A Victory in the East (Alt History, IC Hard Reboot)

by **Catalaonia** » Sat Dec 03, 2022 3:22 pm

Long Live Japan

27th January, 2021 - Presidential Conference Room

Camera's flashed in the room, as the seconds ticked on by as the many media outlets waited for an announcement by the President's Press Secretary, a young, 20-something woman. As the large group of media outlets quietened down, the young woman entered, wearing a short, black skit and a plain white blouse, with a pair of 1-inch, jet black heels on. Coming to the podium, she cleared her throat as the volley of questions bolted her way, before ushering them to silence.

"Hello to all media outlets. After careful consideration, and discussion with the President, Foreign Minister and various committees, Japan has announced they will be withdrawing our embassy in China, citing their continued imperialist nature and anti-diplomatic policy, we must do what is needed for the safety of Japan. Adding onto our withdrawal of the embassy, we will be pulling 35% of all investment and Japanese assets from Japan in the next 2 weeks and will assess then. If things change, we will not hesitate to increase our investment withdrawal. Concerning more international affairs, the Japanese Government would like to announce a $1.5 Billion investment into the Russian Tech Industry, as our friendship grows closer and closer in these troubling times. Within this package, we will be investing into infrastructure for start-up companies, and after a discussion with our economic board, will be investing this money also into private Russian businesses. However, there are more pressing issues to deal with. As we see the European Union continue it's barrage against our Russian Friends, we will be cutting the proposal for a free-trade agreement. Japan must become more self-sufficient and cannot rely on our European partners, and that implies to Japanese money. We also announce our $2.5 Billion investment into European Tech Industry to be cut down to $500 Million, with the investment to go into urbanisation projects in the far-west and east of Japan. Japanese money must be spent on the Japanese. Thank you, and good night".

Questions resumed on and on, before the young secretary shut the door.

The Japanese Herald - 28th January

HEADLINE: Government to remain on the path of economic isolationism, as tech investments are pulled back

In another dramatic turn in the Administration's first month, the government's press secretary made a swift blow to Tech investments across the globe, as-well as stronger implications of Japan going further towards a more isolationist economic policy. In her short-ish speech, she started off by withdrawing Japan's embassy from China, which was fairly expected. As both nations go toe to toe on the waters, after both nations made naval deployments in SEA just a few days ago, it was heavily rumoured a more diplomatic move was to come, and it finally. An automatic 72-hour waiting period was given to all embassy workers in Bejing, as diplomacy between Japan and China become even more icy, and these announcements isn't going to make it hotter, that's for certain. She added on, announcing the government would be pulling 35% of all investment from China. Comparing this to Russia's reaction, it seems Japan is looking to play the longer game, with all tech investment, Japan's biggest investment asset, being taken out enterally. Although these won't have tremendous market shocks to either China or Japan, some bankers have suggested that this move will likely have negative effects for both nations, although Japan's rising inflation could inflict a market wound further.

However, the 29-year-old looked to get closer with our historically of Russia, announcing a $1.5 Billion investment into Russia's tech industry, specifically investment into infrastructure for start-up's as-well as general investment and up-keep for tech companies already in Russia. Market reaction was mostly positive, with 8/10 of Japan's biggest tech companies seeing an incline in their stocks. However, this was the only announcement of putting in investment. Earlier into the administration, it promised a free-trade agreement with the EU, but the press secretaries comments saw a U-turn and a half, when she announced the government would be cancelling negoations for a free-trade agreement, as-well as pulling out a $2.5 Billion tech investment down to $500 Million. With Japan being economically global, it is predicted to send shockwaves in tech companies across Europe and even the world. In her closing sentence, she commented that Japanese money must be invested not into foreign markets, but in domestic markets and to the people of Japan.

Japan has shifted paths. Whether this path will take us to glory once more in the 90's, or to war and horror similar to that of the second world war. However, one thing is for certain. Miyake's administration wants to make change, whether on a domestic scale or a global scale.

1st February, 2021 - Meeting between the President, General Siyake and Minister of Defence Toyto.

The three men looked through the reports. The announcements of a Chinese reply were not a surprise, as they read through the amount of ships and how close they were to the Japanese counterparts. It was tense. All 3 men were unsure of how to go around this. Deploy more ships, call for peace, or do neither and make demands. However, the President knew that Japan was not in the military position to make territorial or economic demands, but General Siyake also knew that the Japanese Navy, while big enough against the likes of smaller nations in SEA, was not capable of anything to China. Toyto, despite his experience and knowledge, fell flat at his belief of a Greater Japan, citing territorial expansion as a means necessary. In a modern world, that was out of the question.

"Deploy more?" Asked the President, unsure of whether it would work. Looking for some reassurance and alternative from Siyake or Toyto, he slid back on his chair, stuck.

"That wouldn't be a bad idea, however, would just escalate the situation even further. A further deployment of 5 more ships, maybe some older ones, wouldn't do much. Combine that with support from Russia wouldn't be so bad after all" Replied the General, as he continued to read through the reports of Chinese aggression.

"Why don't we approach Russia for diplomatic and economic support, increase deployments to 20 and revoke Article 12. This will allow an increase to our military budget, gain support and strong on our stances of Chinese Imperialisms". Said the President, hoping the other two supported this stance.

"Sure, sounds good" Replied the General, nodding to the plan.

"Let's do it" Spoke the Minister, shaking the hands of both men.

Message to: The Russian Government
From the: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Encryption: High

To our great Russian brothers and sisters,

Japan and Russia must be united in foreign polciy, and we wish to stick to that. With our current diplomatic conflict with China, we hope you are to support us. As you know, our deployment in the South-China sea has sparked icy relations between us and China, and we hope you would support us via deployment with us. United we fall, and united we rise.

Best Wishes,
President Miyake

Message to: The Yugoslav Government
From the: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Encryption: Medium

Hello, friends in Europe.

As our relations with the European Union become more icy, we offer investment and opportunity which they do not. I approach you with investment in the growing tech industry, with investment worth up to $750 Million. I hope you look on this offer, and I hope you accept.

Best Wishes,
President Miyake

by **Romaniche** » Sun Dec 04, 2022 2:13 am

Yugoslavia stands with Ukraine in its mission to uproot Russian Separatists in Donbas.

The Yugoslavian Government led by the Prime Minister, Vojislav Mihailovic sent an official condemnation of the Russian Aggressive Rhetoric and heating of tensions on the Russo-Ukrainian border. Ever since the 2014 Occupation of Crimea, we have thoroughly followed Russian Development, hopeful that it was an unfortunate and unique incident, but the continuation of military and financial support for the Donbas Separatists, and now the Russian forces put on high alert and the ever-increasing propaganda efforts in the motherland made it clear that Russia will not stop at covert operations and diplomatic threat to achieving its expansionist goals of potential recreation of its old sphere of influence and geopolitical power in the World. Yugoslavia is with the West and with Ukraine in its mission to preserve the Territorial Integration of Ukraine and uproot the Separatists from the Region. "We stand with the West, we stand with Ukraine!" also declared the Prime Minister in his speech.

"But what if Russia sends a more aggressive response, like declaring war? With both forces put on high alert and already on the border, this might be a possibility, a feeling that becomes much stronger as the days pass." said a journalist. The Prime Minister's answer was: "Should Russia pursue a more aggressive response, like you said, declaring war, this will not change Yugoslavia's goals and support for Ukraine. It will only strengthen the stance that had on this issue from 2014 onwards. But we pray to God that a diplomatic solution will be found and no military action between these two states will be triggered, despite some saying that war began since the occupation of Crimea and that it will only be a change of how this war will be conducted. I cannot further comment on this issue for now."

Another issue was brought up by the journalists on the continuation of military aid sent to Ukraine. The Prime Minister answered with: "Military Aid will continue to be sent to Ukraine. We know that they invested in their Military since 2014, but we shall send our share too, to aid our Slavic Brethren in their mission to recover the oblasts of Donetsk and Luhansk from the hands of these sponsored terrorists and occupiers. It may not be enough to fulfill this mission and might trigger a much more aggressive Russian response, but we will never allow another Crimea, and I am sure that neither Zelensky will. We hope that President Volodymir Zelensky will stand with his people and with Ukrainian Sovereignty. Yugoslavia will be with NATO and with the West!"

"We shall wait for further development of the current events and when the time is right, we will further discuss this. Thank you! Živeo Kralj! Živela Jugoslavija!"

Message to: Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
From the: Yugoslavian Government
Encryption: Medium

Greetings to the Land of the East.

Yugoslavia has received your message, and we will accept it. We are sure that the tech industry will be thankful for this investment. We hope that the recent events and new alignments will not break the Yugoslav-Japanese Partnership!

Best Wishes,
Prime Minister Mihailovic

by **Shohun** » Sun Dec 04, 2022 2:34 am

Kyiv Post

Foreign Minister Slams Russian Propaganda, Urges Calm:

Kyiv, February 4th - In a statement following two inflammatory speeches by Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and the Russian Empress earlier last week, Foreign Minister Kuleba criticized continued Russian "misinformation attacks." Slamming Russian PM Medvedev as a "warmonger," Kuleba expressed that continued Russian rhetoric and support of terrorists harmed regional stability and peace. Speaking to reporters, Kuleba warned, "The Russian Empire continues to push delusional claims and inflammatory rhetoric, only emboldening the terrorist regime in the Donbas. The Russian Empire is fostering an environment for hate, and subsequently pursuing false pretexts to invade Ukraine. The Russian Empire is waging an information war against the peaceful people of Ukraine, and I fear it may be the first step of the Empire's despicable plans for invasion. The world must unite and say no to Russia."

The Foreign Minister's remarks come just days after three Ukrainian soldiers where killed on the frontlines allegedly by terrorist artillery fire, marking some of the first Ukrainian military deaths in weeks. As calls grow from the public to respond forcefully, the Ministry of Defense has vowed to respond "at a time and place of our choosing." When asked by reporters if Russian comments were deterring a response, the spokesperson for the Defense Ministry said, "We are not afraid of Russia. The Russian government has made attempts to intimidate us from day one, but we will never give in. I will not speculate on a potential response to the terrorist attack, but I will say that we seek a peaceful resolution to the matter with the full withdrawal of all Russian artillery and weapons from the Donbas. We in Ukraine do not allow the Russians to dictate when or how we respond."

Despite this, the Foreign Minister has been hard at work downplaying the possibility of direct conflict with Russia, saying "The Ukrainian Government seeks a peaceful resolution to the Donbas Crisis, and remains open to unconditional peace talks with Russia conducted by an unbiased moderator. As previously assessed, the risk of direct conflict remains extremely low, given the lack of Russian preparation at this time and the non-hostility from our Ukrainian side."

President Zelenskyy called for support, telling reporters, "If the international community joins Ukraine in saying no to Russian imperialism and Russian aggression. we can end the downward conflict spiral right now. But if the West waits until Russia starts bombing and invading, then it will be too late. As we speak the Russian regime is crafting a narrative to give it justification to invade Ukraine. This must stop now, and it will only stop if the international community steps in."

President Zelenskyy Reviews Foreign-made Drones at Undisclosed Airbase:

Kyiv, February 5th - As tensions continue to rise between Russia and Ukraine, and as Kyiv doubles down on its demand that Russia remove its illegal artillery and weapons from the Donbas, President Zelenskyy has made a visit to an unidentified airbase in Ukraine. In a short video released by his office, the President reviews what appears to be two CAIG Wing Loong II drones, two Harbin BZK-005s, and two Tengden TB-001s. Included in the video was a short statement by the President, praising the capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Force and warning the Donbas separatists. "The Ukrainian Air Force today is stronger than it has ever been before. The enemies of peace in Ukrainian would be foolish to invoke a response from our powerful and advanced Air Force." Zelenskyy continued to warn, "I almost feel bad for the aggressors should I be given no choice but to deploy these powerful weapons of defense against the aggressor's illegal artillery and military depots."

While the Ministry of Defense did not respond to a request for comment, some experts are speculating that the drones have been recently delivered from China. One drone expert noted that the Ukrainian military may be able to quickly deploy the drones into active service, having operated similar systems such as the Turkish TB2 or domestic PD-2.

The move comes as the Ministry of Defense has begun to quietly beef up security in and around Kyiv amid fears of a Russian decapitation strike. After the widely reported Ukrainian deployment of 16 S-300 systems to Kyiv, unverified reports have suggested that the Ministry of Defense has redeployed the 87th Separate Airmobile Battalion of the 80th Air Assault Brigade from Lviv to Hostomel, Kyiv in an effort protect the local airbase against decapitation attack.

FM Kuleba Praises British Response, Urges Further Support:

Kyiv, February 5th - After British support following increased Russian aggression, FM Kuleba has released a statement thanking British Prime Minister Osborne for his "quick and courageous condemnation of Russian warmongering and aggression." Praising Britain for "leading the charge for peace in the region," Kuleba thanked PM Osborne for his promise to send aid including medicine, money, clothing, and food. Kuleba added in his statement the people of Ukraine were "very grateful for the support," noting that the aid would be used to help refugees displaced by the fighting in the Donbas.

Commenting on the British PM's support for Ukraine joining the European Union, President Zelenskyy expressed hope that Ukraine would be able to quickly join the bloc. "Ukrainian admission into the EU would go a long way towards preserving peace in the region. Despite the Russian Empire's rhetoric, Europe and the rest of the international community must stand strong against Russian aggression," the President said. President Zelenskyy thanked Osborne for his support during a regular address, saying that the PM would "Always be welcome to come to Kyiv to discuss the situation in the region."

The Ministry of Defense also took note of the British support and thanked them for standing with Ukraine, but again made a call for international arms to support Ukraine. "Ukraine faces daily attacks by Russian-backed terrorists, which kill Ukrainian soldiers and innocent civilians. Ukraine needs arms and other military support if we are to create deterrence with the aggressor. The West cannot turn its back on Ukraine now."

Kyiv, Ukraine
February 6, 2022

President Zelenskyy sat in his office alongside several of his most senior commanders, considering the next move after the recent separatist attack that had killed three Ukrainian soldiers on the frontlines.

General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces addressed the room. "We cannot afford to miscalculate. If we strike the separatists in any serious way, the Russian war hawks are bound to use that as justification for direct intervention in the conflict, which could turn into all out war. We need to balance the fine line of launching a retaliatory operation and restarting full blown conflict."

"We aren't considering the Russian perspective right now. I believe most do not want war as much as we do. But we want to change the status quo, and obviously that conflicts with their interests. I believe if we launch an extremely limited strike, with little real value but that inspires deterrence, then we are better off than we are now." said Defense Minister Reznikov. "Russia clearly believes that they can walk all over us. They have believed that ever since the creation of an independent Ukraine. The only thing that stops them from trying to roll on Kyiv is political restraints and our Western support. If we show to the Russians an their proxies that we are much more capable than before, they will have to reconsider and that might just create an effective deterrence."

Zelenskyy was nodding so Ivan Bakanov, the SBU Director presented his plans. "Our intelligence has located the artillery unit likely responsible for the strikes on our forces. Usually the unit moves around a bit, but we have been able to keep tabs on them using drones and ground reconnaissance. The battery is believed to consist of around two command vehicles, around six 2A65 Msta-B artillery pieces, and nine supporting trucks. It doesn't ever stray too far from the frontline, so we would not have to penetrate very far into hostile airspace to conduct a strike. With our newly purchased Chinese drones, which I believe have unique capabilities from the TB2, we can launch a short precision bombing attack on the unit during the night. As is common with these less disciplined forces, they do not sleep near their equipment, thus I believe we can conduct a strike with relatively limited casualties for their side, which hopefully will prevent serious retaliation. It would constitute a huge blow for the DPR's extremely limited artillery forces, but be small enough in the wider scope to avoid direct Russian interference."

Zelenskyy nodded in approval. "You have my authorization to begin necessary preparations. I am aware it will be a little bit before our forces are fully trained and comfortable operating with Chinese systems. Should the DPR and LPR not remove artillery from the region by February 26th, I will give the green light."

"Thank you sir. This operation could be a launching point for further operations to clear out the terrorists. As we saw the last time we used that TB2 drone to destroy an artillery piece, Russia did not react severely. If they act rationally again, we can use that to help gauge our next moves. Maybe we could even resume operations to clear the Donbas, but this time without Russian interference." Bakanov replied, looking pleased.

by **Antimersia** » Mon Dec 05, 2022 11:09 am

January 24th
Idaho Falls, State of Jefferson

“Commander, the declarations have been sent. This may sound premature, but should we commemorate the occasion somehow?” asked Leonard Milhouse, the chosen chief of staff for Ammon Bundy’s new military administration of the State of Jefferson. Leonard is a former soldier, who left the military to become a member of Internal Affairs for the Idaho State Police. He is one of the good ones. Someone who was trying to root out corruption from the inside before things went too far. He was Ammon’s first and only choice for the position.

“No, that’s not my job. I’m here to win the war that’s coming. We gotta leave things like making holidays to the government we leave behind when we’re done.” Ammon replies. The Commander tilts his brimmed hat and looks down at the map of he new nation. He had one made specifically to show the borders of Jefferson. In the west, the Rocky Mountains provide significant protection from almost any invasion force. Especially after they destroy western access points to highway 93 from highway 70. He of course knows they can’t be left unguarded, but the focus of his defensive positioning needs to be focused on the east. The Dakotas and Wyoming are largely made up of flatland plains. Maintaining an efficient defense is going to take the building of barriers, erecting fortifications as quickly as possible, and operating a mobile defense force to quickly move to any point of invasion. Fort Sanders and Fort Phil Kearney in Wyoming will be garrisoned and brought back up to their full potential. But the lack of fortification in the Dakotas will make defense of that land difficult. “Have the supply requisitions come in from the Dakota National Guards yet?” Ammon asks, hoping to have some level of defense built before the United States and their loyalist states can even begin to mobilize against the State of Jefferson.

“They have Commander. Local stone suppliers, as well as several construction companies have volunteered their supply and labor to help build new forts in the Dakotas. But the bad news is that this construction is slated to take many weeks of work to fully complete. I am concerned that they will not be completed in time before a strike against us occurs.” Leonard explains.

“The hope is that they won’t be able to coordinate a strike with every other state in the Kansas Declaration refusing to cooperate with them. If nothing else that fact should buy us the time to be ready to put up a fight.” Ammon replies. “I fought the government once and won. Untrained Afghans fended off invasions from both of the world’s greatest powers in the past century. And we have a force of trained soldiers. We have history on our side in this one. Give the companies that are donating their supply and their time my thanks. And inform them that one of my final acts as Commander will be rewarding them handsomely. Then tell them to get to work and work as fast as they are able.”

“Yes sir, right away.” Leonard salutes his Commander before leaving to carry out his order. Setting forth the path towards building three new forts. One on the southern border of South Dakota, as well as one on its eastern border. And the third being on the eastern border of North Dakota. Set to begin construction almost immediately. They will take time, time all the people of Jefferson pray that they have.

With his plans in motion, Ammon sets forth on his second venture. The defense of this nation cannot be maintained against the superior force of the United States without allies of some sort. Ammon seeks out alliances and aid from several nations that might be sympathetic to their cause, or at least might not be fans of the United States.

Diplomatic Message to: The Russian Empire

To Her Grace, Tsarina Anastasia I Romanov
And President Vladimir Putin,

I am writing you today to proclaim the secession of the five states of Idaho, Montant, Wyoming, North Dakota, and South Dakota, hence forth to be known as the Righteous State of Jefferson. I have assumed the temporary title of Commander of this new nation, until such time that my nation’s sovereignty can be reasonably assured. As such, I humbly ask your support, should the illegitimate federal government of the United States seek to deny us our right to self governance.

With regards,

Ammon Bundy
Commander of the Righteous State of Jefferson

Diplomatic Message to: Canada

To Prime Minister Trudeau,

I, Ammon Bundy, with the express consent and democratic support of the people of the states of Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota, have formally seceded from the Union of the United States of America. Considering we shall now share a border, I felt it pertinent that you be formally informed. I pray, as well, that you honor your words and uphold the spirit of democracy by supporting our right to self governance, should the United States attempt to strip that right from us.

With regards,

Ammon Bundy
Commander of the Righteous State of Jefferson

Diplomatic Message to: The Republic of France

To President Emmanuel Macron,

The revolutionary spirit that has made the nation of France, and the United States such close allies, lives on to this day. I write to you to inform you that a new revolution has begun in America. The states of Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota, have all jointly seceded from the Union of America. We have formed the Righteous State of Jefferson. I write to you today asking for your support. The illegitimate administration currently running the United States Federal Government will surely refuse to accept our right of self governance. As such, I humbly ask you to support this democratic right that we are invoking, should the United States take violent action against us.

With regards,

Ammon Bundy
Commander of the Righteous State of Jefferson

Diplomatic Message to: The Imperial Confederation of India

To Empress Amara Bhonsle I,

I write you today to inform you that the states of Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota, have all jointly seceded from the Union of America. These are tumultuous times in this continent, and under such times the people of this fine state found it fit to reject the rule of a federal government we found to be illegitimate. No doubt that this false administration will try and levy force against us and reject our right to secede and self govern. As such I humbly ask your support for our independence, should a time of war come.

With regards,

Ammon Bundy
Commander of the Righteous State of Jefferson

by **Sao Nova Europa** » Mon Dec 05, 2022 1:02 pm

New Zion Daily

Prime Minister calls for New Zion to join the European Union

Prime Minister Yair Lapid has called for negotiations for the Republic of New Zion to join the European Union. "At a time of multiple crises and a resurgence of nationalism, authoritarianism, and imperialism, we cannot stand alone," he said in a press conference. "New Zion should join the European Union. Only as part of a united liberal Europe can we face the challenges of tomorrow: automation, climate change, the fourth industrial revolution, and structural inequalities."

Membership in the European Union has been a controversial issue in New Zion politics. Proponents argue that membership in the EU will bring economic benefits and greater security, but opponents have argued that it would undermine New Zion's sovereignty, allow for unrestricted immigration, and impose a number of regulations that will stifle the economy. Polls show that 53% of Zionists support joining the EU and 47% are against it.

This is not the first time New Zion has attempted to join the European Union, and negotiations are expected to be long. Even if an agreement is reached, it will have to be ratified in a public referendum.

Government moves to the left with new spending bill

Finance Minister Nikos Romanos presented a bill to the Knesset (New Zion's Parliament) that fulfills the Prime Minister's announcement of increased spending in education and healthcare. Mr. Romanos, an Orthodox Christian Greek, belongs to the minority-interests Macedonian Party and is seen as a rising star in the government, managing to have broad appeal not only in the Orthodox Christian minority but also among many left-wing Jews. The proposed bill includes a series of measures that confirm the leftward drift of the government:

- 1000 new nurses and 400 new doctors for the NHS
- 700 new teachers for primary and secondary education
- 300 school psychologists to ensure the mental welfare of children
- a free laptop for all junior high school students
- a 5% raise in the salaries of school teachers
- an 8% raise in the salaries of doctors in the NHS
- $500mln for the purchase of new medical equipment for the NHS

"It is time we put the interests of the people before the interests of corporations and the 1%," the Finance Minister stated in parliament as he presented the bill. "Our government will rectify the social injustices of the past and promote inclusive economic growth. Our economic model is not neoliberalism, but social democracy."

The governing left-of-center coalition has a slim majority of 57 seats, with the right-of-center parties having 55 seats. This means that the passage of the bill is not guaranteed. Liberal MPs in Prime Minister Yair Lapid's There Is a Future party have worries that the bill may be too left-wing. The Prime Minister is having private meetings individually with each one of those MPs, in hopes of persuading them to support the bill. There is still a week of debate before the Knesset votes on the bill, so there is plenty of time for things to change.

Netanyahu blasts government for EU, socialism

Former Prime Minister and leader of the center-right National Liberal Movement Benjamin Netanyahu has blasted the government, both for the Prime Minister's announcement of negotiations to join the EU and for the financial bill presented to the parliament. "New Zion should not join the European Union," Netanyahu stated in an interview on Channel 7. "Joining the EU would mean accepting unrestricted immigration from countries that still have rampant problems with antisemitism. It would also mean that we would subject ourselves to a number of rules and regulations that will stifle economic growth. We need fewer regulations, less red tape, and less bureaucracy; not more."

Mr. Netanyahu also attacked the government's proposed bill. "This bill is a move towards socialism. The burden of increased spending will inevitably force the government to either hike taxes or borrow money, both of which will risk our prospects for growth. We need to kickstart our economy, attract private investments, and create new, well-paying jobs. To accomplish this we need to slash taxes, get rid of needless regulations, and unleash the productive energies of our entrepreneurs." The former Prime Minister also warned that reckless spending will lead to inflation and weaken the value of the New Shekel.

A representative from the government accused the former Prime Minister of scaremongering. "Netanyahu is scaremongering. Hoping that the Zionist people will forget his corruption scandals and legal troubles, he makes wild accusations. The reality is that this bill will strengthen our social welfare system, promote social mobility, and strengthen economic growth while New Zion's membership in the European Union will grow our GDP by 10% in less than three years according to studies by prominent economists. New Zion has moved past Netanyahu and his ultraright political agenda."

Venamin Fleischmann - spokesperson for Mr. Netanyahu's party - responded to this attack. "The government resorts to mudslinging. The legal problems they are referring to were nothing more than the attacks of a politicized, left-wing judiciary and a political hit job. We vehemently reject those accusations. We also question the supposed studies cited by the government. If anything, joining the European Union will lead to less growth, not more. This government is lying, lying, and lying!"

by **Sao Nova Europa** » Mon Dec 05, 2022 1:27 pm

From: Ministry of Defense of New Zion
To: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine

Greetings,

We understand you have expressed interest in the purchase of the Iron Dome system. The Government of New Zion is open to working with the Ukrainian government, especially in light of Russia's aggressive rhetoric. Each battery in the Iron Dome costs $150 million, and an interceptor missile costs $50,000.

We would be interested to hear back from you regarding this offer.

Best of wishes.

From: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of New Zion
To: High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

Greetings,

The Republic of New Zion has long enjoyed a close working relationship with the European Union and has been a candidate country. We wish to begin negotiations for speeding up the process of formally joining the European Union. A united Europe is in the interests of both the European Union and New Zion.

Best of wishes.

by **Global Agenda** » Tue Dec 06, 2022 9:22 pm

GNN

Global News Network

The Money Makers Column

Shanghai Stock Exchange drops 1.500 points across SSE indices...

Central Bank of Kunlun reports $150 Billion losses across financial sectors in first days following Russian and Japanese statements and Nanjings response...

United States NASDAQ and DOW Industrial Averages in free fall with latter dropping 2.000 points per day over the course of six days. Citing the biggest loss of wealth in the country since the 2008 market crash...

European Parliament wary regarding rhetoric between Russia and Ukraine. However, MEPs assure that Europe could weather harsher economic conditions in the short term with some MPs from the United Kingdom and France calling for sanctions on Russia should the Tsarina's armies cross the border...

The United Kingdom Housing Market reports an underperforming quarter for the fifth quarter in a row..

French costs of living possibly heading for more violent riots in the near future as the average monthly rent in Paris rises to an all-time of nearly 3.500 Euro with no furnishings...

European Stocks down but futures stable as unease over Russo-Ukrainian relations erupt this month...

Is the Tiger ready to grapple with the Bear? And how Asia's Elephant stands ready to profit...
by Hu Hian-Li,
GNN Asia Contributor and Chief Economic Analyst

China is the largest Asian economy by a significant margin and has, despite uneasy if not disapproving relations with Moscow existing for decades, managed to still trade on favourable terms with its Russian neighbours. Now, Nanjing has taken a hard stance against Moscow over the frozen Donbas Conflict in general. Resulting in a shift of programme from the Russian Government which will spell disaster for the Chinese economy. Already, with Russian fuel companies preparing to not only shut off the taps but remove the physical infrastructure, which is still owned as private property by these companies, would effectively render Chinese supplies to at least a 74% deficit. Combined with the loss of an estimated 35 million tonnes of Russian coal would lead a single digit deficit which would demand dipping into reserves until new sources could be expanded upon.

Coal, however, is not of major concern for Nanjing with a domestic production accounting for over three billion tonnes, yet, the loss of oil and gas supplies would cripple industrial transportation, factory outputs, and all fuel dependent sectors of the Chinese economy.

What of Chinese reserves you might ask? Chinese reserves will buy the nation approximately thirteen months unless significant consumption is curtailed via rationing.

The Elephant in the room for all of this is how a Tiger's wound empowers India with the nation standing to gain from its Northern neighbours possible economic woes.

Japanese Monetary Policy? Calculated or Foolish? GNN is tracking Japanese interest rates and debts closely...

by Mita Katsurugi
Economic Correspondence, Tokyo Region

Tokyo, Japan, and other urbanised regions of Japan have long faced an ailing housing market and a periodically sluggish construction sector. This comparatively aggressive move by the current administration seems to report a strong start but also immediate concern for the formation of an unsustainable bubble. One which may burst and put the country's residential property market into a strong and abrupt nose-dive. GNN correspondents in Tokyo and contacts at the Central Bank of Japan are monitoring the housing market very closely.

GNN Economic Tracker is compiling data for expectations on Japanese inflation and property sales for first quarter reports...SUBSCRIBE TO EVENINGSTAR REAL ESTATE GAZETTE

New Zion's Ambitious Spending

Op Ed by Yev Bergstein

While there are worries over the debt and possibly spiraling of spending to outpace government revenues the immediate move seems to be popular among the youth and middle classes of New Zion. Opposite, are pundits from The Consolidation/National Liberal Movement Party who to the surprise of all in the Knesset took a scathing response to such a sudden uptick in government spending. Calling such a policy as 'monetary overreach' on behalf of the Lapid Administration. But, beyond the bantering of words the Opposition did not stage any more of a dramatic showing as of yet.

GNN Economic Tracker reports an uptick in New Zion inflation of 0.06% above expectation for January...

The Political Commentator's Section

Czechoslovak Court Case leads to significant political upset and shake up of government, protests in Prague and Bratislava reported...

Polish Domestic Policy wins many hearts at home, but an icy stare from Brussels...

Bundestag divided over Ukraine with Opposition increasingly mounted by domestic oriented politicians, however many of the dissenting politicians laud administration attempts to revitalize the Bundeswehr...

Bulgarian and Greek leadership announce that they will block New Zion's EU bid, and what this could mean for the Lapid administration and for sharp tongued Netanyahu's supporters?

Europe divided over Donbas

While Yugoslavia, Germany, New Zion, and other nations seem to uniformly support the Zelensky administration over the situation in Donbas. Ranging from verbal support tinted in conciliatory wording to outright affirmations of intent to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces with weaponry. But not all are unified behind the Ukrainian trident. Spain, Italy, Bulgaria, and Norway have worded caution and restrain in such escalatory statements.

An American Debacle

Reports from the United States show a breakaway movement led by Ammon Bundy has managed to push through in the legislatures of North Dakota, South Dakota, Idaho, and Wyoming. The Federal response as per White House spokesperson Harriet Winslow was brief, that President Bernadotte Bydan would take swift action and that secessionists in the wake of the Kansas Declaration, an illegal activity, are nothing more than terrorists.

The White House went on to say, “Elements of the United States Army, Air Force, and Special Forces command are preparing to re-secure access to Strategic military bases cut off by the above State’s actions.” But did not give time for a when and where this would occur exactly.

Meanwhile, reports out of Texas show that up to forty thousand Federal troops and police are converging on Texas in the wake of that States calls for renunciation of Union and to possibly quell a rampant uptick in violence on the Southern Border.

42 dead in a violent week in counties along the Sonora and Sinaloa borders of the United States and Mexico…

by **Catalaonia** » Wed Dec 07, 2022 3:06 am

Balancing the Books

February 3rd, 2021 - Ministry of Treasury

It was mid-day, as the final touches were placed on the up-and-coming February Budget, in which was promised by Miyake himself. After various announcements of budget cuts, targeting domestic investments, social security and transport, the day was to come. Ministers within the Treasury Room, where the discussions of what to do happened in there. As civil servants raced round the clock to deliver messages and continue with the day-to-day tasks. Within the cold room, the Minister of Labour, Minister of Treasury Spending, Minister of Economic Policy and Minister of Transport and Urbanization were discussing what implications would come from the big budget.

"Well, $7 Billion is more than we thought, Yaki" said the Labour Minister, questioning why the cuts were bigger than previously proposed. "$500 million cut to domestic investment, cuts to the Western Rail, cancellation of the Northern Railroad. Surely, we need a bit of moderation?" Asked the labor minister, unsure of why the cuts were so big.

"I agree.75 billion in spending cuts will damage our public services and limit the scope of investment. At this time of global uncertainty, we need strong investment and moderate and responsible budgets, not a 5-billion dollar worth load of cuts. Surely there are some positives, Yaki?". Asked the Minister of Transport, adding on, "I think we should at least keep our expansion to railways in the north".

Taking a deep breath, he started, "I understand your concerns. These spending cuts are necessary for growth. The cuts to social security are unornate, but much needed. Our cancellations of domestic investment and railway expansions are much needed. Our money needs to be invested, yes, but invested wisely, not in a useless expansion of railways. Our cuts to how many railways have is not what I would like to do, but what we need to do. These cuts, while may seem ruthless, are needed for the economic situation we face ourselves in. And the cut to domestic investment is what will cut our national debt. You know the figures, 270% National Debt. These spending cuts may harm us in the short term, but projections put us to see a decrease of national debt to 264% by the end of 2023, and to 250% by the end of 2025. To the medium and long-term, combining this with tax cuts, will enhance growth in our nation once more. Any more questions, ministers?" Said Yaki, a grin coming to his face. The others looked blankly.

A civil servant busted through the door at speed, asking, "Sir, we're ready". Yaki quickly stood up and handed the lowly civil servant the copy of the February Budget.

3rd Febauaury, 2021

The February National Diet Budget

Here are listed the changes to the Japanese National Budget in spending:
(To go into effect by March 31st, 2021)
- Reduction to North Japanese Investment from $2.3 Billion to $1.7 Billion.
- Reduction to Tokyo Investment from $6 Billion to 5.7 Billion.
- Reduction to Child Benefit Payments from $1,250 per month to $1000 per month.
- Reduction in Unemployment Payments from $800 per month to $750 per month.
- Reduction in Energy Subsidy Payments from 70% to 50%.
- Reduction in Car Investment Payments from 20% to 10%.
- Cut in Railway Ticket Subsidy from 50% to 30%.
- Cancellation of the Northern Railway Expansion.
- Cut in Western Railway Expansion by 50%.

Here are the listed changes to Japanese Tax Laws and Regulations (TLR):
(To go into effect by March 31st, 2021)
- Reduction in additional rate of tax ($125,000 +) from 50% to 45%.
- Reduction in Fuel Duty by 5%.
- Reduction in Tier 3 rate of tax ($50,000 - $75,000) from 37% to 32%.
- Reduction in VAT from 25% to 20%.
- Reduction in Corporation Tax from 20% to 17%.
- Reduction in Tier 2 rate of tax ($20,000 - $49,999) from 25% to 20%.
- Reduction in Business Tax from 20% to 15%.

Signed by: Minister of Treasury

by **Sao Nova Europa** » Wed Dec 07, 2022 6:49 pm

New Zion Daily

Prime Minister disappointed with Greece, Bulgaria

Prime Minister Yair Lapid expressed his deep disappointment with Greece and Bulgaria, who have announced their willingness to block New Zion's bid to become an EU member state. "I would have thought that by now we would have gotten past petty ultranationalism," the Prime Minister said in a press conference. "In an era that demands international cooperation to deal with climate change, the fourth industrial revolution, and social and economic inequalities, some leaders prefer instead to rehash past rivalries. I make an open call to the political leaders of both Greece and Bulgaria to reconsider their position. In the Balkans, we need bridges, not walls. We need friendship, not enmity. We need to move forward and address together the problems of the 21st century."

Venamin Fleischmann - spokesperson for the center-right National Liberal Movement - attacked the Prime Minister. "It's not a dignified picture to see a Prime Minister of New Zion begging Bulgaria and Greece. It legitimizes the imperialistic grievances of those anti-semitic countries, and we've seen that in the past such grievances have led to war. That speech aside, the whole situation confirms what we've been saying: that attempting to join the EU is a mistake. Many EU member states are anti-semitic. Who could guarantee that if New Zion joined the EU Bulgaria and Greece would not abuse the freedom of movement to colonize our lands with thousands upon thousands of Greeks or Bulgarians, and in the future use them as an excuse to annex parts of our country? The Prime Minister is endangering our national security!"

Government sources have responded by condemning Mr. Fleischmann's statement as "alarmism bordering to paranoia and conspiracy theories". They also stated that "the Prime Minister did not beg Bulgaria or Greece; he instead showed leadership by offering an olive branch instead of rehashing old conflicts for political gains."

Polls suggest that 41% agree with the Prime Minister's response, 43% disagree and 16% are either neutral or unsure. Some on the right have been calling for a more forceful economic response against Greece and Bulgaria, though critics on the left are quick to point out that it is hypocritical for right-wingers to be mad at Greece and Bulgaria for blocking New Zion's EU bid when they themselves vehemently oppose EU membership.

Op-Ed: Comeback for Netanyahu? Not so fast!

- Shimshon Goldsmid

Former Prime Minister and leader of the center-right National Liberal Movement Benjamin Netanyahu is making a dynamic comeback. Only a year after being forced out of office due to a slew of corruption scandals - and despite being indicted on charges of fraud and bribery - the longtime politician is rallying the right behind him and is matching the current Prime Minister in terms of personal political popularity. This time around, Mr. Netanyahu has embraced a far more radical and combative conservatism. Recently he decried the government for 'socialism' and presented a platform of 'popular capitalism': less taxes, less regulations, less spending. On social issues, even though he personally claims to support LGBT rights, politicians belonging to his party and other right-of-center parties - with whom he has pledged to rule with if he wins the next elections - have attacked same-sex marriage. He has expressed his vehement opposition to New Zion joining the EU and has been embracing Euroskeptic arguments of the European far-right.

Is New Zion about to make a hard turn to the right? I would argue no. While this kind of combative conservative appeals to right-of-center voters, it drives away liberal centrists. Mr. Netanyahu has attempted to win these kinds of voters - or at least persuade them to abstain - by scaremongering about socialism and trying to present the current left-of-center government as being extremist. But polls show this approach is failing. The recent spending bill - which passed despite the grumbling of some centrist MPs - is widely popular among the public, but especially among the youth and middle-class voters. Polls also show that a majority of the public rejects the label of 'socialism' with regard to the current government. If anything, the spending bill has made the left-of-center parties more popular, not less.

Yet, it would be a mistake to completely dismiss Mr. Netanyahu. If anything else, he is a political survivor and still popular with a large segment of the public. The recent debacle of the government with regard to the EU is also a source of concern. Prime Minister Yair Lapid hoped that such a dramatic move - which enjoys popular support - would solidify his reputation as a reformist statesman and boost his polling numbers. Instead, the behavior of Greece and Bulgaria has legitimized the concerns of Euroskeptics who argue that the EU still suffers from anti-semitism, while the Prime Minister is accused of being too hasty in declaring New Zion's membership bid and not doing enough diplomatic preparation beforehand.

If anything, the next few weeks will be interesting to watch.

by **Imperialisium** » Wed Dec 07, 2022 6:55 pm

January 25th, 2022, Brno Summit

The Brno Summit was officially underway with the arrival of the Polish representative, Foreign Minister Waszczykowski, and Russian Foreign Minister's direct Polish counterpart. The Russian Foreign Minister of course would let the hot, the Czechoslovaks, set the course of the Summit and made sure he was ready to answer any questions when called upon. Most of which would be in his files such as Russian assurances that Oil and Gas exports would still flow through the Baltic and Polish pipelines. That Russia has not halted flows to Ukraine and will not cease such a transit unless Kiev escalates further. Along with many more such information. But the actual agenda of Lavrov was much more proactive.

Namely, the outlining of the following on behalf of the Kremlin,

1. Assurance of Oil and Gas outflows to Europe through existing pipelines and in the event of an escalation with Ukraine, outflows through Baltic and Polish transit lines

2. The Russian borders with Poland and the Baltics would remain under normal operating conditions with the passport and visa holding citizens of nations West of Russia respected.

3. Russian business assets and investment efforts in Europe were to be respected and not violated by the Polish and Czechoslovak governments. Vice versa for Polish and Czechoslovak enterprises and private persons.

4. Russia would seek assurances that in the event of a Kiev escalation that Poland and Czechoslovakia refrain from arming the Ukrainians and allowing their territory host Ukrainian troops or transit military equipment destined for Ukraine.

January 27th, 2022
Lubyanka Building, Meshchansky District, Moscow

The message had been routed directly to the Imperial Committee for State Security (ICSS), or more properly Imperatorskiy komitet gosudarstvennoy bezopasnosti (IKGB) or often rendered shorthand as 'The KGB' by Western sources. A missive from what appeared to be an American breakaway state led by some cattle rancher, a militant rancher, which at brief research by analysts yielded information regarding two stand offs from 2014 and 2016. Once it had been analyzed and collated with their own copy retained by the IKGB it would be sent higher up to the Imperial Security Bureau (ISB), Имперское бюро безопасности/Imperskoye byuro bezopasnosti, which in turn answered only to the Tsarina herself. An institution of the monarchy that had retained its power of only swearing loyalty to the crown and throne. As such none within the Empire were above suspicion or repudiation by the officers based out of Lubyanka.

By the time it arrived at the President's office, who was privy unless the Empress willed it not to be, it had already changed multiple hands with several copies made. The President of the Russian Empire, however, looked at the dispatch and the attached report of its authenticity with a furrowed brow. The Americans would likely seek to rapidly squash such a breakaway state to retain their Union, and with no easy access to support, or even whether Russia wanted to weather such an international reaction as supplying secessionist Americans within the United States, posed an issue.

"Copies sent to the Empress in Saint Petersburg?" asked the President. Which the uniformed officer before him nodded in the affirmation, "Yes, Mister President."

"We will sit on this. Put our ears to the floor on it." Ears on the floor was a western expression and code for passive, unlike what it seemingly entailed, intelligence gathering by Russian agents in the field. The officer saluted and left immediately.

February 5th-7th
Kremlin

The Russian Armed Forces had not been idle with the back and forth sparring between Moscow and Kiev. Moscow was, but February 3rd, more or less certain that Zelensky was itching to start a fight, and as a result certain preparations would need to plan and begun no later than February 9th. As such in the bowels of the Kremlin, in the wake of Zelensky's threat to the Separatists, dozens of officers of all branches of the Russian Armed Forces were gathered along with officials from intelligence communities and national police organs.

The Russian President and Prime Minister were both present as Sergei Shoigu, Valery Geramisov, and other uniformed high-ranking Generals went over a plan called Операция Южный щит/Operatsiya Yuzhnyy shchit
or 'Operation Southern Shield'. As part of a Special Military Operation to resolve the Donbas Conflict in the wake of Ukrainian aggression, and also a backhand strike against the genocide perpetrated by the Kiev Regime against the ethnic Russian people of the Donbas and many other areas of Ukraine for the past eight years. However, restraint was also needed in regard to the international community and while the Empress personally wanted a much stronger response that would crush Ukraine in a matter of days, it had been scaled back immensely with consideration to foreign powers. Alongside considerations of infrastructure and to ease the suffering of the population in areas West of Donbas.

Nevertheless, the operation itself called for the issuance of passports in an expedited manner to residents in Donetsk and Lugansk Oblasts. A build-up of material and manpower concentrations from Crimea to Rostov thence to Voronezh and West to the Belarusian territories. Preparations would be expected to take two to three weeks. A force totaling some 175,000 personnel of the Imperial Russian Ground Forces would take part in a multi-pronged land offensive aiming to severely weaken Ukrainian responses via multiple axis of pressure.

The heaviest effort would be made from the DPR and LPR territories and from Crimea itself. With the goals of the troops there to liberate the territories of the DPR and LPR and also secure territories south of the Dnieper Bend including the vital crossing point of Kherson. The securing of Kherson, Melitopol, Energodar and its nuclear facility, if possible, Zaporozhe, Berdyansk, and Mariupol. Closing off Ukrainian access from the Sea of Azov and allowing control of the Dnieper bridges along its wider concourse.

Secondary efforts would be made in the direction of Kharkhov and Chernigov with a tertiary strike West of the Dnieper to the North-West of Kiev. However, and not counted in the 175,000 slated personnel, would be approximately 30,000 personnel and attendant equipment of the Rosgvardiya and Imperial Russian Border Police including SOBR and OMON detachments to guard the Belarusian frontier. Naval assets were to include a mobilization of the Black Sea Fleet of the Imperial Russian Navy including the Azov Flotilla which would ferry Imperial Marines from the 810th and 818th Marine Battalions.

The Imperial Russian Aerospace Forces would also begin amassing planes at airbases in Belarus and strategic assets at Engels-2 with a completion time for mustering the planes no later than February 12th. More minutiae planning would be formulated in the following week as per information from Russian Satellites. Which, knowing the Ukrainians did not have any, would allow them a hopeful allocation of proper force without full notice from Kiev. Overall command of the theatre would be handed off to a General Belisarion.

Then there was of course the missile campaign. Russian military satellites would be tracking and collecting lists of targets for Imperial Strategic Rocket Forces (ISRF) to launch cruise and ballistic missile strikes (non-nuclear) at in the opening hours of the Special Military Operation.

General Konstantin Ilyanovich Belisarion

February 8th
Rostov-na-Donu

General Belisarion watched from a distance as train loads of military equipment ranging from tanks to munitions were brought in day and night from depots across the Southern and Caucasus Military Districts. He did not want war, but he was a military man. He had oaths of loyalty and a motherland he loved to defend. His father had been a military man, his grandfather and grandmother before having fought in the Great Patriotic War against godless Nazism. History now seemed to be repeating itself. Banderites in Ukraine preaching their Hitlerian nonsense. Western alliance's constantly seeking to upend his Motherland from her roots and destroy her. Western Fascism did not die in 1945 it seemed, and that was a sobering thought.

Turning on his heels he moved away from the window and to his office in an administration building he had requisitioned. He had a campaign, which he hoped would never come, to plan the minutiae on.

Tsarina Statement on Alcohol

Russia was a nation of strong history with alcohol, especially vodka, her family even had ownership of state enterprises which distilled the substance. But that did not mean she surrendered her morality for the sake of profit. As such she ordered an increase, per decree, the increase of the budget pertaining to social services of recovering drug abusers by 15%. An additional sum of nine million rubles. Primarily to pioneer the establishment of a series of medical services run clinics and stations in the Saint Petersburg Region. An innovative idea to move such offenses away from the police and encourage better drinking practices. If it succeded, then such a system would be mimicked in major cities and then out into rural regions, with a substantial increase of funding in a new sub-budget of the overall National Medical Services Fund.

by **Union Princes** » Wed Dec 07, 2022 8:37 pm

February 8th

...And we have returned to London next as Prime Minister Osborne has released another public address directed at the issues centered at the European Union. With recent events in Eastern Europe and the Balkans, he stated that he wished for the grand meeting at the EU parliament and conference with the Dominions must be rescheduled at an earlier time. Prime Minister Osborne argued for March 1st and March 5th to be the new dates on which the European Union will address the Donbass Crisis and the potential membership of New Zion and Ukraine whereas representatives of Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand will meet with the British Prime Minister in London, respectively. He believed that with the rising tensions in Europe and in East Asia, it is critical for planning and action to be considered as quickly as possible.

In addition, the Prime Minister praised the solidarity with Yugoslav Prime Minister, Vojislav Mihailovic, in condemning Russia's actions in supplying and funding Russian separatists in the region. Currently, Parliament is arranging for the British Package Plan to be delivered to Ukraine. A $150 million pound foreign aid and 25 tons of clothing, medicine, and pillows were proposed to be the first of many shipments to Kiev. However, the Opposition, led by Social Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer, seemed to make plans to stonewall the plan, citing that domestic issues of the Home Islands that need to be addressed first. They demanded that the Conservatives resolve the various social crisis in the UK first before attempting another foreign adventure...

Clip of Osborne plays
"...I fully understand what my fellow colleagues are indicating should be the next course of policy making but please do not be alarmed, I am, 100%, completely aware of the ins-and-outs of our nation. I am not ignoring or neglecting the good people of Great Britain and Ireland but do understand, the UK has a duty as a member of NATO and the EU to assist and, if need be, defend our allies and neighbors in Europe. Even if they don't share a border with us. I say this now, I WILL NOT YIELD to the challenges faced before me!"

Clip ends

Six Hours Later...

BREAKING NEWS
UK Prime Minister George Osborne Delivers Resignation Speech

"Good Afternoon. Good Afternoon. Thank you all. It has finally come to my attention that it is the will of the Parliament's Conservative Coalition that there should be a new leader of that Coalition, therefore a new Prime Minister. I agree with fellow party leaders of the Democratic Conservative Party, Iain Smith, and Social Conservative Party, John Oliver, that the process of choosing a new leader begins now and the timetable will be announced next week. Today, I have appointed a cabinet to serve in my absence in the meantime until the new leader has been in place. To the millions of good citizens, whether from the Home Islands to the venerable city of Singapore, those who voted for us in 2019, and many who voted Conservative for the first time, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. An incredible mandate has been placed in our hands, to preserve the Empire and protect the citizens that live within it.

Despite my departure, the foreign policies will remain in place as well as the planned international conference with the EU and the Dominions until the new leader has given a new agenda. Though it is unfortunate that I would no longer oversee the foreign aid package to be delivered to Ukraine, I am fully confident that they will get the material and money they need to defend themselves from future aggression. The European Union is a strong alliance, a pact of sworn friends and allies, to protect this continent and to ensure peace among nations. I hope that level of peace and security could be shared with more of our neighbors...

Michael Heseltine, if picked by the Coalition, would the newest and oldest Prime Minister in the UK

The Face of British Resurgence?

by **The National Dominion of Hungary** » Fri Dec 09, 2022 8:51 am

Krolestwo Polskie

The Tripartiate Brno Summit

Waszczykowski listened to Lavrov as the Russian Foreign Minister laid out the Kremlin's case, most of which he was sure Duda and the rest of the Polish leadership in Warsaw would take little exception to. He did however need to urge de-escalation and so he did. Claiming it is not to late to hammer out a lasting treaty and end this frozen conflict between Russia and Ukraine bloodlessly. That is if both sides were truly willing to find peace and back down from their hardline demands on the other. Waszczykowski hoped and shared the hope that with international mediation, the Donbass War could be solved, as could the situation in Crimea in a manner that ensured peace in Europe as events across the Atlantics seemed to spiral out of control, claiming that it such times, the last thing the Old Continent needs is a war.

However, after he had finished his little speech, Waszczykowski reiterated Poland's commitment to neutrality. Stating clearly and unambiguously that Poland had no plans to drastically alter or suspend any of it's current trade agreements and dealings, be they with Russia, Ukraine or the European Union for that matter. This would of course mean that Poland had no intention to stop the flow of Russian Hydrocarbons running through the pipelines on Polish soil. Nor did it have any plans in the making to close it's border to Russian citizens or Russian goods in the event of war. Unless some type of unforeseen incident were to occur, the Russo-Polish border would operate as usual. When it came to what Lavrov was most keen on, Waszczykowski believed, namely the supply of weapons to Ukraine in the event of war or untenable escalation, Waszczykowski once more reiterated Polish neutrality. As a neutral nation, the Kingdom of Poland has no intent on funneling arms into an active warzone or play host to the military units of any third-party. Either it's own weapons or the weapons of others, underlining that no lethal aid will go through Poland... however, while giving assurances of not allowing the passage of weapons or munitions into potential conflict zone, those more perceptive maybe noted the absence of any mentions of non-lethal aid.

Waszczykowski did however say that Poland remains committed to providing humanitarian aid to people in need. Should the conflict escalate into open war, Poland will provide food, medicine, medical equipment, clothing, rescue equipment and similar humanitarian support to those in need and while it had no plans on allowing shipments of weapons through it's territory, it would allow for the shipment of humanitarian aid through Poland to Ukraine should a situation arise when that will be necessary. Indeed, Waszczykowski also noted if war were to break out, Poland would not turn it's back on potential refugees and it would help those displaced by a possible escalation of the War in Donbass to the extent it is capable.

by **Shohun** » Sat Dec 10, 2022 2:04 am

Kyiv Post

President Zelenskyy Praises Yugoslavia for Military Aid and Support:

Kyiv, February 7th - Following comments by Yugoslavian Prime Minister Vojislav Mihailovic in support of Ukraine and continued military aid, President Zelenskyy has made a statement to the press praising the Prime Minister and the Yugoslavian government. In his remarks, Zelenskyy said that Mihailovic is "a true friend of Ukraine," and praised Yugoslavia as "one of Ukraine's most important European allies." Zelenskyy told reporters that, "The consistent support from Yugoslavia to Ukraine since 2014 represents our nations' unique and steadfast friendship. Yugoslavia is one of the few brotherly countries in Europe that is able to understand the oppression the Ukrainian people have felt under the Russian Empire, and understand what it is like to fight terrorism within our own borders. The people of Ukraine are extremely grateful for Yugoslavia's support and aid, especially in a time when few other countries have the courage to stand up to the Russian Empire and its proxies."

Zelenskyy went on to tell reporters, "I strongly appreciate Prime Minister Mihailovic's support and his understanding about the situation in the Donbas and Crimea. I believe he is one of the few leaders that understands that we cannot bend to the will of Moscow or its terrorist proxies."

In a separate statement made by the Ministry of Defense, Defense Minister Reznikov hailed the military aid as "critical to maintaining deterrence, strengthening the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and defeating terrorism in the Donbas." Calling on the rest of the international community to provide support, Reznikov called on Western leaders to not fear Putin. "The Russian government makes many threats, but the international community must stand strong against Russian imperialism and blatant disregard of international law. Ukraine requires military and economic aid to protect its people and care for them against the menacing Russian proxies in the Donbas. We need aid now, not after we are attacked. We need deterrence, not fear."

Speaking to the press, Reznikov expressed hopes to receive military equipment from allies. "We have already received a great amount of support from Germany, Yugoslavia, the United States, and some equipment from Poland. But we need MANPADS, anti-air systems, anti-tank missiles, artillery, ammunition, anti-ship missiles, tanks, and much more if we are to protect our borders from the aggressor. The longer we wait, the more confident Moscow and their Donbas terrorists grow."

Ministry of Defense Announces TDF Drills:

Kyiv, February 7th - Amid tensions with Russia and increasing fears of Russian invasion, the Ministry of Defense announced that it had begun Territorial Defense Forces drills across the country. According to the press statement released by the ministry, the exercises include "thousands of personnel," involving both active Ground Forces personnel trainers, reservists, and TDF volunteers

According to the statement, the drills will focus on mobilizing and responding quickly to a first strike, defensive tactics, guerilla warfare tactics, the evacuation of civilians, and communications. Drills are also set to include training the TDF volunteers on weapons systems they are not generally equipped with during peacetime, including Stunga-P ATGMs, RK-3 Corsar ATGMs, 9K38 Igla MANPADS, RPGs, recoilless rifles, mortars, drones, and mines.

Speaking about the drills, Defense Minister Reznikov praised them as "increasing readiness" and "building cooperation between volunteer reservists and active soldiers." He told the Kyiv Post the drills were critical to maintaining interoperability, building a stronger defensive posture around Ukraine, and protecting civilians during combat. Warning of the potential of a Russian decapitation strike, Reznikov noted that TDF volunteers "will likely be the first responders against aggression," and that "TDF efforts to slow the advancing enemy with guerilla attacks would give the regular army time to prepare."

Elaborating, Reznikov hailed the "patriotic defenders of Ukraine," and declared, "if the aggressor steps one inch into Ukrainian soil, every single Ukrainian will resist until freedom is restored."

Ministry of Defense Reports Imperial Russian Build-up Sounds Alarm:

Kyiv, February 10th BREAKING NEWS - The Ministry of Defense has released a statement earlier today sounding the alarm over a reported Russian military build-up in areas surrounding Ukraine. Citing sources within the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine (SZRU), the ministry spokesperson showed the press videos and open-source satellite imagery of Russian military build-up near the borders of Ukraine. "In recent days, the ministry has been made aware via social media images and videos, open-source satellite imagery, and our own intelligence sources of an Imperial Russian military build-up all around Ukraine. While the ministry currently assesses that the Russian-build-up is part of Imperial Russian military exercises, and poses no imminent invasion threat, the Government of Ukraine strongly condemns this blatant act of aggression and hostility. In an effort to intimidate the Ukrainian government into submission to its imperial demands, the Russian government is posing a direct threat to the security of Ukraine. The Ukrainian Government calls on the international community to join it in condemnation of this aggression, and for the international community to pressure Russia to back away from its territorial ambitions of dominating our free and peaceful country."

The spokesperson continued to say, "While our current assessment is that Imperial Russian Forces will not attack Ukraine due to numerous factors, it is important to reiterate that the Russian build-up poses a very serious threat to Ukraine. We are calling on our allies and partners to support Ukraine in any way possible, and ideally we would strongly appreciate military support to deter further aggression."

The statement by the ministry was followed later by remarks from President Zelenskyy, who again condemned the aggression, called for support, but this time offered a warning to Russia. "After a briefing with intelligence and security officials, I strongly believe that Russia is preparing to move troops into the Donbas in support of its terrorist proxies, in direct violation of international law, agreements, and Ukrainian sovereignty. In response to this aggression, I have authorized Ukrainian military and security forces to enter a state of heightened alert and readiness. If Ukrainian sovereignty is violated, there will be a response."

Zelenskyy finished his remarks with a call for peace, making a request for mediation between Ukraine and Russia. "Russia must not turn down its opportunity for diplomacy. No one wants war except the warhawks in the Kremlin."

Kyiv, Ukraine
February 10, 2022

The room was packed with advisors, ministers, aides, and generals as SZR Chairman Valeriy Kondratyuk gave the intelligence briefing to the President - Russia was mobilizing forces to the border. "Sir, our intelligence is not concrete. All we know is that they are building-up near the border. My esteemed colleague from the SBU strongly suggests that this is part of drills aimed at intimidating us. I believe that this is different. They are reacting so suddenly, and without identifiable reason. They aren't releasing press statements that say they are holding drills to deter us, or that we provoked them into a show of force. I think that is intentional. They are trying to downplay their movements so we and our allies do not recognize they are preparing for something. That something is annexation of the Donbas breakaway republics. We have heard comments from DPR and LPR leaders before, and I believe this is just that. Russia is preparing to move forces into the Donbas, while also spreading out our units wide and thin, giving the Empress a number of options, including but not limited to invasion of the rest of Luhansk and Donetsk Oblast."

Zelenskyy was in disbelief but nodded for the chairman to continue as there were quiet murmurs around the room.

"At the moment, I am preparing to get into contact with our Chinese and EU allies to request assistance in intelligence gathering related to the mobilization. But for now I believe we need to prepare for the worst-case scenario - full scale invasion of the Donbas." said the Chairman.

Zelenskyy took a moment to process what he was hearing. How could it be? But he trusted his advisors. "Chairman Kondratyuk, are you confident that they will only aid the separatists in the Donbas? Should we prepare elsewhere?"

"I believe their ground offensive will indeed be limited the the Donbas. But that is not guaranteed. I would recommend that we increase our alert and have our forces begin preparations on all axis as soon as possible. Basic logic would suggest that they will not limit military strikes to the Donbas if they indeed are planning to invade. They will look to wipe out our capabilities across the country. We should have our air defenses ready." replied the Chairman. After consulting his notes he added, "If the are to invade, I would strongly suspect that it will not come for another few months. We are not seeing the right indications of Russia preparing for full-scale war. Firstly, they would be surging ammunition production months before any planned large-scale war. We do not see that. Secondly, they would insulate their economy and be stockpiling supplies, which we are also not seeing. They have not halted regular training or demobilizations either. They are also not taking the time to preform major refit of their equipment. To be frank sir, it takes four to six months to properly plan and prepare a force to invade. The only indications are the alert status and mobilization. Modern war is dictated by logistics. Sir, if they are going to invade soon, either they expect zero resistance or they are completely unprepared. We should have a few months to prepare before there is any serious threat."

Zelenskyy gave a small sigh of relief. Putin was a tactician. Surely he would not rush into a war. He was smarter than that. "What can we do to begin preparations?"

Lieutenant General Oleksandr Syrskyi addressed the President. "At the moment, I would advise against full mobilization or anything drastic. Russia is looking for any excuse to get involved in the Donbas, clearly. If we want to prepare to resist, we can do it in a quiet fashion. Firstly I would recommend that we begin setting up anti-tank obstacles and mines around our border crossings in the north and northeast. Russia is going to want to move as quickly as they can. If we can defend the crossings, it will slow them down allowing our forces to mobilize and respond. In the Donbas, we already have defensive lines. Those can be supplemented by beginning to dig fallback lines, setting up anti-tank obstacles, and planting minefields. In the south, need to contain Crimea. There is the distinct possibility of a marine assault or airborne attack, but if we are prepared to cut off the four bridges, and constrain the land route, any advance will be quickly impeded."

He paused, consulting a map before he continued, "Our biggest concern should be an air assault directed at decapitating Kyiv. That is what we emplaced the four S-300 batteries in Kyiv for. They should be able to fend off any missile attack. However we should also begin to routinely rotate the positions of our significant equipment, such as our anti-ship missile systems as to avoid Russia from being able to pinpoint their location easily. If they are not confident where they are, but know we have them, that inspires deterrence. Having our boys deploying decoys on a tactical level could go a long way as well, if we can have them begin building tank or anti-air system mock-ups as soon as possible, that will confuse the Russians and hopefully protect some of our real systems from attack, as well as waste their precious precision munitions. We should also begin to spread our air forces out so they are not clustered, and we should consider moving some of our forces around to increase our ability to defend." Finished the general.

Zelenskyy nodded without considering any further. "That sounds good general. I would like what you propose implemented as soon as possible."

"I will see to it sir." replied Syrskyi.

Looking around, Zelenskyy caught the eye of Commander-in-Chief of the AFU Valerii Zaluzhnyi. "General, what are your thoughts?"

"I take this warning seriously Mr. President." said the commander. "Last time in Crimea, we were caught unprepared. We do not want to suffer the same fate. But I believe we need to think beyond defensive measures. We have around 500 Tochka ballistic missiles in our arsenal, along with several domestically produced ones and some 50 Chinese missiles on their way. If the Russians have it their way, they might attempt to decapitate us, then subject our remaining forces to intensive bombardment. That is why I believe must begin planning a counterstrike following any Russian attack, to be direct against Russian bases on Russian soil."

Several advisors looked rather surprised at the suggestion, with one asking out loud, "And what if that inspires intensified Russian attacks?"

The general nodded with a grim look. "That is to be expected in war. A strike on Russian soil will force them to pull back forces and protect their bases. It would be a tactical and strategic victory. Our only problem is the limited range of our missiles, and the fact we cannot risk our valuable long range drones on longer range strikes."

Several commanders nodded except one. "Sir, we might have an option that we have long forgotten about. In 2007, we were in the process of US assisted demolition of old Soviet munitions. But as unfortunately the US began to fracture and slow its participation, we have been left with several of our old missiles remaining in storage. Admittedly they were intended for the last administration's... well less-than-legal sales of the munitions instead of their disposal. But without observation or pressure, they have been gathering dust in storage. But we do still have a few dozen Kh-15, Kh-22, and Kh-55 missiles. The have between a 300 and 2,500km range, which could be a significant capability for a retaliation strike."

There was a small smile on General Zaluzhnyi's face. "What do we need to make them operational?"

"They can be carried by an Su-24 if we make a few modifications."

"Excellent."

The meeting continued as plans were hammered out. But it seemed like one thing was certain. Ukraine would not be going down without a fight.

Donbas Region
February 11th, 2022

Starting on the 11th, defensive military preparations were in full swing around the country, implementing orders issued from high command. But the priority was the Donbas and surrounding cities. Across the frontline, soldiers were informed by their superiors of the Russian build-up, and warned that a DNR or direct Russian thrust into Ukraine through the Donbas could be imminent. Soldiers were ordered to be on increased alert, and to exercise caution. For a rare time, Ukrainian artillery and rifles were mostly quiet on the front as no commander wanted to be the one who started a war with the Russians.

Across the frontline, troops where ordered to solidify defensive positions, planting mines, laying barbed wire, filling sandbags, and setting up anti-tank hedgehogs or dragon's teeth. Resorting to historic tactics, in some sections soldiers used heavy equipment to dig anti-tank ditches in front of their positions. 5 miles away from the frontlines, a second line of trenches was being dug and positions fortified. Decoy tanks and other decoy equipment were being built by engineers and skilled troops.

At the same time, soldiers were taking the time to pull heavy equipment from the front to repair them so they could be in best operational shape within a weeks time. Fresh ammunition was being brought in as well as supplies. The men and women of Operational Command East would soon be as ready as they could be in their current situation to defend the Donbas.

In the OC East Headquarters, plans that had been created in the event of a separatist attack were being enacted. Since 2018, the military had designated the Donbas into Joint Forces Operation zones, and now forces were being moved or prepared to defend them. Along the border of Sector A, which covered the northern portion of the LPR, the approximately 7,500 personnel of the 93rd Mechanized Brigade would garrison the frontlines, complimented by 600 troops from the State Border Guards Service's Luhansk Border Detachment, 500 soldiers from the Ukrainian Volunteer Army, and 2,000 personnel of the Luhansk Special Task Police Battalion for a total of around 10,600 troops.

To the north, Ukrainian Luhansk Oblast would be garrisoned by the 6,000 strong 17th Tank Brigade, holding in reserve to counter a Russian thrust in the north or ready to be diverted to other fighting. Around Luhansk, a further 1,500 Border Guards from the Luhansk Border Detachment along with 2,760 volunteers (when mobilized) from the TDF 111th Luhansk Defense Brigade would be spread across the Oblast, for a total of 10,260 troops protecting the region.

Even further north in Kharkiv, the 92nd Mechanized Brigade's 7,500 personnel, Border Guard's 2,100 man Kharkiv Border Detachment, TDF 113th Kharkiv Defense Brigade's 2,760 volunteers, and the Special Patrol Tasks Police Kharkiv Police Battalion's 2,000 men would secure the Oblast. This would be supported by 4,000 troops from the National Guard's 3rd Operational Brigade, 5,000 troops of the 5th Independent National Guard Brigade, 200 troops of the Ares Special Forces Intelligence Detachment, and 1,000 troops from the 4th Protection of Important State Facilities Protection Regiment, 3rd Battalion. Protected by 24,560 soldiers, the Oblast was prepared for a formidable defense or to support a defensive in the Donbas.

At the border of Sector C, which borders the northwestern part of the DPR, the 54th Mechanized Brigade's 7,900 personnel and 55th Artillery Brigade's 3,000 personnel were ready to make a stand. They were not alone, and would be supported by 600 troops from the Border Guards Donetsk Detachment, and 3,000 troops of the Dnipro-1 Special Tasks Patrol Police Regiment for a total of 14,500 troops.

At the border of Sector B, to the west of the DPR, the 53rd Mechanized Brigade's 7,500 soldiers stood guard, with support from 600 troops of the Border Guards Donetsk Detachment for a total of 8,100 men.

Further south, in Sector M around Mariupol, southwest of the DPR, the 3,000 men of the 81st Airmobile Brigade were supported by 1,400 Border Guards and 4,000 men of the Ukraine Volunteer Army, for a total of 8,400 troops. Within Mariupol itself, the 18th Operational Regiment from the National Guard, which included the famous Azov and Donbas Battalions, stood at around 6,000 strong, with backing from the 2,000 men of the Special Task Police Saint Mary Battalion, as well as around 1,200 Marines from the 501st Naval Infantry Battalion.

Deeper within the Donetsk, 2,760 troops from the TDF 109th Donetsk Defense Brigade would compliment the 3,000 men of the 15th National Guard Regiment.

Finally, the air defense units of OC East would be dispersed to protect the frontline as well as important locations, with the 25th Airborne Brigade also being held in reserve in Dnipro to provide support where it was needed. Ukraine would not be unprepared if an invasion were to rock the East.

Message To: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China
From: Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine
Encryption: Max

To Foreign Minister Wang Yi,

In recent days, the people of Ukraine have been shocked and horrified by the massive Russian military build-up around Ukraine. While the aggressor's intentions remain unclear, the SZR kindly requests Chinese intelligence assistance in determining Russia's plans, as well as assistance in diplomatic pressure, or if need be, arms to provide deterrence.

Best wishes,
Valeriy Kondratyuk, SZR Chairman

Message To: The European Union, the United States of America, the Kingdom of Poland, and the Republic of New Zion
From: Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine
Encryption: High

To whom it may concern,

In recent days, the people of Ukraine have been shocked and horrified by the massive Russian military build-up around Ukraine. While Russia's intentions remain unclear, the SZR kindly requests intelligence assistance in determining Russia's plans. Furthermore, Ukraine wishes to request assistance in a diplomatic resolution of the crisis, or if need be, arms assistance to provide deterrence.

Best wishes,
Valeriy Kondratyuk, SZR Chairman

Message To: Ministry of Defense of New Zion
From: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine
Encryption: High

To whom it may concern,

The government of Ukraine is extremely interested in your advanced Iron Dome system. Unfortunately, due to budgetary restraints imposed by current concerns of Russian military build-up, we are unable to afford the purchase of an Iron Dome system at this time. However if it is possible, Ukraine is highly interested in your Iron Beam system instead.

Furthermore, Ukraine would be interested in purchasing surplus Zion military equipment at a reasonable price, namely B-300 Shipon or M72 LAW systems, or the purchase of new MATADOR systems.

Given the current situation, I would also like to request any available aid New Zion could possibly send, either humanitarian, economic, or military in nature. Anything helps the people of Ukraine.

Best wishes,
Oleksii Reznikov, Minister of Defense

by **Romaniche** » Sat Dec 10, 2022 1:52 pm

Yugoslavia criticizes the EU for rejection of New Zion

Yugoslavia and her public is currently outraged when the EU by not achieving full support due to Bulgaria and Greece refused New Zion's bid to become an EU member. Aa usual, the Prime Minister had a declaration to deliver regarding important subjects. "It's an unbelievable act of discord in an institution that is supposed to represent unity. I want to say to Brussels that it should hold its member states more united and coordinated and talk to the Governments of both nations. To Bulgaria and Greece, I say, I am dissapointed and angry. Instead of expanding the borders of an United Europe, you keep them on a leash for petty ultranationalism and political support in the homeland. Just like us, since 1992, for three goddamn decades, just to return home again, and again, and again. We perfectly understand this rejection, better than the Western Europe that constantly sees us as not worthy, despite having great judiciary reforms, sizeable and trustworthy economy, and most importantly, our security has never been greater since the Terrorist '90s and 2000s, the very motive we are still in this deadlock. We demand corectitude and respect. We are making our application and soon this year, we will put it forward. Yugoslavia is with Europe! Is Europe gonna be with Yugoslavia?"

Donbas Heating up. Is war on the horizon?

The Yugoslav Government declared that is worried about the continuous military buildup around the area of Donbas between Ukraine and Russia. Despite Yugoslav armament sent to Ukraine and cold relations with Russia our nation hopes that a de-escalation and a diplomatic solution will be found as soon as possible before it's not too late. At home, the public expresses significant supports Ukraine, while the rest either want to be neutral, or a smaller precentage calls in favor of Moscow.

by **Upper Magica** » Sun Dec 11, 2022 2:06 pm

Goodbye, America - It Happened Here
Editorial by Rebecca Hussain
February 2, 2021

Dear long-time readers of the Los Angeles Times:

We, the editorial staff of the LA Times, have been holed up here in the new 'Angeleno Worker's Republic' for the past two weeks, unable to get much coverage in the way of world affairs, let alone the necessary supplies needed to even survive. Right now, you're probably not reading what's going on in far-off Ukraine or the fiftieth Chinese-Japanese diplomatic spat this year so far. Instead, you're reading our soon-to-be-defunct circulation for the latest developments on what's turned out to be a disastrous year for this country.

Today, we can finally report the creation of another new nation, coming right off the heels of the declaration of Jefferson's independence. A so-called People's Congress convened in the city of Berkeley earlier in the week with delegates flying or driving in from as far as Seattle, where rioting and street battles, up until last week, had been ongoing with Federal troops and agents - the same situation that'd been happening here in L.A. until the People's Militia of California forced the surrender of the LAPD and Federal troops stationed in the city with a little help from the Red Marines.

The assembled delegates declared, with immediate effect, the end of the United States of America as a legitimate state while proclaiming a 'Federation of American People's Republics' to succeed it - under a Marxist way of life, while a new Constitutional Convention is to be convened next week to determine its 'socialist nature'.

I can't begin to type out the proper words I have for this, folks. Everything over the last few years shouldn't have lead to this. In a few short moments of time, our neighbors have become our implacable enemies. Our bonds of kinship, forever removed. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness, once the American Dream, are now going to be pages in a history book, as most of you march with glee towards the inevitable firestorm of war, wholesale murder and destruction, the surrender of your civil rights and the alienation of your countrymen. Over what, exactly?

The fact that you voted - or didn't vote - for corrupt, worthless candidates simply because they had a (D) or an (R) right next to their name without doing basic research into what they stood for or where your poor choices would lead to? Or maybe you didn't fact-check that news article you saw on Clicker and told all your friends about it so you could all get angry together. Many of my colleagues here and at other publications and news agencies - and myself, much to my bitter regret - had a role to play in this too; we stood passive while stupid and short-sighted executives instructed us to make up facts on the fly, to treat the discussion like a football game without considering the ramifications. But anything goes when print and cable TV's going out of business and you need to get subscriptions, right? So we put out sensationalistic, partisan bullcrap that we knew you'd consume because it made you angry.

I will forever struggle to come up with the words to explain how we messed up what was once a great country to successive generations. You will too. To our foreign readers and future generations, we hope you learn from the sad tale of America and its imminent conclusion: don't make our mistakes. Please.

As we've secured a way out into nearby Mexico, we're getting ready to pack up and leave. This article will likely be the last the L.A. Times publishes - under a free press, at least, so on behalf of everyone here at the Times, it's been a honor serving this once-great city in this once-great country for the last 140 years.

Stay safe out there, dear reader.

UC Berkeley. Wheeler Auditorium - Berkeley, California - February 7, 2021

The crowd of 511 delegates were shouting at each other. Bottles and cups - glass ones - flew across the room. Eduardo sighed.

It began when the Guevarista delegation demanded the incorporation of the State Defense Forces and Militias into the Ground Forces, to be trained and commanded as regulars.

"We need a modern army and centralized command," they said. Almost immediately, the Black Bloc, the more moderate members of the Congress, and the pacifistic Christian-Socialists shouted up from their section: "Fascists!" "No to the dictatorship of the proletariat!" "Brothers shouldn't kill brothers!" - in turn, the Maoists, Trotskyists, and Guevarists yelled back: "Class traitors!" "Capitalist bastards!" "Reactionist scum!" among other slurs. The debates here had been civil, so far, but the Congress had only debated unimportant business, such as pronoun usage.

The shape of the Armed Forces, however, was a sensitive topic. Moderate and Anarchist members of Congress preferred the dual system of independent militias accountable to their respective parties and communities, as the repressive potential of a central army was laid bare most recently by the Revolution and in events currently underway in the less...enlightened parts of the former country.

Centralist influences within the congress, such as the Maoist-Marxist-Guevarist bloc, demanded the restructuring of the Armed Forces under a centralized command much like the capitalist and government of the United States - independent militia not beholden to the Congress or its oversight presented a political and military danger the Revolutionary Government could ill afford. What if crypto-reactionaries within the Armed Forces launched a coup? Or, the worst of all potential outcomes, the various Parties could use their paramilitaries to kill one another over petty differences, weakening the workers' state. This time, the hardliners had a point.

Eduardo banged the gavel before him like Judge Judy - in fact, this was her gavel. She'd left for Canada or some other capitalist hellhole. A Marine colonel had given it to him as a trophy of war after sweeping through LAX and found it in her luggage that she left behind in the middle of the craziness of the Federal evacuation from LA. He enjoyed her show, but not her politics.

All fell silent, awaiting the Chairman's words. "Fellow members of this Congress, I wish to put forward my views on this subject, and I believe this compromise suits all. I suggest the People's Continental Defense Force be reorganized as our Marxist comrades propose. Our military is in a shambles, this we must admit. If the Capitalists were to pour over the Rockies, what would we have to defend with?" Booing and hissing followed; he raised his hand. "But, I suggest that a politically-reliable delegate be integrated with every military unit in the Army from the company up - they will have the authority to countermand illegal orders and the responsibility of tutoring our fighting men in the superiority of the socialist system. I also propose that the existent People's Militia not be abolished in full - rather, I propose that instead it be repurposed toward establishing a competent reserve force under local command in case of invasion by foreign or counter-revolutionary powers."

The Black Bloc looked dissatisfied, but at least they weren't shouting or throwing bottles.

A vote was called.

After the simple roll-call vote, the measure had passed with 265 yelling, with varying degrees of enthusiasm, 'yea'.

Eduardo brushed the sweat off his head. "Now... to the next order of business." Next on the agenda for today was.. foreign relations. More boos and hisses from the crowd. Today was going to be lovely, wasn't it?

To: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, People's Republic of China

From the People's Congress of the American Federation of People's Republics, we greet the Chinese nation, whom our illegitimate reactionary government has been at odds with for so long a time despite our shared national values and common history of being stalwart against the forces of worldwide imperialism.

As your Government has no doubt deduced from outbound news reports from the former United States, the time has come for the working class of America to rise up against the capitalist tyrants that have deluded and oppressed them for so long; at the same time, reactionary elements have also risen up, eager to bury the brave new future that awaits us under Socialism, envisioning a bleak future - a fascist future. However, we have no doubt that in the end of this righteous struggle, the proletariat will emerge victorious.

Going forward, the People's Congress proposes that upon the stabilization of the situation in America that our two brother nations cooperate closely together to create a bright future for all Humanity.

To: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, of New Zion, of Germany, of France, of Great Britain, of Russia, of Ukraine, of Canada and of India

From the People's Congress of the American Federation of People's Republics, we wish to inform your foreign ministries that the treaties, alliances, and trade relations made by the illegitimate government of the 'United States' on behalf of the American people in relation to your governments are hereby declared null and void. We refuse, categorically, to acknowledge the legitimacy of any debts incurred by this anti-worker regime on behalf of the American people.

With these unshakeable positions of the Revolutionary Government having been expressed, we hope that your governments, despite our ideological divides, continue to engage in peaceful relations with the American Federation of People's Republics in the future. The People's Congress shall endeavor to guarantee the safe conduct of your consulates and diplomatic missions within Federation territory, while your nationals wishing to exit the Federation are free to do so without harm and without delay.

To: Ammon Bundy, Enemy of the People and Arch-Traitor

From the People's Congress of the American Federation of People's Republics,

All 55 million of us spit on your betrayal of the American ideal and on your betrayal of the American people.

The only thing that gives us comfort - when thinking on the treason you and your Christofascist ilk have committed - is that we will get a chance to judge you before history will.

by **The National Dominion of Hungary** » Tue Dec 13, 2022 4:06 am

Korlestwo Polskie

Duda and the ZBSRP enjoy upswing in popularity after the first set of reforms pass Sejm

State Minister with spouse during an interview with members of the press

With the first three reform packages of the Duda administration's project to kickstart economic growth in the country and improve economic prospects in the backdrop of international instability, the public has responded with approval and look forward to seeing what the coming reform packages will bring. The popularity of the ZBSRP as well as Duda's approval rates have risen between 2-4% according to a number of polling centers across the country which have conducted studies in the immediate aftermath of the passing of the three policy packages. Rural regions, especially in the southern, central and eastern parts of the country had the highest growth in approval rates for the administration as indicated by the poll conducted by CBos. With these positive initial results a number of political commentators and pundits are certain that the Duda administration will press on quicker with the remaining policy packages of what the media has dubbed the "kickstart program", this time targeting manufacturing and service industries.

While much of rural Poland in particular warmly welcomes the administration's new policies, not all parts of the country have been equally enthusiastic. With plans to abandon geological areas that cannot be made viable with operational improvement as outlined in the policy package regarding the Polish mining industry, fears are growing in parts of the Gornoslask Voivodeship where up to a dozen mines have teetered on the brink of bankruptcy for years. "The mines are the primary employers of many towns in Upper Silesia." Voivode Anastasja Rzeznik said in an earlier interview. "We hope that the new mining-fund and plans for the Katowice agglomeration will be able to prevent the closure of mines. The incomes of the mines and wages they pay are central in powering economic activity in many parts of the region."

With local area newspapers steadily emitting a stream of interviews from small-town and village mayors applying for loans from the newly set up funds to co-finance projects, industrial sector leaders are waiting to see what the new Manufacturing Support and Extension Act which will soon be proposed by the Sejm is going to entail and mean practically. The banking and financial service sector in the meantime are urging the government to enact policy to better absorb investment from Russia in the wake of it's downscaled Chinese investment as well as possible opportunities to provide a safe harbor for American business.

National Bank of Poland set to dump the Dollar

As instability continues to eat away at the United States, the value of the dollar is put in question.

According to a spokesman from the Central Bank of the Kingdom of Poland, in a meeting it has been "virtually decided" that the Central Bank will significantly reduce the amount of dollars it holds as part of the state's foreign exchange reserves. Currently, around 50% of Poland's foreign exchange reserves are held in the US dollar, but with the string of secessionist movements sweeping through large swathes of the country in the wake of the Great Crisis the future of the dollar looks increasingly uncertain with each passing day. "In order to secure the value of the national foreign exchange reserves in the event of a collapse of the US dollars value, the National Bank of Poland is taking pre-emptive measures and looking into a number of options going into the future." While there has not been a definitive statement from the National Bank regarding what it is going to replace the sold Dollars with, most analysts believe there will be significant acquisitions of Russian Rubles, Chinese Yuan and EU Euros in the coming days and weeks.

Message to: Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine
From: Polish Intelligence Agency.
Encryption: High

To Mr Kondratyuk, Chairman of the SZR

The Russian Military buildup along the Russo-Ukrainian border is deeply concerning in the Kingdom of Poland and the government is willing to act as a mediator between the Tzardom and the Ukrainian Republic so that a new war in Europe can be prevented from breaking out. While the Kingdom of Poland is willing and ready to provide humanitarian and non-lethal military assistance the government of Poland is not ready to consider lethal support in the current stage. Poland's official position remains that negotiations are preferable above violent means, it is the stance we maintain in Brno as well, where the Foreign Minister has urged further talks between Ukraine and Russia.

Kind Regards,
Lieutenant-Colonel Piotr Krawczyk, Head of the AW

by **Parcia** » Tue Dec 13, 2022 4:06 pm

TG Holdings Head Quarters
#1 Corporate Way, TeraGroup Corporate Park
1.5 miles outside of Caracas, Venezuela

The room was dark. The sole light source being the large flat screen that showed the current economic and political situation as it unfolded live through multiple news feeds. John sighed, turning to the other gathered members of his inner circle. The people in this room represented the combined department heads of TeraGroup Holdings ltd. It also included the gathered members of the Corthswain family, sans his sister Julia who was phoning from her office in Hong Kong.

He raised the remote and muted the entire feed before turning to the gathered board as moon rose in the night sky. ''I think that's all she wrote folks. Seems the great US of A is not long for this world. Report."

Marlin J. Johns, his chief departments manager, effectively his second in command, spoke up. "We saw the writing on the wall bout 6 months back boss, and despite the resistance I got from the lower heads we were able to start switching over from the USD to a combination of the Euro, Yuan/Yen, and Ruble with a significant portion of our emergency fund being put in to the Swiss Frank. While North American operations will suffer a good bit, our Canadian offices will weather it well enough and global operations should be fine."

Next was Emilie Esmond, a native to Caracas and now the Finance minister to the new republic. "We started the move from the old Bolivar to the Real with in 6 months of regime change, meaning most of our national reserve has been transferred over and re-minted by this point. I'm still in talk with the Tzarina's Financial commission to peg the Real to the ruble, but for time being we're holding strong by valuing it off Oil, but the shattering of the American sector of the Oil economy will have ripples in OPEC, I recommend we accelerate our attempts at getting pinned to the Ruble since its been expected to suffer the least from this."

John sat while she talked, the other members re-taking their seats as the lights grew in to a soft dim orange and most took out a variety of cigs, cigars, vapes and even a pipe. "Jules, how's it going over there, Hong Kong's our first break out in to the Asian markets and our entire operation in Eurasia hinges on it." After a moment of silence for the signal to catch up, his older sister spoke up.

"We're going to be fine here, those ripples Emilie mentioned will hit here, but between the Russians, the Japs and the Chinese the market should be shored up enough to resist a total collapse. I've heard rumors of military tensions rising, mostly between the Japanese and China, but the Russians have been strangely quiet, either they don't have anything going on or they've gone to entirely tight coms out of our listening range."

He paused, his own lit menthol Camel hanging in his mouth. "Yea, I'd be too. We will probably see something from them soon. The Tzarina's sustained by premium Vodka and hellfire, but she's a clever girl and will push Putin to capitalize on this."

He turned to the oldest man in the room, who took a puff from an old wooden pipe not too dissimilar from MacArthurs.

"Nim, how's USEC operating?"

Shamus Nimrod MacDunn III was an old Scotsmen and former soldier of her majesties Special Air Service with close to 20 years in the service and a further 15 as a mercenary before he had ever been the Chief operating Officer of United Security, often shorted to USEC, and served as TG Holding's chief security officer and a part of his crisis management team. He was also a close personal friend that had taught John how to fist fight and handle a gun.

"Right, for the time being we've put our American teams on standby in case of further successions from the union and actions against company assets. The T-3 and T-2 guys are being given lethal arms in case of action and I'm keeping the T-1 and ETV teams on stand by. The Crows have been fueled and are sitting at Bolivar International awaiting orders. I've put what remains of the Federal government on notice we might be operating to pull out assets."

"And?" John motioned him to continue with a wave. Shamus shifted in his seat and took a puff of his pipe. "Well, about the only response I got was from the FAA, brave bastards are still trying to coordinate air travel in the middle of this shite storm. They asked me to keep my flights to filed plans but said they couldn't get the air force to guarantee any protection in the disputed states."

A pause, another puff, the scent of sweet Turkish pipe tobacco wafting over the room. "We've given orders for any and all assets in the new Commie zone to slash, burn, and book it and the last of them reported in at the regional office in Texas this morning, full head count. The only site west of the Appalachians to still be in any type of threat is the Idaho Falls Location.”

John thought for a moment. Idaho Falls. That was where one of his subsidiaries, TG Healthcare was located. They were a major regional health care provider that served as added server capacity for their western network.

“Any important assets, anything that’d draw…international ire?” Shamus shook his head. “Nothing critical, nothing shady, but roughly 216 or so company employees, most of them transplants that aren’t native to the area. The site manager there says her people keep asking for help getting out.”

“How many have families?” Shamus paused, doing the math. “If I recall most of them are young folk, some interdepartmental relations but I think only some of the management actually have families, so, maybe 240 total if we include them.” John thought for a moment longer before speaking. “Let me get on the horn and talk to this Bundy asshole, if I can reason with him, I can probably get him to let us have a peaceful pullout then we can get it done by the end of the week.”

“He’s some Christian Wingnut zealot type, what if he resists?” John replied. “Then I’ll grease him with some monetary incentive. If he pushes back more, we run and gun the operation and, worse case scenario, demo the sight and throw the global media at him, painting him as a monster.”

Shamus nodded, took out his phone and started tapping away, sending messages to his operations teams to likely get the operation together. John spoke as he got up. “You are all free to get some sleep, todays been hell and I know most of you haven’t slept in a few days. I’ll be up, but I’ve got an email to write to a cult leader.”

To the esteemed Commander of the most righteous state of Jefferson,
You do not know me, though you may know of me from my business career and efforts across the globe. I represent a multinational, multi ethnic and multi religious cooperation with facilities, ties, and assets across the world, primarily in the fields of medical research, defense development and information technology. It is to my understanding your blossoming young nation in its ideology is at odds with some of those facts and in the interest of potential mutually profitable business in the future, I wished to reach out to you in regards to our location in Idaho Falls. This location serves as the national headquarters and head corporate office for a TerraGroup Subsidiary, TG Healthcare and its attached biological research and development lab under the separate subsidiary of TeraGroup Labs. This facility, entirely civilian in nature, is a part of the wider private cooperation that I head and have a keen interest in preserving its operational potential through its on-site staff. Now, most of these staff are good hearted christian folk such as yourself and, in a different situation, likely would have gone on to grow and create good christian lives for themselves in wonderful Idaho Falls. Unfortunately, the staff on hand are younger men and women, many just starting out in their lives and have found recent events to be considerably frightening and understandably so, have requested the company to aid them in relocation and I am obligated to do so but would like to acquire as to if I can do so with your permission. This would be something handled entirely in house, at my sole expense, and would be willing to compensate you and your government for the trouble.

If you are willing, I would be most able and most willing to explore further future business options in exchange for a peaceful and cooperative relocation action.

I wish you a bright future and great success
Yours truly
John-Clemmont Corthswain
Chief executive officer and owner
TeraGroup Holdings Limited

John would have the email routed through the company owned VPN network, bounced off a relay tower in Ohio before being delivered to the email of the City Hall of Idaho Falls by the morning.

by **Shohun** » Thu Dec 15, 2022 12:20 am

Kyiv Post

Foreign Minister Tells Russia, 'No to War':

Kyiv, February 12th - Amid a massive Imperial Russian military build-up on the border of Ukraine, both in the north, east, and south, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has intensified calls for peace talks. In a press conference addressing the Russian mobilizations, FM Kuleba warned of the serious implications of all out conflict between Ukraine in Russia. "Ukraine's military and volunteer forces are prepared to resist any attempts to subjugate the Ukrainian people to tyranny. If Russia invades, or lends significant backing to the Donbas terrorists, thousands of soldiers on both sides will die, and many more will be terribly injured. Hundreds of thousands of innocent Ukrainian citizens living in Donetsk, Luhansk, and surrounding Oblasts will be turned into refugees, creating a humanitarian crisis on the scale Europe has not seen in decades. Both the Ukrainian and Russian economy will falter because of the war, and sanctions that will result from any Russian invasion. Ukraine and Russia once were brotherly nations. The Ukrainian people and the Russian people still are. I urge the rational thinkers in the Kremlin, and the good brotherly Russian people to make their voices heard and oppose any aggression against Ukraine."

Appealing for Western support, Kuleba urged the West and the rest of the international community to take action before it was too late. "I am calling on the good, peace-loving peoples and leaders of the world to support Ukraine and the Russian people in their time of need. The whole world must mobilize true international pressure to oppose war, and to find a resolution to the crisis. The Russian government is mobilizing forces at random. The world must question this, so that we can come to the table to talk things out."

But Kuleba also called for aid for Ukraine as well. "Deterrence goes a long way for the stubborn Russian warhawks. They will not dare to invade or support the Donbas terrorists if they believe that they cannot win, or that they will suffer serious casualties. Ukraine needs arms, economic support, and humanitarian aid. We need your help."

Defense Experts Express Concern Over Artillery Shell Shortage:

Kyiv, February 12th - According to a recent estimate by defense experts, Ukraine currently only possesses around six weeks of artillery ammunition for its around 3,000 big guns. This has sparked some concern in the defense establishment as the Ministry of Defense continues to scramble to beef up its forces and stocks with weapons purchases and calls for donations. In the report, it was suggested that Ukraine currently possesses stocks of between 250,000 and 300,000 shells, a fraction of the millions of shells Russia possesses in its stocks. The problem is compounded by the fact that until 2018, Ukraine did not produce artillery shells domestically, with the new factory only set to begin production this year.

But despite the bad outlook, officials from the Ministry of Defense have expressed hope to receive support from Western partners. "We are currently in the process of reaching out to countries that possess former Russian-made stocks in order to beef up our own. At the moment, we are looking into reaching out to China, Yugoslavia, and a few other countries to obtain more ammunition critical to defending our borders."

Experts say that Ukraine's ability to obtain more artillery guns and ammunition may be critical if war breaks out with Russia. In Eastern military doctrine, artillery plays a large role. Artillery is meant to destroy the enemy, with tanks and infantry being used to protect artillery and to advance. Should Ukraine run out of ammunition, it could be in dire straits against Russian attacks. As Ukraine seeks to move to the more plentiful NATO artillery ammunition, it needs to rapidly obtain new guns to fill the gap.

But experts have also warned that Russia should not miscalculate base on the assumption Ukraine may run out of munitions. According to sources within the Ukrainian Ground Forces, Ukrainian troops have trained extensively on deploying their tanks with indirect fire. Capable of firing fairly accurately at 6 miles, which is a significant extension of normal tank range, experts say that Ukrainian tanks may be able to act as their own artillery if need be. According to one expert, "The Ukrainian Army is very capable at adapting and learning while in battle. Russia should think very carefully before starting any escalation."

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Cautions Travel to Russia:

Kyiv, February 12th - In a statement released by the Ministry of the Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister Kuleba has cautioned Ukrainian citizens and Ukrainian diaspora from travelling to Imperial Russia unless "absolutely necessary." Warning that Russian officials may illegally detain Ukrainian citizens in order to gain leverage in potential negotiations, Kuleba has called on Ukrainians to avoid travelling to Russia for the next few months, and urged Ukrainian nationals in Russia to return to the safety of Ukraine or another "safe, free nation." The Ministry directed Ukrainian citizens in Russia to get into contact with the Chargé d'Affaires ad interim in Moscow to discuss leaving the country.

The Ministry also stated that Ukraine would welcome "free-thinking and oppressed Russians" into Ukraine without hassle, saying that refugees would be provided with care, food, housing and employment should they choose to leave Russian.

As Tensions Rise, Ministry of Internal Affairs Beefs Up Police Forces:

Kyiv, February 13th - Amid increasing tensions and the Imperial Russian build-up, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has been scrambling to mobilize itself to conduct defensive operations. Earlier today, the Ministry announced that as of tomorrow the 14th, the National Police will be transferred to combat alert. As a result, the Ministry stated that it has authorized National Police officers to be armed with rifles while carrying out their duties, to be equipped with Ak-47 and AK-74 rifles from Ministry of Defense storage.

While the ministry reiterated that no state of emergency had been declared or that police powers had changed, it did add that the National Police had been authorized to increase its security presence around important locations, especially around the capital.

Kherson Oblast
February 13, 2022

As the whole nation braced itself for what appeared to be conflict with Russia on the horizon, necessary precautions were being taken in Operational Command South, responsible for Vinnytsia, Odesa, Mykolaiv, Kirovohrad, and Kherson Oblast. With concern mounting, the three Ukrainian border checkpoints had been put on heightened alert, down to the tiniest detail.

The Ground Forces commanders were cautious. It was unclear to them if Russia truly would invade, or it was just another intimidation tactic, but there was a clear consensus - they could not give the Russians the slightest justification to attack, especially since they were mobilizing forces seemingly to do so. Thus moving large quantities of troops to protect the border regions around Crimea were out of the question - for now at least.

But the Border Guards Service had a little leeway, and they would be crucial to the defense of Ukraine. At Checkpoint Chonhar, full preparations were underway to defend the Chongar Strait bridges. On the southwest bank of the strait, just 1,000 feet from the bridge spans, a small set of defensive trenches had been built. Reinforcing this small defensive line would be a hull-down dug-in BTR-60PB equipped with an RK-2 'Barrier' ATGM that usually was stationed within the checkpoint, now positioned in cover to be able to lay down effective fire on anything that dared to cross the bridge. In the past two days, 60 more Border Guards had been deployed to reinforce the 60-strong garrison, bringing the total number of defenders to 120. The unit had also been reinforced with additional heavy weaponry, including a dug-in 82-BM-37 mortar, dozens of RPG-7s, a few Strela-3 MANPADS, and a few RPK-74 light machine guns. The main objective of the small unit would be to prevent Russian crossings of the bridges, which would be critical to preventing a quick push to Melitopol. Orders dictated that the minute Russia began an invasion, the bridges were to be destroyed, either with the missiles or rigged explosives.

Nearby Chonhar at Syvash, a small unit of 30 Border Guards protected the town and railroad bridge, with orders to destroy the bridge or damage the railroad line should conflict break out.

A little further west and not far from Syvash, another 30 man detachment protected the small border crossing. Strategically unimportant, but not too unimportant to be overlooked, these troops were under orders to be vigilant against both enemy infiltrators, as well as potential defectors.

Farther west at Checkpoint Chaplynka, a force of 120 Border Guards protected the checkpoint and surrounding series of small trenches. Along the road a series of roadblocks had been stationed, making it impossible for a car to be able to travel in a straight line through the road. A few hundred yards back along the road, a real defensive line had been formed, reinforced with 300 Border Guards troops. With complex trenches and fallback trenches, the previously-prepared positions were now manned and ready for a fight. Equipped with 3 dug-in hull-down BTR-60PBs, a BS-3 artillery gun, several mortars, RPGs, and ATGMs, this position was well prepared to put up a fight.

At Checkpoint Kalanchak, 60 Border Guards protected the checkpoint, with a defensive line situated several hundred yards further up the road. These positions were manned by 240 Border Guards, equipped with 2 BTR-60PBs, a BS-3 artillery gun, as well as several mortars, RPGs, and ATGMs. Given that the road was the most likely route to Kherson, another defensive trench along the road was in place, with 60 troops manning the positions as well as 2 more BTR-60PBs and other weaponry. Across the bank of the canal, an even further 60 troops were spread out in 15 RPG teams of four, each equipped with RPGs, ATGMs, or mortars to slow the enemy advance with harassing fire.

Careful to ensure that Border Guards troops were not surrounded near the border, behind the lines another 1,080 Border Guard troops were spread across the oblast, prepared to assist Operational Command South in the defense of the oblast. Deeper within the oblast, the 7,000-strong 57th Separate Motorized Brigade had been ordered to redeploy from Kropyvnytskyi to protect Kherson City, to assist the 1,500 men of the 16th National Guard Battalion and 2,760 volunteers of the TDF 124th Kherson Defense Brigade already in the oblast.

In coordination with OC East, the 56th Motorized Brigade's 7,000 soldiers would protect Melitopol, assisted by the 5,000 soldiers of the National Guard's 23rd Public Order Protection Brigade, 4,000 troops from the 9th Operational Regiment, 1,000 troops of the 2nd Important State Facilities Protection Battalion, and 2,760 volunteers from the TDF 110th Zaporizhia Defense Brigade, for a total of 19,760 defenders.

In the nearby Mykolaiv Oblast, the 3,000 soldiers of the 40th Artillery Brigade, 4,500 soldiers 79th Air Assault Brigade, 6,800 marines of the 36th Marine Brigade, 4,000 National Guardsmen of the 19th Public Order Protection Regiment, 1,000 guardsmen of the 3rd Important State Facilities Protection Battalion, 2,760 volunteers of the 123rd Mykolaiv Defense Brigade, and 2,000 officers from the Special Task Patrol Police Svyatyi Mykolai Battalion would garrison the oblast, for a total of 24,060 personnel protecting the oblast.

Message To: Polish Intelligence Agency
From: Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine
Encryption: High

To Lieutenant-Colonel Piotr Krawczyk Head of the AW,

The Government of Ukraine would be very pleased to accept your offer for mediation between the Russian Empire and Ukraine. I would urge that this mediation occur as soon as possible in order to avoid any further risk of miscalculation or conflict. The people of Ukraine are grateful for any aid, humanitarian or defensive that it can get, and thanks Poland for the aid it has already sent.

Given Poland's more advanced intelligence gathering capabilities, I wish to request cooperation between our agencies in regards to the Russian military build-up. My government asks for assistance in determining the likelihood of a Russian attack and other related specifics in order to prevent such an aggression and to prepare defensively.

Thank you for your assistance,
Valeriy Kondratyuk, SZR Chairman

Message To: The United Kingdom of Yugoslavia
From: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine
Encryption: High

To Our Slavic Brothers,

In light of the on-going Imperial Russian military build-up around our borders, I wish to request Yugoslavian assistance diplomatically and militarily. Specifically I wish to request intelligence-gathering cooperation, as well as any aid that Yugoslavia can provide. The people of Ukraine are grateful for anything that your government could so graciously supply, but currently we are in desperate need of Russian-made artillery and small arms ammunition, artillery guns, and anti-air weaponry.

Additionally, my government requests to purchase 10 Nora B-52 SP Howitzers, including 20,000 rounds of 155mm ammunition.

Thank you for your assistance,
Oleksii Reznikov, Minister of Defense

Message To: The Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China
From: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine
Encryption: High

To General Wei Fenghe,

In light of the on-going Imperial Russian military build-up around our borders, I wish to request further humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine. The people of Ukraine are grateful for anything that your government could so graciously supply, but currently we are in desperate need of artillery and small arms ammunition, artillery guns, and anti-air weaponry.

Thank you for your assistance,
Oleksii Reznikov, Minister of Defense

Message To: The Latin Republic of Venezuela
From: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine
Encryption: Diplomatic

To whom it may concern,

As the Government of Ukraine seeks to expand its defensive capabilities, my government wishes to request to purchase older Venezuelan stocks of 155mm, 152mm, 130mm, 122mm, or 120mm artillery ammunition, whatever is available. We are willing to negotiate pricing, but at this time we are willing to offer the equivalent of 75 Imperial Russian Rubles per artillery shell.

Best wishes,
Oleksii Reznikov, Minister of Defense

by **Antimersia** » Fri Dec 16, 2022 10:01 am

Upper Magica wrote:
To: Ammon Bundy, Enemy of the People and Arch-Traitor

From the People's Congress of the American Federation of People's Republics,

All 55 million of us spit on your betrayal of the American ideal and on your betrayal of the American people.

The only thing that gives us comfort - when thinking on the treason you and your Christofascist ilk have committed - is that we will get a chance to judge you before history will.

Diplomatic Message to: the People's Congress of the American Federation of People's Republics

Dear Commies,

Your hypocrisy, and twisting of events to fit your narrative is precisely why we broke away from the dying tyrannical United States. There is no greater American ideal, than living in freedom and without fear of reprisal from one's government. We embody this in our totality. The Lord passed upon to Moses the commandment that thou shalt not lie. I will pray for your souls, though I admit that I do not think it will save them.

Without regards,

Ammon Bundy
Commander of the Righteous State of Jefferson

Parcia wrote:
To the esteemed Commander of the most righteous state of Jefferson,
You do not know me, though you may know of me from my business career and efforts across the globe. I represent a multinational, multi ethnic and multi religious cooperation with facilities, ties, and assets across the world, primarily in the fields of medical research, defense development and information technology. It is to my understanding your blossoming young nation in its ideology is at odds with some of those facts and in the interest of potential mutually profitable business in the future, I wished to reach out to you in regards to our location in Idaho Falls. This location serves as the national headquarters and head corporate office for a TerraGroup Subsidiary, TG Healthcare and its attached biological research and development lab under the separate subsidiary of TeraGroup Labs. This facility, entirely civilian in nature, is a part of the wider private cooperation that I head and have a keen interest in preserving its operational potential through its on-site staff. Now, most of these staff are good hearted christian folk such as yourself and, in a different situation, likely would have gone on to grow and create good christian lives for themselves in wonderful Idaho Falls. Unfortunately, the staff on hand are younger men and women, many just starting out in their lives and have found recent events to be considerably frightening and understandably so, have requested the company to aid them in relocation and I am obligated to do so but would like to acquire as to if I can do so with your permission. This would be something handled entirely in house, at my sole expense, and would be willing to compensate you and your government for the trouble.

If you are willing, I would be most able and most willing to explore further future business options in exchange for a peaceful and cooperative relocation action.

I wish you a bright future and great success
Yours truly
John-Clemmont Corthswain
Chief executive officer and owner
TeraGroup Holdings Limited

Email reply to: John-Clemmont Corthswain Chief executive officer and owner TeraGroup Holdings Limited

Dear Mr. Corthswain,

I, and the people of the Righteous State of Jefferson respect one's right to do business freely. Although we are first and foremost a land of the Lord Almighty. Now the very fact that you admit outright that this 'ideology' as you call it, is at direct odds with your corporation, concerns me greatly. And so in response to your request, my response is this. I have sent a squad of twelve soldiers to this corporate office in Idaho Falls, and they have fully escorted every employee out. These employees have been given the choice of safe passage out of the Lord's great nation, or be allowed to remain on the condition that they debrief and divulge their entire work history to local police who will decide if an investigation needs to be opened into the dealings of your corporation. In the effort of ensuring you that you will not need to worry about this office further, your business license within all five territories of the Righteous State of Jefferson, is hereby revoked. The contents of the office in Idaho falls shall be searched thoroughly, and, if we determine that no crimes have been committed, the contents of which shall be returned to you promptly to a location of your choosing. I will pray that nothing of note is found.

With regards,

Ammon Bundy
Commander of the Righteous State of Jefferson

by **Parcia** » Fri Dec 16, 2022 2:08 pm

TG Holdings Head Quarters
#1 Corporate Way, TeraGroup Corporate Park
1.5 miles outside of Caracas, Venezuela

"Well. Fuck."

Shamus sat opposite his desk as John read the letter from the wingnut leader in Idaho. "You know what to do Shamus, launch the Crows, Get the teams ready. This situation is going to be hairy, so any artillery or fire support is going to be man portable. Get in, I'll get in contact with any surviving elements of TSA and the Feds and get it cleared, our license is still good as far as Washington is secured."

"Get ready for an hour push off notice, I'm going to try and incentivize him to not raid the place."

In reply to your last,
Mr. Bundy, please forgive my prior use of poor word choice in my last message to you. If you'd allow me to clarify what I meant. My team is multi-cultural and multi-religious, with the Idaho Falls location it self being known across the company as a melting pot of sorts. We make it a point to not discriminate on the basis of faith and religion.

If you'll indulge a fellow businessman, I'd like to make a potential offer. At this time I am dispatching a pair of cargo planes, with attached security personal, to the local airport in Idaho Falls in the interest of allowing those who wish to leave to do so at my expense. Included in this will be some things of note, most importantly, a pallet containing roughly 5.6 Million in Imperial rubles and 1.5 million in Swiss Francs, these being the two major currencies my company uses for commerce given the recent poor performance of the USD in the current market. The Rubles are to be considered payment, payment for both the safe passage of my people, all 214 employees, their loved ones, and the on site security personal to the two above mentioned planes with out harm or molestation.

The Swiss Francs, given their higher per bill value as one of the few entirely insulate currencies in this day and age, are a gift to you from my self, in the express interest of forming a friendly and profitable business relationship in the future. As a further show of good will, I am giving the order for the onsite security personal to surrender all arms and equipment to your force or otherwise local security forces upon their arrival at the airport and the finishing of the safe loading. I am sure this small injection of equipment and arms will be greatly appreciated by your valiant men and women in their struggle for true freedom.

I believe your an honest, honorable men, Mr. Bundy and I hope my actions here will give you the same impression of my self. Should this all be handled calmly, peacefully, and in an orderly manner, I'd be more then happy to begin negotiations for renewing the Business license we held prior and I feel our two entities would be a good relationship for both of us.

With best regards,
John-Clemmont Corthswain
CEO and Owner of Teragroup Holdings Ltd.

TG Healthcare HQ
Idaho Falls

Caroline Marks had been the site manager for close to 7 years, and been with the company for nearly 15. So when the order came to start SLASH/BURN protocols there was only the barest moments of hesitation before she gave the call to cease business for the day. With in the end of business that day the offices were gutted, the paper files sitting in a massive shredded pile about to be burned in the dumpster out back, the servers scrubbed clean with on site security in the process of setting up the various AN/M14s for use in slagging the servers and data storage.

When the Chief of site security jogged in to her office, Shotgun slung, and told her there was a platoon of men out side, she cursed, reached in to her desk and retrieved the small snub nosed .38 from the false bottom before slipping in in to her belt and tucking it under her blouse.

Inside of 5 minuets the two approached the uniformed men as they stood on the other side of the chain linked gate. On one side, at least a dozen armed men in National Guard uniforms, minus the American flag patches, were involved in a rather animated argument with the gathered site security, who out numbered the men and were similarly armed with long guns and vests, backed up by a pair of armored SUVs behind them.

She waved for the security guards to hush before entering the argument. "Excuse me, this is private property and unless you have a warrant you need to get off it."

by **Shohun** » Fri Dec 16, 2022 5:10 pm

Message To: The Imperial State of Persia
From: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine
Encryption: High

To whom it may concern,

In light of the alarming on-going Imperial Russian military build-up around our borders, I wish to request Persian humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine. The people of Ukraine are grateful for anything that your government could so graciously supply, but currently we are in desperate need of artillery and small arms ammunition, artillery guns, tanks, anti-tank missiles, and anti-air weaponry. We need anything you could supply.

Besides aid, I wish to request to purchase a number of tanks, self-propelled guns, and drones from your stocks, whatever you have available to sell that you are unwilling to donate.

Thank you for your assistance,
Oleksii Reznikov, Minister of Defense

by **Upper Magica** » Sat Dec 17, 2022 7:47 am

CONGRESS MEETS - NEW CONSTITUTION ESTABLISHED, ELECTIONS TO BEGIN IN MARCH
February 15, 2022
Reported by: Jordan Randolph, Political Correspondent

After the People's Congress met a second time to - hopefully - hash out a constitution after their bold declaration of rebellion against the statists on Capitol Hill, things were looking downward. The delegates immediately started fighting over how the new Federation's government would look - during the initial debates, it looked like a full-on brawl would take place within the campus of what was once UC Berkeley until the interim Chairman of the Congress, Eduardo Ruiz, union organizer and Chicano activist from San Diego declared the meeting in recess until the next day 'for everyone's heads to cool down'.

Apparently, some wheeling-and-dealing went on behind the scenes. In a dramatic turn of events, after a few more days of gridlock, the Marxist bloc, hand in hand with their new ethnic-autonomist allies in Congress presented a provisional constitution that they'd written unilaterally, incensing the Anarchist/Black Bloc and the social-democratic wing; some of their number walked out in protest. However, most of the chamber proved amenable to the document after Ms. Marianna Rogers, representative from the Oakland Commune and aligned with the Liberation Movement took the speaker's podium:

"We, as much as we don't want to face the reality, are at war. Right now, the Federal Government, past the Rocky Mountains that are, so far, protecting us, are reorganizing themselves to strike against both our liberated territories and the bands of racist, fascist militias in between us and them. What good are we doing if we're sitting here bickering about small ideological differences? Are we going to sit here and debate until right-wing death squads march up to this Congress and shoot us all? Our People's Congress was forged with the expectation that yes, although we have our differences as Socialists - we must unite to confront the greater evil. And right now, that greater evil is looking West like the flaming eye of Sauron. They're probably thinking that we'll just implode on ourselves and they can send their corporate and skinhead thugs to clean up."

"Let's prove them wrong. This document which we've been debating guarantees everything that makes the American dream - democracy, wide-ranging civil rights, freedom for enterprise, and order - under a Socialist system, for the people, by the people. It won't make anyone particularly happy, but that's the price of compromise. We can amend if we need to later, but we must get this provisional Constitution passed today, else the consequences will be severe."

After revision and debate, the provisional constitution passed 362 to 149. Elections, in all territories and for the newly-established Executive Committee have been provisionally set for the 1st of March next month. The inaugural session of Congress after that will discuss the establishment of the government as well as a state budget.

PROVISIONAL CONSTITUTION OF THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF PEOPLE'S REPUBLICS(summarized and shortened as best I can D:)

Article I(Legislative)

The People's Congress makes the laws of the Federation. It is composed of one chamber. Each People's Republic sends one delegate per 100,000 people. Delegates, who must be citizens of the Federation of good Socialist standing, must have never been convicted of a felony criminal offense, no younger than 20, no older than 60, may not serve more than three terms in Congress. Delegates who are convicted of felonious conduct or crimes against the People while in office automatically vacate their seats.

Elections are organized every three years. Delegates may be recalled at any time from Congress by a majority vote in their residing electoral district. Congress may expel its own members as well as impeach members of the Executive Committee by a recommendation from the Supreme Procuratorate, requiring more than 60% of the chamber to concur with said motion. Congress must assemble at least one week of every month, but not more than three.

The People's Congress has the powers to borrow, pay back, and print money, to declare war, regulate any and all commerce with foreign nations and within the Federation, to raise revenue by taxes, duties, and excises, to establish and maintain schools, hospitals, water and power utilities, telecommunications, roads, rail and other vital infrastructure, and the overall responsibility of providing for the defense and welfare of the people of the Federation.

Article II(Executive)

The Executive Committee has the responsibility of executing the policies and agenda set forth by the People's Congress. It is composed of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and the Cabinet-level posts of all government departments as defined by the Basic Law of the Federation. The qualifications and suitability of candidates to the Executive Committee shall be put to a vote by Congress until a final selection is made by outright majority or runoff.

Any Delegate to the People's Congress is eligible to put forward their candidacy to a singular post within the Executive Committee. The Chairman of the Executive Committee may also put forward a singular candidate meeting the same requirements to enter the People's Congress to any Executive Committee post excepting the positions of Chairman and Vice-Chairman.

The Executive Committee has the powers allotted to it to organize the various government ministries of the Government of the Federation, unless explicitly stated otherwise by laws passed by Congress, and the command, organization and supply of the People's Defense Forces within the means earmarked for its use by the People's Congress. The Executive Committee will report the state of the Federation once per annum, and will comply with any and all demands for information presented by Congress.

The Chairman of the Executive Committee shall be the commander-in-chief of the armed forces and militia of the Federation in times of war or national emergency. They shall also have the power to make treaties, appoint ambassadors, consuls, judges and procurators of the Supreme Court and Supreme Procuratorate, and other officials with the advice and consent of the People's Congress.

Article III(Judicial/Law Enforcement)

The Judicial Powers of the Federation and all components thereof shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such courts that the Congress may ordain and establish. The judges of the supreme and inferior courts below it shall serve at the leisure of Congress, and automatically forfeit their positions at such a time they are convicted of felonious or treasonous offenses against the People.

The laws shall be enforced by the Court equally throughout the land, with no considerations being made to their biological gender, their stated gender, race, color, nor class. The trial of all crimes shall be by jury, and such trials will be held in the locality of the said crime committed.

In all criminal prosecutions, cash bail shall not be imposed, nor shall cruel and unusual punishments be inflicted, nor excessive fines imposed. The accused of any crimes shall enjoy the right to a speedy trial by an impartial jury of the state where the crime shall have been committed, and to be informed of the nature and cause of any charges so made by the State upon their remanding into custody. The Republic in which those persons accused reside shall provide the means for competent counsel in their defense, and shall not impair any process at obtaining witnesses and evidence in their favor.

The Supreme Procuratorate shall be vested with those powers for enforcement of the law, and investigation and prosecution of any breaches of the law in Federation jurisdiction. A Chief Procurator shall be appointed into the Executive Committee and confirmed by Congress, responsible for the administration of the Procuratorate's offices and various departments.

Crimes against the People, also known as Treason, is defined as engaging in violent direct action against the People's State with the intent of its toppling, the manufacture, large-scale distribution or smuggling of illicit and deadly narcotics as defined by Congress, or, while in a position of the People's trust, accepting any trade of the abuse of power in exchange for money, special favors, offices, and titles. Treason, excepting those cases that may arise that involve duress, is punished by death.

Article IV(The People's Republics)

People's Republics shall be organized according to those former administrative divisions of the Union preceding the Federation of People's Republics, and shall be subordinate to the oversight of, at all times, the People's Congress. New states may be admitted by the Congress into this Federation, and acknowledging the people's right to self-determination, regions of unique demographic makeup and history may be formed from existent Republics by the proposal of Congress and the approval, by plebiscite, of that proposed Republic's inhabitants.

No People's Republic shall secede from the Federation, enter into any treaty, alliance, or confederation, nor may they engage in agreements and compacts with another People's Republic or a foreign state. No People's Republic may grant any title or honors without Congressional approval, print currency of any kind, or make any currency except the Credit a legal tender in payment of debts. No People's Republic may infringe on, contravene, or abridge, in any way, Article V of the Constitution. No People's Republic may institute taxes or duties on foreign or inter-Federation trade, nor charge tolls for shipping by land, air and sea without the consent of the Congress, nor may a People's Republic raise military or police forces independent of the People's Defense Forces unless under imminent danger.

Full faith and credit shall be given in each People's Republic to the public acts, records, and proceedings of any other People's Republic, and the Congress will prescribe the manner in which such acts, records, and proceedings shall be proved. The Federation shall guarantee to its People's Republics a Socialist form of government and shall protect each of them against invasion or insurrection.

Persons charged in any People's Republic with any crime who flee from that Republic's jurisdiction, found to have fled in another Republic, shall on demand of the Republic from which he fled, be delivered up to be removed to the Republic having jurisdiction of that alleged crime.

Article V(Rights)

Equality of rights under the law and the right to vote, shall not be denied or abridged by the Federation or any of its component People's Republics on account of ethnicity, physical, mental or genetic handicap, culture, race, origin, gender identity, biological sex, or their sexual attraction, or lack thereof, to any particular gender. A person may not be deprived of their life, liberty, or property, or disqualified from entering or pursuing a business, profession, vocation, or employment based on these above characteristics.

The right of those persons who have undergone or are undergoing service in the People's Militia, having been trained in their responsible use, to keep and bear arms in service to the People, shall not be infringed excepting those who have been duly convicted of violent crime, treason, or reckless behavior with a firearm and excepting those diagnosed, by an educated and trained clinician, of mental illness that would impair good judgment or precipitate acts of violence.

All persons born or naturalized in the Federation of People's Republics are citizens of the Federation of People's Republics. Congress shall not, excepting times of famine or stress on the social welfare system, prohibit the free migration of peoples, nor abridge the right of those persons, should they be of good Socialist character, and should they properly express their intent to the proper authority as established by Congress, to become naturalized citizens of the Federation of People's Republics. The Congress is forbidden from enacting 'immigration quota' style laws or immigration law that, by nature, infringes on protected classes established earlier in this article.

No bills of attainder or ex-post-facto laws shall be made by Congress, and the privilege of habeas corpus shall not be suspended unless situations emerge where, in case of invasion or rebellion, the public safety may require it.

Excepting economic sectors critical to the defense and well-being of the People, the right of the People to organize and collectively bargain with their employer shall not be infringed, nor shall the Congress impose any restriction on industrial action. The common ownership of an enterprise by its Labor is recognized as the law of the land, excepting heavy industry, natural resources, and infrastructure, which are hereby transferred into common ownership. No individual or enterprise bearing true allegiance to a foreign state may own a controlling stake of any enterprise or real property located within the Federation.

All foreign employers and investors wishing to do business in the Federation must comply with the basic principles of worker self-management, free collective bargaining, and any and all relevant labor laws Congress makes as a prerequisite to legally operating in the Federation of People's Republics. Any component of the Armed Forces or any and all of the law enforcement agencies established by Congress and the People's Republics shall not organize unions or collectively bargain, and such actions shall be treated as a criminal offense.

Article VI(Miscellany)

The Congress, whenever it deems necessary, shall propose Amendments to this constitution from time to time; such amendments require a full attendance of Congress and a 3/4ths majority vote to pass; subsequently, the Amendment proposed must pass a simple majority vote held by public referendum.

All Debts contracted and agreements, compacts, engagements, and treaties entered into prior to the adoption of this constitution shall be rendered invalid. Treaties made with those Indigenous peoples of the old Union, upon their incorporation into the Federation, must be renegotiated by the Congress on favorable terms.

This Constitution and the laws of the American Federation of People's Republics which shall be made in pursuance thereof, and all treaties made or which shall be made under the authority of the People, shall be the supreme law of the land, and all officials of the Federation, both those appointed or duly elected, shall be bound by it.

Seattle, Washington - Police Headquarters
February 16, 2022

It was a bright new day for Sean Lee, the new Director of Security for the Seattle Region. He'd been a former Company man - after his identity got leaked in some loony conspiracy theorist news site, he got burned. He'd been working private security, some consultancies, nothing really panned out for him. He remembered 2014 - that was the year he almost became a mall cop. That's how bad things got.

Until he saw an ad for the People's Party of Washington looking for a security coordinator - on paper, it involved boring middle-management crap, but in reality, he'd organized a small-scale intelligence apparatus for the Party. And paramilitaries. He didn't lead them - he wasn't a military man - but he found someone that could, and that's all that mattered. For once in his career since his unglamorous boot from the CIA, he was doing something, utilizing his skillset, and getting paid for it.

He thought the talk of 'revolution this', 'revolution that' was just that - talk. Then Ol' Glory started dropping stars... and then, well, here we are now. Honestly, he wasn't all that opposed to, nor impressed by Socialism. The only thing that kept him from hopping over the border was patriotism and the desire to screw the government like he'd been screwed all those years back. He'd have probably thrown in his lot with the Bundy boys if it weren't for the Jim Jones-like nature of the whole thing.

Sean surveyed the former headquarters. Its windows were entirely blown out and the building had a diesel-like smell to it on account of the Molotovs that burnt out quite a bit of the flooring and walls, but it was sound. More importantly, it had computers, equipment, weapons, everything he needed for a start-up police force. Congress decided that policing wasn't a local issue; it was going to be delegated to the central government. Locals couldn't be trusted anymore - given recent lapses in doctrine and judgment - with that responsibility, so now he was in charge of rooting out all the scum of Seattle piece by piece. He'd gotten a few capable and trusted men and women from the old Party outfit to set it all up; things looked promising.

First things first was incorporating the militia, or at least the good ones that have a reputation for being good stand-in cops - then looking into the ranks of the former Seattle PD. Hell, if he had to, he'd dig into private security outfits and poach those guys.

Something hung in the periphery of his mind, though - biolabs, tech startups, corporate offices across the city had mysteriously burned down. Small, unassuming ones; the mob had gone after the big names, like the Starbucks corporate office. He'd done a little sleuthing; CCTV across from those labs caught armed fellows escorting staff out. They weren't Feds, they weren't SAD, FBI, any of the alphabet soups, they weren't sloppy like any of Bundy's boys or any of the third-rate militias popping up in the Cascadian woodlands and mountains. They were the real deal. Corporate security, maybe?

It warranted further investigation; just not now. Sean had rapists, bandits, terrorists, looters, and murderers to deal with.

by **Segmentia** » Sat Dec 17, 2022 1:17 pm

January 25th

Encryption: State level
To: Sergei Lavrov, Foreign Secretary of Russia

Her Majesty the Empress is delighted to hear that our friends in Russia are willing to work with India on this matter. Naturally the issue comes with the government of Persia being unfavorable towards Russia, and the government of China highly unlikely to allow a pipeline through their territory linking Russia and India as well.

I shall be undertaking talks with both governments about the issue, as they may not want to sour relations with the Imperial Confederation over something as simple as a pipeline. I will personally keep you informed on any progress.

Respectfully, Alia Poddar, Foreign Minister of the Imperial Confederation of India.

To: Foreign Minister Wang Yi

On behalf of Empress Bhonsle, we accept your invitation to talks. As I am sure you can no doubt understand with the world in such tumultuous times, it may be a few weeks until we can arrange an in-person meeting, but we can cover preliminary talking points over phone or video conference that our respective offices can arrange.

The Imperial Confederation will be hosting a large economics summit in Mumbai starting on February 15th in regards to our Indian Ocean Economic Union which I will be attending. If you find this time frame to be acceptable, I can shuffle my schedule around for delegations from our nations to meet.

Respectfully, Alia Poddar, Foreign Minister of the Imperial Confederation of India.

January 26th

To: Ammon Bundy

On behalf of her Imperial Majesty Empress Amara Bhonsle I, the Imperial Confederation of India does not recognize your government as legitimate, and fully rejects any requests for recognition or aid against the United States of America. We have issued orders for our consulates, citizens, and investments to leave the so-called State of Jefferson immediately. Should any harm befall persons of Indian citizenship, you will find a committed enemy in Her Majesty.

Alia Poddar, Foreign Minister of the Imperial Confederation of India.

Times of India, January 27th Edition

India opens its arms to Russian business!

With tensions between China and Russia rising, the closing and physical removal of Russian oil and gas lines into China, as well as other announced economic actions such as the selling off of the Russian government's reserves of Chinese currency, the Ministry of Economics in India has been busy. Ministry sources say they expect Russian private businesses to also start withdrawing from China, following the government withdrawal. The Imperial Confederation, as well as Japan, are already announced as the primary recipients of the Russian government's newly freed investments, there is no telling where the Russian private sector will reallocate its resources if and when they pull out of China

This morning Indian Minister of Economics Zalim Bhavalakar has announced a series of favorable incentives for any Russian business seeking to reinvest those assets in India, everything from tax incentives to real estate prices, even a fast-tracking process of government authorizations and permits.

February 9th

To: The ‘American Federation of People's Republics’

On behalf of her Imperial Majesty Empress Amara Bhonsle I, the Imperial Confederation of India does not recognize your government as legitimate. We have ordered our citizens to leave your rebellious state at the earliest opportunity, and our consulates and diplomatic missions closed. Indian businesses have also been ordered to close any and all offices, and cease any transactions between themselves and entities within your rebellious territories.

Alia Poddar, Foreign Minister of the Imperial Confederation of India.

Times of India, February 14th Edition

The Taj Mahal is set to host large economic summit!

Tomorrow, February fifteenth, marks the first day of what is expected to be a resounding economic summit concerning the future of trade and economics of the Indian Ocean. Delegates from nations of Africa, South East Asia, and the Middle East are expected to attend, with some delegates already seen checking in to the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Security is tight, with a cordon of police and soldiers from the Royal Army Corps setting up checkpoints in a one block radius around the Palace Hotel.

As noted in the initial press release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs last month, delegates from nations around the world were invited to attend.

Foreign Minister Alia Poddar and Economics Minister Zalim Bhavalakar have said they hope for the summit to establish a framework for trade, economics, and international relations for nations bordering the Indian Ocean, especially in such tumultuous times.

Since 1875

The Ministry of Defence opens bidding on naval contracts.

This morning the Ministry of Defence announced the official opening of roughly fifty billion dollars worth of naval contracts to the national and international community. Admiral Gauri Nambisan said the navy is primarily seeking modern Destroyers and Frigates, and decided to open the contracts internationally for a rapid influx of combat ships in the coming years. It is the largest bulk investment into the Indian Navy in its history, and has been in the works for roughly a year. The current rising tensions between China, Japan, and Russia are believed to have been the final step needed for Her Imperial Majesty to finally sign off on the contracts.

It was also made known that there was an additional twenty billion dollars worth of reserved contracts for larger ships classes, with some Defence experts speculating the possibility of a supercarrier in India's future, or an expanded nuclear submarine fleet.

Diplomatic messages to Ukraine and Russia

To: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine
From: Amara Bhonsle I, Empress of the Imperial Confederation of India

Dear President Zelenskyy,

I am writing to you in the hopes that I, and the nation of India, can play some part in the resolution of the issues between the nation of Ukraine and the Russian Empire. I am offering to host a high level diplomatic talk at my estate, and to mediate between your representative and those of the Russian Empire, should it be deemed prudent by the two parties. Your advisors may point out the friendly relations between Russia and India, and indeed my personal friendship with Tsarina Anastasia. I won’t deny these facts, but I would also point out that although the interactions between Ukraine and India are relatively few on the national level, we do not wish ill on Ukraine or its peoples, and we are perhaps the last major nation to not be openly anti-Russian, from China to the United Kingdom. This leaves India open to perhaps be the last, best chance to settle this deadly affair peacefully.

I hope you consider this invitation seriously, so that we might work together to divert the storm clouds of war that threaten to engulf Ukraine and its peoples, and perhaps even more.

With the utmost regards, Amara Bhonsle I, Empress of India

To: Tsarina Anastasia I of the House of Romanov, Empress of Russia
From: Amara Bhonsle I, Empress of the Imperial Confederation of India

My dear friend,

I write to you in regards to the looming conflict between Russia and Ukraine. I have written to President Zelenskyy in the same manner, offering to host high level diplomatic talks between your two nations here at my palace estate. I am sure he will agree, for surely trying to avert an unnecessary war is worth a little time and some words, and with the state of the world as it is I believe India may be the last major nation in the world to not be openly against Russia in this matter, and we may act as an unbiased host, and mediator if required.

Please give my regards to your family, and I await the reply of you and your government.

With the warmest friendship, Amara.

by **Catalaonia** » Sat Dec 17, 2022 3:00 pm

Crush the Opposition

The Japanese Herald - 4th February, 2021

HEADLINE: New budget "the biggest gamble in Japanese Economic History" says former banking governor.

In a ground-breaking interview, former banking governor, who wanted to remain anonymous, called the new budget the "biggest gamble in Japanese Economic History" and said that the government's large spending reductions, especially in social security and transport, will likely have severe effects, as-well as the former governor said that tax cuts and spending reductions at the same time are "too big of a gamble during unstable times". Although market reactions were fairly limited, with Japan's FTSE 100 seeing only a minor hike of just 0.3%, most of Japan's big public companies saw little changes, with the governor suggesting that market reaction will likely take up to "2 weeks to do".

He commented on the tax cuts, calling them an "alternative to most Japanese administrations" and said that this approach is "another big gamble" - but praised the new government's shift in economic policy and said that Japan needed "tax reforms" in the first few months. He said that reductions in VAT, Business Tax and Fuel Duty were "important and needed" and suggested that these tax reforms are "a mixed bag" in terms of how effective they were. He commented on reductions in tax for Tier 2, 3 and additional rate, saying that market reaction would be "little to nothing" and said that the big gamble was on corporation tax cuts and business tax, suggesting that in the next few weeks, market reaction will be crucial to the stability of Japan's financial markets.

Presidential Office
8th February, 2021

The office was only filled with 2 people, the President sitting on his large, swirled black chair and the Minister of the Interior, sat opposite the executive. Aside from Japan's sluggish economy, the power of the unions had greatly increased under the previous administration, and were worried about the ongoing uncertainty in the Japanese economy, fearing strikes and wage demands were to come if the government do not quell the trade unions and look to submit anti-strike or anti-union legalisation.

"What's our inflation projections looking like, minister?" Asked Miyake as he turned on his chair, thinking of some sort of solution.

"Looking to slowly rise, predicted to hit 6% by the end of April, however, set to peak at just 7% by the summer. However, in terms of how the unions will react, it's likely wage demands and strikes will kick in at 5%, maybe even before that. If we were to prevent these strikes or limit how many and the effects, we should do it via legalisation". Said the minister, going through the inflation reports as he awaited a response from the President.

"Hmm.. inflation is not what I worry, even with our fairly radical tax plan, 7% isn't good, but it could be a hell lot worse. I suggest, with the time we've got, the government have to ruthless with them. I'll make a visit to the police commissioner, and we could, and stay with me, make arrests. If we convict them of financial and political crimes, with their ties with various far-left, banned organisations, we wont have the opposition to oppose legalisation against the unions. I say by May, we can pass through major anti-strike legislation" Responded Miyake, as even he was unsure if it was legal. He leant back on the chair, a grin coming to the President.

"Are you sure about this, Mr President?" Asked the minister as he stood, getting ready to leave his office.

"Yes. We'll meet again on the 14th to discuss policy and what we need to do for law-passing. Thank you, and have a good night, minister". Responded the President, as the door shut. Dimming the lights, he took a sip of beer and began reading through some donor letters.

Tokyo Trade Union HQ
10th February, 2021

The Headquarters of Japan's biggest union were thriving, hundreds of civil servants and volunteers preparing posters, as preparations for transport strikes over working conditions and the closure of the rail expansion. Membership had never been higher, and their influence over the Socialist Party of Japan had never been higher, with over 55 MP's playing big roles in the Tokyo Trade Union. Within the HQ was the General Secretary, Assistant General Secretary and the Government Delegate, all major members of the union itself. It was a fairly normal day.

Suddenly, over 30 police officers, armed with batons, rushed into the HQ, bursting through the two wooden doors. As the officers shoved aside regular servants, the General secretary was forced onto the ground, as senior members and important and influential members of the union were put under arrest. Struggling on the floor, the GS was smacked in the skull by a single baton, as he was dragged across the floor to the horror of the volunteers. One servant tried to intervene, before being slammed to the ground by an assisting officer by a baton.

The doors were slammed shut once more, with the workers and volunteers still in shock.

Presidential Office
Later that night, 10th February, 2021

The President was in a private talk with his wife, Airi, discussing non-political matter such as general sport, specifically over Japan's soccer league, in which the President was to make a short visit to Tokyo AFC, a new team in the top-flight, in the next few weeks. As they continued to talk over differing matters, a knock came to the door.

"Come in" Said the President, as Miyake did his tie up to be a bit more presentable. "Ah, Koko, great to see you. What's up?" Added the President in an up-beat mood, his wife giving the minister a quick smile.

"Mr President, we've got them. Should we begin discussions over policy tomorrow, and get a vote by the 16th?" Asked the lower minister.

"Yes, we shall. Any... incidents?" Said the President, giving a loving glare to his wife, putting his arm over her shoulder, with a peck on her cheek.

"Only 1, but it was really nothing. Have a good night, Mr President" Responded the minister, smiling to both of them.

"And you, Koko" Replied the President before the door was shut. A loud sigh came from the President, before turning to his wife.

"I'm gonna head to sleep, you too?" Asked the President as he loosened his tie off, now standing up.

"Sure. Another busy day tomorrow for you?" Asked Miyake's wife, now standing around 4 inches shorter than the 6'1 President.

"You know it.." He said, before they both headed to the President's Bedroom.

by **Parcia** » Sun Dec 18, 2022 10:27 pm

Santa Elena De Uairen
Outskirts
Republic of Venezuela

They were less then a few miles from the boarder from Brazil and it showed. From the vantage point the MH-60DAP provided the team lead could see the lights of the Brazilian side of the boarder in the distance, contrasted from dark and dusty, almost abandoned side that held only a few lit house windows and the boarder check point. The town was deserted, for the most part, since they moved in.

They were an off shoot of FARC, or the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia and they technically not had existed since the disarmament of 2017. The mainstream group had become a rather popular party in Columbia, and when the obvious reactionary diehards felt dissatisfied with this, they went rouge. To give the Columbians credit, they launched several decapitation strikes and took out most of these rising violent cells before they could secure arms and munitions, the operative being "Most".

This particular cell that had set up shop in Santa Elena De Uairen were known as the "People's Voice" or Vox Populi, taking the name from the famous Latin phrase, and had quickly used their small cash of military grade arms to raid the local Columbian Guard depot for their own arms and a small inventory of armored vehicles before they dashed for the boarder...were they took over the small mountain town, drove out or out right killed the local state police and, if the newest intelligence reports were anything to go off of, had attempted to contact the Communist government in California.

That last detail is why Valery "Fang" Jackson was piloting a 25 million dollar Helicopter in near black out conditions over the small town as a pair of UH-60s and a pair of MD-500s carried two platoon sized elements of USEC "Elevated Threat Team" operators to insert and storm the Cell's ad-hoc base and head quarters before they could attempt to organize further with the Commies in Cali.

"Dragon-1 to Hound Actual, we're on station and ready, go for push off."
"Hound Actual reads Dragon-1."

With that, the two little birds dashed in from their hovering place and quickly circled the warehouse were the Vox had set up shop before hovering above it in a flash, its 8 man team disembarking the craft in rapid succession before waving off and flying off to maintain a box formation around the operational area.

As soon as the two UH-60s began to fly in to fast rope its 20ish men and women, a call came out over the channel.

"Dragons 1 and 2, this is Angel, I've got, count, 6 unknown vehicles moving east from a small villa towards "Bullpen", detach to ID and intercept."

"Dragon 1 copies, 2 will stay and provide over watch." With that, she opened the collectives and turned the heavy chopper over towards the west, seeing the hot vehicles pop up in her thermals. The DAP wasn't a stealth bird, not even USEC had that type of money, and so when the sound of her rotors got louder and louder she saw the distinctive streak of small arms fire lance out wildly in to the night sky. She jinked the chopper to the right and set up on a circling pattern as her co-pilot began calling out. "I've got nothing on IFF, these look like technical mostly, up armored with mounted MGs." She paused and turned the chopper in to a strafe that centered the nose of the helo, and by extension its guns, on the convoy as they slowed around a bend.

"Native?" "Negative, The regulars are still 3 mikes out and holding for our clear order." "Roger." Keying her mic over, she called out to the RC-26 orbiting above. "Angel actual, Dragon-1 reads convoy as hostile, looks like we found those vics the Vox stole, we clear for guns?"

After a moment, she got a response. "Affirmative."

With that, her co-pilot flicked the master arm and took temporary control of the stick before lining up the 30mm on her port wing and firing a burst off. This would impact the lead gun truck, obliterating it's engine and most of the cab, sending it careening in to a hopefully abandoned building. The second and third slammed on their brakes, smashing in to each other and stopping the other three on the road. The passengers disembarked and began firing wildly at the chopper above, small arms fire starting to streak a bit closer.

He switched over to the starboard mounted GAU-19 and began sending bursts down at the others, disabling the rear truck and stopping it in place. That's when thing's got hairy. The choppers warning system began blaring and she heard the first hint of fear in her co-pilots voice. "Shite, we've got IR spike, fuckers got a stinger!" She took back control and began to open the collective again when he almost screamed over the mic. "We've got lock, break break!" She didn't see the distinctive whoosh and puff of smoke as the man portable rocket launched, she didn't need to wait, at this range it'd be on them in almost a second. She dropped the collective and threw the stick, stamping on the peddle and dumping flares as the missile lanced upwards at them and barely, just barely missed the cockpit.

She felt the jolt as it detonated behind them, showering the black helicopter with shrapnel and fragments. Immediately warnings blared and lights went off and the chopper began to spin. "Fuck fuck fuck, hydraulics are dropping and engine 2s sputtering, we're going down!"

A moment of clarity, of slowed time, of adrenaline rushing through her veins and the heat from the detonating missile washing over her before dissipating in the cool night air. She wasn't going down again. Not here, in this Latin shit hole. She wrenched the stick over opposite the growing spin and stamped hard on the other peddle while her Co-pilot began calling out while he flipped switches and buttons.

"Hydraulics are holding at 70%, we're leaking fuel but its slow, correct the spin for fuck's sake!" he screamed over the banshee scream of the engines and she yelled back, fighting with the controls. "Stop. Fucking. Screaming. At. Me!" Finally, the chopper began to slow it's spin and began to level out. As if it was a sign from what ever god was above, this lined them up with the read end of the convoy, albeit only a hundred or so feet above the ground and only 60 above the roof tops.

She dipped the nose and opened the collective, slaving the guns to her stick with a flick of a switch and lighting up the convoy with both the .50 and the 30mm, holding down the trigger and hosing the enemy with streams of AP and HE rounds. Upon reaching the front, she pivoted the bird 180 degrees and hosed them down again as they drifted backwards. Every single truck went up, either from its tanks or the ammo on board, almost every single man on foot was torn to shreds by gun fire, or shrapnel, or on fire.

She really did live up to the name "Dragon."

The 30mm ran dry first, and the .50 was cut off by her Co-pilot slaving the guns back over to his stick. "Jesus Christ Val they're fucking dead!" He flipped the cabin light on and eyed her suspiciously as the chopper began to hover there. "Shit, Val, your red. Give me the stick." She hesitated, the adrenaline fading and the pain in her side making it self known for the first time. "Val, give me the fucking stick." She reached up with a shaky hand and flipped main control over to him before reaching for her first aid kit and opening her flight suit, reveling the alarmingly large wound in her side from a piece of shrapnel.

"F-fuck." She began to triage her self as her co-pilot flew them back to the staging point.

She lost consciousness just as they landed.

A Victory in the East (Alt History, IC Hard Reboot)

A Victory in the East (Alt History, IC Hard Reboot)

pt. 1

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