted of the Hawk-class carrier XKW Hawk, and Eagle-class carriers, XKW Eagle, and XKW Falcon. To view these, small steamboats moved with the formation of warships, allowing the people on them to see the fleet in all its glory.

It wasn't just in R'lyeh that there were parades, no. In the city of Carcassone (pronounced Carcassony), in the province of New Ninstints, the Army paraded as well, the Army of the Svacic to be exact. And in nearby waters, all of the Warhall and Gullstadt class Battleships sailed in tandem for a naval parade. In the holy city of Squallholm, on the mouth of the Svacic Strait, the Army of the East conducted a semi-parade, semi-military exercise, with the Leviathan and Emperor Iohannes class Battleships, along with a lot of mine-laying ships for the semi-naval parade, semi-naval exercise.

While these parades and happy times were going on the outside, the inside of Palas Fomalhaut was starkly different, having an aura of stress and worry. Emperor Lothar's extravagant expenses on the military, especially the navy, has left much of the treasury dry (only a few hundred thousand in it, practically bankrupt), and this worried the financial department much so, you could feel the worry bearing down on you when you went into that department's building. He himself knew this, and had mulled over various plans in order to turn this around, then he had a eureka moment. They would simply borrow copious amounts of loan money from the Nihonese, in order to prevent bankruptcy. A letter was written, requesting a loan of 31,899,999 million Aclusian pounds (400 million Aclusian pounds modern day), with 5% interest. They had a second deal on hand as well, in exchange for 35.9 million Aclusian pounds (450 million modern Aclusian pounds) the Confederacy would align themselves with Nihon in a military alliance, and in order to show them that they were serious, the entire Army of the West (based in Shishiri and nearby colonies) was mobilized, and all Dagon, Hastur, and Emperor Lothar class battleships, all Kthanid class Battlecruisers, and all three of my carriers were to be sent there for further orders. 200 starspawn submarines, and all Danger, and Danger II class destroyers were attached to this task force to be its escort.

February 10, and the ships listed departed R'lyeh for the port of Standpoint in Shishiri.

This wasn't all...

A crisis was brewing, in Leersog and neighboring areas. Innocent missionaries sent to enlighten the people of Hoosier controlled Sirvanska and Carriebean had been imprisoned wherever they were found, and a few faithful ones, who resisted the heathens, were even killed. There were even rumors circulating of missionaries and converted being killed in cold blood without any justification, just plain old murder. This quickly became a subject of outrage in the more religious parts of the Confederacy, especially in R'lyeh and Squallholm, and along with the parades, protests gathered to tell the emperor and Supreme Orient to do something about it, and they did. An ultimatum was sent, "Release the prisoners, and begin a discussion on how these matters (i.e missions in Hoosier controlled Sirvanska and Carriebean) will be taken care of, or don't and face reprisals (an embargo being one of them).". And for that last statement, considering that the biggest ports in the area were controlled by Ruskland, an embargo would have severe consequences, as shipments went to these major Rusklandr ports first before being distributed. And if they didn't even listen, trade ships could be directed.

It wasn't just in the Confederacy's homeland that there were protests, in Hettausa, the first days of the missionary movement were able to gather almost 5,000 new converts, and most of these, already wary of Hoosier's incursions, began taking to the streets in protest, guided by missionaries. They protested Hoosier's unlawful entry into Hettausan territory, as well as the treatment of their fellow Occultist in Hoosier. The protest sometimes shifted into demands for representation, for the Occultists. Then there were protests in Hoosier itself, the movement was quickly moved underground, and came out at opportune times in order to protest, only to disperse when they were beset by a larger force. Rumors of possible radicalism began, and the quietest of whispers often talked about possible KKL activity, supplying these so-called radicals. Of course, none of these bogeymen have been found, and investigations into possible KKL intervention have so far turned up no evidence.

Then there was the issue of Nihonese troops being escorted out of Opus.

It was a success initially, with humanitarian aid being given, and movement out of the province happening almost immediately after the Nihonese troops were in proper condition. A surprising amount of these soldiers were converted by the more zealous members of the humanitarian force sent to them, and over time this amount increased. Successes ended the moment they entered Aryshtakova, where the group was immediately beset by Sirvanskan insurgents. An entire camp dead, and these were Nihonese converts too! Then the corpses piled up, and soon the original humanitarian force was wiped out. This of course, angered many, but the worst thing that could happen, happened. They angered the Battlemaster in charge of the Army of the West, Powell T. Gogiid Benson. See, he, was a zealous man, and he had a soft spot for his Occultist brethren, former enemy or no, and when word came to him of the massacre... The rage could be heard five blocks away from his headquarters.

The man began ordering another humanitarian force to be sent, this time, bigger, strength in numbers after all. This group numbered about five hundred, and were transported by crossing all over the Hoosier border at checkpoints over the course of a week as to make the appearance that they we're not part of a group, and taking a train to where the Nihonese soldiers' last known position was, gathering there. What they found were humans on the verge of becoming animals, and thank goodness they came on time, or else there could have been a gruesome sight. Soon these were replenished and made to march, as their numbers, as beaten as these were, were still too massive for trains to take care of. They marched, and they marched, until they were ambushed once more. It was beaten off, yes, but more converts and some from the humanitarian force died in the action, while most of the ambush got away.

This of course, was wired to HQ in Shishiri, then to R'lyeh. And the result was the total mobilization of the Army of the West and said army being stationed in Leersog and the ports in Landstreicher, Brasberge, and Hallfurt. And with the news of a large fleet that was going to be stationed in those ports, perhaps it was wise to listen.

[Vulkata II]

Arming a bear
Vulcan, Confederacy of the Solomon Islands.

---

There were fumes, fires, and raw materials of wood and metals being churned, shifted, and turned into amalgamations of instruments on multiple conveyor belts and being inspected by their craftsmen before being sent into a box and shipped from all around the world except to those of their enemies.

Vulcan was always active, it provided the most work and turned out the most production and being at war made the economy boom temporarily as the Confederacy tried to supplement the Central Alliance however they could. Now with blueprints and designs from their allies, they were trying what works and what didn't and what they could learn from each and every one of them.

A year before there was a commission from the Great Leader himself, a design that was relatively simple but it was the one that they knew was easily affordable but could help with their inexperienced armies either through reconnaissance, CAS, or anti-bomber support, all they could ask for was something that was reliable enough. And so the commission went through.

Through trial and error, they made something though it was still something that needed experience and testing on the field, but it was something and in a short time before any major conflict. It was sent through many channels and through the hierarchy of the design workshops but it made it to the General Fabricator and gave the patent permission to be manifested along with another invention they were holding their breath for.

After days of submission and development, there stood a plane while another model was still being built. A plane hobbyist and well-known pilot was called, came suited, and approached the propelled fighter with a deep breath to see how it works. The engines roared and the propeller turned clockwise before it yanked the plane from the tarmac and into the skies, the engineers held their breath at the sight and wrote its performance on clipboards hoping that they'd fit right in the hypothesis.

Flaps off, a turn then another, flaps on and then two more turns. Climbing rates were measured with stopwatches to see how fast they were before they timed its descent.

As the plane skidded on the asphalt, everyone ran towards the pilot, thanked him for his contribution and delivered it back to its hangar. A few more tests will be done before they'll be allowed in the air force, but with this one test, they're already optimistic for it.

That night, the General Fabricator then phone called Alberto.

"We've got a fighter model ready to fly. A few more tests and we should see that it's fit for fighting." He began, "We're going to call it the CF.28, Confederate Fighter and the year today.

"Not only that, but we also have a transport plane that could act as a bomber if needed."

"This sounds like a fine invention, we could possibly even utilize them with paratroopers." Then he became silent, even if his friend was talking to him, the Great Leader thought of something, "I- I'm sorry, I didn't hear what you said. But a thought came to pass, perhaps we could look into paratroopers, it might just help our troops in Sylba."

"Or a major waste of resources."

"Whatever the case, let's dip our toes in uncharted waters. We might find something interesting." And after that, the two men talked, discussed, and said farewell to each other for the night as the Great Leader's mind raced with thoughts, ideas, and concepts of what could be used when and how.

Tapping his fingers on the arm of his chair, he was imagining battles and skirmishes along with strategies of counter-attack. He shook most of as daydreaming, but there were some that he favored and with some previous experience, knew worked and past scenarios that needed something to win the day but failing because they lacked the entity.

[The Manticoran Empire]

The Empire Resurgent

---

London
Aclus
Aclusian Isles
1 January 1928

Queen Catherine stepped out of her motorcar into the soft snowfall of London, a frigid breeze encouraging her to lift the collar of her coat and pull her scarf more tightly around her neck. One might have questioned her reason for being here. She was almost totally alone, save for the three large men, standing in plainclothes only a few steps behind her. The men were, technically, serving members of the Royal Manticoran Army and ought to be wearing the Army’s olive-green field uniform. However, she’d wanted to avoid attention as she came to see her cousin in-law. Just down the road, she could hear the bells of a church and the tramp of a parade.
Armistice Day. Such a damned underwhelming way of describing the single greatest day in human history. The day the Great War ended. The day that men everywhere learned they didn’t have to worry about being killed and the day that wives and children learned their husbands and fathers would be coming home. The day the guns fell silent on the front and millions of men across the globe could finally know peace. But leave it to the Aclusians to make the single most momentous day in all of human history sound like a dull affair.
She smiled at the thought as she walked up the steps to the palace. A pair of guards stood on either side of the door. While normally a formidable and intimidating force, tasked with keeping people out, they had known she would be arriving and snapped smartly to attention. They saluted but they didn’t bow, for which she was grateful. The salute made it more convincing that she was a military officer meeting with the King on military matters, not a visiting head of state.
She returned their salute crisply as one of the soldiers opened the door.
The large oak doors of the old Aclusian palace revealed marvels in the interior as it was presented before Queen Catherine. As the entourage proceeded inside, they were greeted with a large 2 way spiraling stairway, from which the young King George VI and his little 2 year old daughter Elizabeth strider down. Draped in his Khaki Service dress clad in red stripes signifying Frank and status, the young king approached Catherine, enthusiastic and confident in the matters that lay ahead of him.

"Queen Catherine, it is always an honor to meet with you once again, on better terms between our people." George said, opening the interaction.
Catherine extended her hand to George, replying, “Any excuse I can get to visit an in-law I actually like, I’ll take.”
George chuckled at the compliment, and in a Aclusian politeness, the young princess Elizabeth tugged the Queens dress wondering in suspicion of who she was.
"The same can be said about you Catherine, let us head to tea in the dining hall so that we may discuss the matters that are at hand" George motioned as he picked up Elizabeth while 2 soldiers stood at attention nearby the hall doors.
Catherine followed George, gleefully chatting away as her three bodyguards stayed a respectful yet still close distance behind.

“Actually, George, there is some shop-talk I’d like to bring up with you, away from the prying eyes of the entire world.”

George halted in his strides toward the dining hall and listened in on what Catherine and said. He then looked down at little Elizabeth and bent his knee.

"Go to your room and play, papa will be back later I promise" he said as he gave her a kiss on the cheek as a guard held the little princesses hand and took her away

George then turned to Catherine.

"Yes of course, let us go to my study room" George motioned, guiding Catherine along to a private oak lined room.

"Does this suffice?" George said as the door closed behind the 2 monarchs and their guards.

“Perfectly so,” Catherine replied as she walked around the room, one hand lazily tracing the intricate designs carved into the oak. She turned back to George and said, “I wanted to propose something that most might find rather radical. Joint military exercises. Our nations share similar interests and are likely to have similar foes in the future. Further, it could go a long way towards showing our people and the world that time moves on and that the wounds of the Great War can heal.” She paused a moment and then said, “And because I want my own military leaders to stop seeing my cousin in law as an enemy and see him as I saw his father. A friend.”

George grinned at the thought, Aclusian soldiers training with Manticoran soldiers was one thing, however them getting along was another. Though just as he and many thought, the war wasn't the Manticorans or the fault of the Aclusians, but the misunderstandings of all the nations that partook in such a conflict. George then took a sip of his tea and cleared his throat, glaring at Queen Catherine with a look of content.

"That sounds a lot like what my father would've proposed, what he would've moved towards, and supported whole heartedly. And just like him, I would accept such a proposal." George replied, smiling as he stood up and stretched his arm out to shake that of Queen Catherines.

"Now that we have come to an agreement, let us head to the city center, let us enjoy Armistice day without the blair of politics, what say you cousin?" George asked.

Catherine smiled as she accepted his handshake. “That is a wonderful idea.”

Gokyo
Nihon
Nihonese Isles
February 1928

The Manticoran Intelligence operatives at the Embassy had seen the arrival of the Warglorians and shot off a signal to Manticore. Combined with the recent treaty between Nihon and the Confederation, it appeared that Nihon was finding friends in unlikely places.
But, as any intelligence operative could tell you, appearances can be deceiving.

Portsmouth Naval Base
Ostland
Manticore
March 1928

It was time. The Battle Fleet had received warning orders to sail and this time, the wording was absolutely clear. Signals had been sent to Manticoran embassies in every Central Alliance nation, and in most of the other nations, as well. At some date, yet undetermined, the Manticoran Embassy in Nihon would place the declaration of war on the desk of the Nihonese Foreign Minister early in the morning before boarding their own ship to rendezvous with the Battle Fleet. At dawn that same morning, Manticoran forces in Indianum would join their allies in a massive offensive against Nihonese holdings on the continent. Active duty troops were being assembled and ready to sail for Breyburg, Aydinir, Rachana, and Hoosier. Millions of reservists were being mobilized. The Manticoran War Industry was finding themselves issued contracts for massive stocks of ammunition, small arms, tanks, planes, trucks, and innumerable other articles of material required by the Manticoran military.

Personnel from Tamir and Nuwe Afrikaa and even Manticore itself were being made ready, with orders to ship out for the nations of Hoosier, Aydinir, Rachana, and Breyburg. The continued Nihonese saber rattling was beginning to fray the Empire’s patience and it would only be a matter of time before the Queen could no longer hold back the tide.

[The Hoosier Alliance]

In the country, some religious fanatics were trying to cause a fuss. At first, it was determined they were a risk, but in fact they failed to convert large numbers of people. The tiny handful that decided to convert were left alone, those arrested were charged, fined, and released. In some towns in the occupied Carribean, there were some protests that were supposed to bring in hundreds of dissenters. However, whey the soldiers arrived to break it up, they found that the "hundreds of protesters" had actually arrived to protest against the Ruskland cult, but once they arrived and heard the crazy fanatics talk about supporting the cult, the protesters left. So, the soldiers that arrived laughed at the eleven cultists that showed up for the protest, fined them for illegally gathering and littering (people had thrown flyers on the ground), and left them be.

The cultists, while failing in every aspect to convert the Christian Hoosiers, were counteracted by the local churches that sent out missionaries of their own to drown out the sound of the cultists. While their crowds weren't huge, they dwarfed the size of the tiny cultist meetings.



An offer was sent to the Ranchanan government to purchase their land in what was once the Carribean mainland for 30 million dollars.

[Skarten]

"Catching up with the Present"
Port Kalbiest, Czybes Island
29th of January, 1928

Czybes. A decently-sized island in the middle of the Tamirian Sea. It had been first settled in the times of the Empire of Marszvata, in the Dark Ages. Being in a great position for trade with both the East and West, the island of Czybes quickly became a trade node of the northern seas, and as such, was a valued piece of the Empire. The jewel of this island, however, was Port Kalbiest. More of a city on itself than a port, Kalbiest possessed a large complex of docks and shipwright constructs, of size unmatched by the majority of the islands of the Tamirian Sea. History continued its march, and Kalbiest continued its position as a trade center of the seas. Assailed many times by foreign invaders of too many origins to count, the battles that took place at this port and the waters surrounding it are many, each more impressive than the other.

Even to this day, the island continues it's millenia-long craft, being one of the gateways between the colonies of Tamir and the Europeian mainland. Today, however, a much more secretive duty was being carried out. For the last year or so, the factories of Czybes stood awoken, the smoke an ever-present reminder of what was being done. Great engines, turrets and propellers alike were built by its workers, before being shipped to a quieter place for their definitive future.

In a lonely bench, nearby one of the quieter, smaller docks of port Kalbiest, a man in a long overcoat waited. Holding a suitcase under his right arm, he looked at his watch. It was almost time. Just as the mark of the sixth hour of the day came, it finally began. Another figure, similar in clothing to the man in the bench, arrived, emerging from the mist. Sitting by the bench, the man, who too was holding a suitcase, tapped it three times. A symbol, to simplify. The original man answered with five taps. The correct answer. With the security procedures done, the second man got up, grabbing the first suitcase. Much similarly, the first man got up, grabbing the second suitcase. They both then began to walk, fading into this early mist of Czybes island.

What were in these suitcases, you might ask? Well, reports, of every type and manner. Most importantly, however, were reports of the Królewska Marynarka, the Royal Navy of Skarten. These reports detailed every single one of the new generation of ships that had been built recently, as part of the National Act of 1925. Those ships were to be of cutting edge, with firepower and technology superior to that of their previous ships. This might not have been of great public knowledge, but the truth was that the world was in a Naval Arms Race. Most specifically, against the enemies of Skarten. It was the belief of the high command that if war was to break out, that the navy would be one of the most critical pieces on the chess board, be it with whichever enemy they would face. Kanimir Class Battleships, Samanta-Class Cruisers, all were there. And soon, more would be on the way.

"Some time Ago, Diplomacy"
Szarów, Jasníeg
30th of April, 1927

Hearing of the news, Count Antoni Nasiarev had no time to waste. Well on his way to the train station, as to wait for the train that would take him to the province of Krazna for business, he was stopped by a seemingly hurried employee of the ministry. Apparently, a call had just arrived for him, for an Diplomat of the Manticoran Empire had arrived, and was requesting his presence. Indeed, this was a rather interesting scenario. The Manticoran Empire had been, for several decades, one of the greatest rivals of Skarten. Yet, in these recent times, it seemed that there were other enemies to worry about for both of the nations. Not much time ago, they had signed a pact of non-agression, which greatly took pressure off the authorities. But this visit was somewhat unexpected.

Taking his car once again, the Count made his way to the Royal Ministry of Foreign Relations's building in Szarów. Arriving after some twenty minutes of driving, the minister finally had made it. Taking off his hat, he entered the room with the Manticoran diplomat. Greeting him, the count began to speak as he took his place in a nearby chair. "You must be Ambassador Lynch, Correct? I am Count Antoni Nasariev, the Minister of Foreign Relations. I have been notified that you have an urgent topic that you must speak of."

"Less time ago, Even more Diplomacy"
14th of December, 1927

From: The Skartenian Royal Ministry Of Foreign Relations
To:The Imperial Government of Aclus
Greetings. This message has been sent as to offer the Aclusian Empire a possibility of discussion for further cooperation or treaties between the nations of Skarten and Aclus. If it so the wish of your state, a meeting shall be arranged for further debate over what treaties our two countries would benefit the most from. It is of the belief of the Crown that the people of Skarten and Aclus will have much to win from collaboration, be them economical or political.

[Newne Carriebean7]

Das Kapital Region
Carriebeanian Ministry of the Army
February 3rd , 1928

Minister of the Army Jackson Potters grimaced when he read a rather old report indicating Carriebeanian Naval losses during the Rusklandr-Carriebeanian War, with armored cruisers and destroyers being sunk, sunk and sunk. Carriebeanian naval captains had been killed quicker than they could be replaced, which was an accomplishment, as the training for a Carriebeanian captain was sort of on the job experience as they were promoted from a random rank owing to political connections and had the command fall into their laps. As many as fifty Carriebeanian warships had been sunk during the conflict. Such heavy losses were going to be difficult to replace, especially with the shrinking of territory and the needed resources for such warships even for basic maintenance of the surviving warships.
The Surviving Carriebeanian ships had withdrawn back to the thick jungles of concrete and somewhat decent naval dockyards, shipyards and repair facilities that was Carriebean City. It being a well known shipyard, almost rivaling the ones of Tortuga or Echigo. Sadly, for Carriebeanian Government officials, the latter two were in the hands of their occupied forces, with them seemingly breathing down their necks. Still, Carriebean opted to try to remain relevant on the world stage, a somewhat strong if hilariously incompetent warmonger. The increased pressure from the Patriotic and Pirate parties didn’t help calm nerves of those who were opposed to ships, with many of those that saw political suicide in having a new navy tended to have their bloodied and unrecognizable corpses on the floor by ruthless Carriebeanian Naval police.
The new naval Rearmament Act passed by Parliament kicked new life into Carriebean, with hundreds being given jobs now not by the occupied forces, but by the actual government, much to the chagrin of the occupying forces.
Carriebeanian Naval Projects were initially small, with the reconstruction of a few outdated torpedo gunboats, the launching of torpedo boats, minelayers and aging destroyers to supplement the fleet. The first modest project was an order of 14 V-class torpedo gunboats, with 11 Z- class Destroyers being hastily assembled. The aging Dork Class Armed Trawlers were still kept around, able to easily disguise their two small guns bellow deck if any civilians were wandering close by with inspectors.
Most of the initial vessels would pose next to no threat to the allied forces and their navies, and so were mostly left to their own devices. The next ships proved to be slightly larger in scale, such as the construction of 3 new Cutlass class Armored Cruisers, being constructed due to the dismantling and scuppering of the Sword Class Armored Cruisers, with their armaments and weaponry being cannibalized and subsequently utilized on these now upgraded versions of the Cutlass class.

Carriebean’s Eight Capital ships would remain in port for much of the year, with only once a month general cleaning of the vessels drawing the crews back to their vessels. With little in the way for the sailors to do in terms of naval exercises (for fear of a swift and overwhelming response by enemy warships), the crews would grow restless, with several of them adopting radical socialist and far right ideals. Many of them began to lobby for better working conditions onboard their vessels, still covered in shit from head to toe as a sign of good luck and offering to the great Carriebeanian god of shit.
It was decided that Big gun Battleships would be rejected from future Naval Doctrine of Carriebean, with an added emphasis on smaller, faster vessels that could be able to overwhelm enemy defenses with torpedoes against enemy capital ships. Minelayer ships, a relatively new invention that occurred to Carriebeanian naval planners, would be built up for the first time, with an initial order of sixty minelayers that also acted as minesweepers in a dual role of throwing mines into the water while also being able to pick them up or disarm enemy mines. This daunting order would soon be sliced in half on the remaining dockyards, with several civilian wooden ships being hobbled with metallic plating to strengthen such vessels.


Another curious matter was one of submarines, with this project being one of the most difficult for the spearhead of the project, an enthusiastic former Carriebeanian Submariner and ace Raijo Natsomara of Nine Year’s War Fame, being known for sinking eight enemy vessels either by mines or torpedoes totaling 25,054 tons, including an enemy armored cruiser in his only military kill.
He would press the matter relentlessly to the President, who would resign in defeat on the issue and grant Natsomara two small re-coaling stations to construct his submarines at. It remains yet to be seen if such a new weapon would reap any long term benefits in the arenas of convoy raiding and enemy ship destruction. However, the Project has produced the first four Submarines for Carriebean, the S-1 Class. These have been paired with the destroyers which see significantly more enthusiasm among naval circles within Carriebean in comparison to the submarine force.

Carriebeanian Air Power has been mostly left on the sidelines, with only enough funding to maintain the small cabal of airplanes at the disposal of Carriebean. The Carriebeanian Boxcart Type 95 Scout Fighter (100 total) and Drunkard Type 96 Attack Fighter (70 total) have both proven to be horrifically ancient aircraft that continued to be pressed into service despite their obvious obsolescence. The Scout fighter, with it’s single 75 pound bomb, was unsuitable for a dive bomber roll, with it’s relatively fragile state (thanks to corruption and lack of maintenance). The main fighter that was the Drunkard has equally failed in numerous attempts throughout the various wars Carriebean had fought.
The only thing Carriebeanian pilots might have going for them was the need for enemy planes to reduce enough speed in order to have them stall, which spectacularly worked at first before they wised up and mostly ignored the Carriebeanian targets, having their anti-aircraft batteries or slower planes tear the Carriebeanian planes and their pilots to pieces. With their humiliation in the Carriebeanian-Breyburgian, Carriebeanian-Rusklandr and Carriebeanian-Coalition War, many people simply ignored the air force and assumed any planes over Carriebeanian cities meant a mad dash to the cellar for shelter or to stand on top of the roof with a carbine or rifle to attempt to shoot them down in the “people’s anti-aircraft units of the sacred revolution” as they were officially titled.

Potters then turned over several documents regarding his relevant department of the Carriebeanian Imperial Army. The rather pitiful state of the Carriebeanian Army made him reminisce about the Nine Year’s War, when the Carriebeanian Army was at it’s largest size ever. He remembered looking over the documents of a well close to twenty million man fighting force, armed to the teeth with their carbines that defended the nation. That war proved disastrous for Carriebean yet would also serve as a pattern for the future military actions of the Carriebeanian Government in regard to foreign policy. One might be quick to blame President Washvelt, who had led the nation through many of these conflicts, yet there is some ill words in these statements by propogandists.

Carriebean at this time was a country of several different tongues, ancient social hierarchies unbudgingly remaining stones despite the increasing waves of progressive thinking throughout the world. Carriebean didn’t really even have a unifying message for the soldiers to rally behind, simply a firearm and a catchy chant to defend the country. While this bland patriotism and worship of an outdated colt revolving carbine managed to barely sustain Carriebeanian Morale throughout the Nine Years War, by the turn of the Carriebeanian-Breyburgian war, it had sunk, with each progressive defeat causing Carriebeanian soldiers to become disillusioned with fighting, turning instead to fiery speeches by the pro and anti-amendment factions within the armed forces that bickered and only served to divide the nation even more.
With it’s reduced area in general training, Carriebeanian military planners were forced to get creative with the limited space.

Laundromats (New inventions that washed clothes rather than the old method of burning them after each day and handcrafting new ones for the poorest people) were turned into munitions factories, with munitions factories that preformed poorly being seized by the government to be forcibly turned into a laundromats so as not to arouse suspicion over the slow if somewhat stealthy rearmament of Carriebean.

The Imperial Carriebeanian Army now numbered only 300,000 active duty soldiers, enough on paper for 15 total infantry divisions. Some argued that more soldiers would be needed, while others in the increasingly growing minority fought for a disbandment of the Carriebeanian Army to be replaced with a militia organized simply to defend the capital in case of attack.

Surviving Artillery Pieces would be admitted to Museums of Military History, which were conveniently located right across from local Carriebeanian laundromat/munition factory hybrids. However, despite all the progress being made militarily, the country still refused to relinquish their Colt 1855 Revolving Carbines, them still being cheered on as the gun that “defended and continues to defend the nation.”
A knock on the door of the Ministry of the Army drew Potters out of his focus on various matters and his reminiscing of the ‘not so terrible old days’ before the occupation.
“Enter.”
The door opened as a military aide saluted his superior officer.
“Sir. There have been riots over the Allied armies’ policy of outlawing shit eating. What began as a small gathering near Allied soldiers collected into a general anti-occupation and pro Carriebeanian feeling, we don’t know who provoked it, but shots were fired, two Carriebeanian civilians were killed and a Breyburgian police officer was badly beaten as vengeance less than an hour later. When the man in question was brought to the hospital, an angry mob stormed in and lynched the black breyburgian officer.”
“Tell the Imperial Army to mobilize only in the capital city, with strict orders to quell this uprising with any and all force needed, but attempt negotiation with the rioters first.”
“Sir, you cannot negotiate with someone throwing beer bottles at you.”
“Fine point, tell them to fire at will and restore order immediately. Dismissed.”
With a slam of the door, the minister of the army grabbed the rather large looking bottle of booze, taking a massive swig before slamming it hard down on the oak desk, getting several papers wet with alcohol.

Cache 44th Milita

Tensun Commander Henry Tithington, the alleged instigator of the disastrous 1870-Carriebeanian War, still had not been demoted in rank. Even after the alleged incident, he was merely moved off to another section of the front, though he would participate in fighting, being wounded in the shoulder by an enemy rifle round. After recuperating in a ‘hospital’ that involved a shaman, bone saw and leeches as the most advanced medical practices of their day, he would resign from the Army. When the Nine Years War started up, he enlisted as an infantryman, narrowly avoiding death by Boer cavalry, managing to walk eight miles in thick swampland without being swallowed up by messy mother nature and even survived a hot air balloon crash the next year.

Various political factions within the government would increasingly utilize the man simply as a means to an end for their insatiable thirst for political power and control in Carriebean City. He would go on to be elected in Carriebean Congress in 1875, serving until 1900 for 5 (the maximum amount of terms) terms that lasted five years long. Given his near quarter of a century in public service for Carriebean, Tithington might have learned a thing or two, and so he opted to run and win a seat as an Independent in the 1902 Parliamentarian election.

Managing to win election once more before being barred from running another term, Tithington opted to study Carriebeanian Law, narrowly avoiding numerous assassination attempts both during his time in Congress when he expressed his ambivalence to the constitutional amendment crisis and from when he had come out strongly against a popular shit for money deal that had been poorly written in Parliament.

Now he found himself on horseback, marching Carriebeanian milita members and former Imperial Infantry soldiers until a month ago into the capital to restore order. He saw a squadron of Breyburgian infantrymen drunkingly hit a Carriebeanian women, who screamed in agony before one of them put his hand over her mouth to muffle the noise. When a small knife gleaned in her direction, Tithington opted to act.
“Release His Majesty’s Bitch immediately! That is a nigger prostitute of the highest order and carries the death penalty should anything happen to her.”
“Oh?” The Breyburgian jeered.
“Like this?” he snorted before running his bayonet through the woman.
“On my order, Fix Bayonets!”
The several militia members fumbled around with their sharp bayonets before fixing them snugly on the carbines and rifles.
“Take Aim!”
The Breyburgian drunken assaulters jeered and laughed at the Carriebeanian militia squadron.
“What? Lost your fucking army and navy? What a bunch o’ pansies! Kiss my ass Carriebeaners!”
The soldiers mockingly showed their rears to the Carriebeanian soldiers, who erupted with sheets of flame that took the soldiers off guard. Soon the three of them (and the prostitute) were lying dead in the street.
“I said Aim, not Fire! Company, dismissed!”
With a snappy salute, the firearms were tossed to the side as the small tensun unit was disbanded by order of their commander. Soon, a large mob of rampantly patriotic Carriebeanian citizens began to beat several drums, chanting:
“War with Breyburg! For Carriebean! Death to Bernard Norris for being a look alike to the Prime Minister! The Nigger Breyburgians will be hung tonight!”
As the angry mob began to descend on several more gathered Breyburgian military officials, (all filled up with local rum and whiskey) the Carriebeanian Militia members hastily assembled to block their way.
“Get the hell out of here!” a furious Carriebeaner shouted at the crowd, who shared his sympathetic frustrations by chucking rocks and their own shit at the soldiers, who remained steadfast.
“This Crowd, by the authority given to me by his illustrious majesty Tyler the Second-“
“Tyler is dead! Long Live Washvelt!”
“What?! The President got a title upgrade?! Well good for the nigger loving piece of shit.”
“I aint go’n recognize no nigger lovin president as my imperial masta. Why not talk to the damned Nihonians about how he died.”
Tithington continued speaking undeterred by the smell of feces in the air.
“His illustrious majesty Tyler the Second, does declare such an illegal act of massed humanity to indeed be against his wishes, and has entrusted me in clearing away such illegals by force.” Tithington was about to take notice of some Breyburgian soldiers when he fell off of his horse onto the concrete and shit covered streets. His fingers rummaged through his face and felt something red. Tasting it, he spat it out hastily and disgustedly.
“Blood.”
He then turned his head to see muskets and rifles crackle off as the militia members panicked, opening fire on the crowd who dispersed in several directions, cursing at the militia while some mostly inaccurate return fire was being fired out by concerned citizens. Makeshift barricades soon were raised in several dilapidated streets of the capital, with several functionalistic divisions being made evident in the composition of the vague pro Carriebeanian government forces and anti Carriebeanian government forces.
Tithington had enough time to rest his head for a solid hour, and in that window of time, preparations for a full blown civil war within the city were well underway. Pro Carriebeanian Forces railed under former President Marvin Washvelt, who looked to take his old job back from Minister of the Army Jackson Potters.

Carriebeanian City
Imperial Palace Grounds

Two soft steps in the shit covered ground was all it took before a man’s feet stepped onto a rather creaking wooden platform that had been hastily assembled. A rather large assembly of various people from many walks of life, with Members of Parliament sitting on benches that were equally of dubious workmanship in their haste of construction. The former President Marvin Washvelt lightly stepped onto the stage, looking at the large number of people, from fellow supporters, old flames and numerous lower level cabinet officials that were gracefully aging in between bites of shit.

“Rachlet Partenbré had led the nation to a disastrous outcome in the area of politics since my defeat. I know that it was his blatant war mongering that has enabled Carriebean to suffer the losses it has incurred during the last failed war. It was his ill planned out military strategies and desire to be in charge of the minutia of military operations that lead to their disastrous destruction. Hundreds of thousands of Carriebeanian boys, women and children have laid down their lives for this glorious country. There is something admirable in all the willing sacrifices of a people, but it was fruitless. Carriebean lost, lost and lost some more. I remember during my administration that Carriebean was a prosperous, if slave driven, nation in the area of world trade. While we were but a minor player on the world stage, our middle class and nobility were able to enjoy the economic benefits of their lives and pass that down on towards their children.

Our Naval might may have been a rather moderately sized fleet, with plenty of pre dreadnought battleships and dreadnoughts racing around the seas in naval exercises of our gross incompetence in those types of affairs. Now the military wishes to push through a full line of Carriebeanian destroyers and submarines. Submarines! I can’t believe it myself, and never in my 40 years of public service to the Carriebeanian people have I seen such a dishonest display by the people in charge! The Carriebeanian Carbine is still cherished, which is a relatively positive, if the only positive note for the worst decade in Carriebeanian History up to now!

Our farms lay in smoking ruins, our houses bombed, our people starving. That was the Carriebean I grew up with. I remember my first wife, and my second wife, and my third wife. Monogamous marriages were really more of a suggestion back in my day. It was the Carriebean that I swore to uphold the constitution in the 1890s, still reeling from the 300,000 dead from genocide of the late 1880s under the fucker Paltcher. The acts of a tyrant are no excuse for such behavior, that is where my government drew the line at in my time of office. We would uphold the rights of the white man over the damned Amanzo Nigger, and by god we did that, huh?

Social programs, no more wife burnings for witches and the occasional stimulus package if not shot to pieces by the Carriebeanian gun toting Congress. I agree with the Prime Minister and say that it is more civilized than the barbarians in Congress. People have little time to argue when they’re starving. That is why you rarely see those godforsaken red and green pined buttons on anyone anymore, they’ve forced themselves to focus on feeding their families rather than promoting a political message through violence and terrorism. Quite an improvement if I do say so myself.

While there is much progress made, there is still much more progress to be done. We must have an honest and dependable government, not handicapped by a singular railway. I have heard rumors that the occupied governments plan to give back our lands. I ask, what proof other than fanciful fairy dust do you have to back up such rumors? I have ultimately dismissed such foolish notions as nothing more than friendly binationalist propaganda in an attempt to woo our captors akin to an Amanzo nigger’s hip movements.

That is not only a falsified scenario, it lies to the Carriebeanian people about the over joviality of our occupants. They do not like to teach in their eyes, such a backwards people that eating shit is bad for them. This government is not to be trusted. It is not to be followed. If any of my followers see their officials, I encourage you to kill them and gut them like pigs and dammned Amanzo niggers! However, we must rely on the occupation forces, as they have charitably handed out food to those on the brink of obliteration and poverty, these actions, while not lifting thousands of Carriebeaners out of slav-I mean poverty, has increased their lifespans with the thought of a fresh meal that’s not their fecal material for breakfast and dinner!

Partenbre has proven to be nothing more than an incompetent warmonger along with the rest of his idiotic general staff and commanders that corrupt Carriebean. His mandate of office has lead to the deaths and maiming of millions of people, several wars and a practically bankrupt economy! The Patriotic Party has well overstayed it’s welcome as a far right bank robber taking the government hostage, the Carriebeanian people must don the uniform of the police both at the polls and in the streets and overthrow this far right dictatorship that is developing within Carriebean. We shall save Carriebean from these godless nationalists and replace them with a more humanitarian racists, like me. They say Death to the Coalition Government, I say, Long Live the Coalition Government!”

[The Manticoran Empire]

Szarów, Jasníeg
30 April 1927

Ambassador Lynch returned the Skartenian's greeting and said, "Yes, indeed I do. This may seem strange coming so soon after our last talks but it is of interest to Queen Catherine that we go further to securing peace and goodwill between our nations. It is the Queen's hope that you will at the very least consider the mutual dismantling of the fortifications along our border and the demilitarization of said border. It would also be greatly appreciated if you could attempt to influence Arengin to accept a similar arrangement. The Empire has no interest in maintaining the fortifications as they serve merely to divide us when we should be healing our wounds and closing the divides."

[The Twelve Isles]

Imperial Court
Townhill, Mournly Isle, Home Isles
Emperor Alexander Cartwine.

His mother had been a fencer, and Alexander was a boxer. He had always loved the rush of a fight, the feeling of blows impacting and the taste of blood on his lips. And he was good at it too. Fast, and with a mean right hook that all the guards had commended him on. His mother had always hated his boxing, she said it was unbecoming for a member of the Cartwine family to be taking part in a lower class blood sport. Whenever he had complained, and said, "but you always talk of how we should help the lower class," she would explain how it was not an issue to the lower classes being lesser, and instead an issue of how the Lord's of Court would react to it. Alexander hadn't cared. He earned their respect his own way, by serving as an officer in the Navy during the Great War, commanding a ships gun. He could still remember what it was like when those coastal guns had shot at them, tearing a hole straight through the upper decks. And what it was like when he gave the order to fire, and watched through the scope as shell blew a great hole in the earth like the All Father himself had reached down and scooped it up with his hands, before scattering it out in a disinterested toss. Alexander would never forget that, and so he was a boxer, fighting to relieve the memories that would creep up on him whenever it was quiet, or whenever fireworks went off on holidays.

Alexander's knuckles were bloody as he spoke to the Imperial Court, something that was noticed by an aide. He tucked his hands behind his back behind him, hiding them as best he could, while keeping his face impassive and unconcerned. Some members of the Cabinet saw, but he didn't care much. They didn't care much for that matter, especially not the Military Chief's who he heard chuckle to themselves about it. Alexander's lips quirked some at that, the two old salts loved him. He suspected it was because he was himself a veteran. They had respected him mother, greatly, but he was a sailor. He and Stoddard could stay up all night telling about the exotic places they had sailed to, and McLaughlin and Alexander were constantly having good natured arguments about weather the Navy or Army was superior. He caught himself, paying attention again as Lord Arlington spoke, making the Lords Of Courts position on the matters at hand clear.

"Your Highness," he said, speaking to Alexander, "Im sure you as a man of the military can see the situation that has begun to unfold in Nihon. Our Second Fleet continually runs patrols, not to mention that there are several flotillas docked in Nihonese ports. This in and of itself is a clear show of force, as well as our intentions as a world power. But now that the Masters Of The Commons have approached with the hope of expanding into Carriebean, and turning it into an economic powerhouse as well as a major military base. If we were to go through with that, there would be no more questions in the world about what our intentions are. It would be clear that we are not merely standing with a small nation, but are infact moving to try and establish ourselves as a potential rival to Manticore. Something that we simply are not able to do."

"Manticoran aggression has gone to far!" Spoke up another, across the room from Lord Arlington. Alexander sat back, gesturing to the man who had spoken up, one Mr Greenley, a major force within the whaling industry. "We are the Empire Of The Twelve Isles, it is our duty as one of the worlds powers to stand up against imperialism and protect smaller nations. We don't propose we annex and take military control over the Carriebean, we merely propose that we bring about the full might of the Second Fleet to Nihon, and propose to the Carriebean the idea of them becoming a protectorate."

"Its neo-colonialism is what it is!" shouted back Lord Arlington, pointing and gesturing as he spoke. "It is neo-colonialism plain and simple, and it is pointless to try and act like it is anything else. By putting naval bases in Nihon and shifting the assets of an entire fleet, as well as creating another naval base in the Carriebean, it is exerting force over small nations to expand our sphere of influence."

"To stop a more sinister sphere of influence!" said Greenley, anger apparent on his face. "We proposed protectorates and alliances, never full annexation! The people of the Carriebean and Nihon can still choose their own lives, we are merely stepping in to try and stop the growing power of a true imperialistic power! We dont want to force anything on them, other than to protect them and do our part in the prevention of another Great War!"

Before Arlington, as the representative of the Lords could respond, a large bell in the center of the room was rung, and all who were standing and communicating were suddenly seated as if it was choreographed. A third man stood, tall and handsome, who spoke in a loud clear voice. "The time of debate has concluded, it is now the Emperor's turn to speak, and set forth the motions. Emperor Alexander, what say you?"

Alexander stood, adjusting his tie and making sure his wire framed glasses were secured on his head. Patting together a little pile of papers, he cleared his throat and spoke, in a voice that was simultaneously quiet, but intensely commanding. Like any true Cartwine, he had been taught from a young age how to command and room, and the dark hair and piercing eyes of his family only made it easier. "I have accumulated the motions of this weeks proceedings, and after review, I have vetoed the following. Motion to send the Third Fleet to Nihon as well as the Second, Vetoed. Motion to annex the Carriebean city state, vetoed. Motion to conduct peacekeeping operations in Sylba, vetoed. Motion to deploy Wardens into Manticore on an espionage mission, vetoed. The following, are the motions the Cabinet has chosen to let pass. Motion to extend diplomatic relations, and discussion of protectorate to the Carriebean City State, passed. Motion to conduct meetings with Warglorian and Nihonese leadership to discuss the Manticoran situation, passed. Motion to position the entire Second Fleet in Nihonese waters, passed. Motion to move flotilla's into Carriebean waters, passed. Motion to conduct the sale of the final Naval dreadnoughts to Nihon, passed. The final voting may now begin."

With that, Alexander sat down, and felt the hand of Stoddard pat him heavily on the back. Lydia, the captain of his guard, nodded to him, while his sister to his left looked as if she was about to fall asleep. Not that it mattered, no one expected her to get involved with the politics. She had never shown interest in it, and so though she was required to be there by tradition no one ever expected her to take part.

The man who had rung the bell stood again, the individual propositions for the motions in his hands. He spoke again, while several officials took up positions in front of the Lords Of Court and the Masters Of The Commons, ready to count their votes. "When ready, Masters Of Commons," said the man, and after a nod of confirmation from the Chief Representative the man began to read. He listed off each of the passed motions, before asking for the votes yea, and then nay, as the officials in front of the Mastes counted how many voted yes and no for each motion. When he had gone through each of the motions, he then turned his attention to the Lords Of The Court, and proceeded with the same routine after being given the go ahead by the Lord At Present. When the final round of voting had completed, the officials brought in their counting for each vote for the man at the bell, the Courts Master Of Proceedings, to review. When he was finished, he handed them up to Alexander, who stood again, to announce which motions would go through.

"Motion to extend diplomatic relations and discuss Carriebean protectorate has gone through. Motion to Motion to conduct meetings with Warglorian and Nihonese leadership to discuss the Manticoran situation has gone through. Motion to Motion to position the entire Second Fleet in Nihonese waters has gone through. Motion to move flotilla's into Carriebean waters has been vetoed by the court. Motion to conduct the sale of the final Naval dreadnoughts to Nihon has gone through. Thank you gentleman, this court has adjourned. I will see you all again tomorrow morning."

Alexander turned around, to see the fellow members of his Cabinet standing and making their way out. He followed behind them, looking at his bloody knuckles and debating on weather he should have a doctor look at them or just leave them be. They were not in horrible condition, but he worried about weather they might get infected. Finally, he decided against it, and as he made his way to the Cabinet Room to write out how the passed motions would be completed, he stopped by a bathroom to get rubbing alcohol, pouring it onto his knuckles over the sink before meeting with his Cabinet for his final duty of the night.

To: The City State Of Newne Carriebean
From: Alexander Cartwine, Emperor Of The Twelve Isles And All Her Colonies

To whom it may concern,

It has come to my attention that there have been many international complications plaguing your nation, many of which extend all the way back to the war that occured on your shores in the 1880s. It is the belief of many in the Isles that your city state could be an excellent position for an Imperial naval base. This would offer your nation protection from any foreign aggressors that may wish to do you harm. In addition, we would like to extend the offer of becoming an Imperial Protectorate, the first in the world. We hope that, through economic aid that would come to the Carriebean from the Empire your nation would be able to become a major economic hub, especially with investment from Imperial oil companies.

The Empire does not wish to force anything upon your nation. However, should you be interested, we are willing to send a delegate to your nation to discuss terms at a moments notice.

Sincerely,
Emperor Alexander Cartwine.

To: Nihon
From: Alexander Cartwine, Emperor Of The Twelve Isles And All Her Colonies

To whom it may concern,

We in the Isles have been concerned for quite some time about the developing situation in Nihon concerning growing Manticoran aggression, especially now that there are threats of war. We in the Isles have decided to make two propositions. One, we wish to obtain permission from Nihonese leadership to allow the permanent placement of the Imperial Second Fleet in Nihonese waters, as well as conducting continued patrols with elements of the Imperial Second Fleet. We also wish to obtain permission to conduct a buildup of ground forces in Nihon, to assist in a defense of the Nihonese islands should war break out. Additionally we would like to extend an offer of sale, our ten remaining dreadnought battleships in exchange for 20 million Imperial Pennets, to be delivered in Nihonese currency and converted in the Isles.

Finally, we would also like to extend an invitation for Nihonese leadership to meet with Imperial and Warglorian leadership here in the Isles where we can conduct secure meetings to discuss what to do about the Manticoran threat.

Sincerely,
Emperor Alexander Cartwine.

To: Warglorian leadership
From: Alexander Cartwine, Emperor Of The Twelve Isles And All Her Colonies

To whom it may concern,

Here in the Isles, we have been closely monitoring the growing situation in Nihon concerning Manticoran aggression. It is our understanding that Wargloria has agreed to commit troops to assist Nihon should war break out. The Empire has also chosen to commit the Second Fleet and elements of the third fleet, as well as elements of the Imperial Army to help defend the Nihonese people should war break out. It is for this reason that, seeing as Wargloria is one of the Empires strongest allies, we would like to extend the invitation to host Wargloria's leadership here in the Isles, where we can conduct meetings to determine what should be done next.

Sincerely,
Emperor Alexander Cartwine.

[Azenyanistan]

Rachana was a country united by the crown, but until today there was no crown to unite the country. Instead, what kept the country united was the woman who protected the seat of the future crown. And that woman was Sarah, the Caudilla, the leader of the military clique that maintained stability and sustainability in Rachana, from the south to the north, and from as distant as the west to the east.

And Sarah was observing the officers who were inspecting their freshly recruited troops from all over Rachana. From the back of her car, which was an open-top model, she let her eyes study the strolling figures examining the rows of women and men who stood at attention, rifles in their arms, uniforms prepared, and helmets on their heads, hair cut according to the standards set down by generals and monarchs who died before Sarah's time.

The dictator had watched the world, and the world watched the dictator's country. Sarah accepted the fact that she was not the face of the country, because no general of Rachana could ever be the person to represent the country until it finally had someone to place their crown upon. But she also accepted the duty, one that weighed heavily upon her shoulders, sometimes disturbing her sleep, rendering her irritable and exhausted.

She, however, would not give up that duty. Only the woman who would wear the crown of the country could give the order for her to give up that duty.

The inspections came to an end after an hour. The dictator gave a brief address to the newly absorbed troops of the army; they, Sarah told them, would be the souls who would fill the ranks of the new marine divisions. She promised them that 'they would be well-equipped, well-trained, and well-prepared' for the coming war.

A war that, in her opinion, came too quickly.

Rachana was not finished with her preparations. Nihon has done too much to provoke the alliance her country devoted itself to. Now war would come quickly. It would not be in Rachana's favor, but in the years to come, it would also not be in the favor of Nihon.

And Rachana, Sarah reminded herself, would be one power to enjoy the end of the coming war.

While walking back to her car after the address, she thought about her former student: Maria. And when she found herself in the back of the car, she sank into the pool of thoughts and feelings about her, ignoring the roaring engine of the car, and the murmuring of her guards. Maria, she thought to herself, would have been happy to help us if only I did not help her throughout the academy.

Sarah scolded herself silently over her decision to uphold secularization. The way it was being done, she reminded herself, was too aggressive, and despite opposition from fellow academy directors, faculty, and students, she was not yet powerful enough to face the growing ranks of women and men who disdained the influence of religions over daily life. And now that she was the most powerful woman over the country, she had lost her finest student.

Maria, despite her heritage, was now in the hands of the Reich. And that state, Sarah told herself, was not too mysterious to her; she knew that the Reich was growing in influence, growing in popularity, and growing in strength. And the Reich, Sarah silently concluded, was dangerous. Not only to Rachana, should the Reich dare to take it and rape it, but also to the world. I, the dictator noted to herself, would have to be sure that the woman who would wear the crown of our country would be prepared to face the future.

In due time, she reached her office. There, she attended meetings with various officials and officers. They informed her of many things: Food and water supplies were being secured. Civilians were being evacuated away from the coasts. Militias were being refreshed and given new equipment. The navy was about to begin an exercise. The army and civilian engineers were constructing new forts in the western and southern provinces. Cities were emptying their treasuries to pay men and women to fight or to fortify their homes. The air force was training all day and all night. The plans were being refined. Things were changing so fast.

Later, she went to dinner, alone, as she grew sick of being in the company of guards, officers, officials, and nobles. She wanted to enjoy her own time alone. And as she ate potatoes, tomatoes, roasted pork, and garlic bread, Sarah thought carefully of the present.

In the deepest parts of her mind, the dictator did not worry about the defeat of Rachana. That was less likely to happen because the allies would not allow that to happen. Instead, the dictator worried about the costs of the war, and she worried that it may change Rachana's future, bringing back to existence the nightmares of civil war, and most of all, the ghosts of republicans and socialists.

Ultimately, though, her mind grew tired of thinking like this, and after she took a shower with one of the princesses, she withdrew into her room, and after she fell into her bed, vulnerable in her flesh and only in her flesh, with no blanket to disguise her exposure, for the night was not too cool to ask for comforts, Sarah let go of the thoughts of managing the country, falling, diving instead into the unlimited possibilities and pleasures of dreams.

[Norcourt]

The Norcourtians Are Coming



Leersog

March 10th, 1927

The Settlement and integration of Norcourtian peoples into Leersog had begun rather well. Learning from experiences in the Drales, and in Goldrushia, Maranossos had decreed that all citizens of the former Sirvanskan state, were to be newly reinstated into citizens of the Norcourtian Empire, and were to be considered just as much Norcourtian as the foreign newcomers from mainland Norcourt.

The 7th Army had remobilized in Leersog following their rather short leave in Sicalia. The 7th Army, within it the 13th Elixian Legion, within it, Lieutenant Dak Hesley, Abbas Company 2nd Battalion, of the first contingent of the 13th Elixian Legion, were to be stationed near the Bahros Region in Northeastern Leersog, whilst the 3rd GADNAC Army composed of the same structure of the 7th, of 200,000 Commonwealth Goldrushian and Dralesian Soldiers from across the Elixosphere, 11 Infantry Divisions, including the 96th, 24th, 2nd, 5th, 79th, 51st. 42nd, 35th, 160th, 67th, and 11th Infantry Divisions, alongside 2 Armoured Divisions, the 100th, and the 402nd Armoured Division, both with 250 Sicalia M.II Light tanks, and 50 Sicalia M.I Light tanks each, were to be stationed in the western region of Klus.

Preparation for what was to come had begun less than a month earlier, with more and more supplies coming in from the mainland, along with replacements for those who had perished in the Leersog Campaign. This was of course, in preparation for the soon to be defensive, as the many Norcourtian settlers and Sirvanskan-Norcourtian citizens, had been left vulnerable to anything since the end of the conflict.

[TENNOHEIKA BANZAI NIHON]

Gokyo, Nihon
February 11, 1928

Amid current tensions with enemies in the region, and the arrival of Warglorian forces in Nihon, an offer was submitted by the great Confederacy of Ruskland. The offer was a good one for both sides, calling for a Nihonese loan totaling modern 500 million pounds, so around 38-40 million Aclusian pounds with a 6% interest rate and a Nihon-Ruskland military alliance. Despite past tensions, things were shaping up that Nihon and Ruskland would soon become allies in efforts to secure interest around the world. The money had been sent securely and transferred to the Rusklandr government. And thus the Rusklandr troops and navy would be welcome in Nihon anytime, although military leaders hoped that would be soon, as they watched hostile movements.

But that was not all for deals.

Most recently the great Imperial Court of the Twelve Isles had approved the sale of 10 Mournly Class Battleships (IRL Courbet Class Battleships). To outfit them, experienced men would come from the 25 retired Torpedo Boat Destroyers, and other experienced men from other older Coastal Defense Ships, who would be replaced by newer crews that have been in training. The payment would be 20 million for all the battleships.

To: The Empire of The Twelve Isles
From:Emperor Hirohito; Emperor of Nihon and its Territories

To Whom it May Concern,

In Nihon we could not agree more, regarding to the Manticorian threat to Nihon's security and that of other nations which have economic and military interest in our nation. The Empire consents to both propositions, and we offer a port and bases for your ships and your troops of your amazing forces. We have accepted your offer of the sale of ten of your very great battleships for 20 million Imperial Pennets in Nihonese Yen, and have sent such to your nation.

We shall be sending my brother, Crown Prince Yasuhito to the Isles from where he was in Aclus to discuss the current threat.

Best, Emperor Michinomiya Hirohito

Gokyo, Nihon
March 1928

Intelligence reports out of Manticore and Rachana were reporting a build up in forces. The Embassy in Manticore was showing that Manticore was calling up reserves, and that while intentions unclear, and it wasn't uncommon for Manticore to ready it's Battle Fleet as it had done multiple times in the past, the sheer amounts of reserves was enough. Reports were sent to Gokyo about the perceived threat, which from there was reviewed by military leaders and the Emperor himself. It was decided that the information, which excluded information that would threaten the security of those in the Embassy, where sent to Wargloria, Ruskland, The Twelve Isles, and Crimetopolis. Further, a warning was sent to Carriebean, alerting them of the "supposed troop movements" and the same went to Arengin. Aclus, while an ally of Manticore, was sent a sort message telling of how reports showed Manticorian movements, and that they can rest assured, the first blow would not come from Nihon.

Commanders in Shishiri were ordered to increase awareness, although with the Manticorian Fleet so far away, it seemed that would not be the target, although orders were given to set new barbed wire on the beaches and place newer beach obstacles. New mines were set, and fortifications being reinforced. Although much of this defensive measures had been completed by Nihonese forces in 1926 readying for a supposed invasion by then hostile forces. Patrols were put on alert to watch out for signs of enemy forces, and the 5th Fleet was ordered to increase patrols and go into high alert, as they would be the first to spot and hopefully stop enemy forces. Due to the past defensive measures, many coastal guns and artillery had been put in place, along with anti-aircraft guns and other bunkers, trenches, and even caves. Forces in Shishiri currently numbered 4 divisions.

In Manchuko Commanders were ordered to reinforce the 9 fortifications along the border with Almaty and other bunkers, trenches, and defensive positions. Barbed wire and mines were being set as troops moved to secure the line. The 5 fortifications bordering Balsagun were too reinforced and the same was being done as for barbed wire and mines, New bunkers and trenches were being built, and to fill in the extra manpower came militias and other men from local towns and cities to help build. Militia men were being trained in how to man the artillery and anti-aircraft weapons. Thus was born the Imperial Army of the Provisional Government of Manchuko. Recruitment was up among young men eager to prove themselves against the 'horrible' Manticorian 'Oni.' So far training was underway and the militiamen having a head start in their training. More fortifications were in the process of being built, especially on the coast, although a very were being built off the border with Smirsja, to be manned by the local militia. On the coast defenses were really being prepared, as beach obstacles, barbed wire, and mines were being set. Bunkers equipped with coastal artillery, and other anti-aircraft weapons were being prepared. Currently there are 15 divisions in Manchuko, along with militia forces. Volunteers, ranging in ages 12 to 60 were working to dig trenches or fill sand bags to ready proper defenses. While defenses had been constructed in the past, now work was at full pace to put new defenses and better current ones.

In the Takeshima and Ironton troops were setting up similar defenses as to that in Manchuko and Shishiri, building upon preexisting ones.

In Gokyo, air raid shelters were being rebuilt and modernized as previously built defenses were being modernized, the project to create defenses having started in 1923. Gokyo Bay, being an industrial and military port contains 227 14 cm/50 3rd Year Type naval gun emplacements, capable at a range of 12.3 miles. To even enter the bay an enemy force would face a hailstorm of shells from the multiple gun emplacements. In the harbor also sat around 143 20 cm/50 3rd Year Type naval guns capable at 18 miles. There was also 50 41 cm/45 3rd Year Type naval guns capable at 23.9 miles. These guns would be enough to stall or even defeat an enemy fleet at longer ranges. Yet that was not all. There were also 9 46 cm/45 Type 94 naval guns which could hit at a shocking 26 miles. While some of these guns were out ranged by that on Manticorian battleships, they could serve to stop enemy land craft and other smaller vessels. Also the bay was supported by Nihonese units using Coastal Howitzers and artillery, along with several railroad guns and bunkers. The main port classified as Gokyo had 6 Odaiba (Coastal Fortresses Islands) each armed with 1 46 cm/45 Type 94 naval gun and 4 20 cm/50 3rd Year Type naval guns. The islands are equipped with bunkers and other trenches along with a seawall. This would be able to assist in blocking an enemy force from entering the bay, and seeing how large the bay is, enemy forces would not have the range to fire into Gokyo. In Gokyo there are 1,579 anti-aircraft batteries manned by Nihonese forces and in some cases, civilians. Although realistically, it would be pointless to invade though the bay, as ships would be caught in a crossfire and would face Nihonese, Warglorian, and other allied fleets. Places to land were poor, and any force would face greater casualties due to this route is very heavily defended and manned, knowing Manticorian strategy revolves around landing here.

The Oshima Island and the chain of islands nearby have been outfitted with 46 cm/45 Type 94 naval guns and 20 cm/50 3rd Year Type naval guns in order to protect the overall bay, and be able to alert forces and stall enemy ships attempting to land.

On the outer coasts of the islands there are hundreds of fortifications, with seawalls, landing craft obstacles, bunkers, coastal artillery, barbed wire, and mines spread out across the coast. It was well known in Nihon that the only way an enemy force could take Gokyo would be though the Kantō Plain, heavily defended with said defenses. In every beach these above defenses were readied after the 5 years of work, some areas more complex than others. Especially in the Kanto Plain area was many bunkers with large caliber and long range coastal guns, machine guns, sea walls, landing craft obstacles, barbed wire, and mines. Even sections of the coast had been laid with naval mines, restricted to civilian craft. The area was heavily manned by the Home Army, Southern Army Group, and Western Army Group.

To better equip forces, an order has been made with Nihonese companies to produce 2,500 Vickers Crossley Armored Cars, ammo, and an assortment of different planes.

Elements of the 1st and 3rd Fleet have been dispatched to protect Manchuko and the Ryukyu.

Odaiba Number 6 in position to defend the bay. (Imagine without forested area and with gun mounts)


Nihonese Bunker equipped with Coastal Artillery gun.

[The Twelve Isles]

Dockyards
Naval Bay, Mournly Isle, Home Isles
Marine Thomas Lowry
1st Battalion, Brushwick Regimental Guards.

Thomas looked up in awe at the ships before him. He had known that logically, they must have been big, everyone knew they were big, but it was different to see them in person. They made him feel a little afraid. When he and the others had all gone to sign up for the Army right out of high school, it had all seemed so exciting. Like the stories his grandfather had told him, about grand adventures down in the colonies, and sailing around on mighty ships. But now, that he was going into it himself, it felt frightening. It had been very exciting in boot camp, but here, in Naval Bay, the seat of the Empires entire military, he suddenly was hit with a wave of apprehension. Looking out over the sea of brow uniforms, the massive battleships towering above them, the noise of stomping feet and grinding metal, he suddenly could get a sense of what kind of machine he had joined.

A pack of Army soldiers passed by where Thomas and his platoon sat waiting, and one of them bumped into him, knocking him so that he had to step back to catch himself. "Watch the fuck out you fucking idiot," spat the soldier, and Thomas called an awkward apology after him. The soldier just glanced back over his shoulder and gave Thomas with a confused look, before shaking his head and marching on with his friends. Thomas sighed, and turned back to his platoon, sitting down between two of the boxes they were sitting on and tucking his knee's up around his chest. He leaned back on his pack, resting his shiny new rifle into the crook of his shoulder. He sighed again, looking down at the toe of his boots and trying to swallow the growing fear in his stomach while the other soldiers of his platoon all shouted and caroused around him, until a hand reached into his vision holding a pack of cigarettes.

"Hey, yeh want a smoke?" said a voice attached to the hand. Thomas's vision followed the hand up the arm and to the head of the soldier holding it, Eileen Kelly. Thomas wasn't ever quite sure what to do with Eileen Kelly. No one was really. First of all, he had a girls name, but more importantly he was odd. Eileen was always prone to a ranting, raving speech about the evils of the Church, he smoked so much that the others were certain he slept with a cigarette in his mouth, he once claimed to have fucked his cousin by accident when he was sixteen, and so far in the entire time anyone had known him in the Army nobody actually knew what his story was. Every time anyone asked, it changed. The only constant in his incredible tales of his life were that he was from Karins Isle, and that he was somehow related to the Cartwine's. As if that could be true.

"Uh, no," said Thomas, "I don't smoke."

"Sure you do," said Eileen, pushing a box aside with his boot and sitting down next to Thomas, his own legs splaying out where Thomas's stayed tucked close to his chest.

"No, really Eileen, I don't-" before Thomas could finish his sentence, Eileen had pulled a cigarette out of the pack and stuck it into Thomas's mouth. Thomas was so surprised, he had to sit there a second with his eyes wide and a cigarette hanging out of his mouth as he tried to wrap his mind around what had just happened. When he did, he took the cigarette out of his mouth, holding it gingerly between his thumb and forefinger and said, "Eileen, thank you, really, but I don't smoke, I don't think I really wanna-"

"Smoke the feckin cigarette Lowry," said Eileen, cutting him off a second time. He fixed Thomas with an unexpected look, like there was nothing he was more certain about than the fact that Thomas should smoke that cigarette. And something about his look made Thomas quickly put the cigarette back into his mouth like nothing had ever happened, like it hadn't even come out of his mouth to begin with. Eileen lit the cigarette while it was hanging out of Thomas's mouth and watched intently while Thomas took his first drag and blew it out. When he didn't inhale, Eileen said, "you gotta suck it inta yer lungs, ye ain't a lady now ain't cha?" Before continuing to watch very closely as Eileen inhaled his second drag and coughed out his lungs. "Good," said Eileen, before pulling out a cigarette for himself and lighting it.

Thomas continued to try and smoke, but continued to be unsuccessful. He kept expecting Eileen to laugh at him and walk away to find more interesting conversation, but he didn't. Finally, after Thomas had made it half way through his cigarette, coughing and spluttering the whole time, Eileen looked back over at him and asked, "you got a girl back home Thomas?"

"What?" said Thomas, not sure what sort of game Eileen was playing.

"Just answer the question Thomas," said Eileen.

Thomas studied Eileen, trying to understand what he was getting at, but Eileen's face was impossible to read. He just watched Thomas, carefully examining him, like Thomas was some sort of specimen. "Yeah," he said at last, "I got a girl back home."

"Hah!" Eileen exclaimed, his face brightening up into a surprising and vaguely unsettling look of joy, "I never woulda figured a bookish type like yerself woulda managed it! You fuck her?"

"I, uh, I don't see how. . . That's, well. . . Uh, me and her. . . Have had sex, not that's any of your, what sort of question is that anyways?"

A grin spread across Eileen's face as he watched Thomas squirm, but he didn't answer Thomas's question. "I'm surprised someone like you ever manged to get a girl interested, as shy as you are, let alone managing to fuck 'er."

"She says I'm sweet," said Thomas, not wanting to tell Eileen that she had been the one to approach him, instead of the other way around. Surely that would have been plenty of ammunition for Eileen, who seemed to have the ability to figure people out far deeper than they likely would have liked.

"Sure, sweet," said Eileen. "I woulda just said boring, but if she wants to settle I suppose she can settle for the book worm."

Thomas narrowed his eyes at Eileen, angered by the insult, though it didn't seem to faze Eileen at all. "You got a picture of er?" He said in a laughing tone, "I wanta see the first and last girl ol' Thomas Lowry's ever gonna get ta fuck."

"No, I dont," said Thomas. It was a lie, but he wasn't going to show Eileen the pictures of Emma. Eileen's grin only seemed to grow wider at that, revealing a missing tooth. A canine, the one of the top left of his mouth.

"Thats a fecking lie," said Eileen, but he didn't press the matter anymore. He finished his cigarette, occasionally looking at Thomas out of the corner of his eye whenever Thomas coughed on the cigarette smoke, though less and less with every drag he took. Finally, once Eileen had finished his cigarette and flicked the butt out over the damp concrete, he stood, and withdrew three more cigarettes from the pack and handed them down to Thomas. "Here," he said, "because I like yeh." Thomas took the cigarettes, somewhat awkwardly, but without much of a fight. Eileen grinned wide again, still just as unreadable as always, before turning on his heel and walking back off into the crowd of soldiers. "Ill be seeing you around Lowry," he called over his shoulder. Thomas watched as he left, before pulling his brown kahaki overcoat close around him and pulling his legs tighter. The barrel of his rifle was cool against his neck, but he ignored it, closing his eyes and drifting off into a intermittent sleep, until his company was called to board their ships.

To: Nihon
From: Alexander Cartwine, Emperor Of The Twelve Isles And All Her Colonies

Dear Emperor Michinomiya Hirohito,

We in the Isles would be honored to host your brother the crown prince. We will treat him as one of our own, like family, just as your people did for our military men stationed on your shores. He shall be put up in the Imperial Palace, and enjoy all the comforts that may offer. It is our hope that this conflict could be the start of a long and prosperous relationship between our two nations, one which both of us may profit from. Please, give my best to your brother the crown prince, I look forward to having him.

Sincerely,
Emperor Alexander Cartwine

Elements of the Imperial Navy, 3rd Fleet moving down the Wren River in Townhill as they set sail for Nihon to join in the defense of the islands.

Non deployed half of the Imperial Navy 2nd Fleet at Naval Bay, waiting to load troops, ammunition, food, oil and other supplies before moving to join the rest of the 2nd Fleet at Nihon, as well as transporting the Imperial Expeditionary Force To Nihon.

Imperial Marines await their go ahead to board the ships that will take them to Nihon.

Marines from different units get to know one another while they wait for their chance to board.

Imperial Army troops prepare their transport to sail for Nihon.

Imperial Army soldiers board a troop transport.

Townhill Class tanks wait for their turn to be loaded onto transports.

A Townhill Class Heavy Tank is unloaded at the Naval Bay rail yard, before being moved to the docks to be loaded onto a transport bound for Nihon.

Battleships of the Second Fleet, sailing on patrol in Nihonese waters.

Imperial Navy Battleship INS Fury Of Light on patrol in Nihonese waters.

Ships of the Imperial Navy 2nd Fleet at dock in Nihonese harbor.

[Newne Carriebean7]

Das Kapital Region
Carriebeanian Ministry of the Army
March 4th,1928

The creaking of the door and turning of the brass doorknob drew the momentary attention of Jackson Potters, signing off on several execution orders at the time. He watched as a familiar face wafted into view, turning his face into a scowled frown when he recognized who it was.
“Minister of the Army, how are you doing?’
He didn’t answer, simply looking down more while scrambling for his pen he had dropped.
“Well I’m doing good. You know that break at being the president was what I really needed, just passed into your lap for a couple months or a few years. But we all know that time is up.”
“What the hell are you on about? I’m the Minister of the Army for god’s sakes! I command the soldiers.”
“Ah, but you see, I’m the de jure leader of Carriebean, and I’d hate to make a rather awful mess in front of her illustrious majesty.”
“What? You’re going to fire me? For what?” He now said, the attentive if antisocial glance previously displayed now a memory. It was replaced with a face of confused outrage at the prospect of what an ‘awful mess’ would entail.
“You do know without me the army would revolt, collapse, or worse!” he now screamed, seemingly acting on the defensive at the possibility of being relived of command.
“So just like the navy, I fail to see such a point would be an overall negative for Carriebean as a whole.”
“W-w-w-we’d be overrun by the enemy if they possibly hoped to start up another conflict, why we’d be-“
“Defeneseless, I understand your worries and contemplations in this decision. That is why I am not removing you from command, I’m just reliving you of the presidency.”
Normally, the sharp Potters would have a few snarky remarks for such an occasion, but he had been reduced to a blubbering, sobbing wreck of himself, with lakes of tears and rivers of snot coating many military documents, turning them a soggy, greenish hue.
“I…I’ll keep my job?”
“Oh, absolutely, just the presidency will be mine. I enjoy your company, I enjoy you Potters, though sometimes I have a funny way of showing it.”
With that, a bag of Carriebeanian doubloons and tightly wrapped band of Carriebeanian Sais was chucked at Potters, who only narrowly caught it in between sobs and shaky breath from the crying.
“Consider it a bonus for all the times you’ve been oh so loyal to me. Now I’m off.” With that, the newly minted President Marvin Washvelt left the Ministry with a confident stride in his step.

Carriebean City
Imperial Palace

Queen Grace tossed her hair back absentmindedly as she bit into a flaky croissant, hearing rumors of it’s illegal importing from Manticore. With the death of Tyler the II in April of 1927, the question of succession was passed to his nearest cousin, which was Fionna Agnes Augustus Leopold Fabian Montgomery Villeneuve. Upon her elaborate coronation after peace had been signed with the ink drying on the respected documents, she found herself taking on the rule name of Grace simply because it had sounded nice on her tongue at the time. She had reigned after Tyler’s death for eleven months now. Next April that number would be a full year on the throne.

Her time as Queen was still fairly short, though the title of either empress or queen would be frequently used interchangeably with one another on a daily communicational basis, with nobility or former nobility that backed her claim to the throne preferring to dub her empress, while those with a stake in having her ass booted out of Carriebean entirely simply dismissed her as the queen, like there had been some man behind the throne.

She had refused numerous suitors and male prostitutes being sent out by her parents and Carriebeanian nobility. While none of their potential children would be rulers in their own right, parents had been utilizing them as both pawns on a chessboard of political power and as bargaining chips with their cousins (or in more extreme cases, assassins to kill their cousins so they could obtain power faster). As such her list of political enemies would slowly grow around her, even as her most stalwart supporters answered her every beck and call.

She would butt heads more than once with the “farmed brain dead idiot of Bantejø”, whose insistence on taking the most important roles such as collecting taxes and managing some military forces frustrated her royalist court’s frequent political power plays of executing Parliament and reestablishing an absolute monarchy. While she would dismiss such absurd actions as “princes wanting to feel important”, she did have a tinge of sympathy for such antirepublican actions. Democracy and Republicanism in Carriebean seemed to be growing day by day, proving a possible threat for the Monarchy down the road in a decade. These needed to be stopped, though the occupation’s insistence on ramming reforms down the throats of Carriebeanian society was equally as abhorrent as promises for nigger suffrage in elections.

The political arena within Parliament would be stacked with her pushing on Royalist proposals and the intense scrutiny of the monarchy by rival claimants of the throne masquerading with republican ideas. Her ally in this regard became the Marquis of Quakersbund, a rather plump and jovial bearded man that resembled Santa Claus save for his nice suits and black facial hair. He would utilize his charm in the numerous subcommittees in extinguishing any flame of anti-monarchist sentiment within the writings of laws and bills. The Marquis did his damnedest to both attempt to reel in the unorthodox ancient shit farmer that became Prime Minister and to whip together enough votes as a popular member of the opposition.

Political matters and maneuvering in Congress received less of her political capital, though she had thought of arming Royalist congressional members with steel armored plating to better protect themselves from being shot in the numerous gun debates that afflicted Congress. She would fixate her efforts on the few powers granted to her in the famous 7-3rds Compromise, which enabled Carriebeanian Kings to conduct 7 out of 10 things, leaving the monarchy hardly a figurehead. The remaining three things would be given to Parliament to do. These would be changed in negotiations after each and every election that occurred for a new Parliament, with the Prime Minister spearheading the negotiations with her majesty.

Grace heard a small bell ring above the rather expansive front doors of the Imperial Palace, with the sight of Prime Minister Marchiba Bantejø stumbling around with a folded up umbrella as he made his way across the large red carpet that greeted guests and dignitaries alike when they visited the Imperial Palace. She could grant the ill-educated farmer this small concession in approval, as privately, she was amazed at how long the bastard had lived for, being close to one hundred and twenty years old and not seeming to slow down.

Grace remained seated at the head of the table as several Royal court officials, noblemen and royalist politicians sat down on either side of her while the Prime Minister and his entourage of Farmer, Communist and Independent high ranking leaders of their political parties found seats in the chairs on the other side.
Crossing her arms before clasping her hands together and bringing her elbows onto the table, she forced a smile out of her mouth.
“Greetins yer exellency. Yer illustrious majee stee. I must express my thanks for such a meeting to fully hash out the political powers granted by you and my new government.”
“Why, the pleasure is all mine, Prime Minister.” She said, her face remaining a façade of complacency while her mind screamed hatred at the old man which had booze emenating from his mouth. Had he been…drinking? Probably. Dismissing the thought, she snapped her fingers as the Guard of the Imperial Seal, who sprang awake from taking a slobbery nap on the oak table they sat at. After coming to his senses, the royal privy spoke.
“Now, gentlemen, Her Illustrious Majesty Grace has proposed the following conditions for a potential share in power between Her Illustrious Majesty’s Government and that of Parliament.
1. The Ability to Approve a Yearly Budget with Parliament shall be retained with the aforementioned legislative branch.
2. The Ability to Redistrict Parliamentarian Districts every two and a half years in between the five year terms that Members of Parliament serve shall be retained with the Legislative branch.
3. The Ability to Start Legislation within the House of Nobles shall rest with the assistance of the twenty subcommittees and ten committees of that particular branch of Parliament.
4. The Ability to Mobilize the Navy of Carriebean shall rest with Her Illustrious Majesty
5. The Ability to Sign Edicts of Investigation towards any and all Carriebeanian politicians shall rest with Her Illustrious Majesty
6. The Ability to Call for Early Elections, save for events where the House loses confidence in the Prime Minister, shall rest with Her Illustrious Majesty
7. The Ability to Collect Duties, Imports and small time government revenue shall rest with Her Illustrious Majesty
8. The Ability to direct said funds into various departments, but no more than two-tenths of the amount already set aside by the Parliamentarian subcommittees and committees shall rest with Her Illustrious Majesty
9. The Ability to Commence with Legislation on their own vigor and instruction, provided the acceptance of Parliament, shall rest with Her Illustrious Majesty
10. The Ability to Act as Mediators between any of the three houses of Parliament to resolve any and all disputes between the respective houses, shall rest with Her Illustrious Majesty.”

Bantejø’s face curled into a slightly goofy looking smile before sighing.
“The Parliament wishes for it’s intention to obtain Eight for it’s own good governance. In exchange the Parliament shall relinquish it’s Power over Redistricting Parliamentarian Districts over to His Illustrious Majesty.”
Grace raised an eyebrow at the last part before the Prime Minister corrected himself to ‘Her Illustrious Majesty’.
Before Grace could speak, one of the Communist party officials burst out in rage.
“Bantejø! How could you relinquish the powerful constitutional power of redistribution in exchange for more monetary control?! You’re giving more power to the bitch than you’d like to realize, hell, even admit! I shall not sign off on such an abhorrent measure that disregards the Constitutional Authorities that Parliament has!”

Grace cleared her throat and began.
“Now, MP for Drunkenwell, these proposals seem fine by me. I’d be more than happy to allow Prliament the remaining two tenths of the amount into various Departments. We’d merely be giving Parliament control over some more of the purse, simply in exchange for their possible election outcomes. Now, that seems fair in my book.”
Bantejø slapped the communist party official which had spoken out before he replied to Grace.
“Dearie, I’d adhore such a ruling that would grant Parliament it’s badly needed funds for the remaining electoral cycle. With this money, we could spent it on all the corn, tobacco and hookers we’d need, all we’re relinquishing is the power to redistrict Parliamentarian Districts. However, I want this stipulation to be in here, no more than 500 seats every time you do it each two and a half years. That means not more than one sixth of all the seats within Parliament by the time an election rolls around, can you agree to such a proposal.”

Grace’s face revealed a wicked smile that turned into a complacent look of blank expression.
“It would be most excellent that these proposals would be signed. Now if there is nothing else to object or argue to, shall we get on with signing this into law?” She clapped her hands as waiters brought out pens, glasses of red wine and cocaine. With that, both parties signed the document that gifted Political power between the Queen and Parliament with rather rough feeling handshakes.

1. The Ability to Approve a Yearly Budget with Parliament shall be retained with the aforementioned legislative branch.
2. The Ability to direct said funds into various departments, but no more than two-tenths of the amount already set aside by the Parliamentarian subcommittees and committees shall be granted to the Legislative Branch
3. The Ability to Start Legislation within the House of Nobles shall rest with the assistance of the twenty subcommittees and ten committees of that particular branch of Parliament.
4. The Ability to Mobilize the Navy of Carriebean shall rest with Her Illustrious Majesty
5. The Ability to Sign Edicts of Investigation towards any and all Carriebeanian politicians shall rest with Her Illustrious Majesty
6. The Ability to Call for Early Elections, save for events where the House loses confidence in the Prime Minister, shall rest with Her Illustrious Majesty
7. The Ability to Collect Duties, Imports and small time government revenue shall rest with Her Illustrious Majesty
8. The Ability to Redistrict Parliamentarian Districts every two and a half years in between the five year terms that Members of Parliament serve shall be granted to Her Illustrious Majesty
9. The Ability to Commence with Legislation on their own vigor and instruction, provided the acceptance of Parliament, shall rest with Her Illustrious Majesty
10. The Ability to Act as Mediators between any of the three houses of Parliament to resolve any and all disputes between the respective houses, shall rest with Her Illustrious Majesty.

To: Alexander Cartwine of The Twelve Isles
From: Carriebeanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Birmingham Harold

The Carriebeanian government does not need a reminder of the numerous plagues and ill planned out military wars that have resulted in the gradual whittling away of our territory. We are concerned with this proposal over the possible future of the Imperial Carriebean Navy.

Should we give you this naval base, you must also provide the Carriebeanian Surface Fleet enough space for it’s needed dockings at your respective nation, as we plan to maneuver our entire fleet towards your nation sort of as a ship exchange.

Our ships shall remain anchored at your ports to provide you with a little more firepower at the home Isles should they fall under enemy assault. We expect your ships, once they are moored within Carriebean City, to provide us with the same protection from various enemies.

As for your second point and after much deliberation between Her Illustrious Divinity Grace, Protector of Carriebean and Wearer of her most Blessed Crown of the Protestant Faith, we have opted to accept your delegation immediately to open negotiations between us and your nation so as to hammer out a final deal regarding possible status as an Imperial Protectorate of the Twelve Isles.
Go Fuck Yourself and Live a Long Life,
Joseph Birmingham Harold

Total Capital Ships:9
Battlecruisers: 8 total
CNS Blackbeard
CNS Barbarossa
CNS Bartholomew
CNS Hook
CNS Flintlock
CNS Black Pearl
CNS Flying Dutchman
Dreadnoughts: 1 total
CNS Baja California
Total Escorts:79
Escorts:
11 Z-Class Destroyers
14 V-Class Torpedo Gunboats
28 Dork Class Armed Trawlers
4 S Class Submarines
22 Scrape Class Minelayers

Vehicles:
5 Carriebean Armored Tank Mark I
25 Nihon leased Tank Mrk IV
107 Carriebean Tractor Assault Troop Transports
2 Carriebeanian Choo Choo Motherfucker Class Armored Trains
Artillery Pieces:
112 X 7cm Field Guns
59 X De Bange 90mm Cannons
29 X Napoleon 12 pounder Cannons
40 X 1897 75mm Cannons
49 X Gatling Guns

Fighters:
70 Drunkard Type 96 Attack Fighter
Bombers:
12 Monsoon Type 99 Level Bomber
2 Flavanovich Type 100 Experimental Heavy Level Bomber
Reconnaissance:
101 Boxcart Type 95 Scout Fighter
Total Aircraft: 185

[Crimetopolis]

NTXT

[Crimetopolis]

DELETED

[Breyburg]

Opus/Aryshtakova Border, Iron Guard Hoosier
Early January, 1928

Bolstering, Barricading and Ready to Batter

“We’ve been given orders to head on out.” Second Lieutenant Carl Slayter said to his men.

“Where, sir?” Private Howard Pace asked his superior.

“Balsagun.”

“Sir, but why?”

“We have no purpose here anymore. The Hoosier’s have bought Opus from the Nihonese, and Crimetopolis is still considered a threat. We are marching up through Aryshtakova and through Merv. We will arrive at Balsagun, and will be stationed at the border. Is that clear?”

“Sir, yes sir!”

45,000 troops were stationed along the Opus/Aryshtakova border, and 100,000 met them in February. They will be joining the 35,000 that are still stationed along the Manchuko/Balsagun border. That will make a total of 180,000 men in Balsagun, the most the region has ever seen since it's seizure by the Allied States.

Breyburgian private looking out at Opus, before the Hoosier purchase of the region.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Presidential Offices, Stegas, Breyburg
Early January, 1928

“Crimetopolis is still a threat! I don’t care how many wars they’ve fought, who’ve they’ve fought or why they fought. They are still de facto allied with the Nihonese Empire and a member of the sickened Indianum Alliance. They sit on our border, and we sit on theirs, and soon, the pot will boil over and war will erupt from Indianum! We are sending those men to Balsagun. We have been given permission from the Republic of Rachana to pass through Merv. We still have 300,000 men on the border of Crimetopolis and mainland Breyburg.” Martin Harvey said to his military advisors.

Breyburgian troops posing for picture along the Breyburg/Crimetopolis border.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Balsagun, Breyburg
March 5th, 1928

The 145,000 men that set off for Balsagun in early January finally arrived at the border of Crimetopolis and the Breyburgian region. They trekked across the harsh Parsi desert. Seeing practically no soul since Aryshtakova, they were joyous to reach a little slice of home. That joy left quickly as the reality of the situation fell upon the men. The men told stories of the Hoosiers and the Sirvanskans and the Parsi to the locals.

The Overpeople within the region were happy with the Breyburgian rule. They looked upon the chaos within the region the Parsi had claimed and accepted the relative peace that the people of Balsagun enjoyed. They enjoyed modern technology, clean water, better agricultural techniques (that could have prevented the fall of their motherland in the first place), cars and automobiles, Breyburgian welfare and all the other aspects to Breyburgian life. They were content, that was for sure. They looked to Manchuko and the war that was being waged against the Parsi there and were content with what they had.

The men were ordered to construct barricades and trenches along the Balsagun/Crimetopolis border. This was in the event of a Crimetopolis invasion or a Breyburgian one. They were looking ahead.

Breyburgian infantry on break, playing baseball amongst themselves and some locals.

A small Breyburgian cavalry unit doing their rounds.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

To the Republic of Rachana

I wish to invite your nation to my alliance, the Indianum Front. It is the Indianum Alliance reborn, with better values, and a stronger sense of reality. It consists of my nation and Iron Guard Hoosier at the moment, but, it could include Rachana as well. What do you say, friend?

President Martin Harvey of the Socialist Allied States of Breyburg

[Yindrai]

THE YINDRAINI PUSH FOR FREEDOM!

We believe that it is the inalienable right of the Yindraini people, as of any other people, to have freedom and to enjoy the fruits of their toil and have the necessities of life, so that they may have full opportunities of growth. We believe also that if any government deprives a people of these rights and oppresses them, the people have a further right to alter it or abolish it. The Aclusian government in Yindrai has not only deprived the Yindraini people of their freedom, but has based itself on the exploitation of the masses, and has ruined Yindrai economically, politically, culturally and spiritually. We believe therefore, that Yindrai must sever the Aclusian connection and attain complete independence.

- S. Radhakrishnan, Yindraini scholar and independence advocate

YINDRAI KI JAI!
Glory to Yindrai

For centuries, Yindrai was the jewel of the Indianum continent. It was a rich, fertile land, and its people lived free. But that all of that changed when the empire of Aclus took control of the wealthy nation. Now, Yindrai's bountiful resources and economic potential belong not to the Yindraini people, but to foreign imperialists.
Since then, they have profited off of our wealth, they send us off to die in their wars, and refuse us the right to govern ourselves with dignity.

Now, the Yindraini people have had enough. It is time for a change.

Across Yindrai, authors, intellectuals, artists, and religious figures alike have been introducing the Yindraini people to ideas of secession and self-determination from Aclus. One of the most influential of these figures has been S. Radhakrishnan. Through writing, oratory, and debate, Radhakrishnan has finally given credibility to the once-fringe belief in independence.

Thanks to his work, the belief in Yindraini self-determination, which was once seen as radical, has been gaining traction among the Yindraini people. Radhakrishnan hopes that by educating the people on the principles of self-rule, the Yindraini people can achieve independence from their colonial rulers.

However, not all independence advocates are as diplomatic or intellectual as Radhakrishnan...

---

It is Shakti [a divine force] that has gone forth and entered into the people. For a long time, I have been preparing this uprising, and now the time has come, and it is I who will lead it to its fulfillment. Freedom is my birthright, and I shall have it!

- Balraj Azad

Azad, a revolutionary patriot and radical political thinker, has also been advancing the cause of Yindraini independence. He, alongside Sajjan Singh (former veteran of the Aclusian colonal army and retired Aydinirian spy) have recently established the Yindraini Liberation Front (YLF), a militant group dedicated to achieving freedom for Yindrai.

So far, the YLF has not achieved many real victories. They have been focusing on quietly advancing their cause among the Yindraini people, especially workers & laborers, who are currently denied the right to organize into unions under the Aclusian colonial government.

An example of YLF worker propaganda:

However, the YLF is now issuing a formal international plea for aid.

Governments of the world,

The Yindraini Liberation Front is fighting to free our people from the oppressive rule of the Aclusian Empire.

In all likelihood, there was once a time when each of your peoples were in need, as we are now.
As such, considering the situation we are in, the YLF calls upon your help now in overthrowing our colonial masters and achieving independence for the people of Yindrai.

Any country who is committed to the ideals of freedom, liberty, and self-determination, we request your help. Troops, military equipment, ammunition, firearms, training, money--anything you can contribute will be a tremendous help to our cause.

If you wish to aid our efforts, or to propose a deal, please contact us through clandestine means, and we can discuss the specifics.

యింద్రాయ్ కి జై!
(Glory to Yindrai)