FEDERATION 2020 - FCN Roleplay (IC, FCN ONLY)

[Greater Bastion]

Today, January 12, 2020 the election results were as follows.

State/Party that got most votes/Percent of votes gotten/Population
Capital State/National Party/71%/3 million
Oha/King’s Fascist Party/80%/2.7 million
Ülm/King’s Fascist Party/70%/2.3 million
Sedmok/King’s Fascist Party/49%/2 million

All votes will add up to 100% because citizens must vote by law in Snow Hill. The winner of the Presidential and Prime Minister election is the King’s Fascist Party(KFP). The KFP got 66% of the votes nation wide. The National Party got 30% of the votes. The other 6 minor parties got 4% of the votes. Across the nation KFP sympathizers rejoiced. The new government made sure that the rightful king has stepped on to the throne. The new King is Bernde Micha. The new President of Snow Hill is Jorry Pierre. The new Prime Minister is Scott Kennedy. President Pierre announced today that “all ongoing talks with nations will continue. I myself would like to meet with the Greater Bastion leaders to settle our differences once and for all. If they would accept I, along with the Minister of Foreign Policy, would meet them in New Gloria or Jeiro. Thank you and long live the King!”


And with that Snow Hill has officially become a Constitutional Monarchy.

"Huh."

Eckard pauses BNN. They want to talk?

"Hey, Joy, you hear that? The... president, of Snow Hill. Wishes to 'meet with the Greater Bastion leaders...'"

"They do? And what reason would that be?" Joy walks from the window to the lounge chair that Eckard likes to frequent in his personal abode. "You didn't anger them, did you?"

"No, no, of course not. They may be overthinking the border security, military vehicles, and frequently patrolling jets on the border. Don't get me wrong, I understand their reasoning. But it's all for their security, they must know.

Could you send them a... what do they use? Telegrams? Instead of emails like the rest of us? I don't know, just send them a message, professionally of course, saying that the military build-up on the border is only to ensure any and all fleeing terrorists are detained before reaching Snow Hill as 'refugees.' We have no hostile intentions, I hope they realize. And give them a proposal - if they find any terrorists, give them to us, and we will reward them with 5,000 marks each."

Joy nods, and grabs her supplies and go off to a side room to start managing the sending of a message to the president of Snow Hill.

---

The terrorists are in full-on retreat by this point. Their rebellion had miserably failed, lacking international support from any major powers. With their leader assassinated, and public reception of them to be monsters and war criminals, the Autocrats are in hiding. The civil war isn't over - but it isn't anywhere near successful. On the outside, it seems as if Bastonian society has returned to normal. People live in general comfort, with no rationing or worry of further terrorist attacks.

Sure, military police patrols are frequent, and most democratic freedoms haven't been restored, but every-day life is mostly normal now. It seems like the Republic, and especially the Stratocracy, isn't going anywhere.

[The COT Corporation]

Due to the ever increasing tensions in Stratea, and the scarily realistic prospect of World War, CotCorp has been practically doubling it's military spending as of late.

One of the newest investments has been in expanding bullets, informally known as "dum dums". however, this was not without reason. As the bullet penetrates the unlucky prussian soldier target, it expands, transferring more of it's kinetic energy, and creating a larger wound. With the shaky relations with some other nations, this is a dramatic advancement to the Militia.

---

Within the Federation of Conservative Nations, there is a rumour going round that the COT Corporation is... socialist. That is utter rubbish. Of course it isn't. As we all know, socialism is the disgusting form of government when the state owns all business. Shitty, isn't it. But as the Corporation is, well, a corporation, it is easy to get them confused. However, CotCorp is the exact inverse; instead of the Government owning industry, industry owns the government. And this industry, the illustrious COT Corporation, holds an almost full monopoly of the Nation.

[Greater Bastion]

The Chamber of Commonwealth, 11th of January



The PP Border, 10th of January

"What!? Why the- but you have evidence we didn't do it! You can't just arrest us! That goes against international law! You're BREAKING the law!" He pulls out his walkie-talkie and speaks into it, to quietly for the Poles to hear.

"General Ehntvomery, we have a situation. After we escorted the girl that you saw back to the border, streams of bullets flew out of the mist and struck our tank. Our tank is fine, but what happened next really matters. Her body was thrown out of the mist, with her throat slit and bullet marks in her cardigan. However, the bullets were those of the Propolcommonwealth, we think it was to instigate conflict. As well as this, some Polish soldiers saw us with the body and are trying to arrest us, with the help of armed helicopters. As you know, this is against international law*, and we need help. Please send backup.

*It is against a real international law, and probably in this World as well. Foreign police cannot arrest you as long as you are out of their borders, and they don't have permission from the people being arrested's home country.

The cop wrenched the radio out of the man's hand, and shoved a rifle in his face.
"You have two options. Come with us or I shoot you."

His compatriots levelled their rifles behind him, while the soldiers looked on passively and began to leave.

---

Off the coast of COTCORP

The Jagdwiga's battlegroup had, at this point, closed ranks with that of Greater Bastion. Sailors exchanged greetings, alcohol, and news with each other, and the Combat Air Patrols were now extended to provide protection to both the carrier group of GB and that of the Jagdwiga.

This would not last, though. A destroyer abruptly blew up, tearing in half, with a fireball so large it could be seen from the shoreline. Sailors jumped into the water, desperately swimming to safety before the whirlpook from the sinking ship pulled them down, while other ships immediately raced to rescue the crewmen.


When news of this broke in Prussia-Poland, the immediate response was to blame COT. Mass demonstrations would turn out against the Corporation, and calls were made to punish it. These calls would only become louder as news of COTCorps' supposed 'execution' of the girl broke.

---

13th of January, 2020

"In spite of the tensions, this is a great vacation. Bloody hot as hell, though, eh?" The Fleet Commander, suffering from another hangover, lays back in his sunbathing chair, taking in the warm climate (compared to Bastonia at least).

"Indeed, sir. Although... permission to speak, sir?" The 2nd Class Fleet Commander, Morgan Lewes, stands at rest beside her superior officer.

"Go ahead."

"You've been drinking, and partying, and taking in the sights more than taking command and making decisions. Hell, I've been doing the whole thing, thinking about it. So yeah, it seems like fun for you but... for me, sir? It's been exhausting on me."

"Well, this is a great learning opportunity. I've seen my fair share of war, you're fairly new. Keep up the good work, and I'll see if I can get you promoted to 1st Class Fleet Commander."

Shocked, she murmurs, "Wait... you're serious?"

"Of cou-" The destroyer blows up. "The FUCK was that?!" The Fleet Commander jumps up from his chair, and practically sprints to the command deck and demands to know what the hell happened.

A young, fresh recruit snaps to attention, and speaks: "SIR, A PRUSSIAN-POLISH DESTROYER ABRUPTLY COMBUSTED AND EXPLODED!"

"Jesus, private, lower your damn voice! And at ease, we need all hands on deck. Initiate engagement protocols and get me contact with the Prussian admirals! ASAP!"

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

SMS Jagdwiga

Wiceadmirał Zbrienski was not a happy man by nature. He had always been known for running a tight ship, but after his wife died a few years ago, the disciplinary measures within Strike Group 1 had slowly gone from strict to draconian. It, of course, varied greatly from ship to ship, but in general, sailors feared being assigned to Strike Group 1, with the omnipresent threat of flogging permeating the flotilla. Even though the King had personally ordered the Admiral to cease flogging for non-serious infractions, the man neglected to tell his subordinates, and the King hadn't caught on yet.


But Zbrienski was also a man, and he was not immune to feeling. So when the SMS Holdfast sank with nearly all hands lost, he was inconsolable.

With that, the chain of command immediately fell to the flag captain-a gruff, old man well past his prime.

Upon establishment of communications, he immediately spoke into the phone.
"Oi. This is the Jadgwiga's Flag Captain speakin'. We're not sure what happend-Holdfast just went up."

---

Masovia-Warsaw, Sejm
The vote was decided from the start.

UPPER HOUSE: 14-0 in favor of Declaration 0001-2020.
LOWER HOUSE: 51-2 in favor of Declaration 0001-2020.
HOUSE OF LORDS: 14-0 in favor of Declaration 0001-2020.
APPROVED BY HIS MAJESTY CRASSUS, KING OF PRUSSIA AND POLAND

And that was that.
COT had 12 hours to apologize for the Ochjno killings, the sinking of the Holdfast, and to repeal the Warsaw Act, and with it to scrap all of their submarines and half of their surface vessels, as well as disband their air force and half of their army. In addition, they would have to pay 1 billion Reichsmarks in compensation(1 Reichsmark = the price of 1 gram of 14k gold in USD) to the families of the deceased sailors of the Holdfast, as well as an additional 5 million Reichsmarks to the parents of the girl killed in Ochjno. Finally, it required the lease of a port in the COT Corporation for 500 years, and the establishment of worker's right's laws, as well as the dissolution of the current government and it's replacement with a more democratic one that extended the franchise to, at least, all males.

The alternative?

War.

[Gagium]

January 13, 2020
Politician's Plight, Gagium

Much of the same people present in the Executive Conference Room on the 11th of January were again present today, as President Vincent Barbet convened his upper cabinet and military leaders once again in to check in on tensions in Stratea and the world - Threat of a conflict still loomed, and an outbreak of war could prove disastrous for Gagium and the global economy. Reports had come of an increased military build-up on the borders of Snow Hill as Huvakia set up a permanent military presence in the nation, and on the 12th a Polish-Prussian naval destroyer blew up in the Stratean Ocean off the coastline of COTCORP, in the middle of a joint Prussian-Bastion fleet...A fleet which, on the Bastion side of things, refused to disperse. This angered President Barbet..Though his civilian adviser warned him that now wasn't the time to argue with their presence. What was the time? - When they had poured thousands of thousands of soldiers into Stratea and established airbases?

The warhawks in the Executive Conference Room lauded the Prussian's extensive and costly demands from COTCORP's in the aftermath of their naval destroyer's explosion. While the public of Gagium largely protested on social media and on the streets about how this would be deadly and brought the continent closer to a costly, deadly war, the warhawks in the government and military weren't exactly opposed to joining the war - It would boost popularity with the Prussians and give Gagium more power and influence on the continent, and they didn't have to worry about being elected..President Barbet was less sympathetic to war, seeing how it could be costly in his re-election, and the populace would be angry..Still, all options were kept on the table - Even the option of betraying the Prussian-Poles and Greater Bastion to win the Stratean War and finally consolidate power...At least, that option was on the table for a group of far-right militiamen and fighters who had recently gathered together in the notoriously libertarian New Etrine Commonwealth in preparation for the "Inevitable War for Gagiums Independence".

Stratean Ocean

The First Carrier Defense Group was ordered to rendezvous with the Second Carrier Defense Group approximately 150 nautical miles offshore from Naval Base Forguard. Once the two fleets have merged together, they would essentially stay in place at around 100 nautical miles southeast of Naval Base Forguard, waiting for further orders - With a global conflict highly probable in the eyes of Gagium's high command, the bulk of the fleet needed to be ready.

Southwest Gagium

With the order given to 'ensure combat readiness' on the 9th of January, rigorous exercises and training in the established units of the Second Corps. Lieutenant General Mason Ward, commanding officer of the Corps, was personally present on the ground at Fort Kirburn, Etonso Commonwealth (one of the largest army installations in the nation) to monitor preparations and exercises as the Corps readied itself. Largely-unused army vehicles were cleaned and checked, soldiers in combat gear marched around Fort Kirburn and met up with their local-level commanders, and military flights were endlessly scheduled and flown.

[Greater Bastion]

"Oi. This is the Jadgwiga's Flag Captain speakin'. We're not sure what happend-Holdfast just went up."

The Fleet Commander orders Morgen to take up the mantle of managing the navy. Then, he speaks.

"Flag Captain, we're engaging offensive protocols on our end just in case. We want to be prepared in case this happens again, and I suggest you do the same, and get everyone alert for the next several hours. I'm going to oversee the Bastion navy portion, report back to me in case anything happens. FleetComm, out."

---

In Bastion:

"This is heating up..." Joy applies her makeup in the mirror while Eckard paces behind her.

"Yeah, it is. But I have a gut suspicion that the destroyer wasn't blown up by the COT pricks, and I don't feel like it was an accident either. The Prussians, or Polish or whoever they wanna be called... they are making a move, purposefully escalating the conflict. Not that I'm complaining, but still." He straightens his tie, adjusts his darkened glasses, and looks at himself in the mirror. "I think it's about time."

---

In CR2:

The screens of every electronic billboard lights up, every advertisement suddenly changes. Television screens suddenly switch to a broadcast. Everything electronic that broadcasts a video switches to this broadcast.

The Scene:
A dark room is visible, with the shadow of a man seen sitting in a chair. Wisps of smoke rise to the ceiling of the room, and as the camera pans up towards the man's face, a further two people are seen.

The man sitting in the middle is, now, clearly... the Premier of Greater Bastion, wearing a bright red tie with a black/dark blue suit, and a cigar hanging out of his mouth. The person to his left is vaguely the CEO of Tenzehn, and to the right is a woman, most likely not known outside of Greater Bastion itself.

The Premier announces:
"Hello, people of CR2. As you can tell, things are not going well. By things, I mean the blockade, Prussia-Poland increasing tensions, and a possible war on the horizon. But! Fear not, my citizens. I have a solution, but this solution requires the practical 'corporation' of COT to cooperate. So far they haven't."

He takes a puff of his cigar, then continues after blowing it out.

"This entire situation can be resolved if COT just entered a contract like your own nation did. However, they haven't. And in fact, they are making things worse, because if COT continues operating like they have, blowing up ships and causing tensions, we will have no choice but to defend ourselves. This wouldn't violate our contract, after all - we agreed to send aid to Costa Rica2 in the case of war, not to not defend ourselves from foreign threats. I find that every single citizen of this fine nation, CR2, is valuable as a member of society. Every single one."

He snuffs out his cigar, placing it on a table in front of him.

"If you don't want to be caught in the crossfire, I advise you either push for COT to become monopolized like we attempted in the past for peace...

Or get out of this alliance. I don't wish to cause harm, I really don't, but your unfortunate friend keeps stirring the pot. And these are my own citizens' lives at risk. I can't risk them without a reason."

He leans forward, revealing his full face in the light.

"I love you all. You are all worthwhile, and I will defend your lives. But I can't do much myself. Take it upon yourself - urge your politicians and leaders to take these stances, you don't deserve this upcoming conflict.

Thank you for listening. I promise, I won't make another one of these unless absolutely necessary. This has been Premier Eckard, now back to your scheduled programming."

The broadcast switches off, and everything goes back to normal.

[Gladesville]

The Chamber of Commonwealth, 11th of January

The Board of Directors made were in the middle of a tour of the chambers of Commonwealth. But why? Because they were about to use them. The age-old halls were built for times like this; times of tension. CEO William Pounder was ever-searching for more allies, what with the building tensions of the blockade and the threats from the PPC.

Recently, the nation formed what they call "The Commonwealth of Commerce", a group of nations who trade, help, and if they want to, defend each other. As of yet, the member states were only CotCorp and CR2, but invitations had been sent out to Gladesville and Washingtonian Republic.

Should We? For The Economy?

Time: 19:12
Date: 1/13/20
Location: Various Gladesvillagen Government Facilities
People: Several Gladesvillagen Government Staff, and Vindalbal II

(ooc: Sahara beats any Co(some letter)corp any day of the week)

"Hear Ye'! Hear Ye'!"

This evening, an email was discovered from the Gladesvillagen Database, labelled "From CotCorp, Important". Kasze Baswealay, the advisor in charge of Foreign Affair's during swing shift hours, opened up the email, and it read as paraphrased. "This is CotCorp, I would like you to join the Commonwealth of Commerce. It could improve your economy, and give militaristic allies. Pls join.". This was forwarded to Vindalbal II (ooc, the Gagium-Gladesville Summit is a 2nd timeline, set on January 4th. It would feel weird to only speak once a day, it'd be choppy.), who by now was finished with said summit, and was busy filling out the paperwork to validate that summit's goals, got the notification. He read it, looked to see if strings were attached, and approved it to move on to the House of Duchies.

The House of Duchies was assembled to call upon what Gladesville's stance on the world would be if they join the Commonwealth of Commerce. Nationalist Dukes argued that the alliance would make Gladesville more of a pawn of a player, instead of the entire player, and some Environmentalist Dukes argued that the alliance would encourage natural-gas expensive boats and planes to go around, and encourage use of plastics. However, the idea wasn't completely hated. Socialist Dukes brought up that, if properly used, could help the poor, by moving more of the economy of bulk products, and other Environmentalist Dukes argued that they could lower the prices of Gladesville's iconic biodegradable water bottles, and get them spread across more of the world.

They recorded the audio of the House of Duchies, and forwarded it to Vindalbal II, who was out getting late-night donuts at his favorite coffee & donut shop. They waited, and Vindalbal II, hearing the audio-tape, forwarded the reply, "You bring up good points, but you've got to be kidding me when only the Communists thought of the people. Let's go through the whole process of citizen voting, and bring it up to the HoD. K'?" to the House of Duchies.

[The COT Corporation]

Recently, the Corporation had been seeing a soar in car manufacturing, and, to increase this tidal wave of line graph scales even more - decided to export some more.

The luxurious Serra brand, a branch of the Corporation, had privately been exporting hundreds of their cars at enormous discounts to private news institutions within the beautiful Furbish Isles, in fact going so far as to give many of the Journalists complimentary mid-range SUVs.

Quite coincidentally, this coincided with allowing the same news companies within the corporation territories to review some of the most recent news.

[Snow Hill]

After seeing the rise in of foreign goods in Snow Hill, President Pierre has decided to increase tariffs on electronics, vehicles, and metals to 9%(ooc btw South Korea has an average tariff of 8.67% and are ranked 13th for economy). All other products will be increased to 4.5%. These tariffs will exclude Huvakia as Snow Hill has a free trade agreement with them. These acts should not be regarded as hostile to other nations as these actions are only to increase Snow Hill’s economy.
President Pierre has also stated that talks with Greater Bastion will begin Friday in Jeiro, Snow Hill.
“We will not take any crap from Greater Bastion any longer. We must settle our differences like men and not children. We have been in contact with the Bastonian government via phone calls and encrypted emails(ooc NOT telegrams you boomer). Talks will be in Snow Hill for a week and then move to Greater Bastion and we hope to ease the tensions at the border. As of now we will not turn over Bastonian terrorists to Greater Bastion but we might in the future. Let’s make Snow Hill Great again!”

[Greater Bastion]

After seeing the rise in of foreign goods in Snow Hill, President Pierre has decided to increase tariffs on electronics, vehicles, and metals to 9%(ooc btw South Korea has an average tariff of 8.67% and are ranked 13th for economy). All other products will be increased to 4.5%. These tariffs will exclude Huvakia as Snow Hill has a free trade agreement with them. These acts should not be regarded as hostile to other nations as these actions are only to increase Snow Hill’s economy.
President Pierre has also stated that talks with Greater Bastion will begin Friday in Jeiro, Snow Hill.
“We will not take any crap from Greater Bastion any longer. We must settle our differences like men and not children. We have been in contact with the Bastonian government via phone calls and encrypted emails(ooc NOT telegrams you boomer). Talks will be in Snow Hill for a week and then move to Greater Bastion and we hope to ease the tensions at the border. As of now we will not turn over Bastonian terrorists to Greater Bastion but we might in the future. Let’s make Snow Hill Great again!”

"Uh... what the fuck. Haha! This must be a joke. It's a joke, right?" Eckard amusedly chuckles at the 'president' of Snow Hill.

"I think they're trying to be serious, hon. They probably think that they can control the negotiations. Make us look weak diplomatically. What are you gonna do, Moritz?"

Eckard grabs a cigar from his suit pocket. Bad habit he picked up from that broadcast he made. Oh well, he'll quit. Probably.

Lighting the cigar, he stands from his office chair and picks up his cellphone, calling a number.

"I'm gonna show them who the boss is, and it most certainly isn't them."

---

Another telegram is sent to the president of Snow Hill. It states:

Dear Pierre...

We sadly heard your refusal to turn over terrorists. We highly advise you to rethink. It's not an offer anymore, it's a demand. Until you cooperate, we will not host de-escalation talks. Our military has been ordered to be on full standby, and any slight by the Snow Hill military will be responded to with force.

Do not tell the outside world of this telegram. Do not leak this telegram. This is not a request, this is a demand. Consequences will be had. It's your move, Pierre.

The way we see it, Pierre, you're oppressing Bastonian citizens in your territory and harboring terrorists. We won't leak this information if you won't. Again, your move.

---

Half of the Bastonian navy is returning from COT, for an unknown reason.

[Snow Hill]

After seeing the rise in of foreign goods in Snow Hill, President Pierre has decided to increase tariffs on electronics, vehicles, and metals to 9%(ooc btw South Korea has an average tariff of 8.67% and are ranked 13th for economy). All other products will be increased to 4.5%. These tariffs will exclude Huvakia as Snow Hill has a free trade agreement with them. These acts should not be regarded as hostile to other nations as these actions are only to increase Snow Hill’s economy.
President Pierre has also stated that talks with Greater Bastion will begin Friday in Jeiro, Snow Hill.
“We will not take any crap from Greater Bastion any longer. We must settle our differences like men and not children. We have been in contact with the Bastonian government via phone calls and encrypted emails(ooc NOT telegrams you boomer). Talks will be in Snow Hill for a week and then move to Greater Bastion and we hope to ease the tensions at the border. As of now we will not turn over Bastonian terrorists to Greater Bastion but we might in the future. Let’s make Snow Hill Great again!”

"Uh... what the fuck. Haha! This must be a joke. It's a joke, right?" Eckard amusedly chuckles at the 'president' of Snow Hill.

"I think they're trying to be serious, hon. They probably think that they can control the negotiations. Make us look weak diplomatically. What are you gonna do, Moritz?"

Eckard grabs a cigar from his suit pocket. Bad habit he picked up from that broadcast he made. Oh well, he'll quit. Probably.

Lighting the cigar, he stands from his office chair and picks up his cellphone, calling a number.

"I'm gonna show them who the boss is, and it most certainly isn't them."

---

Another telegram is sent to the president of Snow Hill. It states:

Dear Pierre...

We sadly heard your refusal to turn over terrorists. We highly advise you to rethink. It's not an offer anymore, it's a demand. Until you cooperate, we will not host de-escalation talks. Our military has been ordered to be on full standby, and any slight by the Snow Hill military will be responded to with force.

Do not tell the outside world of this telegram. Do not leak this telegram. This is not a request, this is a demand. Consequences will be had. It's your move, Pierre.

The way we see it, Pierre, you're oppressing Bastonian citizens in your territory and harboring terrorists. We won't leak this information if you won't. Again, your move.

---

Half of the Bastonian navy is returning from COT, for an unknown reason.

After seeing this President Pierre immediately calls the Defense Secretary of Snow Hill.
“Holy shit, Jørn, are you seeing this?”says Pierre

“Yessss, sirrr. It seems that they took this the wrong way. I mean I just wanted to question the terrorists. I mean it’s not like any innocent people are getting hurt.”

“Well you need to make sure we are ready. Call Huvakia, call New Inglaterra, call freaking everyone.” screams Pierre.

Jørn quietly says,“Uhhh... Ok I’ll get right on it sir” while looking very frightened.

“Oh and Freya(not part of conversation but she is Pierre’s assistant) start righting up a telegram back to Greater Bastion. I’ll look over it later when you are done.”



Telegram to Bastion

Dear Mr.Eckard,
We did not mean any hostility by holding terrorists of Greater Bastion we just wished to question them. There is no need to mobilize your navy as we do not want a war over petty things. I invite you or your representatives to come to Jeiro, where we can work this out PEACEFULLY. Secrecy will be kept as per your request and we are willing to turn over 41 terrorists to Greater Bastion for no money. Let’s not escalate things unnecessarily.
Pierre

[Huvakia]

350 Nautical Miles SouthEast of Holy Rhinish Islands.
Imperial Naval Service 2nd Fleet

---

Admiral Vasili Drago sat quietly in the CIC of the INSS Imperia the flagship of the fleet. The Imperia was one of two active imperial aircraft carriers and was arguably the most expensive ship in the fleet. Her current escort consisted of 2 Celestia class cruisers, 7 Akula Class destroyers, 2 fleet support ships,the only active battleship in naval service, 3 attack submarines and one ballistic missile submarine. The Fleet had enjoyed a relatively calm deployment with no notable engagements or incidents in the last six months. Looking across the CIC the crew worked in near silence busily maintaining the traffic pattern and security of the fleet. An ensign stood up from his station and approached Vasili.

“Excuse me Admiral, there is a priority communique from Command that requires your attention.”

"Thank you Ensign"

Vasili offered a nod in acknowledgement and took the printed orders fresh from military command. The report detailed the need for the immediate redeployment of Second Fleet to the areas surrounding Port Askel, and the still under construction North Point Joint Operations Base. They were to conduct routine patrol operations in the area, provide security for the construction project, and support SnowHill military forces as outlined in the recent North Point Accords. Curiously the orders specifically forbid the use of force without prior authorization unless Imperial lives were lost or property destroyed.

Admiral Drago thought on the orders he had just received. They were being sent far from home “to ensure peace and continued free trade” they were supposed to represent the pride and unwavering resolve of the empire but Vasili felt more like a sacrificial lamb. Ultimately what Vasili felt was irrelevant though, disobeying orders was more assuredly suicide than whatever orders Command barked out. Looking up from the orders Vasili commanded the crew to alter their course towards Port Askel, their arrival was expected within 3 days.

North Point was already under construction at a fever pace, the airfield was to be capable of servicing aircraft within the week. There wasn't anywhere for long term storage yet but planes would be able to land and refuel. The total construction of the base is expected to continue for several months but it was scheduled to reach minimal operation capacity by the end of the month.

[Greater Bastion]

Dear Mr.Eckard,
We did not mean any hostility by holding terrorists of Greater Bastion we just wished to question them. There is no need to mobilize your navy as we do not want a war over petty things. I invite you or your representatives to come to Jeiro, where we can work this out PEACEFULLY. Secrecy will be kept as per your request and we are willing to turn over 41 terrorists to Greater Bastion for no money. Let’s not escalate things unnecessarily.
Pierre

"Ah, so they DID harbor terrorists. Well, now we know that we can't trust them. Well worth the gamble. Now, what's next? Hmm.... Oh! I know!"

Eckard personally calls the president of Snow Hill, and no matter if he picks up or not, he says:

Hello! This is the Premier of Greater Bastion. We will accept these terrorists, and along with this, I'd like to invite you, the president of Snow Hill, to view their punishment with me.

Don't refuse this time.

With this, he abruptly ends the call.

[Fluvannia]

From the desk of Paulos Dimitrios, Fluvannian Minister of Foreign Affairs

TO: Douglass Fredericks, Fluvannian Ambassador to the F.C.N.

Thursday, January 16, 2020

Dear Mr. Ambassador,

As per the directions of the HRH The Crown Prince, the Federated Principality is to express its desire to serve as a neutral meeting ground for conflict-avoidance negotiations between both neighboring states and far-off nations. As we have relations with all, and quarrel with none, it is His Highness' opinion that we could play our part of mediator and unaligned territory with great effect to the benefit of all.

Should any questions of our capabilities arise, please assure all who express concerns that the Fluvannian Armed Forces and Royal Gendarmerie will be more than sufficient to prevent hostilities between their representatives from spilling over into Fluvannian territory.

Sincerely,
(signed)

Dimitrios

[The COT Corporation]

Due to a recent surge of "Area 69" memes upon the Corporation's primary social media platform, MePipe, the nation has taken a keen interest in the moon.

---

Central Salidgrad, The Salt Pans

As the Secretary of Defence drove into the enormous once-river, now a dry salt pan, with his luxury Serra XIV, a dark silhouette loomed in the distance. For miles around, there was nothing. However, this lovely scenery was not why the Secretary was here. He was here for the silhouette. But what was the Silhouette?

Well, Here's the answer. The silhouette was only the very best rocket within the FCN world, with practically post-modern technologies. Known within government files as "X File", it is equipped with 27 Gandalf engines, and each of it's 3 boosters can produce an impressive 1.7 million pounds of thrust, roughly translated to 771107.029 kilograms. If only the taxpayers knew where that increase was going.

But why was there this rocket? Well, the situation was a bit... strange. With the excuse to their officials "we are going to prove a point", the government planned to nuke the moon. However, due to [ooc: Gagium], this was not possible. So, they went for the next best thing. Instead of nuking, they planned to bombard the moon with intense concentrations of high explosive bombs.

The secretary walked into to the General in charge of this programme's office.

"Hello, General. This operation is... amazing. I honestly feel so... small compared to it. A commendable job!"

"Thank you, Jashuo. I didn't ever think a member of the Board would compliment me... haha." He uttered a half-hearted laugh.

"So, when do you propose we... launch this rocket? I presume you have a schedule, but... just in case."

"Oh, of course. We plan to launch this on the 20th of February. However, this rocket does have a secret use, if we have... complications. If there is a... war, which seems inevitable, this rocket, which in itself is practically a missile, and the primary offence against the moon, shall be launched into whichever of our enemies we see fit - so long as they try to invade us."

"A good idea... Heh.." Said the Secretary. All in all, a successful meeting.

[Gladesville]

It's Time to Spread our Wings!

Time: 16:58
Date: 1/16/20
Location: Vincaract Bay Harbor
People: ~2,500 Colonists, Vindalbal II, Crowd of Onlookers

"I have assembled you here today, for Gladesville to grow!"

Traffic Jams in Vincaract Bay are omnipotent as 15-bike crews haul huge shipping crates of building supplies, and construction companies are being paid millions to send huge crews of their employees on this journey. Homeless shelters across Greater Vincaractum are being emptied by a royal decree, that's intentionally vague. All the parking spots at Vincaract Bay are filled, and disabled electric wheelchairs are struggling to find a valid parking space. Nobody knows why anything is happening this afternoon, but everyone is hearing Vindalbal II announce, "Come to Vincaract Bay Harbor, now, please.", and everyone wants to prove their loyalty to the monarchy.

30 minutes later, the homeless people and supplies are being loaded on boats, the construction workers are already on the boats, and Vindalbal II is preparing his evening speech.

"Hello hello, valuable chaps!"

After Vindalbal II did his singing of "Hail to House Vincaract" in the evening, he started his speech.

"Good evening fellow Gladesvillagen and Alaxians, I bring you great news. Gladesville is going to put one step forward of it's rivals, and build a colonial empire. We have found some resources valuable to us on some islands in the Depian Ocean, east of the Holy Rhinish Islands. We have gathered our best architects, engineers, and our homeless citizens in Greater Vincaractum, to be sent to the western most un-occupied island in this chain, and it'll give us resources, glory, and a foothold in the Depian Ocean. Trust me, this will not only be a good decision, it'll be a decision for the best of us."

When his speech was done, he was told that everything was loaded on the Colonial Fleet, and Vindalbal II responded with,

"If you can, rise up and watch our fleet leave!"

The crowd of people all started to sing "Hail to House Vincaract" as the boats left.

"Vincaract, for the Umune Glade!
We've been united, not divided,
under House Vincaract!

All Hail Vindalbal! The one who made us known!
All Hail Vindalbal! We will only grow!
All Hail, All Hail, All Hail House Vincaract,
united forever, under the monarchy!"

[Gagium]

January 13, 2020
Costa Rica2

A Gagiumish citizen by the ordinary-sounding name of Jeff Staller liked traveling the world. He’s been to the cold New Waldensia, the tropical Furbish Islands, the southernly Eldrado and the small island nation of Mietkael..and all other countries in between. At the age of forty five, he was proud to claim to have been to practically every country in the world - twice. His wife and him never grew tired of seeing the world and new sights, and so they decided to book a vacation to a tropical beach town along the Costa Rica2 coast - Out of all the beaches and vacation destinations of the world, he particularly enjoyed the beaches of Costa Rica2. He heard of the tensions, he heard of the armies on Costa Rica2’s northern borders..but he didn’t care - Stratea had been at peace for decades. War wouldn’t come to the continent again!

And so, on the 12th he and his wife and two children boarded their flight to Costa Rica2 and enjoyed a smooth landing, hailing a taxi to drive towards their hotel afterwards. Settling down for the night, Jeff took his family to the beach for a few hours, enjoying the warm temperatures and water in the middle of January..His children never got bored of building sandcastles and digging holes in the beach, and he was happy to pick up his book and read a chapter or two...Things got exhausting fast though, and he took his family back to the hotel room after several hours of beach.

Turning on the television, he and his kids looked for a nice movie to watch while his wife showered..Of course, they didn’t get more than a few minutes into that movie before the television’s scheduled programming cut out. The screen showed a dark room..hackers? Not necessarily, as it was revealed, the leader of Greater Bastion himself..

Their flight out of Costa Rica2 was scheduled for the 14th.

January 15, 2020
The United Commonwealths of Gagium

The infamous “Eckard broadcast” in Costa Rica2 was more or less unanimously seen as a threat to peace by the majority of Gagium - While public opinion was still for the most part against war, and government opinion was pro-Prussia Poland, any support for Greater Bastion in the cabinet and government had largely been vaporized despite the nation being a strategic Gagiumish ally. The broadcast was at the least seen as unjust interference in Costa Rica2 by the nation of Greater Bastion that escalated tensions, and at worst the beginning of the neocolonization of Costa Rica2 by Bastion and a direct threat to the security of the world.

An order was given by the Gagiumish Armed Forces to evacuate all bases in Greater Bastion and relocate all forces in the area, while the government of Greater Bastion was informed that their forces “would no longer be required to operate within the borders of Gagium”.

Meanwhile, President Vincent Barbet in a routine press conference stated that “Any unjust attack on a Stratean nation by an outside hostile entity will be regarded as an attack on the United Commonwealths of Gagium and on the Stratean continent. It is in our interests to defend world peace and security, and allowing for the tearing apart of a Stratean nation by an outside power would be permanently detrimental to world peace and security.”

(OOC: Barbet, by saying Stratean nation, is basically excluding COT from this statement)

[The COT Corporation]

The PP Border, 10th of January

"What!? Why the- but you have evidence we didn't do it! You can't just arrest us! That goes against international law! You're BREAKING the law!" He pulls out his walkie-talkie and speaks into it, to quietly for the Poles to hear.

"General Ehntvomery, we have a situation. After we escorted the girl that you saw back to the border, streams of bullets flew out of the mist and struck our tank. Our tank is fine, but what happened next really matters. Her body was thrown out of the mist, with her throat slit and bullet marks in her cardigan. However, the bullets were those of the Propolcommonwealth, we think it was to instigate conflict. As well as this, some Polish soldiers saw us with the body and are trying to arrest us, with the help of armed helicopters. As you know, this is against international law*, and we need help. Please send backup.

Central Gadiume, the airfields

Backup was being sent. Back in corporate land, the K-1 First Division of First air Division was set for attack. A soldier rushed through the airfields, preparing for the worst. The searing scream of the K-1 engines blasting into life rang through the valleys like lightning. Commanders yelling various orders could be seen all over the grounds. The first 25 aircraft flew into the air, known as V Corps, were only half of the division, the others would stay behind.

The craft of the V Corps were armed with bunker buster bombs, two per aircraft. They flew quickly over the valleys of Gadiume, into Costa Rica2 territory. The squadron sped over the state capital of Santiago, whose citizens looked up in shock and surprise. This was their worst fear, and it had come true. By the time the strike force had arrived at the border with the much-hated commonwealth, the predicament could easily be seen. There was a soldier, one of the corporations own ones, with a gun shoved up his neck. The gun was held by a commonwealth officer, who had a look of madness in his eyes.

Quickly, one of the side aircraft swerved skilfully to the left, doubling back at almost ground level towards the soldiers. Before he could crash into them, or them do anything about it, the pilot sent a precise cannon shot into the ground below them, sending both soldiers flying. He rejoined the formation.

However, the more pressing concern was in the helicopters above. Before the helicopters could flee, the leading K-1 fired two SF-1 missiles into them, reducing them to smoke. Next target? The tank traps.

All 25 of the ships flew over the border, strategically dropping their loads. The first of their attacks was towards the mines - shoot, explode, shoot, explode, shoot, explode. Once most of the mines appeared to not be there (ooc: They knew approximately where most of the mines were, so they could hit them), they moved on to the trenches. These would be slightly harder. Instead of shooting, which wouldn't do much good, they had to level the playing field. This would be something for another time. They moved on to the concrete pyramids... this was why they had brought bunker buster bombs. Every craft dropped one of their two bombs, destroying most of the pyramids. Sure, there was more, but this was good enough. The planes flew towards the actual bunkers now, ready to drop.

War was declared

[Gagium]

The PP Border, 10th of January

"What!? Why the- but you have evidence we didn't do it! You can't just arrest us! That goes against international law! You're BREAKING the law!" He pulls out his walkie-talkie and speaks into it, to quietly for the Poles to hear.

"General Ehntvomery, we have a situation. After we escorted the girl that you saw back to the border, streams of bullets flew out of the mist and struck our tank. Our tank is fine, but what happened next really matters. Her body was thrown out of the mist, with her throat slit and bullet marks in her cardigan. However, the bullets were those of the Propolcommonwealth, we think it was to instigate conflict. As well as this, some Polish soldiers saw us with the body and are trying to arrest us, with the help of armed helicopters. As you know, this is against international law*, and we need help. Please send backup.

Central Gadiume, the airfields

Backup was being sent. Back in corporate land, the K-1 First Division of First air Division was set for attack. A soldier rushed through the airfields, preparing for the worst. The searing scream of the K-1 engines blasting into life rang through the valleys like lightning. Commanders yelling various orders could be seen all over the grounds. The first 25 aircraft flew into the air, known as V Corps, were only half of the division, the others would stay behind.

The craft of the V Corps were armed with bunker buster bombs, two per aircraft. They flew quickly over the valleys of Gadiume, into Costa Rica2 territory. The squadron sped over the state capital of Santiago, whose citizens looked up in shock and surprise. This was their worst fear, and it had come true. By the time the strike force had arrived at the border with the much-hated commonwealth, the predicament could easily be seen. There was a soldier, one of the corporations own ones, with a gun shoved up his neck. The gun was held by a commonwealth officer, who had a look of madness in his eyes.

Quickly, one of the side aircraft swerved skilfully to the left, doubling back at almost ground level towards the soldiers. Before he could crash into them, or them do anything about it, the pilot sent a precise cannon shot into the ground below them, sending both soldiers flying. He rejoined the formation.

However, the more pressing concern was in the helicopters above. Before the helicopters could flee, the leading K-1 fired two SF-1 missiles into them, reducing them to smoke. Next target? The tank traps.

All 25 of the ships flew over the border, strategically dropping their loads. The first of their attacks was towards the mines - shoot, explode, shoot, explode, shoot, explode. Once most of the mines appeared to not be there (ooc: They knew approximately where most of the mines were, so they could hit them), they moved on to the trenches. These would be slightly harder. Instead of shooting, which wouldn't do much good, they had to level the playing field. This would be something for another time. They moved on to the concrete pyramids... this was why they had brought bunker buster bombs. Every craft dropped one of their two bombs, destroying most of the pyramids. Sure, there was more, but this was good enough. The planes flew towards the actual bunkers now, ready to drop.

War was declared

OOC: Please fix, typically you let the person you’re attacking declare their casualties..Realistically there’d also be a good amount of time for an early warning system to pick up your planes incoming, so letting PPC react to your incoming planes would probably be best

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

The PP Border, 10th of January

"What!? Why the- but you have evidence we didn't do it! You can't just arrest us! That goes against international law! You're BREAKING the law!" He pulls out his walkie-talkie and speaks into it, to quietly for the Poles to hear.

"General Ehntvomery, we have a situation. After we escorted the girl that you saw back to the border, streams of bullets flew out of the mist and struck our tank. Our tank is fine, but what happened next really matters. Her body was thrown out of the mist, with her throat slit and bullet marks in her cardigan. However, the bullets were those of the Propolcommonwealth, we think it was to instigate conflict. As well as this, some Polish soldiers saw us with the body and are trying to arrest us, with the help of armed helicopters. As you know, this is against international law*, and we need help. Please send backup.

Central Gadiume, the airfields

Backup was being sent. Back in corporate land, the K-1 First Division of First air Division was set for attack. A soldier rushed through the airfields, preparing for the worst. The searing scream of the K-1 engines blasting into life rang through the valleys like lightning. Commanders yelling various orders could be seen all over the grounds. The first 25 aircraft flew into the air, known as V Corps, were only half of the division, the others would stay behind.

The craft of the V Corps were armed with bunker buster bombs, two per aircraft. They flew quickly over the valleys of Gadiume, into Costa Rica2 territory. The squadron sped over the state capital of Santiago, whose citizens looked up in shock and surprise. This was their worst fear, and it had come true. By the time the strike force had arrived at the border with the much-hated commonwealth, the predicament could easily be seen. There was a soldier, one of the corporations own ones, with a gun shoved up his neck. The gun was held by a commonwealth officer, who had a look of madness in his eyes.

Quickly, one of the side aircraft swerved skilfully to the left, doubling back at almost ground level towards the soldiers. Before he could crash into them, or them do anything about it, the pilot sent a precise cannon shot into the ground below them, sending both soldiers flying. He rejoined the formation.

However, the more pressing concern was in the helicopters above. Before the helicopters could flee, the leading K-1 fired two SF-1 missiles into them, reducing them to smoke. Next target? The tank traps.

All 25 of the ships flew over the border, strategically dropping their loads. The first of their attacks was towards the mines - shoot, explode, shoot, explode, shoot, explode. Once most of the mines appeared to not be there (ooc: They knew approximately where most of the mines were, so they could hit them), they moved on to the trenches. These would be slightly harder. Instead of shooting, which wouldn't do much good, they had to level the playing field. This would be something for another time. They moved on to the concrete pyramids... this was why they had brought bunker buster bombs. Every craft dropped one of their two bombs, destroying most of the pyramids. Sure, there was more, but this was good enough. The planes flew towards the actual bunkers now, ready to drop.

War was declared

Then the pilots woke the fuck up and realized several things.

One: They had only just crossed the border.

Two: They had damaged a tiny part of the border defences.

Three: The helicopters had left long ago. It had been an hour, and presumably the police had decided that this was a job for the military. They had just dropped bombs on their own troops. Good job!

Four: They were being painted by air-defense radar.

Five: There were currently a shitton of radar-guided missiles heading their way.

Six: There were also planes heading their way, several dozen kilometers out, perhaps, but still heading their way.

The early-warning radars of the Commonwealth had detected the planes from a mile off. Their large size made them stand out like a penguin in the snow, and aided greatly in their tracking and targeting.

Ahead of them were self-propelled surface-to-air missile launchers. These were a mix of infrared-homing(which could not be detected easily, but lacked range) and semi-active radar-guided(which had range, but would alert a target, even for only a few seconds). A massive salvo of missiles would come at the COTCorp planes, and that was before the planes would arrive.

[The COT Corporation]

Central Gadiume, the airfields

Backup was being sent. Back in corporate land, the K-1 First Division of First air Division was set for attack. A soldier rushed through the airfields, preparing for the worst. The searing scream of the K-1 engines blasting into life rang through the valleys like lightning. Commanders yelling various orders could be seen all over the grounds. The first 25 aircraft flew into the air, known as V Corps, were only half of the division, the others would stay behind.

The craft of the V Corps were armed with bunker buster bombs, two per aircraft. They flew quickly over the valleys of Gadiume, into Costa Rica2 territory. The squadron sped over the state capital of Santiago, whose citizens looked up in shock and surprise. This was their worst fear, and it had come true. By the time the strike force had arrived at the border with the much-hated commonwealth, the predicament could easily be seen. There was a soldier, one of the corporations own ones, with a gun shoved up his neck. The gun was held by a commonwealth officer, who had a look of madness in his eyes.

Quickly, one of the side aircraft swerved skilfully to the left, doubling back at almost ground level towards the soldiers. Before he could crash into them, or them do anything about it, the pilot sent a precise cannon shot into the ground below them, sending both soldiers flying. He rejoined the formation.

However, the more pressing concern was in the helicopters above. Before the helicopters could flee, the leading K-1 fired two SF-1 missiles into them, reducing them to smoke. Next target? The tank traps.

All 25 of the ships flew over the border, strategically dropping their loads. The first of their attacks was towards the mines - shoot, explode, shoot, explode, shoot, explode. Once most of the mines appeared to not be there (ooc: They knew approximately where most of the mines were, so they could hit them), they moved on to the trenches. These would be slightly harder. Instead of shooting, which wouldn't do much good, they had to level the playing field. This would be something for another time. They moved on to the concrete pyramids... this was why they had brought bunker buster bombs. Every craft dropped one of their two bombs, destroying most of the pyramids. Sure, there was more, but this was good enough. The planes flew towards the actual bunkers now, ready to drop.

War was declared

OOC: Please fix, typically you let the person you’re attacking declare their casualties..Realistically there’d also be a good amount of time for an early warning system to pick up your planes incoming, so letting PPC react to your incoming planes would probably be best

OOC:

He seems to have responded anyway...

[Furbish Islands]

FBC Building, Furby City
Furby City City-Province, Furby Island
Afternoon, 15 January 2020

In 1923, an act passed by Parliament and later approved by the Senate established what would later be known as the Furbish Broadcasting Corporation, or FBC. While at the time, the newly created company focused on radio, it soon expanded. Multiple television channels are owned by the FBC, including ones that covers Parliament and Senate debates live, a 24/7 cable news channel, as well as others with television shows. More recently the company made a news website. Providing news was the company’s goal since its creation. Unlike many news providers, the FBC still sends journalists and gathers its own information and has that on radio, television, and internet, rather than just reacting to news gathered by other groups. FBC has been known for having little to no political bias in its news reports, though there are accusations that the company is biased towards the Furbish government. Since its beginning, it was owned by the government, answering to the Minister of Human Services, however it is operated as a private company.

FBC News, the 24/7 cable news channel owned by FBC, is the most viewed news channel in the country. The channel has multiple news segments, where current events, in both Furby Island and abroad, are reported on. They also report the weather, but these segments, as well as some local news, vary depending on the location where it is broadcast in. Many suspect FBC News has a high viewership is because the company hires only attractive reporters, but others argue that it may be because of the FBC’s unbiased reporting. Whatever the reason, the large audience has caused numerous people to attempt to influence FBC’s reporting. Often this came in the form of giving money to play an advertisement, which every time FBC refused. They have made it clear that they never intend to put any advertisements in their programming, but many still try. Sometimes, favors are offered in exchange for reporting on a certain subject in a certain way. Sometimes a reporter may investigate on it to report on it, but with no bias. The bribes are always refused, because taking them is against Furbish law.

Madeleine Young, a secretary working for FBC, looked through the company’s emails, and noticed one that seemed odd. It was from the COT Corporation, a car company, which also functions as an entire nation in the continent of Stratea. She read through the email. Then carefully reread it. The entire email was not long, but everything about it seemed off. Young called the CEO and in a few seconds she heard his footsteps, and he entered the door. Ryan Fleming was been the CEO of FBC for a few years, helping the company grow more on the internet and in other media. He has dealt with many people offering bribes before, and refused every one of them. “Good morning,” he said, “what do you need me for?” Young replied “COT Corporation sent us an email offering a bribe. They said if we report positively on them in the situation between them and the Polish Prussian Commonwealth, they will give us discounts on luxury cars.” Fleming took a glasses box from his pocket. He opened it and put on his reading glasses, then looked at the email on the computer screen.

At first Fleming was confused at the offer. Not even offering money directly, but cars discounts on cars. It may be because it is more difficult to trace, but cars are not something that many Furbishmen need, with the congestion in Furbish roads. But what they wanted the FBC to do in exchange for this was what was more concerning. Tensions have been high between the COT Corporation and the Polish Prussian Commonwealth. The latter, being a Furbish ally, is the country which FBC had more sympathies with. Fleming, after reading over a few times, was suspicious that FBC may not be the only ones offered bribes. He turned to Young. “Save this email, and do not tell anyone about it unless I say otherwise.” She nodded. Fleming turned and walked away, hoping that his suspicion was wrong.

---

Several blocks away from the FBC News skyscraper, a smaller building sat in Furby City. This was the headquarters to a different news channel, which provides local new to Furby City and its metropolitan area. Being completely unaffiliated from the FBC or any other large news company, they have little resources to compete against larger providers. But instead, they cover exclusively local news, and in a more lighthearted and satirical way. Being as well known as it is, the channel has also been sent an email from the COT Corporation, asking for the same favor as FBC was asked. The CEO, Miles Mosby, was summoned by his own secretary and read the email. After reading it, he turned towards the window. “Look out this window.” he said. The secretary took a look outside. Traffic was heavy. Cars moved slowly, constantly starting and stopping at intersections. Beside them, a trolleybus sped by, avoiding the traffic. “Now tell me, who in his right mind would think that more cars is what we need?”

“They are a car company. But I don’t understand why they did not know how bad Furby City traffic was.” She looked at her email, then up to Mosby. “And SUVs? Those don’t even fit in most of our roads.” The CEO replied “Exactly. Tell them that we’re good.” Mosby left the office, but then he had another idea. Quickly walking to one of his writers’ studios, he knocked on the door. “Good afternoon.” he said. “Oh, hello there.” said the writer. Mosby asked “You’ve heard about the COT Corporation and their conflict with Poland-Prussia?”

“Yes, I have.”

“COT has just attempted to bribe us to review them positively.”

“Really? A local news station? We hardly even cover foreign affairs.”

“Tonight, let the people of Furby City know, the failed attempt to bribe the city’s most trustworthy source of local news.”

“So what exactly does the email day?” Mosby takes out his phone and pulls it up. That night, hundreds of thousands of households will see it on their screens. While many will see news supporting the COT Corporation, many will see nothing besides recent tensions, and a handful of stations are doing the same thing that Mosby did, exposing their plans to the public.

---

Morning, 16 January 2020

Fleming scrolled through his Tjilpen feed while riding the subway to work. Two of the current top trending hashtags were #ww3 and #cotcorp. The events of the Stratean conflict has left the Furbish public convinced that there will be another world war, that Furby Island will be dragged in because two Furbish allies will be involved, and that conscription will be reinstated and used for the war. News from the previous night have put the COT Corporation in the public eye. Fleming watched one news channel that night, and it covered the recent escalation while making it look like Prussia Poland was at fault for everything, while the COT Corporation did nothing wrong. The channel, like many news channels, often twists the facts, and mixes in the truth with lies and leaving out information, this time done because of a bribe rather than to push an agenda across. The executives and maybe even the reporter may have had different opinions, but that did not matter, because a cheaper new car was was worth misinforming the public.

This went on for a few minutes, before Fleming, tired of them twisting the narrative, switched the channel to something else. The channel went to a different reporter, talking about local news in a Furby City based channel. This was one Fleming enjoyed watching. This channel was completely independent, and founded a few decades ago by a man named Miles Mosby, and still headed by him. Fleming admired Mosby for his work, and while managing a smaller channels is not as difficult as the FBC, he managed to make a small television channel successful and compete against larger channels, by filling a small niche that has not been done by his competition. The reporter was speaking about some news about another highway proposal which was overwhelmingly struck down by the Furby City government. He then said “While we are on the topic of cars, just today someone has attempted to bribe us.” He began discussing a little about events regarding the COT Corporation, then displayed an email while reading it out, followed by “I thought their executives would realize that few want to drive luxury cars through Furby City traffic.”

While looking at his Tjilpen feed, Fleming saw passionate voices supporting and opposing the COT Corporation. Of course, some of their bribes have succeeded, and many people will now oppose supporting Prussia Poland in their conflict. There were plenty of heated arguments too, as is common on the platform, with some COT Corporation sympathizers getting hilariously debunked at every point they make, but still choosing this to be their hill to die on. While the arguments were going on, what was the most concerning of the whole situation is how effective the bribes were. This was a national security risk, and the Prime Minister had to know. After checking his watch, Fleming remembered he had a meeting to attend. He wrote quick note. As the subway neared his stop, he stood up and walked out, to the FBC building. The CEO handed the note to his secretary and rushed to the meeting room across the hallway, hoping she would follow the instructions.

Young looked at the note the CEO just dropped at her desk. She picked up the phone and dialed the Prime Minister. A voice picked up and responded with a greeting. It was not Norup’s voice, but it would have to do. “Good morning,” began Young, “I am Madeleine Young from the Furbish Broadcasting Corporation. We have a national security risk on our hands.” The person on the other end seemed to not be surprised over FBC bringing up a national security threat. It was not uncommon for their investigative reporting to lead to something like this. “What is it?” the voice responded. Young, as the note said, mentioned the COT Corporation and its bribes. The voice responded “May I see the email?”

“I just forwarded it to the Prime Minister’s email address.”

“Thank you. I will let him know.” He hung up.

---

Outskirts of Furby City

Furby City is the largest city in Furby Island, and one of the largest in the world, with a population of twelve million, and a metropolitan area population of nearly twenty million, over thirteen percent of the entire Furbish population. The city, while large, is also densely populated. The city is mixed with residential and commercial high rises in the city center, and surrounded by small suburban homes, along with some farmland. The city’s streets, along with many suburbs, are all in a grid pattern. The large metropolitan area is all connected with a well funded public transportation network. Under the urban core, subways carry thousands of people to different points, racing under the heavy city traffic. Above, trams and buses, electric and dual mode, move in dedicated lanes, and they carry to and from areas further out from the city. The commuter rail network connects even more people in far suburban and rural towns, and so does the bus network, which has hundreds of routes to every point in every nearby town.

But what the city lacks in its transportation infrastructure is highways. The closest is a ring road that is far from the city proper, only going through outer suburbs. The highway is dotted with many commuter rail park and ride stations. With the heavy congestion within the city, it is often faster for people to leave their cars at one of these stations and take a train to the city. Developed land stretches for many kilometers outside Furby City, but after some farmland, all the land is jungle. Besides highways and railroads that cut through, it is completely undeveloped. But in one spot, not too far away from Furby City, the area is completely clear cut. A barbed wire fence completely surrounded it. The location has an airstrip, and is connected by multiple roads and railroads. But besides a few small buildings, it is mostly deep underground, in multiple bunkers. These bunkers house shelters for government officials, for planning, and in case of attack. And while the location is known about by much of the public, the government has never publicly acknowledged its existence.

General Marcel Cappenberg served the SVF for nearly four decades, beginning with when he graduated a military academy and was commissioned as a lieutenant. Following his involvement in multiple foreign conflicts, he eventually rose to the rank of general. After serving for some time as the Chief of Staff of the Furbish Army, former Prime Minister Paul Thompson appointed him to be the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Cappenberg hoped that during his time, he would not see a major war, especially a world war, because of how destructive it would be to all countries involved. Based on recent events, many people claim there will be one, though he was sure it would not spiral out of control into a worldwide conflict. Cappenberg sat at one seat in the table. He would often sit at the head, being the highest ranked member of the SVF, but this was not a Joint Chiefs of Staff meeting. He wore the black army officer uniform, with ribbons he has from the medals he was given. He had sleeves and shoulder patches with his rank.

Beside Cappenberg sat Frederick Carr, who is the Minister of Defense. Carr has served for three decades, retiring after reaching the rank of lieutenant general. This was years ago, and soon Norup appointed him to be the Defense Minister. Carr has a different philosophy from Cappenberg. He was more of a war hawk, and while not actively warmongering with nations unfriendly to Furby Island, war is not an extreme option to him. Besides them, at the table, the rest of the Joint Chiefs of Staff sat, along with Prime Minister Thomas Norup, and several of his advisers. The table was in a small room. Screens were mounted on some of the walls. A table with a computer on it was in the corner, and the computer controlled what was displayed on the screens. The walls surrounding the room are completely soundproof. A soldier stood outside the only door in the room, to make sure only authorized personnel enter the room.

The men were there to meet over the recent escalation between the COT Corporation and the Polish Prussian Commonwealth. Weeks ago, Furby Island had a deal with Poland Prussia, to help them in the conflict, in exchange for money and resources. “Good morning gentlemen. Has there been any developments in this conflict?” Norup began. The first to speak was Cappenberg, “Not much at the border besides COT soldiers arrested at the border and the Polish Prussian destroyer exploding for an unknown reason. However by now the Polish Prussian ultimatum expired, meaning both countries are officially at war. Gagium also made a statement theatening war should any nation attack Stratea.” While Cappenberg referred to the COT Corporation as a country, it was not a country in name, but operated as one. “The destroyer”, the Chief of Staff of the Navy began, “We have reasons to believe the COT Corporation was behind this, but we have good reasons to believe it may have detonated for a different reason, not involving COT. Either way, Poland Prussia still wants them to apologize, and they have not done so in time.”

A knock was heard on the door. Cappenberg, being the closest to it, stood up and opened. “Is there anything important?” The soldier at the door replied “Yes sir, one of the Prime Minister’s aides said he has some national security threat that needs to be addressed.” Norup shouted “If it does not have to do with the COT Corporation and does not need to be addressed at this moment, wait-” The aide walked in, saying “This is about COT.” The soldier closed the door behind him. The aide continued “They have been bribing multiple news outlets to give positive information about them to shift public opinion.” Everyone in the room were silent. The aide said “As of this morning, some news exposed them, some took the bribe, and there is a massive Tjilpenoorlog.” The word describes arguments on the sight Tjilpen, meaning Tjilpen war. Norup nodded and thanked the aide, who left the room, and the door was closed again by the soldier. All men, including Norup, his advisers, Defense Minister, and Joint Chiefs of Staff were silent.

After many discussions on what actions to take, Norup left the room. He made his way past the maze of corridors, and exited the bunker. On a nearby road, his motorcade was waiting for him. It consisted of only three cars, Norup’s car in front, followed by two support cars with bodyguards and communications equipment. Most government officials were given only one armored car, with the same specifications as Norup’s, but few had a support vehicle with them. Even fewer used them regularly, preferring to use public transit instead of sitting through Furby City traffic. Norup did not have a choice though, because this was an isolated military base. He took out his newspaper and sat down in the car.

---

Near Warsaw, Polish Prussian Commonwealth
Morning, 17 January 2020

A transport plane began making its final descent into an airfield in Warsaw. The plane was colored gray, marked with a Furbish flag and the words “Ferbeieland Luchmacht”, or Furby Island Air Force. It has four jet engines mounted on its wings. The wings are attached from the top of the plane, not near the bottom like in most passenger aircraft. The plane had cargo doors on the front and back, with the cockpit on top so the front cargo door can open. Inside the plane were supplies and some engineers from the air force. They were to help Poland Prussia in a war against the COT Corporation. The real mission of the plane was secret. As it approached the airfield, the pilots deployed the landing gear, then slowly made their descent. The plane touched down at the airstrip, then the brakes were slammed and the plane began slowing down, then reached a complete stop. The plane taxied to a spot on the airfield. The pilots opened the back door, ready to be unloaded.

[The COT Corporation]

The Board Room, Saledale, Esontria

"Gentlemen..." announced the shaded figure at the end of the room. "You have done well. It is all coming together..."
"Ah... yes... indeed. But, at what cost? Are you sure this war is exactly... what you planned?" exclaimed the CEO.
"Oh, don't worry. It couldn't have gone more perfectly. With the ambassador from Snow Hill* agreeing to join the Commonwealth of Commerce, it could not have gone better. All we need now is for the Furbish Islands to get more involved. And of course, with that recent bribery going o-" The figure stopped as there was a knock on the door. "Come in?"

The door creaked open. A man in a perfectly fitting suit with a blue tie stepped in. A moment like this couldn't have fitted more into a movie. But, this was not a movie. The man, of course, had not expected there to be a meeting, especially in such a dark room. However, he was a professional, and professionals are never taken aback. He was Gordie Brown, the chief of the DMM, in other words, the Department of Manipulative Management. He had recently been set to work on Furbish Islands, and had succeeded in his task. "Hello everyone. I didn't expect to see you all here - is it OK if I have a word with your speaker here? We have some urgent matters to discuss."

"Oh, come back later. It can wait." said the Speaker.

"Okay. I'll... see you tonight." remarked Gordie, and with that, he dashed out the door.

"Sorry about that, everyone. I didn't expect him so early. But, back to business. Where was I? Ah yes, the bribery. You see, this is what we needed. Or should I say, wanted. With the citizens and news outlets of Furby in constant argument, regardless of what Norup thinks, we at least have them turning somewhat against each other. Even if it isn't particularly violent, we still have a bit of support within the archipelago. And of course, in Vincent Barbet's threat, we presume he wasn't talking an attack on us. It is safe to assume, however, that a fairly weak and demilitarised nation such as CR2 would fall under this category, and we can use this..." This was met with nods of agreement and "Here here"ing from the the board. "Of course, we shouldn't ever let the true purpose of this war out..."

"Indeed. Henceforth, the meeting is finished. Goodnight, chaps." Concluded the CEO.

---

The CEO was on his way home. He owned a large, stately house, but that was back in his home state of Wesoda. Here, he owned a modern beachfront mansion, which traded the culture and charm of Wesoda for modernness and efficiency. However, he did not really care. He walked outside of the large board building, the blue pinnacle of Saledale. As he walked along the street, carrying his customary briefcase, some citizens bowed, others just put their fist against their palm and nodded. He did not care for this sort of respect, but it was nice to know he was appreciated. Luckily, he didn't have to walk far, the lack of parking space meant that maglev train stations had become very frequent.

As he hopped on one, he noticed something strange. All of the passengers, every single one, was wearing a fake bushy moustache and dark glasses. "Oh... Fuck." William whispered to himself. As the train doors were closing, he pulled out his T-15 and peppered the door until it barely resembled a steel frame. Running out into the sunlight, he braced for impact. An enormous thunder like roar penetrated every fibre of his body. Flaming rubble and steel was raining all around him. A small shard of glass pierced his left calf, creating a searing pain that was only bearable because his adrenaline glands seemed to have burst. After the explosion seemed to have died down, William ran out into the street, although it seemed that the terrorists hadn't caused too much damage. He saw a group of children huddled around what seemed to be a dead body, but it was far too mangled to tell. He rushed over, and saw a striking resemblance between the face of the body and the children around. "Oh shit..." he didn't anticipate this at all. He sent a text to his secretary, asking for a rehab team to be sent to the station at once.

---

William Pounder's Coastal Mansion

The next day, he was alerted by his butler that a letter had come in the post. He walked to the door, and saw the letter. It was sealed with the mark of the Propolommonwealth, which was never a good sign. His post box had a built in X-Ray, just in case, so it couldn't be anything lethal. He opened it, and what was written inside did not surprise him in the least.

It read:

Hello, William.

That little stunt yesterday?
That was us.
Thank me later, if you survived.

Thank you,
Propolommonwealth

"Well, this is interesting" he observed.

---

*OOC: Snow hill did agree, he just hasn't posted yet. If you want proof, I can show you.

[Huvakia]

Sitting on an isolated beach Ensign Aleksander Ashford relaxed in a hammock hung just off the waters edge. Enjoying the warm tropical sun and the calm yet persistent crash of waves against the sandy shore. Simply existing here was cathartic, the troubles of the world were millions of miles away. Alek reached for his premium lager, content to remain in paradise for the remainder of his days. Before he could take a drink and savor the moment a piercing whistle encompassed this hidden eden.

“Reveille, reveille, reveille. First watch heave out. Shiptime 0600. Reveille.”

The whistling stopped, now awake in his bunk Alek flew through the stages of grief. First dealing with the shock of the dimly lit reality, that was the bunk room aboard the INSS Centurion. There were the seconds of denial in which he wasn’t aboard the oldest ship in the fleet, he was still on his tranquil beach. It wasn’t fare, why did he have to be here? Plenty of nations on the planet didn’t have mandatory conscription, he could be out living his life but instead he was here, on “The Bucket”. He threw his head back into his pillow in anger and disgust. As he lay there he silently pleaded with the voice inside his head

“Five more minutes!? Any reprieve from the rigors of the day to come. Only a couple minutes, surely no one would miss me from roll?”

“That’s crazy, they always notice.” Countered the voice. “The last thing you want is to end up in the brig.”

Despair began to creep it’s ugly head as Alek was more and more aware that there was no escape. He would have to muster the will to roll out of his bunk or face the by the book consequences of the Captain. With a shutter and one last sigh Alek began to gain control over his body. This wouldn’t be his life forever, eventually his four years would be up, and it was only a couple more weeks until his next shoreleave. He’d gotten lucky and would get to spend his 22nd birthday free! Even if it would be in SnowHill. Then it hit him, like almost every other man in the Empire he had joined at 18. This was his last year in mandated imperial service! When he finished this tour he could rejoin civilization. With this realization the final joult of energy had been delivered, and Alek emerged from his bunk. The entire ordeal lasted only ten seconds but had felt like hours.

After getting ready and a quick breakfast at the mess, Alek reported to the morning briefing. There were the usual checks and reminders for the daily operations and mention of ongoing readiness drills. The important takeaways from the briefing were that Second Fleet would be off the coast of Snowhill by nightfall, and that crews were to be on alert as other navies are known to be conducting operations in the area. There were assurances that hostilities weren’t expected in the near future, and that the fleet would be business as usual. That seemed absurd to Alek, their presence here alone seemed to indicate the higher ups thought the exact opposite. Until the next shipment of supplies arrived from the mainland, the primary means of defense for Northpoint would be the 2nd Fleet. Though the fleet was well maintained and surely a force to be reckoned with, Alek felt that it would do little in the way of actually stabilizing the region. Absentmindedly he made his way to the CIC to man his duty station, another beautiful day in service to the Empire awaited.

[Gagium]

January 17, 2020
Arsentrois Airbase, Arseniana Commonwealth

Stratea was engulfed in war! COTCORP has officially declared war on the Prussian-Poles and launched an aerial attack on the border, and heavy Prussian-Polish retaliation was expected. The nation of Costa Rica2 was caught in the crossfire between the two nations, though it seemed like Costa Rica2 would be joining the conflict and aid the armies of COT Corporation at the Prussian-Polish border...With the long-feared war finally being declared, the populace of Gagium feared for their continued survival and their lives, though war had yet to find its way to Gagium. Many took to the streets on the 17th in a large anti-war demonstration across Gagium to advocate for non-intervention and continued peace, though many also took to the streets to demand that the United Commonwealths of Gagium immediately denounce COTCORP's attack on Prussia-Poland and send aid to the Prussians.

At Arsentrois Airbase, the forty-four fighter jets of the Eighth Fighter wing laid in waiting between the ever-increasing scheduled flights and sorties..Until 7:00 AM on the 17th of January. One by one, the forty-four fighter jets soared off of the twin concrete runways of the Air Force installation, the wind around the jets screaming as they climbed into the air. The jets would approach the Costa Rica2-Polish Prussian Commonwealth border, where thousands of COT soldiers and hundreds of COT tanks laid in wait..Perfect targets, if not already taken by the Prussian-Poles. The leading jet of the Eight Fighter wing would send a message over the radio to any Polish-Prussian fighters in the air through shared military frequencies:

"...This is Devil Six Six Actual, Eighth Fighter Wing of the Gagiumish Air Force...Requesting passage through Prussian-Polish airspace..Repeat, this is Devil Six Six Actual, Gagiumish Air Force, requesting passage through Prussian-Polish airspace..over."

Even if no answers were to come in time, the Eighth fighter wing had strict orders to proceed to their target, an apparent combat outpost set up by COTCORP forces along the Polish-Prussian border to serve as a center of operations for their forces. It was unknown whether Costa Rica2 forces were also present at the installation, though they were allies of the aggressor who dared attack an ally of Gagium, and that would not be easily forgiven. No declaration of war would be made anytime soon, but the mission of the Eight Fighter Wing was sure to be made known sooner rather than later..

(OOC: COT, You can make up how heavily defended your outpost is or if it has significant anti-air defense or not...Though I am targeting a smaller outpost and not one of the larger installations you probably have set up.)