"There is a time where one must stand up for his nation"-Empress Theodora I of Thomaion.
It was middle of the day in small village of Utuzuk in mountainous region of Sheljuk, in province belonging to Thomain Empire. The village was small, about few dozens of people living here. But their peaceful existence was torn apart as platoon sized military unit entered the village. The soldiers dressed in so called "tiger stripe" camouflaged uniforms, holding HK G3 assault riffles - at least most of them - entered village in three columns, one quickly securing the village leader' s house, second securing mosque ( as villagers were Islamic ) third secured the main square of village. After shouts "clear" were heard, the platoon leader, lieutenant Konstantinos Likaros ordered to send radio transmission to the command. The commander of the unit came with APC very quickly. Officially, soldiers had to search the houses for members of Islamic People' s Party, muslim militia operating here. But what happened next terrified the young lieutenant. The company commander stood at the square, with the imam and his family. They were the only ones who were found with pamphlet being spread by IPP." We need to show this people that sympathy towards IPP will not be tolerated" said the major with strange grin on his face, like he was a madman " take them outside and execute them!"
" But sir!" shouted Konstantinos " we know nothing about connections between them and IPP, besides his fa...."
" You dare to question my orders" shouted the company commander " I will give you under military court if you do not execute them. Choose - they die or you die under execution platoon!" his voice was roaring, echoing like tornado.
Konstantinos had no choice. Imam and his family died moments later, shot in the back of the head. But he could not forgive himself it....
"Today' s elections ended in great victory for Republican Socialist front, which claimed over 49% seats in Parliament. Their victory was mostly caused by fragmentation on right wing scene with Monarchists and National Democrats crashing over whether monarchy should remain. In short, 28% seats were claimed by Monarchist Party, 13% by National democrats, 5% by Neo-Liberal party...."
General Konstantinos Likaros has woken up. He turned his head on TV which was still playing, being set on Imperial News Channel. Now, being in command of 10th Airborne division, one of most elite units in the whole empire, he was an important man. 10th Airborne was the elite. Wherever was hot, they were going in first, always securing important objectives. They were army's elite. Likaros thought for a moment of situation developing in county. He, alongside with military, hated republican coalition. The reason they won was because they had support of major media. But, he as whole military did, loved the Empress. Empress Theodora, now sole survivor of Nikophoros dynasty was reigning alone, with greedy wolves circling around her, trying to take all power away from her, and feast on the fact that everybody has abandoned her. Theodora has finished military academy and flew on Tomcat during her service. She ate the same bread as other soldiers did.
" What motherf****s from this Republican Socialist coalition" said in angry tone Konstantinos. Indeed, he was angry. Empress Theodora was a symbol for the military. And they won' t let her fall.
He dressed up in his uniform and headed for 10th airborne military base, which was 10 kilometers from his house at the outskirts of Alexandroupolis.
The meeting has begun. All military commanders took seat around a big table, with Strategos - short man with dark hair, with easy and peaceful looking face, but having enormous lack of mercy on his enemies. He spoke with proud voice, telling others what he intends the meeting to be about:" My fellow military commanders, I address you as a soldier now. Soldier like you. Our county is at the brink of collapse. Republican Socialist coalition wishes to oust the monarchy. We shall not tolerate it. I gathered you here now to discuss what steps should we take to ensure continuity of our nation"
Likaros' s heart was now filled with joy. He has been waiting for such opportunity. For a chance to liberate his fatherland once for good form menace it fallen into. This was this chance.
" Whoever does not agree stand up" announced the Strategos. No one of officers stood up. They were loyal to the crown.
" I have nothing against killing few commies" smiled Radovan Dragovic, commander of Nikolian brigade, one of most elite units in the army " But how will the empress react on it?"
" The Empress will support you" said a female voice from behind Radovan. All looked into it's direction. In the doors there was a woman in ceremonial robes standing, with her beauty making her seem to be shining. Her blonde hair were beautiful, she was example of how woman should look like. But her eyes were full of strength and determination. She was the Empress, After all.
" ... and she will thank you for your deeds, brave patriots. I call you now to duty and to do what is needed to be done. If the republicans remove me, they will make this county hellhole. EYA confirms they are corrupted as hell, my loyal soldiers. It is time for us all to fight for Thomai nation."
" Your majesty" Konstantinos bowed. His dream was now finalizing. Liberation of his county was coming, and a chance to cast away the evil deeds he has committed in the past.
" If everyone agrees, then I will proceed to starting plan of assault on city" spoke the Strategos, revealing a big map of Alexandropolis...
After long discussion classic concept was applied. It was called blooming flower - meaning that first echelons of the advancing force were to enter the city avoiding enemy defences and wipe out command posts as well as capture important objectives. Then all out assault was to be launched to wipe out encircled and leaderless enemy. Police General Nikolaos Dionizios of National Police - formation which unlike military was loyal to the government - was reading a newspaper when a missile struck his police station. After the explosion passed he grabbed his gun and ran towards the window. Slowly, cornering he checked what was outside. It shocked him.
1NAT was trying to assault his station. They were advancing from Exóryxi̱ street and Metallourgia streets, in two columns, one with visible attempt to flank the post and enter through the hole which LAW round made in the wall.
Dionizos ran out and gathered his policemen to fight back. They gave powerful resistance to "traitors" and managed to make them pull back after some time.
" Are they gone" asked Dionizos to one of Policemen from MA, elite police unit assisting them. Then a loud explosion made him to go stunned for a moment, and when he woke up, he realized that he is being held by four soldiers of 1NAT. He realized also what happened: attack from the front was just a deception, real attack happened from the back, using first attack as cover to divert attention. In nearest moments major Police commander in the city was in military hands. The coup was beginning.
Tanks rolled into city, crushing any police and government protection services resistance under their tires. The resistance was weak. Enemy was now leaderless and disorganized, surprise attack and loosing of the commanders was big blow to the morale of defenders. But woken up by explosions and shooting, crowds gathered up on main square before the Imperial Palace. Soldiers were there, standing in full gear, prepared to cut the mob from Imperial palace. Then Empress herself - after she got report that the resistance was crushed - appeared on the balcony:" My dear Thomai " she spoke with calm, yet strong as wind voice " I have enormous evidences of corruption in government which lied to you, which used you for themselves. Today, they are no more. Today you are free. This failed system will be removed. I announce that new era has come to restore Thomai empire! Ελευθερία ή θάνατος ( Liberty or death! )"
With this shout, she left the scene. New era has come!
