Markion Lore RP Thread[MARKION ONLY-IC]

[Republic of Altos and Stratis]

ASBC News Bulletin

International

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MOD expands Operation Aquila

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In response to the ongoing Phoenxian crisis, the MOD has sent additional forces to reinforce CTF Drejveška. These reportedly include the LHD Résolue and units of the Special Operations Brigade. Though the MOD gave no explanation as to why these specific forces were being deployed to support Operation Aquila. Some have speculated that this may be in response to the attacks on Tyrian property, and government officials.

[Sevevill]

Imperial News Network
Prop 230 Passes through first faze of the Imperial Congress
By: Luke Martini

Today a long contested proposition passes through the imperial congress and was announced to the press in a briefing after the fourth yearly meeting of congress. This time lasing two weeks before verdicts could be reached on all topics discussed in this historic meeting. The most important of which is Proposition 230 which was brought to congress by Congresswoman Anastasia Belgoivich of the LFN. This proposition will divide the LFN into its five original nations from before the founding of the Liberated Free Nations in a attempt to bring more peace to the region. This proposition has been heavily supported by Congressmen and women currently holding the fifteen allocated seats in the Imperial Congress and heavily supported by current President in the LFN Vladimir Lebedev who was recently sworn into office in the LFN. This bill was also mostly supported by the people of the LFN who had voted in Lebedev in the recent elections after his main campeign promise was to help the country move further away from the horrors that the population had experienced under the former communist regime.

This Proposition has yet to be properly refined and will have to recive the O.K. from President Joseph Henry and the Imperial Senate who will be the final deciding factor in this proposition. But for now it could be a huge step in the way the Imperial Map looks for the better.

More information on this proposition can be seen on the Imperial Congress's Website located in the Library Section.

[Sjovenia]

Command General Marinkovič Raises Defense Readiness Condition


Surface to Air Battery off the Bajveskan Coast test fired during a drill last year

After a teleconference with the Minister of War and the Minister of State Intelligence Command General Marinkovič raised the Defense Readiness Condition from DEFCON 4 to DEFCON 3. Operating under an Office of State Intelligence "Perceived Threat" Order, DEFCON 3 calls for a theoretical "prepared battle stations" situation. The Ministry of the Slaveskan Air Force (MSAF) has been put on Zulu Alert by General Tita Selimi as well as an increase in aerial patrols. Admiral Anna Larsen from the Ministry of the Slaveskan Navy (MSN) has tasked both the Northern, Southern, and Western Major Commands to increase patrols off the coast of Janissero, and the Bajveskan, and Antarkt District. The Ministry of the Slaveskan Army (MSA), under orders from General Besim Aganovič, have begun setting up Anti Air Command and Control measures in conjunction with the Air Force. SAM & THAAD have been activated at an 80% Mission Capable Rate per using organization and set up around the nation.

All four of the MSN's Sea Band Based Radar had been mobilized and configured in accordance with the "Perceived Threat" Order. Command General Marinkovič stated that at this time the perceived threat was merely an exercise for defense readiness though the official change in DEFCON status may say otherwise. The BC-1 Bomber fleet stationed in Janissero started sending off aircraft in an alleged exercise testing pilots and ground crew on their Zulu Alert capabilities.

BC-1 Bombers stationed in Janissero conducting Zulu Alert Exercises


Sea Based Band Radar located off the coast of Janissero

[Arcadian States and Commonwealths]

[b]LCPL. Erich Bohlm, 1st Brigade, 6th Fallschirmjäger Division, UCSO

The final hours before the ultimatum have begun ticking, the bases have been running on skeleton crews while units were getting ready to deploy, they were moved to a small field on the coast, they're going to be the first brigade into the country before the entire 6th division lands. He sat on his medium ruck in a group of seven other soldiers who were eating some MREs, facing a small red chem light. Two hours before they would be wheels up, and three hours before they'd land in Sevevillian territory. Tonight was a new moon, his meal was soon interrupted by his squad leader checking NODs ad PEQs with a bag of batteries in his hand.

[b]Ambassador Bruno Corne, Arcadian Embassy to Sevevill

It was still up in the air if the Arcadian embassy to the Empire of Sevevill would close with the war at their doorsteps, all of the embassy employees have been recalled and their families within the compound with flights for the families in a few hours. The meeting in 30 minutes with the Sevevillian representative was the only chance at preventing the war, if all else fails he was instructed to secure the fate of both Sevevillian and Arcadian embassies and either secure their safe closing or ensure their operation.

[Emerstari]

Emerstarian Legislative Building
10:00 AM

The large, ornate treen doors that opened the hall to the chamber of the Emerstarian House of Commons, known domestically as the Folks Hus, opened. They were swung thither by two Royal Guards, who held them agape whilst a procession of politicians headed through. These confrères were elected politicians specifically, — a would-be oddity in Emerstari, that is if the stereotype it was led by solely peers and appointed bureaucrats held true. A man dressed rather decoratively, who walked afront the rest of the procession, stepped out of the way and called to the whole of the chamber, "All rise for the Speaker of the Commons, the Honorable Mister Harald Rudolf Sandholl of Hventien." As Sandholl approached the dais, he and his throng of clerks broke up across the various levels of seating; being the Speaker, Sandholl took the most elevated chair, — indeed, the Chair. Sandholl put about a few papers and spoke out in rapid succession, "The Speaker of the Commons, having arrived to the chamber, the Commons are now in session, lest there be any objections thereto? The Commons are now in session. All will remain standing for the Chaplain of the Commons, the Honorable and Reverend Pastor Erik Torvard Lefssen."
"O, good and gracious Lord," spoke the pastor in a much slower fashion than the Speaker, "may Your Spirit amount in this chamber, that it may do justice and good unto the people it represents. Kindle our hearts, that we may walk humbly with You, and so we may love kindness. Strengthen us, that we may honor You, and so we may seek truth. Bless our nation in righteousness and peace and make goodness and devotion our constant goal. Amen." Now finished, Pastor Lefssen retired from the room, whereupon the doors finally closed, the Guards awaiting outside.

Sandholl cleared his throat and announced, "The chamber may now sit." He, however, continued to stand. In the short time proceeding the pastor's exist and the speaker's announcement, the noise level of the room rose to an ambient buzz, which would become its natural state as long as the session lasted, save for a handful of times when Sandholl would bang his gavel in an attempt to restore order. A member of the Commons rose to the floor, and Sandholl inquired, "With what purpose does the Honorable Gentleman from Ekkesburg rise?"
The man, an averagely tall individual without too many distinguishing features and hight Karl Mærmund Ingessen, answered, "Mister Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent that the Committee on Natural Resources may have until midnight tonight to file a report on the bill for the designation of further land to Storfjell National Park."
"Is there objection?" the Speaker asked. He briefly surveyed the room, and no one having verbally protested, he tapped his gavel. "The Commons unanimously consents thereon."

A few minutes thereafter, the treen doors aforementioned were most quietly ajarred by the Guards, and a man slipped into the chamber. He passed a note to the Herald of the Commons who had earlier introduced the Speaker. The Herald made his presence known again with his bellowing voice. He trumpeted, "Mister Speaker, a message from the House of Lords, the Honorable Yunker Olof Æsvald Eplehjalm as courier!"
This was one of those handful of times when Sandholl would silence the room in his authority as Speaker; a visitor from the House of Lords was a visitor to be treated with respect in the House of Commons. "Yunker Eplehjalm, the floor is yours."
"Mister Speaker, I have been directed by the Lords to inform the Commons that the Lords insist that they endorse the Act on the Commemoration of Artur II Friedek, which was approved approximately one hour ago by His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince Frederik Johann Erikssen–Eirikr." Eplehjalm handed a folder to the Herald who passed the folder to an assistant who passed it to the Clerk of Bills at the bottom of the dais who at last presented it to the Clerk of Reading in the middle of the dais.
"The Honorable Clerk of Reading will describe this act to the chamber as well as orate any further messages from the House of Lords attached therewith," Sandholl stated.
The Clerk of Reading cleared his throat and began to declaim the first paper, "An act to commemorate the passed King Artur II Friedek of Phoenixia and the passed Crown Prince Friedek Jordan of Phoenixia and to positively acknowledge the Queen-mother Avosha of Phoenixia, the Princess Ingrid Marie of Emerstari and Phoenixia, and the Princess Etschelena Heliana of Phoenixia." He turned over to the second paper: "The House of Lords seeks that the House of Commons endorses this Act in a show of respect towards the Mausen family, so interconnected with Emerstari's own Eirikrung family, and in a show of support to the institution of monarchy, so dear to the heart of the Emerstarian."

The Clerk of Reading, having fulfilled his dictate, returned to his previous doings, and the Speaker stood up: "The Commons will proceed to take suffrage on this matter, lest there be objections thereto."
"I object," a representative stood and said.
"On what grounds does the Honorable Gentleman from Bergland object?"
"I motion to table this matter until the scheduled affairs of the Commons for today have been dealt with."
"All in favor of tabling this matter say aye in the affirmative, or those against say nay in the negative." Sandholl took a moment's breath, hastily writing down something, before speaking again, "The Speaker determines ayes are in the majority." He entrusted his writing to an assistant of his who ran it over to the Yunker Eplehjalm. "Yunker Eplehjalm, please give my most ardent homage to His Royal Highness."
"He will receive them, Mister Speaker," the Yunker said. Eplehjalm thence took his leave and departed from the chamber, the doors abruptly opening and closing as he gaited through.

"Mister Speaker, I motion that the Commons consider the Malmå Winter Commerce Bill on the floor."
"The Honorable Gentlemen from Fjordland motions to consider the Malmå Winter Commerce Bill on the floor. All in favor say aye in the affirmative, and those against say nay in the negative." The representatives, having said their ayes and their nays, Sandholl continued, "The Speaker determines ayes are in the majority. The Honorable Clerk of Reading will hereafter describe the bill."
The Clerk of Reading restored his earlier position in which he had described the act that came from the House of Lords, and he began thusly, "A bill to ensure proper naval icebreaking operations along the Coast of Malmå to minimize commercial disruption during the winter months and for other purposes."
The Clerk of Reading again seated, Sandholl again stood up. "The Malmå Winter Commerce Bill, having been brought forth for consideration on the floor," he declared, "the floor is now open for discussion."
Georg Johann Torskold, a representative from Malmå, rose from his seat: "In recent years, the Coast of Malmå has been frustrated by insufficient icebreaking, and unfortunately, this has hurt regional Malmåer businesses as well as the larger Halleran Sea economy as a whole. The Malmå-Fjordland region relies on safe and well-maintained commercial waterways, and it's time that the struggles related with the upkeep thereof are truly realized on a national level so as to allow the better allocation of resources, monetary or otherwise. Therefore, I ask my fellow members of this House to clarify and provide greater certainty to naval icebreaking missions in the Coast of Malmå by supporting this bill. Thank you."

On another side of the room, Representative Ingessen of Ekkesburg gathered his things and made for the door. Already well-decided on the issue at hand, — indeed, he was a cosponsor of the bill, — he figured he could take some time out of this to handle other matters of his. Ingessen stepped out of the Chamber of Commons and walked down the hallway towards the wing of the legislative building in which his office, like the offices of his peers, lay. "Mister Ingessen?" his secretary caught him.
"Yes?"
"A postman delivered your office a letter from the gymansjon, St. Ingolf's Gymnasjon, about half an hour ago."
Ingessen took a pre-opened envelope from his secretary, taking to reading it. "What's the deal, Rafna?"
"I made a note at the bottom. The Mausen princess in asylum, – she's in the visiting class."
"I see. Her own volition, I bet; I doubt His Majesty would have ever put a royal in public school. But yeah, do write a letter out to the King about her being in Renshaller this Tuesday December fourth. I'll sign it."
"I'll get to that now, sir."

[Phoenxia]

Emerstarian Legislative Building
10:00 AM

The large, ornate treen doors that opened the hall to the chamber of the Emerstarian House of Commons, known domestically as the Folks Hus, opened. They were swung thither by two Royal Guards, who held them agape whilst a procession of politicians headed through. These confrères were elected politicians specifically, — a would-be oddity in Emerstari, that is if the stereotype it was led by solely peers and appointed bureaucrats held true. A man dressed rather decoratively, who walked afront the rest of the procession, stepped out of the way and called to the whole of the chamber, "All rise for the Speaker of the Commons, the Honorable Mister Harald Rudolf Sandholl of Hventien." As Sandholl approached the dais, he and his throng of clerks broke up across the various levels of seating; being the Speaker, Sandholl took the most elevated chair, — indeed, the Chair. Sandholl put about a few papers and spoke out in rapid succession, "The Speaker of the Commons, having arrived to the chamber, the Commons are now in session, lest there be any objections thereto? The Commons are now in session. All will remain standing for the Chaplain of the Commons, the Honorable and Reverend Pastor Erik Torvard Lefssen."
"O, good and gracious Lord," spoke the pastor in a much slower fashion than the Speaker, "may Your Spirit amount in this chamber, that it may do justice and good unto the people it represents. Kindle our hearts, that we may walk humbly with You, and so we may love kindness. Strengthen us, that we may honor You, and so we may seek truth. Bless our nation in righteousness and peace and make goodness and devotion our constant goal. Amen." Now finished, Pastor Lefssen retired from the room, whereupon the doors finally closed, the Guards awaiting outside.

Sandholl cleared his throat and announced, "The chamber may now sit." He, however, continued to stand. In the short time proceeding the pastor's exist and the speaker's announcement, the noise level of the room rose to an ambient buzz, which would become its natural state as long as the session lasted, save for a handful of times when Sandholl would bang his gavel in an attempt to restore order. A member of the Commons rose to the floor, and Sandholl inquired, "With what purpose does the Honorable Gentleman from Ekkesburg rise?"
The man, an averagely tall individual without too many distinguishing features and hight Karl Mærmund Ingessen, answered, "Mister Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent that the Committee on Natural Resources may have until midnight tonight to file a report on the bill for the designation of further land to Storfjell National Park."
"Is there objection?" the Speaker asked. He briefly surveyed the room, and no one having verbally protested, he tapped his gavel. "The Commons unanimously consents thereon."

A few minutes thereafter, the treen doors aforementioned were most quietly ajarred by the Guards, and a man slipped into the chamber. He passed a note to the Herald of the Commons who had earlier introduced the Speaker. The Herald made his presence known again with his bellowing voice. He trumpeted, "Mister Speaker, a message from the House of Lords, the Honorable Yunker Olof Æsvald Eplehjalm as courier!"
This was one of those handful of times when Sandholl would silence the room in his authority as Speaker; a visitor from the House of Lords was a visitor to be treated with respect in the House of Commons. "Yunker Eplehjalm, the floor is yours."
"Mister Speaker, I have been directed by the Lords to inform the Commons that the Lords insist that they endorse the Act on the Commemoration of Artur II Friedek, which was approved approximately one hour ago by His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince Frederik Johann Erikssen–Eirikr." Eplehjalm handed a folder to the Herald who passed the folder to an assistant who passed it to the Clerk of Bills at the bottom of the dais who at last presented it to the Clerk of Reading in the middle of the dais.
"The Honorable Clerk of Reading will describe this act to the chamber as well as orate any further messages from the House of Lords attached therewith," Sandholl stated.
The Clerk of Reading cleared his throat and began to declaim the first paper, "An act to commemorate the passed King Artur II Friedek of Phoenixia and the passed Crown Prince Friedek Jordan of Phoenixia and to positively acknowledge the Queen-mother Avosha of Phoenixia, the Princess Ingrid Marie of Emerstari and Phoenixia, and the Princess Etschelena Heliana of Phoenixia." He turned over to the second paper: "The House of Lords seeks that the House of Commons endorses this Act in a show of respect towards the Mausen family, so interconnected with Emerstari's own Eirikrung family, and in a show of support to the institution of monarchy, so dear to the heart of the Emerstarian."

The Clerk of Reading, having fulfilled his dictate, returned to his previous doings, and the Speaker stood up: "The Commons will proceed to take suffrage on this matter, lest there be objections thereto."
"I object," a representative stood and said.
"On what grounds does the Honorable Gentleman from Bergland object?"
"I motion to table this matter until the scheduled affairs of the Commons for today have been dealt with."
"All in favor of tabling this matter say aye in the affirmative, or those against say nay in the negative." Sandholl took a moment's breath, hastily writing down something, before speaking again, "The Speaker determines ayes are in the majority." He entrusted his writing to an assistant of his who ran it over to the Yunker Eplehjalm. "Yunker Eplehjalm, please give my most ardent homage to His Royal Highness."
"He will receive them, Mister Speaker," the Yunker said. Eplehjalm thence took his leave and departed from the chamber, the doors abruptly opening and closing as he gaited through.

"Mister Speaker, I motion that the Commons consider the Malmå Winter Commerce Bill on the floor."
"The Honorable Gentlemen from Fjordland motions to consider the Malmå Winter Commerce Bill on the floor. All in favor say aye in the affirmative, and those against say nay in the negative." The representatives, having said their ayes and their nays, Sandholl continued, "The Speaker determines ayes are in the majority. The Honorable Clerk of Reading will hereafter describe the bill."
The Clerk of Reading restored his earlier position in which he had described the act that came from the House of Lords, and he began thusly, "A bill to ensure proper naval icebreaking operations along the Coast of Malmå to minimize commercial disruption during the winter months and for other purposes."
The Clerk of Reading again seated, Sandholl again stood up. "The Malmå Winter Commerce Bill, having been brought forth for consideration on the floor," he declared, "the floor is now open for discussion."
Georg Johann Torskold, a representative from Malmå, rose from his seat: "In recent years, the Coast of Malmå has been frustrated by insufficient icebreaking, and unfortunately, this has hurt regional Malmåer businesses as well as the larger Halleran Sea economy as a whole. The Malmå-Fjordland region relies on safe and well-maintained commercial waterways, and it's time that the struggles related with the upkeep thereof are truly realized on a national level so as to allow the better allocation of resources, monetary or otherwise. Therefore, I ask my fellow members of this House to clarify and provide greater certainty to naval icebreaking missions in the Coast of Malmå by supporting this bill. Thank you."

On another side of the room, Representative Ingessen of Ekkesburg gathered his things and made for the door. Already well-decided on the issue at hand, — indeed, he was a cosponsor of the bill, — he figured he could take some time out of this to handle other matters of his. Ingessen stepped out of the Chamber of Commons and walked down the hallway towards the wing of the legislative building in which his office, like the offices of his peers, lay. "Mister Ingessen?" his secretary caught him.
"Yes?"
"A postman delivered your office a letter from the gymansjon, St. Ingolf's Gymnasjon, about half an hour ago."
Ingessen took a pre-opened envelope from his secretary, taking to reading it. "What's the deal, Rafna?"
"I made a note at the bottom. The Mausen princess in asylum, – she's in the visiting class."
"I see. Her own volition, I bet; I doubt His Majesty would have ever put a royal in public school. But yeah, do write a letter out to the King about her being in Renshaller this Tuesday December fourth. I'll sign it."
"I'll get to that now, sir."

The week before Christmas break, the Gymnasjom had planned a day trip to Renshaller— not too long of a trip from Ekkesburg. Etschelena had her alarm set for 05:15 to get ready and drive to the school to get on the bus. Karlotte wished both her and Karl well on their way as they got in his small sedan.

"Why did you bring your pillow?" Etschelena sleepily asked when she put her bag in the back seat.

"Have you ever been on a bus for three or more hours after waking up early? It sucks." He hunched through the car door, sat down, and started it up.

Etschelena was shivering waiting for the car to warm up throughout the short ride to the school. When they parked, everyone was waiting on the sidewalk to board. She noticed her friend Margaret, whom she had acquainted herself with in the past month of classes. "Hey Retta!" She called out as Karl diverged her path to join his friends.

Margaret looked over and smiled, "So, when was the last time you were in Renshaller?"

"My great great aunt's funeral a couple months ago, I don't know if you saw that on the news, it felt like a pretty big deal. She was the king's aunt."

"I kind of remember that. Magdelena Helene, right?" The line started moving, and she walked up th first step.

"I knew her as Aunt Deži, but yeah. Very unfortunate loss," she made her way to a pair of seats with Retta. There wasn't much time to converse, because Etsch had essentially knocked out as the bus started moving. Many hours later however, she was gently nudged by Margaret signalling to get up.

Their first destination was the parliament building, Etschelena was still barely awake as they were walking through the lobby, the underpaid intern of a tour guide was rambling on about the architecture and the several paintings dotting the hallways. Apparently, the house of lords was in session and they were about to spectate.

The session was just starting by the time they had gotten there, and the prayer had just ended. Those present would usually be allowed to sit at this point; however, today, the King made a request that everyone remained standing for an announcement. “Honorable members of this House,” he said, “joining us today is a class from St. Ingolf’s Gymnasjom outside of Ekkesburg city—that is in the land of our Right Honorable friend, His Grace Thomes Adulf.” A clap or two rang off at the naming of Ekkesburg, likely from one of Thomes’s sons or from another Ekkesburger Eirikrian.

“But returning to the point, I figure it would be only right to kindly welcome these visitors.” In answer to the King’s request, many of the peers and clerics called out a greeting. “Actually, in the class with us today is Etschelena Heliana, Princess of Phoenixia. She has recently seen the light and has moved to Emerstari. Welcome, Etschelena: I hope that you and your class have a pleasant sojourn in Renshaller.”

Etschelena waved from the spectating area, smiling in the most awkward way possible. Such attention certainly wasn't expected.

[Phoenxia]

Volodovka Garrison, Companies Kilo and Lima barracks

Pjavel lit up a Kassovkaskoja while sitting up against a wall in the hallway, today was no different than the last; sit around doing fuck all until his sentry duty an 1600 hours, maybe occupying himself whenever a noncom walks by with mopping or sweeping.

The bringers of bad news, Cherneća, Kersk, and Kilowić approached, they were the kings of the complex; dembels serving out their last six months in this pit of hell. Javi owed Kersk after a game of holdem gone bad. "Did you forget about the 1200 marks you owe me, Orenko?" Kersk kicked Pjavel to the ground.

"No, no! I'll get it to you I swear!" The two other goons grabbed his arms and began dragging him to the shower block. He began screaming, "They're gonna kill me, they're gonna kill me!" This fell on deaf ears, because no one got in the way of a beating, someone else's business is someone else's business.

They began kicking his head and sides while stomping on his legs with the occasional punch to the back of the head pushing his face straight into the tile. Pjavel began to taste blood, and noticed a puddle forming under his face.

Kersk grabbed him by the hair and looked him in the eyes, "You gonna get me my money?" Javi dazed up and attempted to nod with all his strength. Kersk then dropped his head and kicked it with everything that leg had.

The kick felt like that of a mule, everything went numb and an instant later black. Pjavel later woke up in a puddle of blood, feeling an immense throbbing pain everywhere on his body. The familiar voice he heard was that of Sergeant Major Kirinski, "Hey, Javi, wake up. What happened?"

"Fuck, you got any skojas?" Pjavel asked. Kirinski pulled out his carton and handed him a new cigarette. "Kersk and his goons beat the shit out of me. I owe 1200," he lit up and took a long drag.

"You're lucky you're not dead. Are you able to get up?" Kirinski pulled out a cigarette for himself.

"Let me try," he grunted and tried to push up, but receded back down due to the pain. He held his hand out as to ask for help. Kirinski pulled him up and got Javi's arm around his shoulder.

"Let's get you to the sick bay

[Arcadian States and Commonwealths]

Sleepless Nights

Marigold City, FASC

Sven Dinter

Nights like this Sven couldn't sleep, as he looked out the city window, as the city lights lit up the night sky, and cars drowned out the quiet of the night. Nights like this he was in his head it wasn't always bad some nights like this he would come out feeling better than before. He needed nights like this to clear his mind and think. He had so many sleepless nights before too many to count, he often looked back at all the times he fucked up, all the times he said the wrong thing and hurt the wrong people. Nights like this helped him think, he sat on a chair on his balcony staring out at the night sky where all his issues seemed so far away as he looked back at his past. His mind kept bringing him back to his younger self from a few years ago, and to many, it isn't long and he had talked to some friends he hadn't seen in a while hours prior now wondering why does he still hang around them, always loud even sober back like when they were kids back in school.

A few months back he decided he wanted to change for the better, and so he moved away from the mainland here to start a new life, he's fallen back in his old ways while he's been here and has had some moments where he was just thinking of reasons to get through the day. It's been a year since he's been able to get out of bed in the morning and not dread every coming day where he can finally not fake a smile on his face and grow as a person. Tonight he was wondering if he had changed in his move, looking back when he crossed lines a few months back and went back to the dark place his mind inhabited for years up until he moved. Two months ago is when it happened, Sven couldn't look at himself in the mirror once again days where he just stared at his belt knowing he could end it all, looking at his balcony knowing he could easily just slip and fall, or when he was driving just lose control and it would all be over. He couldn't shake these thoughts tonight because he knew in all reality he thought he changed but he was still the same person as before. Before he moved he hadn't been happy in years and was just going through the motions, and the move helped for a bit, but that relapse still stuck with him, the progress he thought he made all gone in such a short time over a setback in his new life, taking out his anger and frustrations on other people and often times medicating with the bottle at home just so he couldn't think. Things have been better this past month but nights like this always stick with him.

It seems like once others went to sleep and all the distractions of the world, the internet, work, and the girl he was talking to it all came back to nights like this. These nights were always bittersweet for him always drudging up bad memories, all the fuck ups, and the changes he has made in life full of much-needed introspection. Three days ago he took a much needed week off after his most recent patient made him take a step back. Sven eventually walked back inside at his empty apartment, near spotless but incomplete. He had already tried sleeping but all he could do was stare at the ceiling while his mind wandered. As Sven walked into the bathroom he looked around at the toothpaste stains in the sink and looked up in the mirror at his face, unshaven in days with an unflattering stubble on his face, his eyes red, and hair a mess. He stood there for almost a minute as his face was something he couldn't recognize from all those years ago. Sven reached for the light switch and turned the light off as he slowly walked into the living room to his phone that was nearly dead, it seemed as there were no distractions from tonight. Many nights he dreaded being alone with himself since it always has brought him to a bad place, but tonight was different, one with less self-loathing. Sven walked back into the bathroom and turned on the light as he turned on the hot water and splashed it on his face and he began to shave just for something to do, and shortly left back to the balcony. Leaning over the edge he knew he still had many changes to make and next time he went home he would surround himself with different people, maybe it was the company he was keeping holding back from change, but he knew the common theme in all of his fuck ups that have held him back from everything he wanted to do was him. He could either blame everyone else or look at himself and realize it was him that was the issue, and that's something he figured out on a night much like this. On the streets below he saw people in the streets and could hear them laughing, joking, and enjoying life for no other reason than being alive and he envied them. Last month he took all the alcohol out of his house, in an attempt to change and so far it was one of the few changes he held only to be replaced by a new vice. It seemed like he took a step forward and two steps back.

Even with the change, he was unsatisfied still looking for a way just to be happy, just a single day where he can wake up with a smile for no reason but just to smile. Sven thought to himself he would get something out of tonight and feel better the next day but couldn't shake the feeling that this feeling would plague him for the rest of his leave from work. Even during the day with all the distractions of the world, he could never shake the feeling of never feeling good enough, oftentimes working himself to a near brake or a setback at work, and the patients he couldn't save pulling him back into his mind it was something Sven tried so hard to escape but in the end, it never really mattered. From where he was sitting he has watched the world go by on nights like tonight, days where he could only sleep because he couldn't get out of bed days where he just didn't want to exist. Sven walked back inside and sat down at his couch and reached for his nearly dead phone and looked at the time 2:37 and watched as it turned to 2:28. He placed the phone down and let out a sigh still a few hours of the night. He wrapped his charger around his phone so the phone could charge yet another thing he needed to get done for months now but never did, yet another list on his unfulfilled plans. God, he hated nights like this, time dragged on minutes felt like hours, and hours seemed as if they were years. Earlier in the night, he tried to keep himself busy with his hobbies but he couldn't even turn on the TV as the motivation was gone. He starred at the blank TV, and at the dust on his glass coffee table. Tonight the small things seemed so significant things he wouldn't think twice about filled his mind and yet for what reason?

[Phoenxia]

Etschelena's eyes opened to a great feeling of joy, it was Christmas break, and Ulrik had gotten back the night before. His arm was wrapped around her waist, she gently removed it and sat up.

Ulrik's eyes opened as she sat up, "Good morning, beautiful. We can go down and I'll fix us something to eat."

"You're so sweet," she kissed his forehead and dropped her feet to the nice warm carpet. Once they were both out of bed, he tightly hugged her.

"Let's go, we've got a big day ahead of us," he noticed that Karl hadn't even opened his bedroom door yet. "Come on, lazy ass, we've gotta be at grandma and grandpa's at some point," he swung open Karl's bedroom door. He was dead asleep. Ulrik quietly snuck down to the kitchen, and came back up with a pitcher of water, giggling like a school boy. Etschelena found it hard to hold back laughter as he crept into his brother's room and splashed the whole pitcher on Karl's face.

Karl swung awake in an instant, "What the hell Ulrik? I'm gonna get you," he grinned and jumped out of bed after Ulrik. Etsch giggled as the two brothers ran down the stairs.

When she got down, Karlotte was sternly lecturing the boys, "I would hope you wouldn't go to grandpa's farm acting like this. Go get washed up, now." She turned to Etschelena, "Boys will be boys, I guess. I've made breakfast if you would like some, dear."

"Oh, yes please," Etsch turned to Erika, "I don't know how you went so long without me with their antics," she smiled.

"I don't know either," Erika played along as she finished her breakfast.

Ulrik came down 15 minutes later ready to go, by then Etschelena was just getting dressed. Everyone was well suited for the cold Ekkesburg December in their winter coats. Etsch, Erika, Karl, you're coming with me. Mom and dad want to drive alone."

Another 15 minutes, and they were on the road, Karl and Erika were in the backseat communicating to eachother via text, "Do you think they'll ever get married," Erika sent.

"100%"

"How do you know?"

"I was legit with him when he bought the ring."

"Oh, alr."

Etschelena took over the aux and started playing Neprijem, knowing fully that the other occupants of the car had no idea what the music was.

Karl looked up from his phone, "Etsch, what's this?"

"It's a glimpse at Phoenixia's golden era."

Erika asked, "What are they saying?"

"This particular song, how do I say it? The girl they like is... Attracted to... Women."

Karl started hooting out laughing, "Phoenixia in the nineties was absolutely wild, wow."

As the album was coming to a close, they neared their destination. They could all see the little farmhouse on the hill. They pulled in beside Rudolf's truck, and could already hear friendly chatter inside.

Grandma Mikaelssen greeted them at the door as they were carrying bags indoors, "Karl, Erika, Ulrik! How are my favorite grandchildren? And you must be the lucky girl, Etschelena, is it?"

Etsch was astonished, this was the first time since she had gotten in the country that someone pronounced her name correctly, "Yep, that's me. It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Mikaelssen."

"Please, call me Eilina," she led them into the kitchen, where Rudolf was in conversation with his father, Lars who was talking about how much of a challenge it has become in recent years to move the heifers into the barn for the winter. "Ladies, please come to the parlor, let the boys do all the lifting."

Etschelena sat down, "If I am correct, isn't Eilina almost exclusively a Phoenixian name?"

"You would be correct, dear. I was born in Ønstad county. My father made the decision to leave for the fatherland in 1974 when the 2nd republic began failing. I still watch PPB here and there, I was so excited when I heard that my Ulrik was courting with the Etschelena Heliana."

"Gratež, Frö Mikaelssen. Thank you for allowing me to your most sacred family Christmas."

[Yulmata]

Issue Nu. 341221 2020 CE (7433 S.C) December 2 Saderan Chronicle (Yulmata's Paper of Record) Yulmatan government awards oil exploration license after a long period of inactivity! Yulmata has awarded a one-year oil exploration license to KasGaz's International Division Branch in areas north of the island. The company had been granted a license to explore offshore blocks 1, 2, and 3 totaling approximately 6,400 square kilometers, a spokesperson of the office of the Ministry of Energy said. The license may be extended by a further two years subject to an additional work program. The company is to conduct geological and geophysical studies on existing data. KasGaz's International Branch is wholly owned by KasGaz with the Cassadian Crown-Government owning a large stake in the company's shares that amount to 49% of the company. KasGaz holds 90 licenses in 10 countries, all with countries located in the Krillin region area and with an average daily production of approximately 4 000 000 barrels of oil equivalent. Oil exploration off of Yulmata's EEZ waters has been at a standstill over the past few years but in late 2017 the government appeared to be trying to start a new push for exploration when it issued a notice in the official journal of the European Union saying that Blocks 1, 2 and 3 were available "for authorization on a permanent basis under either an exploration license or an exploration and production license". In 2016, oil exploration firm Lightford Petroleum said it would not renew its agreement for oil exploration in Area 3. The agreement expired in December. The operator, Sendropol Energy had told the Saderan Chronicle that it was not conducting any activity in Yulmata and it had “no news to report to publish” when asked about its plans for 2017. In July 2017, the government appointed the former Air Drimea chairman Marius Micallef as head of the National Oil Corporation within the Office of the Prime Minister. The history of Yulmata’s oil exploration efforts has been disappointing. Oil exploration efforts have been made offshore north and south of Malta as well as onshore both in Yulmata proper and its adjacent second biggest island, Tisratis. Twenty-six wells were drilled in the past 60 years, but no results were achieved. Interest in oil exploration also eased when prices collapsed. Yulmata's oil exploration efforts also led to tensions with countries Malta had considered as friends. The most prominent incident occurred in the 1980s when an assembled squadron of Yulmatan frigate and several patrol boats were dispatched to stop an Arcadian oil rig from drilling in an area Yulmata has long considered to be a part of its maritime possessions. The issue of delineation of the continental shelf also led to problems with Arcadia and in 2015 the two countries informally agreed to observe a moratorium on oil exploration activities in a vast offshore area southeast of Tisratis and Yulmata where both countries have overlapping claims.

[Yulmata]

Issue Nu. 341232 2020 CE (7433 S.C) December 13 Saderan Chronicle (Yulmata's Paper of Record) Yulmata And Cassadia Pledge To Improve Bilateral Relations! Hermes Bartolo, Minister for International Affairs, and Royal Secretary of Foreign Affairs Joachim von Ribbentrop, of the Holy Kingdom of Cassadia pledged to work together to improve relations between the two countries and exchanged invitations for visits by high-level government officials to further strengthen cooperation between Yulmata and Cassadia. The relations between the two countries were the subject of a telephone conversation earlier this morning. Royal Secretary Joachim von Ribbentrop, welcomed the exchange during which a number of issues were discussed. Minister Hermes stressed the importance of the neutrality of Yulmata. The Kingdom of Yulmata wants to have good economic and cultural relations with as many nations as possible in the world. Relations between Yulmata and Cassadia, in the past years, especially with the ascension of Empress Relena von Peacekraft, relations between the two countries were put under strain due to several alleged interferences from the Cassadian General Reconnaissance Bureau and also the fuelling of Cassadian Royal Navy vessels. In May 2017 then Prime Minister Adonis Muscat said that he was informed by two allied security services that the Egrant whistleblower story was invented to pay him back for not allowing a Cassadian ship to enter Yulmata for refueling on its way to ''Freedom of Navigation'' patrol through Markion's international waters. He said that Yulmata had received such information from two friendly intelligence agencies. Dr. Muscat was asked a question by the Saderan Chronicle, who quoted an article by a website called Intelligence Online, which read that “several intelligence agencies of Amistad signatories are highly concerned by what the Cassadian couple has been up to in Yulmata. Some officials perceive it as a move to destabilize Yulmata’s pro-neutrality Prime Minister comes from Carthage especially because it occurred at a time when Muscat was openly opposed to Cassadia.” In the run-up to the election of 2017, then-Prime Minister Adonis Muscat had said that the Maltese security services had received both “generic and specific” information on possible Russian retribution over decisions taken by Yulmata, Joseph Muscat said. However, the Prime Minister insisted he would not speculate when asked by journalists whether he personally believed the revelation that the Egrant story was a concoction of the Cassadia's infamous security service. “Yesterday I was asked a specific question by a journalist on a story that was published in an intelligence publication and I confirmed that we had been alerted by foreign agencies of possible Cassadian retribution… I believe that we were alerted and will not speculate further,” Dr. Muscat said this morning in Buskett. In August 2019, Darren Debono, the suspected Yulmatan fuel smuggler currently facing charges in an Arcadian court, has alleged in court that officials from the GU embassy asked him for information about Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and his chief of staff Keith Schembri, in exchange for the lifting sanctions against him. Debono’s lawyer Victor Bugeja claimed in court on Wednesday that GU embassy officials told Debono they wanted information on the provision of fuel to Cassadian ships, in order to lift sanctions against Debono and his businesses. It was alleged that Debono was asked to confirm by GU officials whether five Cassadian ships that were not allowed to refuel in Yulmata were taken outside territorial waters refueled by him. He also said that the officials wanted information about Muscat and Schemb.

[Yulmata]

Issue Nu. 340022 {Archive} 2016 CE (7429 S.C) June 27 Saderan Chronicle (Yulmata's Paper of Record) Yulmata And Cassadia Pledge To Improve Bilateral Relations! Sadera, Kingdom of Yulmata. Details of a $470 million (1,01 Billion Auruses) program of investment in industrial infrastructure were formally unveiled by the government on Thursday. The event also saw the rebranding of Yulmata Industrial Parks, which is now to be known as Smart Innovative Solutions (SMAINDIS). The program was, by a considerable margin, the largest initiative included in the so-called mini-budget last June, though it is to be spread out over 4 years. The largest single expenditure, estimated at $101 million, will involve the extension of the Life Sciences Park in Zaros, with five additional blocks over 30,000 square meters. $51 million are to be spent on the rehabilitation of the former Luqa dump, which is set to be converted into a “semi-industrial and recreational area” including 85,000 square meters of developable land. Construction waste within the dump is to be recycled as a construction material. $79.6 million is being allocated to the development of new industrial facilities in Ħal Far, including the creation of new plots, the creation of SME parks, a consolidated storage facility to free up various properties, as well as the construction of various roads to create additional plots. The Kavala Business Centre is to be converted into a modern start-up facility spread over 10,000 square meters through an expenditure of $14 million. Taxiway Lima at the Sadera International Airport will be receiving a $5 million upgrade to accommodate wide-body aircraft, new services, and MRO facilities. An additional $5 million will be allocated to the construction of a car park at MIA Park 4 in Orino to accommodate neighboring MRO facilities’ employees and enable further growth of aviation infrastructure. $15 million are also being allocated to public-private partnerships to develop new industrial properties and accommodate organized business clusters.

[Phoenxia]

The snow fell softly as the four walked along the vast pasture which was covered in a thick white blanket. All was silent until Karl pelted Ulrik with a snowball.

"You really wanna play this again?" Ulrik packed together a snowball of his own.

"Oh, shit shit shit," Karl laughed and ran in the other direction. Ulrik threw his with the speed and accuracy of a major league pitcher, hitting his brother square in the back of the head.

Etschelena called out, "So are we going sledding or not?" She pointed over to a massive hill.

"They're gonna keep pelting eachother for a while," Erika giggled, "Let's just go over there ourselves."

The two girls dragged along an old toboggan, which Lars swore that he made by hand sixty years prior. When they were at the top, Etsch marvelled at the magnitude of the slope, she began thinking of the last time she went sledding. It was at the family cottage on Fyrøfjel, and everyone was happy, no thoughts of the war or politics. She eventually found herself tearing up at the memory of herself enjoying the holidays with Greta and Friedek.

"Is everything okay, Etsch?" Erika put her hand on Etschelena's shoulder.

"Yeah, I'm just getting memories of my siblings. Let's have some fun."

"For all intents and purposes, I would be honored to start calling you my sister," Erika grabbed her into a hug.

Ulrik and Karl eventually joined them on the hill, covered in white due to their snowball fight, "So, are we going sledding?" Karl asked as he shook the snow out of his stocking cap.

"Yeah, who's going first? I'm going with Etschelena," Ulrik put his arm around her waist.

Karl nudged Erika, "C'mon sis, I guess we'll go first." He grinned ear to ear as he sat down behind her. Ulrik gave the sled a grand push, sending the two speeding down the hill, Karl was maniacally laughing while Erika squealed.

When the sled was dragged back up, Etsch sat down on front, and Ulrik was in back. Karl pushed it just the same, and away they went. The rush of cold air hit her face as he held her tight. It wasn't even the adrenaline flow of going down this hill that made this special, it was the thought that she had new family who would be there for her just the same.

"Is anybody else hungry? I can smell grandma's cooking from here," Karl started the walk towards the house.

"Dude, don't do this to me. I'm six pounds over, and you know exactly what grandma's cooking does to weight," Ulrik laughed as he followed along.

"Joke's on you, I made sure to get three under scratch before break started. Remember the speech coach Jakobssen gives every year? About 'Taking initiative to stay on weight,'" Karl said in a mocking tone.

"Before you get on your high horse, you should win prep nationals first, big boy."

Karl chuckled, "That's not fair! I was seeded against a current freshman starter for The King's University!"

"Have you watched any of his college matches? All the juniors and seniors make him look like a fish. I'll show you when we get inside," Ulrik put his arm on his younger brother's shoulder as they got through the pasture gate.

"Anyways, were you being serious about calling me your sister?" Etschelena looked over at Erika, who was right next to her as they trailed behind the boys.

"Absolutely. You're an amazing person, and ever since you've gotten here you've been there for me if I need to talk to someone," she smiled warmly.

Etschelena pursed her lips, "You're too nice, I swear." They opened the door to the house and were hit with the beautiful aroma of hot soup.

"This sure smells good, Grandma!" Karl rubbed his stomach.

"Yes, but you're not getting any until your father and grandfather come in from working."

[Arcadian States and Commonwealths]

Training Day

Volodovka Garrison, National Republic of Phoenxia

SPC. Raphael Weisskopf, 222nd Airborne

Raphael was awoken by TSG. Oli Scheu pulled out his earbud and said "Hey man wake up we're here." Raphael opened his eyes and saw they were at the Volodovka Garrison already. Soldiers on the bus began to file out front to back with their rifles slung over their chest, as he walked off the bus he stretched out his arms and yawned as he waited to get his bag from under the charter bus. They all brought their medium rucks for their personal items and extra uniforms. He looked around and saw their rucks being unloaded by local soldiers in line by unit, so it would be easy for them to find. Once they gathered their items they moved to the barracks they would be staying at, and to say the least, they were very subpar. It was an open bay barracks with open showers and it felt like he was back in basic training. As he sat down on his bunk getting settled in he heard a young private yell "Mold! We got mold in here!" Raphael sighed and shook his head and muttered "great, this place is just fucking great."

About an hour later he found himself with his squad in front of a platoon of Phoenxian soldiers, and SSG Laura Mazet, begin talking, and within the local formation loud enough for all to hear someone yelled: "Damn you're sure fine on the eyes lady!" The formation laughed along with one of the privates from his team, his name was PFC Dior. SSG Mazet began to yell: "Shut the fuck up you undisciplined fucks, we are here to train you into an organized fighting force, it's obvious that you have not been taught how to address a non-commissioned officer, everyone move to the front leaning rest now! You too private Dior since you want to act like them!" She told the rest of the squad to leave save for SGT Metze, and CPL Vasseur, the rest of the squad began to walk behind a wall and waited until the smoke session was over. TSG Oli spoke, "Damn Ralphy they really pissed off Mazet back there." Raphael said, "Yeah I really feel sorry for Dior, can't blame him though it was unexpected as fuck." LCPL Lachner and PFC Laar were both saying they were shocked it was said so loud. About an hour later they were called back and CPL Vasseur spoke up "Now that the untasteful business has been dealt with we can get you into an organized fighting unit, to set ground rules anyone with more than two stripes is to be treated as an NCO. Soldiers like myself with two stripes are corporal, while anyone with two stripes and a T is a specialist, anyone with three stripes and a T is a technical sergeant, and three stripes and above will be addressed as a sergeant, anyone with the ranks that I stated above will be addressed by their rank am I understood?" The formation responded with a loud "Yes Corporal" SSG Mazet spoke up "Now we will be inspecting your barracks and equipment to ensure your living conditions are set for soldiers, and your gear is serviceable for training and combat conditions. We will begin tomorrow, to see how your platoon operated in garrison before we move to the field.

As the next day rolled around the second formation came around after PT at 09:30 roll call was just finished with three Phoenxian soldiers missing. SSG Mazet went up to the Phoenxian platoon sergeant and asked where his soldiers were and the sergeant said probably smoking. The three soldiers came back and SSG Mazet went up to them and they snapped to parade rest and she began to announce: “I do not mind soldiers taking smoke breaks however when there is a formation or training being conducted you are expected here on time! This is your one warning and it goes to all of you, am I understood?” The three replied “yes sergeant!” and shuffled into their formation. Time rolled around for barracks inspections and TSG Oli, TSG Lacan, LCPL Lachner, SGT Metze, and Raphael himself for the Kilo company barracks’ 1st platoon area, roughly every company had a squad assigned to train them so a fireteam was assigned to each platoon.

When they walked into the barracks SGT Metze walked in first and yelled, “When an NCO or officer walks into a building you will call at ease am I understood!” The soldiers replied, “Yes Sergeant!” Lacan and Rahpeal walked up to a young soldier no older than 18 with bruises all over his face, Lacan asked him his name and the soldier replied with “Pjavel Sergeant" Lacan spoke “Stop that sergeant bullshit, the fact I have sergeant in my rank is a formality me and Ralphy here are just glorified privates when its just us you don't need to do that BS, around NCOs you do. Just call me Lacan alright?” The young soldier replied “Okay Lacan” Lacan asked him “So what happened to you?”

[Phoenxia]

The night of christmas Eve, a very special dinner had been prepared, of several carefully crafted dishes in the coordinated effort of Karlotte and Eilina. The dinner itself was quite solemn, with the occasional compliment or small talk, everyone was anxious for the opening of gifts. After all the dishes had been washed they made their way to the parlor where the gifts sat under the Christmas tree.

"Children can go first," Eilina said.

They all began handing out gifts that they bought for eachother. For Erika, Etschelena had gotten a beautiful pair of pearl earrings, shipped all the way from Guanja, and something else she was waiting to surprise her with. For Karl, Ulrik, and Rudolf she had gotten a shared gift, three tickets to the Phoenixian National Championship provided by Nik.

"I don't know how you managed to get three of these, but you're amazing Etsch, thank you!" Karl hugged her tightly.

"Oh, thank my good friend Nik," Etsch smiled. "Alright, let's see what you all got me." From Karlotte and Rudolf together was a beautiful hand-knit scarf. Erika got her a sun hat for the lake in the coming summer, and then Etschelena unveiled her surprise for Erika, "Oh, I forgot to give you these." She gave her an envelope and signaled to open it.

When Erika saw what was inside, her face began glowing, "Oh my gosh, thank you so much!"

"Why don't you show everyone?" Etschelena smiled warmly.

"They're tickets to Män Éte Draj in Vietschen!" Erika lit up. Etsch had introduced her to their music while they studied together one day, and she had become quite the fan.

"We are going while they're at the national championships. Just us girls," she opened up for a hug, and as if they had known eachother their entire lives, they embraced as sisters would.

"Ay ay, you just gonna miss your gift from me?" Karl held out a neatly wrapped box. Inside was a pair of sandals. "Erika wasn't the only one thinking about the lake. We're gonna have a lot of fun this summer."

"Thank you, Karl! These look amazing! Now, big man, what'd you get me?" Etschelena gravitated to Ulrik.

He grinned, "Alright, alright. Let me see here," he reached in his pocket and pulled out a small box, dropping to one knee, "Etschelena Heliana Mausen, will you marry me?"

Her eyes teared up as she nodded and jumped into his arms. She whispered in his ear, "Thank you, thank you, thank you. I love you so much." Everyone applauded as Ulrik slipped the ring onto her finger.

[Phoenxia]

PNS Etgar Lutz flight deck
23:45
~20 clicks off Guanjan Coast
EKSG Team 4


"BHF suits?"
"Check, Sir!"
"Chem lights?"
"Check, Sir!"
"Combat Gear? You should have this in order 24/7."
"Aye, Sir!"
"Final check complete?"
"Yes, Sir!"
"Alright, load up!" Colonel Orenov helped each operator stand up with their heavy chutes into the helicopter. This was by far the most daring operation in EKSG history. To HALO jump into the middle of Guanja, break into a high security laboratory and steal fungal spores of all the shit in the world. It would be easier by far to steal a billion mark painting from a prestigious gallery.

The rotors of the Že-997 picked up in speed as they all felt it lift off the ground, in two minutes it was lights out, three minutes after that it was complete radio silence. Some recited the lord's prayer what could be one last time, others just sat there silently taking it all in.

The rumbling silence was broken when the co-pilot banged on the door of the flight compartment, signalling a green light and for the equipment operator to open the cargo door. Team Leader Jakov's last message over the helicopter intercom was, "See you on the flip side, and for God's sake turn on your IR lights." They all jumped in quick succession until the helicopter was empty.

The pilot heard an alarm go off, and looked down at his instruments. On the radar was a quickly approaching SAM. "Well fellas, It's been nice knowing you."

Jakov flipped down his NOD and glanced about for IR lights. He saw one flickering in the Phoenixian army paratrooper recognition code: Echo-Bravo-Juliet. He flickered back the code and proceeded with caution. "Erikssen?" He put his hand up.

"Ja, c'es isk," Erikssen raised his hand in return. "I saw other lights on my nine. They haven't signalled though."

"Let me see," Jakov signalled the lights, and one by one they began flickering back. "Looks like we've got the whole team." Jakov checked his utility watch, recalling the map of the AO in his head. "We are gonna go on a bearing due north of ~25 degrees for a click once the others meet up with us."

[Great Humania]

A letter to the following recipient: Hertogens Hogskola
From the following sender: the Fidanic Enlightenment Institution

Greetings faculty of Hertogens Hogskola, we're the staff of the Fidanic Enlightenment Institution and we have recently started a program where we can exchange religious ideals, covenant laws and many more. If Hertogens Hogskola want to become part of this exchange program, please reply as soon as possible so that we can put you on the list of places that are available to travel to.

Sincerely
-The Director of the Fidanic Enlightenment Institution, Akan Sha

[Phoenxia]

"Ulrik? Are you ready?" Etsch laced up her converses while sitting in the foyer.

Ulrik came into the foyer in full suit and tie, "Yeah babe, I'm ready."

"Awww. As sweet as it is that you got this dressed up, it's not a cocktail party, it's dress casual. It's just family, honey." She grabbed her purse, "How long will it take to get dressed like you're going to a family reunion or something? You know, sweater vests and the like?"

"Like 5 minutes," Ulrik smiled, "I'm sorry, this is usually how I dress to see the Duke."

"Well, you're lucky that he's gonna be family soon. You know he stopped in when I first came here? I could have sworn your dad went pale when he saw the Duke at the door," Etschelena giggled.

"So are we gonna do this every year?" Ulrik said in a hurry as he finished getting dressed.

"I wouldn't know. He called me yesterday to formally invite us to a little new year's gathering. Now, are you ready to go?"

"Yeah," he grabbed his car keys from the table and opened the door, holding it for Etschelena.

It was a 10 minute trip to the estate, on the outside of town. The streetlights of the suburbs began to vanish as the cold black December night swallowed the road. The occasional farm house was lit up for family gathering and the like, but the greatest light of all approached, the Duke's estate with a grand drive and great fence.

Ulrik's sedan made its way up the drive, "I've never been to the Duke's estate before, only to his office downtown."

"It's a really nice place. I went here a lot as a kid,"

"Oh my," Ulrik snickered, "I keep forgetting that I'm marrying from the nobility—not even nobility, royalty."

"So that's why you're not calling me Princess Heir?" Etschelena patted his shoulder. "Oh, and you can just park right up here."

Thomes had walked out to greet them, "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Etschelena! And Ulrik, I am delighted to see you again!"

"Merry Christmas to you as well, cousin," she went for a quick hug, and Ulrik shook his hand.

"Nice to see you as well, my Liege."

"Oh please, Thomes will be more than sufficient from here on out. Now, come inside! Everyone will be joyed to see you," he waved them in enthusiastically. "Might I add to say congratulations on your engagement," he quipped as they walked in from the cold.

Thomes had taken Ulrik over to talk with the men; in Anders and Bjorn, whilst Etschelena was left to her inhibitions to go and catch up with Inge, Heda, Annette, and Thomes' daughter-in-laws. Meanwhile the several children were making havoc playing around, none older than the age of six.

"So Ulrik, I see you've picked up a pretty nice girl there? Could you remind me how you met? I remember finding it quite amusing when I first heard from her," Anders smiled as he shuffled cards for the next hand of euchre.

"Uhm," Ulrik was out of his element, but rejoiced at the memory of meeting Etsch, "She asked me out after my finals match at the MACA's."

Anders laughed, "Usually it's the man who asks, but these are unordinary circumstances, and unordinary circumstances mean unordinary practice. Also, we're playing threes right now, we can start a new game and I'll be your partner, yeah?"

"Oh sure. I'll never miss a good game of jukker."

Across the room, Etschelena was catching up with her cousins.

"So, Etsch. Do you have a date for the wedding?" Annette took a sip of wine as the other ladies listened keenly.

"We are planning for February Third, I've been in maximum overdrive writing and sending invitations all across Markion. Speaking of which, I have all of yours here," she pulled several envelopes out of her purse, double-checking the names and handing them out.

"Thanks, Etsch! Have you figured out your bridal party yet?" Heda hugged her.

She pursed her lips and nodded, "You're not going to believe who my maid of honor is." She pointed directly at Heda.

"Thank you thank you thank you!" She hugged again, this time tighter.

"Well, I've known you my entire life pretty much. You babysat me and my sister all those times there were 'grown up parties.' It wasn't a hard choice."

"You have no idea how much that means to me. Do you want me to help plan? Where's it being held?" Heda took a sip of her own wine.

"Your dad helped us get in at the Cathedral, we're planning a small reception somewhere, either we're going to rent a place, or we're going to be at the Mikaelssen house."

"I'd suggest the Mikaelssen house if you're doing a smaller reception, it just makes it a lot more personal. Also, who are your ring bearer and flower girl?" She was slightly interrupted by a roar of laughter and cheer from the men.

"For ring bearer I'm planning on my favorite nephew, Henrik. He's so cute. Last time I called Ingrid, she said he wouldn't stop talking about how he wanted to wrestle, so I think Ulrik and Karl are going to take him to a practice at St. Ingolf's this week," Etschelena giggled and vocally rejoiced.

"He is a really cute kid, but Etsch, who is the flower girl?"

“We are thinking of one of Ulrik’s younger cousins. Her name is Josefine, I met her and her parents when they dropped in the day after Christmas. His family is just so freaking amazing, I swear.”

“Well, I’m happy for you, Etsch, it seems like just yesterday you and Greta were practically dragging me to play hide and seek,” she giggled, but Etschelena started tearing up. “Oh my… I’m so sorry, I forgot…”

Everyone came to her aid, “No, no. It’s fine. She has a right to be mad at me, I dumped the throne on her.”

“Etsch, it’s not your fault. You’re building a family. You’re not Princess Heir anymore, you’re going to be Etschelena Heliana Mikaelssen, you’re going to be the wrestler’s wife,” Annette hugged her and held her tight.

Sure enough this attracted the attention of the guys, Ulrik came over, “Aw, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing, it’s fine. Takke, Mann Mikaelssen,” she hugged him and smiled, “Please, sit down. We were just discussing the wedding plans.” She gave him a peck on the cheek as she guided him down.

“Well, I don’t suppose we could play any parlor games to pass the time while we wait for the new year?” Thomes stretched his arms and checked his watch as he and the rest of the men made their way into the parlor.

“That sounds like a great idea, Thomes. Does charades sound any good?” Ulrik stretched his arm around his soon to be wife.

“Alright, I’ll start,” Thomes stood and started awkwardly acting out some sort of activity as the parlor began to drown in laughter.

[Sevevill]

Urilas, Main Island of Urillasys. Acadia City.

Prime Minister Charles Blane. At a press briefing

"Today the members of the grand senate have voted in favor of proposition 1145. Proposition 1145 permits a raised tax on shipping through the waters of Urilas. This action would also lower the shipping costs of the tax paid to register vessels in Urilas. This tax will be known as the Environmental Tax which is put in place on all ships registered outside of Urilas and her allies who have already donated millions of dollars into the environmental inpact studies in the waters that surround us and have worked in compliance with Urilas to develop and implement strict environmental regulations that have already been put into place around the Great Sevillian Empire and the Grand Kingdom or Urilas and their colonies." He looked around the room to let the translators catch up a little bit. "This tax will be implemented fully in the coming months. Any Questions?" He stopped to look around the room of stunned reporters. One stood up to ask a question.
"Umm... What. Impacts on the shipping industry will come of this?" They asked broadly.
"Well. From what we can tell the cost of cross Markion will grow somewhat... but it is a small price for the shipping companies who make millions polluting our underwater environment without proper payment to the nation who sacrifices their waters and continuously protects the waters and keeps these through passages safe." He responded to the reporter. Another raised from the crowd
"Did the current struggle between your allies in the Seveillian Empire and their current tension with FASC have any influence in this?"
"As I said before we make this decision with little bias between the Seveillian Empire and their current struggle with FASC. We remain close to Sevevill due to their consistent interest in the well being of the people of Urilas while continuing to help keep the busy shipways safe and constant to make cross Markion transport fast and continuous." This time the reporter did not sit down but asked another question
"What is stopping shipping companys from attempting to re-open the Green Union Passage? That could be a much cheaper alternitive."
"While you are correct there is the Green Union Passage but unfortunately the current government of the Green Union has elected to keep the passage closed for the season due to steeply rising tensions in the country. Also it cannot be open for a majority of the year while our passages can be sailed year round without... well the freezing that they deal with up north. But for now that is all the time I have for you today. The press will be updated frequently on this new Shipping Tax" With that he gave another thankyou to the press members sitting infront of him in the building. He walked down from the sall stage and into a hallway where one of his advisors waited for him.
"Sir that was excellent. While this will be a huge bother for most if we decrese the cost to register ships the Urilas Shipping industry will grow with companies from all around Markion moving to our ports... And even if that does not happen we will be able to have the cheapest cross Markion shipping costs while not loosing the millions of our tax payers money on environment upkeep. Make the global shippers foot the bill." He said while they walked twards the Prime Ministers office.
"I know. Sticking it to the global man but I find it unfair that the plan does not fairly tax all nations ships equally. Like why do the Seveillians and the Villhallens get a lower tax than everyone else. It is like 1/4 the ammount the others are getting?" He asked
"Oh dont worry sir. That is just to keep relations with our Allies. The Empire already offered to help foot the bill upfront with them having naval bases in our Nation. And the Villhala case is just because they do a lot of business with our companies it would potentially effect the relations if they had to pay the same large sum of money. They still have to pay just not as much but the public does not need to know anything about that." They walked into the staff area of the building. Hopefully this would help keep Urilas prosperous without them having to loosen enviromental restrictions they had fought hard for with the Imperial Government for a very long time as to relive a large tax burdon felt on the people of Urilas that was starting to raise tensions.

[The Green Union]

Official Statement From The Imperial Congress

To: Leaders of the KP
Encryption: High

The Imperial Congress would like to appoligize on behalf of our entire empire for the war brought on to you and your allies in the September Islands Conflict. The Imperial Congress is planning on returning control of the September Islands back to the KP after the conflict in the USCO has drawn to a close,

In exchange for this current return the Empire has taken the liberty to attempt to re-construct roads and buildings for use by the citizens during and after our time occupying the islands, With this we are also willing to gift the KP 100 brand new SG-80 fighters and some Armoured troop transport trucks to help continue your efforts in helping people across Markion. We are also going to donate 10 SG-17 troop transport/cargo planes for your humanitarian efforts across Markion

We once more appologize for the actions that had to be taken during this current conflict,
Imperial Congress Chancellor Mark Waldrop,

Officials within the Kamooko Pact have expressed disappointment at the government of September Island. In a press conference, the Right Honourable Charlotte Fried protested that the Kamooko Pact was doing everything in its power to secure the return of September Island to President Rubio's government, and had been in talks with Sevevill ever since their capture of the island. To simply walk out of the Kamooko Pact now, she argued, is an insult to all the blood and treasure spent by Kamooko to protect their nation. This is not how partners in a mutual alliance are supposed to act.

On the grounds of the Kamooko Pact headquarters, Turtleback Palace, and dozens of other locations across the alliance, people watched on with heavy hearts as the September Tricolour was lowered from its position, formally bidding adieu to her once proud allies.

[b]LCPL. Erich Bohlm, 1st Brigade, 6th Fallschirmjäger Division, UCSO

The final hours before the ultimatum have begun ticking, the bases have been running on skeleton crews while units were getting ready to deploy, they were moved to a small field on the coast, they're going to be the first brigade into the country before the entire 6th division lands. He sat on his medium ruck in a group of seven other soldiers who were eating some MREs, facing a small red chem light. Two hours before they would be wheels up, and three hours before they'd land in Sevevillian territory. Tonight was a new moon, his meal was soon interrupted by his squad leader checking NODs ad PEQs with a bag of batteries in his hand.

The Kamooko Pact has reiterated many of its old diplomatic protests against Sevevill's occupation of September Island, demanding the immediate release of the island to Kamooko Pact forces. Although the alliance condemns Arcadia's attempts to get involved, saying it needlessly increases tensions and makes talks more difficult, it has been continuing efforts behind the scenes to pressure Sevevill into handing over the island immediately. KP forces in Albatan have been standing by for weeks waiting for the time when they will be allowed to fly in and take back their security roles, including a growing number of September Island natives who have been trickling out of the island since Sevevill seized control. Many of these refugees have brought with them news of Sevevill's harsh treatment of prisoners and bungled attempt to use natives for local security, which has led to additional criticism against Sevevill.

In the meantime, Kamooko has responded to the withdrawal of September Island's government from the alliance by appointing a new interim council to manage the island's affairs and represent it abroad via KP missions. Some of the representatives are from September Island, but many are simply bureaucrats hailing from other KP nations. The rationale for this has been that the KP is still responsible for the island's defence, and will continue to uphold their side of the deal even if the government decides to abandon them. Although some are questioning the altruism of this statement, as there have been reports of the KP calling up old September Island ambassadors and government officials in exile in an attempt to persuade them to leave their old colleagues and join this new government.

In Avibéliard, the capital of Alluscia and city housing the Markion Union headquarters, a short scuffle ensued when KP-backed September Island representatives attempted to enter the MU building and were confronted by representatives of the UCSO-backed government. It was not long before a mission from the Vilhalan-backed government also arrived, leading to a large shouting match outside the building before local police intervened.

In the aftermath of the scuffle a new flag, resembling the September Island tricolour defaced by the KP seal, has started being used to represent this quasi-government.