Sands of Change (AMW)

[Ferkas]

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Royal Residence
Amman, Christian Kingdom of Arabia


"Traitors!"

The call echoed through the large, mostly empty, stone rooms. The royal residence in Amman, a castle like structure dating back centuries, had stood usually vacant for some time. The ruling members of the Arabian family usually had had little need for it, preferring to stay at the Palace just outside St. Paul. Then when Augustus XI had assumed executive powers he had begun to spend most of his time in the government centers of St. Paul itself, ruling directly from the capital. That was no longer an option though, the populace had made sure of that. Instead the young King found himself seeking refuge in the very northern portions of his Kingdom, in one of the few areas where he still enjoyed popular support.

On the floor was the freshest report from his advisers, this one explaining how the traitors in St. Paul had organized themselves as an "interim government". An interim government which, according to its own releases, aimed at overturning royal power and creating a fully democratic state in what Augustus still saw as his Kingdom.

To make matters worse, political claims weren't even the most concerning news of the day. Augustus knew he could survive liberal claims against his authority, as long as he maintained control over certain forces of power and influence in the Kingdom. If he could continue to exert force, through the military, then he would be able to reassert his traditional power and put an end to the rabble in St. Paul. But he could no longer count on the support of the military, at least not most of it. Reports of desertions had been pouring in, entire Corps pledging themselves over to the Commission of Citizens. Just the other day he had been informed that almost the entire navy had formally left in, a stinging loss even if it was mostly symbolic.

A small cough came from the side of the room, where Field Marshall Ethan DeLontfel stood. "Your Majesty, if I may make a suggestion?" The senior most military officer in the Christian Kingdom, and one of the Kings key supporters, didn't wait for a response to continue."I understand your desire to drive south and force the surrender of the traitors in St. Paul. However Sire, at this time, that doesn't seem like an executable plan." He motioned towards the table in the center of the room, where a large map had been placed. "Even though it seems that, at this time, the traitors haven't fully organized their forces and created a complete command structure, they still out number and out gun us. If our forces were to start driving towards the capital it is likely that they would be surrounded and cut off. Additionally it would leave the position here dangerously exposed."

Augustus glared across the table. He wasn't angry at DeLontfel, and even if he was he couldn't afford to punish his most valuable general. Instead he was angry at the situation which had formed.

"Well then General, what would you suggest? We can't attack, we don't have enough forces. According to you the traitors are unorganized, but Air Commodore Shaheen has reported that his forces have already had several standoffs with potentially hostile aircraft attempting to approach Amman. So it would seem that the traitors are organized enough to begin sorties against this position."

"Indeed Your Majesty, so I must suggest that you consider the plan which I submitted earlier to you."

This time Augustus's glare was aimed at DeLontfel himself, no longer just at the events of the moment. "And admit defeat?"

"No Your Majesty. However, it is vital that a secure line be established, a clear delineation of where we can exert our power, and providing a baseline which we can plan future operations from."

"You are talking of splitting up the Kingdom, admitting that I no longer control my own lands. I won't stand for that!"

"Your Majesty, I must implore you to reconsider..." his voice now betrayed a sense of concern as he continued, "...if we don't move quickly it is very likely that the traitors themselves will capitalize on the situation and begin ordering some of their elements further north. If they overrun into the areas which remain loyal to you, especially if they were to capture Al'Aqabah, this city will become isolated and unable to defend itself. Yes, the plan might appear to be an admission, but without it I fear that this Kingdom won't stand for long."

After DeLontfel stopped speaking a silence lingered for several long moments before Augustus finally spoke. Yes, yes...fine, I consent. You may secure your defensive line, but only as a stopgap. I expect you to begin drafting different approaches to solve this issue at its root." DeLontfel nodded, working carefully at keeping his face calm and stoic as Augustus spoke again. "Now, where exactly will this line be?"

"Well Your Majesty, our forces in Al'Aqabah will form one end of the line, held by the 16th and 21st Mechanized Infantry brigades. The next major strong point will be Ma'an, roughly one hundred kilometers to the Northeast. Ma'an will be secured by the 23rd Mechanized Infantry Brigade and the 1st Airborne Brigade. Those elements were previously stationed in Tabuk, but their commanders redeployed to Al'Aqabah after the other units in Tabuk began to display rebel sympathies. Al'Qatranah will be the next major link in the line, the 24th Mechanized Infantry will depart for Al'Qatranah from their current deployment in Al Karak. The northern most portion of the line will be anchored at Al Mafraq, with the 22nd Mechanized Infantry holding that position. General Deforchel has been ordered to press most of his Fifth Corp forward, securing a heavy perimeter around Amman, focusing mostly on Saheb and Az Zaeqa." He nodded as he finally stopped, tracing the line on the map with his finger.

Augustus took several moments before responding. "Yes...yes, that will work. Give the orders. And if any traitors give issue, you have permission to engage. If they move against me, if they order my own army against me, I want them cut down. The same goes for in the air and the seas, I won't stand for any more of their treason. This line will be formed, and it will be held."



[OOC: A bit of a rough start, but I wanted to get something up to get this going. I'm basing my locations off of this map http://www.worldmapsatlas.com/jordan/im ... ad-map.gif Imagine a fairly straight line running from Al'Aqabah up to Al Mafraq, that area is the area really under the control of Augustus , plus some land in front of it, maybe as far out as Al Jafr, Azraq ash Shishan, and As Safawi serving as forward observation areas, occupied by royalist forces. Most everything else is gradually aligning itself with the interim government in St. Paul, including the bulk of the military. Basically the goal here is to end up with two states, a republic of some sort controlling most of the current Christian Kingdom, and a much smaller Kingdom (pretty much the currently marked area, holding out in the north.]

[Chrinthania]

Vatican City

Far be it from the all-prying eyes of the Holy See to sit idly by while a staunchly Catholic king was being forcibly removed from power in a land regarded as one of the most faithful to Holy Mother Church. The events transpiring within the Christian Kingdom of Arabia--if it still could be called as such--gave councilors to His Holiness much worry. It was not their concern, however, whether those opting to topple King Augustus were, in fact, Catholics themselves or, as was feared, a more radical, liberal, godless faction hell-bent on setting the faithful kingdom on a path of sin an iniquity. Pope John XXIV, in spite of his public appearance as a gracious, elderly man who allowed the world to flow effortlessly without his interference, believed that the loss of Arabia to the godless hordes would be a far greater wound to the worldwide Catholic church than was dealt over 1500 years ago when the Western Roman Empire, the once-champion of Christendom turned heathenistic state, sequestered the Holy See within a small portion of the Eternal City. His Holiness would not allow such a reform to transpire without resistance from the Vatican.

In support of King Augustus, Pope John XXIV sent a letter to the bishops and cardinals of the Christian Kingdom informing them of their duty to God, and reminding them that it is God himself who appoints kings, not the masses. They were instructed to offer sermons inferring that the power of the king was duly transferred from Almighty God to Augustus himself through the Catholic Church to rule over a moral and Christian society. That revolution was not simply an assault on a temporal power, but an affront to God himself and that it would be on the soul of the revolutionary if he were to challenge, directly or indirectly, the will of God in this matter.

To the King of Arabia himself, a carefully-worded letter of support was sent directly from the Pontiff in his own hand enforcing the ties that bound Augustus and the Holy See, the support of the Cardinals in Rome, and, indeed Holy Mother Church and all her children. The Pope, in his letter, reassured King Augustus that no Earthly being could assail that which the Lord God had made, and that whatever support the Vatican could offer was his. However, such loyalty to the King came at a price. Augustus would be asked to pledge his loyalty once more to Holy Mother Church no matter what. An arrangement would be offered in which the Pope would come to Amman to meet with King Augustus and speak directly with him in this matter as time and safety allowed. In conclusion, the pope offered a blessing for the King and his loyal citizens that was to be read allowed to all who could hear.

Rome, Lazio, Italia

While the Pontiff secured his side in the ever-growing crisis in Arabia, Consul-General Scaramella would also take a side--albeit in direct conflict with that of the Catholic Church. Scaramella saw Augustus as a tyrannical leader following in the footsteps of people like Nero. Indeed much concern was apparent in communications between Rome and whatever constituted a government in St. Paul. He pledged his support to the revolutionaries in his communique with the Arabian Government and, without saying so much explicitly, left the door open for Rome to recognize this new Arabian republic as a sovereign nation under whatever name they chose. Far be it from Rome to ignore the possibility of a friendly alliance with a nation promising to be built on what were assumed to be Roman Republican principles. He would not offer military assistance at this time, but the option was not off the table if needed. The Consul-General also offered the transitional government an opportunity to open diplomatic relations with Rome and invited whomever was in charge to come to Rome and meet with Emperor Lucius X, Consul-General Scaramella, and even the Roman Senate at a time of the Arabians choosing.

[Ferkas]

Amman, Christian Kingdom of Arabia

The letter from Pope John XXIV was gratefully received by Augustus XI, a man who realized that he would need the support of the Church if he were to have any chance. Although it may appear that Augustus had few advantages, being outnumbered and generally out positioned, if he maintained the support of the Church he maintained a vital weapon in defending his throne. Despite recent trends, much of the Arabia populace was still highly devout and paid great attention to the announcements of Rome, with some individuals paying more attention to Rome than to the leadership within Arabia itself, especially when the two diverged. So the support of the Pope was thankfully received and put immediately to work. The Cardinals and Bishops of Arabia, those who hadn't fled north, began preaching with renewed fervor, denouncing the uprisings and urging the public to allow for the return of their King.

The repercussions of such preaching were almost immediately noticeable, if only for militarizing a minor segment of the population. Those who considered themselves traditionalists, living in lands largely overrun by radical parties, saw the Churches instructions as an allowance for violence. Radical groups, just beginning to consolidate their power, found themselves under attack. The attacks themselves were generally small scale and poorly planned, but they at least highlighted the potential for dispute in any new nation and provided a possible forum for continued resistance, which could be carefully supported by Augustus XI.


St. Paul, Arabia

The letter communique from Consul-General Scaramella would take some time before it found its way into the right hands. First it was received by a slightly confused staffer at the former Ministry of State, temporarily reorganized by without any clear direction. From there it worked its way up through the "Ministry", weaving between different mid level managers, who were unsure where it should go since there no longer was a Minister of State. It wasn't until a particularly forward thinking individual happened upon it that it was sent to Government Hall where the Commission of Citizens and the former National Legislature were meeting.

Its arrival created perhaps the first major political challenge for the Committee. The Committees members, especially those who had previously served in the National Legislature, found themselves hesitant to actually declare their own state. They felt largely uncomfortable with the idea of negotiating with a foreign power, even though they had already committed what would be seen as treason they were afraid to actually betray the idea of the Christian Kingdom.

Of course, not all members of the Commission fell into that category. Many of the more radical members, those who hadn't served in the government previously, were eager to assert a new state in the Arabian peninsula. They saw that the time had come, their cause still maintained large amounts of popular support, and key elements of the military had been persuaded to join the cause. Those people saw a world which was likely to support them in their mission, but they also knew that things could change at any moment, so it was prudent to move as quickly as possible. Those radicals found their champion in Aalam Al-Sharani, a former member of the legislature, who had always been an outspoken critic of Augustus XI. It was Al-Sharani who seized the moment presented by the communique. Not just as a chance to expand the support of the revolution, but as an opportunity to force the revolution faster.

"...Therefore, we must not hesitate! We have moved boldly so far, asserting the rights of the people in the face of tyranny, and we must not allow ourselves to falter now! In light of all that has happened, and in light of all that we can become, I urge this Committee to support this declaration and severe, once and for all, the false bonds of 'royalty' which continue to hold us back!"

It was a speech which was greeted generally with applause in the chamber, and cheering in public where televisions showed live streams. It had been a short speech with a clear message. Aalam Al-Sharani had finally proposed to the Committee its greatest possible declaration, one which would formally depose not only Augustus XI but the entire royal family, and mandate the creation of a new, fully democratic, Arabia.

The vote was set for three days, to give time for the matter to be discussed and debated. Secretly Aalam hoped to achieve several other goals during that time, namely outlining what form the new state would take and hopefully making headway against the royal holdouts in the north of the country. But, with or without the achievement of those goals, the vote to possibly determine the future of Arabia was just a few short days away.

[Iansisle]

Ianapalis
the Gull Flag Republic

“...and confirmed by court-martial, with decision rendered on October the 7th in this, the Second Year of the Revolution...”

In stark contrast the the sandy wastes of Arabia, rain lashed at the capital of the Shieldian Republic. It soaked the large red and white gull banners that draped every building around the square and ran sullenly off into hats and faces of the assembled crowd. Not quite as large a crowd as had gathered a couple months back when they hanged Griffin, Lawrence Madders couldn’t help but notice, but a respectable gathering for a rainy day. The radical press had done a good job.

“...did knowingly and with malice of forethought...”

“I’m not sure Munstra would approve of this.”

Madders grimaced. Of course Captain Johnson, in all this crowd, would find him.

“It was your men who identified this traitor,” he said, rather than the ruder remark which had first entered his head. “You can’t get cold feet now.”

“And, if you’ll recall Captain Clayburgh’s report, I recommended drumming him out of the service,” said Johnson. He was holding a manila folder soaked with rainwater. “The legal precedent being set here –“

“Is none of my concern,” said Madders. “My business is the defense of the Republic – just the same as yours.”

“...cowardice in the face of the enemy, conspiracy with an enemy power, and the capital crime of treason...”

“Mr. Bradsworth will hear of this,” said Johnson, tucking the folder into his greatcoat.

“Be sure to give Charles my regards.” Madders turned to fix Johnson with a gaze. “And pray do not forget that we all have skeletons in our closets – no one is indispensable when the safety of the Republic is at stake.”

“...Does the condemned have any last words before sentence is carried out?”

Madders turned his attention back to the proceedings, but even so his mind was racing. Arabia had all but fallen. He had poked and prodded that dullard Rinehart into convincing Bradsworth that supporting the revolution there was instrumental to supporting the revolution at home; Shieldian advisors were now rife throughout the former Christian Kingdom in both military and civilian roles. The Republic might be short on money, but it did have expertise born out of a year of revolution and reorganization. And, of course, most of the advisors sent over drew from the radical side of the Gulls, but weren’t they merely the best to represent the Revolution abroad?

“Anything I have ever done I did for the love of my country.”

Thortraia was disintegrating. The Jave had no interest in Shadoranite oppressors, Editraequan no interest in Catholics, Wyclyfe no interest in capitalists. Nibelunc was too loyal to the Republic, Amberland too Protestant, Geletia too Celtic. There was only one place left to run.

“Then, for your role in the Gandvian plot to overthrow the Republic, by order of the Director of Justice, sentence shall be carried out. May God have mercy on your soul.”

The crack of the neck echoed off the walls surrounding Gull Flag Square for a few seconds before it was overtaken by the cheers of the crowd. The ci-devant Duke of Dorchet dangled lazily from his noose. Lawrence Madders smiled. Let them run to Riga. It would only make his job that much easier.

[Ferkas]

12:15PM, October 18th
St. Paul, Arabia

The members of the press sat anxiously, waiting for the door to open and someone to let them know the result. The meetings between the Commission of Citizens and the former National Legislature had all been held behind closed doors, but the press releases and leaks from various people in the meetings kept the public fairly well informed. But no one, not even the most loose tongued of representatives, had dared to leak the results of the days most important vote. And as the reporters continued the complain over the recent silence of their typical sources the door at the side of the room finally creaked open.

The first through the door was an older face, with greying hair and a calm expression, who the public had become use to as of late. Omar Halabi had been selected as the spokesman for the meetings and had taken to his job with amazing gusto. Omar had never held a political position before, having always been outed as a Muslim, but he was naturally well spoken and the press had responded well to him.

He was followed by a man whom the public had far more familiarity with. Mr. Aalam Al-Sharani, or Citizen Aalam Al-Sharani as he was referred to by the fellow members of the Commission of Citizens, had turned into a figurehead of sorts. Thanks to his history of outspoken criticism to royal policies, Al-Sharani was seen by many as the de facto leader of the revolution. It was his proposal which finally had pushed the entire movement to this point.

"Fellow Citizens, if we may have your attention please." Omar Halabi paused for several seconds, allowing the cameras to focus in and giving the reporters a chance to gather themselves. "Ladies and Gentlemen, with a vote of one hundred ninety four to thirty three, the Declaration of the Rights of the Citizenry passes. As of noon today the Free Citizens Republic of Arabia is hereby established!" At that point he gave up any pretense of professionalism, as did the carefully selected press corp. The cheering filled the room for several minutes, and the image was broadcast live across almost the entire Arabian peninsula, being greeted in many homes and businesses with the same sort of cheering. Only in the northern most parts of Arabia was the cheering completely silent, where the conference was never seen, agents of Augustus XI having acted to prevent the transmission from reaching the area...

[Iansisle]

St. Paul

No one clapped harder at the announcement than Edwin Verround, on special assignment to the Commission of Citizens from the Gull Flag Republic. He would have stood to give his applause the proper gravity if only he could. Alas, Verround had lost completely the use of his legs during a bout of polio as a child growing up poor on the streets of Mansmouth. Close observers would not doubt his sincerity, however, if they happened to notice the thin tear that crinkled down one side of his cheek.

This touch of human frailty was gone by the time it was his turn to congratulate Al-Sharani and Halabi. His grasp was rather weak but his voice strong as he assured the men that the Republic stood by the people and the new government of Arabia and would do whatever possible to ensure its future prosperity. He spoke vaguely of bilateral extradition, trade, and nonaggression agreements. He also vaguely alluded to their common enemies -- the Papacy, the exiled king hiding in the north, and 'those nations who see our revolutions as threats to their creaking social order.'

Finally, Verround produced credentials from Jameston Place establishing him as the Republic's ambassador to St. Paul and declaring without a doubt that, so far as Ianapalis was concerned, the Free Citizen's Republic was the only legitimate authority in Arabia.

[Hibernordia]

Royal Hibernordic Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Korkidd

"Why should we care about that desert country?" Foreign Minister Tyko Kinnonsen asked. "There's nothing there but sand, sand, sand, and more sand."

His subordinate, Deputy Foreign Minister for European Affairs Styrbjørn Tafjord, cleared his throat politely. "And oil. Millions of it under the sand."

There was a fundamental difference between the two young men, already Hibernordia's most senior diplomats. Despite being longtime friends since their college days at the University of Korkidd, the two still maintain their own outlook in terms of how Hibernordia should conduct its affairs with the world. Kinnonsen, born and raised in the Nyland province of Kyvinn, has a Nyland-centric view of the world. As long as Nyland provides Hibernordia with all of the necessary stuff, there is no problem. The logical partners of Hibernordia are Walmington and Amerique, Nyland's hemispheric neighbors. Whatever happens outside their hemisphere is insignificant, and the country will most probably be better off minding its own backyard gardens.

Tafjord, on the other hand, came from small-town Lægjann, on Hiberland in the European continent. Europe is very much important to him, being Hibernordia's main destination of exports, the source of its culture and immigrants, and the home of the Roman Catholic Church. Keeping Europe peaceful and satisfying its appetite for Hibernordic exports is of priority.

This partnership of Hibernordia's senior diplomats provided the good balance in the Foreign Ministry's policy. The country had not lifted a finger and kept a hands-off policy in the Shield, letting Europe's major powers handle the issue. Nothing is of interest in that country anyway, aside from preventing Shieldian diseases from entering Hibernordia - perhaps that godforsaken country's primary export.

But Arabia is very different. It has oil, and a Catholic monarch - just like Hibernordia. Tafjord sees a connection, a weakness, a threat. Kinnonsen sees an opportunity, a strength, a fortune.

"Why bother? It's this instability that is starting to democratize that country. It's this instability Arabia that causes the world oil markets to go crazy. We rake in money from the high oil prices," Kinnonsen said.
"Arabia and Hibernordia are both oil-rich Catholic countries," Tafjord said, hoping that his friend would make the connection - as he know Tyko would.
"Are you proposing we prop up Arabia's Catholic monarch?" Kinnonsen inquired, his brow furrowing with what he thought was a rather unpleasant suggestion.
"No, not that," Tafjord answered, surprised that Kinnonsen made the wrong connection. "What I'm saying is that we have connections to the Arabian king, and to the people... perhaps we can mediate between the two? Stop a possible civil war, and prevent the Hibernordic government from having to choose between two sides. We are an oil-rich, Catholic, democratic kingdom, and it would be in our best interests to steer Arabia down the same path."

Kinnonsen about the idea for a few minutes, absentmindedly looking at Styrbjørn while twirling his pen around his fingers.

"So, what do you think?" Tafjord asked.
"I think I can support your idea. It's better to have some control of the situation..."
"You know as Brjann would say, 'Better the devil you know'."
Kinnonsen smiled a bit as Tafjord referenced their college friend, who, incidentally, in the Hibernordic deputy ambassador in Saint Paul. "Send Brjann a message. I'll try to get Uncle Malmstrøm to agree with our proposal."

[Cassanos]

Ianapalis, Rpublic of the Shield

Hiram Johnson was, as usual, quite right in his assessment of Nibelunc's reaction to Republican justice, as ambassador von Eisenhorst was happy to let the Shieldians know. As a nation which had abolished the death penalty decades earlier, the Federal Republic was given to what several foreign officials had derisively called „finger-wagging“ on such humanitarian issues. In this case, the finger being wagged took the form of Karl von Eisenhorst delivering a note urging the Republic's government to suspend the executions „in the spirit of humanity“. This was, however, not the only reason for von Eisenhorst to contact the Shield's powerbrokers. There was the issue of Thortraia to discuss, of course, and the need to formulate a joint reaction to events in Arabia.

And, maybe even more important for a nation so used to grand titles and honours, von Eisenhorst also delivered the Nibelung government's invitation of Director-President Charles Bradsworth et al. to Munstra for an official state visit. Von Eisenhorst conveyed the Alderman's personal hope for Charles Bradsworth and Captain Hiram Johnson to accept the Federal Grand Cross Special Class (with Star and Sash) and the Federal Grand Cross First Class (with Oak Leaf Cluster), awarded by Nibelung head of state Ting-Sculdheiza Claudia Rogge “for exceptional and meritorious work for international cooperation and the advancement of human rights“.



Munstra, Nibelunc / St. Paul, Arabia

Tsalland was history. The Shield had become an ally. Gandvik had been humbled an pushed back into its own borders. Three nuclear explosions had brought about Areopagite docility and Arabian peace. And now, Arabia was freeing itself. It appeared that Nibelunc's, and, by extension, democracy's, historical Catholic rivals between the Azores and the Shatt-el-Arab were falling at an ever-increasing rate. In Munstra, however, news of the new-formed Republic of Arabia were received with mixed feelings.
After the short but vicious war in Areopagitican, Nibelunc had hoped for a period of tranquility to reassert the international concert and begin rebuilding Eurasia. But it seemed that revolution was still the flavour of the season, and once again, a group of idealists had forced Munstra's hand.

Josef Steinbach, ambassador to Arabia, had remained in St. Paul when the King left, a significant sign, but largely symbolic. His staff had begun a clandestine effort to create a network of contacts within the Commission of Citizens for the time when the Federal Republic would have to act.
When Omar Halabi informed the world of the establishment of the Free Citizens' Republic of Arabia and Ianapalis made public its support of the new order, Munstra could not stay behind, lest they face accusations of double-standards. More prosaically, the Nibelung stake in Arabian oil production might be in danger as well. Therefore, the day after the Commission announced its decision, Foreign Minister Fischer went before the press to announce that “in light of recent developments on the Arabian peninsula and in keeping with the Federal Republic's tenets, the Federal Republic of Nibelunc recognizes the right of all human beings to determine their own fate. This includes the right to have one's voice be heard in public political discourse and to choose representatives in free elections. The Citizens' Commission in St. Paul had rightfully taken responsibility to right the wrongs done by feudalist rule. It it because of this that the Federal Republic of Nibelunc is pleased to establish diplomatic relations with the democratic Arabian government in the spirit of peaceful cooperation.“

[OOC]Note to Amman will follow.[/OOC]

[Chrinthania]

While other nations jumped quickly at their public support of the newly-establish Arabian Republic, St. Paul would know the truth that Rome had already announced its intent to recognize a newly-formed nation and, whether true or not, took the belief that such a nod in Arabia's direction propelled the Commission of Citizens to act more quickly to bring about that conclusion. Consul-General Scaramella didn't waste any time either. He would declare on national television that the Roman Empire recognize the sovereignty of the Free Citizens Republic of Arabia and was already in the process of establishing diplomatic relations. A former Senator, Enrique Santos, was named Imperial Ambassador to the Arabian Republic and was given his credentials to give to the Arabian government. Rome was willing to give the full treatment to the Arabians: an invitation to establish an embassy in Rome, a state visit once democratic elections were held to establish a citizen-controlled government, and whatever support Rome could offer to help protect the Arabian borders--though, as often the case, he stopped short of declaring direct military intervention by the Roman Legions.

Meanwhile, Scaramella was not the only busy man in Rome. In a contrary position to that of the Empire, Pope John XXIV grumbled over his glass of wine while the establishment of the Arabian Republic was broadcast live on television. His eyes grew very narrow as he saw one of the last bastions of Catholic strength reduced to a sliver of land in the midst of a desert surrounded only by nations hostile to it. The Pope would exercise his authority in matter spiritual and threaten excommunication to any Catholic who was found to be supportive of Arabian Republicanism. Furthermore, he again contacted King Augustus explaining his Christian duty to reestablish the church's stronghold on the Arabian peninsula. He would not see Christendom as a spiritual empire reduced to rubble by rebels. He promised the King that he would canvass Christendom itself to help fill the ranks of his military and granted the title of Fidei defensor to King Augustus as a token of his extreme and undying support. In closing, the Pontiff asked the king to come to the Vatican to meet personally with him and to discuss what he called certain pressing matters.

[Hibernordia]

Government Palace
Korkidd

'Uncle Malmstrøm', as the Foreign Minister calls his boss, the Prime Minister of Hibernordia, was a warm, affable person. Malkolm Malmstrøm is a man hard to dislike. That levelheaded, soft-spoken old man seems to never get angry, has pleasant manners... snug fit for the stereotype of the kind uncle. Even his political opponents concede that while they find the policies repulsive, they could not find the man repulsive too.

"So, what is this, Arabian situation?" Malmstrøm asked his Foreign Minister, sipping his thick dark cocoa drink. Uncle Malmstrøm preferred thick cocoa over coffee, two great drinks that had originated from Hibernordia. "I hear the Shield and Nibelunc had recognized the democratic republic."
"That's a complication," Tyko Kinnonssen admitted, "but if we want to be honest brokers, we should not take sides."

Uncle Malmstrøm believed in democratic governance, hence his strong inclination to favor the rebels. But his Catholicism impelled him to prevent the collapse and destruction of the Church in Arabia, which its monarchy was intimately tied to. Like the Hiberland-born Styrbjørn Tafjord, the Prime Minister's instincts and inclinations were being directed towards the opposite directions.

In some ways, the Arabian situation was similar to the Hibernordic situation more than a century ago. Rebellion and civil war threw away a monarchy, replacing it with an ostensibly "democratic" communist system, which was no different than the previous one in its repressive tendencies. Only that the repression was directed against a different segment of society.

Now that Hibernordia has been past those stages, it was keen to prevent those from happening to others. Uncle Malmstrøm personified that sentiment. He agreed with his decades-younger Foreign Minister with the plan, but had warned that if certain circumstances happen, Hibernordia will be forced to take sides.

Royal Hibernordic Embassy
Saint Paul, Arabia
The Brjann person that Kinnonssen and Tafjord were referring to was no less than Brjann Rørkessen, the Deputy Hibernordic Ambassador to Arabia. Rørkessen, Kinnonssen, and Tafjord were all college buddies at the University of Korkidd, attending the only program in Hibernordia that focuses on International Affairs and Diplomacy. The three all knew each other and despite their different backgrounds, have close friendships and a lot of common ground.

The Hibernordic Ambassador to Saint Paul, and theoretically Rørkessen's superior, was Anton Follestad. Follestad is a nice old gentleman, but he wasn't a career diplomat, he was a member of the old aristocracy. He would rather attend cultural and social events rather than concern himself with political affairs, something that he would usually leave to Rørkessen and the Consul in Amman, Gisela Kælstrand. Follestad would have gone to Amman with the Arabian court, since technically he was still accredited to the kingdom, if not for the instructions of Tafjord upon Rørkessen's advice. Moving to Amman might be seen by the rebels as continued Hibernordic recognition of the monarchy. It would be the best if the country is trying to maintain a semblance of neutrality.

Tafjord was coming to Saint Paul, by way of Rome, to try to mediate between the two sides to stop an impending conflict. Rørkessen's job is the establish contacts in both camps, which Kælstrand in Amman and him in Saint Paul set out to do.

So, who should I contact for both camps? You can use the Hibernordics to mediate/communicate/negotiate...

[Ferkas]

St. Paul, Free Citizens Republic of Arabia

Being formed almost immediately after the Free Citizens Republic itself, the Bureau of Foreign Affairs had become a very busy place. Its offices, located in the same government building as the Ministry of State which it had replaced, were crowded with new appointees, reams of paper, and confused looking underlings, rushing between various officials who were all busy with the business of establishing a nation. On the top floor of the building, his office largely undecorated except for stacks of papers, was Omar Halabi. He had been appointed the Director of Foreign Affairs for the fledgling republic, an appointment which had been given much support by Aalam al-Sharani, and had spent the last several days receiving and responding to communiques from various nations across the world.

Thankfully the response to the new republic had been, at least for the most part, a positive one. Omar took time to receive Enrique Santos and Edwin Verround individually. To the first he would express the republics gratitude and appreciation for the Roman response. Mr. Verround would be greeted warmly by a new nation which saw plenty in common with the distant Gull Flag Republic, united in ideology even if separated by distance. In both cases it would be made clear that the new Free Citizens Republic was eager to become an "honest and contributive" member of the international community. At the same time Omar would imply that the world should not be too startled by any growing pains that the new republic might have to first go through, referencing only indirectly the royal holdout in the north and the sharp increase in radical Catholic violence against the new government.

The response from Nibelunc was seen as another positive development, even if it had been an anticipated one. Most in the upper levels of the Commission of Citizens had expected that Nibelunc would be all but forced to support democracy over monarchy, especially when there was no pragmatic reason to support what had previously been such an antagonistic government. So the statement from Munstra, that the new Republic would be recognized, was an expected positive development.

Hibernordia's reaction was a little harder to measure. The continued presence of the diplomatic staff assured many members of the Commission of Citizens that Hibernordia would soon lend their support more fully to the Free Citizens Republic. But the presence of a mediator, no matter how well meaning his intentions might be, would be seen with more than a little suspicion. Some of the more radical members of the Commission of Citizens would voice concerns that mediation was nothing more than an attempt to maintain the old way of things, perhaps motivated by the papacy (and the fact that Brjann Rørkessen came by way of Rome only intensified those fears). Despite the suspicions, Brjann Rørkessen would be received by the Bureau of Foreign Affairs and given plenty of respect, although also told in no uncertain terms that the Free Citizens Republic had no interest in any settlement which would "allow the corrupt governance of the royal system anywhere within the Free Citizens Republic".


Amman, Christian Kingdom of Arabia

Almost as quickly as the new republic could announce itself, Augustus XI would condemn it as "an act of the highest possible treason and dishonor", urging the world to renounce the new republic and continuing to claim that the Christian Kingdom of Arabia was the one true government in the country. It was a claim that appeared to be fairly laughable, as it became clearer and clearer that de facto control of most of the former Kingdom had fallen to the new republic.

It was the declarations of the papacy which gave the most confidence to the young King. Augustus XI knew that many in Arabia were still highly devout and he therefore believed that the words of Pope John XXIV would carry plenty of weight. Already Augustus XI and his advisers had noticed an increase in what the other side was calling "insurgent action". Hardline Catholics, heeding the words of their spiritual leader in Rome, had begun to take action against the new republic through any possible means, although such means were usually violent and took the form of attacking various persons who were affiliated with the new government.

In appreciation for the support which had been given, and hoping to gather extra support either from Rome itself or from like minded nations, Augustus XI replied to Pope John XXIV that he would be heading from Rome right away. The King looked forward to meeting with the pontiff and discussing "the terrible circumstances which have begun to conspire against the Holy Mother Church...". For the meantime most of the day to day operations of the "Kingdom" (a term now generally used to describe a narrow strip of land running between Amman and Al'Aqabah would be managed by Sir Richard Belcampau.

[Ferkas]

Arar, Free Citizens Republic of Arabia

The usually serene city of Arar was abuzz with activity at the moment, as several units of the newly named "Free Citizens Army" converged upon it. The convergence had begun several days earlier, on the command of Aamar al-Sharani, as the new republic prepared to both assert and defend itself against the royalist holdout in the north. The plan was simple, push northwest along the general path of Route 44, engage and destroy any royalist units, and assert republican control over the city of Amman.

Of course, plans are rarely as simple in the field as they may seem in the planning room, and this one was no different. Snags had been hit almost right away, starting with deciding upon who exactly would lead the expedition. Most of the senior level military staff had either fled north to Amman, and many of those who remained were not trusted much by the Commission of Citizens, who found themselves much more comfortable working with officers who had previously been of a more junior caliber. That was how, after a hastily conducted search of available officers, it was agreed that Raashid Nazar, formerly a Lieutenant Colonel with the 3rd Mechanized Infantry, would lead the combined forces.

It was a daunting task for the freshly promoted General, who found himself in command of a far larger force than he had ever before commanded. Adding to the challenge was the fact that support was sporadic and unorganized, as was just about everything in the young republic. Air support couldn't be promised, as the Air Corp was still in disarray and the channels of communication between the branches were strained at the best of times, nonexistent at the worst. Supply lines were a mess and the military staff, especially at the highest levels, was compromised with mostly young officers, who had distinguished themselves by siding with the citizens and public during the uprising, and then finding themselves promoted to senior ranks.

Not that any of those issues were seen as reason to delay. General Nazar had been informed that he was to act as quickly as possible, and that his mission was of the utmost importance to the young republic. A decisive victory would allow the new government to clearly establish its authority, removing the only opposing claim to power in the nation and uniting the whole of the former Christian Kingdom into the Free Citizens Republic. Motivated by such a sense of urgency, and encouraged by the revolutionary fervor with had swept over his units, General Nazar began to lead his forces towards Amman...

Commanding Officer: General Raashid Nazar
Composition:
3rd Armored Brigade
2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade
3rd Mechanized Infantry Brigade
1st Artillery Battalion

[Iansisle]

Arabian Desert
Near Free Citizen’s Army Headquarters

“Are you sure?”

There was a twinge of panic in that voice that amused Gregory Apperson. He knew the colonel – well, just a captain back then – had been with the Revolutionary Volunteers at Rutters, and he had charged with his regiment into the best defenses that the Gandvian army could throw up simply for pride. And here he was afraid of a simple landing.

“Of course I’m sure, colonel,” he said, shooting an amused grin to his left. “Trust me. I was landing ol’ Lucy here in Chingiz’s backyard years before you were born. Think this is hair-raising? Try coming down overloaded, Ghazis taking potshots at you with Geletian missiles, and a cliff to fall off if you don’t stop in time. This is a milk run.”

“You sound almost like you miss it,” said Colonel Young, although Apperson noticed his eyes never left the upcoming airstrip.

“In a way, I do. A good adrenaline rush, it was.” He nosed Lucy over a couple degrees to port. “Still, I’m an old man now, and this’ll just have to do.”

The starboard engine coughed, spluttered for a moment, and then caught again. Young nearly jumped out of his seat.

“Wh- what was that!?”

“Nothing to worry about. She’s just hungry. It’s been a long trip.” He turned and called to the back. “Oy, Bert, give it a bang, what?”

“I heard, dammit,” was the reply from the back, followed by a loud fist-on-metal clanging.

Young’s eyes immediately went to the petrol gauge. It read ‘empty.’

Apperson saw him look over that way. “Don’t be bothered about that. Hasn’t worked since – Bert, when did the gauge go?”

“Oh, hell, it was before Fort Ash – must have been ’02, maybe ’03?”

“Ha, Ash, I’d forgotten about that one. How many bullets we pick out of the hull again?”

“At least a dozen, maybe two.”

“Right, well, here we come. Seatbelt on, I reckon, Bert?”

All that came back was laughter.

The Graye and Bankfield Lark was just a few feet above the ground as Apperson maneuvered it to the rough-hewn runway cut barely a few hours ago by Arabian logistical troops. There was a quick thump as the rear wheels touched, followed by a bone-jolting series of thumps and jostles while Lucy struggled to stop. After what seemed an eternity, all the excitement was over and they were taxiing in a cloud of dust, with the hot sun beating down on the metal roof.

“What did I tell you, colonel? Nothing to worry about.”

Young released his seat’s grip and exhaled slowly. “After that, I don’t mind facing a royalist bullet or two.”

[Ferkas]

Free Citizens Republic of Arabia

The rapid arrival of advisers from the GFR had been welcomed by the new republic, who was quick to integrate them into units wherever they could. Entangled in the process of building a functioning government, the arrival of those with recent experience in the matter was seen as a godsend, and by and large the Arabians showed themselves as revolutionaries who were willing to listen and take the ideas from the GFR into consideration.

With the injection of foreign knowledge, combined with the zealous rush of a citizenry largely excited to establish itself, progress was being made at a fair rate. Elections had not yet been scheduled, the Commission of Citizens had decided that those would have to wait until the "royalist issue" could be dealt with. But an interim government had been established for the meantime, headed by the "Interim Executive Council", chaired by Aalam al-Sharani, who was largely expected to win the general election, whenever it was held. Not that the structure of the Republic had been determined yet, the Commission of Citizens, having incorporated all non-royalist members of the former National Legislature, was working on the creation of a new constitution, which would then be put up to a public vote. Such a constitution, once finished, would delineate the process for choosing the members of government and establish the Republic as a truly functional government.


Free Citizens Republic of Arabia/Christian Kingdom of Arabia

Major Shihab al-Masaari, who had very recently been little more than a Junior Lieutenant, surveyed the small village around him through the top hatch of his armored command vehicle. The Major was leading one of the forward detachments of the rapidly advancing Free Citizens Army First Command, and his forces had just entered into this small village a few minutes earlier. Such an entry would not have been a noteworthy one, several villages had been crossed to reach this point, except for the fact that this was the first village within what was widely considered to be within the royal sphere of influence. The village of As Safawi was about 25km to the north, and that was a known royalist strong point, reinforced by forward units of royalist 5th Corp.

But even with a royalist contingent in the area it wasn't expected that this village, so inconsequential in size that its name had not even been noted by the Major, would offer any resistance. Surely, the Major thought, it was too small to be deserving of its own defense contingent.

It was a hypothesis which was technically true, the village had no royalist soldiers in it. The various commanders had failed to even note it, much less declare it a point worth violently defending. But that didn't mean that their would be no resistance. The population itself, although small, was not a complacent one. The further north one went in Arabia, the more conservative the population. It was an odd trend, hard to place in its origin, but most hypothesis's focused on the fact that the area had long been administered directly by the royal family and had enjoyed certain privileges because of that. Such privileges endeared the population to their King, creating great feelings of loyalty to the throne. Combined with the almost worldwide trend of rural populations tending towards an increase in traditional values, which in Arabia implied a strict adherence to the Church, and one had a population which was none too keen on the idea of revolution.

It was a combination of social and political factors which had just begun to creep into Major al-Masaari's mind as the violent crack of rifle fire punctured the still heat of the day. In the quickest of moments he had already ducked back down into the vehicle, pulling the hatch closed behind him. The radio crackled to life, several units which had spread out across the town reporting that they were coming under fire, much of which was coming from the windows of various residences in the village. The next batch of messages to come in indicated the various success rates of the return fire which Major al-Masaari's men delivered, followed by indications that various buildings were being stormed, finally followed by casualty conformations. The final report which was sent back to General Raashid Nazar broke the action down into simple numbers: 7 dead and 12 wounded on the side of the Free Citizens Army, 14 dead and 19 wounded coming from the royalist side. They represented the first casualties in what both sides hoped to see as a short and decisive war.

[Ferkas]

Jizan, Free Citizens Republic of Arabia

Staring out over the assembled crowd, his eyes squinting into the harsh morning light, Clarence Neville III was struck by an absurd thought. Just a few months ago Arabia had been seen as a viable destination for worried nobles in the former Grand Empire of the Shield. How the times had changed, as he now waited for the declaration which he knew was going to soon be coming. He had been "detained" by the new republic the morning after it was announced and had then spent several days locked in a single cell that was located under the city hall. He had then finally been dragged across the street to what had been the district courthouse, where his "trial" was held.

It was a trial which, even when viewed with the most impartial of opinions, had been a farce. The tribunal, made up of five key local revolutionaries, had alternated between insulting him and sneering at him. The prosecution, an overly zealous lawyer who had previously worked for the Crown, had gone on and on before the cameras, accusing Clarence of all sorts of atrocities...in very general terms. Of course it didn't take an expert to find out exactly why Clarence Neville III was being put through all of the hoopla. His chief crime was his name, the follow up charges were his wealth and perceived status. It was his father who had actually been the Lord Governor, Clarence III was just the heir apparent and had never held an active role in any matter of governance besides the occasional trip to visit the other Noble Houses. Even his father, Sir William Neville IV, had been a mostly fair ruler. But that wasn't the issue. What was the issue was that the public was now in charge, and they were mad. Unable to pursue the King himself, they would have to satisfy themselves with pursuing those who had worked most closely with him.

The wind picked up again, blowing off of the Red Sea and across the square, as the gentleman began to speak. "It is the decision of the Free Citizens Republic of Arabia that Clarence Neville III is guilty of heinous crimes against the citizenry. In light of the repulsive and unrepentant nature of his offenses...". Clarence couldn't help but admit that the unrepentant part was true, he had refused to give the tribunal what they had wanted, a scene of a noble admitting to crimes that he had really never committed. "...it is our decision that Clarence Neville III will now be executed."

After that everything seemed to drag on, even though it all passed rather quickly. It didn't take long for him to be dragged up the steps to the waiting noose, which was then placed around his neck.

"Does the offender have any last words?"

Clarence paused for a moment, trying to settle on what he would say...

"The murder of the innocent, no matter how strongly you may be repulsed by their names, is not a just act. Besides that, I can only pray for my absolution and have faith in the eternal."

With that the stool was kicked out and Clarence Neville III, heir apparent to the House of Neville, was sent to meet his maker.

[Ferkas]

Free Citizens Republic of Arabia/Christian Kingdom of Arabia

It had been several days since the wars first casualties, and in that time the conflict had only grown more intense. Republican forces had made contact with Royalist forces around Al Mafraq and Az Zaeqa, leading to several days of pitched combat and mixed results. It had been detachments of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry which made the first contact outside Al Mafraq, and they had initially seen promising gains, forcing their way towards the heart of the city and seeming as if they would quickly secure the northern most front of the royalist lines. It was an idea which had fallen apart almost as quickly as it could have been made, a resolute Royalist counterattack, combining with a well coordinated use of air support, had ground the Republican forces to a halt, in some cases actually forcing them back. That had been two days ago, and since then no side had made any clear progress in either direction. The battle surrounding Az Zaeqa was similar, except for the opening hours. There was no false impression of an easy Republican victory, the first forces to arrive outside the city were met with stiff resistance, a resistance which grew in time with the arrival of additional Republican forces.

Meanwhile, Republican forces had actually suffered a defeat in the south, with Republican forces being driven back after a failed offensive against Al'Aqabah. The offensive, which had been rapidly put together and was to feature a combined offensive of air, land, and naval assets, had proven to be more than a bit of a disaster. The organizational issues had been apparent almost from the start, and what had been minor issues in the planning stages (which were rushed and poorly managed anyways) had become major problems during the actual conflict. The basic idea had been that a mechanized brigade would approach Al'Aqabah from Tabuk. Meanwhile forces from the 1st Special Deployment Battalion would coordinate with naval forces in the Red Sea to launch a simultaneous amphibious assault against the port city, all supported by precisely timed air strikes. It was a plan with far too many moving parts, too much of it depending on meticulously precise timing and coordination, and at least at the moment was far outside the reach of the Republican military structure.

The result had been chaotic. The amphibious components had arrived too early, and without the land offensive taking place at the same time they had found themselves facing a far more focused opposition than they had planned for. The land component, which then became rushed in its approach, desperate to support the forces which had landed in the port, creating additional issues. First an armored company had rushed forward too quickly, finding themselves in a recently laid Royalist minefield several kilometers outside of the city. Then the combined force had ran into the problem of meeting a generally stiffer resistance than they had expected. All of these issues came to a head when the airstrikes had been mistimed, either missing their targets entirely, or even hitting Republican forces. The offensive had finally been called off, and even the attempt to withdraw amphibious forces from along the port had been generally botched, increasing the casualties there as well.

[Ferkas]

Rome, Italia. Western Roman Empire.

The arrival of HRM Augustus XI, King of the Christian Kingdom of Arabia, in the city of Rome was a matter which was kept as hidden as possible from the public view. Augustus was aware that, as a whole, the Roman state was against him. Their, in his opinion disgusting, liberal tendencies had made it easy for them to support the upstart new Republic, even if it meant they would spite the idea of a monarchy which they also held to. But Augustus wasn't in Rome to meet with representatives of the Western Roman Empire, he knew he would have nothing to gain from talking to them, he wouldn't be able to persuade many (if any!) of the European powers to side with him over an upstart democracy. It wasn't in their nature, nor would it be in their best interests, given the Christian Kingdom's historic tendencies of spiting and resisting the efforts of the liberal European powers.

No, Augustus XI had a different reason for traveling to one of the worlds most historic cities. His motives for visiting were within the city, contained by a series of ancient walls and buildings. The Vatican, home of the Holy See and residence of Pope John XXIV, was the destination of Augustus. He had been summoned earlier, when the revolutionary undercurrents had become too loud and too obvious for anyone to miss any longer. But he hadn't been able to depart immediately, instead having to devout much of his time and energy towards organizing the defense of the areas which he still controlled. Instead of being able to travel to visit his spiritual leader he had been forced to spend his time planning troop movements, organizing levies, and controlling press releases. But all of that was, if not done, at least under control. The matters of defense were better handled by his generals and aides, and the travel gave him an added security against possible harm. Republican troops hadn't made much progress towards Amman, but they weren't far away by any stretch.

So it made since now for Augustus to travel out of the country. His flight had left several hours earlier, escorted to the Byzantine border by several military aircraft, in case any Republican forces should make a move towards it. But after that it had been smooth traveling. The flight plan didn't disclose who was aboard the plane, but it was a vehicle with diplomatic status, and hopefully that would be enough to protect its occupants from any potential disturbances on the part of foreign powers. Not that Augustus was too worried, unlike his late father he didn't have any international criminal complaints against him. After arriving at the airport Augustus made his way to a waiting unmarked car which whisked him across the city and to the Vatican.

[Crusader Canaan]

Jerusalem, Canannite Republic

Knight-President Vincente Giazzani reclined somberly in his heavy wooden chair, regarding the conclave before him. He wore a simple beige business suit, a single golden cross hung by a long chain around his neck, his only statement of office. A marked contrast with the ostenation of the Grand Masters and Knights-Marshall gathered before him. They wore sparkling white uniforms in a tight utilitarian style, long black jackboots and heavy belts with embossed iron buckles with the legend "DEUS VULT" imprinted on them. Pinned to their breasts was a sparkling cornucopia of medals and decorations. Every one practically sagged under the weight of semi-precious medals and insignia denoting their importance both political and millitary.

"The people demand war, Honored President. Even the Vatican is bowing to the pressure. There must be war, God wills it." Thundered Grand-Master of the Knights Hospitaller, John Innocentius Smith. He was a thin, scrawny man with ragged eyebrows and the staring, hawkish eyes of a true fanatic. Despite his finery he seemed like a peasant beside the regality and quiet reserve of the Knight-President, who, being seventy-nine this winter, was at least thirty years the Grand-Master's senior. Not to mention that he had been Knight-President for nearly eighteen years now, a true record even by the Holy Republic's standards. They had said he was too old last election. He had proven them wrong, and secured a third term for the Christian Democrats, though his majority had greatly eroded since the late 90's. Now he had to anwser to these war-hawks, whose bloodlust for crusade was well and truly stirred up.

"Honored Grand Master." He replied in sonorous tones, rich with deep majesty. "The Inner Council has deliberated on these matters at length, and, after careful asessment of the situation, we have agreed that intervention is called for."

The presidential chamber rang with the sudden roars of joy from the assembled Crusader Knights. Even John Innocentius seemed suprised, having been almost convinced that the ageing fool of a President would stall their efforts yet further. But his ready assent
had seemed only natural. God did Will it, after all.

Giazzani made a simple motion with his hands for quiet, and, as a mark of their respect even now, they reluctantly calmed down and obeyed.

"There will be war, but it will be to the aims set out by the Inner Council. There will be no Crusade." He was interrupted by roars of anger. "SILENCE!" he thundered, like a headmaster to naughty schoolchildren. "This state was founded on one Crusade and that is enough. We have gone a hundred and twenty years without invoking that spectre, and we do not need to do so now."

Fury clouded the face of the Grand Masters, but they grumblingly relented. They didnt need the help of frothing international madmen anyway. They had plenty of zeal and fire themselves, and would gladly spread it.

"These are our aims, and I will trust you Grand Masters to formulate a plan that meets these aims and no others." he said sharply.

The Masters nodded, now calculating and business-like. They had what they wanted. Now to plan how to achieve it.

"First, and foremost, we are to -preserve- the Kingdom of Christian Arabia. THIS IS OUR MOST IMPORTANT AIM!" he stabbed his finger at a map. "Currently the King has retreated to Amman. It is not yet clear if he can resume his seat in St Paul, but our priority for now should be stabilising the Northern rump of the former Kingdom, and restoring, re-arming, and re-training the Christian Arab army to defend what currently exists. A Scant few days ago, an attack on Al Aqabah was barely repulsed. Our priority for now should be to hold the line there."

The President swallowed from a glass of water on his desk. Even in the winter, his office could become warm, a side effect of its ageing central heating system, installed decades ago. It was a curious fact of Canaanite culture that innovation and rennovation were seen as tantamount to sin itself. Why fix what isnt broken? Why change what doesnt need changing? One area where this lack of flexibility in thinking was absent was the fields of millitary technology and also medicine. If Canaan did anything well, it was Killing the Infidel and Healing the Worthy.

"Our second priority should be to show the world that they must not interfere in this war, to convince them this...Republic of Muslims is a shambolic state, one not worthy of admiration or support. We can achieve this through intense propaganda starting immediately, but also I want us to deploy Ordo Sicarum units as rapidly as possible, to disrupt the Muslim chain of command as quickly as possible."

There were approving nods. All feared and respected the Ordo Sicarum, a black-ops unit of infamous notoriety that was officially disavowed by Canaan, but which all knew existed. They were ruthless killers, and, more clandestinely, often recruited from turncoat Palestinians and Muslims. This allowed them to infiltrate Mujahideen cells and similar bodies with greater ease, though for this operation such slow-burn tactics would not be entirely feasible. Better to simply strike as quickly as possible, in as many places at once, and sow maximum chaos. Most likely false-flag commando teams would be HALO'd into the heart of Arabia, with clear seek-and-kill missions. Extraction would be near impossible, so most would have to risk the long hike north, or try to get to the neutral Byzantine Empire. Most expected to die in their missions, and carried cyanide pills for just this purpose.

"Finally, we must restore confidence in the power of the true faith of Jesus Christ and his Holy Warriors." He paused, crossing himself, as all present did likewise. "I believe that setting up christian aid camps in Northern Arabia will be essential to winning hearts and minds of all who still keep the faith. I will entrust the Dioceses of Jerusalem and Tyre to ensure the success of this mission, and also to remind the suffering and the impoverished that we will win this war."

There were cheers. This was a sound plan, and all were utterly confident of victory. However, what most had failed to notice was that the destruction of the Arab Republic was not a war aim....

[Chrinthania]

Rome, Italia, Western Roman Empire

His Catholic Majesty's arrival in Rome should have been triumphed for miles. As a right and honor of his rank, all diplomatic and political energy should have been invested into a welcoming committee with bands blaring the Arabian National Anthem, and important men shaking his hand. Under heavy guard, he should be transported through the winding streets of Rome, to the Vatican, to be greeted in grand fashion by His Holiness while Cardinals and Bishops clamored to attend to him. The shutter clicks of paparazzi should have also been heard.

Yet, as the King found upon his arrival, there were no fanciful welcomes. There were no diplomats in cheap suits trying feverishly to greet with enthusiasm. There were only two cars to carry the Arabian delegation into Rome. There were no police to guard. There were no bands. There was only the King and a few Vatican Guards to protect him. As he made his way through Rome, no one would applaud. There would be no grand stand. Even Consul-General Scaramella wasn't quite aware that the King had even made it Rome yet. Arriving at the Vatican itself, there would be waiting one man waiting. He wasn't even an official in Holy Mother Church, just a personal attendant of His Holiness Pope John XXIV. Augustus would be moved through the Vatican, into the Papal Apartments, where he would be ushered into a small dining room.

The long table was covered in a solid white table cloth of fine material. Two place settings were present even though Augustus was the only man in the room. From another door, he could hear a man speaking. An elderly, avuncular voice echoed in Italian as it approached. Another suited man opened this door and, behind him followed John XXIV. An elderly man, whatever his true age be, who seemed closer to death than his youth. His hands shook as he walked into the room. He was small of stature and grand of girth. He flashed a smile at the King, who would be asked to sit down across from the Pope's chair. The Pope said nothing in this instant. There were people in the room serving a simple lunch. After serving, the men left.

"Your Majesty," said the Pope, "I trust you understand why we've gone to such pedestrian measures for your arrival. I apologize if you are offended in anyway, but we must ensure that no one really knows you're here. There are those around who would not be inclined to herald your arrival here as anything positive." The Pope would then gesture to Augustus, "Let us give thanks to God for his bountiful blessings, for the hard work of the Vatican staff who prepared our meal, and for the proceedings which have brought us together this day."

The Pope would give the sign of the cross, then, in Latin, offer the blessing. He would ask for God's divine wisdom in the meeting, to establish the Will of God on Earth, to pray for the souls of those gone astray in Arabia, and indeed the world. He would ask for strength in these pressing times. He would also thank God for the devotion of King Augustus and the faithful of Arabia. When the blessing had ended, he would resume speaking to Augustus.

"Your Majesty," he said as his beady eyes looked at Augustus, "I find myself concerned about the establishment of a Republic of Arabia. I mourn for the souls of the faithful. They have given themselves to the wolves. The situation itself is most disheartening. And now these Muslims are trying to take over one of God's most faithful realms. Certainly, Your Majesty, you can understand that this cannot be. We cannot allow the wicked to rule."

"I was praying on this matter last night," he continued, "I saw a vision of a most troublesome nature. I saw the Beast rising in the desert. He consumed not only your kingdom, but the whole of the Earth. The faithful were cast aside like toys while depravity and lasciviousness reigned supreme. Yet, in this vision, there was hope. A great warrior for God also appeared. He was clothes in the Robes of Righteousness, in his hands a sword of the finest quality. With one swipe, he slew the Beast before its mission was complete. And, it was at that moment I realized what must be done. I believe you are that warrior, Your Majesty. That would will gather the faithful at your side and lead them back into the lands that are rightfully theirs. You will prevent the Beast from accomplishing his dastardly goals. You have been chosen by God for this purpose. It is your destiny." Then the Pope blessed King Augustus, "A thousand shall fall at your left, ten-thousand shall fall at your right, but it shall not come near you."

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people." continued the Pope.

"Do you accept this responsibility, Your Majesty?" asked the Pope, "Are you willing to lead the Armies of the Righteous into battle against the Legions of Satan?"

[Cassanos]

Arabian peninsula
530 kilometres above sea level

While King Augustus and the Pope were discussing the properties of theological constructs, a true denizen of the heavens was racing through space at seven kilometres per second. It had been easy A Nibelung radar imaging satellite originally tasked to monitor Areopagite disarmament procedures was tilting itself ever so slightly to cover the north of Arabia. Where before clumsy analague cameras had been clicking, strong radar beams cut through cloud cover and darkness to produce crystal-clear images of the land below. Objects with a large content of metal or water, such as tanks, trucks or human beings, reflected the radar beams especially well. With little foliage to obstruct the view, the Nibelung eye in the sky could get a clear image of the King's army's dispositions, which it beamed down to a relais in south of the Italian peninsula.
Munstra's analysts had the images within seconds.


St. Paul, Republic of Arabia
Six hours later

Josef Steinbach's embassy had received a group of Nibelungs which had arrived via government flight he day before. Now, the ambassador sent word to the Citizen's Commission asking for a clandestine meeting as soon as possible. Meanwhile, lieutenant-colonel Harald Derlett and his staff in a sound- and bug-proof room in the embassy's basement, were preparing the last details of their briefing. Hiram Johnson's old friend, recently promoted, took a final look at the small laptop computer. This little thing got a lot of people killed at Saykhin. Derlett sighed. Sometimes he felt like a banshee – wherever he and his powerful little box went, death followed.

[Ferkas]

Rome, Italia, Western Roman Empire

Augustus listened intently as Pope John XXIV spoke. The first time that he spoke, and only very briefly, was to assure the Pontiff that he held no ill will regarding his greeting party, or lack their of, in Rome. He understood that his situation was one which didn't attract much support from the Roman public at large, and in matters such as these it was often desirable to keep a lower profile. But otherwise he was silent as John XXIV spoke of what he had seen.

Despite his position as the "divinely appointed" ruler of a Catholic Kingdom, Augustus wasn't a particularly devout man. He made sure that he saw to all of the expected behaviors, attending mass regularly, having a confessor, and exercising moral restraint (at least in situations where the public was aware). But he wasn't a firebrand and he wasn't a zealot. He didn't typically think of himself as some divine messenger, instead he saw himself as a ruler, a King, who was at risk. And he saw religion as he had several times before...a tool through which he could secure his position. Of course he would never state something like that aloud, and certainly not when in the company of the Pope. No, he would play the part, nodding solemnly, an introspective look upon his face.

"Your Excellency, I do accept this most solemn responsibility. My only hope is that my actions and my thoughts will be pleasing to the Lord, and that our combined efforts, along with the efforts of the devout across the world, will succeed in destroying this menace which now faces us."


----------------------------------------------


Office of the Bureau of Foreign Affairs.
St. Paul, Free Citizens Republic of Arabia.

The office of Omar Halabi hadn't become any less chaotic as the days passed. In anything it became worse, as the full realization of revolution began to descend upon him and his staff. No longer were they revolutionaries fighting against the government as a loosely formed organization, a conglomerate of different groups and views. Now they were concerned, not only with fighting the King in the north, but with the practical and pervasive concerns of nation building. They had to create a government, create a national identity of republic and secularism, in a place where such an idea had never before existed. The task was daunting, especially as fears grew over the possibility of foreign intervention, especially from the Canaanites, who had been thankfully removed during the early stages of revolution, but who probably wouldn't be able to ignore the formation of a republic where the popular leader had stated several times that "God has no place in our government".

So the pressure was now one Omar Halabi to establish the republic with as many nations as possible, and in as positive a light as possible. In order to do that Omar had decided, with the backing of the Interim Executive Council, to appoint Citizen-Consuls to "nations of immediate interest". The hope was that the presence of these consuls would motivate the nations to offer full recognition to the Free Citizens Republic, recognition that would hopefully come at the cost of condemning Augustus XI and his rule in the north. If that could be secured than the next step would be to urge the international community to pledge their support to helping the new Republic establish itself, through aid of various kinds, monetary, military, or logistical.

Mr. Thomas Abadi, who had worked closely with Halabi and al-Sharani during the revolutionary movement, would make his way to Rome where he would hope to find an audience with various members of the government their. It was hoped that support could be gained in a very outspoken way from what was seen as the continuing birthplace of republican government.

Ms. Tahirah Maloof would also be traveling to Europe, but would be destined for the more central portion, being tasked with establishing connections with Nibelunc. She had also worked with the revolutionary movements, bringing an odd edge of Islam and feminism to the table after she was denied any chance of excelling in diplomacy, despite her stellar grades at the University of Tabuk when she studied political science and philosophy. At the same time that she would be placed on a flight for Munstra, a Capt. James Montague would schedule to meet with Harald Derlett in a secret meeting at an unmarked building which the revolution maintained control over in the outskirts of St. Paul.

The last Citizen-Consul to be dispatched was Mr. Wilson Said, although he wouldn't have to travel far. He was already in Constantinople, having been working with the former royal embassy their for almost a decade. He would know assume responsibility for establishing relations with Byzantium, who was seen as a key neighboring state which could hopefully offset any ambitions which the Canaanites might have. The revolution wasn't sure how Imperial Byzantium would respond to a radically republican state along their southern frontier, but it was hoped that Mr. Said could paint a convincing enough picture that a power hungry Canaan might try to capitalize on the situation, and that such action could do severe damage to the balance of power in the region.

[Crusader Canaan]

Jerusalem, Holy Republic of Canaan

The Rose Room was a circular audience room that dated back to the late 19th century, baroque wooden panelling and the tasteful placement of elaborate wooden buttresses and carving given the room the feel of a much older and homelier 17th century rectory. It was part of the extensive Presidential Residence, built west of the sacred wall enclosing Old Jerusalem, opposite the Jaffa road, and east of the Salvation Gardens which marked a rough halfway point between Old Jerusalem and Renaissance Jerusalem. In a city crowded with palaces, temples, shrines, and legacies to the glorious and spiritual past, the Residence was actually fairly easy to miss, a medium-sized building that was smaller than the House of Patricians, a massive sprawling building which dominated the Rehavia Valley.

The room was crowded, now, with members of the press of all nations, a crowded mix of male, female, white, black, christian, muslim, pagan, and more besides. The Rose Room was not a stranger to such congregations, being the designated place for press briefings, but also the room where the Treaty of the Sinai was signed in 1965, securing the rights of the Canaanite Republic to the entire Penisula.

A framed copy of that treaty, and a potent reminder of Canaanite power, hung just above the podium where the Secretary of the Voice normally stood. But today the briefing would not be given by her- a devout former Knight of St Joan- but instead by the Knight-President himself. Today, History would once again be made.

The septugenarian president strode with resolute purpose up to the microphones, gripping the sides of the podium with calm, confident authority. Some years earlier some wag had drawn a comparison between his grandiose, lecturing oratorial style, and the depiction of God in some old Amerique movie, where one Charles Hestaun had thundered like the very embodiment of the Holy Father down to Moses. It was a comparison he had cultivated since.

"Thank you all for coming. Today, November Twentieth, in response to growing violence in our dear neighbour, Arabia, in response to deliberate and premeditated acts of violence, insurrection, and invasion, in response to the shelling of Al Aqabah and the murder of countless Arabic Christians, in response to the violence and chaos of the emergence of a fanatical body calling itself a Republic, the full Assembly of Houses-" he gestured widely and grandly, pausing for effect, "The full assembly of Houses, voted by an overwhelming majority, to declare War against the illegitimate body calling itself the Free Citizen's Republic."

The room erupted with questions, the flash of cameras and the hubbub of questions. Giazzani let it wash over him. He was a tall rock, weathering the storm. He raised his hand, slightly, signalling a desire for calm. The reporters gradually obeyed.

"Last Night, the 1st Knights Templar Brigade was mobilised, to join loyalist Arab forces in the defence of Al Aqabah. Last Night, elements of the 3rd Wings of Damocles Squadron was authorised to implement a Zone of total aerial denial over the Arabian Penisula against unidentified millitary aircraft. Last Night, a General Muster was called, and This Morning the first line of Reservists is being activated. Last Night, the Covenant of St Mary, in conjunction with the Dioceses of Tyre and Jerusalem, were contacted to begin amassing emergency supplies for the aid and relief of all Arabs. Last Night, diplomatic representatives of this administration were dispatched to Rome, to Constantinople, and to Amman, to make our war aims and intentions known, to guarantee neutrality, and to provide support for the cause of the Christian Monarchy. When I assert, that we intend to intervene in this conflict, that we have declared War, that we are even now beginning a great and deliberate movement to counter and check the growth of this insurrectionary body, I assert also my total confidence in our inevitable and total victory, not over Arabia, but over the forces of terror, over the forces of anti-religious and intolerant anarchy. When we are victorious, and we will be, a New Order will be implemented in the Kingdom of Arabia. Not the law of the jungle, but the rule of laws just and good as agreed upon by all Nations. Thank you, and God Bless Us All."

The room once again exploded into shouts and questions. The President simply nodded solemnly, before bowing and stepping out, letting the Secretary of the Voice take over, and begin to anwser their questions.

It had Begun.

[Chrinthania]

Rome, Italia, Western Roman Empire

He turned off the television. He sat without movement, without speech. His beady eyes just darted at the now blank screen. It wasn't everyday that war broke out in the world. It also wasn't everyday that a nation, a nation Rome considered a friend in many regards, would simply launch an invasion of a sovereign nation without at least discussing the matter with Roman officials first. It wasn't that the Canaanites were required to get permission from Rome, but, for all intents and purposes, it was an event that could cause a tremendous rift where one had not been. To the Consul-General, it seemed as if a new crusade had begun.

Of course such matters weren't just occupying the thoughts of the elected government. Even in the Quirinal Palace, the newly-ascended emperor paid careful attention to the issue at hand. The Canaanites had invaded what had already been recognized as an independent nation by many of the major players around the world. They had entered into what was a sovereign nation, and, in spite of whatever the Pope may say in public, the Western Roman Empire considered itself a friend of the newly-established Arabian Republic. In the name of the Roman Emperor, an embassy had already been established. As trade deals were beginning to form between the new republic and the Ancient Empire, the Canaanites--a group best described as a feudalistic Catholic crusader state--had invaded.

Hadrian II didn't waste time. He immediately placed a phone call to Consul-General Scaramella. In the conversation, the emperor explained to Scaramella the benefits of both himself and Hadrian II meeting with the emissary from Canaan. A rare joint meeting between the duly-elected leader of the Western Empire and the Imperial figurehead in whose name all diplomacy was carried out. Certainly he was expecting to meet and speak with the Canaanite delegation.

As the day wore on, the diplomatic retinue from Canaan was instructed to meet at the Quirinal Palace, in the Throne Room, where they would be received by Caesar Hadrian and by Consul-General Scaramella. The two men would await the arrival of the Canaanites. Certainly there was a lot these two nation needed to discuss as this juncture.

Something the Canaanites may notice is the complete difference in the two men. With Fabrizio Scaramella, Rome has a tried-and-true politician. A man who began his political career thirty-five years ago as mayor of a small town in Sicily. He had worked his way up the ladder to become a forceful Senator who championed the rights of the people. Then, in a bitterly-fought election, a man who won because of his emotional honesty. Of course this wasn't a feat he achieved simply because of his abilities in the political world in Rome. He was also quite abrasive, brash, domineering at times. While he could be a perfect statesman, he was a man of passion who too often wore his heart on his sleeve. While politically speaking, such a demonstrative person could be considered a liability to the party, it was a trait that connected him to the people. With Emperor Hadrian II, Rome has a young man who is extremely new to his position. He held no formal office or titles prior to his ascension. He had no election in which to temper his message and adjust it to a changing would. No, Caesar Hadrian II was a man of the modern world, a man who, at twenty-seven, found himself thrust into the most prestigious position in history: Roman Emperor. He was a calm man whose head ruled his heart. He could be demonstrative when he wished, but, for the most part, gave no clues to his positions through his emotions. In fact, it is said that he could smile at someone to their face while plotting revenge against them and the person he was smiling at would not doubt the sincerity of the smile.

Whatever the emissary from Canaan had to say, whatever opinions they offered, whatever proposals they had brought, the Romans were waiting to hear everything they had to say. No matter what, they had Rome's complete attention.

[Cassanos]

St. Paul Republic of Arabia

Ambassador Steinbach and lieutenant-colonel Derlett had their aides set up three laptop computers and a large white screen at one end of the nondescript meeting-room. So far, the screen only showed a plain blue, as Steibach began speaking:
„Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for meeting me on such short notice. I am here to convey an offer from my government word of which, I have to stress, must not leak to the public at this moment.“
He motioned to Derlett, and the screen came to life, showing a somewhat grainy image. „What you are seeing is, we believe, part of the Royalist 23rd Mechanized Brigade in a holding area near Ma'an. Colonel Derlett?“ The image switched to a sharper image. „This, we think, is a fighter squadron of the Seventh Royal Air Wing at Amman. These images were taken by Nibelung radar imaging satellites about eight hours ago. I am not at liberty to go into the technical details at this point, but we can promise you continuous information like this not older than one or two hours. We can cover a signifcant part of the current frontline and the main avenues from Canaan to Arabia. Unfortunately, the international situation is such that we can not announce official intervention on our part at this time. We have, however, contacted the Shieldian government and will begin delivery of certain supplies and communications gear earmarked for the Gull Flag Republic to you through them in about two days.“ Rest assured that you are not alone in your struggle.“ The ambassador sat down again, allowing the room to focus on Harald Derlett. „Ladies, gentlemen, for now, I will liaise with personnel of your choosing from the embassy. My staff and myself are ready to move out along your forces at short notice.“ Outwardly calm, Derlett was almost despondent. After he had arrived in Arabia and went over the details with the ambassador – transmission of imaging data among the regular encrypted communication between Munstra and the embassy and so on – had sent a short eMail to Major Johnson's account. It was only seven words:
Hiram,
They're doing it to me again.


Munstra, Nibelunc

The Canaanite declaration of war was all over the Nibelung media. Foreign Minister Fischer went on record to demand restraing on the part of the international community, urging Jerusalem not to intervene in what was „clearly an internal issue of Arabia and demonstrating the will of the people of that nation“.

[Crusader Canaan]

Rome, Western Roman Empire

Jacob Levinsky smoothly allowed himself to be guided by the Roman palatial staff to the meeting room where he would, apparently, get to present the Canaanite cause to the Roman Emperor and Consul-General in person. Many might have been daunted by such an intense personal meeting with men who considered themselves the most powerful in the world, and still wielded enough of it to make that question a dubious one. Certainly for a young fortysomething Ambassador who had been in Rome only a year it would have seemed odd that the Astutia Maximus, or Foreign Secretary, would not have been called from Canaan to deal with such high-level negiotiations. But he was the one closest to hand, and was trusted to make Canaan's position clear. Plus, I'm a convenient scapegoat.

"Your Imperial Majesty, Your Excellence." he began, bowing low as ritual demanded, making sure to keep his eyes averted from the Emperor at all times. His father had worked for the Caananite Office of Foreign Affairs, and his father before him, and had been raised in all diplomatic niceties. He'd had to endure the occasional cruel taunt in the synagogue of being a lackey for the Crusaders, but he'd always had a certainty that he and his family and those like him were doing real and important work. Collaboration tended to be a dirty word, but it had always ensured Jewish success and safety in the past. Why stop now?

"I understand you may feel alarm or even outrage at the actions of the Holy Republic at this time. Allow me to convey the sincerest apologies of the Knight-President himself, and a personal message which I have not been permitted to read, but which I am to convey directly to the Consular-General and Holy Emperor themselves." He extended smoothly a sealed envelope which had arrived that morning in the diplomatic post. Marked with the crest of the President himself, it seemd such a small, trivial thing, though the words within might move mountains.

"On the matter of the regrettable war, it is truly regrettable that the regime which we are engaging was...recognised...by so many legitimate powers so quickly, before Canaan had a chance to make its position clearly known. However, the war aims that were established by the Knight-President in a Full Convocation have made our intentions clear, and we believe that they will not prove objectionable to Rome or to yourselves. I have a copy of the document drawn up as a result of that meeting here." He produced another sheath of papers, laying them calmly in front of him.

"Finally, I am fully empowered to anwser any and all questions, and to conclude our business in a binding manner. I am aware it is most unusual for an Ambassador of my junior status to have powers plenipotentiary, but it was felt that Rome deserved our immediate response for the actions which were preforce made, and it would have taken far too long for the Foreign Secretary to arrive with full entourage and go through the usual ritualistic rigamarole."

Levinsky smiled, extendings his hands in an expressive shrug as if to say, what can you do?

"It was also felt that as a citizen of the Holy Republic but not a member of its...religious-military caste, I would be a better representative of the Holy Republic as a whole for these grave matters, where a Knight-Patrician might be seen as somewhat...inflammatory."