IC: Things to do in Caracasus before you die. (MT/PMT - Dip)

[Watersville]

Nanjiwa International Airport, Nanjiwa, Flauc

The plane made it's landing on time and on schedule as it had on Joseph's last visit to the nation of Flauc. This time, however, things were much different. This time war was being fought between two nuclear nations, with tensions remaining high. He looked out the window of his plane to see large throngs of reporters awaiting his arrival on the commercial plane service that he always took. This was much different than he expected this to even begin. As he got off the plane the conglomerate of reporters swarmed around to get his picture. He quickly descended the stairs and moved off to the side, allowing the other passengers the opportunity to exit the plane as he spoke to the different reporters that had gathered around.

He took several questions before walking into the airport terminal. Many noticed his arrival as he walked through customs and other security protocols. Soon he made his way to the main entrance where he caught a taxi to the Watersvillian embassy. When he arrived there, he was surprised at the large numbers of people that were waiting for him here. He just quickly placed his stuff inside the building before coming out and returning to his taxi. He then made his way to the main government offices of the nation.

Neverao Falls Resort, Orisio Mountain Provence, Caracsus

Sally huddled together with the students that were with her. The group had been well accepted by the other residents of the now full underground sanctuary that they were stuck in until further notice. Sally found that it was not difficult to see the different nations that had tourists down here. Many of them were Caracsusian, whom were friendly and seemed more concerned with the situtation. Others, like the Watersvillian were very hospitable and seemed to care for the betterment of everyone. Many that had received medical training were helping those that were arriving with cuts and whatnot. Sally felt safe enough in the underground area that they were stuck in, however she wondered how long they would be stuck.

[Flauc]

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF FLAUC CEASEFIRE TO THE UNITED SOCIALIST STATES OF CARACASUS Your counter-proposal is hilarious. Mayhew must understand that hostilities will not cease. What we mean by a ceasefire is that you have 10 days to evacuate civilians, and then hostilities resume. Surrendering our forces in Menthi? What a silly proposition. What then? To let Menthi become communist, to throw away everything we have gained and fought for? That is like Flauc demanding Caracasus surrender, but we know you won't surrender until Jevellit is under our control. We won't give up Menthi. I have repeated already that our forces in Menthi have no interest in opening a 2nd front. They are there on peacekeeping missions. Here is my counter proposal to your counter proposal. 1) Malsti and Caracasusian Forces in Menthi withdraw to Malsti and Caracasus. That is all I ask for a cease fire. This is your last chance, and if you do not agree to this, then hostilities will resume. We will retaliate heavily. Honorable President of Flauc, Rex Marela.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF FLAUC MUTUAL AGREEMENT OF ASSISTANCE AND CO OPERATION TO THE HONORABLE AND GREAT EMPIRE OF CAROSI Have no fear, as SACTO are only our assistants. We will try to find a list of candidates as soon as possible, but it may take time. Eventually, we will find a great candidate who will be suited to the needs of the Honorable and Great Empire of Carosi. Those rejected should be sent back to Flauc - they are valuable, at least, to us. We will certainly bombard the Hepp Pass, but not with chemical nor biological weapons, as they are uncontrollable, and will certainly cause international condemnation and the Caracasusians will be able to slander us even more, and could possibly convince their whole population to fight against us. Propaganda is an element of war, a quite important one. We will gladly accept your offer of two of our new friends. They will be treated with care, although they must listen to us and our commands. It would be great if our peacekeeping forces could be allowed to retreat to Carosi, in case the need arrives. If Menthi falls to communism, I am confident in our forces, and I believe they will be able to liberate Menthi from communism. Best wishes, Rex Marela.

[Tekeristan]

These Solemn Hours
Costin Gabor

---

"It is in these solemn hours such as these, as rockets are exchanged between Caracasus & Flauc, as blood once again flows on Menthi soil, and as the sound of marching boots is once again heard, that it is most important to take a moment to remember our own humanity - for peace and love is in all of us. Even through times of conflict, love can and does preserve! So I ask for everyone's ear and heart in these solemn hours."

"I speak to you today not as a tactician or a minister, but as a friend - as a human being. During these solemn hours there sits the possibility of a greater loss of humanity, the creation of tears both here and abroad, of hate, a loss that can be avoided in a show of humanity - a love and understanding that resides in us all."

"I understand that at this very moment a fire of fear and hate is stirring, its smoke blinding peaceful judgement. There is hate against the Menthi militia, hate against the Flaucese soldiers, and a fear for what tomorrow will bring, if tomorrow is to come. What of home, what of our families - the flowers and birds? We all have our fear, that is understandable. But humanity is gifted the ability to look past this black cloud, and I ask for all my supporters to do just this - to see beyond terror."

"At this time the situation in Menthi is increasingly dire for all individuals, however it is especially dire for those in the Menthi militia and Flaucese armed forces. Surrounded, cut off, under the constant threat of death, we must all remember that these people are human too. They have mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers, homes left behind. Surrounded and afraid, they have no place to safely surrender - too fearful to put down their arms, fearful of what may come to them if they try. They are not soldiers, they are not cattle, they are men! The power to dream, the power to hope - to hope for the very peace we all pursue! The Menthi militia is Menthi's young sons and eldered fathers, your very own kin, conscripts of a fallen regime, farmers, teachers, workers, fishers, neighbors! The Flaucese are lost in a foreign land, cut off, surrounded and fearful! They do not expect the open palm of kindness, kindness usually found in all man, but instead the closed fist!"

"It is because of this fear, fear of which promises to extend this conflict - to create more death and destruction - that I reach forward with this message. I ask all those listening to take mercy upon your enemies, to understand their fear, to allow them a safe path of surrender so this conflict may end. So that men can return home to their families, free of the burden of war! So that they may look back and remember the kindness and mercy!"

"In the pursuit of this love, I hereby declare the following.. Tekeristan and my friends in the Retirada are willing to accept all those wishing to surrender, sheltering at the old embassy in Karthos. We guarantee safety, that one shall never fall to the threat of execution, mob rule, or kangaroo courts. We will work to ensure that every man will return to their home, that humility and justice will persevere, so that violence and vengeance will end."

"But the task of this falls upon you my friends.. It falls upon your dedication to peace, to love, and your kindness. It is up to you to accept the scared, to offer them safety in these solemn hours. The power to guide these people is in your hands, for it is not in mine. Accept their surrender and bring them to Karthos, smuggle them through the danger and let them at salvation's door. It is up to you to guard them, to feed them, to save them - until I and my friends can return. The power has always been yours, bring the peace we all have been wishing for in these solemn hours.

[Watersville]

From: The Royal House of Waters City and Watersville
To: Costin Gabor

We are happy to hear your pleas and concerns for stability and peace across the region and the world. We are reaching out to you in regards to your plans to shelter those who wish at the old embassy in the city of Karthos. We would like to reach out to work together to help those in need. We look forward to working together in the future, should you accept and we look forward to your answer.

With regards,
His Royal Highness Joseph Watters

[Caracasus]

Control Room – Hepp Pass Fortress



The radar display showed the incoming missiles, the satellite telemetry pinpointed the clouds of vapour from their launch. A combination of reconnaissance, heuristic computer modelling and simple mathematics pinpointed more exactly the position of the enemy. The counter-strike was simple enough, and sorely needed. The enemy showed absolutely no sign of abating their attacks.

Across the mountain range, missile silos opened fire. The salvo was mostly comprised of the three decades old Katar Mk2 missiles, still able to pack a significant punch.

The firing patterns concentrated primarily on the sites of launch – the previous counterstrike had been aimed at the mountain passes the Flaucian missile systems were using for resupply, with some success. It was becoming harder for Flauc's armed forces to get enough missiles through to continue their barrages.

The first salvo opened fire, the missiles flew towards their targets.

[Significance]

Iberis Penisula

Commander Douglas Wilhelm sat it the captain's chair of the fleet flagship, the SS Significance, a Significance class Battleship. Douglas wasn't a particular outstanding captain, but his common sense and cool head had surprised many an enemy in his 20 years of service. Most of the rest of the fleet was with them, apart from some older and obsolete classes and ships currently undergoing matienence and refits. Those ships would be part of Significance's naval defence, backed by what some would call impenetrable coastal defence system that completely surrounded Significance.

It was probably overkill this fleet, but with the threats from all sides, Significance needed everything to be on the safe side. Their escort: a small number of LSTs carrying the mountaineer ground forces. Once the forces had been landed via a naval landing, the ship's would turn around to collect more supplies for the troops. The rest of the fleet would then split in roughly two, with one smaller part doing escort duty, and the other part providing both naval and air defence (from the carriers), as well support, to the ground troops who would set up defensive lines in Menthi, working alongside the Menthian's.

That was the plan at least.

"Sir, Balagani and Caracasusian ships on radar sir. It appears to some kind of blockade around Menthi".

This came from the communications officer. Douglas rubbed his temple. Looked like the other nations had stuck to their words. Legion would probably want to see this. Douglas pressed a button on his chair and within moments Legion was on the bridge. Douglas should him the radar report.

Legion rubbed his hands, slowly. Douglas watched him with mild curiosity. Legion was a man of ideas, quite the opposite to Douglas himself who was the status quo. Things could get very interesting. Legion spoke.

"Contact the lead ships, then I want to arrange comms between the three flagships. I would like to have a word with them".

It took longer than anticipated, as the communication went up the chain of command of both other fleets, but eventually a connection was made between the three ships. Legion spoke first.

"I would first like to thank you for co-operating. I am sure we are all reasonable men, each with our own goals. I don't plan on firing unless you fire first. All I ask is we discuss a compromise between us to best help Menthi, I'm even willing to have that talk where ever you wish. I will of course be bringing a small armed escort, because I'd rather not die, unlike some other people I won't mention. If you can both be reasonable, this can all be worked out and no one need die. Do I make myself clear?"

Legion crossed his arms, waiting for a response.

[Flauc]

PREPARATIONS
OSIRIO PROVINCE

---

---

Modern mobile artillery systems are made with the purpose to shoot & scoot, so that the enemy cannot destroy the MRLS systems firing afterwards. Such an idea was prevalent in the Flaucese Armed Forces. After the MRLS systems fired, they either retreated or moved somewhere else, to make Caracasusian counter-strikes less effective. However, some MRLS systems were destroyed, either by accidental placement or the soldiers, foolishly, deciding not to move.
At the border, soldiers were holding their positions, not advancing themselves, while not allowing the Caracasusians to advance either.

The idea of nuclear missiles on satellites was not a foreign idea to Flauc, such an idea was not also foreign to the Soviet Union, which did not implement it. However, plans to arm satellites with nuclear missiles is not exactly good - it is not hard to destroy a satellite. Anti-satellite weapons, or ASAT, already in existence since the start of the program in the 1960s, would be used to attack Caracasusian military satellites to disrupt communication and to attack their orbital nuclear weapons.

Flaucese Tenrais, took off from a few selected Flaucese airfields, heading upwards. Reaching higher altitudes, the Tenrai finally launched it's ASAT, as so did other jets. The ASATs flew up in the sky, with their objectives clear, while the jets returned to the ground.

Ever since the beginning of the conflict, there hasn't been much civilian traffic anymore. The highways that were once ravaged by cars were now deserted, as if they were roads in a ghost town. The night and day was filled with rocket fire and the occasional sound of the machine gun. The Caracasusians had basically denied the cease fire agreement, so it meant this was basically, a war? A dangerous one, at that.. if Flauc lost Menthi, if Flauc began loosing, what if Marela pushed 'the red button'? Flauc and Caracasus would be gone from the world map.

[Carosi]

MUTUAL AGREEMENT OF ASSISTANCE AND CO OPERATION

Marela Rex! The Emperor is pleased by your actions and by your words.

All your ideas have our support. Your men will be welcome to retreat to Carosi if that will be necessary. There is no shame in the use of advanced tacics. Preserving fighting strength is a key to every modern war. We need to inform you however, that we need to charge you for the supply and the housing of your men. We will not make a profit from this but the damage of the rail from Parsoh has effectively cut us off from any deliveries. Don't worry we have stockpiled enough to last for decades of embargos. Carosi is not exactly surrounded by friends.

The friends will be delivered to Flauc in a couple of days. We are very interested in resetting our relations and forgive the destruction of the airport. It was very expensive to rebuild it but now it is better than ever before. Marela Rex was not responsible for this crime so that should not tarnish our relations.

Empress Neneka will visit Flauc in a few days if you agree to that. We hope that she will be treated with the greatest of respect. Besides visiting your great nation she will also sign the treaty.

We hope that the candidates are ready soon because if your troops need to enter Carosi they must have a suitable commander who can not be the same woman as the one who is going to command the additional troops.

Right now things are going very well and we support the actions of Flauc. The Emperor has decided to send a small contingent of 200 men divided in small units of 50 to Flauc. They are supposed to serve as scouts in case of an invasion of Caracasus. It is a great honor for them to be the first across the line. If you agree these men will fight and die under your command. They have no intention to return to Carosi. They seek to redeem themselves through a death useful for the empire.


Admiral Tarrare
Commander of the Imperial Navy

[Balagan]

"All right Mr Legion. This is commander Dursun Dektash of the republican navy." Came the reply through the radio. "As soon as your fleet comes into weapons' range we will engage and sink you. You have no business in Parsoh. You will not invade any nation without the locals' approval. Is that understood?"

A short silence followed.

"You must understand that your plan is simply idiotic. You are outnumbered and out-gunned. You have no reason to move any closer to Parsoh. I am glad you have contacted me. I invite you to Parsoh to have a tea with me. We can discuss this matter in the trade mission. I think we can come to a reasonable agreement."

[The Yuktobanian Republic]

Yuktobanian Destroyer November Offensive (DDG-102)
Off the Iberis Peninsula Coast

Commander Suzuha Amane was no stranger to foreign conflicts, as she was there when the Yuktobanian Navy was attacked by Zerlinz last year. Back then she was just a new commander, sent to command one of the Udaloy III Class Destroyers to battle. Now she has the November Offensive, an Armenish Beach Block IVA Class DDG. It was armed for any situation that were to arise from a Recon mission.

As Suzuha sat in her chair, she pondered her thoughts. It was no fun that the Yuktobanian Navy had sent her here out of all places. While her friends Kurisu Makise and Lily Halevy were all in the war in Cedoria, she was assigned a patrol mission. She was not needed at the moment.

And it pissed her off.

"DAMNIT!" She yelled. "Why didn't naval command send me to the war?! I could be such a huge help right now instead of sitting here and patrolling god knows where! This ship is probably the most ad--"

"Ma'am, we got contact land in thirty miles." A radarman said. "Menthi."

Sighing to herself, she got up, looking out the front bridge windows. "What are our orders from Naval Command?"

The radarman unfurled the paper, and read it. "Investigate occurances near the Iberis Peninsula and... Exert Yuktobanian Influence."

"Alright." Suzuha responded. "So let's move closer to their shores. We need to take Intel to.. please naval command."

The radarman shook his head. "There's a blockade."

"What?"

"Blockade of ships around Menthi."

Looking at the radar screen, there was indeed ships blockading the country. She scratched her head, wondering why. "How close is the blockade?"

"One mile from one of the ships."

"Yeah, okay. Shoot them a signal from one of the floodlights."

The radarman got up and nodded, going up to the balcony just outside the bridge. On the balcony, there was a giant floodlight to signal ships using Morse code. Grabbing the lever to the light, he aimed the floodlight to the blockade and signaled the blockade using Morse code using the light.

THIS IS YUKTOBANIAN NAVY DDG NOVEMBER OFFENSIVE--WHAT IS BLOCKADE--STATE RADIO FREQUEN FOR COMM

[Caracasus]

High-earth orbit

Three of the satellites were hit by the guided rockets. Two were communications satellites broadcasting television signals to the province below – the other a military mapping satellite. As these first satellites were hit, signals jumped to the other satellites in the area.

No nation would be insane enough to develop a satellite network in the age of anti-satellite technology that had no way to defend itself. Fortunately, the easiest way for a satellite to defend itself was simply to alter its trajectory in increments. The position, and relative velocity of the satellites meant that the tiniest adjustment to the satellite's path would require a phenomenal amount of fuel on the part of the missile tracking it to adjust. The satellites merely made incremental changes to their trajectory as the missiles struggled to both escape the gravity well and hit their targets.

It was entirely possible that the Flaucian general responsible for the launch did not know about the potential devastation he had unleashed on every nation with any presence in earth's orbit. It was equally possible that he simply did not care. The fragments from the downed satellites still travelled at the same velocity that the satellite itself was travelling at, only this time as a cloud of lethal metal fragments that would tear apart any space station, rocket ship or satellite in its path.

To: All nations with a presence in Earth Orbit

---

WARNING – DESTRUCTIVE DEBRIS CLOUD

Following Flaucian missile strikes on three Caracasusian satellites, a large cloud of metallic debris –particles of which ranging in size from three meters to several millimetres is currently posing a significant risk to any space craft or orbital structures.

Caracasus will keep all nations informed of any dramatic change in the nature of this debris cloud, at present several satellites from a multitude of nations are at threat. We ask all nations to keep a close eye on this debris cloud and to assist as far as possible in its removal.

With Regards,

Caracasus Space Flight Agency

---

Saboteurs in the Flaucian advance?

While the retaliation strike conducted from Hepp Pass Fortress was effective in destroying several missile launch pads, Nineday House has confirmed that at least three of these destroyed mobile missile batteries were not destroyed by Caracasusian missile fire.

In a statement issued by the commander of Hepp Pass Fortress, questions have been raised about whether or not Flaucian soldiers were responsible for direct sabotage of their own nation's equipment.

“Much as we'd like to claim credit for these three vehicles destruction, we simply cannot. If you examine the explosive pattern here, this simply was not caused by a missile strike. The only explanation for this is that a soldier somehow overrode the system itself, getting it to fire a missile whilst transportation clamps were engaged. This is an expertly undertaken act of sabotage – it would take real skill and determination to achieve...

It is our opinion that several Flaucian soldiers have taken up the offer of amnesty and have sought to receive the 20,000 syndicated yen bounty for any missile launcher they place out of operation before crossing the border. We have yet to identify which soldiers these may be as of yet, but we are optimistic that we shall soon have some answers”

Museum of Zaria History – Telfidi

Interview with Dr Jani Kaat Vari



The museum itself is a Zaria longhouse, constructed with the historical stepped opening and stilts to deter unwanted intrusion from snakes and other animals

“You see here the rugs, they would have been woven by the elders. Those too old to hunt or fish. They represent each tribe's history, you see? They were wall hangings in winter to keep the heat within the longhouses, in summer they would be placed on the floor. When an elder died, one of their rugs would be used to wrap up their body before purification. When the first feelings of the long dark crept upon them, they would begin to work on their last rug – their funeral rug. Many Zaria would hold on, just long enough to complete their final rug – often with the help of others if their eyesight had failed, or their hands would not work... then they would die. All of this...”

Dr Jani turned to the interviewer. “I hear it constantly you see. The Zaria are not a cultural group. They are the bastard offspring of slaves bought over by the Paraphonians and the Anzique that the Paraponians enslaved. Hah! As if any cultural group anywhere was not formed in a similar crucible. The slaves bought their cultures, the Anzique bought others. In Parphanosian - the Za from Anza and ria for property. A slur, a derogatory term our ancestors took power of. They intermingled and formed the Zaria. It is things like this that the Zaria are rediscovering. Things that were lost for over a century... burial rights, songs and rituals. We know what only a fraction of these symbols on the rugs represent... if that. My job is to interview the oldest Zaria, to show them photographs... to try and uncover what else we may find. It is frustrating. Few other cultures have been as systematically destroyed as ours.”

The interviewer nodded, asked a question. “And I understand you are raising a complaint against the scientific community regarding the recent development of a cure to what is known as the “Carosian Plague”?”

“Indeed. It has been known by the Zaria for ever that what you call the Athioc plant can soothe those effected by the waking dream sickness. Zaria shaman would prepare compounds of the flower and many other plants. But the Zaria have no scientists, no botanists – so our knowledge is considered fair game to appropriate. Did you know I was one of the very first Zaria to study at a university? Have I told you this story?”

“No. Go on”

“It was at Lundenburg University in Bohemivaria. I was the first Zaria to attend there as a student. I quickly discovered I was not the first Zaria to go to the university though. No...” Dr Jani pinched the top of his nose with his forefinger and thumb, looking down momentarily. When he looked up again, an old memory fleetingly flickered in his eyes.

“The first Zaria to go to that institution greeted my arrival. In a display case, the skeleton of one of our chiefs, proudly displayed... filed teeth and all. The students had some nickname for him. I forget what... he had been taken in chains to Bohemivaria, and purchased by the university. He lived a comfortable, if restricted life I am told. When he succumbed to pneumonia, his skeleton was interred by the university. Every day I went to study I walked past that skeleton. Every day I looked my ancestor in the eye.”

“And where are the bones now?”

Dr Jani waved his hand. “It is dealt with. Bohemivaria returned the bones. He was interred in the caves with his ancestors.”

The interviewer nodded. The vast cave networks, lying on the border between Parsoh and Menthi, were chosen by the Zaria for interring their dead. High quantities of limestone in the rocks created an unusual situation, whereby items left in the cave would quickly become encased in mineral deposits in decades as stalactites formed rapidly.


Zaria burial caves

“You mentioned the filed teeth?”

“Indeed. A source of much misinformation and hatred against the Zaria. We are cannibals, apparently. Blood drinkers. Evil. Lies, all of it. There has not been a single verified historical account of predatory cannibalism on the peninsula.”

“Not one?”

“No. Not one. The journals of the early explorers, conquerors and so forth – the Jesuit letter... all reference great cannibalistic feasts carried out by the Zaria. There is simply no evidence to support any of these claims, nothing. Cannibalism in Zaria culture is taboo. The Anzique used to practise a highly ritualised form of cannibalism as part of funeral ceremonies but this was an act of respect, of devotion – not some cannibal feast that the pamphlets and letters at the time would have you believe. These are just lies that the Parphonian Empire used to justify its slaughter and genocide.”

“I think our listeners are aware of the incursions of the Paraphonian Empire – the movement and enslavement of the Zaria. The forced march as the Zaria were moved from one area to another and the Zaria genocide... I note you have the bill of sale to the Ortic Diamond Concern here detailing six hundred native Zaria as an asset... could we move on to what you write about as the biggest attack on the Zaria?”

The doctor smiled. “Certainly. The actions of the Paraphonian empire crippled the Zaria. Killed thousands of us through massacre, internment camp or biological warfare. What the Jesuit Letter inspired though... what that started was an attack on the soul of the Zaria.”

“Zaria children were taken from their parents. Raised in missionary schools and given Christian names. Our traditions, our culture was oral. Ritual and chant slaves remembered from their homelands. Stories of the Anzique. Without the young being taught the ways of our people, what it meant to be Zaria was almost eradicated. There were a few who still lived in the foothills but...”

“And for the Zaria today? What of Carosi's support?”

“Carosi? Marduk? They see the Zaria in the same light as everyone else. They see us as pawns to be used. Cheap labour. Thousands of Zaria fled Carosi, for good reason. This murderous tyrant perverts what is left of our culture for his own ends, he claims some sacred right... some link to the Zaria people but he is a liar. He has created his own twisted image of our people, worse even than the most biased, most sensationalised pamphlets and letters of the Jesuit order made real. He thinks he is helping the Zaria? He is not. He is the lies people have told about the Zaria made flesh. Nothing more”

[Watersville]

Watersvillian Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Headquarters, Waters City, Watersville



The storm was massive. It was one of the largest hurricanes in recent history, in fact it was the group had seen since the 2005 hurricane season. The group watched the large circling storm as it slowly made it's way across the ocean. Many were worried about this storm as it was taking a very wild trajectory as it crossed the Atlantic. The group sat down looking at the latest picture from the camera from the new satellite that they had launched earlier in the year. Their was also many other pieces of equipment located on the satellite that gave them extremely valuable information as to the rotation of the storm, as well as current velocities of certain sections of the storm as well as the overall storm. The leader of the WOAA spoke first as the group sat around looking at some of the information. "What is the current situational report since 12 hours ago? I will tell you that this thing has grown a lot overnight." Everyone turned to the man across the table. "Sir, the storm changed direction last night once more. As of right now, it looks like it could be heading around 100 miles off the coast, but you know full well that just three days ago we thought it was going to go way to our north. It seems that as the storm gets closer, the things turns more and more towards us." A woman three seats down the table now spoke. "From the buoy system that we have set up as well as from reports of the storm planes have measured the pressure at 899 millibars, which is a drop of pressure of approximately 45 millibar. Our sources also show winds are around 165 mph at the current moment and it is expected to increase slightly as you can see from...". It was at this moment that the phone began to ring. The man picked it up and answered. The man's face distorted to a grimace as they listened to what was going on. "Ok. Thank you, we will keep out an eye to ensure that nothing hopefully occurs." He placed the phone back on the receiver and everyone just looked around as the man shook his head in frustration. "It seems that the Flaucese have destroyed three Caracasusian satellites. We are being told to keep an eye out for debris. We know that we based our orbits on the orbits of most Caracasusian satellites, so we may be in some trouble. Another raised their voice, "Sir, it seems that the video feed is malfunctioning! Look!" Everyone looked at the screen to see lots of black splotches cover the screen as the room began to try and save the satellite. "That is the debris. Maneuver the satellite to the right!" Another yelled out "Evasive maneuvers being taken." A third looked up at the screen. "It's too late, we have lost it." The screen turned completely black as contact was lost to the satellite. The room almost immediately went into chaos as the group tried to reconnect with any other satellite they could. Eventually, they connected to a simple Caracsusian weather device that had been virtually unused for several years. They now had a lot of work to do to make sure they could keep the hurricane under careful eye.

Watersvillian Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

To:public

At approximately 9:00 a.m. this morning, we lost contact with our only satellite in orbit at the moment. This satellite was stuck by large amounts of debris over the northern Atlantic Ocean. Unfortunately we were watching an extremely dangerous hurricane that is moving eradically and is possibly heading towards Watersville. We have now been forced to use a much older Caracasusian satellite to watch this storm. We are asking for help in determining the ferocity of this storm. We hope that this storm will pass by us and will weaken.

[The Yuktobanian Republic]

Permgarod Space Center

"What is that?" A man asked, pointing at a grey steak with his pencil.

"Uhh..." Someone responded. "... Confirm, what is that."

"It's the debris cloud the Caracasus warned." A woman responded.

There was a moment of silence, then a man gasped. "Kosmos 2774!"

"What?"

"The nuclear satellite!" He yelled. "It's in the way!"

"What?!" The woman responded.

The room went into a panic. "Status of it's fuel?" A man yelled.

"That thing is chock full of radioactive propellant!" Someone responded. "ETA to impact, ten seconds!"

"Shit!"

In ten seconds, Kosmos 2774 impacted the debris cloud, shattering the satellite into pieces. The radioactive reactor payload that powered the satellite was thrown everywhere, and joined up with the rest of the debris field. Some pieces even started to reenter and spread their radioactive payload on some parts of Earth.

From: Yukosmos
To: Public
At approximately 1400, the satellite Kosmos 2774 impacted the large debris cloud that stemmed from the downing of three satellites. Kosmos 2774 carried a nuclear reactor that powered all it's systems and thus when it was destroyed, the reactor sprayed it's radioactive coolant everywhere. We are issuing a warning for this radioactive debris, and all nations should be cautious about where the debris orbits and where it has a chance of landing at.

Yuktobanian Destroyer November Offensive

"Kosmos 2774 has exploded in space." A radarman said.

Suzuha sighed. "Any idea what happened to the debris?"

"Joined up with the cloud or reentered."

"Damn." Suzuha muttered. "Continue Recon patrol, and moniter the situation further."

"Yes ma'am."

[Balagan]

THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF BALAGAN

TO: Public
FROM:President Haydar Koç

Adventurism

The Islamic Republic of Balagan condemns the recent actions by the military junta in Flauc. The loss of your satellite has put you in a very difficult situation. Our own network remained largely unharmed by the orbital explosions. The chain reaction triggered in space will have additional consequences but we don't know which. Our own space agency is working hard to predict the patterns of destruction triggered by the explosions.

The mental health of Flauc's dictator is deteriorating faster than anticipated. If any of our satellites will be damaged by debris we will forcefully remove Flauc's presence from the Iberis peninsular.

For now, we offer you the full cooperation of the Balagan Space Agency. The dangers of a hurricane must not be underestimated. Your meteorologists are welcome to access all our data and to work with our technicians to use the satellites to your needs. We hope that the hurricane will not hit Watersville with full force.

Haydar Koç
President of the Islamic Republic of Balagan

[Watersville]

Watersvillian Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Headquarters, Waters City, Watersville

The data transition to the Balagani satellites was not a difficult transfer to say the least, it was just different. The information that they could gather now was not quite as good as it was from their own now destroyed satellite, but it was fairly close. They were now able to track the changes that were occurring within the storm, and it did not look good. "Sir, the latest numbers have come in on Hurricane Maria. The winds are being measured at around 185 mph, we have it measured Maria at around 7 degrees of latitude in diameter, or around 483 miles wide with an eye that is approximately 3 and a half miles wide. We have the pressure continuing to drop, and it is at 892 millibars currently." Another shouted across the room. "Sir! You better come see this!" Everyone turned to look at the man before everyone started to gather around. "The Caracasusian and Balagani weather models have the storm going just to our south while the Tekeristani and the Flaucese just to our north." Everyone looked nervous as the man continued. "Unfortunately, the Watersvillian, European, and the GFS models have landfall of the eye just south of Cardinal Islands, traveling south west across the entire island and giving an almost direct hit on Waters City. What is worse is that the storm and the models have not changed over a 12 hour period and all the models are predicting a slow down in the storm, with arrival anywhere from 4 to 5 days and the possibility that this storm could stay over the area for 48 to 60 hours. This storm is extremely dangerous. We have been given warning from the Caracasusians to begin to spread the word, but either way it is not looking good." The room once again became chaotic as the group began to prepare the warnings that they were about to place

Watersvillian Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Hurricane Warning

The WOAA, in accordance with several other meteorological administrations, is now issuing a hurricane warning for the entirety of Watersville.

As of approximately 8:30 p.m. Watersvillian time, Hurricane Maria was measured as a Category 5 hurricane with maintained winds of 185 mph was measured as moving south west at approximately 25 mph. This storm qualifies as a category 5 hurricane storm and is an extremely dangerous storm.

A hurricane warning means that a hurricane is approaching and has a greater than 95% chance of seeing hurricane force winds of greater than 74 mph. This storm is expected to reach Watersville in 4.5 days time, with the storm being expected to slow down over the next several days to the overall speed of the storm expected to reach speeds of less than 7 mph to the south west. This would place the total duration of the traveling storm at approximately 3 to 4 days of strong winds and heavy rains.

This is an extremely dangerous storm. As of the latest numbers, there is a 90% chance that more than 75% of the nation could be hit with winds of greater than 160 mph and an 95% chance that the entire nation could experience prolonged winds of more than 140 mph.

From: The Royal House of Waters City and Watersville

State of Emergency - Travel Restrictions

It is with great distraught that we must inform the residents of Watersville as well as all the nations of the world that the government of Watersville has declared a state of emergency. This state of emergency is in accordance with the threat of natural disaster that the nation currently faces. This begins with evacuation orders for several communities. The following areas of the nation are under mandatory evacuations:

The Cardinal Islands

Domingo Island

the cities of Charles Town and Ocean City.

These residents are asked to make their way toward the main island and are asked to head towards the highest point of the islands, which is in the Princess grace Nature Preserve, where a makeshift storm shelter is currently being produced. We are also asking those who can to try to leave the islands to ensure that they can be safe. We are also implementing travel restrictions into the nation from the airport and the docks. We ask that people avoid the islands for the duration of the storm and we ask that all tourists currently in the nation to try to leave if they can. The nation will try it's best to help those who cannot find their own transportation a way for them to get out of the way of this dangerous hurricane.

This storm is expected to be the strongest hurricane to hit the nation since the 1760's and safety of our residents as well as those who are traveling to the nation are of top importance to us. We ask for cooperation and patience over the next several days as the nation prepares for the worst. Thank you.

With respect,
His Royal Highness Joseph Watters

[Menthi]

Government operations in rural Menthi

At least 15 members of the FMLN rebel group have been killed in a military operation in the country’s east. The new operations against the terrorist group come at a time were all parties are supposed to be involved in peace talks in Cassith, Carosi.

The government forces can't relay on air support as Malsti still controls the airspace above Menthi. The enemy air superiority is now absolute which considerably hinders government operations. The FMLN has killed dozens of Flaucian peace keepers and government soldiers over the last few days.

The government operations aim at denying the terrorist access to the border area and defend the city of Peni against incursions. Paralyzed by the general strike the city is effectively under siege from the inside and the outside.

With no more goods coming in from Parsoh or Caracasus the peace keepers are running out of fuel and ammunition. Therefore the operational goals of the government troops is to regain control over the rail network and border checkpoints to reopen the supply like from Parsoh.

Dulce Et Decorum Est Pro Patria Mori

TO: PUBLIC

FROM: NRP

Humanitarian Catastrophe

---

I am not a man of harsh words, but I urge you all to stop this madness. For the first time in decades the people of Menthi are free from Caracasus' control. For the first time they act with dignity and do not depend on alms. When Flauc intervened in Menthi they did so because they were afraid that one day Caracasus might simply decide that our people are not communist enough to be worthy saving.

This day is now. Caracasus has closed the borders for humanitarian supplies. I have often read in the past that this is a war crime, a crime against humanity and that such an act will have dire consequences. These messages were always aimed at my own nation. Now I search for them in vain. I ask all nations of the world to condemn Caracasus for this crime against humanity. Taking the people of Menthi hostage to get back at Flauc is the worst display of insanity I have ever encountered.

Caracasus must end the genocide against the Menthi people and lift the blockade of Flauc's humanitarian goods. Flauc's peace keepers must be allowed to establish a humanitarian corridor between Parsoh and Menthi.

For the NRP

General Augusto Tanaka

The Brizz Brigade

Cassith River delta

Sand and mud washed down the great tidal river, clogged with fallen branches and the occasional flyblown carcass of some jungle animal that had strayed too close to the rapids. In the pre-dawn air, mist hung like a shroud over the delta.

Before Marduk III took on that name, there had been plans to turn the delta into a port. Huge dredging equipment creating artificial harbours where ships could rest. Those plans seemed as impossible today as they ever had. Nothing could tame the Cassith River.

The ever shifting sand bars made it impossible for all but the most experienced pilot to navigate. Pirate Brotherhood smugglers made the perilous journey – a few local fishermen and the occasional patrol boat. It was quiet, save the omnipresent noise of the jungle. The black rocks piled up on the west bank of the river, few vines clung to them as they clutched at the sky. Traces of ruined statuary.

Explorers had given the river all manner of human characteristics. Treacherous, they had called it. Malevolent, evil – a dark serpent snaking its way through Carosi, east towards Menthi. The truth was far more terrible. The river did not care. It was utterly unknowing, utterly uncaring. It had been there over a million years ago when the very first strange ape like creatures that would one day evolve into humans began walking, leaving offerings at the most dangerous crossings as the first spark of religion developed in what would become the human mind. It would be there when humans eventually died out. It forced all, animal and man, to play by the same rules of chance and fate and it did not even have the good grace to cheat, as an evil presence should.

Mist gathered round, clutching at the wreck of a Brotherhood boat. Even the best pilot lost on occasion when they played the river.

The men of the Majore Elect Einstein Brizz Interunit looked over the sides of the smuggler's boat, clutching weapons that were more than useless against the river. With the border on lockdown, with the blockade – the only route into Menthi open to them was through the Pirate Smugglers.

The Majore Elect Einstein Brizz Interunit (known as the Brizz Brigade) took its members from across the globe, most noticeably Oehiton. Over 80% of them were from that war. The Oehiton war! Some had served with S.C.A.R or the Wolves of Wotan. Others the Panthers, a sizeable number had fought and killed for the Kongshammer Government and a few had fought for the Orkfell Militias. All had realised one thing after the war had finished. They had all fought on the wrong side. They had killed for this officer or that, had fought to protect the interests of this government, or that movement. They had fought every side in the war except the most important war of all.

Class war. Soldiers who, a few years ago, would have been shooting at each other saw what had happened after the war finished. They had seen rank and file soldiers arrested for war crimes whilst the men and women who gave the orders more often than not walked free, or escaped. They had seen the country that supposedly they had bled for turn its back on them, divided up among those who had sent them with such hate at the enemy. No more!

The border crossing would be easy. The trek to Jarka? A little harder. There they would make contact with the FMLN and take the fight to the enemy. They knew their enemy well, had seen its face and it had been the one giving them orders, sending them to fight while it waited behind concrete walls. The face had changed on the Peninsula, but the enemy was always the same.

The Brigade, when it was formed had thousands of applicants. Over months of gruelling training regimes, this had shrunk to around two thousand. Passage had been hard to secure, though a fundraiser from the Cedorian Student's Union and the Parsoh Dockworker's Union had provided the bribes needed for the pirates. The Brigade was coming, and they were united under one slogan.
Socialism or barbarism!


FLMN takes control of Joe Strummer Barrio

Back on the streets, the working class in Karthos
With the joint Malsti-FMLN offensive in the west many supporters of the Retrirada grew more radical and changed allegiance to the FMLN. Large demonstrations in support of the Tekeri offer of extraction took place in Karthos. Thousands marched for the end of the dictatorial rule and the return of the people's democracy. In a peaceful takeover officials from the FMLN have taken over control of the most western district of Karthos city.

No saviour from on high delivers, No faith have we in prince or peer.
Our own right hand the chains must shiver, Chains of hatred, greed and fear.

No sleep till Jarka!

The Mardockquista leadership announces that operations will increase in the future. The liberation of Peni is close at hand. Total victory is within reach. The Malti offensive will soon reach Karthos and drive the invader further east. We ask all rats and traitors to accept the offer Tekeristan has made them. Go home to Flauc where you belong there is no room for you in free Iberis.

[Caracasus]

Caracasus Spaceflight



The cavernous theatre was packed with scientists and engineers from Caracasus and across the globe, all working on the same problem. The debris cloud that threatened to destroy satellites and space vehicles across the globe.

The larger struts and pieces of debris had ferrous components – which would assist the cleanup effort greatly. Already, Caracasusian space flight had flown several successful automated missions using magnetic scoops to catch ferrous debris and pull it back down into the gravity well, where it would burn up harmlessly.

The problem was that ferrous materials comprised only thirty per cent of modern satellites. Ceramics, polymers and silicates comprised the rest – weight kept to a minimum for ease of launch. These were the fragments that would prove most difficult to retrieve.

Scientists and engineers exchanged theories, speculated on suggestions and solutions.

“The radioactive waste is something of a blessing in disguise in many ways. You see, rather like doctors used to use radioactive isotopes in medical scans – before our imaging scans advanced beyond the use for it – we can use the radioactive elements of the cloud to more easily track its progress and size...”

“The problem is not velocity. We have vessels that can retrieve this wreckage. The problem is the sheer size of the cloud... it would take months for our conventional methods to recover all of this debris....”

---

To: NRP

The aid route from Quoris to Menthi is still open. Flaucian vessels, excluding those carrying solely humanitarian aid are currently forbidden from entering Caracasusian waters due to the current war between Caracasus and Flauc.

The Flaucian regime's previous suspected use of humanitarian aid as a cover for the supplying of weapons and armaments has led to increased security checks on all incoming Flaucian vessels and cargo. This has unfortunately created significant delays in the supply of Flaucian aid to Menthi.

In the meantime, if the NRP were to lift its restrictions on what aid to accept, Quoris docks currently has several hundred thousand tonnes of aid waiting distribution. This aid comes largely from the nations or third party organisations of Caracasus, Cardulan, Balagan, Cedoria, Latusgardd, Significance, South Cardulan and many others.

Once we have your acceptance of this aid, we hope that its distribution will more than make up for the delays currently experienced.

With regards,

Caracasus Council Elect.

[Menthi]

Dulce Et Decorum Est Pro Patria Mori

TO: PUBLIC

FROM: NRP

Humanitarian Catastrophe

---

The State of Menthi has never rejected offers of help. What we have done and what we will continue to do is we will reject individuals without valid papers from entering our nation. It should be obvious that for logistical and legal reasons only those nations that recognize the existence of our people can be allowed into our nation.

The humanitarian goods shall never be used to blackmail those in need. We will gladly accept them at the border from where they will be handed over to the communities in need by the aid workers from Flauc and other civilized nation.

While we are at this difficult topic, please let me express my deepest regrets for the exchange of violence between Flauc and Caracasus. Every live lost is a regrettable tragedy. I sincerely hope that you have learned your lesson from this mistake and that you are now willing to release the hostages currently held in your nation. If these aid workers are 'miraculously' found by your special forces and are to be released home this would considerably increase your relations with Flauc.

For the NRP

General Augusto Tanaka

[Caracasus]

A concise and objective summary of recent geopolitical events

Two men get blind drunk. The kind of drunk where you can no longer feel your legs work properly, and you need to hang on to the floor so that you do not fall off it. One says to the other:

“I bet I can piss up that wall higher than you!”

Several of their friends attempt to stop them. They've had less to drink, and they point out that they're both wearing their best clothes. They suggest that both are equally good at pissing up walls. One even points out that there is a perfectly good toilet in the commune if they need to urinate, but the first will simply not be convinced.

So they go out to the back of the bar and unzip their flies. Their friends watch in horror as they both attempt to piss as high as they can up the wall. They're not going to be talked out of this, oh no – not when the stakes are so high! Although of course no-one can quite remember what those stakes are....

So as the hot piss jets in streams up the side of the commune wall, as one of the commune members calls for Internal Security and as their friends watch on in amazement both start to notice that a substantial amount of urine is in fact splashing from the wall over the men's clothes, their shoes and unfortunately even over some of their friends watching. Will they stop? No, absolutely not – there is a point to prove after all!

After both are satisfied, everyone realises that the heavy rain means that no-one can actually tell who won the contest. As urine soaks into their clothes, splashes over their shoes and over their friends both walk away, confident that they, in fact, managed to piss the highest. A stern rebuke from internal security, the loss of friends who strangely do not want to go out drinking with them again, and even the threat of being barred from the commune in question are nothing for these two, for they probably won the pissing contest. Possibly.

Welcome to international warfare, and the Great Orisio Pissing Contest everyone!

[Watersville]

Waters City Times
Special Edition: Hurricane Maria

---

A long line of planes await their approval for taking off from the Waters City International Airport as tens of thousands began the long wait to attempt to leave the nation before Hurricane Maria strikes the nation.

Crowds, Headaches at Airport as Tens of Thousands try to Leave the Nation

For some tourist at the Waters City International Airport, the wait to even get checked in for their flight took over 8 hours as tens of thousands attempted to flee the path of Hurricane Maria, which is set to make landfall in the nation in 3 days now. Many tempers flared as many tried to make their way onto one of the many planes that are expected to take off over the next several days. This comes after the government asked for tourists to evacuate in order to get out of the way of this major storm system, as well as ordered mandatory evacuations of several regions of the nation. Throughout the day today, police and fire departments went through the evacuation areas trying to help those in the greatest danger to escape from the upcoming storm. Many that we talked to today had been waiting for a plane to leave the nation for well over 6 hours, and many were expecting to wait much longer. Many passengers were being sent to any airport that could hold the extra capacity as the government worked to ensure everyone could make it out of the nation before the weather took a turn for the worst. Many of these airports were located across the globe, including in Caracasus, Flauc, Cardulan, Tekeristan, Balagan, Significance, and Parosh. Extra precautions were made to ensure that connecting flights could be made for other airports once they made it to their connecting airport. We will continue to update you on any updates on this situation as information continues to pour in. With the Waters City News, i'm Scotty McHughes

---

The Santino Family, owners of the Santino Family Deli in Ocean City, Watersville, board up thief windows in preparation for Hurricane Maria.

Locals prepare for heavy rains, strong winds as evacuations continue

The moment was sentimental to say the least for the Santino family as they put the final boards up on the deli that bears their name. Jerry Santino, owner of the Santino Family Deli, doesn't know what he will come back to. "I am just afraid that when I come back, my business won't be here, and that is scary." The deli, which has been in the family for 4 generations has never been this endangered before, but this time, things are looking serious. When asked about what he would do if his business was destroyed, he just looked at our reporter for a long time before answering that he wouldn't know what to do. "Maybe I would leave the nation, leave everything behind and start anew somewhere else." Shortly after they put the last boards up on the shop, the family like many others made their way to the designated evacuation zone, unknowing of what they might come back to find. With the Waters City Times, I'm Sandy Piedmont.

From: The Royal House of Waters City and Watersville

UPDATE: State of Emergency

The government of Watersville is sorry to announce the expansion of Evacuation zones within the nation. Now, in addition to the cities of Charles Town and Ocean City, the mandatory evacuation zone has been expanded to include all areas from Ocean City south to Odessa, and then west to Aurvie City, and north to The bay of Waters City back to Ocean City. This area includes the Eastern Rain Forest Preserve as well as the southern portion of Waters City. We hope that these evacuations are not necessary, however this storm looks to be extremely destructive.

With concern,
His Royal highness Joseph Watters

From: The Royal House of Waters City and Watersville
To: All nations

We regret to inform you that with the threat of an extremely dangerous storm and the threat to human life that we have been sending extra people to several of your airports. Almost all of these people are likely to catch a flight to another nation, however we must ask for your help. We have not been able to ensure that these people can make it to their home nation without causing a long delay in departures, therefore we have been sending people to any available airport that is safe. It is imperative that these people get as much help as they can in getting to their destination with as little hassle as possible. An issue has been brought to our attention already, however, which is that we have not been able to separate our tourists from different nations into different groups. We send a strong warning to nations that should interfere with the destination of these residents that there will be harsh consequences should their safety be threatened. We are also asking for a temporary ceasefire while these people attempt to make their way back to their nations. We thank you for your cooperation, and we hope for safety as these people make their way toward their final destinations.

With concern,
His Royal Highness Joseph Watters

[Caracasus]

Jevellit International Airport

The six planes taxied down the runway, a light drizzle turning the runway slick and almost oily. The great planes – four Caracasusian made Tovari Airliners touched down, the solar panels on their wings winking in the occasional glints of sunlight.

The grace and precision of the pilots contrasted the chaos and confusion at the terminal. Many of the passengers would find their way home after some time – their travel insurance companies negotiating with Industry and Trade via the Hypothetical Zone. These passengers were the ones seen pacing the foyer and various communal eateries, or sat beside piles of luggage they had carted back from Watersville.

Some though... some six hundred and seventy two passengers would prove a significantly larger headache. The Flaucian tourists flown out before the hurricane hit were in something of a limbo. Whilst an unofficial cease fire had seen an end to the missiles and bombs in Orisio, Flauc and Caracasus were still technically at war. As such, the Flaucian tourists presented something of a problem.

They were offered rooms and services in the various communes located near the airport, with Internal Security informed and kept updated. It was unlikely that they would suffer any attack from angry Caracasusians – after all most narratives of the war and of Flauc painted Flaucians as the victims of an insane dictator – the workers of Flauc oppressed by a tyrant. However, with diplomatic relations at the worst anyone could remember, it paid to be cautious.

To: The Government of Flauc

---

We are currently housing 672 citizens with Flaucian nationality within Jevellit Metropolitan District. These citizens were evacuated from Watersville as a safety precaution due to a significant risk of hurricane making landfall.

These Flaucians have homes and lives to return to, and are eager to do so as swiftly as possible. Given current tensions and military build up in Orisio, we cannot risk their safety by transporting them either by air or by land across this border.

We suggest that four Caracasusian airliners follow a flight plan over international waters from Jevellit, landing in the Flaucian capital. The airliners and Caracasusian crew will then take off and return to Caracasus.

Our records indicate that several Caracasusian tourists are currently inbound on flights to Flaucian airports. We suggest that a similar transport arrangement is put in place for these Caracasusian citizens.

With Regards,

Caracasus Council Elect.

---

Caracasus International Aid


Archive footage of a rescue drone

With one of the worst hurricanes set to hit Watersville within a day, the Caracasusians began preparations. The immediate brunt of the hurricane would be damaging enough, what told in crises like this was the effectiveness and speed of the response. In many instances, more would die from contaminated drinking water, sheltering in damaged buildings or simply drowning than the initial casualties inflicted by the storm.

Expertise was needed, as was transport, eyes in the sky and rescue crews. Container loads of decontamination kits, generators and search drones were stacked onto the two freighters. Kavverits, modified for search and rescue operations in Watersville's mountainous regions were loaded on board and aid workers jostled around the docks.

Watersville had suffered similar disasters before, and their response teams were highly effective. After careful discussion with Watersville's own emergency services it was decided that the most effective use of Caracasusian resources would be dealing with Watersville's outlying settlements and towns - those that could receive little attention from emergency services overwhelmed by the damage in cities and larger communities.

[Flauc]

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF FLAUC RECENT EVENTS PUBLIC We apologize to the world for any disruptions our attacks on the military satellites could have caused. It was not our intention to disrupt and destroy a Watersvillan satellite. Our government will gladly co operate with other nations in clean up operations, as it was not our intention to do harm to Watersville, which is a true neutral nation. I offer the nation of Watersville to gain information from our satellites to monitor the hurricane that is about to ravage Watersville. It would be wise to use your new military forces for humanitarian aid operations and evacuations. I must demand to the government of Malsti to stop their support of the FMLM and other terrorist organizations. The governments of Caracasus must understand that their neighbor must be condemned, and with reason. Malsti currently supports the FMLM, which has pledged to murder every Flaucese-origin civilian on the peninsula, even if the people in question have lived in Menthi for centuries. If the FMLM were to take power, I expect a huge genocide of Flaucese descent civilians. As such, I must request our neighbors in the north to make Malsti stop. I would also like to add that the Flaucese peacekeeping forces in Menthi never attacked Caracasus nor Malsti, and had no plans to do so. The illegal blockade of Menthi is concerning. Civilians are suffering just because Balagan and Caracasus believe that the Flaucese forces in there are going to conduct hostile actions. It would be silly to open a 2nd front against Caracasus or Malsti. As President Tanaka pointed out, holding the citizens of Menthi as hostages to get back at Flauc is a new low for Caracasus and Balagan. Balagan, a nation we believed to be our ally, and a nation that was an ally of Cardulan, has back-stabbed us with no mercy. It is very silly that Flauc would invade Parsoh. We have no interest in Parsoh. Sure, our businesses have interests in Parsoh, but Flauc is not a business. The government of Balagan should stop overreacting and should simply protect Parsoh, instead of helping Caracasus in killing innocent Menthians, since Caracasus would gladly replace the government of Balagan with a socialist republic. Best wishes, Rex Marela.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF FLAUC HURRICANE TO THE KINGDOM OF WATERSVILLE We have already given our advice and have given you permission to use our satellites to view the path of the hurricane, and we also believe your armed forces would be useful in humanitarian aid missions in Watersville and the evacuation of civilians. While I believe your military is capable of their mission, I believe it would be wise to have assistance. If Watersville wishes, Flauc is ready to send military volunteers to assist in humanitarian aid efforts in the disaster in Watersville. We thank you for your quick evacuation of foreign nationals, and we hope that we can co operate in the future. Best wishes, Rex Marela.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF FLAUC CEASEFIRE AND FOREIGN NATIONALS TO THE USSC Despite horrible relations, I believe it would be wise to announce an official ceasefire, however, heavy military vehicles may stay in case of an hostile attack. After the cease fire, it would be fine to send our nationals back to our capital city, as we will do with your nationals. We must remind that if any harm comes to our citizens, we will retaliate. The path of flight, landing time and other details can be arranged in the future after the ceasefire. Afterwards, it would be wise to host a conference with representatives from Flauc and Caracasus, possibly Watersville, to negotiate a peace treaty. Best wishes, Rex Marela.

[Tekeristan]

Elena Barnutiu

---

Elena did not expect good things.
But she had prepared for the day nonetheless. She watered her plants before gifting them to her neighbors, she showered and applied her mask, and emptied her fridge to the local C.W.A. Despite the situation, she had a great night of sleep - yet for some reason she could not remember her dream..

Only when she had first arrived at the airport did she start to feel hints of nervousness edge at her. Upon her arrival she quickly found herself escorted by a squad of armed officers, who quickly yet quietly moved her to the small private aircraft she was provided with to make the journey to the Iberius - to the dark nation of Carosi.

Elena sat quietly by a window. Alone. The only other person aboard was the pilot, of whom's name she was never able to catch, who had reserved himself to the cabin of the aircraft. She rubbed the silver pendant between her fingers until they became numb, feeling the warm metal without looking. The ocean below was a vast dark depth, blackened under the night sky. The stars glowed pure, and only the distant colored lights of distant drifting ships were enough to catch her eye. She didn't exactly know when her head slumped against the window, slipping to join the waves in the dark.

By the earliest of dawn, as the sun peeking over the horizon like a shy child, they were closing in on Iberius and Elena woke from her second dreamless slumber. As Elena was greeted with the sight of distant tropical shores, soldiers in Menthi looked upon the morning skies to find that the deathly rain had ceased. However slim the chance, Elena's aircraft was to have secure passage.

She looked down at the sea of jungle green as the aircraft began to glide over the foreign land. The green blanket of life twisted between rolling valleys, sectioned by the rivers and roads of Maltsi. Farmers tilled in their fields, almost blind to the green covered logistical trucks that migrated by each way, alongside the occasional column of soldiers.

Soon, however, they entered the airspace of Carosi. Elena wasn't sure how, but she knew when they did. She eyed the green blanket below, staring at the blackened husk of a building long torched as nature patiently worked to reclaim it. Distant towers of Mardocksstinopel huddled above the green sea, reminders of civility in a land fabled barbaric. Elena gulped.

The city of Mardocksstinopel never seemed to approach much closer, staying distantly like an elusive flower. It was on the 3rd circle did Elena begin to feel something was wrong, and a crack on the intercom confirmed her thoughts a few moments later. The pilot spoke for the first time on the journey.

"Thank you for your patience, we're having some complications. Our permission to land at Mardocksstinopel has been revoked and we're.." The pilot paused. ...

"We're being re-directed with an escort towards the north." Click.

Elena blinked and shifted her eyes back out the window, just in time to feel the aircraft settle and a propeller fighter closing in. It looked like something out of an early war museum! Her vision to such a craft, however, was quickly cut off as the aircraft oriented more towards the north. She decided to lean back into her seat.. As the plane continued however, she began to notice that the green blanket below was rapidly approaching.

She gripped her fingers into her arm rests as she peered forward at the increasingly detailed canopy. She distantly heard the rotating blades of another craft as the aircraft shuddered in the thicker air. Below a clearing became visible, slicing through the earth - a steel railway for the great mechanical beasts of man. As the aircraft shuddered once again, the intercom crackled back to life.

"Hold on! We're going to be flying low, bastards almost flew me down! All should be clear from here on out, so settle in for a bumpy ride." Click.

Elena opened her eyes and looked back out her window, the canopy of the trees hiding whatever lied beyond. The Carosian fighter hovered above, its propeller a blur as it moved. Elena blinked, and for a moment she swore she saw the pilot. She grabbed her pendent. The plane shuddered in the air, the steel tracks gleaming below seemingly inching closer and farther every few moments!

Elena closed her eyes, the rattling and shaking continued around her - vibrating her teeth and bones as her belt held her safely to her seat! She didn't know how long it took for the chaos to end, but she only opened her eyes when a pair of hands gently prodded her shoulder.

"You okay ma'am? We have landed, uh.. This is where you get off. There's a bit of a welcoming party, you'll.. See it." He spoke clearly, stepping forward to help her with her belt a moment later. Elena stood, shaking on her legs until after taking a few steps and a few breaths.. She nodded her head, tripping a few times for her words.

"T-thank you sir.. I'll be good from here." she pulled bags from their compartment, throwing one around her shoulder as she pulled the other across the plane towards the door. The pilot walked after her, standing beside her as he opened a small panel and pressed a release.. He stepped back..

Elena paused and blinked at the sight before her.

Hundreds of people, if not well over a thousand, formed a sea of kneeling humanity along the aircraft. Not a single person stood, instead they bowed and watched. A single wide path, edged by kneeling flower girls who masterfully weaved the air with a rain of vibrant flower pedals, led forward towards a finely carved palanquin. The path further led through the jungle, a pair of distant green mountains standing beneath the shimmering sun.

Elena blushed and paused, caught off guard. Her grip weakened on her bag before air once again entered her lungs. She blinked the tingling feeling off her skin as she turned her gaze over the crowd. Despite their demeanor, Elena could feel the slightest of something was off.. A slight awkward feeling, like an avoided risk. Elena took another step down the ramp, finding freshly sewn pedals awaited her on the ground.

She slowly stepped along the glistening path to the palanquin, where a group of softly chanting people knelt and waited. Its thin door of the palanquin was open, as if motioning her to enter the safety and warmth of its being. For a moment she felt a tang of hesitation.. Should she really burden them with her things? She paused for a moment, looking down at the ground where a follow of soft pedals sat. The tingle of fresh air convinced her and a moment later she stepped inside, laying her bags with her.

"Thank you.." she muttered as the door closed, leaving her inside. The soft chanting continued put picked up in volume as her vessel shifted the slightest and was lifted from the ground. The soft chanting was slow, calm, an angelic mix that tickled at the ears. She clung to the softness of the words, unable to understand a word otherwise. She gently grabbed for her pendant.

The journey was many hours long, but was shortened by the never-ceasing chant of the bearers and strangely smooth ride. Elena watched the jungle path go by as they ascended the mountain, a trail of pedals littering the chosen path. Ascending up the mountain path they finally reached a clearing of stone.

Elena upon the grand gates of Carosi and let her breath escape. Elena's hands slipped from the silver pendant, symbol of the otter and flower.
They have arrived.

[Caracasus]

Quoris Internal Security HQ – international press conference

“Commander Elect Harthon – does this mean the investigation is being shut down?”

The commander hated these conferences. In his experience, the Caracasusian media communes usually sent a competent journalist – though there were exceptions. They would at least ask more relavent questions and could be relied upon to have actually read the pre-conference briefing. Other outlets? From what he heard these days, most media outlets around the world defined journalist as “someone we pay a fraction of a real wage to trawl through online sources from more reputable journalists”

He sighed. “No, no it does not. If you read the briefing pack you will note that the investigation into the location of the Flaucian citizens and their security team is ongoing. What is happening here is...”

“But you are winding the investigation down. Do you think they are dead?”

“One question at a time please.” The Commander Elect frowned. Forty years in Internal Security was enough to give anyone a jaded outlook on life and a cynical view of people. With Commander Harthon it had not been needed. A natural cynic and pessimist, he gave the air of one, studying behind his bushy eyebrows, who could find the cloud in any silver lining.

“To further your question – no. The investigation is being scaled down as resources are needed elsewhere and new, more promising lines of inquiry are pursued. This does not mean, however, that the investigation has shut down. We have no indication that these men are dead.”

“And why haven't you found them? What do you say to accusations that Caracasus's efforts are simply not adequate? Is this just a continuation of the feud with Flauc by other means?”

A bloody Bohemivarian. Just like their papers to send someone who could twist the words of a saint and mark them the devil.

“That is simply not the case. The Caracasusian effort has expended more resources on this search than many others of a similar nature. The problem we are facing is one of scale.” He sighed, trying to find a way to explain the complexities of his job to... journalists of all people.

“The jungle areas of Quoris are vast. They form the largest single area of virgin jungle on the continent – and are a close second to the largest in the world. We have the following tools at our disposal – we can send Internal Security with guides into the jungle to search on the ground. Their average visibility is approximately twelve foot. With technological assistance, that is sometimes extended to twenty foot. To put this in perspective, if I were on the ground right now, the hostages could be over the other side of this room and I would not be able to see them.”

“We also have aircraft – manned and unmanned. They are very good at spotting things in open territory. In the jungle we have these things called trees..” The Commander could feel himself slipping into sarcastic mode – the tone dreaded by those who had elected him to serve them. He tried to rein himself back in. “Trees make it very hard to see anything on the ground. Some of them grow to two hundred foot in height. We can use thermoimaging scans to detect heat sources and people but the trouble is there is an awful lot in the jungle that gives off a heat source. There are wild pigs – about the size and bulk of a man – there are all manner of creatures living in that jungle. “

He took a breath and a sip of water. “Lastly we have diplomatic channels. Despite what people may have reported” here he glared across the room, as if daring one of the reporters to mention anything. “Despite what has been reported, the Caracasusian Government has no ties to the FMLN – the group that has claimed responsibility for this kidnapping. We have approached this group, and their demands remain unchanged. They want money for these hostages and will not release them until the money is paid. We have exhausted all options.”

He called up a chart. “To put this into perspective – twenty years ago a small, two engine plane carrying six people crash landed in the jungles of Quoris. It was tracked by radar, ground control and spotted by several eyewitnesses.”

He flipped the chart on one slide. A red circle highlighted on the map. “After weeks of searching, our teams found the wreckage of the plane. In that time, it was almost impossible to spot as foliage had already began to grow over it. We found a written letter from one of the survivors. All six people survived the crash. They stayed with the plane for a week until their supplies ran low and they were forced to find their way out of the jungle. The letter ended with a farewell to their families.”

“We never found any other trace of those six people. And they wanted to be found.”

“So is there any hope at all?”

Commander Elect Harthon blinked. “Oh. Yes, yes there is always hope.”

[Balagan]

THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF BALAGAN

TO: Public
FROM:President Haydar Koç

Statement from the Islamic Republic

The Islamic Republic will cover the full expenses for the repatriation of displaced tourists from Watersville. For the duration of their stay they will be accommodated in five-star hotels which have many unused rooms available. The government will charter flights to take care that all displaced persons are safely returned home.

The Islamic Republic will continue to work with the Wateraville meteorological service in the tracing and analyzing of the hurricane. If necessary we will deliver humanitarian and financial aid to Watersville. In the spirit of friendship and mutual respect the Islamic Republic will take over financial and logistical responsibility for every Watersvilliean aid camp currently operating. We will keep the camps alive and working for the duration of the crisis.

The failure of Flauc to establish a secure and prosperous Menthi has left us with no other choice than to establish a five kilometer demilitarized zone along the Parsoh-Menthi border. We do not recognize Malsti's right to call for or enforce a no-fly zone in Menthi. To avoid unnecessary conflict we will inform Malsti about our operations in Menthi. The information will be made available but it is not negotiable. We ask all insurgents to leave the DMZ or face the consequences. The first reconnaissance flights will begin tonight.

Haydar Koç
President of the Islamic Republic of Balagan