Home Into the Motherland (Open, MT, IC)

by **New Visayan Islands** » Mon Feb 17, 2020 8:35 am

TO: The Federal Empire of Astares Amauricanum
FROM: The Confederation of the New Visayan Islands
RE: Condolences

I had hoped to send a more joyous message.

We have received reports of an accident aboard one of your warships that cost the lives of your personnel and wish to offer our sincerest condolences. In addition, we offer our best wishes and hope for the swift recovery of those injured in the incident.

While this message would normally be sent from our embassy, given that the entire staff of the Visayan Embassy is still under quarantine for COVID-19, it was determined that I send this message to you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jack Castro, PhD (International Relations)
Secretary of Foreign Affairs
Confederation of the New Visayan Islands

Jack Castro
Department of Foreign Affairs Building, Mandaue, DH
February 17th, AD 2020
0932 PHT

Jack had finished sending his message to Astares Amauricanum when he left for the bathroom. This entire business was getting out of control, he thought to himself as he drained the snake. Flushing afterwards, he washed before returning to his room, where the Council was reporting on the latest updates.
"This just in: HNU-Med reports one patient under investigation dead," Abellana said. "They're scheduling an autopsy as we speak."
"Wait, didn't the hospital report number seven yesterday?" Secretary Reyes said.
"That's right, Boss, but from what the report tells me the initial cause of death was a heart attack; the autopsy will confirm whether or not he had SARS-CoV-2 when he croaked."
"Very well," President Cui said. "Aisha, Julian, keep us in the loop as soon as you get updates. Nate?"
"Frank, it's a real mess out there," Secretary de los Reyes said. "Between the accident on IAS Ebon Atoll and some particularly questionable signal traffic, things are getting a little too cloudy for anyone's tastes." He made a mental note to thank Director Calomarde of the Defense Intelligence Directorate and Director-General Santiago of the Communications Security Directorate for the information.
"And we're looking at what seems to be a propaganda war; initial reports of law enforcement personnel shooting protesters seem to be given context with what CCTV footage reveals to be an armed protester firing upon the cops," Teresita added.
"Fuck me," Jack interjected, "it's almost like Tagbilaran!" A similar scenario, where radicals infiltrating a protest opened fire on law enforcement one Sunday morning, starting the Tagbilaran Riots of 2003. That spanned five days and saw over two hundred dead with hundreds of injured and thousands of arrests.
Further discussion lasted until eleven, after which Secretary Castro sent out another missive.

TO: Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Principality of Shikonjima
FROM: Department of Foreign Affairs, Confederation of the New Visayan Islands
RE: Taihou Riot

The Confederation has received disturbing news surrounding the Reunification; fragmented reports suggest that a protest against the reunification has devolved into outright rioting with what is presumably lethal force being deployed in an attempt to suppress said rioting.

Long story short, we only ask that an investigation be done as soon as possible to ascertain whether what has transpired is an isolated incident or a sign that we should be more concerned regarding the civil rights issues accompanying the reunification process.

We hope for a peaceful resolution to this problem.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jack Castro, PhD (International Relations)
Secretary of Foreign Affairs
Confederation of the New Visayan Islands

by **Austria-Bohemia-Hungary** » Mon Feb 17, 2020 10:03 am

Ballhausplatz, Vienna, Imperial and Royal Monarchy

The weekly foreign affairs briefing of the Monarchy took place in an orderly, neoclassical conference room housed in a neoclassical construction dating from the middle 18^th century on Ballhausplatz, the ubiquitous sobriquet of the Imperial and Royal Ministry for Foreign Affairs. 2020 had brought with it not many incidents that came to the attention of the Monarchy, beyond the coronavirus thing in the People's Republic of China, and since the Monarchy had neither representation or relations of any kind with that place that virus situation did not demand much more than silent observation. Sadera had been more or less resolved over the two past years of pacification campaigns and a new legitimist government by suitably friendly inclined personages had been installed.
Now, the attention of the Monarchy turned to other places, places like the evolving situation in Ferinan-Archipelago, Shikonjima. As far as the Ministry was concerned, a simple incorporation of lands controlled by a country since the 17^th century into said country had gone slightly less than ideal, mostly, it appeared, due to the actions of anarchists and foreign interests. This smelled like subversion, sedition and imperialist divide and conquer all the way to the conference room on Ballhausplatz, despite the vast distances between the islands in question and the Monarchy.
With her head leaning on one arm, Prinzessin von Hardegg, Imperial and Royal Minister for Foreign Affairs surveyed the scene before her: Seated around the round table were the Vice-Ministers, the senior state secretaries and councillors, the responsible state secretaries for relations to the various members of the SEA-Accords, the liaison to the Evidenz-Bureau and the military liaison to the Hofkriegsrath.

"Ladies and Gentlemen... we have a developing situation in the Principality of Shikonjima over their recent de jure cementing of their de facto hold over the Ferinan-Archipelago since four hundred or so years past. The fact that this event has generated a fair few reactions both in official circles and on social media is to be expected. We're seeing some major fleet movements to and from the vicinity of these islands. However, there has been nothing extraordinary according to naval intelligence. On social media we have observed some subversive reactions, mostly from entities either anonymous or based not in Shikonjima. On the ground, troop movements are so far expected and a BBC team has the observed shootout against local police in the Duchy of Taihou fully documented - as initiated by the rioters. Naturally the local police has engaged and destroyed the insurgents, and naturally this is hailed by foreign subversive elements as an example of Shikonjimanese tyranny. Question now ladies and gentlemen is... how should we proceed?"
Pausing for water, Alexandra watched and listened as her Vice-Minister made his response, "The Monarchy should issue a message laying out the basic facts, that these islands are Shikonjimanese by uti possidetis, that we deplore the completely unnecessary violence initiated in cases by rioters and other entities of questionable character and that the Monarchy will be watching and waiting for further developments - positive ones like a cessation of the subversion campaign against acknowledged international right and the reduction of the unneeded violence over a few islands who generally have been supportive of this de jure cementing of established political fact."
Nodding quietly. Alexandra took another sip as the secretary for SEA relations took over. "We have a few citizens from the Monarchy in these 'contested' islands. Cautionary notes to avoid mass gatherings of people until otherwise have been issued via our local representations in the country in question, but otherwise we see no need to bar travel to the region at this time. Considering the naval activities in the area I further suggest that we dispatch some form of ELINT/SIGINT asset to the area to monitor the situation, ideally a submarine."
Generally agreement echoed across the chamber at the last suggestion and Alexandra turned to her military liaisons. "HM Submarine 114 is on patrol in the North Atlantic, her station can be replaced by another fleet submarine in short order."
"Send her. We need eyes and ears on the ground, and not just at the courtesy of the BBC... Now then... the Fusonese has been notifying us that a few people from the Republic of China has been arriving on their territory ill, they suspect the new PRC'ian virus..."

Undisclosed Grid Square, North Atlantic

Her Majesty's Submarine 114 had not even been on her station for a week before a VLF message arrived for her to communicate with headquarters, Pola for new orders. Emerging at periscope depth in the middle of the night, Ship-of-the-Line Captain Gerhard Mollendorf read out the new orders they just downloaded on the transceiver buoy bobbing in the ocean swells. Shikonjima... right... the submarine is going to need resupply before... Transmitting back his reply and request he took the submarine down deep again, setting course for Portsmouth Naval Base, Britannia. In a week or so they would be on their new station at their fastest transit speed.

The Imperial and Royal Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Of the Kingdoms and Lands in Reichsrath Represented, the Lands of the Holy Hungarian Crown of Saint Stephen and the Lands of the Bohemian Crown of Saint Wenceslaus

To: Open Letter
From: The Imperial and Royal Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Encryption Level: Unencrypted

Ladies and Gentlemen

The Imperial and Royal Monarchy wishes to register its bewilderment over the furore over the de jure cementation of the de facto possession of the Ferinan Archipelago by the Principality of Shikonjima with an official document. That alleged anarchists and other subversive foreign elements seeks to overthrow the de facto reality and leave these islands in anarchical chaos, against the principles of uti possidetis is most puzzling to Us. From Our perspective this whole affair - especially considering the overwhelming local support to this treaty - appears to be a manufactured controversy deliberately constructed by foreign active measures designed to divide and conquer their geopolitical rivals. This We condemn in no uncertain terms and call upon the masters of these subversive elements to withdraw their Imperialist designs against the will of the local population. The Monarchy wishes to further deplore the completely unneeded violence and bloodshed over this whole affair. With respect to our citizens currently in and around these islands the Monarchy will be continuing to monitor the situation and hope for a rapid return to peaceful status quo.

In the name of
Ihre Kaiserliche und Königlich Apostolische Majestät, Maria Melanie I.; Von Gottes Gnaden, heiliger römischer Kaiserin, zu allen Zeiten Mehrer des Reiches, Kaiserin von Österreich, Apostolicher Königin von Ungarn, Königin von Böhmen; Königin von Lombardei und Venedig; von Dalmatien, Kroatien, Slawonien, Galizien, Lodomerien und Illyrien; Königin von Jerusalem; Erzherzogin von Österreich; Großherzogin von Toskana und Krakau; Herzogin von Lothringen, von Salzburg, Steyer, Kärnten, Krain und der Bukowina; Großfürstin von Siebenbürgen, Markgräfin von Mähren; Herzogin von Ober- und Niederschlesien, von Modena, Parma, Piacenza und Guastalla, von Auschwitz und Zator, von Teschen, Friaul, Ragusa und Zara; Gefürsteter Gräfin von Habsburg und Tirol, von Kyburg, Görz und Gradisca; Fürstin von Trient und Brixen; Markgräfin von Ober- und Niederlausitz und in Istrien; Gräfin von Hohenems, Feldkirch, Bregenz, Sonnenberg; Herrin von Triest, von Cattaro und auf der Windischen Mark; Großwojwodin der Wojwodschaft Serbien.

I have the honour to remain
The Imperial and Royal Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Privy House-, Court-, and State-Chancellor for Foreign Affairs
Her Serene Highness Alexandra Ignatia Prinzessin von Hardegg

by **Astares Amauricanum** » Mon Feb 17, 2020 10:46 am

From:
Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third", Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockyes, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.
Empress Anna Blachkor, Daughter of the Empire, Highest Servant of the Stars.

cc:
General Patrick Barrera, Secretary of Defense
Michael Foxter, Secretary of State

To:
Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.

Subject: Condolences.

Encryption: Highest

Your Highness,
we thank you for your kind words and condolences. We will be sure to relay them personally to the pilots and the other sailors families.
Concerning the reunification, we have been made aware of a particulat protest in Yatsukata, in the Duchy of Taihou, tha apparently went way out of control when someone pulled a gun on your police forces.
As such, the Department of State will soon issue a recommendation to our citizens vacationing in the Ferinan Archipelago, asking them to leave as soon as possible.
We want to tell you that this is by no means a move to discredit you politically, but we fear that the situation will continue to eveolve for worse, and so, we want to give you one thing less to worry about.

Regards
Adrean Blachkor
Anna Blachkor.

From:
Admiral William Ranger, Imperial Astarian Navy, Carrier Group 32

To:
Admiral Hideyasu Miyagi, Royal Shikonjimanese Navy
Admiral Rasha Qiada, Royal Kyrenaian Navy.

Subject: Condolences and assistance.

Encryption: Not to be released

Esteemed colleagues,
I, in the name of the IAN, want to thn=ank you for your words and will of assistance.
Now, the Ebon Atoll and the battlegroup are advancing slowly through the Archipelago, but our medcial supplies are being consumed at an alarming rate, considering the fact that among our wounded, nearly all of them are to a life enda,gering extent.
So, Admiral Qiada, I gladly accept your offer to lend us the help of your hospital vessel. The sooner she can get to us, the better.

Signed,
Admiral William Ranger.

From: Michael Foxter, Secretary of State
To: Dr. Jack Castro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Confederation of the New Visayan Islands

Subject: Condolences.

Mr Castro,
in the name of Their Imperial Majesties and the Empire, I thank you for your condolences. I understand that due to the COVID-19 outbreak, some precautions have to be taken.
In the meantime, allow me to offer my best wishes for your country to fight this outbreak.

Regards
Michael Foxter.

URGENT!
Recommendation for Travellers
Astarian Department of State

In light of the most recent protest in Yatsukata, and the riot that ensued, the Imperial Department of State recommends to all Astarian citizens currently present in the Ferinan Archipelago to leave the area as soon as possible, to avoid possible complications and an escalation of violence.

Signed,
Michael Foxter.
Imperial Secretary of State.

by **Riysa** » Mon Feb 17, 2020 6:00 pm

Yatsukata,Taihou

"We're running..." *pant* "The security forces fired on us..." *pant* "There's a lot of blood...several people on the verge of death..."

A woman sat on a bench, running her hand through her long raven-black hair to the tune of nearby sirens, as she reviewed a video of her reporting from the scene of the latest tragedy in accented English. According to her passport, her name was Reina Okabe, and she too was a RIYANA reporter - albeit a vetted foreigner. Like most news services worldwide, they picked the most attractive & relateable people to their audience they could to be in front of the cameras, but she now understood that RIYANA had no qualms about throwing them into direct danger if necessary.

"Anisa, we need to move." Her Riysian cameraman said politely but urgently, taking back his camera. "It's still an active shooting scene, and the police are just going to be making it harder to leave. Also, Maysoun wants to discuss our next move."

That would be the journalist and de facto leader of their trio, Maysoun Shamsi. An affable young lady who made it her mission to teach her, the ajnabi, all about Riysa, she had a strong personality. This directly contrasted with the cameraman, Hafez Zabalawi, who was a kind but quiet 50 year old that could fluently speak five languages in a bunch of their local dialects. Together, they sort of balanced each other out, which was fine for her.

She nodded, wiping sweat off of her brow and blinking. "Okay!" She said, leaping off the bench.

They had a good haul today, if one could count all the bloody and pain as "good". Lots of high quality footage of the police clearly firing on the protesters - not the silent CCTV stuff - the panic that followed, a couple of near misses by the crew, people crying and holding each other, all sorts of raw, emotional stuff. A few pictures clearly showed the grimacing faces of the police, and their fingers holding down the trigger. Maysoun got a few statements at the scene - mainly stuff like "Why?!" and "You're killing us!", and Reina herself was in front of the cameras to top it off with a human face.

It made her sick, and both Hafez and Maysoun looked ill - Hafez less so, but she'd come to learn he was good at putting on faces.

"Then, I think we should go to the hospital. We need to speak to those who were injured. Both the protesters and the police." Hafez muttered an acknowledgement from the driver's seat of their rented SUV. "Reina, do you feel okay with that?"

Situations like this reminded her why she was here - the money wasn't always the best, the adventure was not always fun, but there was a chance to tell the stories that weren't told. Like the ones from these islands.

"...Definitely! Let's go."

Rajib Bouri

The best way to get information was to simply ask. So, that's exactly what he did - he and the team went around their city, interviewing those who felt comfortable about their thoughts on unification. Despite having an interpreter, being visibly foreign tended to scare off people, except for those with strong opinions at either side of the debate, or fellow foreigners. But was that necessarily a bad thing?

There were also a few other questions - questions about the rumors that police were starting to enforce arrest quotas, questions that they were using racial profiling to crack down on dissenters, and so on. Answers to those tended to be the best at showing a person's beliefs, where they lay on the spectrum. It didn't take as long to get a large list of people's opinions, many of them fit for publication. In particular, the question about racial profiling would strike a line with the ethnic minorities and the foreign tourists in-country, many of whom likely already experienced suspicion and racism from the others.

Excellent reporting had driven RIYANA to the top when it came to providing a viewpoint from the ground, and it was hard work like this that would keep it there. Even if it meant getting close to some bullets. Best of luck to the team caught up earlier today - he didn't envy that, but it was clear to him that things were likely about to get stickier.

The actions of the previous day were not abating; in fact, they were increasing exponentially every hour, helped along by all the interest and outrage from the day's events. RIYANA's own footage of the incident was being promoted the top of the lists, and the faces of angry police holding down their triggers had spread worldwide. The statements of horror and sadness from the protesters on the street and in the hospital, and statements of hatred towards the people carefully cultivated from the police officers were being used again and again in news broadcasts and blog posts. Online, commentators, experts, and forum users pointed out how difficult it was to get a weapon, let alone use it effectively. They further debated whether it was self defense, an agent of the mainland, planted by the security forces, and if the "anarchist" had even been real or not - which led to discussions about if and how the CCTV footage could've been faked. Combined with the photos of the military transports from before, it was an explosive mixture.

At the same time, all that had happened online hadn't escaped the notice of the news either. Arrest quotas and racial profiling? That was never a comfortable topic, and it only took a few shares on social media for everyone to start talking about that. That turned into rumors about police commanders and chiefs on a couple of the calmer islands being given retirement or reassigned for not meeting their quotas, and foreign tourists and minorities being indefinitely detained on suspicion of agitation. Of course, no rumor is completely baseless...perhaps those all had more than a little element of truth to them.

Discussions from social media about why the islands should be under Shikonjimanese rule - such as that it'd be socially and economically bankrupt, and that the Shikonjimanese were the ones enlightened enough to maintain them? Many people and newspapers "helpfully" pointed out how strangely similar the arguments were to the concept of the "White Man's Burden" and "manifest destiny", just repackaged for different ethnicities...and from there, posters begun to note that it implied that anyone born on the islands were subhuman compared to the mainlanders, regardless of their lineage.

And what about Sasae Mamea? That little snippet, "more satisfied with the outcome", carried with it an implication - did she actually approve of the "unification"/occupation to begin with? Thus, was she working with the Shikonjimanese all along? Was she a trustworthy person or actually a Shikonjimanese influencer? More questions popped up; from simply working for the Shikonjimanese led to discussions on whether she had only Shikonjimanese lovers. Well, paparazzi and idol fans would have a field day with both questions.

On top of that, was the #FerinanDayOfRage tag that was being shared across social media by this burgeoning network of activists and anti-unity posters. It sounded ambitious - a mass popular protest & strike across all islands, happening at the same time. More than just planning posts, the tag found itself on shared articles about the transgressions of the security forces, rallying cries and debates, and even onto anti-mainland political memes, in particular an especially infamous one depicting the mainland Shikonjimanese forcibly displacing the islanders a la Trail of Tears.

Lastly, a curious video started trending online, seemingly taken from closer towards the front of the protest. It was of lower quality than the RIYANA footage, being recorded on a smartphone, but was still better than the CCTVs, and it had sound too. At the start, it depicted police getting ready to fire. Over the shouts and the screams of the police and protesters, a shout could be clearly heard, in a Shikonjimanese dialect:

"Go away, savages!"

Then, all the guns roared. Cross-referencing with the RIYANA footage, this statement could also be heard, but it was much harder to hear over all of the noise, so it was missed the first time. Now, a new piece had entered the puzzle.

by **Shikonjima** » Tue Feb 18, 2020 10:24 am

To:
Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third", Son of the Empire, Master of the Appalachia, Conqueror of the Rockyes, Lord of the Plains and Tamer of the Frost.
Empress Anna Blachkor, Daughter of the Empire, Highest Servant of the Stars.
From: Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
Subject: Condolences.
Encryption level: For Your Eyes Only.

Your Majesties,
Absolutely no problem, and thank you for passing Our condolences on!
Concerning the protest in Yatsukata, yes, unfortunately, this one went completely out of hand. While most details on it are already publically available, the investigations on the matter still continue.
We fully understand, that the safety of your citizens has the highest level of priority for you, so your step to call them home is more than logical. Don't worry, We won't interpret it as an attempt to discredit us; it's an entirely legitimate safety concern.

Best regards,
Signed,
Yamura no Kyouko

To:
Admiral William Ranger, Imperial Astarian Navy.
Admiral Rasha Qiada, Royal Kyrenaian Navy.
From: Admiral Hideyasu Miyagi, Royal Shikonjimanese Navy.
Subject: Condolences and assistance.
Encryption level: Secret.

Esteemed colleagues,
Considering the urgent need of the IAN Ebon Atoll for medical assistance, the hospital vessel accompanying the Carrier Group 6 of the RKN will be granted entry into the territorial waters of the Shikonjimanese Realm without further ado.
In addition, I will send a group of delivery vessels to the position of the Ebon Atoll, bringing medical supplies for emergency aid, to supply the most critical cases until the hospital vessel arrives.

Signed,
Admiral Hideyasu Miyagi

To: Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.
From: Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
Subject: The Ferinan-Archipelago.
Encryption level: For Your Eyes Only.

Dear Razia,
I agree. Especially since it's not exactly something we should be proud of.

No problem, and thank you for your reassurance to let me and Admiral Miyagi know every we need to be aware of - after all, nobody wants a second incident of the kind we had with the tub of our starry friend. We will also gladly accept any invitation of that sort, should the need arise, but as of currently, this looks fairly unlikely to be the case in the foreseeable future.
That even sounds incredibly familiar. Granted, in my Brother Shinzou's case, it wasn't fruits, but tomatoes, they weren't rotten yet, and they only closely missed her, but generally spoken, yes, Nogoonia isn't a safe place for a Shikonjimanese to go, either. We all agree, that we prefer going to Shamsiyya or Lillorainen for a visit, officially or unofficially - not to mention the Sharulsi Khanate, where my entire family has a similar unfair advantage as Aurelia-Hime has in the Free Lands.
And yes, the complaining will keep existing for a while ... which I simply have to deal with, as there is no law in these (or those) parts forbidding anyone to complain. The violent escalations are a bit more of my worry as of currently ...

Signed,
Yamura no Kyouko

P.S.: That's good to know! We will surely see, if we find the time to show up again.

Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs

To: Dr. Jack J. Castro, Department of Foreign Affairs, Confederation of the New Visayan Islands.
From: Jitsuko Sageshima, Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bakufu no Hiroba, Nashinya, N01SX504, Shikonjima.

Dear Minister Castro,
Unfortunately, this is indeed the case. The protests in Yatsukata, Taihou, have escalated to an extent, that lethal force has been made of. According to the investigations, the results of which are publically available, this was initiated by a man known for his Anarchist ideology, thus has been provoked deliberately.

Further investigations continue, as we cannot say for sure, whether or not this incident was an isolated one, or part of the series of incidents which might continue in some form.

We hope for a peaceful resolution, too. Further information will be made accessible to all Foreign Offices or equivalents there of, as well as the public.

I remain respectfully yours,
Jitsuko Sageshima,
Royal Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs

To: The Imperial and Royal Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Privy House-, Court-, and State-Chancellor for Foreign Affairs, Her Serene Highness Alexandra Ignatia Prinzessin von Hardegg.
From: Jitsuko Sageshima, Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bakufu no Hiroba, Nashinya, N01SX504, Shikonjima.

Your Serene Highness,
I can assure you, that we, the Royal Government of the Shikonjimanese Realm, are similarly bewildered by these incidents, and in particular the level of violents these have reached as of lately. This, and specifically the motivations these groups seem to have, at least by the current state of investigation, is surely as much beyond our understanding as it is beyond ours. While we, as of currently, remain confident, that we will find a way to restore peace and harmony in the Ferinan-Archipelago at some point, we are also aware, that it is far less of a trouble-free endeavor than any of us would wish it to be, especially due to the radicality and relentlessness of the inviduals committing these crimes.
We warmly welcome your condemnation of the violent actions of our opponents, and we thank you for it. Should any further questions or issues come up from your side we should be made aware of, please do not hesitate to inquire. Until then, we will do anything in our power to ensure the return of the status quo.
We also thank the Imperial and Royal Ministry for the formal recognition of the Shikonjimanese Realm it is current, rightful borders.

With kind regards,
Jitsuko Sageshima,
Royal Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Above the ocean somewhere between Kyrenaia and Shajarat Alnakhil.
Of course, Aghanoghlu and Breitscheid were not going to stay in the area forever - after all, Lion 3-3 quite did have a point. They had places to be at, and they didn't wish to make people at their respective destination wait for too long.
They did notice how the exercise down there went on, though, for the delight of the freighters' and line cruiser's crews and passengers. And not only for theirs, as the recordings taken from the planes would certainly catch it well.
Both Aghanoghlu and Breitscheid had to grin when Lion 3-3 recommended them to leave the airshow to them.
"Roger, Lion 3-3. Over and out!" - they responded almost synchronously.
Breitscheid flew the last bend, then slowly, but surely lifted his plan to gain altitude, going towards the direction he needed to go.
Aghanoghlu followed, flew another bend until he was on the correct course again, then abruptly skyrocketed, letting everyone see and hear - with an empty freight airplane, various shenanigans were possible.
Then, they were off.

Kongoutou Police Station.
Suzuhara nodded and hummed along, to signalize, that he was listening.
Finnegan Síol of the Tribe of Fermanagh was more of a hardliner when it came to the Tribalist ideology, to the extent, that he had colleagues thrown off the set due to being 'a half blooded runt'. The little scandal was known about amongst Miss Umhal's fans in these parts, and this kind of behavior of his had usually commented on by the words, 'Kono yarou!' What everyone had wondered about, though, was why everyone else at the set had put up with it instead of giving him a decent punch into the face or somewhere else, or at least telling him to get his shit straight - but then again, the way entertainment business worked was all but the polar opposite of how the rest of the world did.
Amy Cíoch of the Tribe of Cork was a Tribalist, too, but rather in terms of the ideologies the Tribalists opposed, less based on what kind of policies and ideas they actually supported.
And then there was Finnegan Bod of the Tribe of Antrim, called Finny, who was obviously well-equipped in the lower third of his body, but apparently less so in the upper one, as he basically just repeated what his brother, a follower of the Tribalist ideology, said, in lieu of thinking on his own. A potato farmer from the Baile ... any chance he might also have any relatives in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho ...?
"So" - Suzuhara began, "we have basically an ar..." - he interrupted himself, clearing his throat, "... a man with questionable behavior, a woman with less support for the ideology itself than rather a similar stance on the ideologies the Tribalists oppose, as well as a potato farmer who doesn't really think anything through and relies on the input he gets from others." This, especially the last point, was probably the most diplomatic way to put it, and it would also help keeping the industry secret as secret as possible. "Does anyone of the three, particularly Mr. Síol with his rather radical views, maintain any contacts abroad? Possibly Shikonjima, or rather countries where Tribalist views are more common, such as the Sharulsi Khanate, Tangrusia, or Democratic Semporna?"

Kongoutou, Main Square, three days later.
The Main Square of Kongoutou seemed as crowded as never before. Hundreds, maybe thousands of people had gathered to continue the wave of demonstrations that had occured in the Ferinan-Archipelago ever since its Reincorporation. Many of them were students of the University of Kongoutou, out of whom not exactly few actually came from the Mainland. But also locals were amongst them, and even some foreigners; some joined in the demonstration, some also just spectated.
This time, it was different.
It was supposed to be peaceful. One could now argue, that most of the other protests had been supposed to be peaceful as well, but this time, the demonstrations had different mottos and approaches. Those who were here today had absolutely no interest in letting this devolve into mayhem at all - they wanted to show, that they were tired of all the violence that had occured, especially in Yatsukata, and that the silent majority was no longer going to remain silent.
Many waved flags showing the Shikonjimanese Royal Standard, or other pre-1988 flags of the Duchies. Numerous signs were held up; some were addressed at the violent protesters saying, Stop violence! and We want our peace back!, others focussed on the political message and said, We're home again!, Kyouko did nothing wrong!, and One love, one Shikonjima! - One sign said, written in Sharulsi Mongolian, Tribalists go back into your yurts!, and one particular jokester held one up saying, Your commercial could be written here!
It was simply breathtaking. If one counted the Shikonjimanese Realm as a whole, it was probably the biggest demonstration seen on Shikonjimanese soil ever since the late 1960s Students' Protests in Toriyama, and, as some Mainland-based reporters would state jokingly later on, the biggest sea of flags outside the Football World Cup seasons.
While there was a calm atmosphere amongst the demonstrators and spectators, there was a bit of tension amongst the policemen ensuring their safety - which was hardly a surprise, considering the previous events. Some where praying to the Four Souls, that there wouldn't be any escalations this time. One could see from their seals and differently-colored uniforms, that not only the Ducal Police of Kongou was present, but also colleagues from various fiefdoms of the Mainland to assist them.
There was a clear message that would go through the world in various images: Most people wanted to be Citizens of a reunified Shikonjima. The protesters of previous demonstrations hadn't represented the Ferinan-Islanders as a whole, but had just been the minority screaming the loudest, and the people present in here today thought, that it was about time to show it, especially from the background of all the little battles in the huge propaganda war going on in the media and the Internet. Some had also seen the reports on RIYANA, full of propaganda lies, which many deemed a pity, for RIYANA had previously had a reputation of being truly committed to bringing the truth to the light. Native speakers of Shikonjimanese would also easily realize, that they had, certainly deliberately, mistranslated one of the policemen's shouts, "Please step aside!", as "Go away, savages!", confusing the similar sound of the dialectal expression ba ni, 'in place', and ban'i, 'barbarians' or 'savages'. One could even hear, that the honorific suffix indicating a polite request had been cut out. One of Yonrei TV's directors had even said, "If I were responsible for the current reports on RIYANA, I'd just fire myself!"
Others also hoped, that the next round of debate on Kyrenaian TV would be a tiny bit less biased towards the Shikonjimanese Police. Sending Prince Atif into a debate against four fierce opponents of direct actions of the law enforcement, one of them even being a political opponent of Kyrenaian Royalty in general, had not exactly been a smart idea to promote a fruitful discussion.
The crowd advanced slowly, going the way made free for them and secluded with police lines. Following the Main Street, going left, following a four-laned city street downhill, towards the harbor, then following the coastal road. News helicopters from both Shikonjima and abroad circled around the city center, catching good images from the demonstrations.
Sighs of relief and thanking prayers went through the rows of the police when the whole thing was over. No escalations this time.

by **New Visayan Islands** » Wed Feb 19, 2020 3:09 am

Atty. Maria Aisha C. Perez-Reyes, LlM
Department of the Interior Complex, Cebu City, DH
February 18th, AD 2020
1442 PHT

"So the dead patient from Chong Hua...?"
"Is negative for SARS-CoV-2, Boss," Abellana replied.
"Good to hear, Julian." Secretary Reyes had sighed in relief at hearing that the fourth death under observation was not from COVID-19; it showed that containment measures were working. That meant the third wave of patients still under observation could go home knowing they dodged that coronaviral bullet.
"That's not all, though; we found Neisseria meningitidis in the patient's blood. She had meningococcus."
"So let me get this straight: we have four people who died while under observation..."
"Five if you count the death from COVID-19, which I assume you're not."
"...and fully half of them died from bacteria?" Reyes asked.
"That's right: first death was an AIDS patient, second died of pneumococcus, third died of a heart attack, and this one had meningococcus."
"I see. If there are any more updates..."
"...you'll be the first to know," Abellana said before leaving for his office, where he was monitoring updates on measures taken to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.
"Alright. Gab, you're up."
"Understood, Boss," Gabrielle Comaingking replied. The Undersecretary for Justice then briefed Reyes in on certain cases worked on by the Visayan Bureau of Investigation; to that end she brought Director Talavera.
"We discovered a spy ring run by the Bangsamoro and the PRC," Talavera began. "The ring has been using illegals to collect intelligence on various goings-on for the past six years."
"And we only found this now because of an arrest," Comaingking added. "Last Friday the VBI arrested a Chinese national who was running a restaurant that was a front for prostitution. They were smuggling Bangsamoro citizens into the country through various unsavory means, with an infrastructure that suggests they've been doing this for a while: a private doctor on retainer, a surgeon, some advertisers..."
The discussion lasted for another two hours; Irving Briones, Undersecretary for the Environment, filled Reyes in on updates connected to a bioremediation project immediately after Comaingking and Talavera updated her on the Bangsamoro/PRC spy ring that used a human trafficking ring to transport illegals. By six in the evening, the Secretary updated the Federal Council and President Cui by teleconference call.

ADM Joel E. Santiago, VCN
Communications Security Directorate Building, Cebu City, DH
February 19th, AD 2020
1005 PHT

"What am I supposed to be looking at here?" Secretary de los Reyes asked over AV link.
"Signal intercepts and satellite footage. From the looks of it, our friends in the Reichsrath are showing great interest," Santiago replied. "Collaborative work with the DID suggests they're sending one of their subs in the region."
"Which one?"
"We suspect the most likely candidate to be their Type 232. From what we know of her capabilities, they're using her in an ELINT role; closest analog would be the SSRN of the Cold War. Think USS Triton."
"Can we get confirmation?" President Cui asked.
"You're better off asking Director-General Auza for that, Mr. President." Andrea Allyn Auza was Director-General of the Visayan Intelligence Agency. "I'm just the guy in charge of reading everyone else's mail and making sure no else does the same to us."
"Fair enough. Now, what's this about RIYANA?"
The discussion took another hour as Santiago explained to the President and the Council possible theories surrounding Riysian involvement.

by **Kyrenaia** » Wed Feb 19, 2020 4:55 am

Lion 3-3, Lieutenant Amir Wasi.
It had taken a few minutes for RKN Niematan to break formation and to cruise towards a meeting point with IAS Ebon Atoll within Shikonmanjese Waters with all her diesel generators could give - and that was a lot.
Ships like the Niematan were officially called Pattern H Fast Support Ships, a class of what felt like hundreds of ships, all with similar hulls and inner workings, but with very dissimilar inner structure, some being replenishment ships, others oilers, others workshop ships, others seaplane tenders and quite a few hospital ships. The Niematan was one of them.
She would meet them tomorrow.
I, on the other hand, had a different meeting.
Remember that dinner invitation? Yeah... guess who's his Commanding Admiral's Date.
When our little KAF-222 Bijea D Transport Helicopter touched down on the Colm's Sun Deck, the outdoor dining area of the restaurant there being our supplementary helipad, I opened the door, offered a hand to Admiral Qiada. She was, for her age, still a beautiful woman, her flaming red-orange hair streaked with grey stands, her yellow eyes shining with a commanding presence - one would not believe, that she had been a motorcycle delinquent in her youth and still enjoyed showing little wanna-bes how things worked in her spare time.
Of course, both of us wore Fleet Officer Blue Dress of the RKN, with the large, very impressive red coat.
At the end of the helipad, Captain Ciaran Casóg of the Tribe of Kildare stood, a young woman of maybe fifteen, sixteen next to him - his daughter, I'd guess, considering their similar facial structures. She would be a pretty woman one day. With them, a few of the ship's officers stood, plus a number of passengers of high renown. We had ran a full check of all guests for this dinner at the Captain's Table, so they were all clean - not politically, but it was unlikely, that they'd get violent.
Another few officers disembarked the helicopter, then the Admiral led us forward.
"Captain Casóg.", she greeted with a bow of her head, "Admiral Rasha Qiada and company... I request permission for us to come aboard."
The Captain nodded. "Granted. Welcome, Admiral, Ladies, Gentlemen.", he said and nodded to us all. Then he motioned for a steward to come forward, one carrying a tray with high flute glasses of water. "By ancient Kyrenaian Custom, allow me to welcome you aboard as my guests as well."
He distributed glasses and smiled as he raised his. "To the Sultanate and its Navy.", he toasted.
"To Rón Cruise Lines Limited and the Colm.", the Admiral replied.
A long row of introductions followed and the young woman indeed turned out to be the Captain's Daughter and his date for the evening - a well-mannered girl, but I had the feeling, that this was only a facade for a mischievous imp of a young woman.
It didn't take long for the first course to be served, a Prasech - as this was a Selkie Cruise Liner, it was only natural to be served Selkie-Cuisine, in this case a gruel made of grains, refined with Buan (pieces of dried dark meat, the basic provision every Selkie-Horseman had since before King Nudinmud had been a twinkle in his mother's eyes) and eaten with Arálong (basically hardtack).
It was a good soup.
At our table, the Captain and his daughter, my Admiral and myself, Commander Saida Tayanah, the Commander of our Air Group, her Date, Lieutenant Damir Sadma (Lion 3-4 and not related to Mahmut Sadma), as well as half a dozen notabilities from the ship. Among them was Ceridwen Golau, of Tralee Descent, an ancient Spiorad and Priestess of the War-God Neto, Otis Sassa, an actor from Teressien, and Frater Armand-Jean Romancon, a monk of the Monastic Order of Saint Alexis from Nouvelle-Dunkerque.
The ancient priestess was the first to move onto the topic: "Your course will take you towards the Shajarat Alnakhil, correct?" The Admiral nodded, slowly. "I recognize the stars. And they are quite concerned about your ultimate destination as well. Shikonjima."
"Then the stars apparently know more then I do and, to be honest, I do not like that.", the Admiral said, "For our destination is indeed the Shajarat Alnakhil. And that's the final destination." She smiled. "No need to be concerned, Milady Ceridwen, neither for the stars nor for you."
"I share my colleague's concerns.", Romancon said, taking his napkin to dab his lips as he had finished his soup. "The situation is slipping out of control for the new rulers of the Ferinan-Archipelago. They try to keep it all together, from what we hear, but soon, that will fail. If they don't change their approach drastically." He let a beat pass. "And what would then keep the Kyrenaian Navy from moving in as Peacekeepers?"
"The Shikonmanjese, the Sultana and the locals, I would imagine.", Qiada replied with a small smile, which caused a round of chuckles along the table. "This is not Jazirat Alshahwa. There are others, who can take care of peacekeeping before we even have to lift a finger. And if we have to lift one, we'll be the resort after the last resort."
"The Lord is known for his sense of humour at times, Admiral.", Romancon said, "I would not discount this possibility so easily."
"Okay, let's, for a moment, pretend, that the control is really slipping out of the Shikos' hands.", Sassa said and drew our attention, "First step for them would to get it under control themselves, not to ask anyone for help. These are proud people. And so are the people in the Archipelago." He let a beat pass. "And if that doesn't work and the situation further devolves, I doubt, that Kyrenaian Peacekeepers are called in for, no offense, Admiral, the Kyrenaian Peacekeeping missions are known to not only bring the peace, but also napalm."
"None taken, Mister Sassa.", the Admiral replied, "Harblia is... Harblia." A round of chuckles came. "But indeed, he is correct. The Shikomanjese will first solve the problem themselves. We are on a peaceful training cruise."
"Well, I've seen Kyrenaian vessels pass on peaceful training cruises before...", Captain Casóg said and looked at us, "...and this is the first time I have dinner with the Commanding Admiral."
Admiral Qiada shrugged with a smile. "Maybe I was just sick of our canteen?"

To:
Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
CC:
Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bakufu no Hiroba, Nashinya, N01SX504, Shikonjima.

From:
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

Subject:
The Ferinan-Archipelago.

Diplomatic Correspondence.
NOT to be released.

Dear Kyouko,
tradition and practicality must be balanced. That is not always the case.

To my knowledge, a hospital vessel has been dispatched and is making its way towards a meeting point within Shikonmanjese Waters. She is cruising without any escorts, but we do not expect any troubles.
And one should not forget Kyrkraut, where there are no state visits, only vacations. Although, granted, that's more of your playing field then mine. Fact is, if I may, whenever you want to feel in paradise somewhere, go to Kyrkraut.
I can imagine. I have seen the peaceful counter protest on the news and I must say: Good job of whoever organized them. That is not an easy feat, lemme tell ya from experience...
As for the invitations, let's discuss that sometime else.

Please relay to your sister, that the more you argue against that RIYANA-stuff, the less believable she appears. Let them smear all they want - broadcast the truth!
Or modify the truth to your advantage, then broadcast that. Hurt them with their own weapons!

Signed,
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad

P.S.: I'll most likely not be there, but I am sure, that whoever I send would love to dance!

by **Toishima** » Wed Feb 19, 2020 8:18 am

HEIAN CAPITAL METROPOLIS
GREATER EMPIRE OF YAMATAI

Far across the ocean, a Radiant Sun cast its crimson rays across the foreign waters as it rose from the Sea of Yashima. From the frigid Horaijima Chain to the tropical Imoshima Colonies, from the rolling plains of the New Mainland Territories to the picturesque rice fields of Akitsukuni, the Radiant Sun shone upon all of of the lands within this domain. Wherever the Sun touched, progress, development, wealth, and peace followed. From its nucleus in the sacred Yashiman Archipelago, the Greater Empire of Yamatai held dominion over much of the region it was located in, ruling over their subjects with a firm but fair hand. It was only because of the influence and help that Yamatai provided the region was it uplifted to the modernised state it was in, with millions brought out of poverty and backwardness by the generous and enlightened hands of the Yamataian people.

In the middle of it all was the third-largest city in the Empire, the picturesque metropolis where preserved historical wonders met with cutting-edge glass skyscrapers, the Imperial Capital Metropolis, Heian. With the beautiful Aozora Mountain on one end and the expansive Heian Bay on the other, the capital of the Greater Empire was often said to be representative of the Greater Empire itself, as a syncretism between the old traditions and the modern thinking that enabled the Greater Empire to reach such stellar heights in the world. As the centre of the Greater Empire, Heian was one of the most important cities in the world in terms of politics and economics. And despite the ongoing global virus outbreak, the seven million people that lived, worked and entertained themselves in the urban sprawl did not see the need to fear. The Yashiman Spirit had prevailed over such global pandemics and crises before, and the great and morally superior Yashiman culture already possessed the traits needed to survive such a disaster.

And most importantly, the Yamataian Government was ready for anything. As the sun sparkled across the waters of Heian Bay, the majestic sight of a Shinano-class missile battlecruiser anchored right outside of the Imperial Navy's Yokoyama Naval Base reminded all on those sealanes of the presence of the Yamatai Imperial Navy, the largest and most powerful naval combat force in this corner of the world. The Radiant Sun flying proudly from her mast, the Shinano herself was the lead ship of these gargantuan modern warships, some of the heaviest non-carrier vessels to be constructed after the mid-20th century.

As the rotors on the Kawazaki-built helicopter on the rear deck powered down, a crewman in the blue working uniform of the Imperial Navy pulled open the door and stepped back. He bowed curtly as the occupant of the helicopter stepped out. Admiral Inoguchi Mitsugi was dressed in the standard formal officer's dress of a black kosode, with a black haori emblazoned with the Imperial Mon worn over it, golden rank epaulettes marking a break from the otherwise entirely traditional outfit. At his waist was, of course, a ceremonial katana. He nodded to the crewman, and strode confidently across the helipad towards an identically-dressed, but slightly taller man waiting for him.

Vice Admiral Miyamoto bowed to his superior. Admiral Inoguchi returned the gesture, but shallower. Miyamoto gestured for Inoguchi to lead the way, and the Admiral nodded and began walking.

"How are the preparations?" Inoguchi questioned, nodding at two bowing crewmen that happened to be walking past.

"Admiral, there's been several delays again," Miyamoto tightened his expression, "mostly involving Army logistics units."

Inoguchi abruptly stopped and looked up at Miyamoto with a steely expression.

"The Army?"

"They've been creating some creative obstructions. A broken-down vehicle blocking the entrance to Maeda Ammunition Depot, a live-fire exercise suddenly preventing our helicopters from flying over the Fugaku Tactical Training Area, it goes on and on," the Vice-Admiral gave Inoguchi an apologetic expression.

"It's likely General Uemura and his fucking pacifist faction," Inoguchi spat, the wrinkles on his round face deepening, "only the Army would tolerate such a buffoon."

"The Minister of the Army is indeed an obstacle," Miyamoto agreed as Inoguchi started walking again.

"We'll run him out of the government. Mark my words," Inoguchi waved one finger in the air, "now, what's the status on the Marines? Where's Colonel Kiryu?"

IMPERIAL PALACE
AOZORA-SAN, OUTSKIRTS OF HEIAN

The Imperial Palace was a large complex built at the southern foot of Mount Aozora, the beautiful conical volcano that had since become a national symbol of the Empire. Built largely in the traditional style, with surprisingly modern upgrades largely hidden beneath an impenetrable facade of traditional architecture, the Imperial Palace was the official residence and seat of power of the most powerful individual in this corner of the world. Surrounding the Imperial Palace was the government quarter of Heian, a sprawling network of government buildings and headquarters. A vast parade ground bound the southern and main entrance of the Palace, guarded at all times by the crack troops of the Imperial Army's 1st Imperial Guards Division, as well as the Imperial Royal Guards, an elite, monastic force of warriors that operated heavily according to tradition.

Two Royal Guards, dressed entirely in traditional-style samurai-inspired armour, albeit carrying entirely modern automatic rifles, snapped to attention as a convoy of four vehicles sped into the Imperial Palace's central courtyard. Led by a light utility vehicle in the typical military green with a manned machine gun on a rooftop pintle, two black luxury Mitsuhishi cars came to a stop at the main entrance, with a second utility vehicle bringing up the rear. The Radiant Sun flags flying from the hoods of the black cars denoted them as official government vehicles, while the special licence plate number of the second car betrayed its very important occupant.

Military Police troopers opened the doors to the vehicles, and from the second vehicle emerged the second-most powerful person in the Greater Empire. Head of the Imperial Government and right-hand to the Empress Herself, Imperial Grand Marshal Miyazaki Reina exuded an aura of confidence and authority. Her greying hair was tied back into a bun with two jade hair-sticks, leaving only two thin bangs to hang on either side of her face. Rectangular-framed black glasses adorned relatively plain features, offset by the brilliance of the crimson epaulettes of her paramount rank. At her waist, she carried two swords - her own heirloom blade, and the legendary Kusanagi, symbol of her position of national governance.

Accompanying her were an assortment of her cabinet's ministers, all military officers, as was the case in this nation, though only those particularly important for the situation at hand. She briefly took in the beauty of the blossoming sakura that flanked this entrance into the Imperial Palace's inner sanctums, a servant waiting patiently for them beside the doorway. With the trademark decisiveness that had not yet left her despite the passing years, Grand Marshal Miyazaki led the way forward.

A very large compound in its own right, even the private inner areas were quite expansive, covering three large gardens and several buildings that included all manner of amenities from libraries to saunas, all for the benefit of one person and her immediate family. Led by the servant, the party of government officials made their way down a sheltered walkway, moving in that purposeful, rapid pace that military men and women all over the world unconsciously shared. As the spring breeze blew through the garden, the sweet scent of myriad flowers from all over the Empire mixed with the crispness of dewy grass floated over.

"It is too bad General Uemura could not join us today," Admiral Matsunaga Kenichi suddenly remarked, shifting the conversation from the ongoing Shikonjima Incident. The Minister of the Navy's mouth curled slightly at his own pointed remark as he noticed the Imperial Army's Chief of Staff, Field Marshal Toyama Yujiro, inhaling sharply.

The commander of the Imperial Army, much like most Yamataians, was able to easily conceal his embarrassment, settling back to a neutral expression within a split second. A subtle twitch of his left cheek, however, betrayed the sheer disgust Field Marshal Toyama had either towards Matsunaga's low blow or at Uemura and his faction's continued defiance of the government line.

"Grand Marshal, I must admit that I am increasingly suspicious of the Minister of the Army," Fleet Admiral Mitanabe Kojiro, Chief of Staff of the Imperial Navy, subtle rearranged himself in the group to end up on Grand Marshal Miyazaki's right side.

"So long as he does not commit open treason, I am inclined to believe Toyama can still keep him under control," the Grand Marshal replied matter-of-factly.

"He is very close to the Imperial Consort," Admiral Matsunaga stated in a hoarse lower volume, "he could attempt to subvert Her Imperial Highness's opinion on the current matter."

The group emerged from the walkway and entered the garden proper, following the servant along a path through meticulously curated fruit trees lining an artificial pond.

"Are we talking about Shikonjima or the New Territories Rebellion now?" Grand Marshal Miyazaki subtly returned fire. After all, she was once an Army officer as well, a fact that made it so much more difficult to deal with the Imperial Navy's constant belligerent infighting. Not that it was one-sided.

"Regardless, I will ensure Uemura is reined in," Field Marshal Toyama suddenly spoke up, pushing his frameless glasses further up his nose, heavily grey hair shuddering in the breeze.

"If that man contacted the Imperial Consort, we will have to move quickly to get Her Imperial Highness's approval," Fleet Admiral Mitanabe ignored his colleague, "we can't let this harm our national goals."

Grand Marshal Miyazaki raised a hand, silencing the Fleet Admiral, and the party abruptly stopped as they reached the end of the traditional-style curved bridge that had brought them over an artificial stream that bisected this particular garden. The servant implored the government officials to wait where they stood, bowed slightly, and quickly scurried towards a small gazebo. Outside of the gazebo, three young children were playing some kind of inscrutable game with a stick that only the creative mind of a child could come up with. What were probably the mothers of two of the children sat on a bench next to a small pond. The mother of the third child would be in the gazebo, which was unusual to Miyazaki.

As she looked closer, she noticed that the gazebo had not one but two occupants. Even this far out, it was without a doubt that the other person was the Imperial Consort Hamasaki Mitsuo, currently in a deep and serious conversation with his wife, which was perhaps why she had so uncharacteristically separated herself from the other women. Miyazaki watched as the servant approached her and she stood up and emerged from the gazebo, her husband standing to follow some moments later. Her.

Latest descendant of the First Empress Himiko, Last of the Kami. Divine ruler of the purest race and culture on this planet, charged with ensuring the continued purity and perpetuation of the Yashiman Race, potentially the single most powerful person in the entire world, by virtue of her connection to the Kami themselves. Absolute ruler of the Greater Empire of Yamatai, from the peaks of Hinomoto to the valleys of Myaar'tway.

Empress Kiyono. 127th Empress of the Greater Empire of Yamatai. Ruler of a nation at its peak, and climbing.

She offered a friendly wave to the government officials before descending from the gazebo, long black hair fluttering in the wind and pale features juxtaposed against her lively and grandiose multicoloured kimono. She took her time to make her way to the delegation, pausing briefly to squat down and talk to her daughter before casually waving to and then talking to the other mothers before finally sauntering to the government officials, all of which were older than her by at least ten years. In wider Yamataian society, this would have been extremely rude. She was, of course, the only exception to the rigid social rules of Yashiman society - who would dare to hurry the Empress?

All of the officials bowed close to ninety degrees. The Empress replied with a slight bow. Upon recovering, Grand Marshal Miyazaki was straight to the point.

"Your Imperial Highness. There has been a grave development in the Shikonjima Incident," the Grand Marshal noted that the Imperial Consort was averting his gaze, "a large amount of foreign barbarians are attempting to subvert the peace and stability of our fellow nation after their rightful reclamation of their ancestral territories. Foreign propaganda increasingly frames standard internal peacekeeping and integration attempts as illegal acts. As they are our blood brothers, we feel it is important that this Great nation act in solidarity with Shikonjima to further our own international interests."

"Ah yes, I've read about this," Empress Kiyono's voice was soft and airy, though with the same undercurrent of authority that her predecessors had conquered the region with, "in fact, I was just discussing this with my husband. So, what do you intend to do, Grand Marshal?"

Miyazaki inhaled sharply. Uemura and his annoying Pacifist Faction had indeed already reached the Empress's ears through the Imperial Consort, as Admiral Matsunaga had warned earlier, and as she herself had already suspected. This was a disturbing confirmation. Something had to be done about Uemura before he caused more trouble, but that could wait, for now.

"We have created a plan to increase the level of Yamataian involvement in the region. A military intervention would be an appropriate response, to show our solidarity with our blood brothers, to display our commitment to ensuing the security and stability of this region, and to show these Foreign barbarians that their uninformed meddling in local affairs without consideration of local cultures would not be appreciated. Only the Yashiman people can solve the problems of the Yashiman people."

The Empress appeared to consider this for a few moments, folding her arms and frowning. The Imperial Consort smiled slightly at Miyazaki, who replied with a steely gaze. He was not at fault - he was simply a convenient vehicle for Uemura to deliver his questionable message to the Empress.

"I will approve your plan of military intervention," Empress Kiyono agreed finally, "however, you shall not act until you have confirmed with the Shikonjimanese government that they require direct Yamataian intervention. The ongoing New Territories uprising may be a more pressing matter closer to home than dealing with another state, even if they are a fellow bastion of enlightened culture."

"I thank you for your consideration, my Empress," Grand Marshal Miyazaki bowed. Whatever private thoughts she had about the situation could wait for later.

"I will also be personally contacting the ruler of Shinkonjima," the Empress declared, "I have met her a once before, and I will attempt to convince her to get this situation under control before we have no choice but to intervene."

Though a vastly sub-optimal outcome, the Grand Marshal had no choice but to agree.

"Yes, your Imperial Highness."

Esteemed Princess of Shinkonjima,

I hope this letter finds you in good health. Know that these words are written by myself. It is truly a rare occasion that I am able to discourse
with a fellow world leader in our shared language, and it is my great pleasure to directly address you, not through a translator, and definitely
without any lost nuance due to incompetent translation of our beautiful language.

We have in fact met before, the first time of which was at your coronation a few years ago. I recall that day clearly, and am filled with pride
that a leader as young as yourself has managed to make it this far, reclaiming your nation's rightful lands and reunited your national integrity.
The Greater Empire of Yamatai too has had to face similar situations throughout the centuries, but has emerged from such struggles through
the fortitude, communal thinking, and stoic internal strength that our people possess in vast abundance.

However, I must say that the present situation is increasingly distressing. Despite clearly possessing absolute authority, unlike some of our
contemporaries, how could the situation have been allowed to deteriorate to such a degree? As a right and proper descendant and appointed
leader of such a powerful, pure and enlightened race, a stronger stand in defending your community from threats from both inside and outside
must be taken. Expel these foreigners from your shores, and use a clear show of force to regain control, as your forefathers have done before.
Utilise the full force of your government's abilities to regain control of the situation.

This is perhaps a lot to ask of a new leader such as yourself. I too know it is not easy to maintain control over such an outspoken, vibrant and
vigorous people. These are simply facets of our race's superior strength, and the only way we as the leaders of such powerful people can ensure
our race and culture's continued survival is by exhibiting strong, inspiring leadership and superior statecraft to secure peace and stability.

Peace, stability and the defence of our unique culture are very difficult goals to attain, as my nation is very intimately aware following the decades
of struggles that the Greater Empire of Yamatai has gone through to this day. Thus these three tenets must be defended until our last breaths.
This is our duty as leaders of our superior race.

If you find yourself unable or unwilling to regain control yourself, then myself and my Greater Empire are more than prepared to assist you in this
endeavour, if only to protect our fellow racial brothers from barbaric foreign subversion.

Kiyono
127th Empress of the Greater Empire of Yamatai
The Radiant Sun and the Eternal Moon
大公皇
山式居
都派
帝遣
国

OOC: Take note that this iteration of the Greater Empire of Yamatai is not related to the Ordis version of Yamatai. I have to apologise for this as I have not been in the Open RP scene for quite some time. Please TG me for any clarifications or further information about this version of Yamatai, which is not properly documented yet. Also, all names are written surname-first, as per Japanese naming custom.

I must also comment - my writing style is somewhat that of an unreliable narrator. I tend to adopt the psychology of the point of view when writing. Perhaps we'll see more of this in future posts, but if there is a narrative problem due to this style, I'll try my best to cease.

by **Kuronami** » Wed Feb 19, 2020 12:03 pm

TO: Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Principality of Shikonjima
FROM: Royal Agency of the State (RAS), Royal Agency of Justice (RAJ), Empire of Kuronami
Encryption Level: None

To the Honorable Staff of The Royal Ministry,

Greetings to you. This is our first formal contact with you since our first official correspondence in regards to the Principality's Annexation of territories. As the situation continues to develop, her Majesty the Empress, continues to watch and her concerns are growing based on accounts of protests, riots and other issues filtering out of your nation. We understand in hectic and controversial situations as these, information changes rapidly and isn't always reliable based on who is sending information. With many split on this issue we understand everyone has their own agenda to present.

Still, Her Majesty would like to see deep into this situation which is why she's proposing along with our Agent for Justice in the Empire, to deploy agents of our Royal Bureau of Investigation to examine the situation on the ground and further investigate claims This is our own Law Enforcement Agency and not a military organization. You may have heard that RBI also assisted in the investigation of terrorist bombings in Utica, of the Sultanate of Kyrenaia, last June and we hope they could be of assistance to you and the people as well.

花村紅緒
Benio Hanamura
Agent of State for The Empire

Henry Black
Agent of Justice for The Empire

On Behalf of Her Majesty,
Ortfiné Fredericka von Eylstadt

by **Shikonjima** » Wed Feb 19, 2020 5:21 pm

Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs

To: Royal Agency of the State (RAS), Royal Agency of Justice (RAJ), Empire of Kuronami
From: Jitsuko Sageshima, Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bakufu no Hiroba, Nashinya, N01SX504, Shikonjima.

Esteemed Colleagues,
Greetings back! We understand fully, that Her Majesty the Empress has quite a few concerns about the current situation and how it is developing, especially in times where information and misinformation alike can change quickly and be spread in a very short amount of time. As we are aware of the RBI's involvement in the investigations on the bomb attack on the Al'Arz Restaurant in Utica, Kyrenaia, we are in good faith, that a cooperation between the Oukeikyoku and the RBI can turn out fruitful and productive. As a result of this conclusion, we hereby declare our approval on RBI Agents evaluating the situation on ground as regards the Reunification and the consequences thereof.
Captain Airi Toyomura will inform you on the proposed location of arrival separately.

With kind regards,
Jitsuko Sageshima,
Royal Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs

To: The Office of the Imperial Grand Marshal, Miyazaki Reina; The Imperial Council of the Greater Empire of Yamatai.
From: Jitsuko Sageshima, Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bakufu no Hiroba, Nashinya, N01SX504, Shikonjima.

Esteemed Colleagues within the Government of Yamatai,
Thank you for your congratulations and recognition of the Shikonjimanese Realm in its current, rightful borders. We are well aware, that Yamatai has a similar history of this nature, as well as of the successful Reunification of what no reasonable and logical person would deny to be Yamataian core lands - and we are also quite not unaware of the immense dimensions of effort the measurements to restore peace have taken. The more glad we are to learn, that these unfortunate issues could be resolved.
We are also grateful to be informed about the readiness of the YIN to assist us in case the situation gets out of hand. However, we must kindly remind you of the Shikonjimanese principle to consider any military intervention the last resort, in case all other options fail. We must ask you to take this into consideration before taking any, possibly hasty, action, especially since the situation is surely worrisome, but nowhere near threatening to the national security and integrity of the Shikonjimanese Realm as of yet. Nonetheless, we cannot predict the developments in the near future with certainty as of now, so it will certainly not harm to remain prepared.

With kind regards,
Sageshima no Jitsuko,
Royal Minister of Foreign Affairs.

To: Kiyono, 127th Empress of the Greater Empire of Yamatai, The Radiant Sun and the Eternal Moon.
From: Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
Subject: The Shikonjimanese Reunification.
Encryption level: For Your Eyes Only.

Tennou-sama,
Indeed, being able to communicate this directly is not exactly a given; the worst thing that may happen would be, that certain nuances don't get across accurately due to dialectal differences, but I consider this a negligible risk compared to nuances that get lost in translation into an entirely different language.

I quite do remember our meetings, especially the first one during my coronation (well, except for the last few hours, but that's another story) - can you believe, that this has already been almost nine years ago? Time sure flies ... but that just on a side note. Indeed, I cannot exactly hide my pride about the long-lasting endeavor of initiating the Reunification now coming to a success - not that I actually wanted to hide it. Shikonjima has long since suffered from the downfall of the Shogunate and the mayhem followed by it, but we have our core lands back, and this is essential for now. Of course, the trouble Yamatai used to have is well-known to me, but luckily, you have your core lands back, too.

As for the current situation in the reacquired territories - it is serious, indeed, but it is not hopeless, and the peaceful demonstration against the detestable actions committed by our enemies should reflect the Shikonjimanese people's true opinion on them and their actions. Of course, the last word has not been spoken as of yet, and I have confidence into the Oukeikyoku and other agencies and their capabilities, no matter how big the peril might ultimately turn out to be. What we already know, nonetheless, is that we are speaking of a small minority of troublemakers, and our first priority is to track them down and make them face the punishment they deserve while keeping peace, harmony, and normalcy up for the huge majority that doesn't wish to be involved in these actions. That Harmony is an essential core value in Shikonjima, which must be upheld in all times with no further questions asked, should be something I don't need to educate you about. Our measurements might be less of an epic show than the way my Esteemed Grandfather Yoshita-Shogun, may he have arrived in Shisekai safely, would have handled similar issues, but oftentimes, subtlety is the key to defending Harmony.

Don't get me wrong, however - it's never wrong to be prepared for anything that could happen. We are, and I am sure, so are you.

Best regards,
Signed,
Yamura no Kyouko

To: Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.
From: Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
Subject: The Ferinan-Archipelago.
Encryption level: For Your Eyes Only.

Dear Razia,
Indeed, both aren't always easy to harmonize, but we do our best, even if it doesn't necessarily appear logical to others. (This being said, it's somewhat obvious which countries' formats the Lillos copied ...)

Indeed, Admiral Miyagi has confirmed his approval, in accordance with me, for the hospital vessel to cross Shikonjimanese waters. Troubles are fairly unlikely to occur; she should arrive at the meeting point soon.
And yes, Kyrkraut might seem a solid alternative, to say the least. I remember a statement by Captain Airi Toyomura of the Oukeikyoku, that there are days when she would wish to be a cop in Kyrkraut instead - chasing some coconut thief over the beach every now and then, and that's it.
Indeed, a good job they did. And the news helicopters caught everything well, too! And I was quite amused by one particular sign ... (:
Absolutely - there are more pressing issues than that as of currently.
On a different note - you might have seen the announcement of the Yamataian Imperial Government to deploy a battlegroup and an Imperial Marines Expeditionary Force to the region around Shikonjima. Due to the common militarist and, especially, extremely nationalist attitude prevalent in the Yamataian Government (to a degree of calling Japonic peoples a 'superior race'), I was thinking, that you should be informed about that.

I have told her. She means well, but sometimes, she tends to overdo it a tiny bit. Staging the truth (or a modified version thereof) in a more professional manner is not only more productive, but also more fun than participating in the salt mining in the New Lands.

Signed,
Yamura no Kyouko

P.S.: I'm sure about that! And considering how well the last time went, I'll surely find a few, too!

Royal Palace, Nashinya.
One could hardly deny, that the view from any of the four towers of the Royal Palace, which could be accessed by stairs from the High Hall in the third floor, was simply impressive - from the Northern Tower, one would see the seaport of Nashinya and the Old Town in its traditional archtecture, as well as the Kurogawa River, behind which the City of Furushima, known for being the seat of Yonrei TV, was situated, the river here forming the border between the City of Nashinya, a territory immediate to the Principality, and the County of Akebono. From the Southern Tower, one would see the more modern parts of the city, still mostly in a variant of the traditional Shikonjimanese style, but way newer, especially the huge complex of the Shikonjimanese National Bank. From the Western Tower, one would see see the edge of the city and the more rural parts of it, with hills and mountains in the background. And from the Eastern Tower, where Kyouko and Shiko now stood, one would see a few more parts of the Old Town as well as the ocean - which was a particularly breathtaking view during sunrise.
And while sunrise was yet around than twelve hours ahead - or ago -, the view was still nice.
Shiko pulled something out of her pocket which would look like a pocket watch at the first glance, but it wasn't one. In the same moment, Kyouko, who had watched the ships of the Royal Coast Guard patroling while lost in thoughts, heard the click of a lighter.
The Princess looked at her Little Sis. "Haven't you quit?" - she asked. The 'pocket watch' was actually a portable ashtray.
"Started again today" - Shiko said, shrugging. "I need something to calm down, after all that salt mining in the Social Media, and setting schedules, and dealing with some correspondence, organizing the meeting tonight, yadda yadda yadda ..."
"You do know, that we have an Onsen for that?"
"Where you plan to have the event that must not be named tonight."
"Hm. Yeah, that's true."
The particularly interesting and somewhat amusing message had been the one from Empress Kiyono of the Great Empire of Yamatai - the place that was considered Shikonjima's evil twin by some of Shikonjima's neighbors, a perfect copy of Shikonjimanese society of the 1950s and 1960s by some others, and Shikonjima's sempai by themselves. Only few denied certain similarities, whereas some of these were superficial at best, but both countries had their shared history, even if the ways to deal with it were a tiny bit different. In fact, modern Yamatai would probably have been General Ichigawa's wet dream, including all militarism and nationalism one could imagine. The particularly amusing part was their rhetorics of Yashiman racial superiority and, above all, purity the Empress had praised. While she had already been here a few times, the first time during Kyouko's coronation, she still seemed to have missed, that the Princess whose 'purity' she admired actually had roots in the Sharulsi Khanate, and that one could actually see from her facial features, how much Mongol blood went through her venes (namely, a quarter of the total amount).
But, more importantly, she had announced to send some military assistance to the Ferinan-Archipelago, in case Kyouko mind find herself unable to deal with the situation in the appropriate manner ... or unwilling. In other words, it wouldn't exactly be a dumb idea to make sure, that there were no more violent protests or any other incidents anymore, if one wanted to prevent the YIN, RKN, and the-Four-Souls-knew-whose-else vessels from starting to celebrate the world's biggest harbor festival down in the Archipelago.
"And I also keep thinking of who might be our most dangerous opponents" - Shiko continued. "Foreign Tribalists only? Unlikely. Some Anarchists, or Republicans, maybe followers of the interim governments they had for a while ...? I'd spontaneously say, it won't be the Nationalists, at least not the Shikonjimanese ones ... nah, that can really give one a headache."
"Either this, or this." Kyouko pointed at Shiko's cigarette. "Leave that to the Oukeikyoku and, at least tomorrow, the RBI."
"Right. When are they supposed to arrive?"
"If everything goes right, somewhere in the afternoon or early evening. At the airfield near Kiyoda, Taihou. Captain Toyomura will certainly already have informed them about the details, but this is all I happen to know."
Shiko nodded. "I'm already curious as to how that might end up."
"Mhm." Kyouko hummed in agreement. "This, and the ominous event involving the Onsen."

by **Austria-Bohemia-Hungary** » Wed Feb 19, 2020 6:44 pm

The Imperial and Royal War Navy
Of the Kingdoms and Lands in Reichsrath Represented, the Lands of the Holy Hungarian Crown of Saint Stephen and the Lands of the Bohemian Crown of Saint Wenceslaus

To: Open Letter
From: The Operations Department of the Imperial and Royal War Navy
Encryption Level: Unencrypted

Ladies and Gentlemen

The Imperial and Royal War Navy wishes to note the incredible claims recently made by Nifon-based "VickyLeaks". Under the guise of "journalism" they have constructed several documents that at a glance by anybody with the slightest bit of knowledge in naval affairs in 2020 would instantly dismiss as a fabrication. The fact that they have somehow managed to acquire supremely good quality photo-intelligence of a carrier group underway, that is not only identified it as a carrier group in between the well-trafficked sea-lanes in and around Shikonjima but also managed to photograph it from space is the bit that identifies this as a fabrication. To capture actionable photo-intelligence of an underway carrier group one would have to first identify it as one from space-based radar, who will at most (with synthetic aperture radar systems) pick up the wakes of vessels and is otherwise of such low resolution that a surface contact will not render as anything more than a few pixels on one's average computer monitor in an environment with hundreds of other equally low resolution pixels - merchant vessels that is. One would then have to route one's space telescopes over this contact to capture this image that they have presented, problems with this approach are multitudinous:
1. Why does this "VickyLeaks" have access to military grade space telescopes?
2. How did they know out of their hundreds of radar contacts which one to track with their space telescope?
3. How were they permitted to take this clear image of an underway fleet in shining sunshine? A feat most carrier group commanders would easily evade considering that satellite orbits can be predicted by a reasonably educated university student, and the fact that space-based photo-intelligence can be easily defeated by running into overcast weather.
4. How do we know this parade formation (read not wartime formation) of naval vessels is actually the Astarian Carrier Group 32 and not some random formation of vessels of an unknown country that permitted themselves to be photographed for public relations reasons?
The Imperial and Royal War Navy and their colleagues from all other countries currently involved awaits with curious bemusement the reply to these intriguing questions.

I have the honour to remain
Head of the Operations Department of the Imperial and Royal War Navy
Kontreadmiral Orelia Felicitas Freiin von Minutillo

by **Greater Carloso** » Wed Feb 19, 2020 7:11 pm

#SAGESHIMAGATE: LEAKED DOCUMENTS, PHOTOS REVEAL SHIKONJIMANESE FORCES AND ALLIES PREPARING FOR FERINAN INVASION

Elements within the government of Shikonjma who oppose the annexation of the Ferinan Archipelago have leaked a cache of extremely sensitive documents to our journalists at VickyLeaks, confirming suspicions that regime forces and their allies are gearing up for a massive assault on the islands, backed up by significant naval power. This comes as calls grow internationally for the Shikonjimanese regime to reverse its decision and hold a referendum on the sovereignty of the Ferinan Archipelago. In the last number of days, there has also been evidence of massacres perpetrated by authorities against demonstrators who oppose the demonstration. This information was provided to us by anonymous, high-ranking officials in both the foreign affairs department of the government who sympathise with the plight of the Ferinan people.

It is publicly available information that Astarian naval unit Carrier Group 32 is currently transiting close to Shikonjima and the Ferinan Archipelago. A number of days ago, news broke of a catastrophic incident aboard the flagship IAS Ebon Atoll resulting in approximately 60 deaths, with many more injured. The pretext of 'military exercises' had been used to justify the presence of Carrier Group 32, but it is now clear through analysis of photographs taken from orbit and these leaked documents that their true purpose is to be used in crushing any uprising which occurs in response to the occupation of the islands by foreign troops. It is likely that this accident has set back plans for the invasion by a number of days or weeks as medical facilities onboard are overwhelmed.

Satellite photo showing a large naval formation, led by the the Astarian carrier IAS Ebon Atoll

The leaked documents show correspondence between Minister for Foreign Affairs, Jitsuko Sageshima, and individuals from countries friendly to Shikonjima, including discussions for plans to land a sizeable number of soldiers on the islands to assist domestic police forces in quelling the protests as well as combatting any possible armed resistance to the occupation, which officials predict to be extensive. E-mails from Sageshima also confirm suspicions that pro-Shikonjima rallies in the Ferinan Archipelago were organised and funded by the government in an attempt to prove domestic support for annexation and that Shikonjimanese state media is underreporting both national opposition and the size of anti-annexation protests to a significant degree. Below is an extract of some of the most important leaks.

To: Admiral William Ranger, Imperial Astarian Navy, Carrier Group 32
From: Jitsuko Sageshima, Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bakufu no Hiroba, Nashinya, N01SX504, Shikonjima
Again, my condolences to the injured and family members of the dead. We will happily assist in providing medical assistance to your personnel. Our understanding is that this will delay the initiation of the pacification campaign and our auxiliary forces assigned to that duty will wait until such time as your forces are once again at full operational capacity.

C

To: Gonda no Daisuke, Duke of Akizuki
From: Jitsuko Sageshima, Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bakufu no Hiroba, Nashinya, N01SX504, Shikonjima
The level of resistance to our efforts to return the islands to direct rule under Shikonjima is troubling, and growing daily. Our attempt to present local support for the Annexation Treaty has fallen on deaf ears, and I believe there is significant disquiet amongst the political opposition here as well. I am working with the defence department and our allies to have a multinational force deploy to the islands and back up the authorities there, but our efforts may be delayed by the incident onboard the IAS Ebon Atoll.

C

To: Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
From: Jitsuko Sageshima, Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bakufu no Hiroba, Nashinya, N01SX504, Shikonjima
I agree. It is too late to turn back now. Those islands are ours, and we will crush any upstarts who say otherwise. I hope the upcoming operation can begin as soon as possible and an end is put to this charade once and for all.

HOT LEAKS

Shikonjima preparing to invade Ferinan Archipelago
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New leaks confirm Irizar had planned to have Tobón, others arrested

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by **Kuronami** » Wed Feb 19, 2020 7:36 pm

The Empire of Kuronami
Open Communique

To All Interested Parties Concerned,

A hectic situation like what is currently undergoing in The Ferinan-Archipelago and Shikonjima proper, Kuronami has been quietly observing from the background and has taken a notice to many more parties openly and no doubt privately corresponding in this situation. Kuronami has been in contact with the Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and has been granted permission to send a small team of Inspectors of our national law enforcement agency, the Royal Bureau of Investigation to further inquire and assess matters. In the interest of upholding the rights and privileges of all people, citizens, travelers and despora alike, while understanding we can only act in the limited capacity we are given, our team's mission will be to fully asses and detail and document the ongoing situation and probe into any potential criminal matters, though at present we are not in suspect of any. With no active military conflict and only limited relations with the Principality, The Kuronami Empire is not presently looking to charter a Royal Military Mission abroad in the interest of a stabilizing or peacekeeping mission which is why a civil law enforcement agency is being sent instead of any military envoy.

Some may be aware that The Bureau issued a travel advisory back on 11 February in regards to the active situation and the The Bureau is hoping to further evaluate the current conditions and political temperament that may pose a risk to visitors, journalists, etc. The Bureau is looking to inquire into matters sent around social media platforms such as PiffleNet.

The Bureau will be cooperating with the government and other local authorities in this matter. With as many interested parties looking at this situation, we openly invite anyone with their concerns and comments to talk with our field agents or contacting our HQ offices in Caloris with this matter. We are eager to hear from as many parties as possible to properly conduct this fact finding mission. Further inquires, can be made to our foreign ministry or to our justice ministry.

花村紅緒
Benio Hanamura
Agent of State for The Empire

Henry Black
Agent of Justice for The Empire

On Behalf of Her Majesty,
Ortfiné Fredericka von Eylstadt

by **Kyrenaia** » Thu Feb 20, 2020 2:39 am

Official Press Release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Kyrenaia

On the matter of the ongoing matters in the Ferinan-Archipelago:
In the Name of Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness, I am honoured to publish this message.
Concerned about the ongoing proceedings in the Ferinan-Archipelago, not just internally, but also internationally, Her Majesty the Sultana welcomes the offer, and the acceptance of said offer, of an investigation by the Royal Bureau of Investigation of the Empire of Kuronami. In the aftermath of the Al'Arz Terrorist Attack last June, the investigators of the RBI proved to be a valuable addition to our own investigative efforts. She, and I, vouch for their integrity and their ability to find out, what is going on with little to no bias.

Concerning the releases of the Operations Department of the Imperial and Royal War Navy and VickyLeaks, Her Majesty the Sultana is unconcerned. Not only are the points raised about the 'Leaks', the actual term Her Majesty used about them is not safe for publishing, by the Operations Department of the Imperial and Royal War Navy valid objections, but also is She convinced, that the communiques are forgeries. This evidence is confirmed by certain linguistic particularities, which seemed to be ignored, even at translation into English. However, if VickyLeaks is in possession of the originals, it would either serve as a proof or a disproof of these claims.
However, neither I nor Her Majesty believe, that a foreign propaganda apparatus would be able to produce convincing forgeries.

Forthermore, the Sultanate continues to acknowledge both the claim of the Principality to the Ferinan-Archipelago and the Treaty on the Reincorporation of the Seven Duchies of the Ferinan-Archipelago into the Shikonjimanese Realm, as it was given to paper on the 6th of February, Wakaijidai 10, in Nashinya. As far as we are concerned, these lands are rightful Shikonjiman Ground and Soil, the citizens Shikonmanjese.

For all communication by state-actors, please send your messages to:
Azad Safir, Vizier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Qaleatan Maktab, Utica, Ilkhanate of Utica, Sultanate of Kyrenaia.
For all communication by non-state-actors and press, please send your messages to:
Public Relations Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sub-Department 01, Qaleatan Maktab, Utica, Ilkhanate of Utica, Sultanate of Kyrenaia.
As usual, messeges sent to the wrong recipient will not be replied to!

To:
Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
CC:
Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bakufu no Hiroba, Nashinya, N01SX504, Shikonjima.

From:
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

Subject:
The Ferinan-Archipelago.

Diplomatic Correspondence.
NOT to be released.

Dear Kyouko,
do tell me about it... sometimes, that tradition is suffocating, hence why I prefer the HAC!

Indeed, nothing should be happening. She is flying both your flag and ours, in addition to being marked as a hospital vessel with all markings required by international right and law - and she is cruising at full steam. Or diesel generators, as the case may be.
Best regards to her, she is right. Kyrkraut is a peaceful place.
Me, too, though certain particularities of the demonstration did, apparently, leave a nasty taste in some foreign mouths. These VickyLeaks, as pointed out by the Press Release from earlier today, are complete forgeries, I do not believe them for a moment, but others might. I am, to be honest, unsure about how to react to that.
Yes, I have seen the press release, the Yamataian Government sounds very eager. I am willing to speak with Ilia about allowing them entrance into the Shajarat Alnakhil as a gesture of good will as we three are on the same side, but I am not sure as of yet. Thank you very much for your message and, some might say, warning.

Best regards to her, in my youth, such things were done by trading press releases and editorials, which were sometimes more barbed then the fence around a prison.

Signed,
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad

P.S.: Good luck!

by **Astares Amauricanum** » Thu Feb 20, 2020 4:14 am

Official Press Release of the Astarian Imperial Department of Defense.

Today, the Vickyleaks site released a number of affirmations regarding Carrier Group 32 currently in the Ferinan Archipelago, stating that their true purpose in the area was to assist Shikonjimanese Armed Forces in an invasion of the Ferinan Archipelago.
In the name of Their Imperial Majesties, Emperor Adrean Blachkor "The Third" and Empress Anna Blachkor, the Imperial Department of Defense officially refutes such statements, and moreover, considers it an insult towards the 60 sailors deceased in the flight accident a few days ago.

by **Eochora** » Thu Feb 20, 2020 11:56 am

Citizen fe57eb4 unlocked the door to her apartment in Shikonjima, located a couple of cities away from Nashinya. The perfect distance to have everything within reach yet far away enough to avoid unnecessary attention. "Citizen fe57eb4" was not how people knew her. To them (and officially on documents) she was "Anda Shimizu", an average looking employee for a nondescript NGO. Of course, the only reason she looked average was because of the extensive plastic surgery done by Eochoran doctors to ensure she looked like a Shikonjimanese native. 7 years ago, she finished her "training" and was smuggled into Shikonjima with a new identity. Since then, she spent the time establishing connections and a foothold in the country while providing regular updates to her superiors in Eochora.

The attempt to reincorporate the ex-colonies back into Shikonjima was not a surprise. After all, it had been an active debate for sometime and Eochora had intel to suggest that the Shikonjimanese government would attempt something eventually. Regardless, this was considered unacceptable. Citizen fe57eb4 would need to be the gateway for a coordinated counter-movement.

Closing the door behind her and locking it shut, she walked to her computer and booted it up. She pulled out a flash drive and plugged in it, downloading the contents. A week ago, she received a message to immediately begin efforts to dissolve this "social cohesion" through any means possible. Today, she received a flash drive in her mail with software designed to establish an organic-looking network of sock puppet social media accounts and begin inciting chaos. After finishing the download, she ran the software and it begun slowly snaking its tentacles across the internet, hidden behind various proxies and her human contacts with IT resources. Soon, it would be thousands of accounts spewing condensing hate towards those from the ex-colonies, and thousands of more accounts calling for open unrest against Shikonjima. It wasn't much, but it would be a start while she kept in touch with Eochora on what to do next.

by **Toishima** » Fri Feb 21, 2020 7:42 am

EMPRESS KAYAKO MEMORIAL CENTRE
HEADQUARTERS OF THE IMPERIAL COUNCIL OF YAMATAI
HEIAN, GREATER EMPIRE OF YAMATAI

Pressing her fingers together, Imperial Grand Marshal Miyazaki Reina leaned forward in her chair, deep in thought. She sat at the head of a U-shaped conference table, her national ministers arrayed on both sides, their aides and other sub-ministers occupying seats along the walls of the large conference room. Behind the Grand Marshal was an Imperial Mon, the sacred Torii, flanked by two Radiant Sun flags. And above the Imperial Mon were two portraits that cast their oddly similar critical glares down upon all in the room: one of Empress Kiyono, and the other slightly smaller one, of Grand Marshal Miyazaki herself.

The Yamataian head of government exhaled deeply before placing both hands down on the table.

"This setback will not end our involvement in this Shikonjiman Incident," Grand Marshal Miyazaki declared, "we will merely utilise our contingency plan. This government remains committed to re-aligning Shikonjima with a more proper path for people of their stature."

The typical tendency of Yamataians to obfuscate the truth with manners and blurry metaphors never went away, even in such private settings as this. The euphemism that the Grand Marshal used was clear to all in the room, of course. Ever since more moderate forces had taken hold in Shikonjima and the Principality had drifted farther and farther away from the Greater Empire's sphere of influence, the Yamataian government had been waiting for a situation such as the current one. The cover of chaos from all directions provided the perfect opportunity for Yamatai to once again begin transforming their 'twin sister' back into a form that they preferred. A form that was strong and pure in their shared superior culture, free of the influence of foreign barbarians, and firmly in the global Yamataian sphere of influence.

Of course, not all of those seated at the table agreed with this plan. In recent years, especially following the Third Otashiman War in 2014, a certain faction within the Imperial leadership and even civilian academia had emerged, opposed to further Yamataian expansion abroad. The primary belief was that the Greater Empire was stagnating, and that internal issues should be dealt with decisively before further foreign adventures were carried out. Another major undercurrent in this "pacifist faction" was that of racial supremacy, driven by a fundamentalist reinterpretation of Kayakoism, the guiding ideology of the Greater Empire. The state line for centuries was that the concept of the pure Yashiman race was flexible, and simply denoted any community and group that was integrated into the Empire and was adequately devoted and dedicated to the Empress and the State.

These new thinkers rejected this notion, and believed that the pure Yashiman race referred solely to that: the race of Yashiman people, originating from the Yashiman Archipelago. With all others inferior to this superior race, why should Yamatai continue expanding their sphere of influence to waste resources attempting to integrate and develop foreign peoples? Would it not be better to simply focus entirely on the development of Yashima and the Yashiman islands instead of continuously embarking on foreign campaigns and sharing precious Yamataian knowledge with far-flung areas? With these constant rebellions and uprisings within the Greater portion of the Empire, surely these inferior peoples were not even grateful for Yamatai's gracious aid.

It was thoughts similar to these that ran through the mind of General Masaru, the Minister of Finance, who cleared his throat and spoke up.

"Grand Marshal, I still question the importance of Shikonjima in the grand scheme of things. It appears too much effort is being put into dealing with a bunch of foreigners who simply happen to speak the same language," the bald old man spoke his mind.

General Uemura, the Minister of the Army and well-known informally as the leader of the Pacifist Faction in the government smiled slightly as his ally brought up the point. Though the name afforded to the faction suggested a peace-loving group, the reality - like many other nuanced things in the Empire - was much more complicated than that. Put frankly, most of these pacifists were radical fundamentalists who just happened to not want further foreign wars. Grand Marshal Miyazaki bristled as she noticed this reaction from Uemura.

"Thank you, General Masaru," General Uemura then spoke up, "I would like to again raise my belief that this whole situation could easily go out of control, and draw our Great Empire into a conflict that nobody really wants. After all, we are already facing open rebellion in the New Mainland Territories and food riots in the colonies. The Imperial Army may not be able to afford another open overseas war of such a scale."

Grand Marshal Miyazaki knew otherwise. It paid to be close to the actual head of the Imperial Army, who was definitely not a member of this radical faction. Much of the Army leadership, besides Uemura's faction, was in favour of commencing operations. The main problem was that Uemura's faction included the leadership of the Imperial Army Kenpeitai, the omnipresent military police force that maintained internal order within the Empire, which could easily arrest any opposition. This was the reason the man and his supporters were so difficult to deal with.

"General Uemura, this is not a debate," the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Admiral Yokoyama, chided seriously, "this is a golden opportunity to enact our order upon Shikonjima, and if we do not do it now, we risk them becoming a threat to our global and ideological interests. They are often referred to as our cross-ocean counterpart, and not in a positive way."

"Already the Imperial Security Agency is recording large amounts of global discussion regarding the situation, and Yamatai's role in it. Foreigners are starting to speculate. If Shikonjima can peacefully coexist with the foreign barbarians, some are wondering if our Great Empire can also be transformed into state more pliable to their interests," General Tenzai Tokumo, Minister of National Security, reported from behind circular-rimmed glasses, "I do not need to explain why this is a bad thing."

"Thus we need to act now," Grand Marshal Miyazaki said with finality, waving one slender hand at General Uemura's direction, "it is a direct order from me. We will deal with this situation with conviction, grace and finality of proper Yamataians."

General Uemura leaned back in his seat, his expression darkening. Control the military police he did, but even the military police had its limitations in terms of rank structure, military protocol, and military law. What gave the Grand Marshal and her allies the ability to safely challenge Uemura's faction was that they counted General Tenzai amongst their number. The Ministry of National Security's fearsome Imperial Security Agency was one of the most wide-reaching and pervasive intelligence organisations in the world, infamous throughout the world for their thoroughness, experience, and surveillance. It was said that the Imperial Security Agency watched their own homeland more than anywhere else in the world, and this provided the Grand Marshal with the adequate check-and-balance against Uemura's kenpeitai.

"The upcoming operations have already been planned for months, since the ISA first learned of Shikonjima's plans to reunify with the Duchies," the Grand Marshal began explaining, "we will exploit Shikonjima's currently volatile situation. We will isolate them and make them drive away their own allies, while feeding internal political turmoil. Overwhelming pressure will force them to accept Yamataian aid in the situation, and we will replace these foreign barbarians as their rightful partners."

"We will finally gain our much-needed strategic foothold in the region, and Shikonjima will be freed from weak leadership and foreign subversion," General Tenzai stared at General Uemura, "much of our work is already done for us. The ongoing Vickyleaks scandal is already placing pressure on Shikonjima. We merely have to add to the fire."

Flipping through the documents that lay before him, Minister of the Navy Admiral Matsunaga smiled, nodding his head in agreement. He was particularly happy that the substantial handful of "swing ministers", who were members of neither the Pacifist nor Nationalist Factions, were also nodding in agreement with the plan.

"I understand that the Imperial Navy is to carry out a mass mobilisation," Admiral Matsunaga began, "however, did Shikonjima not reject our offer of aid? How would this cause them to ask us for aid?"

"We are weaponising our own international image," General Tenzai grimly replied, inhaling sharply, "everyone in this room is well aware that Yamatai is not seen very positively abroad. Where Nippon used a positive image to influence the world, Yamatai shall use our infamous image to do so. Information leaks will be made to imply that members of Shikonjima's government secretly asked for Yamataian help in the current situation, which would create confusion and discord within their government while creating concern amongst the Principality's allies that they have called Yamatai for help."

"And when their culturally weak allies inevitably leave them, we will be in a good position to actually move in to assist them in building a more stable and stronger position in the region. It is unfortunate that the rest of the world does not see this Great Empire for what it truly is," Grand Marshal Miyazaki remarked, nodding in solemn agreement with General Tenzai's explanation.

"The final step in this plan is Operations Plan Baika," General Tenzai continued, referring to a specific page in the dossier, "a general destabilisation operation carried out by our ISA field agents and assets, which has been in preparation for several months. Though the Shikonjimanese government has met with much success in restoring order, a large separatist movement and discontented masses still exist. We simply have to re-ignite the fire."

"Though the Empress did not approve of us carrying out a military intervention without her express order," Grand Marshal Miyazaki stood up from her seat, her expression uncannily matching her own portrait on the wall behind, "she did allow us to prepare for one."

ARAMAKI DAISUKE COMPLEX, YAMATAIAN MINISTRY OF NATIONAL SECURITY
(REDACTED), YAMATAI IMPERIAL SECURITY AGENCY HEADQUARTERS
HEIAN, GREATER EMPIRE OF YAMATAI

Passing the two automatic doors of the security station, guarded by a pair of armed soldiers, Colonel Shimano Futoshi was hit with a wave of amazement as the pair rounded the corner. Deep within the Imperial Security Agency's headquarters, this cavernous chamber served as the nerve centre of the Greater Empire's global intelligence operations. The ISA's operations portfolio included everything from internal and external surveillance, assassinations, black operations, information warfare and gathering, and of course, regime destabilisation operations. Rows upon rows of workstations manned by ISA personnel and their supervisors occupied the large room, with a bank of huge screens occupying the far wall displaying a wide variety of maps, data, local times in various cities, and much more that the infantry officer could not discern.

"Like what you see?" The Director of the ISA, Goto Takahiro, gestured for Colonel Shimano to enter a meeting room in the middle of the chamber, "we call it The Hub."

"It's impressive," the heavyset military officer replied, still looking around in wonder as they entered the glass-walled room, "like something out of a movie, even."

"Glad you like it," Director Goto smiled, pressing a button that turned the meeting room soundproof and the glass walls opaque.

Colonel Shimano was one of the Grand Marshal's personal liaisons, sent here to oversee the deployment of Operations Plan Baika in Shikonjima. Over the past months, once Shikonjima had been identified as an ongoing operations zone, the unwitting nation had been seeded with dozens of agents, sleeper agents had been reactivated, and hundreds of thousands of En worth of equipment and weapons had been smuggled or otherwise illicitly prepared around the world to find their way into Shikonjima when the time came. One particularly complex operation was the delivery of several tons of industrial chemicals for the manufacture of explosives into Shikonjima, involving numerous shell companies and shipments getting lost to pirates or disposal, with the chemicals somehow reaching the hands of separatist elements in the foreign country.

"Net monitoring algorithms recently discovered a sudden flood of social media traffic has suddenly emerged regarding Shikonjima," Director Goto explained, taking his seat at the head of the meeting table, "pattern analysis has reason to believe some kind of third party is getting involved, and are stirring up public opinion against Shikonjima."

"All the better, sir, saves us the trouble of doing that ourselves," a short, middle-aged woman with shoulder-length hair entered the room with a hardened laptop, setting it down gingerly in front of Shimano and bowing slightly to him.

"Colonel, this is Agent Tamura Miki, the operations leader for Operations Plan Baika," Director Goto nodded at her as she took her seat opposite the military officer, whose polished bald head reflected the stark fluorescent lighting in the room.

"I'm Colonel Shimano, liaison for the Imperial Grand Marshal," Shimano bowed slightly in his seated position, "I am also here to dispense the Grand Marshal's order to commence."

"Then commence we shall, Colonel," Director Goto gestured to Agent Tamura.

She began typing into her computer. A string of numbers sent out via satellite on an extremely encrypted and rarely-used frequency often referred to by radio enthusiasts as the "Yamataian Buzzer", the agents within Shikonjima would receive their coded message to commence the next phase of operations. Infiltration had been completed, and armament was progressing well. Now it was time for chaos to reign.

"Ascend Mount Hotaka."

HOME OF ICHIGAWA SAYURI
PRINCIPALITY OF SHIKONJIMA

In the mid-afternoon, a local mailman, none the wiser to any greater machinations that he was a part of, dropped off an innocuous letter addressed to one Ichigawa Sayuri, local right-leaning author and a relative of the infamous General Ichigawa. There was no return address on the outside, but other than that it looked just like any other piece of fan mail. After delivering the letter, the man left to continue his route.

Inside of the plain white envelope was a single sheet of paper, with no indication of the sender. Dusting for fingerprints would reveal nothing, though the letter was handwritten in traditional calligraphy. Most damning, of course, would be the printed email address registered to the famous Yamataian search engine provider's email service.

"Ichigawa-san,

This country can become strong again.

You just have to choose the right allies and the right leaders.

Are you ready to make the change?

yuki-onna@tsubaki.com"

SAMBOUSHIRO PROMENADE HOTEL
SAMBOUSHIRO, MIKUMA
PRINCIPALITY OF SHIKONJIMA

The Eternal Moon hung high in the sky, though its light was not strong enough to fight against Samboushiro's city lights. On the balcony of his hotel room, in the very same hotel from which the Riysian journalists had ignited the global news shitstorm days ago, Yoroi Sakon relaxed on the rattan chair, a glass of ice-cold beer and a lit cigarette in his hands. He was a drinking fountain salesman here for a transaction with a local company that was attempting to upgrade its factories' facilities in the wake of a post-unification economic boom. Almost 45 years old, he already had greying hair. The transaction unexpectedly delayed by the recent public violence, Yoroi was now left with nothing to do but enjoy the hotel's bar and the cheap local alcohol.

Scratching his belly, the man took a drag of his cigarette and sighed. He always disliked tropical climates. These countries reminded of bad memories in the past. Unable to sleep despite the time, Yoroi looked out at a city that didn't seem to want to go to sleep. Recent social media-fuelled outrage was sparking violence yet again, and the noise could be heard from all over the city. He fiddled with his smartphone, unlocking and locking it three times before placing it on the table, atop a local newspaper that he had done some writing on in an empty corner. Mostly numbers, and a complex equation. And a sentence he had scrawled half a day ago.

"Ascend Mount Hotaka."

Yoroi Sakon flicked his depleted cigarette off the side of the balcony, looking out into the distance at the Nanaou Airfield on the hills outside of the city. Half a second later, completely by coincidence, though Yoroi found his timing hilariously impeccable, several explosions rocked the airbase. The "drinking fountain salesman" scratching his belly again knew that the main runway would be lightly damaged, the fuel stores would be set ablaze, the antenna farm would be ruined, and the main gate would be hit by a bomb-loaded truck, or at least that was what was supposed to happen. As blurry images of the attacks flooded the social medias, faint cheers echoed through the city. The now-infamous promenade that he could see from his position was filling with people yet again, chanting slogans and cheering the attacks.

The veteran ISA agent knew just enough to be aware that this social media manipulation had not been done by his own organisation. Some third party was in play here, and little information other than their existence was known by the ISA. In this case, their disruption and media manipulation had been masterful and very helpful to the Yamataian cause. His field agents and sleeper agents began to report back to him as more blasts echoed across the city, hitting police stations and other symbols of authority, perpetrated by both unwitting locals secretly armed by the ISA though very roundabout methods or the agents themselves. The world had to descend into chaos before the Empire could come in to restore order in their own style.

An investigation into the airfield bombings would lead local intelligence authorities to a local pro-separation group that recently purchased a large amount of industrial chemicals from pirates operating in the Sea of Songthom, who had stolen them from a Karlsland-registered freighter, which was carrying them for another company... Simply put, the links to Yamatai were very few and far between. Having existed for most of his life in the various lives the ISA had him live, the veteran field agent and the overall ground commander for Operations Plan Baika felt secure in his globally infamous agency's skills.

Using a cheap windproof lighter he picked up at the airport concession, Yoroi lit up another cigarette. Police sirens could be heard now. The familiar adrenaline rush reminded him how this used to be his favourite part of operations. Age made him more cautious, but watching things blow up from a distance like some demented chessmaster out of an anime still had a certain thrill to it.

Shikonjima was now trapped in a tsumi. Anything they did from this point on would benefit the Yamataian plan. As would whatever all these foreign parties were planning. After all, a nation so obsessed with order and stability as the Greater Empire would never allow such disorderly conduct, would it?

by **Shikonjima** » Fri Feb 21, 2020 8:47 am

To: Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.
From: Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
Subject: The Ferinan-Archipelago.
Encryption level: For Your Eyes Only.

Dear Razia,
I agree entirely. Praised be the hot sources of Nashinya making the OAC possible!

This, and as soon as she passes the Aogawa Passage, a small group of destroyers of the Akizuki Ducal Navy (now part of the RSN) will accompany her to guide her safely through the particularly dangerous waters, where some profound local knowledge might be needed.
I think, I know where I'm going to spend some vacation, as soon as this monkey-dance is over ...
Indeed, these 'leaks' by VickyLeaks come completely out of thin air. Not only does it ignore the normally well-known fact, that Jitsuko and I never communicate through the digital channels, but send motorcycle messengers through Nashinya in order to exchange information, but they are also faked in a notoriously poor manner - the 'linguistic particularities' were already pointed out in the Press Release. The only way to counter this would be to continue broadcasting the truth.
Indeed, the Yamataians are not exactly squeamish. I'm unsure, too, and so is a good friend of mine who won't exactly be unknown to you, and whom you certainly will hear from in some way or the other very soon.

I can imagine ...

Signed,
Yamura no Kyouko

P.S.: Thank you!

To: Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.
From: HRM Atakheer Khan, Lord of the Sharulsi Khanate, Father of the Steppes, Son of the Yellow Desert, Unifier of the Black Hordes.
Subject: The Ferinan-Archipelago & Yamatai involvement.
Encryption level: For Your Eyes Only.

Esteemed Sultana,
I am not sure as to why HRM Yamura no Kyouko-Khatun, who, as you know, happens to be a good friend of mine, has already informed you about the concerns I have, but I assume, that you are aware of the readiness of the Great Empire of Yamatai to get involved into the matter of the Ferinan-Archipelago by the deployment of military forces.
I will be frank: I don't trust the Yamataian government at all. I am well aware of the personal bond between Kyouko and Empress Kiyono, I have seen her during Kyouko's coronation nine years ago - but both countries had immensely close ties during the 1950s and 1960s and pretty much the same ideology, system, and doctrines, and while under Shinji-Khan's rule, a lot has changed in Shikonjima, towards a less militarist and more responsible doctrine and policy, Yamatai has maintained its nationalism, militarism, and imperialism still into these days. This is troublesome, because I have serious concerns about the security of the Shikonjimanese people (and indirectly, my own), should Yamatai keep preparing for an intervention. I know, that we actually should all be on the same side, but I am not convinced, that the Yamataians have anything good in mind.
With this said, I know about the Shikonjimanese pride, and that some people in the RSA would consider it an embarrassment to call for allies, but just in case, I have initiated a surprise exercise of a carrier battlegroup around the SKS Gantulga, and I strongly advice the RKN group to slowly advance towards the EEZ of the Shikonjimanese Realm. I haven't talked to Silas, Arafat, and Guillermo as of yet, but I wouldn't be too surprised, if they didn't have any similar concerns about this. I am confident, that at least one of them has already prepared for assisting.
As for those VickyLeaks things, I believe in this as much as I believe in purple cows. It is almost ridiculously obvious how false they are - every school class would have put more effort into designing such faked evidence! However, I am aware, that there are enough people out there who believe these things without any further questions. We're living in strange times.

Respectfully yours,
Signed,
Atakheer Khan

Kiyoda Airfield, near Kiyoda, Duchy of Taihou.
Unlike the much larger Nanaou Airfield, which was large enough to provide space for an entire group of interceptors, the Kiyoda Airfield barely provided hangars for half a dozen of planes, and also only provided one runway. And while the Nanaou Airfield provided a scenic view over Samboushirou and the ocean, its counterpart in Kiyoda was located in a narrow valley between two densely-forested mountains.
This airfield had two distinct advantages - one, it was perfect for landing maneuvers of smaller planes without being located too obviously close to a densely populated city, and two, it wasn't too far away from where the first investigations would start, in Yatsukata.
Four Oukeikyoku Agents waited for their RBI colleagues to arrive - Captain Airi Toyomura herself, as well as the Supervisory Special Agents Noritoshi Asahara, Souji Inukai, and Sakura Kataoka. They were all uniformed, and while they were quite a bit nervous, they did everything in their power to not show it too obviously. In fact, it had little to do with the arrival of their colleagues from Kuronami itself - the RBI had an excellent reputation in these parts, especially since their involvement in the investigations on the Al'Arz Attack in Utica last June -, but rather with the ongoings in general.
There would be a lot of work to do when it came to issues such as figuring out who the people behind VickyLeaks were, even though they weren't considered an immediate security threat, despite some people believing the stuff that was quite obviously fake. It didn't surprise anyone, that they didn't even bother answering the legitimate questions in a communiqué from the operations department of the k.u.k. Kriegsmarine. The IADD, however, was right, of course - the accusations of the IAS Ebon Atoll being involved into some invasion of a Ferinan-Archipelago was a blatant insult towards the sailors and pilots who had lost their lives in the accident. Toyomura was sure, that the Astarians had an interest in tracking the fakers down, too.
The announced involvement of Yamatai was bothersome for quite a few people, too, not only for Kyouko, Razia-Sultana, and, especially, Atakheer Khan, but also for the officers of the Oukeikyoku. The YISA, Yamataian Imperial Security Agency, was known for its accurate work, and there were quite a few Yamataians around, as a quick check had revealed, and for sure not for tourism, at least not all. No one would be surprised, if the one or the other Yamataian around would turn out as a spook.
What would happen tonight, though, that came unexpected for everyone.
Unbeknownst to everyone, a woman from the surrounding area of Nashinya named Anda Shimizu was everything else than your average Shikonjimanese NGO employee, but rather had a true 'name', for a given definition of the term, reminding more of a Shikonjimanese postal address code, a code consisting of letters and numbers. The Oukeikyoku would soon learn, that her perfect curriculum vitae and appearance was indeed what it was - perfect. Too perfect.
But Toyomura was quite sure, that her colleagues and the colleagues from the RBI would soon be able to make sense of all this, once the latter would arrive.

One day later ...

Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Official Press Release

February 21, Wakaijidai 10 (2020).

Last night, a series of explosive attacks on the Nanaou Airfield, as well as several police stations in Samboushiro, Mikuma, occured. The authorities are currently determining the exact number of dead and injured people; as of currently, 39 cases of death and more than 80 lethal injuries are officially confirmed by the police authorities. The Nanaou Airfield is seriously damaged; the antenna farm, the main gate, as well as several fuel tanks have been destroyes completely, the runway is only slightly damaged.
We condemn these deeds as shameful attacks not only on the Shikonjimanese state and integrity, but also on the entire country and people, and the Shikonjimanese state will react accordingly. The RSA Command has ordered to deploy the 32nd and 33rd Infantry Regiment to the Duchy of Mikuma in order to assist in restoring order and peace in its territories, which it continues to consider rightful Shikonjimanese core lands.
The Oukeikyoku works on investigating on the entities behind this series of attacks, along with its colleagues of the Royal Bureau of Investigation of the Empire of Kuronami, as well as other intelligence agencies who regularly conduct investigation activities in Shikonjima.
Due to the safety of foreign expatriats and visitors no longer being granted, the RSA, RSN, and RSAF will assist in the repatriation of foreign citizens into their home countries. Further information can be found at any local department of Royal authorities, as well as www.srmofa.sj/lang=en/updates.
On a different note - the ridiculous allegations made on the VickyLeaks platform will not be commented on.

For any concerns you might have, we will be available permanently. For maximum efficiency, we ask you to make sure to send your messages to the appropriate recipient address.
For all official state communication: Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bakufu no Hiroba, Nashinya, N01SX504, Shikonjima.
For all non-state and press communication: Royal Press Office, Kurogawa 02, Furushima/Akebono, UB63DB38, Shikonjima.

From: ichigawa-sayuri@yuubin.sj
To: yuki-onna@tsubaki.com

Dear whoever-you-are,
May I kindly inquire as to who you are and what you mean by "the right allies and the right leaders"?
Thank you in advance.

Ichigawa Sayuri

by **Kyrenaia** » Fri Feb 21, 2020 10:01 am

Soraya Geal.
TBA-Dorms, Room 11-91.
An often unknown fact about me and Mahmut was, that I was a year older. He was vintage 2005, I was vintage 2004. Still, we entered school in the same year, 2010, so we would graduate in the same year, 2024. That meant, that we were at the same point in the curriculum.
And, ironically enough, that we had issues in the same areas. Mathematics, in particular.
There were parts of the bloody stuff, which madmen must have conceived while... ahem.
We were going through it step by step, like the book recommended, when there was suddenly commotion on the hallway. Glad for the distraction, we looked over to the door, tried to discern voices and sounds, until someone threw the door open.
Atif, a lad from Mahmut's class, looked at us, caught his breath, then explained: "Sorry for the interruption, lovebirds, but you'd want to see that, Mahmut."
Mahmut's interest was awoken, I saw it in his golden eyes. "Well, we weren't getting anywhere anyway.", he said and rose, I followed him suit.
As we moved towards the common room, the room was full, but the lads and a few lassies, still found room to make way for us. Someone mumbled something about the two of us looking "like the bloody Ilkhan and his wife", which Mahmut most certainly heard and ignored.
The room was silent other then that and the sounds the TV was emitting.
As we arrived behind one of the sofas with excellent view of the TV, one of the lads sitting there, arm slung around his girlfriend, looked up as Mahmut rested his forearms on the backrest. He gave an affirmative grunt - I recognized both the young man and his girl, the former being Ilia Wasi. His older brother was a naval aviator with the Carrier Group 6.
On the TV, it looked like some sort of shaky-cam movie. Explosions, fire, screams, I think even gunfire.
A tab in the corner said, that this was from a police station in Samboushiro, Mikuma.
The report switched back into the studio, the newscaster quickly rattling down facts, of attacks on police stations and an air force base in the Ferinan-Archipelago, of bombs, wounded, dead...
Of smear campaigns against Shikonjima and VickyLeaks.
I shuddered, Mahmut's eyes were hard, as he watched. I knew, that his mind was reeling, rattling, turning - making connections with information no other Middle Schooler in Kyrenaia was privy to. With an intellect, not many could match, no matter their age.
Behind us, hushed whispers began as our schoolmates began to make their own theories up.
And around ten minutes after our arrival, the telephone on one of the sideboards rang, one of the lads taking it and reporting correctly as: "Common Room, TBA-Dorm 11, Damir Madramanzil speaking." He listened for a moment, then rose to his full height and almost crashed his head into the sideboard as he replied: "Of course not, Milady! I'll send him down in a moment!"
He hung up without saying goodbyes and turned around the eyes of the whole room on him: "Uhm, Mahmut... there's a car waiting for you downstairs, pal. Apparently, you're needed with the Old Dreadnought."
The Prince nodded. "Thank you, Damir.", he said and put a hand on Ilia's shoulder, before whispering: "Pray for you brother, Ilia."
A moment later, he motioned for me to follow him. The driver of the W-115, a Handmaiden from the Azure Hall, and her two escorting motorcycles, allowed me to accompany him.
I had a strange feeling in the pit of my stomach as I, from the back seat of the armoured limousine, saw the KGS-21 Heavy Submachine Gun on the passenger seat. And it only became stranger when the armoured limousine did not turn towards the palace sitting high above Utica.
I had the strange feeling, that things were about to become messier then they already were - whatever these things were and however messy they already were.

Official Press Release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Kyrenaia

On the matter of the ongoing matters in the Ferinan-Archipelago:
In the Name of Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness, I am honoured to publish this message.
The Sultanate of Kyrenaia hereby strongly condemns the hideous attacks on military and police stations in Samboushiro. This terrorist attack on allied military and law enforcement personell will not stand. The Sultanate hereby promises to send all information, which might be helpful in finding the perpetrators and their backers, to the authorities in Shikonjima and to render all help and assistance, which might be required, both in word and in deed.
In the Name of Her Majesty, Her Government and the People of Kyrenaia, I also want to express our deepest condolences to the families of those, who perished in those attacks, and our best wishes for recovery of those, who were wounded. May the Lioness welcome the Dead at Her Side.

Forthermore, the Sultanate continues to acknowledge both the claim of the Principality to the Ferinan-Archipelago and the Treaty on the Reincorporation of the Seven Duchies of the Ferinan-Archipelago into the Shikonjimanese Realm, as it was given to paper on the 6th of February, Wakaijidai 10, in Nashinya. As far as we are concerned, these lands are rightful Shikonjiman Ground and Soil, the citizens Shikonmanjese.

For all communication by state-actors, please send your messages to:
Azad Safir, Vizier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Qaleatan Maktab, Utica, Ilkhanate of Utica, Sultanate of Kyrenaia.
For all communication by non-state-actors and press, please send your messages to:
Public Relations Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sub-Department 01, Qaleatan Maktab, Utica, Ilkhanate of Utica, Sultanate of Kyrenaia.
As usual, messeges sent to the wrong recipient will not be replied to!

To:
Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
CC:
Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bakufu no Hiroba, Nashinya, N01SX504, Shikonjima.

From:
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

Subject:
The Ferinan-Archipelago.

Diplomatic Correspondence.
NOT to be released.

Dear Kyouko,
my apologies for the briefness of this note, but pressing matters require my attention. Some of these matters indeed have to do with you, your nation and the Ferinan-Archipelago. I hereby, in a more unofficial way, reassert the message of the recent press release, namely that Kyrenaia will render any assistance it might be able to.

Thank you for the escort, I am sure, that with that at her side, the Niematan will arrive safely where she needs to go.
Alternatively, it would be my pleasure to welcome you in Oea.

I have received the message of our shared, old friend. Needless to say, that I agree with him.

Signed,
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad

To:
HRM Atakheer Khan, Lord of the Sharulsi Khanate, Father of the Steppes, Son of the Yellow Desert, Unifier of the Black Hordes.

From:
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

Subject:
The Ferinan-Archipelago and Yamatai involvement.

Diplomatic Correspondence.
NOT to be released.

Dear and Esteemed Friend, Peace, a cool breeze and water may be upon You and the Steppe Lands!
With the formalities paid homage to, allow me to come to the point: I agree. Their readiness to move and their eagerness to do so is typical and admittedly quite unexpected as there are, apparently, issues in need of being solved in Yamatai itself.
I share your sentiment of trust regarding them as well, I don't trust them as far as I can throw them (which is, admittedly, not as far as I would wish anymore these days, I am sure, that you are familiar with that problem). Their tendencies to reaffirm their own superiority, by the means of arms if necessary, is well-known internationally and their eagerness to reach for the sword first thing in the morning is equally concerning, especially in this situation.
Be assured, that Kyrenaia will stand by its allies and friends, both Shikonjima, Lillorainen, Shamsiyya and the Sharulsi-Khanate. Anything we can do and, should that have to be done within your or Kyouko's country's borders, which you allow us to do, will be done.
I hope, that Kyouko's Pride looses against her sense for reality and that she asks for help, including for help from outside, before it is to late. I know, how bitter that pill is, I had to swallow it and my pride quite a few times, and I am sure, that you know the same, but sometimes, it is necessary. I am sure, that if push came to shove, she would be more eager to listen to you more then to an old dreadnought as I am.
Strange times indeed... strange times, in which a teenager struggling with his math homeworks is typing down this message because, in his words, "The Sultana cannot into computers."

Signed with respect and a healthy dose of concerns,
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad

P.S.: Please inform the SKS Gantulga and her battlegroup, that if they need a place to rest the propellers for a bit, the Shajarat Alnakhil would be more then willing to welcome them. And that they watch out for Kyrenaian Signals, for we are conducting our own exercises a thousand kilometers away. No need for any weird moments or accidents. Commander of CG6 is Admiral Rasha Qiada.

P.P.S.: Lillorainen and Shamshiyya have their other allies as well. That SEA-Treaty seems to come in quite handy.

Lion 3-3, Lieutenant Amir Wasi.
Three days.
The plan had been, that we would remain at the Shajarat Alnakhil, the largest off-shore naval base of the RKN, for three days, would relax after the surprise mobilization exercise, refuel, refill what we had used up, watch the local Footvolley Tournament...
We hadn't even been here for one day, when RKN Tartib led her sizeable fleet out at sea again.
Carrier Group 6, in its entirety, plus a number of supply and support ships, plus submarines. Quite a few of those.
We would be conducting exercises "near Shikonjima", a few hundred kilometers out at sea, well out of the territorial waters and at a point at sea, where the closest geographic reference point was "near Shikonjima." It was not planned to cross into the airspace of Shikonjima, but if we would, there were already letters pre-written, in which the pilot personally apologized for the transgression and offered to stand trial for his crime within reason (for illegal entry, for example).
While flying as Carrier Air Patrol, we were instructed to greet any aircraft friendly and cautiously, especially Shikonmanjese and Sharulsi. We knew, that a battlegroup of the Sharulsi would conduct an exercise closeby, they were informed about us as well, but it was always better to be safe then to be sorry.
Lives were at stake here - here, in this bloody mess.
My little brother at the TBA had sent me a letter a few days ago, with new photoes of him and his girlfriend and of some of his girlfriend's friends from the Swimmer Team... how much I wished to be there right now instead of right here! Admiral Qiada would lead us through this safely, I was sure of that, but still... we had seen the news.
What if the Shikos were lying through their bloody teeth?

by **Kuronami** » Fri Feb 21, 2020 12:46 pm

Déjà vu all over again

Nearly a year ago this same group of inspectors from Kuronami's RBI were sent to aid in the investigation of terrorist bombings in The Sultanate now here they were again to do the same, well that became a sort of last minute addition to their mission. At first this was intended to be a simple fact finding mission to document and observe the tense situation in Shikonjima as it annexed territories belonging to them and it drew much differences in opinions in the world. Even The Empress herself was a bit on the fence with it though she wouldn't admit that publicly, that's why this mission was here but now in light of a series of attacks now it was going to become a series of criminal investigations.

Terrorism is a difficult crime to broach. It often treads a thin line of civil law enforcement agencies and military force. Terrorism usually motivated by political motives to silence, infuriate or intimidate the side of the opposition that you commit acts of extremism for and the only way to combat it is to face it head one be it through either the needs of law enforcement or military action. For now this was a law enforcement issue. Kuronami did what it could to help Kyrenaia on top of securing it's own citizens in the country.

The team of Inspectors from Kuronami's Royal Bureau of Investigation (sometimes inverted as RIB which comes with some comical snickers) a small team it was, five people considering plenty from the host nation would be here no doubt they'd have things covered and if needed they could always call for more back home if allowed.

Inspector Charame Rosenberg, her field in the Bureau was usually finical and white collar crime, Inspector Alysha Black, specializing in violent crime investigations, standard inspector on site for an incident like this. A sharp dresser in a black suit and tie with a white collard shirt, more traditional and formal for those who might opt for something kind of casual or a branded RBI shirt and/or jacket.

Inspector Yuta Togashi, criminal profiler, young man and new agent but already respected for a profile that snagged a dormant serial killer who nearly evaded detection for decades, whom had been stalking Kuronami's farmlands. Forensics Expert, Victor Gunter also a crime scene photographer, nothing escaped his lens and each tiny detail of a crime scene matters. Inspector Tuvalu de Akvo, cyber crimes, unless these terrorists were using homing pigeons, she'd be searching for their digital footprints. Given how uproarious social media was over this situation, it would mean hours of scouring PiffleNet and Setz for information, and that was just the viable web.

Lance C. Waltz, Organized Crime Division, fairly older than most of the group but hardly a curmudgeon passed over one too many times. His years of service and his age, one would assume he was the agency director, section director or the very least, the director of this case but he had no interest in driving a desk, he was Field Agent first and foremost it's what he worked and enjoyed.

This team lead by Special Inspector Douglas Rosenberg, older than most of the younger inspectors on the team but younger than even Inspector Waltz. His most recent claim to fame was uncovering a massive money laundering and human trafficking ring that ran between The Empire and their friends in the UIS. Very Déjà vu again with all of them again tasked with overseeing this case. Each of them read over case files presented to them. "First thing is first," Rosenberg said to his team, "We'll have to determine the overall stability of the situation and send our report back. The big guns back home are thinking of upgrading the advisory to a warning."

Inspector Togashi spoke up just floored by it, this was pretty rare in Kuronami, worst was usually mob-on-mob violence. "We're looking at one maybe several unsubs in this considering the spread of attacks and sheer amount of casualties. Needless to say this is going to be a lot more difficult than Utica."

"We'll have to see what they want from us to do and go where they tell us to go but do your best to get around. Meantime we'll go by the book here. Our main objective has changed though, the bombings are taking top priority of joint investigation."

"Any Kuronami citizens killed?" Inspector Black asked

"None that we know of yet but this situation is still unfolding it's too soon to say."

Their team's flight arrived where directed now they'd await their hosts.

by **Austria-Bohemia-Hungary** » Fri Feb 21, 2020 2:05 pm

The Press Office of the Imperial and Royal War Navy
Trieste

The Press Office of the Imperial and Royal War Navy is delighted to announce that in the name of furthering our naval cooperation with our various allies Her Majesty's Carrier Battlegroup Babenberg, along with the Fusonese First Carrier Division are being redeployed for a training exercise in and around Shikonjimanese waters with our Kyrenaian colleagues. Additionally, the attached hospital ship will be evacuating Ostmarkian and Fusonese citizens from the beleaguered Ferinan islands and provide humanitarian aide as necessary. Her Majesty's Carrier Battlegroup Babenberg, consisting of fleet carriers HMS's Babenberg and Kaiser Rudolf I., a light fleet carrier, a ship-of-the-line, four cruisers, the aforementioned hospital ship and twelve frigates is currently on a scheduled cruise in the South Pacific. In other newsworthy items HM Submarine 114 has made a friendly port-of-call in HMNB Portsmouth, her schedule next week consists of training operations with the Queen Elizabeth battlegroup of the Royal Navy.

In reality, nothing of this sort was happening. HMS Babenberg was not in the South Pacific, or even on her way to Kyrenaia. She was drydocked in Pola, with large sheds over the big white hull numbers usually displayed on her flight deck and tarpaulin covering the entire bridge. The Fusonese carrier division was nowhere near what was stated by the Press Office either, they were instead on a shake-down cruise in the middle of the Pacific. HMS Kaiser Maximilian I. however was the one that was heading to Shikonjimanese waters from her current anti-piracy station in the Indian Ocean. Accompanying her were HMS's Monarch, Erzherzogin Sophie, and another of those Selkie-built light fleet carriers, and none of the aforementioned battleships. The four cruisers, the hospital ship and the twelve frigates were there, in addition to two fleet submarines nobody else other than high command knew about. Following them at a few hours cruising distance was a battleship-battlegroup centered on HMS Szent István. Now the Imperial and Royal Monarchy would wait and see how many of the various opinionated actors in the crisis went for this maskirovka of theirs.

Half a planet away, HM Submarine 114 was equally nowhere to be found on her alleged station in the North Atlantic with the Queen Elizabeth battlegroup of the Royal Navy. She was instead speeding along deep towards the Ferinan Islands, scheduling an arrival on station in the next few days.

The Imperial and Royal Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Of the Kingdoms and Lands in Reichsrath Represented, the Lands of the Holy Hungarian Crown of Saint Stephen and the Lands of the Bohemian Crown of Saint Wenceslaus

To: Open Letter
From: The Imperial and Royal Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Encryption Level: Unencrypted

Ladies and Gentlemen

The Imperial and Royal Ministry for Foreign Affairs wishes to register its sternest condemnation of the recent senseless, indiscriminate bombings on the Ferinan Islands. If the so-called "Freedom Fighters" wishes to advance their futile struggle against a status quo that has been around since before the birth of their distant ancestors they are welcome to do so without turning their own homes into a caricature of Somalia circa 1994. The Imperial and Royal Government as a whole extends our sincere condolences to colleagues in the Shikonjimanese civil and military services forced to witness the beginnings of a full-blown and foreign funded insurrection against their Motherland on grounds that can be best described as laughable.
The Imperial and Royal Government wishes to further inform the wider international community that hospital ships of the Imperial and Royal Kriegsmarine is underway to the area to provide humanitarian aide. In a display of international goodwill we declare that these ships are not escorted by anything other than their clearly displayed symbols denoting their protected status under the Second Geneva Convention, and that attacking them is an internationally considered war crime that the Imperial and Royal Government will be prosecuting to the fullest extent of law.

In the name of
Ihre Kaiserliche und Königlich Apostolische Majestät, Maria Melanie I.; Von Gottes Gnaden, heiliger römischer Kaiserin, zu allen Zeiten Mehrer des Reiches, Kaiserin von Österreich, Apostolicher Königin von Ungarn, Königin von Böhmen; Königin von Lombardei und Venedig; von Dalmatien, Kroatien, Slawonien, Galizien, Lodomerien und Illyrien; Königin von Jerusalem; Erzherzogin von Österreich; Großherzogin von Toskana und Krakau; Herzogin von Lothringen, von Salzburg, Steyer, Kärnten, Krain und der Bukowina; Großfürstin von Siebenbürgen, Markgräfin von Mähren; Herzogin von Ober- und Niederschlesien, von Modena, Parma, Piacenza und Guastalla, von Auschwitz und Zator, von Teschen, Friaul, Ragusa und Zara; Gefürsteter Gräfin von Habsburg und Tirol, von Kyburg, Görz und Gradisca; Fürstin von Trient und Brixen; Markgräfin von Ober- und Niederlausitz und in Istrien; Gräfin von Hohenems, Feldkirch, Bregenz, Sonnenberg; Herrin von Triest, von Cattaro und auf der Windischen Mark; Großwojwodin der Wojwodschaft Serbien.

I have the honour to remain
The Imperial and Royal Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Privy House-, Court-, and State-Chancellor for Foreign Affairs
Her Serene Highness Alexandra Ignatia Prinzessin von Hardegg

by **Shikonjima** » Sat Feb 22, 2020 6:01 pm

To: Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.
From: Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku.
Subject: The Ferinan-Archipelago.
Encryption level: For Your Eyes Only.

Dear Razia,
Indeed, it is a troublesome matter, to say the very least, and the attacks in Samboushiro haven't exactly made it better. I understand, that Kheeree is very concerned about the issue of Yamataian involvement, and I can clearly see where he is coming from. He told me, that he was going to recommend the CG6 to move closer to the Shikonjimanese shore, and it might not be a bad idea. In the meantime, he will surely have the carrier battlegroup around the SKS Gantulga at readiness. Kheeree promised to keep me informed about any step he will go, so I will surely know more about the Sharulsi plans very soon.

No problem! I am sure about this, too.
Oh, I have heard, Oea is a nice place, too! I will surely take that into consideration - but that's something to spend thoughts on sometime else.

Signed,
Yamura no Kyouko

To: Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.
From: HRM Atakheer Khan, Lord of the Sharulsi Khanate, Father of the Steppes, Son of the Yellow Desert, Unifier of the Black Hordes.
Subject: The Ferinan-Archipelago & Yamatai involvement.
Encryption level: For Your Eyes Only.

Esteemed Sultana, may the Spirits of the Water send rain to the Five Deserts (you might need it more than us),
I am glad to hear, that I am not the only one concerned about this development, and I am even more glad to hear, that we can rely on your assistance and cooperation. Thank you a lot!
Indeed, if the information I have is correct, Yamatai has its own issues to solve and actually should focus on these rather than dealing with Shikonjima, but I think, that the Yamataians are either too proud to show this, or use the demonstration of power to distract its populace from these issues. Or they are afraid of losing influence outside their realm, thus gaining instability. Whichever might be true (provided, that any of these points is not), it will not add anything good to the already concerning situation.
All we need to rely on now is that Kyouko makes the right decision in the right moment (or way before that). I don't know whether or not she has already responded to your correspondence again, but if the last exchange between her and me is anything to go by, she is increasingly likely to accept our offer very soon as of now. Which gives me hope, faith, and confidence for the developments of the near future. And yes, it is a bitter pill to swallow, but we Sharulsi have quite developed a sense for reality as a result of the golden era of the Khaganate being long since over, and I hope, that the Shikonjimanese develop a similar sense now, too.
As for the 'old dreadnought' - for someone as young as Kyouko, the twelve years of age gap between the two of us will certainly mean little, even though I don't need to rely on a teenager typing down my messages. ; )

Signed with concerns, but also with hope,
Atakheer Khan

P.S.: The SKS Gantulga, commanded by Admiral Batu Tsagaanus, has been informed and will advance towards Shajarat Alnakhil soon, in accordance with Admiral Qiada. Should the plans change and a meeting point closer to the Shikonjimanese territorial waters be needed, the CG6 will be given the permission to enter Sharulsi territorial waters without any further ado. Of course, everything will be done to avoid awkward accidents.

P.P.S.: Praised be the SEA-Treaty! The world map simply looks nicer with more friends and allies on it.

Conference Room of the Yatsukata Royal Police Bureau, Yatsukata, Duchy of Taihou.
It was all but a miracle, that anyone could still find some space in the conference room of the Oukeikyoku's office in Yatsukata. The Inspectors of the RBI - Alysha Black, Douglas and Charame Rosenberg, Yuta Togashi, Victor Gunter, Tuvalu de Akvo, as well as Lance C. Waltz - had arrived at the Airfield safely; their Shikonjimanese colleagues Airi Toyomura, Noritoshi Asahara, Souji Inukai, and Sakura Kataoka had already explained the most basic things to them on the way to the office, but the number of worrisome points to deal with hadn't exactly grown smaller ... at least, they were confident, that the assistance of the k.u.k. Kriegsmarine and their hospital vessels would bear fruit. Similarly like with the Kyrenaian vessel, RSN vessels would surely guide the Imperial and Royal vessels safely through the waters.
Asahara and Inukai had stayed up all night after the attacks in Samboushiro, collecting as much evidence as possible. As a result, there was a round of Koucha, Shikonjimanese Black Tea, for everyone now, but also coffee as an alternative.
The agents from Shikonjima and Kuronami were not on their own, as one would clearly see at one glance into the corner of the room - a blonde, green-eyed woman in her early thirties, wearing a red t-shirt, a black leather jacket, as well as a pair of dark blue jeans fixed by a belt (even if they were actually skinny enough to not require being fixed) stood in the corner - Jette Nörvenich, Inspector of the MND FL, the Military Intelligence Agency of the Federation of Lillorainen, certainly known to the RBI Inspectors from the correspondence during the Al'Arz Investigations, even though her colleague Majström had conducted most of it. Next to her, her similarly aged and dressed, but black-haired and brown-eyed colleague Sherine Madinaoui, from the Shamsiyyan Mukhabarat, which had assisted as well. And the third one, Akamu Kapolei, a man in his late twenties, from the Mālama, the intelligence agency of the United Confederacy of the Moana Nui Islands, who, typical for a Moana Nui Islander, wore a colorful Hawaiian Shirt and a pair of grey shorts. He visibly tried to hide, that he enjoyed the company in this corner a lot.
An overhead projector threw pictures at the wall; the current one showing the crime scene near a police station.
"It is fairly obvious" - Captain Toyomura explained, "that the explosives used during all the attacks are military-grade. As suggested by Princess Hanna of Bavaria in a social media post, some of these explosives are likely to be stolen from a Karlslandic freighter operating in the Songthom Sea."
"Which raises the question why the Karlslandic authorities are unaware of the explosives being stolen" - Souji Inukai, an unassuming-looking Shikonjimanese man in his late forties, added. "My personal theory - but don't quote me on it - is that the freight was supposed to arrive in the hands of our enemies in the first place, whoever they might be. It is also the only way to explain why the freight was allowed to pass by Songthom in the first place, for I struggle to imagine, that the Yamataians would allow the transport of this type of freight through their waters in the first place, if they didn't profit from it."
"Which still can mean little" - Jette Nörvenich said. "Songthom is certainly not a bad location for the exchange of hot stuff without letting authorities become aware of it. It is well possible for this type of freight to make thousands of nautical miles and go through various hands without anyone noticing - which I certainly don't need to remind you of, as we have seen during the investigations in the Al'Arz incident last summer."
Madinaoui and Kapolei nodded. Various places in and around the Great Empire of Yamatai quite did share the strategic advantage of places such as the Kongani-Archipelago and Ragnarsson's Rock, where one could probably trade nukes without anyone noticing.
"It doesn't even mean, at least not technically, that the explosives must be of Karlslandic origin - at least not all of them" - Gunter's counterpart Asahara began. "Leftovers of the explosives we have analyzed in the lab suggest a mix of various mixtures used by numerous different militaries, including our own. One sample clearly suggests Shikonjimanese origin, but when we inquired at the RSA, no loss of any explosives in the last ten years was reported."
The overhead projector now switched the picture, showing a sophisticated chemical formula.
"Which could lead to the conclusion, that whoever may be behind these attacks, they might have been assisted by someone who has unlimited access to explosives of this very composition" - Sakura Kataoka, a woman in a black suit about the same age as Captain Toyomura, explained. "This might suggest a security leak somewhere in the RSA. Someone currently serving, perhaps of a higher position, might have an interest in destabilizing the political situation in Shikonjima for whatever reason. Most likely a dissident or a group thereof, with contacts abroad."

Ichigawa Sayuri's flat, Miyamachi, County of Akatsuki, Mainland Shikonjima.
Sayuri had almost forgotten about the mysterious letter she had received yesterday, which she had thought to be a joke, akin to some other letters she tended to receive among real fan mail, even though the calligraphy it was written in was surely something new, along with the email address hosted the mail service of the Yamatai-based search engine Tsubaki. She had decided to play along and write an email to that address, of course using Shikonjimanese Kana in their remarkably Runic style, but hadn't received a response so far, which led her to the conclusion, that someone had really just been pranking her.
Here in the southeast of the Mainland, the weather was nice and convenient today, sunny, 16 degrees Celsius - an unusually high temperature for this season, even in an area with subtropical climate. Sayuri didn't spend a lot of thoughts on whether or not this was unusual. The Lake Touyako was closeby, an ideal place for lakeside yoga, which, again, was a welcome relaxing activity to recover from the last two weeks and the whole shebang that was the propaganda war, especially in the press.
Unbeknownst to her, reality would catch up with her again very soon.
As she entered her flat, she noticed a sweetish smell in the corridor. She didn't immediately manage to figure out what kind it was, but it could easily pass as a mix of flavored cigarette smoke or vape and some cheap booze. And neither of which came from anything that belonged here.
Had anyone gained access to the flat, using a pick lock to open the door ...?
Sayuri went on through the dark corridor, slowly and quietly. If there had been a burglar around, he or she might or might not still be in the flat. She carefully moved her hand towards a certain place of her body, where she had found a creative way to hide a handgun she had made a habit of always carrying around ever since she had been assaulted years ago, by a group of students she astonishingly rarely received any fan mail from - an attack that wasn't too unlikely to happen to an author of politically controversial works ...
Suddenly, someone grabbed her hand from behind, softly, but with enough force to push it away.
"Don't even think of it!" - a voice from behind said.
It took Sayuri a few seconds to recover from the little heart attack - then, she turned around. The man she now saw in front of her turned the light on. Sayuri knew him, so she recovered quickly.
"Daraino's balls!" - she exclaimed. "Genjirou! Can't you ring the doorbell and wait for me, like normal people, instead of startling me like this?!"
Isozaki Genjirou, one of Sayuri's colleagues and fellow activists, quite one of the most radical ones, and, on a totally unrelated note, also an employee of the Military Intelligence Agency of the RSA, shrugged. "I did, but you weren't there, so I decided to just use my own key. After all, I didn't know what you're doing. But I guess ..." - he quickly looked down at her clothes, obvious telling what she had done in the meantime, "... now I do."
"So it's urgent, I guess?" - she asked.
"It is, indeed." The tall man in his early forties - admittedly not the worst-looking lad, quite on the contrary - put his arm around her shoulder and headed towards the living room. "Come on, Sayuri-chan, let's enjoy some second dinner." It was obvious what he meant by that. "Don't worry, I've brought my own stuff."
"I can smell that."
Genjirou had to grin. "It's hard to argue about tastes, eh?" They went to a U-shaped couch around a wooden table, on which a bottle of brandy and two glasses were placed, one of which had already been used. From the number of cigarettes in the ashtray next to it, one could guesstimate how long he had already been waiting. Indeed, it was hard to argue about tastes, and if one was into these strange flavored cigarettes and booze one could get for one Ryou and 999 Kirechan at any gas station, so be it.
As they sat, Genjirou opened his pack of cigarettes and offered one to Sayuri. "Wanna try? My favorite flavor - they taste like cinnamon."
Sayuri shrugged and took one. Genjirou instantly took a lighter out and gave her fire. As Sayuri blew the first smoke off, she frowned and said, "Well, for a given definition of the term 'taste' ..."
Genjirou filled both glasses with his brandy. "Let's not lose any more time, shall we? There are a few things we should talk about, and I assume, that you aren't too surprised about what they deal with, namely, with the current situation in Shikonjima and particular parts of it."
Sayuri grinned. "So, you're the ominous Yuki Onna with that strange mail and Yamataian address?"
Genjirou shook his head. "I have nothing to do with any mail you might have received. You know, that this is not my style."
"So, what's up with the situation at hand, aside from everything I already know?"
"You know, Sayuri-chan, it's a matter of the future of this country. I know what you're thinking, and you're right - it's always about that. But the recent developments made me think. We all know, that the reacquisition of the Ferinan-Archipelago would be a first great step to reach our final goal, namely, the restoration of the Shogunate, but I have my doubts, that this is realistically going to happen anytime soon."
"I'm aware of that." Sayuri took a sip of Genjirou's brandy. "Times have changed a bit since my Grandfather's lifetime."
"And I'm sure, that if your Grandfather were still alive, he would now urge you to take action" - Genjirou said. "Whoever might be behind the attacks in Samboushiro, he or she has an obvious goal - to weaken the power of the people who stand in the way of our mission. And I think, we can both agree on who these people are in particular."
"I'm not exactly a fan of killing innocent people, Genjirou-sempai" - Sayuri countered.
Genjirou nodded. "I don't say, the attacks were morally okay or anything along these lines." He took a drag of the nasty stuff he seemed to love smoking that much. "But realistically, this opens a chance up. Your Grandfather wouldn't have done anything else."
"But he was unquestioningly loyal to Yoshita-Shogun - at least until the end" - she noted. "And even beyond - after all, he committed Seppuku after Yoshita's open, official condemnation."
"Those were different times, though" - said Genjirou. "Realistically spoken, Yoshita has given the military enough power to basically run the Shogunate with the Royalty only intervening when necessary. It was our ideal state! And it showed where our current Royalty come from, historically spoken. Can you realistically imagine Kyouko-Koushaku giving us and our leadership a carte blanche like that?" He let a beat pass. "Of course not" - he answered his rhetorical question to himself. "At least not under normal circumstances. But this crisis is the ultimate chance to finally achieve our goals!"
Sayuri took another sip and frowned. "I don't think, that foreign powers would simply let you do, step back, watch, and call it a day" - she said. "The Sharulsi consider Kyouko-Koushaku important to keep the region stable, and so do the Lillos, the Shamsiyyans ... and we haven't talked about the Kyrenaians yet. I have my doubts, that you've really thought this through."
"But the Yamataians would be fans" - Genjirou countered. "And with their intervention offer, they might support our cause. All these things put a good load of pressure onto the current leadership, Kyouko-Koushaku in particular. This comes in quite handy for us."
"I would still be careful" - Sayuri warned. "I would expect a lot of resistance - from the Royalty, from the Shikonjimanese people, as well as from governments and people around the world. Actions against the current establishment, especially illegal ones, can backfire easily."
"I'm not talking about any illegal actions against anybody" - Genjirou said, but his tone and mimics already told, that he was adding, At least not as of yet, in thoughts. "All I'm talking about is a bit more participation in the current propaganda war that has evolved around this matter. And that's where you, Sayuri-chan, will come into play. A few more of these lovely articles, maybe, on the long term, even a new book - and who knows, depending on where the entire thing goes, there might be a Shikonjimanese Ministry of Propaganda someday?" He let a beat pass. "And let's be honest, I can't think of anyone more suitable for a position like this than you."
With her eyebrows raised, Sayuri took a sip of her brandy. "I repeat my inquiry - have you really thought this through?"
Genjirou grinned. "I might have to work a few details out, sure - but when it comes to this, I do believe in you."

by **New Visayan Islands** » Sat Feb 22, 2020 10:33 pm

Atty. Damian George S. Enario, MBA, JD
La Sociedad de Ramón Magsaysay Headquarters, Tagbilaran City, BH
February 20th, AD 2020
0944 PHT

The third president of the Ramon Magsaysay Society, as La Sociedad was know in English, was with members of the National Council and a distinguished guest discussing the course of action the Society took the previous night; for the first time in the history of La Sociedad, it endorsed a presidential candidate. Nichol Llano was a real estate magnate who wished to bring the Confederation back to the values that gave it the endurance to withstand what the Society called "the blandishments of the fascist royalists and the godless communists alike," by which it meant the Kingdom of New Luzon and the Bangsamoro People's Republic, respectively.
Members of the press were present as Enario declared that the Society would support Llano and his policies, with Llano all too happy to oblige.
"Visayans, let us give credit to whom it is due: President Cui has accomplished more in his second term than any other president short of President Cortez. He has opened the Confederation up to the world at large, for good or ill, and has teamed up with the Council to see to the Confederation's integration into the global community," Llano began.
"But let's face it: the Second Cui Administration can only do so much, and with Cui stepping down on January next year, someone has to take up the mantle and get the job of ensuring a strong, prosperous, and free Confederation that can stand on her own two feet, beholden to neither jackboot nor crown, and suffering no fascist, no communist, and no imperialist."
"Ladies and gentlemen," Enario added, "as was announced in our social media post last night, that someone is none other than our distinguished guest!" Applause was heard as he lifted Llano's hand with the demeanor of a boxing referee who declared the championship winner to a joyous audience.
And that was only the beginning.

GEN Ramon C. Calomarde, VCA
Defense Intelligence Directorate Headquarters, Lapu-Lapu, DH
February 20th, AD 2020
1121 PHT

"What do we know about Yamatai?" Secretary de los Reyes asked over AV link.
"Are you familiar with the concept of Showa Statism?" Calomarde replied. The Director of the DID had been up to speed earlier, compliments of his son, a political science professor from the Academia Caebuana.
"Condensed, Director, if you don't mind."
"It's the mixture of various fascist ideologies that spawned the worst excesses of Imperial Japan."
"And I assume that's what makes Yamatai tick?" de los Reyes then asked.
"From what Santiago and I gathered," Calomarde said, "that would be a gross understatement: imagine that exact mixture, cranked way the hell off the charts."
"In other words, Aquino-Magnitsky wouldn't be enough?" Secretary Castro asked.
"No," Secretary Allison Sanchez replied, "but it would be a good start as soon as we know exactly what makes Yamatai tick."
"I'm sending these," Calomarde said as he made a few clicks; a folder was sent to all present. It was nothing the history books didn't talk about--Imperial Japanese atrocities of the Second World War--but it provided context. "Behold the fruits of Showa Statism."
The discussion lasted another hour, but it was decided that there was no need to rush to condemn...yet.

Dr. Francis dlT. Cui, DBA
Malacañan de Cebu, Cebu City, DH
February 21st, AD 2020
1522 PHT

"So, any updates?" Cui asked. over the AV links that made conferences with the Federal Council available even when each member was holding their own fort. "I just came back from a visit to Joint Base Libertad over in the Visayan Spratlys, and I have to say: this is getting more interesting by the hour."
"That's right," Secretary Reyes added. "The bombing attacks on Nanaou Airfield and several police stations in Samboushiro really did quite the number. Speaking of numbers, you'll be happy to know that we seem to be making progress on the COVID-19 outbreak. Julian?"
"As you well know, nine patients who were hospitalized on the 5th were discharged yesterday," Abellana said. "Among them is the third COVID-19 patient, who has made a full recovery. Today, we have eight patients hospitalized on the 6th scheduled for discharge after clearing quarantine; incidentally the Mindorite who assaulted a police officer and claimed to be exposed to SARS-CoV-2 is set to stand trial on Monday the 24th."
"Great," Cui replied. "Now, about that streak of bombings...?"
"My opposite number at the RMFA reports thirty-nine dead and over eighty 'lethally,' by that I presume they mean gravely, injured," Secretary Castro replied. "Given the severity of the injuries, we can expect the death toll to rise."
"Do we have any citizens on Shikonjima?"
"No, Frank. Hell, we don't even have formal diplomatic relations with them."
"And we're still keeping an eye out here because...?"
"Our friends in the Free Lands have a country with a Special Relationship that has interests in this clusterfuck, remember? That and our other friends in Astares Amauricanum and possibly the Reichsrath are waving a few flags. On top of that, we have what seems to be SACTO-aligned active measures trying to sabotage what would ordinarily be a peaceful reunification process as well as those Yamatai bastards trying their damned best to fuck everyone over," Castro replied. "And if this leads to war, we need to prepare. As you well know, we still subscribe to the principle of armed neutrality; whatever conflict may arise is not supposed to be our business unless we are the ones getting fucked up as a result."
"Fair enough."
The discussions lasted for the better part of three hours.

TO: All PhilCom Base Commanders
FROM: Commander, Philippine Command
RE: Alert Status

Commanders,

Owing to developments related to the Shikonjima-Ferinan Archipelago Reunification Process, your base alert status has been elevated accordingly:
Commanders of the following bases: Joint Base Libertad, all Overseas Bases under PhilCom - Condition Yellow
All other PhilCom base commanders - Condition Green

You are to exercise all measures needed in accordance with this status.

(Sgd.)
ADM Jerome Flores, VCN
Commander, Philippine Command

by **Eochora** » Sun Feb 23, 2020 1:26 am

Citizen fe57eb4 was sitting at her computer, carefully and slowly managing her subversive activities online. After all, all of the proxies, tunnels, and security measures in place meant internet access was incredibly slow. She had no reason to carelessly rush. By this time, the automated program had generated and was managing around a couple hundred sock-puppet social media accounts referring to the "colonials" with terms such as "disgusting" or "animals". Some of these accounts were designed to behavior more "moderately", instead talking about how much of a burden the Ferinans would be and how their culture was simply worse. Meanwhile a couple hundred other sock-puppet accounts were calling for violence against the Shikonjimanese, sometimes outwardly, other times more subtlety. The "moderates" of these accounts were designed to simply react to recent violence with a mixture of glee and smug delight. Eventually, this would scale into several thousands of accounts, but there was no need to carelessly rush.

Of course, Citizen fe57eb4 couldn't let the software do all of the work. There was a reason she was physically present. Some of the accounts pretending to be Ferinan had managed to find their way into online inner circles of extremists. There, Citizen fe57eb4 would use the accounts to manually converse and gain their trust. She would actively distribute and circulate documents detailing how to create chemical weapons from obtainable ingredients among instructions to create other things such as bombs and rockets. She would also share documents stolen from other various other governments detailing how to run an insurgency. Due to the latency from her security measures, online chats are somewhat frustrating for the other people, but she was trained to be patient.

After checking the status of her software, she begun typing a status update to her managers:

GROWTH CONTINUING TO INCREASE BUT MIGHT NOT BE ENOUGH

REQUESTING POSSIBLE PHYSICAL ASSETS

REQUESTING FURTHER CYBER ACTIVITIES

The Eochoran cyberwarfare division was among one of the most sophisticated in the world; after all, it was necessary for their survival. Citizen fe57eb4 had no doubt that they were already snooping around in Shikonjimanese government computers, looking for intel or places to strike. But she needed the means to carry out action if an opportunity was discovered or created. The situation was evolving faster than expected and she needs to be prepared for anything.

by **Toishima** » Sun Feb 23, 2020 2:03 am

MINAMI-WAKKANAI, SHIRAKAWA
NEW MAINLAND TERRITORIES, GREATER EMPIRE OF YAMATAI

You only commit war crimes during a war. This is simply... pest control.

Lieutenant-General Nakamura's words echoed through Colonel Ishihara Junko's mind as she solemnly sat in the rear seat of the Mitsuhishi utility vehicle, the gas mask thankfully helping to conceal her discomfort. An eerie sense of silence and stillness hung over the remote town, despite the flurry of military activity going on all around. The wind was bitingly cold, despite the midday sun hanging high in the sky. Colonel Ishihara wondered how much of the cold was due to the season, and how much was psychological.

It was probably because of all the bodies. 1,630 people once lived in this remote small town, located deep in the hills several kilometres away from the regional capital. Cataloguing was not done yet, but as of the latest report over 600 bodies lay strewn about the town, some collapsed where they had been carrying out their usual business, some in the midst of vain attempts at outrunning the deadly cloud of neurotoxin that was released over the town in the early hours of the day. Didn't families usually stay together through the generations in small towns like this? Then at least nobody would be left to miss the dead. Colonel Ishihara consciously controlled her breathing. She had already seen this many times before, shouldn't she be used to this sort of thing by now?

Apparently not. Passing two cars that had collided at the roundabout in the middle of town, a mound of burning corpses came into view in the middle of the circle. Imperial Army engineers with flamethrowers methodically attacked the pile, a thick stack of black smoke billowing into the air and combining with the smoke from other bonfires across town into a huge black cloud that blew south-west with the wind. Colonel Ishihara looked away, tugging at her helmet strap. There was some irony in her discomfort, in that she had herself planned, coordinated and ordered this operation, and knew exactly what the results would be. It was exactly the same as the operations that had passed and that would come in the future.

There was a Yamataian saying that a person has four faces. The first is the face one shows to world. The second is the face one shows to close friends and family. The third is the face one sees in the mirror. But the fourth is one's true face. The one that is never shown to anyone, and which you unconsciously hide behind that mirror. And perhaps, said mirrors were eroded by the familiar gas that left the white residue that HAZMAT-clad soldiers were now scrubbing off the city's streets.

As the vehicle turned down the main thoroughfare of the town, a Kawazaki utility helicopter flew overhead in the same direction. Colonel Ishihara stuck her head out of the window to see the aircraft circle in for a descent at her own destination, the field command post set up in a football field in the north-east part of town. The vehicle suddenly slowed and came to a stop, a corporal with a marshalling wand gesturing for them to stop at a junction as three Type-12 Burai main battle tanks rumbled past at speed. Infantrymen rode desant on the tanks, gas masks and kevlar helmets firmly protected young and malleable heads. Colonel Ishihara wondered if any of them had similar private thoughts as her own, or if something was seriously wrong with herself for feeling this way. They were, after all, doing the right thing here. Peace and stability had to be restored to the region, and this was the cost borne by the very same people who refused to work towards that common goal.

For the crime of harbouring separatists and serving as a base for their anti-social activities, Minami-Wakkanai had to die. Her Imperial Highness the Empress desired stability across her wide domain, and she would receive it. This much was owed to the Empress and the people of the Empire. The vehicle came to a stop for a second time, this time inside the tent city that the field command post was. A sprawling medical post was set up to provide aid to any survivors of the attack, and food was also distributed to any refugees that returned to the town to find it in its present state.

"Ma'am!" Major Hoshikawa dashed up to the vehicle and opened the door for her. Colonel Ishihara unfastened her gas mask as she exited the vehicle, noting that the helicopter had landed and was powering down. A feeling told her that she would soon be on that aircraft. All the better to get away from the field and back to the sterile planning room, where she didn't have to see the result of her handiwork.

"Ma'am, congratulations on another successful suppression operation," Major Nishizawa bowed, "my battalion has found three weapons caches and identified several known terrorist figures amongst the casualties. We have also captured some surviving rebels."

The first face is shown to the world.

"Good job, Nishizawa. I want a full report on these captured insurgents. This adequate show of force should keep the front quiet for some time," Colonel Ishihara sneered grimly as they entered the division command tent.

A strange collection of combat camera soldiers in bare plate carriers and civilian reporters from the state media and friendly foreign agencies stood around the map-covered table in the middle of the tent, listening intently to her operations chief as he explained and described the situation for the media. The soldiers bowed as Colonel Ishihara joined the table, the civilians followed hesitantly.

"Good afternoon, ma'am," the operations chief greeted, "ladies and gentlemen, this is the famous Colonel Ishihara Junko, division commander of the 9th Armoured. I'm sure her reputation precedes her."

Media manipulation was important. Only state media and the easily influenced foreign media of friendly states were allowed to operate in sensitive areas such as this. Hostile foreign media occasionally somehow found out what was going on, but it was easy to censor them and prevent them from being seen by anyone in the Empire who didn't have the appropriate clearance and reasons to see such things. The Yamataian internet was protected by the globally infamous Great Imperial Firewall, patrolled by the Ministry of Culture, and enforced by the Imperial Security Agency. Yamatai's leadership already accepted that it was culturally different and very unlike the more hostile foreign nations, and did not see the need to fight back against slanderous foreign propaganda on the overseas stage beyond the occasional reprisal hack. On the foreigners' part, such horrible occasional news from Yamatai's fringe regions had perhaps largely become the norm by now.

"Good afternoon, all," Colonel Ishihara nodded, "I'm flattered by the praise, but the true heroes of the day are our brave fighting soldiers, and the emergency staff that have arrived to provide relief. This disturbing attack on this settlement is an immense tragedy, and the latest in a string of heinous chemical attacks carried out by the rebels in the interest of bringing anarchy to this region. Rest assured that the Imperial Army is dedicated to hunting down and destroying all threats to the integrity of the Empire, and will restore peace and stability to the New Territories with grace and finality."

While the civilian reporters nodded and took notes, someone deep inside Colonel Ishihara was screaming. Didn't mother teach you to never lie? The serene portrait placed atop a filing cabinet on the other side of the tent thought otherwise, her piercing eyes staring right at the poor, scared Junko that resided deep within the 9th Armoured Division Commander, Colonel Ishihara Junko. The Inside Junko fell silent. Lying is wrong, but doing our part to restore peace and stability to the Greater Empire of Yamatai is the most noble cause. Carrying out the infallible Empress's will is no crime. Even if people called her the 'Gas Witch'. Even if the amount of blood on her hands could fill a swimming pool.

A young lance corporal suddenly came up to the group and bowed deeply. Aside from his green-grey digital camouflage uniform, identical to the other troops, he wore the red armband of the kenpeitai, military police and ideological enforcers of the Imperial Army.

"Colonel Ishihara, ma'am, please follow me," he curtly requested in the most honorific keigo, "Lieutenant-General Nakamura has arrived to see you."

If the front commander himself had arrived, this must have been very important. Colonel Ishihara bowed slightly to excuse herself and headed back out of the tent, Major Nishizawa following behind. Outside of the tent, dust was kicked up by three trucks full of food supplies drove past, having arrived from the nearby airfield, another generous donation from the Greater Empire. The kenpei gestured for them to enter a waiting utility vehicle, which he then got in and drove towards the helipad.

"Any idea what the General wants, ma'am?" Major Nishizawa asked.

"I have a feeling they want to recall me," Colonel Ishihara replied, holding on to the door as the vehicle swerved to avoid a pair of soldiers pushing a trolley of gas mask filters, "that helicopter didn't just bring the General in, it's bringing me out."

Out and away from this death. Back to the world of drawing arrows and talking about deaths as a statistic, not seeing it. Just like years ago when she was a junior in the artillery.

Major Nishizawa said something, but a passing truck convoy drowned him out. The vehicle stopped before he could repeat himself, and Colonel Ishihara stepped out. There was a commotion by the helipad, but the first person she noticed was the man clad in all-black. Lieutenant-General Nakamura stood in his usual hunched way, in the traditional dress uniform and flanked by his staff officers as he watched the happenings. As she approached, Colonel Ishihara noticed that one of the rebel prisoners was about to be executed by the kenpeitai. The rest of them were forced to watch at gunpoint, standing in a line where the goalpost of this soccer field used to be.

"Ah, Ishihara," Lieutenant-General Nakamura smiled in his frog-like way from behind round-framed glasses, "congratulations on a very successful operation. I knew you would be the right person for the job, as always. High Command is very pleased."

"Thank you very much, sir," Colonel Ishihara bowed.

"But now the Army needs you elsewhere. High Command is putting together an emergency operations force and would like to use your uncommon expertise at suppression operations for a more delicate task," the Front Commander explained, handing Colonel Ishihara a dossier, "your orders are in there. You will report back to Wanshi for a flight back to the Home Islands, which departs in three hours. Colonel Kawaguchi of the 17th will mop up for you here."

"Sir, may I ask what I can expect in this operations force, and why I am being called up so suddenly?"

"The details are in the dossier, but have you heard of the ongoing crisis in Shikonjima?" Lieutenant-General Nakamura folded his arms as he turned his attention back to the execution, "a major time-sensitive operation related to that nation is in progress, and the Imperial Council specifically requested for you to be part of the task force, based on your intimate knowledge of suppression operations."

Colonel Ishihara took the news in with continued surprise. Her expertise was indeed in counter-insurgent suppression operations, but the description and selected locale of a foreign country made it sound as though the Empire was going to commit to an aggressive action. Perhaps, though, it was indeed a sudden planning exercise, or Yamatai was finally moving to assist Shikonjima against their insurgent problem. Not knowing what to expect, she would have to read that dossier in greater detail on the flight.

"If I'm not careful, you'll be having my job soon," the Lieutenant-General remarked, smiling with clear pride of his protege as gave a nod of approval to the kenpeitai executioners.

At the order of the NCO, the kenpei tasked with executing the rebel raised his katana. The man kneeling on the ground blindfolded spat defiantly. He provided no resistance, this act of passiveness a calculated act of defiance in itself. In some ways, this was a very Yashiman thing to do, and this insurgent was indeed admirably brave to the very end. It was only too bad that he was on the wrong side in this war.

The NCO barked the next command.

With a yell, the kenpei brought the sword down hard on the prisoner's neck.

AOZORA IMPERIAL PALACE
AOZORA-SAN
HEIAN, GREATER EMPIRE OF YAMATAI

Snip.

Hairs dropped down onto the wooden surface as Empress Kiyono gingerly put down the scissors, admiring the woman that looked back at her in the polished mirror, bangs neatly trimmed to razor-sharp straightness and parted to the left. She was 37 years old, quite quickly nearing middle-aged, but she still looked as though she was in her mid-20s. The Imperial family naturally had good genes, given that their blood was divine, and it showed. She was indeed a beautiful woman by Yamataian standards, from her naturally light Akitsukunese skin, to her straight, long black hair styled elaborately around her Imperial headpiece, and the piercing brown eyes that watched over every office, school and home within the vast Greater Empire. Such a classically Yamataian appearance was of course to be expected from the woman who represented the pinnacle of the Yamataian peoples.

Of course she was attractive. Everyone told her she was.

The Empress of Yamatai stood up from the dresser, sweeping the trimmed hairs with her slender hand and discarding them into the waste bin next to the table. As she cleaned, her hand brushed against the neatly folded reply from the Shikonjimanese Princess. They did not share a particularly close relationship and had only met a few times before in the most official of settings, despite both being royalty of pure Yashiman realms, and she only knew her counterpart across the sea on a surface level. It was Kiyono's mother and predecessor, the Empress Kikuko, who had gone around the world fostering friendships with fellow Yashiman royalties. But both the Ascended Empress and the Shikonjimanese Princess's predecessor were now gone, and for better or worse Kiyono and Kyouko were now in charge. There was some reflection of wider Yamatai-Shikonjiman political relations in this, perhaps, and her own lack of interest in engaging Kyouko seemed to have resulted in Yamatai's sister nation slipping farther and farther from the proper path.

And look what that brought them! Though the urge was strong, decorum and Yamataian grace and finality kept her from simply writing "I told you so" to Kyouko. Though some days had passed, she still struggled to come up with an adequate response to her counterpart. Now terrorists were openly bombing military installations, people were rioting again and, according to her experts, the recent reports that Shikonjima was finally going to settle the issue with proper force were actually fabricated by foreign agents. It was somewhat disappointing that Kyouko was facing such problems, and still unwilling to do what had to be done to solve them early on. When the recent rebellion first began in the New Territories, Kiyono had given the order to settle it, and by now the rebellion was in its last legs and so desperate that they were resorting to using chemical weapons against their own people.

It all lay in being decisive. That was what Kyouko and her people over there lacked. Decisiveness, and the willingness to trust in the Yamataian spirit to carry themselves through the situation. Dealing with ungrateful peoples that refused to accept the generosity of the Yashiman people was simple - just take away the generosity and show them the outcome of defiance to the norm.

A soft knock on the wall was followed by the sound of the shoji to the Empress's room sliding open. It was one of her aides, a minor noble and one of the few that remained to this day from the few houses that did not betray her predecessor Kayako in the 1800s. He carried a dossier in both hands, and bowed very deeply.

"Apologies for interrupting, Your Imperial Highness," he said upon recovering, "I am here to update you on the Shikonjimanese situation. A major development has occurred. It appears that a large amount of foreign armed forces are moving into the vicinity of Shikonjima under various guises, and our experts believe they were called there by the Shikonjimanese government."

Empress Kiyono inhaled sharply, pressing her fingers together hard. Her voice dropped dangerously low.

"Is this true? You are sure that Kyouko called them there?"

"I have to trust the experts," the noble reported in a deadpan.

"You idiot child-woman," the Empress suddenly burst out, stomping her right foot on the tatami, "why would you call these foreign barbarians come to your shores! Have you no pride?! Are you so blind you don't see what's going on! Don't stoop to their level!"

The noble took a hesitant step back towards the door, bowing slightly. Empress Kiyono swept Princess Kyouko's letter off the table with a powerful swipe, sending a comb and a few hairpins scattering with it.

"Stupid! Idiot! They'll only inflict pain on your people," as she continued ranting, the Empress started pacing aggressively around the room, "these dirty foreign barbarians and their primitive mindsets! They don't understand how the Yashiman culture works! They'll wipe out your culture and make you one of them, just a slave nation to a bunch of dirty! Fucking! Foreign! Barbarian! Dogs!"

Breathing heavily for a few moments, the Empress stopped pacing and leaned against the wall by her elbow, gripping her throbbing forehead with her hand. An expression of realisation came over her face, and she sighed deeply.

"You should have listened to me, right, let an internal situation be solved internally, by fellow Yashiman peoples," she dropped her volume and leaned her shoulder against the wall. The noble had already fled the situation, having excused himself and left while the Empress was otherwise distracted. Not the most polite course of action, but perhaps the wisest.

"I should have been there for you, to teach you how to do it properly. If only my mother could have taught you how to do it properly. She was a good Empress to all Yashiman people everywhere," Kiyono started talking to an imaginary Kyouko while staring into space, "if only they had told me of your predicament earlier. I'd have helped you. You're too friendly to those barbarians beyond the Pure Boundary. I guess I can't blame you. Nobody was there to warn you about them."

Regaining strength, Empress Kiyono pushed herselfoff the wall, stalked over and slumped onto the plush pillow on the floor at her short study table, agitatedly tearing the drawer open and pulling out an official scroll, her writing brushes and ink.

"It's still a ridiculous thing to do as leader of people of our race's stature," she muttered, straightening out the scroll aggressively with the wooden block. The Empress picked up her brush and quickly inked Kyouko's name and title on the right side.

Suddenly, Kiyono felt strong arms encircle her from behind, embracing her warmly. A sweet smell of red bean paste could be detected in the room. He rested his chin on her shoulder, like he often did while they studied together back in the Imperial College so many years ago. He had been the only one who dared to, and just that fact made the commoner more attractive than the parade of noble suitors the Houses provided. Her mother had married a commoner too, perhaps this would be the new trend. And thus, low-key history major Hamasaki Mitsuo suddenly became the Imperial Consort.

"Not now, I'm busy," Kiyono attempted to brush off her husband by squirming. Mitsuo placed a plate of warm red bean rolls on the floor next to her.

"Too busy for anpan?" Mitsuo asked, pushing one of the bread rolls at her mouth, which quickly began to break out in a smile. The negative emotions within her quickly dissipated, such was the power of her devoted spouse. They often joked that he had the most difficult job in the Empire. Privately, Mitsuo knew that Kiyono only understood half of the difficulty - she probably didn't know it, but one day he decided to take it upon himself to ensure her absolute power did not cause an absolute disaster, like her great-grandmother Tsukiyama did in 1935.

And if her strong desire to help some false-Yashimans across the ocean would lead to Yamatai going into a massive foreign war again, he definitely could not allow it. Not while his beloved brother was still in the Imperial Navy.

"I heard you screaming earlier," Mitsuo admitted, trailing off. Kiyono sighed.

"The Shikonjimanese Princess is inviting foreign militaries to help solve their internal issues," the Empress gestured to the letter and the mess on the floor, "she clearly doesn't realise that they will only attempt to take advantage of a perceived weakness, and use this opportunity to again suppress a community of Yashiman people."

"Her Imperial Highness probably has her reasons for doing so. The Yashiman people are naturally strong, they'll be able to survive this," Mitsuo sat cross legged next to his wife.

"The problem is that she's not strong herself. Strong leadership is needed to control such strong people, which is why these uprisings and such are happening, and she thinks these foreigners would be able to help," Kiyono explained, "I don't understand how they've allowed their nation to have such close ties with all these foreign barbarians."

Mitsuo grabbed an anpan and broke it in half. Then he stared at the two halves intently in silence.

"Are you going to give me some kind of lecture based on that metaphor? One side is Yamatai, the other is Shikonjima, and they are both filled with delicious Yashiman people?" Kiyono asked with a smile.

"No," Mitsuo playfully replied, eating one of the halves in one bite.

IYS IMPERIAL FLEET ADMIRAL SHINOHARA, ADMIRAL NISHIZAWA-CLASS HEAVY AIRCRAFT CRUISER
3RD CRUISER BATTLEGROUP, EASTERN FLEET
PACIFIC OCEAN

"No!"

Captain Anabuki Tomoko shook her head disappointedly as the two of them across the flight deck of Old Shinohara. Her fellow Imperial Navy Aviation pilot, Captain Miyafuji Fumiko, waved her hand in the air to punctuate her point.

"Icchan is clearly the best leader FukuMusume。have had so far. Look at their progress in the last 9 years," Miyafuji continued, adjusting the fighter pilot's helmet she carried under her left arm.

"What progress? They've only had like one major hit and that was last year. Sayumin was a far superior leader," Anabuki retorted, starting to split off from her wingman to board her fighter. Painted in the blue two-tone camouflage of the Imperial Navy Aviation corps, the two waiting Kawazaki Ki-87 navalised fighters sat pretty at the start of the carrier's ski-jump, beautiful curves and deadly air-to-air missiles on display. A lot more fighters were strapped on-deck today than usual, their wings folded up neatly, as though the carrier was preparing for combat operations.

"Sayumin is still a narcissistic shit. Embrace the Ichiokingdom!" The other pilot yelled back as they split up.

The deck NCO saluted Anabuki as she ascended the ladder and climbed into the cockpit. The last few sorties had been very strange. Just two weeks after they had returned from the successful and internationally-acclaimed anti-piracy activities in the Sea of Songthom, the 3rd Cruiser Battlegroup was heading out to sea again, seemingly to do nothing but endless drills. The air wing had been doing nothing but flying around doing a lot of combat air patrol for some reason, and the state media was also around. One of them even interviewed her, which was kind of a given since she was the only Yamataian pilot to make ace in the last 44 years.

Running through her preflight checks, Anabuki wondered if this was all intentional. The fleet was just going around in circles here in the North Pacific. The Imperial Navy was making a show of force to the world for some reason, and nobody had told her anything, though she could guess. This far out, they sometimes could pick up foreign internet services, and if someone had somehow obtained a phone from overseas that didn't have the usual government junk installed, this hypothetical person could perhaps see uncensored foreign websites. Of course, the Tokkeitai military police on the ships were stringent in their checks, but after a while the brotherhood between sailors cramped in a ship together for months could lead to eyes being closed or certain spots escaping the flashlight.

All hypothetical of course. Anabuki smirked to herself as she continued the train of thought, thinking how she definitely had no idea what was going on in some place called Shikonjima, and how it looked like it was going to be a catalyst for some kind of near-future conflict, which would probably be why the Navy was grandstanding. In theory. The deck crew gave the signal, waving his signal wand and pointing forward while crouching.

Personally, she was just glad she had a reason to fly some more.

Home Into the Motherland (Open, MT, IC)

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