Home Into the Motherland (Open, MT, IC)

by **The Selkie** » Fri Feb 28, 2020 10:42 am

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

Return Adress: Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan, Foreign Office, Elder Castle, Fortham, Free Lands of the Selkie.
Friday, 28th of February, 2020.

Dear Mister Castro,
please allow me to, before anything else, wish Dian Cecht's blessings upon the people of the Confederation. In these trying times of COVID-19, we will stand with our friends, should you request it. We have taken measures ourselves and we hope, that we won't need them.
Now, onto business. Our Embassy in Cebu City has relayed a message of yours addressed to Mister Diallait, who forwarded it to me. I took the liberty of informing Vice-Admiral Curadh of the message as well and both her and I agree, that we'd be very honoured to work together with the Navy of the Confederation in this mission of safeguarding international trade.
The Commander on the scene from our side is Captain Galen Trodaí of the Tribe of Westmeath aboard SDFS Maighdean, Callsign Maiden. His force will soon be reinforced, NS Wembury is currently preparing a few ships. Depending on the rank of the person in charge from your side, we will hand over overall command to your side.
Let us hope, that even with the concentration of warships in these waters steadily on the rise, they will not be needed. I do not need to mention, that a destabilized Shikonjima would be a very, very bad thing, not only for the Shikonmanjese themselves.

With best regards,
Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan,
Head of the Foreign Office of the Free Lands of the Selkie.

by **Shikonjima** » Fri Feb 28, 2020 3:05 pm

Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs

To: Nguyễn Đắc Chánh, Minister of the Imperial and Royal Office.
From: Jitsuko Sageshima, Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bakufu no Hiroba, Nashinya, N01SX504, Shikonjima.

Greetings back, Minister Nguyễn,
First off, thank you for extending your sympathies to Shikonjima and her government in these troublesome days, and for taking further assistance into consideration, should any be required.
As for the matter of your country's nationals, we gladly accept your assistance in the matter of repatriation of the six Quenminese tourists currently stuck in Kongoutou, and I will assure you, that Shikonjimanese authorities will assist your nationals in that effort as much as possible.
We are looking forward to a beneficial cooperation.

Respectfully yours,
Sageshima no Jitsuko,
Royal Minister of Foreign Affairs.

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, this mission is surely becoming a huge clusterfuck - especially since I have reliable information, that the Yamataians are deploying a cruiser battlegroup heading for Shikonjimanese soil. While I'm surely glad, that Saressidia and Aarike are staying out of stuff for once, the upcoming mess is ultimately huge enough already. I'm trying to find a way to solve this ... hopefully, it isn't too late yet. I would still wish you and others to remain prepared for anything.
The Oukeikyoku, like their colleagues from RBI, MND, and Mukhabarat, will certainly be glad about the little hospitality gift from Captain Jamkiya, as it will increase the likelihood of detecting and taking down the sources of these attacks.

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 Friend from the Five Deserts,
Indeed, my own country has quite a few centuries of history of finding creative ways to keep soldiers busy - a history which the Tangrusians, the Yue, the Saressides, the Nhoquocquese, the Aariker, and quite a few more still thank us for. Building up fast food chains might have solved the situation to a certain degree, at least for us, but not for the Yamataians.
This being said, there is evidence, that a Yamataian cruiser battlegroup is heading for Shikonjima.
And indeed, the Khaga, in cooperation with the Oukeikyoku and other agencies, are already working at detecting the cells of the groups in question. Should we get to any results, be sure, that they will end up on your desk soon.
Well, thank you for estimating my wisdom that high. ; )

Signed,
Atakheer Khan

P.S.: Wondersome!

SKS Gantulga, south of Iejima Island.
Although Lion 3-3 wouldn't be able to see it, Admiral Tsagaanus nodded, visibly relieved, that Oud-3, a helicopter from thr RKN, which indeed showed up on the screens, escorted the civilian boat away - it would certainly approach the shores of Iejima, where the civilians on board would get to doing exactly what they had planned, resupplying for their journey back home.
As one could hear from the radio and confirm from a look onto the screens, the Toledo was now approaching the RKN's battlegroup as well, being asked by Admiral Qiada to join their starboard side.
"Lion's Den for Steppe Wolf 1 - it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance as well!" - he replied to Admiral Qiada. "Also, a good day to you, Toledo - this is Admiral Batu Tsagaanus from the SKS Gantulga speaking! Glad to hear, that the situation with the civilian boat could be resolved. Approaching from north-north-west, at about forty kilometers of distance. We are prepared to join the portside flank. Awaiting confirmation. Over."

Royal Palace, Great Hall, Nashinya.
It didn't happen particularly often, that a Shikonjimanese Ruler felt in a need or obligation to address his or her people directly. Historically, each Ruler had needed to do so about three or four times in his or her life on average only - which certainly was the most remarkable difference between the Ruler and other Members of the Kazoku. And even more importantly, only very few Rulers who had done so had addressed people or higher-ups from other countries than Shikonjima itself.
But today, this historic day came for Princess Kyouko.
After a long debate with the board of directors of Yonrei TV, myriads of phone calls, as well as sacrifices to the Four Souls and the Ryoukami, it had finally become possible for Kyouko to get journalists from all major radio and TV stations, as well as newspapers, into the Royal Palace, if only by reassuring them, that this would be a popular address, not a controversial public debate.
In both cases, filling the Great Hall surely wasn't the issue to deal with.
And there she stood, in her well-known light blue uniform going down to her waist, to which the combination of pair of black tights and boots fit surprisingly well; only wearing the Gwand back at the ball in Teressien had gained her more attraction when it came to outward appearance. Her long black hair hadn't changed at all, and neither had her facial features, which, due to a particularity in her blood widely ignored by certain racialists, definitely made her look more like a Sharulsi than like a Shikonjimanese. Some also said, that this gave her and her siblings some unfair advantage when it came to abilities on horseback.
"My dear people of Shikonjima, my dear friends and allies from abroad" - she began. She spoke Shikonjimanese, of course, but the speech would be available abroad as well, even faster than the debate, as simultaneous translators were ready to translate it into English and other languages. "We can hardly deny, that we are living in troublesome days - in fact, these days became troublesome within short a span of time nobody could ever have anticipated. Mistakes have been made during the Reincorporation of the Ferinan-Archipelago, and shameful attacks followed. We have committed to our mistakes during this process - yet, more shameful attacks followed. Attacks on innocent people, attacks on Shikonjima as a society, attacks on our way of life. Attacks directly on our heart and soul, which will never be forgiven, let alone, forgotten."
She let a beat pass.
"We are aware, that the issue is controversial, and that it has split the society, and not only the Shikonjimanese one, but also those of other countries, especially those with a definitive, either friendly or less friendly, stance on Shikonjima and her endeavors" - she continued. "But as soon as attacks like these are involved, the political discourse, no matter how controversial it may be, must be put aside. The current ongoings in the Shikonjimanese Realm are not a sign of open debate and discussion, which these Lands have a long history of encouraging and promoting, but a sign, that there are groups in this country which only speak the language of violence. Groups which don't hesitate to use the most barbaric, cowardly, and simply despicable means to get their point across. Groups who might claim to have the best in mind of Shikonjima and her future, but clearly don't. Our authorities, along with authorities from allied nations, do everything they can in order to determine as to whom these groups consist of in particular - and once they have been tracked down, they may pray, that the Four Souls may have mercy with them, for Shikonjima will not."
She let another beat pass.
"However, we currently have a situation at our shores which can only be called unpleasant at best. Navies of various different countries have gathered in order to assist us by military means, and others are going to follow - and while the cooperation is appreciated and thanked for a ten thousand times, we aren't particularly confident, that this is going anywhere good. Therefore, we must ask the battlegroups currently awaiting the one command at our shores, or planning to do so, to not move on, and to dissolve this unpleasant situation. What we need now, that's not the military power of countries outside the Shikonjimanese Realm - what we genuinely need now, that's humanitarian aid. We, as the Government of Shikonjima, are thankful for the support of the international community - but are obliged to uphold Peace and Harmony, and we will do so the Shikonjimanese way. For us, it is more important to have people able and willing to aid the people on the spot. Firepower is not what we need in these unpleasant days - we have enough of that ourselves, and everyone can be sure, that we are going to use it, should the need arise. What we really need now, that's the assistance in helping those who are more in a need of it. Thank you."

Akebono Comital Route S-455, near Ushimura, County of Akebono, 97 km south of Toriyama.
There was a lot of things the County of Akebono was known for: It was the largest fiefdom of Shikonjima by far, both in terms of population and area size, it bore some of the larger cities of the Mainland, and also some of the largest metropolitan areas. It was located in the northeast of the Mainland and had prospering areas, such as the surroundings of Nashinya, where some government departments were located, the cities of the East Coast and along the border to the County of Ayanami in the north, as well as the surrounding cities of Toriyama, which was its own Barony, thus a 'city-state'. The ruling house of this domain, a branch of the Tamori Clan, was internationally well-known thanks to Princess Tamori no Shiruko, one of Shikonjima's most famous car and motorcycle race drivers.
But then, there was the Ushimura Prefecture in the west of Akebono, along the border to the Barony of Shikinami. It was one of Shikonjima's largest sub-domain administrative regions in terms of area size, and this had a reason which was not particularly hard to explain for everyone - it was an enormously huge rural areas where almost no one lived. It once had been a prosperous region as well, during a medieval gold rush, but with the gold supplies running out and the battles during the Clan Wars in the 17th century, the area had started lacking particularly good reasons to live in. Nowadays, this was the part of Northern Shikonjima hosting what was commonly referred to as Bumfuck-Nowhere.
And the black Morimoto Transporter with the three people, two men and a woman, wouldn't have had any particularly good reason to travel here, hadn't it been for the other vehicle, a Morimoto truck, which they had followed without letting them notice.
Unlike the people in the truck, they hadn't turned the volume of their radio too high, which was now playing another catchy tune, even though there was no one around who could have possibly heard them.
Officially, only the Four Souls knew how the group of five anarchists, consisting of Wakimoto Hideharu, Fukuda Arinaga, Yamane Kenji, Ouzora Yoshifuni, and Saitou Iemasa, had managed to leave Toriyama for this place, and how they could even have been found, but for the three of them, this was quite a welcome opportunity.
And officially, the three of them were already dead. And with the latest cyber-attacks, the Oukeikyoku would have more important things to deal with than confirming or denying their deaths.
Unofficially, the little hint Agent Yoroi as regards the whereabouts of these five remaining anarchists hadn't exactly just fallen off the sky ... and it also hadn't come from the Gokudo.
The driver was Ogihara Shintarou, a 36-year-old, well-fed and short-haired man. Sitting to his right (with the exception of the Barony of Kitashima, the Shikonjimanese Mainland drove on the right, thus, every car built for the Shikonjimanese market after the switch back in 1978, had LHD), another man, Nishimura Teruo, 29 years old, tall and thin. Behind Nishimura, a 32-year-old woman, Fujioka Asuka, was sitting.
The three of them had known Asato's anarchist group for years, and had successfully managed to sneak into it. In parallel, they had maintained contact to Isozaki Genjirou, who, as a member of the RSA Military Intelligence, had helped them in faking their death - in order to get rid of his annoying Anarchist competitors whose goals weren't only utopian, but downright silly in his eyes.
Nishimura dropped his rests of a cigarette in the transporter's integrated ashtray, a standard feature of any Morimoto vehicle.
One should not litter. Not even in a place as remote as this one.
Ogihara had opened the window and turned the volume of the music down. Even though he had decided to park on the side of this narrow road in lieu of following the truck over the forest path consisting more of potholes than of anything one would unironically call 'road', the three of them were still close enough to hear the gunfire. Minutes later, they heard a shot, and yet another minute later, a round of gunfire taking around three seconds. Then silence again.
"Well, I'd say, that's it" - Nishimura said. "Isozaki-san will be pleased to hear, that our useful fools are down."
Ogihara closed the window and started the motor again. "They have done us a great favor" - he said and got moving. "But everything they could possibly do now would stand in the way of our goals. Not to mention the Yamataians' ones."
"Then I'd suggest, that you burn the rubber" - Fujioka said, "before the Yamataians get to the idea of considering us an obstacle, too."

Ichigawa Sayuri's flat, Miyamachi, County of Akatsuki, Mainland Shikonjima.

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

The light will shine bright
Gracious, for ten thousand years
Now more than ever.

Raindrops are falling
But Agaaru sends Her Winds,
push the clouds away.

Peace and harmony,
Brought to us by morning light,
But how long till dawn?

United and strong,
The Island of the Four Souls
Brought to light again.

The message would be clear. Yes, the goals Ichigawa Sayuri had weren't too different from her mysterious friend's ones (who, unbeknownst to her, was not exactly a potato farmer from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, but rather a group of high-ups, and not exactly without influence) - but she was still on the fence between the methods to reach them. On the one hand, there were loyalty and confidence as core values, neither of which could even be denied by Sayuri's political opponents, on the other hand, there was the goal, as well as rests of doubt. All of this would, at least hopefully, shine through her response a bit, even though she had to confess, that she had never been particularly good at writing poetry.
She knew, that she wasn't alone, but she didn't know what the other person in this room was thinking.
It's almost cute how naïve she is - Genjirou thought while sitting on the couch watching Kyouko's popular address. He was aware, that Sayuri was hard to convince of his mission, especially due to her loyalty to Kyouko-Koushaku. While she did have a point in saying, that her Grandfather had been just as loyal to Kyouko's Grandfather, there would be a lot of work left to convince her. Until then, Genjirou had decided to not let Sayuri know of all details of his plan - after all, there would be a risk of disobedience from her end.

by **Kyrenaia** » Fri Feb 28, 2020 4:51 pm

Soraya Geal.
Yacht Rashiq.
Here we were again - for the fourth time in four days in the Hammam. Mahmut had shown me how good of a masseur he was two days ago and he was really good, but now, there was no way I could think about that.
We had all seen the address of Princess Kyouko to the powers of the world and now, we, or rather the Sultana, had to respond.
"In essence, I think the Princess told everyone to bugger off unless they can provide aid and that they'll solve the issue internally.", I summarized from what I have heard, "Plus a few things of how they plan to do that." I thought for a moment. "A very few things."
The Sultana nodded. I had been the last one to summarize and, I felt, the most shallow.
And least well-phrased.
The Sultana nodded, thoughtful. I was sure, that she did not think it to be worthwile, that I was only here to humour Mahmut.
It was not a nice feeling.
Still, I did not shrink under her eyes, not anymore.
"I think, that you are right.", Fara said with a nod, "Granted, I would have phrased it differently, but I still would not see this as the most important part. She admitted to making mistakes, to some of the proceedings being her fault - and that she and allied authorities are working to resolve the issue. That is more important then for us to bugger off."
Mahmut looked from one woman to the other. We had done school work over the last few days when we weren't advising the Sultana (imagine my thought at how ridiculous that sounded not only in my head) or preparing to do that. We were tired, to be honest.
"That she saw the need to address her people and the international community in such a matter is worrisome.", he reemphasized. "It speaks..." He shook his head. "The situation is slipping."
The Sultana nodded again. She did not need Yes-People, she needed people with their own thoughts and standpoints and who could stand for them.
"Hm...", the Sultana made. "You know, that I am in letter-contact with Princess Kyouko and she is worried about an escalation as well. The SDF is preparing to contact civilian shipping through these waters and the Yammies are known to have submarines with every of their squadrons. And there has been a squadron sighted near Shikonjima."
We were silent.
"The Yammies are not known to back down once they committed.", Fara said, "And they committed, to some extend."
"A bluff?", I asked. "They want to be seen, from what I read, just like CG6, so maybe they are only trying to look tough, but in reality are far too occupied elsewhere to really commit?"
"So, we should make them show their hand?", Fara said.
"Not in the least.", Mahmut said, looked at me, "Right?"
I shrugged. I was, honestly, afraid. I knew, that the words spoken here might influence countless of lives, but...
The session continued a bit, but after we concluded, I heard the Sultana whisper something to Mahmut: "Marry that girl. She has a good head on her shoulders."
I blushed.

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,
we spotted them as well. They want to be spotted, Naval Intelligence is sure of that. The thing is, that they are trying to intimidate the other powers assembling outside of Shikonjima's waters.
I am not sure about how to react to that. I issued the order to Carrier Group 6 to move away a bit, closer to the Shajarat Alnakhil, and to cruise a bit with the other navies, to remain in a close position to react within a few days and not hours. I also ordered the Navy to invite said fleets to the Shajarat Alnakhil as a gesture of friendship and to aid in resupplying for their return voyages.
At the same time, I ordered a number of support ships to enter Shikonmanjese Waters, mostly hospital ships and, in one case, a workshop ship, which should be able to aid in the repairs after the attacks and explosions a few days ago.
I am sure, that they will. The team is underway.

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,
we have clear satellite images of said cruisers group. One cruiser, a carrier, four destroyers, according to what we could find out. We have reason to believe, that Submarines are nearby, too.
Thank you for that cooperation. The appropriate authorities and agencies will know of the information. And rest assured, that we'll relay everything we get as well.

Signed,
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad

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

On the matter of the ongoings in the Principality of Shikonjima and the Ferinan-Archipelago:
In the light of the address by Her Highness, Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku, the Sultanate agrees, that a further escalation is undesirable. Seeing, that the Sultanate is not innocent in letting things come that far, the Sultanate is willing to make the first step towards deescalation on the international scene and move its naval units on exercise with allied squadrons near Shikonjima back, closer to the Shajarat Alnakhil. The Sultanate also urges all involved nations to consider such a move as well - they are cordially invited to the Shajarat Alnakhil for resupply and in friendship.
Furthermore, moved by the works of Her Highness, Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku, the Sultanate is dispatching support vessels to the Ferinan-Archipelago. Of these eight vessels, seven are hospital vessels intended to relieve the local hospitals of their loads, while the last is a workshop ship intended to aid in the reconstruction of Nanaou Airfield and its facilities.

Furthermore, 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.
The Sultanate is also committed to peace and stability in the region.

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!

Lion 3-3, Lieutenant Amir Wasi.
In the air south of Iejima Island.
I was not a fan of these new orders: Shortly after the Sharulsi had joined our port flank, we had received orders to pull out, not completely, but considerably further away. Towards the Shajarat Alnakhil, the largest off-shore station of the RKN.
All fleets in the area were invited to come there, to aid in resupply and as a gesture of friendship. The Sultanate wanted to deescalate and this was their first step.
Second step were the support ships.
Thing was, though, we didn't have seven hospital ships with us, but two. One was aiding the Ebon Atoll, the other was dispatched. The other five were hurrying after them from the Shajarat Alnakhil.
It was... I was not a naval strategist, but I did not feel too comfortable with these new orders.
And then there was the order for increased ASW-patrols around the fleet, helicopters making more patrols then usual. The Yammies were in the general area and who knew, what their squadron had with them under the surface.
I did not like the orders. I would follow them, though.

by **Lux Pulchrae** » Fri Feb 28, 2020 5:33 pm

Shikonjima waters

"Understood Lion's Den. Approaching starboard." Massera radioed "Just let us know when we're too close. We were waiting for you to contact us but I had thought we would be creeping on you if we got any closer." They had reached the starboard side of the Kyrenaian ship "So this water is safe for swimming? No sharks or eels or nuclear-ICBM-submarines to worry for? I'm surprised this place let's something like a civilian ship wander around, no? Who knows what could be in one of those. But I suppose the Shikos will deal with that when it hits land."

As time passed and the fleet got closer, they soon reached where they needed to be. While the ship was on its course, Massera stood out on the deck to get some air. Though it might not have been cold, Massera suffered easily to the elements. Over his dark blue uniform he wore a long grey coat with his hands in his pockets. "More waste of my time down here, just in different waters. But orders are orders." he thought to himself.

His thoughts were interrupted by one of his men "Commandante Massera?"

"Yes?" he turned around, it was Moreno "Ah, Ensign Moreno, how can I help you?"

"It's about La Costa sir. They noticed we have stopped and wanted to know when they would be able to make the newscast on deck."

"Oh, well they could do it now if they wanted to. Get them up here." he smiled, sending Moreno off. He sighed as he paced slowly. He didn't like this type of stuff, civilians on board, especially news people. They got in the way of his duties and stretched his responsibilities more than it needed to. But so far they've been good people and good guests. And that reporter, Daniela Campos, wasn't bad either.

"Commander!" someone called from the bridge

"What now? I can't stand around in peace?"

"We're being greeted by some Shiko ships. Response?"

Massera sighed again and headed to the bridge, getting on the radio once he got there "Buongiorno Gantulga, pleasure to be guests in your waters."

From the bridge, he saw the crew from La Costa arriving on the deck setting up a camera. Daniela Campos, a nice brunette who was in her early thirties, was preparing for the camera while light was still out. The feed would get broadcast back home to La Costa's network.

"Ready Dani?" the cameraman asked her

"Claro Gabi." she smiled, then took a couple breaths before looking behind her where land was.

"3..2..1..Live.."

"Buenas tardes, bonasera, et bonsoir mis amigos, Daniela Campos here on the Royal Navy's carrier Toledo. The Navy, here on goodwill and in support of the fellow Principality of Shikonjima in these seemingly rebellious times. One that, hopefully, the people of Lux Pulchrae can find empathy with. We are joined by our dear friends, the Sultanate of Kyrenaia, who have their own carrier fleet not far off. As well as many others who are attempting to quietly keep the peace. What will happen in the following days? Who knows? But hopefully those of the Ferinan Archipelago will see the benefit of a united and indivisible Principality."

While this is going on, the bridge was receiving news of a press speech by Shikonjima's Princess Kyouko. One of the monitors in the room was switched onto one of the channels presenting the Princess' speech. They listened closely through the translations, It all seemed fine and dandy till the last part. They wanted everyone out?

Massera remained quiet until he got to the radio, contacting Lion's Den "Lion's Den, tell me my hearing is okay. They want us out, after they had already agreed to us being here? Where's Gantulga on this? They greet us and tell us to fuck off? I hope you can understand that there is cause for frustration on my end. I don't suppose you have a driveway we can park the night in do you?"

by **New Visayan Islands** » Sat Feb 29, 2020 7:36 am

TO: Foreign Office of the Free Lands of the Selkie
FROM: Department of Foreign Affairs, Confederation of the New Visayan Islands
RE: Visayan Assistance to the SDF-Navy Mission

Felicia, it truly has been far too long; the last time we met, you were still Deputy Head lest memory fails me. The Confederation appreciates your concern regarding measures taken to contain the COVID-19 outbreak; should we require assistance in this matter, your office will be the first to know.

As I write this missive, a small task force has been assigned to assist the good Captain. Currently that task force is composed of one Ticonderoga-class cruiser, one Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, one Zumwalt-class destroyer, and two Álvaro de Bazán-class frigates. In command is Captain Harold Goyongco of the Ticonderoga-class cruiser VCS Gabriel Lázaro de Mangubat. At the moment, overall command may depend on seniority; Captain Goyongco has been the ship's captain since 2016. Additional forces may be considered as needed.

We look forward to meeting your forces.

Sincerely,

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

CAPT Harold A. Goyongco, VCN
VCS Gabriel Lázaro de Mangubat (CG-7), Somewhere in the Pacific Ocean
February 29th, AD 2020
1644 PHT

In the almost four years Harold had been the captain of VCS Gabriel Lázaro de Mangubat, most of it had been spent either hunting pirates and slavers or on exercises intended to keep the Aegis cruiser on her toes. Harold had succeeded Robin delos Santos after the latter was reassigned to the Joint Chiefs as a member of the Joint Staff, and the last time he heard from Rear Admiral (lower half) delos Santos, the man had opted for early retirement just last month after 25 years in the service, topping out as Director for Manpower and Personnel in the Joint Staff.
"What are you thinking, Cap?" his Executive Officer asked. Fyodor Fukuda had only been XO for two years, having been rotated in to replace Michelle Mendoza, who assumed command of a Tico of her own, VCS Miguel Lino de Ezpeleta, but he had learned to tell when Harold had something in mind.
"Our orders, 'Kuda," Harold replied. "We've been given orders to set sail close to Shikonjimanese waters to escort neutral shipping along with some ships from the Free Lands."
"What's not to like about them?"
"Nothing much, it's just...I know this isn't a show of force and we're only in it to shepherd any neutral traffic up until they approach Shikonjimanese waters, but having me assuming command over this force?"
"Look, if it's any consolation, the Javier is coming with us." VCS San Francisco Javier was an Arleigh Burke assigned to form the current task force. "On top of that, the CPG is supposed to be due for a tour anyway, so she'll be with us, taking two frigates with her," Fukuda added, referring to VCS Carlos P. Garcia, a Zumwalt coming into her rotation; she had left Joint Base Libertad with the frigates the day before. "We're all they're waiting for, Goyongco-kanchou."
"Very well, XO. Let's meet up with CPG and go full steam to aid the SDF-Navy."
"Aye aye, sir," Fukuda replied as Harold went for the bridge wing to radio the Javier. "You heard the captain, all ahead: full!" At that the ship accelerated in order to meet up with CPG and the frigates Dorado and Andromeda.

by **Toishima** » Sat Feb 29, 2020 8:36 pm

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION
AKEBONO, PRINCIPALITY OF SHIKONJIMA

Though he didn't look like it, leaning back in a chair outside a remote farmhouse smoking a cigarette amongst the creaking evening insects, Yoroi Sakon was a busy man. Just a day after killing the anarchists, he had another matter to settle, sent with maximum priority via coded number strings further encrypted by Wistful Blossom, the Imperial Army's signature encryption style. Apparently this came straight from the top of the Empire, or rather, close to the top. With the local news flaring up about the Princess's recent speech and calls for everyone to essentially let the situation remain internal, Yoroi could guess why the Imperial Grand Marshal herself would order them to put this part of the operation into motion now.

Apparently, a high-ranking Shikonjiman military official, or group of officials, euphemistically codenamed 'Shogun', was in contact with Yamatai Imperial Navy officials, codenamed 'Hayabusa'. These two regularly corresponded, with the former group passing on details about the Shikonjiman military and political affairs and the latter group providing whatever aid they required, within their means. Most recently, Shogun had written to Hayabusa with a request for a full Yamataian naval force to come to Shikonjima, in order to stand by to help defend the islands when the large amount of foreign navies eventually started their inevitable invasion. Hayabusa was reluctant, but ultimately went ahead and sent part of the Imperial Navy towards Shikonjima.

All this, of course, was untrue. An intricate story weaved by the experts back at Heian, the Shikonjimanese 'Shogun' did not exist in reality. Months of painstakingly fabricated logs of materiel movements, Shikonjimanese military intelligence gathered by the Kenpeitai and the ISA over the years, surreptitious correspondence sent to and from Shikonjima and Yamatai, and a heavy sprinkling of confusing and contradictory schedules and details had been prepared. Once this bomb was released, enough evidence existed to 'incriminate' a large amount of people in the upper echelons of the Shikonjimanese military of conspiring with Yamatai and outright treason. And then the Shikonjimanese military would have to busy themselves with a lengthy internal investigation, further distracting them from whatever was going on everywhere. And of course the media would also receive part of the leak - the media was one of the most useful weapons in such nations with 'greater freedoms'.

The beat-up white Moritomo pickup crunched to a halt on the driveway, a fresh dent on the front bumper. Agent Inoue stepped out, slamming the door shut roughly. He waved to Yoroi, who quietly re-holstered his pistol.

"What happened to the truck?" Yoroi grunted in the local dialect, pointing at the dent with his cigarette.

"It's nothing. Hit a biker and ran, nobody around to see it," Inoue shrugged, acting nonchalant like the rebellious farmer's son he was playing as now.

Yoroi tsked and spat on the ground. It was all part of the plan. A local motorcycle courier had been hired by an anonymous individual to bring a package from this very farmhouse to a particular location close enough to the Royal Military headquarters to be suspicious. He never made it, obviously, since he had gotten into an accident with a certain white truck. Though it was a hit-and-run, an anonymous call to emergency services had been made. If the biker wasn't dead, he would be badly injured, and an investigation would likely ensue. And with circumstances so coincidental and strange, the investigation would likely look into the package.

And then the bomb would go off. In the package was the latest communication between Hayabusa and Shogun, detailing the plans to move the Imperial Navy's 3rd Battlegroup to Shikonjima in order to increase security as per Shogun's request, since some of the foreigners would potentially be unhappy about being asked to leave by the government. Details and information on the Imperial Navy's 3rd Battlegroup and its elusive submarine accompaniment - though only about 20% factual - were also stuffed in the package, to help Shogun in planning for a proper defence with these en-route reinforcements.

Inoue finished replacing the licence plates on the truck with another set, then tossed the old ones into the farmhouse. He nodded to his superior. Yoroi stood up, stretched, and took a final puff. Then he flicked his cigarette over his shoulder, allowing it to land in the pool of kerosene next to the plastic chair he had been lounging in. The vapours quickly igniting, the flames rapidly followed the trail of fuel into the farmhouse, every surface doused with the foul-smelling liquid.

If the investigators followed the trail and found this farmhouse, they would find all they needed to find - the burnt-out remnants of a secret communications post for the Imperial Navy agents helping to forward the messages to Hayabusa across the ocean. And according to plan, three ISA agents being tracked by the Oukeikyoku would immediately leave for Yamatai on a late flight that night, as though recalled by their superiors after this bike incident.

The pair drove away from the burning farmhouse in the same truck, Inoue opting not to blast his Fukusume this time. That motorcycle courier was just an unfortunate casualty in this shadow war. It was amazing how people who knew nothing at all about their involvement could become such important parts of unravelling this country's order.

He looked at one of the many phones he carried, the tips line for a local news station the only number saved. In time, he'll dump fuel into this fire.

The unshackled media is indeed the most powerful beast.

29/02/2020 16:55 | Heian : 17°C | Clear Skies
屋島語 | 硃語 | 한국어 | ENGLISH

HEADLINES | POLITICS | ECONOMY | INTERNATIONAL | REGIONAL | TECHNOLOGY & SCIENCE | ENVIRONMENT
PERSONALITIES | SOCIETY | SPORTS | CULTURE | SERIAL | OPINION | LIFESTYLE | MORNING MISO SOUP

IMPERIAL GRAND MARSHAL CONDEMNS FOREIGN AGGRESSION OVER VULNERABLE SHIKONJIMA
Taking advantage of the precarious situation, numerous foreign groups attempt to further subvert and influence Shikonjima

AOIKUSA, HEIAN - The Greater Empire of Yamatai's visionary and forward-thinking Imperial Grand Marshal Miyazaki Reina this morning gave a public speech at the Empress Kayako Memorial Centre in Heian, condemning the barbaric and imperialistic attempts at further subverting Shikonjima by various foreign states.

Attending the speech were the Minister of the Army, General Uemura, Minister of the Navy, Admiral Matsunaga, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Admiral Yokoyama, Minister of National Security, General Tenzai, Minister of Public Security, General Abe, Minister of Finance, General Masaru, Minister of Culture, General Komaba, Minister of Education, Admiral Nakanohara, Minister of Public Welfare, General Hanzawa, Minister of Colonial Affairs, Admiral Toyohara, Minister of the Economy, Admiral Komatsu, Minister of Myaarmese Affairs, Lieutenant-General U Zaw Naing, Imperial Palace Representative, Mdm. Eguchi Saya, support personnel from the Imperial High Council Headquarters, troops from the 32nd Infantry Battalion, troops from the 41st Armoured Battalion, troops from the 172nd Naval Infantry Battalion, troops from the 4th Heian Air Defence Command Squadron, the leadership of the Heian 1st to 7th Tatenokai Detachments, senior members of the Heian 1st to 3rd Senbonzakura Detachments, students from the Heian Imperial College, students and teachers from the Maeda Kokoro Secondary School, and other members of the public.

The Principality of Shikonjima, a state that is similar to Yamatai in terms of culture, race, and geographical situation, has recently re-absorbed various duchies that rightfully belong to the motherland. This entirely domestic and internal issue has triggered the typical foreign condemnations and threats of intervention, largely due to violent internal uprisings that currently shake Shikonjima. Numerous foreign naval forces have immediately headed to surround Shikonjima, using offers to aid with the situation as clear pretexts for a foreign occupation of Shikonjima's pure lands, a typical prelude to the destruction of Yashiman culture. In such a vulnerable time, the Shikonjimanese government has desperately appealed to the international community to cease their aggressive posturing, but remains powerless in the face of this onslaught of foreign barbarians.

In her speech, the Imperial Grand Marshal Miyazaki Reina condemned the foreign nations amassing outside of Shikonjimanese waters, questioning their intentions in taking advantage of this entirely internal situation within Shikonjima. Recalling the Kioshima Incident in 2012 when foreign barbarians invaded Yamatai by taking advantage of a rare period of vulnerability caused by ineffective national leadership, which has since been corrected, our steadfast Imperial Grand Marshal Miyazaki revealed how easy it was for foreign nations to use the pretext of providing aid to an internal situation in order to launch violent invasions aimed at suppressing the pure and delicate Yashiman culture. Though Yamatai overcame that situation with the typical Yashiman grace and finality, our Imperial Grand Marshal Miyazaki expressed slight doubts that the Principality of Shikonjima would be able to do so without the same uncompromisingly focused leadership and peerless and brave military forces that the Greater Empire of Yamatai possessed in that situation.

The Greater Empire of Yamatai and the Principality of Shikonjima have had a long history in the past, with closer cooperation occurring before the Third Great War and later on during the post-war visionary and fortuitous leadership of the Great Savior of Yamatai, the former Imperial Grand Marshal Okabe Nariakira, whose era of leadership brought Yamatai to stellar heights of military and economic power such that this great nation was able to compete with other great powers around the world despite attempts by the foreign world to contain Yamatai's stellar and rightful development. Imperial Grand Marshal Miyazaki recalled this period of friendliness during Shogun Ichigawa's rule of Shikonjima, and emphasised the great heights which both nations were able to reach during the era, with cooperation only natural due to the shared blood bond between the righteous, powerful and cultured peoples of the two island nations.

To the foreign barbarians, the pure Yashiman culture is inscrutable. They simply are unable to fully grasp the social intricacies and norms that empower the Yashiman race, and other races which have been uplifted by Yamatai and Shikonjima. Said the Imperial Grand Marshal, three thousand years of shared culture and history stand behind the Yashiman people, and the Greater Empire would not stand by and allow foreign forces to subvert and intimidate Shikonjima into giving up this strong cultural heritage, which would be the inevitable outcome of a foreign occupation, even if said occupation is begun through offers of friendship and aid.

As such, our Imperial Grand Marshal Miyazaki stated that the Greater Empire of Yamatai always remains ready to support and defend the peace, security and integrity of the Principality of Shikonjima as required, from threats both external and internal, in the interest of furthering the existence and rightful supremacy of the Yashiman race everywhere, as is the sacred duty of this Greater Empire.

Tenno Heika Banzai!

OOC:

by **AHSCA** » Sun Mar 01, 2020 11:02 am

Somewhere in the Ocean

The drifting continued for the Shiokaze through the choppy waters seemingly okay so far since their encounter they hadn't really run across anyone else. Hoping it would stay that way as night fell over the little ship. Above deck vigilant Asuna was keeping her eyes watching for anything else that might surprise them. Despite Roshin's dive into her various papers, it just couldn't be said what was going on, maybe they'd have answers when they landed. The thudding sounds of footsteps beside her shook her out of her deep concentration. It was one of the crew members, a young man maybe her age or so, give a few years scars that made it seem like he'd seen his share of stuff also a rifle in hand. "So, what's the deal, we all gonna die?" He asked

"Not as long as I can help it." Asuna responded

"A bunch of military ships in the region can only mean one thing, someone's getting invaded."

"You sound pretty sure."

"I am. I lived through The War ya know."

"Oh?"

"Long story there, don't need to go over it. Either way, if we don't bump into another metal monstrosity in this little wood boat of ours we're sure to be snipped out of existence. We know too much."

"We have a handful of very important people aboard. Someone decides to do that it might actually call the UIS to war."

"Really think a small boat of just a few VIPs is gonna be enough to make the Duchess call up the armed forces? Needs of many ya know."

"There's one thing The Duchess won't take kindly to, it's having her citizens pushed around for someone else's cause."

"You seem like you speak with experience?"

Asuna bit her lip figuring best keep on a low profile. Whether or not he knew she was The Duchess bodyguard was hard to read from his cold exterior.

"Asuna." She simply introduced herself.

"Veli."

"Corona boy huh?"

"Auroran gal?"

"I didn't mean anything by it, I thought I picked up an accent of Esperanto."

"So then, am I right, Auroran?"

"Yes you're right."

He looked out to the same horizon Asuna was looking at. "I hate how quite it is now." he mounted his riffle

"It's night and the wind is calmer."

"That's the issue. I hear something unnatural."

"What, I don't hear anything?"

"Shh." He hushed her a moment as he took aim to somewhere and fired off a round or two. "What are you doing?!"

"I'm telling you I saw something."

"It's moonless, pitch black, you have a basic rifle scope and you saw something? If there's somebody watching, you're really gonna draw attention to us."

"Like I said, if they're watching they're already well aware of where we are. Isn't that why you have your arm?"

Both now found themselves bathed in the orange-yellow glow of a lantern as Shino emerged up to their vantage "What was that?!" she asked

"Relax Captain, just a little target practice." Veli replied

"I thought I told crew to keep arms locked away in cabin."

"Given the circumstances and this gal is armed I figured best be prepared."

"Just, I don't want anyone getting hurt because you have an itchy trigger finger. Now regardless of whether I own this boat or not, I'm still captain, under UIS Maritime Law I'm the sole authority on this ship! I say stow your weapon, sailor."

"Yes, captain. Asuna, good to meet you." He climbed back down to head below deck again as ordered.

"Asuna..." Shino began but Asuna interjected before getting any kind of lecture about being armed and on deck.

"Look, we're off course, we just had a run in with military ship from who knows where and we have 45 souls aboard excuse me for being a little over cautious."

"I was just gonna say, it's your turn to relive me at the helm."

"Oh, yes of course. Go get sleep, I've got it."

"You sure you don't want me to take watch? My eyes are more suited to see in the dark than yours. It's the added value of being part fox!"

"Aha." Asuna giggled a little. "You need sleep, you're still Captain and that's more valuable. I think we're fine for now I haven't seen anything else major."

"Right, call me if you need me." Asuna hopped down from the top of the bridge taking the wheel.

(Ooc: people have mentioned drones if anyone wants their drone to have been fired upon or just take notice this is your chance but remember No disintegrations)

by **Shikonjima** » Mon Mar 02, 2020 10:01 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,
Indeed, they want to be spotted; Shikonjimanese agencies have been sure of that as well, and if you have followed the news and read the article published by the Voice of the Empire, it should now be clear, that it fits Yamataian propaganda perfectly. It was clear from the get-go, that the Yamataians would ignore my appeal to move away. I'm unsure about their intentions, so I will stay prepared for anything. And it doesn't require a lot of vision to imagine what anything may mean.
In the meantime, I thank you for your assistance in humanitarian aid. While we might be able to fix the damages in Toriyama on our own, the damage in the Ferinan-Archipelago is too enormous for us, especially due to the relative distance from the Mainland.
Wonderful! I am looking forward to a fruitful cooperation.

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 Friend from the Five Deserts,
The evidence currently available does not make the situation any less worrisome, and I must be frank once more: the thought of having to move away from Shikonjimanese soil does not sit well with me, even though it may be Kyouko's explicit wish. Don't get me wrong, I have solid confidence in her abilities and knowledge, and it might not be an unwise decision to calm the situation down by dissolving this, but I think, we should be prepared for any incidents that might occur. The Khaga surely is.
You're welcome! It's not an easy job, but it's necessary to be done.

Signed,
Atakheer Khan

SKS Gantulga, south of Iejima Island.
Admiral Tsagaanus could definitely relate to Massera's frustration - he had no bloody idea as to why the Shikonjimanese had ordered them here, only to tell them to get lost now. It was beyond him, and he doubted, that Lion's Den could make any sense of it, either.
He spoke into the radio, "Steppe Wolf 1 speaking again. Whatever this order is supposed to mean, I'm not any less bemused about this sudden change than you all are. From our end, Lieutenant Commander Khögshinordon is currently trying to request further information from the Commanders back in the Sharulsi Khanate, but I have my doubts, that they will be able to inform us about anything we don't know ourselves already - even if what we know is arguably not much."
He let a beat pass.
"Seems like the only option left to us is to watch out for a place to park in and call it a day, I guess."

Ushimura General Hospital, Ushimura in Akebono, Mainland Shikonjima.
The Ushimura General Hospital was surprisingly large for a hospital located in a town as small as Ushimura, but these capacities were more than necessary, considering it had to serve the entire prefecture.
Aoyama Shinji was an experienced doctor in his late fifties; the former could be guessed by his approbation certificate hanging on the wall of his office, which was issued in Odayakajidai 6 (which would be 1989 in the international calendar), the latter couldn't probably guessed at all, as he still looked like a thirty-year-old.
While he was busy documenting the current medication plan for the entire ward, he would always be ready to assist in emergencies.
In this moment, Toyohara Yukiko, a nurse in her mid-twenties, knocked, then opened the door.
"Aoyama-hakase" - she said, bowing her head lightly.
He looked at her through his glasses. "Ah, good to see you, Toyohara-san!" - he said. "Say, patient Kiiroshima requires pantoprazole for his acidosis, correct? Which dose, twenty or forty milligrams?"
"Forty, Doctor" - Toyohara replied. "At least until we know why his stomach is as overacidated as this."
"Terrific. Deliver it to him and remind me of issuing a prescription for that. How is our new patient doing? The young man who got run over by a car on his motorcycle, on the Imperial Route T-211?"
"He's awake again, Doctor, but he's apparently suffering a severe concussion" - Toyohara said. "The impact must have damaged his brain hard - he even talks again, but he seems to be confused a lot."
"He talks?" - Aoyama inquired. "What does he say?"
"It's mysterious ... he keeps saying things like, 'need to deliver package', 'must go to Shimmura', and things like that. Sometimes, he mentions money, varying amounts, and according to my colleague who is a clinical linguist, he has a very unusual way to pronounce 'yen'. He also can't remember the impact itself, but considering its severity, that was to expect."
"Hmm ..." - Aoyama hummed. "Indeed, it's mysterious, especially since the paramedics haven't found any package or money when they got him from the road - and it's already mysterious enough, that they were called anonymously."
"I can't make any sense of that, either."
"Let's see how it develops" - the Doctor said. "Perhaps, things get more clear soon."

Iejima Research Center for Marine Biology.
The watching room in the Research Center was quite cozy, almost reminding of some lounge, with a U-shaped brown leather couch surrounding a glass table, a colorful lamp in the corner, a fridge next to it, as well as a huge monitor showing everything one wished to see in high definition. Almost an ideal place to have some nice movie night in.
This was not a movie night, though.
The monitor showed the ocean near Iejima, caught by a drone with a night vision camera, which was controlled by a Marine Biology Student in his early twenties named Eitarou, sitting at one end of the couch. Next to him, a well-fed guy named Shouzo, whom everyone nicknamed Dangochan, 'little dumpling', thanks to his figure. On the long side, three girls, Aina, Miyako, and Itsumi, all three drinking soda while documenting everything the camera managed to catch.
A little radio on the table played some mysteriously popular 1980s pop song.
"Are you sure you aren't getting out of range?" - Miyako asked Eitarou with a skeptical look onto the screen.
"Nah, I could fly that thing straight to Yashinoki Island, if I wanted" - Eitarou replied. Yashinoki was the Shikonjimanese name for the closeby (for a given definition of the term) archipelago the Kyrenaians, who inhabited it, called Shajarat Alnakhil.
"That's not where our coral reefs are, though" - Shouzo said and continued eating potato chips, 'Oriental' flavor.
"Weren't you gonna lose some weight, Dangochan?" - Aina asked. "Potato chips won't help you a lot with this."
"And make you all do the work of inventing a new nickname for me?" - the lad addressed said. "Nah, gotta stay in shape."
Aina grinned and shook her head.
Eitarou kept controlling the drone, flying over the waters outside the Ferinan-Archipelago, around fifty nautical miles from here, as he roughly guesstimated, perhaps even a bit more. The range of this thing was surely fascinating.
Suddenly, the camera caught a wooden boat passing by, with a man and a woman standing on the deck, but it certainly provided space for quite a few more people, who were, most likely, already asleep.
"Doesn't look like a Shikonjimanese tub" - Itsumi commented. "And certainly not a military ship - which surprises me, actually, with all the foreign ships currently roaming around."
"Most of them have probably already departed, after the popular address" - Miyako said. "I assume, that we only have civilian ships from other places around as of now, maybe tourists who prefer Iejima over the other places that are less calm. Or assistance ships for medical aid and rebuild."
"Probably."
Suddenly, they saw, how the man lifted a gun - and shot.
"What the shit?!" - 'Dangochan' exclaimed.
Eitarou tried to drift the drone away from the trigger-happy guy - but it was too late. Another shot followed, and the screen turned black, with a little box on the top stating, 'NO SIGNAL'.
For a moment, no one said anything.
"Well, this is how you dump five hundred Ryous in the ocean in only two seconds" - Aina said, sighing. "Who's going to ask Professor Sageyama to order a new drone so we can resume our studies?"
"The one who's asking, I guess" - Eitarou said, looking at her.
Aina sighed again. "Will do ..."

Ulaanels Sonin, English online version. 02/03/2020.

Propaganda Machine Working More Efficiently Than Ever Before

An opinion piece by Altanereg Yelda.

Not even two weeks after my last statement on the ongoings in Shikonjima, I have to give another one to paper, as the recent events triggered another urge I simply couldn't resist. With Kyouko-Khatun giving a popular speech surprising everyone, and the Voice of the Empire reporting on another address given by the Imperial Grand Marshal Miyazaki Reina, there is a lot of food for thought for me and other authors contributing to the Shikonjimajinron, the 'discourse of the Shikonjimanese people' (and you won't believe how proud I am to be called a contributor to this genre by Shikonjimanese Royalty!).
To be honest, I had to laugh when I read the article claiming, that there is "a foreign occupation of Shikonjima's pure lands" incoming, especially since Kyouko-Khatun's appeal for the non-Shikonjimanese battlegroups to move away (and I have reasons to believe, that this appeal included the Yamataians, who still haven't retreated) and only send ships for humanitarian aid. This is not what an occupation looks like to me. But considering how famous the Yamataian government is for its blissful ignorance of reality, there is certainly little need to elaborate on the tiny difference between assistance and occupation.
The Imperial Grand Marshal apparently loves stressing the period of friendliness between the Greater Empire and the Shogunate in the past, and also tends to confuse friendliness and friendship - the former was there, sure, but the latter ...? From the perspective of the Shogunate, the so-called 'barbarians' were surely the better friends. I particularly like to emphasize the Sharulsi Voluntary Force assisting in the Colonial Wars in the 1970s and 1980s. While I know, that their assistance in Nho Quoc are one of the reasons why my Aunt Enkhtuyaa, along with a few thousands of other Sharulsi volunteers, returned home to the Khanate in a wooden box, the Yamataian casualties back then were, according to my knowledge, exactly zero. The Shogunate could have needed some assistance back then, and didn't receive it from the Yamataians, and I fail to see why the current Shikonjimanese government would need their firepower now.
Without knowing the historical details, I would assume, that the Yamataians had their own problems back then. Which may lead to the question, whether or not they have fewer problems today - and considering the recent history as well as their lack of a sense for reality, I would be inclined to say, no. Even General Ichigawa (who was a half-Sharulsi, too, by the way - 'pure race' and so on) repeatedly confessed, that the Shogunate was not the perfect state and prone to mistakes, even heavy ones, when trying to forge the Empire together.
If we Sharulsi, the Kyrenaians, the Selkie, yadda yadda yadda, the list could continue, respect the wishes of the Shikonjimanese government and provide aid where it's actually needed, then who are the better friends? The Yammies with all their grace, finality, and, as a certain man I met during a festival abroad a few months ago put it, "calm phoniness" (a term he actually used for the Shikonjimanese, but, in my eyes, suits the Yamataians way better), or rather the so-called 'barbarians', who actually do fix issues at hand in lieu of lying them away from the populace and the international community in order to appear as the ever-so-friendly power 'assisting' their relatives?
Which gets me to the point most ignored by the so-called 'defenders of the Yashiman race'. Aside from the lack of definitive scientific evidence of any genetic relation between the Yashimans and the Yonrei as of currently, it's beyond me how the Yamataians could ever deem a pan-Japonic political sphere realistic. Can anyone actually imagine Empress Kiyono and Princess Kyouko agreeing on a shared political line? And we haven't talked about the Nifonese and other Japonic-speaking states yet. Kiyono-tan, Kyou-chan, and Maki-tan agreeing on anything beyond 'Water is wet'? Doubtful at best. Shikonjima has her own goals, the most important one being the furtherment of their good relations to friendly nations (the so-called 'barbarians') to fulfil her old dream of a 'prosperity sphere' - but by peaceful and fair means, not by violence (yes, they learned from their history!). The Nifonese keep strengthening their involvement in SACTO, most members of which are non-Japonic (again, so-called 'barbarians') states, too. The Yamataians clearly underestimate their own political isolation on the international stage, and they seem to believe, that showing their tubs off will change that anytime soon. But as long as the propaganda machine works (and it does!), why fix something that ain't broken? Let's just sing the Imperial March and be happy!
And while I'm sure, that I'm not alone with this opinion, still the obligatory disclaimer: Just my two Tögrögs.
Altanereg Yelda.

by **New Visayan Islands** » Tue Mar 03, 2020 3:09 am

CDR Fyodor Nikolayevich A. Fukuda, VCN
VCS Gabriel Lázaro de Mangubat (CG-7), Somewhere close to the Ferinan Archipelago
March 2nd, AD 2020
2133 PHT

One had to go aft for a smoke in any ship of the Visayan Confederation Navy, and VCS Gabriel Lázaro de Mangubat was no exception. Fukuda was on his second stick when two petty officers walked in. After a quick salute to the XO, the petty officers fished out their own smokes.
"What is that smell?" Fukuda asked one of the petty officers; he could smell the smoke coming from the PO's kretek but was otherwise unfamiliar with it.
"Gudang, sir," Culinary Specialist First Class Hannibal Song replied. "Before you ask, it's black propaganda spread by the company's rivals." Song was referring to the persistent rumor that marijuana was used in the production of Gudang Garam kreteks; that rumor was quashed in 2002 with the legalization of recreational marijuana in the province of Mindoro.
"Figures." While Federal Law was relatively silent on marijuana, Navy regulations treated it like alcohol. In practice, this meant no one could smoke it while underway. "Carry on, men."
"Yes, sir." Leaving the two to their cigarettes, Fukuda could see the other four ships of what was being called Task Force Stardust. As he lit his third cigarette, he wondered if the Captain had anything in mind.

Harold Goyongco
VCS Gabriel Lázaro de Mangubat (CG-7)
Same time

Harold hailed SDFS Maighdean as soon as the ship was identified.
"Ahoy, SDFS Maighdean. This is Captain Goyongco of VCS Gabriel Lázaro de Mangubat; we've come to lend our aid." As he said this, the bridge had kept watch for other ships; the remit of Task Force Stardust was Protection of Shipping, and the five ships the Confederation fielded were tasked to keep neutral shipping out of harm's way until relieved.

Allison A. Sanchez, CPA
Department of Finance Building, Cebu City, DH
March 3rd, AD 2020
1154 PHT

"...which is why the various warlords of Bagongo should be enrolled in the Aquino-Magnitsky List of Select Nationals," Allison said, finishing her statement on why certain Bagongo personalities should be sanctioned under the Aquino-Magnitsky Act. "Given, among other things, the war crimes they are party to, we should discourage them from engaging in financial transactions with Visayan companies, banks, and other interests."
"Very well, Allison," President Cui said over AV link. "Aisha?"
"We currently have no more patients under observation for COVID-19; the last six patients under observation were discharged yesterday," Aisha replied. "USecHealth also told me that the last confirmed case has recovered this morning," she added; there have been no new cases of COVID-19 since February 16th.
"Alright, how about Jack and Nate?" The discussions lasted for another hour, after which Allison drafted a list of Bagongo warlords who would be subject to the sanctions provided under the Ninoy Aquino-Sergei Magnitsky Global Rule of Law and Human Rights Accountability Act of 2019 while Jack wrote an open letter describing Visayan assistance to the Selkie forces.

TO: Open Letter
FROM: Department of Foreign Affairs, Confederation of the New Visayan Islands
RE: Defense of Neutral Shipping

While the Confederation is committed to recognizing the Treaty on the Reincorporation of the Seven Duchies of the Ferinan-Archipelago into the Shikonjimanese Realm signed on the 6th of February, Anno Domini 2020, the Federal Council expresses concerns regarding the buildup of naval forces and how this may affect neutral shipping. To that end, we have sent ships to assist the SDF-Navy of the Free Lands of the Selkie in safeguarding neutral shipping along the edges of the affected areas; ships of the Visayan Confederation Navy will not intrude in Shikonjimanese waters outside of an emergency.
We hope that any escalation is to be averted.

Sincerely,

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

Most Rev. Vicente N. Ibarazaki II, DD, VG
Visayan Confederation Conference of Catholic Bishops Building, Cebu City, DH
March 3rd, AD 2020
1314 PHT

As one of the Auxiliary Bishops of the Archdiocese of Cebu, Bishop Ibarazaki was eligible for various positions within the VC3B. Ibarazaki was the Chairman of the Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, and often found himself speaking on behalf of the Conference in matters of dialogue between two or more religious groups; to that end he made it a point to learn as much as he could about other religions. Nostra Aetate meant that the Church should build bridges where she would have built walls prior to Vatican II, and the bishop made it his duty to keep those bridges open.
That duty is why Bishop ibarazaki was entertaining the CEO of B'nai B'rith Visayas at the moment. Simon David proved to be an engaging sort, regaling Vicente with tales ranging from his family life to the history of B'nai B'rith Visayas' involvement in charity work.
"Bishop Ibarazaki, I'm sure the VC3B has plans for this unrest in Shikonjima," Simon said.
"Simon, why do you think Caritas Cebu has been actively campaigning for Visayan Catholics to lend aid to Shikonjima amid the unrest?"
"Yet we both know this cannot be done alone."
"I never said we would be alone, Simon; your presence is proof of that," Vicente replied with a chuckle; BBV and the VC3B have worked together in charitable missions often enough that both organizations developed a special relationship, and when the two religious organizations went in to commit acts of charity, others were bound to follow.

TO: Royal Press Office, Principality of Shikonjima
FROM: Visayan Confederation Conference of Catholic Bishops; B'nai B'rith Visayas
RE: Humanitarian Aid

On behalf of the Visayan Confederation Conference of Catholic Bishops and B'nai B'rith Visayas, we express our sincerest condolences to the families of those lost to terror attacks that have beset the Principality, and are preparing humanitarian aid to be sent by cargo aircraft. We need only a destination for the chartered cargo aircraft.

We wish you all the strength to persevere amid unrest, sorrow, and loss.

We remain yours in the Lord,
(Sgd.)
Abp. Albert Charles Cardinal Cortez, DD, STD
Roman Catholic Archbishop of Tagbilaran
President of the Visayan Confederation Conference of Catholic Bishops
(Sgd.)
Atty. Simon David, LlM, CPA
Chief Executive Officer
B'nai B'rith Visayas

by **Kyrenaia** » Tue Mar 03, 2020 4:55 am

Soraya Geal.
Yacht Rashiq.
Today, the HAC had two additional guests: Princess Aurelia was seated next to me, between me and her Grandmother. She had hugged me as soon as we met, when the Alshaahin had come alongside, returning from a small tour to the Free Lands and Lutetii.
Prince Damir was sitting on the Sultana's far side.
Looking at him and Mahmut made one wonder: Was Ilkhan Idris really the father of him? Were the assumptions of the boulevard press true? Or was the official line, that he looked a lot like his mother's grandfather, true? The Gods, and his parents, only knew and I would not ask.
In the end, it would not change who he was to me.
Prince Damir was just finishing up his report: "In summary, although the visit was a bit derailed a bit and other issues were pushed into the focus, Miss Sciotóg assured me, that the only interest of the Free Lands is to secure neutral shipping and that they are going to cooperate with the Visayans to do that. SDFS Maighdean is apparently about to meet with their battlegroup and the 1st Frigate Squadron is making ready to depart." He took a breath. "The Lutetians, on the other hand... Doge Capintesta assured me, that they have absolutely no interest in getting involved beyond their initial press statement of 'Yeah, yeah, if it pleases them, let them.'"
I could not help but smile and so could Aurelia.
"And then, we have the Yamataians.", Mahmut said, "Reina's speech, according to Naval Intelligence, was less harsh then the Voice of the Empire made it sound. Still, their involvement is troubling."
The Sultana nodded.
"We are already pulling back, try to deescalate.", Prince Damir said, "Yet, how far back do we pull? Do we all go home and leave them alone? We have reason to believe, that if someone indeed starts a shooting war, others might be interested in getting their hands dirty, too. And that is going to end in a mess."
I swallowed. Aurelia put a hand on my shoulder. We both knew, what she was thinking: That if a shooting war started, men like my father would be right in the middle of it. Men like the boyfriend of Princess Fara, who looked very calm, would be in the middle of it.
And to be honest, that thought did not sit well with me.
The Sultana exhaled deeply.
"We need to make it clear, that we are deescalating and that we want others to help us in that.", Aurelia said, "We also need to make it clear, that we are going to support Shikonjima in the way they want."
The Sultana nodded.
"Deescalation nice and dandy, but what do we do with those, who see deescalation as a weakness?", Mahmut asked, "Yamatai, for example." Aurelia was silent. "No one here wants to loose face, but that is, what it will lead to. Invariably. People don't like loosing face."
The Sultana nodded.
She looked as if she was wondering the same thing we all wondered: What to do?
Respect Kyouko's, and thus Shikonjima's, wishes? Go in? Stay out? What to do?
"We will stay, where we are.", the Sultana said, glanced into the round, not for approval, "But what else?"
"Maybe...", I began and felt all eyes on me, "...we invite the Yamataians to join the 'exercises'." Silence. "That way, we can keep an eye on them, they on us and we all are assured, that no one does anything openly without the other noticing." Silence. "Of course, that would not really deescalate, but..."
"A good idea.", Prince Damir said and shook his head, "But also a foolish one. They'd never agree. And we will look quite stupid."
"But they'd look aggressive, if they decline.", I said, "We invite them to cooperate for the best for Shikonjima, they decline."
"They'll look stupid and aggressive in our eyes.", Damir agreed partially, "And in their own, too. Yet, that is desirable for them. In their own belief in their racial superiority and them having a right to interfere because the Shikos are long lost cousins of theirs or something, we are nothing but barbarians. Us inviting them to join these 'exercises'..." He shook his head. "It'd lead to nowhere."
"But we will invite them.", the Sultana said and smiled, raising a hand, "Just not to that particular exercise. It's time, that we have a few guests again..."

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,
indeed. Deescalation is in order and I am planning moves to arrange for exactly that. A bit of a surprising move, I'll admit, but I am sure, that we will catch a few people off guard with that. I also ordered Carrier Group 6 to remain outside of Shikonmanjese waters and to inform the other, friendly fleets of that. I hope, that they'll join our efforts in deescalation.
Might take a while until they arrive, though.

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,
Deescalation is the word of the week, my friend, deescalation. And we must convince others to help us in that deescalation.

Signed,
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad

To:
Kiyono, 127th Empress of the Greater Empire of Yamatai, The Radiant Sun and the Eternal Moon.
CC:
The Office of the Imperial Grand Marshal, Miyazaki Reina.
The Imperial Council of the Greater Empire of Yamatai

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.

Open Diplomatic Correspondence.
Will be released.

Greetings, Empress Kiyono, Peace, a cool Breeze and Water may be upon You and Yamatai!
You may have heard of Us and We most certainly heard of You, Young Empress, so allow Us to cut the chase. Both of our nations are involved in the international posturing contest off of Shikonjima's coasts, which creates, as the Imperial Grand Marshal so helpfully pointed out, unnecessary international tensions - tensions, which in the current situation in Shikonjima only add another fuse to a bomb, which is about to explode.
The Sultanate is committed to deescalating the situation. While We do admit, that some of that tension has been caused by actions undertaken by Our Government and Armed Forces, some of the tensions come from elsewhere. In order to prevent a needless conflict and needless tensions between our great peoples, We hereby propose to You, and to the leadership of Your Armed Forces, to deescalate together with Us.
To that end, We have the pleasure of inviting the cruiser group around IYS Shinano, and of course the vessel herself, to the Naval Base Shajarat Alnakhil, which is close by Shikonmanjese Waters. There, the Commanding Admiral can assure himself (or herself) of Kyrenaia's deescalation while his (or her) ships are resupplied and refuelled. Furthermore, said Admiral will be invited to attend meetings and briefings for the vessels providing humanitarian aid to Shikonjima and the Ferinan-Archipelago in these troubled times. Of course, We heartily invite You, and the Greater Empire of Yamatai in general, to contribute as well.
As a more long-term sign of deescalation, We hereby invite You to visit Us at the Baed Palace in Oea in July of this year, a small meeting between an Old Dreadnought and a young woman in the Spring of her youth to discuss matters of state and of further importance. We would be honoured to welcome both Your husband, the Imperial Consort Hamasaki Mitsuo, and Your child, Crown Princess Kizuna, in Our Summer Residence as well.
We hope, that in the best interests of both our great peoples and of Shikonjima, Our words do not fall onto deaf ears and that Us addressing You directly will lead to a fruitful cooperation between our great peoples, both on this issue and further ones which might arise.

Signed and with great respect,
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad,
Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

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

On the matter of the ongoings in the Principality of Shikonjima and the Ferinan-Archipelago:
In order to deescalate the international tensions around the recent Reintegration of the Ferinan-Archipelago into the Principality of Shikonjima, the Sultan's Navy reiterates its invitation to all involved parties to move to the Shajarat Alnakhil for resupplying and refuelling before their voyage home. This explicitly includes the forces of the Greater Empire of Yamatai in the region.
The Sultanate invites all involved parties to participate in the humanitarian effort which was requested in the recent address by Yamura no Kyouko, Princess of Shikonjima, Viscountess of the Oui no Tochi, Highest Servant of the Four Souls, Highest Lady of the Kazoku (a.k.a. Princess Kyouko, the Head of State of Shikonjima). While the Sultanate send several hospital ships, there is still much to do.
In order to deepen the relationship between the Sultanate of Kyrenaia and the Greater Empire of Yamatai and to allow for a better cooperation between the two great nations, Her Majesty the Sultana has invited Kiyono, 127th Empress of the Greater Empire of Yamatai, The Radiant Sun and the Eternal Moon, to a state visit in the coming July to Oea's Baed Palace, to discuss matters of state and further importance (the letter is released under the file reference GEY-0001, a translation into English will be available under GEY-0001-E within the hour).

Furthermore, 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 10/2020, in Nashinya. As far as we are concerned, these lands are rightful Shikonjiman Ground and Soil, the citizens Shikonmanjese.
The Sultanate is also committed to peace and stability in the region.

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!

Admiral Rasha Qiada, Bridge of RKN Tartib.
I held the orders in my hands and shook my head.
We were not only ordered to pull back into International Waters, but to remain there. There were enough threats at large to warrant us to place a nice little turd on these orders, but our orders were clear: International Waters until otherwise noted.
I understood the shock of my colleagues.
"Lion's Den, indeed, Steppe Wolf...", I spoke into the radio, then bit into the sour apple, "But for now, gentlemen, I have orders to move back into International Waters nearby, coordinates will follow in a moment, and I invite you and your fleets to join us, at least until you have orders yourself." I let a beat pass. "Of course, if anyone of you need to resupply and refuel and is too far from home, the Shajarat Alnakhil is open for you. And, Commander, I have been told, that the waters there are very good to swim in and the other occupants on the beaches being nice as well."
I nodded to my grinning radio officer, who sent them a set of coordinates firmly in International Waters.

by **The Selkie** » Tue Mar 03, 2020 8:59 am

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

Return Adress: Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan, Foreign Office, Elder Castle, Fortham, Free Lands of the Selkie.
Friday, 28th of February, 2020.

Dear Mister Castro,
indeed. I'd like to invite you over for a cuppa one of these days, but I am afraid, that we both have more urgent matters to attend to then a relaxing cuppa. One of these days.
As Captain Trodaí has been in command of Maighdean since her keel-laying in 2013, getting the full yard-introduction, I am afraid, that he would be the more senior Captain. But, after consulting with both him and Admiral Curadh, we are going by commissioning date, which was 2018. That means, until an officer of higher rank arrives, Captain Trodaí is under orders to submit to Captain Goyongco. Let us hope, that they'll only have to hash our a convoy schedule.
Also, I want to use this chance to inform you, that I had a visit by Prince Damir ibn-Razia, the youngest and most diplomatically inclined child of the Sultana of Kyrenaia, who grilled me in regards of what we are going to do. I assured him, that we only wish to protect neutral shipping and are going to work together with you to achieve that. To that end, we will also soon wave goodbye to the 1st Frigate Squadron.

With best regards,
Felicia Sciotóg of the Tribe of Monaghan,
Head of the Foreign Office of the Free Lands of the Selkie.

P.S.: Of course, Captain Trodaí looks forward to meeting Captain Goyongco and his ships as well.

Commander Aidan Bratoi of the Tribe of Wexford.
SDFS Maighdean, by the meeting point.
I was the first officer. When the Captain wasn't around, for example while he was on the pot, I was in charge. He was around when we were hailed by VCS Gabriel Lázaro de Mangubat, CG-7.
"Ahoy, SDFS Maighdean. This is Captain Goyongco of VCS Gabriel Lázaro de Mangubat; we've come to lend our aid.", came through the radio.
Five ships, as announced a cruiser, two destroyers, two frigates - Task Force Stardust.
"Captain Goyongco, this is Galen Trodaí of the Tribe of Westmeath aboard SDFS Maighdean speaking.", he spoke into his radio, "It's a pleasure to meet you and the Navy of the Confederation. I wish, it'd be under different circumstances." He let a beat pass. "The Foreign Office and the Fleet Command of the SDF-Navy have just informed me, that I am to place myself and my ship under your command. I hope you forgive me for not doing the corresponding ceremony, but we will follow your orders."
That was not easy, neither for him nor for us, but it was necessary.

by **Lux Pulchrae** » Tue Mar 03, 2020 1:38 pm

Waters south of Iejima
Massera would feel a slight embarrassment as he heard his Kyrenaian colleague take his former questioning literally "Uhh..Lion's Den that was more of a euphemism. Code speak. I just wanted to know if the waters were safefor our ships. Who would swim in the ocean?" he weakly chuckled to himself "But anyways, we will be re-positioning ourselves in international waters. A bit of a drag no? As if they kicked us out of their home with our shoes still inside while it was raining. To say a local phrase. We'll let you know of anything else." The fleet would soon be moving to international waters, which would be like moving from someone's yard to standing on the public sidewalk.

Back on the deck, the La Costa crew was taken by surprise when they were notified of the movement. Daniella reported accordingly to the situation "Well, a new development has just come in from Shikonjima's own Princess Kyouko, she has told the world that Shikonjiman matters will be dealt by Shikonjima and has requested all foreign vessels out of her waters. It appears they can and will handle this crisis on its own as one nation. Truly the only way to handle a problem. No house can stand divided amongst itself as well as no nation can thrive without unity."

Massera had made his way to the deck, probably to watch them up close. As he approached, Daniella waved to him, calling him over. Massera's steps became slower as he thought whether to do so. They had already spotted him so it would be rude to just walk away, but then he wasn't in the mood for a spotlight. Reluctantly he decided to go.

"Oh, and here he comes viewers. The illustrious and stoic Commander Calogero Massera of the Royal Lux Pulchraean Navy!"

Massera walked in view of the camera right next to Daniella "Buongiorno. O buonasera, o buonanote whatever time of day it is."

"So Commander, what do you think of this sudden change? We had only just arrived here and in a matter of hours, the good Princess had asked us to leave. Any feelings?"

"Well, officially we are here in a joint exercise with our friends from the Sultanate of Kyrenaia, it is nice to breathe the ocean air for once and stretch our sea legs. Some might remember them from an incident last year. An incident, which almost mirrors the situation here. That is, in the case of homegrown terrorism. Not that there is any at home, anymore." he paused for a moment "But although we may be on an exercise, we would have no problem showing support and extending a hand of comfort to a fellow kingdom, or principality. I understand their willingness to do it alone. Hopefully the people of Lux Pulchrae can learn a lesson from the Orient, and as you have already said Signora Campos, a nation solves its problems as one nation. Without unity, there is collapse. Without order, there is chaos. Our peoples are nothing but Lux Pulchraeans and we must act accordingly to that notion. No matter the background. Strength in numbers. Out of many, one."

"Wow Commander. You sure had something on your mind." she smiled

"Well, I had a lot of time to think while we were out at sea." he looked to the camera. Nodding his head.

"I must correct you however, Commander. It would be 'Signorina Campos'."

"Ah, then I guess it would be so."

"Any plans now Commander?"

"Other than moving to international waters and awaiting orders, nothing much on the itinerary, signorina." Massera nodded his head lightly again and waved the camera goodbye "Ciao."

Royal Palace, Citta del Re
Sitting in the TV Lounge, Cleone was watching the broadcast of La Costa's reporting. Smiling as it ended. In the seat next to him was Alessandre. "So," he started "this is your great PR stunt? A little news reel?"

"I never said it was going to be great. I just told you I had an idea. This is to promote and reaffirm unity, Your Majesty. I found a nation of similar structure, a similar dilemma, an irredenta problem. Just switch the Ferinan for the French and Shikonjima for the greater Lux Pulchrae area."

"Except my dear friend. As I've already told you, they are dealing with reincorporating autonomous duchies. I am already sovereign to the French Quarter. Do you know how it would be the same? If I decided that, on a good breeze, the Duchy Amaglione belonged to me and took it from my brother."

"I understand, but at that point you are just nitpicking, Your Majesty. It's all tied in a greater theme. The people can relate. Will relate."

"I don't think the people will care much about the problems of some slants on the other side of the world."

"They would if we were there. Which we are! Ugh...Your Majesty, no offense but your short-sightedness is showing." Alessandre cheekily laughed.

As he did, Cleone stood up and started walking in the direction of his office.

"Wait...where are you going?"

"Send a little letter."

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: Cleone d'Angeli IV, King of Lux Pulchrae
SUBJECT: Stability

Most Revered Princess,
I write to you as one sovereign to another. We have never officially contacted each other, nor met each other. And until recently I have only heard of Shikonjima in passing. But from the minimal information given, I can tell our nations are similar in many ways. At least in terms of government structure and attitude. Semi-isolationists in control of neo-feudalist nations. Like medieval Europe and Feudal Japan, as a reference. Everyone tells me how alike we are, in many ways including our struggles. But I cannot know that for certain. But in the case that it is true, if I may impart some experience. Not of my self but of my nation's past.

In the era of my great-grandfather and grandfather, Cleone I and II respectively. Cleone I thought it was a good idea to experiment with the then modern notions of democracy, not entirely. He was naive but not a fool. For a split second, the fist of power was loosened, the opportunity arised and cracks began to show in society. The mafiosi grew in power, political parties formed left and right, neighbor fought neighbor on things as trivial(for them) as international policy, something far beyond the common citizen. This went on for maybe, 10-15 years. Then came my grandfather, who was, for lack of a better word, a disciple of Mussolini. The Aristotle to Mussolini's Plato. And in the late twenties, he filled the cracks of society with grips of iron. Parties gone, policies were not the people's anymore. They became the problems of the crown, and trickled down to the dukes, the counts, viscounts, barons, etc. Almost a century later and cracks are reappearing. Perhaps my father's grip was too loose. Perhaps mine. But from what I hear, there are also cracks in your society. And if there aren't, it is the opportune moment for those cracks to show. Seal them before they open.

Sincerely,
Cleone d'Angeli IV, King of Lux Pulchrae

by **New Visayan Islands** » Tue Mar 03, 2020 6:36 pm

Harold Goyongco
VCS Gabriel Lázaro de Mangubat (CG-7), Somewhere close to the Ferinan Archipelago
March 2nd, AD 2020
2140 PHT

"The pleasure was all ours, Captain Trodaí. A shame this was not in better circumstances." As the captain of SDFS Maighdean announced he would follow Harold's orders, he acknowledged that part with solemnity: "I understand, Captain; we were informed of what to expect from the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Defense."
As soon as links were established between the Selkie cruiser and the rest of the task force, Harold made an announcement.
"Ladies and Gentlemen of Task Force Stardust, this is Captain Goyongco speaking. As you know, our duty in waters close to Shikonjima is simply to escort neutral shipping. Now, I understand none of you are strangers to anti-piracy patrols, so you may think it'll be more of the same, but if military developments continue, we may find ourselves proven wrong in the worst possible way, so I want heads on a swivel and looking sharp. Are we clear?"
The captains of the destroyers and frigates under his command addressed him as "Commodore" in their replies. He would have settled for just being addressed as "Captain," being the highest-ranking commanding officer of Task Force Stardust, but the inclusion of a second naval captain meant that the commanding officers of the destroyers (who were full commanders) and frigates (lieutenant commanders) under his command would end up calling him "Commodore," a courtesy title used to address the senior ranking naval captain...and if the situation regarding who was in charge was reversed Harold would have called Captain Trodaí "Commodore," so it all evened out.

Nathaniel Charles de los Reyes
Pueblo El Grande Subdivision, Consolacion, DH
March 2nd, AD 2020
2313 PHT

It was a ringtone that greeted Nathaniel as he made it home. Grunting at the noise, he picked up the phone.
"SecDef," he said.
"This is CINCFOR; the commander of Task Force Stardust has established contact with an SDF cruiser." Being just outside of PhilCom's Area of Responsibility, Task Force Stardust answered to the officer in charge of ForCom, a four-star admiral by the name of Angelo Lazaro (no relation to the Tico's namesake).
"Very well, Angelo. Is there anything else I need to know about?"
"No, sir. You have a good night, Mr. Secretary."
"You as well," Nathaniel replied before hanging up. He then retired to his bedroom and called it a night, knowing that Exercise STONE RAZOR was scheduled to begin on the morning of the 4th.

Vicente Ibarazaki II
Inland Warehousing, Lapu-Lapu, DH
March 4th, AD 2020
0122 PHT

Vicente had been helping volunteers out with aid packages for the better part of four hours, passing on unmarked bags from one volunteer to another. Each bag contained enough non-perishable foodstuff to last three days per individual, among other items that would not be out of place in a relief package, including hygiene kits and bottled water. But that was not the only reason Vicente was there. One, his passport was still valid; two, the VC3B wanted one of their own to see the delivery through; and three, he drew the metaphorical short stick.
As he checked to see if the bag he was passing had the appropriate items, he saw his counterpart from B'nai B'rith taking a hand pallet jack to a nearby plastic pallet; it was full and the pallet was to be sent to a holding station before being transported to a cargo plane chartered for the purpose of what would be called Operation Golden Wind. They weren't alone in that regard as well; Khaled Alonso, the Muslim chaplain of AFB Mactan had been there until 11 in the evening, having been relieved by Saleh Lim, but Visayans of varying creeds were still helping out in preparing the relief goods.
It was a thing of beauty, people setting aside the differences of their houses and uniting for a common goal.

by **AHSCA** » Wed Mar 04, 2020 12:53 pm

(ooc: somehow someway Shikonjima, he'll find a way to refund the cost of that drone.)

Well regardless of how anyone reacted to the alleged drone that the young man spotted it seemed nobody else really minded or worried about the Shiokaze's presence in these tense waters because as the mornings and nights came and went in the couple days. Well it would seem praise to The Goddesses because this voyage was not yet turning into another Yuzu incident because whatever their run in was it was just that, a one time event. Nerves and tension began to melt away from the passengers and crew, hopefully their troubles were well behind them because now land was spotted. Asuna looked over the map and charts at the bridge again. "Yup it's the Ferinan-Archipelago." Asuna nodded giving another mark on the map and logs.

"Think they'll let us land?" Shino wondered

Rikka also was lurking around the bridge trying to reach high on her toes to see the map before Asuna lifted her up to sit on the table to look. "Can't see why they wouldn't." Asuna responded "But I think worse case scenario, Roshin can flash her diplomatic credentials. Very least they should help us resupply and set back on our way to the UIS. Only a matter of time before we land or are intercepted so let's make sure things are set. Weapons securely stowed, don't want it to look like we're smuggling"

"Right right."

As if again on cue Roshin came up to the bridge "Land in sight, oh Praise be Madokami I was worried for a while." she exclaimed

"Well let's not get too excited, we got to land first. But either way at least you're our biggest trump card to not getting blown away."

"Ah gee, glad to be of help." Roshin responded sarcastically "Well what do you think, we should report this to UNIFRO? I'm technically obligated to do so but it is a lot of work for me and you as Her Majesty's Guard."

"I really hate to stir up something if it isn't there. So unless something else happens we should shrug it off. Nobody was hurt and unless that alleged drone that man...Veli... was real then I don't see much of a need to make this into a bigger situation than it already is."

by **Shikonjima** » Thu Mar 05, 2020 11:47 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,
It may be a surprising order, indeed, and certainly a controversial one within the group that has assembled near Iejima, but it's ultimately the most logical step to go. The other fleets will certainly already know about this, but of course, Kheeree will remain in touch with the Gantulga.
In the meantime, some will also be surprised about your message to Kiyono, but in best case, it will serve the goal of deescalation.

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 Friend from the Five Deserts,
It certainly is. I am particularly curious as to whether or not the Yamataians are willing to cooperate.

Signed,
Atakheer Khan

To: Cleone d'Angeli IV, King of Lux Pulchrae.
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: Stability.
Encryption level: For Your Eyes Only.

Most Revered King,
I am pleased to hear from you. Indeed, we have never met or contacted each other. I remember, that a group of representatives from your country, including one of your Royal Advisors, has been present at the Prince's Ball in Schloss Zyng, Teressien, last summer, but there is little more I've seen or heard from your country's end; fortunately, this is changing now. Indeed, while our countries might be as different as day and night are in terms of culture, one can hardly deny, that there are remarkable similarities between the Kingdom of Lux Pulchrae and the Shikonjimanese Realm in terms of government structure and attitude, as well as, unfortunately, our struggles.

The Shikonjimanese system dates back into the medieval era, around five centuries, when Shikonjima lacked a consistent leadership and allowed unrests to occur, which the Warrior Nobility went out of victoriously, specifically five Clans - the Yamura, the Tamori, the Hanada, the Gonda, and the Sageshima Clan. After numerous decades of war between the Fiefdoms they occupied, a Peace Treaty was set up, allowing the Tamori Clan to found the Shogunate. Only shortly after that, Shikonjimanese sailors discovered the Islands of the Ferinan-Archipelago. Over the time, Shikonjima became a vast Colonial Empire. Two centuries ago, the ruling Tamori line died out, as a result of which, Yamura no Kazuo, a direct ancestor of mine, became Shogun. In the last century, the Colonial Empire declined, and 32 years ago, the Shogunate got dissolved, with my Esteemed Father, Yamura no Shinji, founding the Principality in its current form. Some parts of the Ferinan-Archipelago have experimented with democratic and socialist systems as well, but they failed, and the respective Duchies were restored. With a leadership based on the principles of Wisdom and Harmony, as well as the obligation to prove oneself and earn the right to take over responsibility (a modern term would be 'meritocracy'), Our Rule over Mainland Shikonjima and her constituent Fiefdoms has remained unquestioned over all these years, for most.

Which gets me to the 'for most' part. Of course, no country, not even Shikonjima, is safe from fringe groups. My Esteemed Grandfather, Yamura no Yoshita Shogun, had to deal with uprisings and protests fifty years ago, where these were quite common in many parts of the world. These days showed us, that Harmony is, contrary to some of the teachings of our religion, not a natural state that continues to prevail in all situations, but a state which requires active work to achieve at times. And now, half a century later, we are reminded of this fact once again - and the unpleasant situation in your country shows, that we are not alone with this problem. It is hard to tell, if my own Father's grip was too loose, or if it was only my own, or the one of any feudal Lord or Lady, but at the end of the day, a harmonious state in society, which is in the interest of any common Shikonjimanese citizen, and for sure also of any Lux Pulchraean, cannot be achieved by searching for someone guilty among one's own Magnificent Lineage, but only in correcting the course of elements that seek to disturb the harmonious order while letting undisturbing elements rest and work peacefully.

In the meantime, I thank you and your country for the willingness to assist us in these troublesome days, and I hope, that the situations in both our countries can be resolved soon.

I remain respectfully yours,
Signed,
Yamura no Kyouko

Royal Press Office

To: Visayan Confederation Conference of Catholic Bishops; B'nai B'rith Visayas.
From: Haruyoshi Rokuda, Royal Press Office, Kurogawa 02, Furushima/Akebono, UB63DB38, Shikonjima.

Esteemed Gentlemen,
We thank you for your condolences, as well as your willingness to provide humanitarian aid. Be sure, that your assistance is highly appreciated! As for the cargo aircraft, the Kiyoda Airfield in Kiyoda, Duchy of Taihou, is currently open for cargo aircraft of any size; so are the airfields of Yamadorou, Duchy of Yayoi, as well as Himekumo, Duchy of Akizuki.
However, due to your country's current issue with the outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus, we must ask you to make sure, that no Visayan national supposed to arrive on the soil of the Shikonjimanese Realm has any history of contact with potentially infected persons. We hope, that you understand our concerns in this regard.
Should any questions be up we lack information on, local authories will be glad to assist.

Respectfully yours,
Haruyoshi Rokuda,
Press Secretary
Royal Press Office.

SKS Gantulga, south of Iejima Island.
Admiral Qiada invited everyone over to a certain point in international waters, with the option of resupplying in the Shajarat Alnakhil, the archipelago the Shikonjimanese commonly called Yashinoki, but Massera would rather prefer not to swim in the ocean. Tsagaanus couldn't really understand why ... but he wasn't aware of the presence of press on the Lux Pulchrean ships as of yet, so he wasn't aware, that Massera had a more important job to do, until further orders would come.
What he did hear, though, was the round of chuckles from the Sharulsi officers listening along, which left little doubt about the general opinion of the Gantulga's sailors about the idea of going on a swim.
He grinned, then spoke into the radio, "This is Steppe Wolf 1 again. Lion's Den, your offer to join you towards that point will be gladly accepted, and I am confident, that there are only few objections from our end against resupplying and a good swim, either. Unless our own Leaders might have different orders for us, you may count us in."

Iejima Island.
Iejima was a storybook island amongst the numerous other tropical islands belonging to the Duchy of Yayoi. It was middle-sized and consisted of only one city, which was called Iejima as well, with a population of around 12,000, as well as a few surrounding villages and hamlets. Due to this small size and outlying position within the Ferinan-Archipelago, Iejima, so far, hadn't been concerned by the constant attacks, and the Islanders prayed to the Four Souls and the Ryoukami, that it would stay that way.
During tourist seasons, however, the island was still visited well. Apparently, tourists simply couldn't be stopped from spending some time here - which, for the Islanders, came in quite handy, for of course, they brought tons of little golden coins with a Dragon symbol on them.
It was a peaceful place, for sure - but of course, the locals and the national authorities alike were quite interested in keeping it that way. The Iejima Harbor Control would inform the crew of the Shiokaze about a cutter approaching the ship for customs and directing them towards a free docking place at Iejima Harbor afterwards over radio.
And it did approch them - barely larger than the boat from the UIS, but built of steel instead of wood. It came closer to the boat, carefully approaching its port side, until there was barely enough space between them for a stamp fitting in. But of course, there was no collision.
Three uniformed officers stood on deck, and their friendly facial expression didn't quite wish to fit the looks of their submachine guns. One of them spoke up, in English, with a slight accent: "Good morning, Shiokaze. Iejima Harbor Control. Anything to pay duties on or contraband to declare? And I also need to see the passports, please."

In front of an abandoned farmhouse in the middle of nowhere, Ushimura Prefecture, Akebono.
Kobayashi Eijirou was little more than your average small-time crook. At the age of 17, he had dropped out of school and lived off small side jobs here and there, and someday, he had somehow gone to the bad, left his parents' home and joined a small group of juvenile runaways who, once upon a day, had found this abandoned farmhouse in bumfuck-nowhere. They mostly lived off small crimes, a theft here an there, a burglary every now and then, but rarely anything more severe. Even in these small towns and villages, one could have a good living from that.
Eijirou, now 22, was quite excited - finding money and a package on a crash site was not something that happened everyday. He had even been lucky - he had found the heavily injured motorcycle rider, a guy around his age, only a minute before the ambulance had. And he had even been fast enough to hide with his loot, so no one had seen him.
He found himself flabbergasted, as one of the other gang members arrived, Haraguchi Noriko, a girl around his age, carrying a bag where heads of Seishu bottles and several boxes of cigarettes stuck out of. He whistled through his teeth.
"Where did you get all that stuff from?" - he asked.
"Fell off a lorry" - Noriko said, grinning. "Quite literally. There was an accident over on the highway."
"Nice job!" - he said. "I've been lucky, too. There was a motorcycle driver, certainly run over by a car, on the T-211. He got a package with himself, and also quite a bit of cash. Maybe like fifty Ryous or something. Most likely a courier."
"Was he still alive?" - Noriko asked.
"Can't tell. He wasn't awake, at least." Eijirou shrugged. "I've heard the ambulance arrive from afar, so I grabbed the stuff and was off in the woods before they could have seen me."
He dug around in the package. "I'm really curious as to what's in it now ..." - he murmured, and but a second later, he found a small file, in the format of a paperback book. Noriko sat down next to him and lit a cigarette up.
'SHOGUN' was written on it, all in Shikonjimanese Kana, typed with a computer.
Eijirou opened it.
"Hm, looks like correspondence between two groups of people - 'Shogun' and 'Hayabusa' ..." - he said. "Whoever they are, that smells like something very interesting ... 'Shogun' writes, 'We have definitive evidence, that the Royal Kyrenaian Navy will be mobilized, in order to occupy the Shikonjimanese Realm and ultimately undermine Yonrei purity. The Chandshar already settled here. Khaga networks reveal plans for Operation Marishima; prepare for Sharulsi participation.'"
"What does that mean?" - Noriko wondered. "I know Marishima, at least from the battle where the Shikonjimanese Navy fought back a Sharulsi invasion attempt somewhere in the Middle Ages, but what's meant by this?"
"Apparently, there's an invasion plan right now ..." - Eijirou murmured. "Might have to do with the Reunification, or also be entirely out of that context, but there are a few foreign ships around."
"Hm ... here it says, 'The alleged investigations in Ferinan are all disguise. Lillorainen, Shamsiyya, the UCMNI, and Kuronami sent field agents in order to make way free for Kyrenaian and Sharulsi invasion. Number and origin of further units supporting the operation remain undisclosed so far. Without any assistance, Yonrei might fall. You know what this means for us Yashimans. We need all power you have for our defense.'"
Noriko frowned. "Why should any of these places have an interest in invading Shikonjima? Some of them are our allies, or at least not on particularly hostile terms with us, after all."
"I got no bloody idea" - Eijirou said. "But some of them might have certain interests we don't know about."
"Hayabusa doesn't seem to be too willing ..." - Noriko noticed, then opened another page. "Or maybe yes ... a list of Yamataian Imperial Navy ships that get deployed for assistance. Not their entire navy, but a good load."
"And this seems to be a detailed plan on operations and exercises of the RSN" - Eijirou noticed. "I have no idea as to who that 'Shogun' is, but one thing's for sure - they have a solid knowledge on what the Navy plans. Maybe even high officials ..."
"At least I know, that this stuff is definitely too hot for us" - Noriko said. "Shouldn't we, like, inform the authorities ...?"
"Are you mad?! If we just happily walk in, hand the stuff over to them, and tell them what we know - what do you believe is gonna happen to us? They will do everything to make sure, that we will never see the daylight again!"
"You've read too many Svea Herning novels and Tanaka Shiori mangas."
"Nori-chan, we know too much! We need to find another solution."
"Hmm ..." Noriko blew some smoke cloud off and put her pointer to her underlip and stared towards the sky, contemplating. "But we also can't keep this for ourselves." She snipped her fingers. "I got it!" - she said. "Leave that to me. We're just gonna make it someone else's problem. Tonight, I'm gonna sneak to some random house down in the village and place it in front of the door. Whoever finds it will have to deal with it."
"Sounds like a plan" - Eijirou said. "And until then, we should carefully clean everything we touch up, lest they find our fingerprints on it."
Unbeknownst to them, everything stated in the dossiers was complete fake, fitting the Yamataians' plans perfectly - at least, should the package ever arrive in the hands of any Oukeikyoku agent. Who knew where Noriko would drop it ...

by **Belesta** » Thu Mar 05, 2020 7:56 pm

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Federal Republic of Belesta
Федеры́тинаѣ Республика Белестя

To: Jitsuko Sageshima, Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bakufu no Hiroba, Nashinya, N01SX504, Shikonjima
From: Melanye Starodubtseva, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ryabkin, Ryabkin Capital District, Belesta

Greetings,

in light of the exacerbating situation currently unfolding in the Archipelago, the Belestan government has decided to remain observant of the events occurring or has yet to occur there. Nevertheless, we are willing to accept any offer of assistance, save military, should the situation become increasingly more awry. The President once again extends her sympathies with the Royal Government, and I pray to God that the Archipelago does not suffer more bloodshed.

Sincerely,
Melanye Starodubtseva, Minister of Foreign Affairs

by **New Visayan Islands** » Fri Mar 06, 2020 5:01 am

TO: Royal Press Office, Principality of Shikonjima
FROM: Visayan Confederation Conference of Catholic Bishops; B'nai B'rith Visayas
RE: Humanitarian Aid

You may rest assured that the Visayan nationals to come in support of the humanitarian mission have been thoroughly screened and none of them have been in contact with potentially infected persons; as we speak, health officials are running tests on the nationals anticipated to step foot on Shikonjimanese soil.

We remain yours in the Lord,
(Sgd.)
Abp. Albert Charles Cardinal Cortez, DD, STD
Roman Catholic Archbishop of Tagbilaran
President of the Visayan Confederation Conference of Catholic Bishops
(Sgd.)
Atty. Simon David, LlM, CPA
Chief Executive Officer
B'nai B'rith Visayas

CAPT Mark Anthony R. Ladera, VCN
VCS Dumaguete City (LHD-4), Philippine Sea
March 4th, AD 2020
0744 PHT

As commanding officer of the amphibious assault ship VCS Dumaguete City, Captain Ladera found himself dealing with his counterparts in the Dumaguete City Expeditionary Strike Group quite often. With Exercise STONE RAZOR officially starting in sixteen minutes, he was deliberating with the rest of the commanding officers; the expeditionary strike group's commanding officer had retired only recently, leaving Ladera temporarily in charge of the unit until someone approves a new CO.
What Ladera didn't know, and wouldn't know until the exercise officially began, was that the sealed orders that came with the plans for the exercise included, among other things, promotions. In the captain's case, it was a promotion to rear admiral, lower half; his first officer, Commander Janet Damole, would be promoted to captain in his place.
For the expeditionary strike group, the exercise would simulate an amphibious assault on a seaport and its immediate environs; they were facing the 3rd Infantry Division and the 1st Fighter Wing, while they were supported by Carrier Strike Group Humabon.

Vicente Ibarazaki II
Inland Warehousing, Lapu-Lapu, DH
March 4th, AD 2020
1122 PHT

"In the last fourteen days, have you ever traveled to Mainland China, South Korea, Singapore..." the doctor asked Bishop Ibarazaki; Lorenzo Uchida listed the locations where COVID-19 had spread before the bishop replied in the negative. Continuing the battery of questions, Uchida asked if Ibarazaki had been in contact with a confirmed case; again the bishop responded in the negative. Prior to the interview his blood had been taken beforehand, and a medical technologist caught Uchida's attention.
"Bishop's clean, Enzo," the medtech said.
"Thought so. Your Excellency, I just have one more question," Uchida said, before switching to Japanese: "How's your Japanese?"
"Decent enough, Uchida-sensei," Ibarazaki said in reply.
"Just as I expected, Ibarazaki-shikyou. I must admit, mine's getting a bit rusty," Uchida replied with a laugh. The Visayan delegation for Operation Golden Wind would clear the physicians by the end of the day, with six pallets of relief goods ready to go.

Vicente Ibarazaki II
AFB Mactan, Lapu-Lapu, DH
March 5th, AD 2020
1544 PHT

"Well, here we go," said Abraham Lieberman, Ibarazaki's counterpart from B'nai B'rith Visayas. The chartered aircraft, an Il-76 "Candid," had been loaded with the six pallets that were prepared the day before; twenty people would fly in with the Candid, among them Ibarazaki and Lieberman.
"Right. I understand your could use some Japanese?"
"Yeah, every bit helps." Because the language used by Shikonjima had some similarities with Japanese, Bishop Ibarazaki and four other delegates gave the rest a crash course on basic Japanese. That helped pass the time, especially once the plane took off with all of them aboard.

by **AHSCA** » Fri Mar 06, 2020 12:10 pm

Shikonjima wrote:Iejima Island.
Iejima was a storybook island amongst the numerous other tropical islands belonging to the Duchy of Yayoi. It was middle-sized and consisted of only one city, which was called Iejima as well, with a population of around 12,000, as well as a few surrounding villages and hamlets. Due to this small size and outlying position within the Ferinan-Archipelago, Iejima, so far, hadn't been concerned by the constant attacks, and the Islanders prayed to the Four Souls and the Ryoukami, that it would stay that way.
During tourist seasons, however, the island was still visited well. Apparently, tourists simply couldn't be stopped from spending some time here - which, for the Islanders, came in quite handy, for of course, they brought tons of little golden coins with a Dragon symbol on them.
It was a peaceful place, for sure - but of course, the locals and the national authorities alike were quite interested in keeping it that way. The Iejima Harbor Control would inform the crew of the Shiokaze about a cutter approaching the ship for customs and directing them towards a free docking place at Iejima Harbor afterwards over radio.
And it did approch them - barely larger than the boat from the UIS, but built of steel instead of wood. It came closer to the boat, carefully approaching its port side, until there was barely enough space between them for a stamp fitting in. But of course, there was no collision.
Three uniformed officers stood on deck, and their friendly facial expression didn't quite wish to fit the looks of their submachine guns. One of them spoke up, in English, with a slight accent: "Good morning, Shiokaze. Iejima Harbor Control. Anything to pay duties on or contraband to declare? And I also need to see the passports, please."

(ooc: I suppose you could always bill our Foreign Office lol)

Asuna figured one of two things would happen, either they'd be able to shore up but still be detained or the most likely would be a coast guard or harbor patrol would intercept them first to check them out. Hopefully just as a customs inspection and declare of intent, cargo and to check their documents which everyone had as far as she knew. Granted some of the crew might not but ideally they could simply remain aboard until they were ready to depart again. And as predicted it was an interception. "All right just hold steady." Asuna instructed her captain. She was used to this, sailing with the Lady Duchess it wasn't unusual a pit stop somewhere would mean a sudden inspection. When the boat was along side of them and they called out to them all was going well.

"All right. Roshin you come with me." Asuna commanded Roshin to follow her. Giving a sharp whistle to acknowledge they heard the response, Asuna brandished her passport as well has her creditinals as a member of Her Majesty's protection services. Roshin was able to to show her diplomatic credentials. Speaking English was good, Asuna would be able to communicate back. "Good morning. I have a manifest." She handed over documents "Only passengers and crew. A few of us do possess weapons aboard for defensive purposes, per Captain's Orders they're all stored in cabins." Even Asuna tucked hers away as they grew closer to shore. "You are welcome to inspect but be mindful we do have women and a young child aboard please do your best to be discreet. You'll have to forgive our intrusion into your waters, we were forced off course due to unforeseen circumstances and this was the closest destination to stop at to resupply before returning to the UIS. I assure we're only civilians on tour. " Asuna did most of the talking given her fluency in English though Roshin spoke it well enough but they could speak to her if they had questions.

"Captain is at the Bridge if you need to speak with her, I'll interpret for her and you."

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