Superpower Stardom [MT][IC][Semi-Open]

[Erusuia]

To: Bureau of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs, The Soodean Imperium
From: Erusuian Department of State Defence
Encryption: Extreme

---

We thank you for your allowance of safe passage of our troops through your nation. The commander of the operation, Major General Bortnik Nikanor Rodionovich, has been placed in contact with the relevant parties in your military and will be departing later today for our military's forward headquarters within your nation. He is a good general and will hopefully serve you well.

In addition to our join ground operations, I have been personally instructed to undertake an airborne operation by Chief Chairwoman Alkaev. She is a fine leader but knows nothing of military operation and strategy, so after a review of intelligence me and my staff have decided that the best way to minimize any potential damage a forced airborne operation where one is not required could cause would be to deploy our airborne forces in a distractionionary operation. The plan is to have the airborne forces land in Northern Firmador to divert hostile forces away from reinforcing units in opposition of your own.

In regards to our ground forces, you're appraisal of the arrival time is accurate and we will soon be fighting side by side with you on the ground.

-May good suns shine upon you
Senior Marshal Mateja Maslovaric Supreme Commander of Erusuian Forces District West and chief of the Joint Services Command of the Erusian Ministry of Defence

Nashlvna*, Beketovka, Lovnla Geur, Federation of Erusuia

"Jelka, could you please bring some Tuljo for the guests and myself, thank you dear"

To become the leader of a nation as vast and complex as Erusuia without resorting to graft and vice would be a challenge for even the most skillful of politicians and, until four years ago, nearly impossible for a calm motherly woman of short stature hailing from a remote farming town on the Maverican boarder. But this fact had done nothing to dissuade the women who now sat at the center of a sprawling pile of military maps and geopolitical statistics papers. With features most would associate with that of a mother or kindly maid, Annushka Alkaev, Chief Chairwomen of the Erusuian National Assembly and current leader of the Federation of Erusuia, had taken the near impossible challenge of getting to her position with a kind of inhuman determination that set her as an equal to some of the nations greatest politicians and as a force to be fearful of among the traditionally male upper government echelons. Annushka had spent most of her early political career climbing through the ranks of the nations largest political party, Erusuia Forward* and now her work had payed off. Erusuia was stronger then it had ever been since the times of the Sulkvnka*, and while this is most often attributed to Chairmen Borce Sosniok the mastermind of Erusuia's total economic recovery, Annushka had kept the ball rolling and earned the begrudging respect of the select group of powerful government ministers and Stlanzabovna* that one needed to be on good terms with to get anything done.

All this seemed unimportant however, as now the only thing on the Chief Chairwoman's mind was how she would lead Erusuia into the uncharted waters of international power politics she felt Erusuia needed to assert itself in more effectively. She had personally ordered the military to begin preparations for a war in Firmador long before seeking National Assembly approval and now that the pieces were starting to move into place for the grand game of international chess the Federation was about to become very involved in the National Assembly's opposition parties could be easily bullied into submission by the powerful military lobby. Annushka was willing to go extremely far to bring Erusuia back to its glory days but she wasn't willing to commit political suicide by acting to brashly and making the who effort seem like one of the military adventures of old that had sent the nation into the thirty year depression so before going any further she decided that a meeting with the people who would be enacting her will on the world would be a wise decision. Now those select few sat arranged in a wide semi circle around her vast but barren office in the Nashlvna, the political nexus of Erusuia and a vast imposing slate grey building that dominated the nations capital with an almost roman style of epic construction, and despite the Chairwoman's clam motherly expression it was clear to each and every one of them that the business they would be dealing with was of the utmost seriousness.

"Thank you Jelka, that will be everything" said Annushka as she dismissed her aid. Motioning to the group of military, intelligence and foreign affairs officials gathered in her starkly decorated office to take some of the steaming Tuljo from the ornate metal plate that sat on a long dark wooden coffee table set in the middle of the room in front of her imposing desk.

"Thank you Mavla*, as I was saying, we will have to use allot of rolling stock to move the troops for the plan we've decided on and with harvest in full swing it's going to be a challenge to mobilize enough to move the shear amount of men and equipment we are going to need for an operation of this scale" rasped Senior General Stas Kaminski, deputy head of the Join Forces Command, as he downed the steaming cup in a series of quick gulps.

"I understand general, but all I care about is will it be a problem?" Interjected the chairwomen while Stas paused to fish a cigarette out of his heavily starched officer uniforms breast pocket.

"It shouldn't prove to much of a problem, Erusraolnvo* will complain but its Stlanzabovna is reportedly a very patriotic man so hopefully he will understand our use of the rails for the interests of the nation" replied the Senior General.

"A patriot he is, you heard the speech he gave last Federation Day. I started out as a behaviour annalist as I'm sure you're all aware and looking at him, he wasn't faking it, the mans dedicated..." drawled the head of the National Security and Intelligence Agency Mu Kozlov, a man pushing 70 who was known to prattle on for hours if not reined in.

"Lets not get off track. This invasion is a huge gamble and we need to be of a single focused purpose if we are to pull it off. We went over Iron First earlier but we didn't discus our plans for the home front while iron hand is launched. I was thinking about this and I've got this to propose; we bring ERUFORCE* forward and hold the exercise in concert with the invasion. By doing this it would show any potential enemies we make while conducting Iron Fist that the forces we send into Firmador aren't all that we have, while also showing our allies that we are ready to support the operation with the full strength of our army, even if its extremely unlikely we send more then the 19th army and the airborne forces in. Holding ERUFORCE while we're conducting an operation of this size will push our logistical abilities to their absolute limits and will, as we discussed yesterday Mavla, require an increase in the military budget to pull off. We also run the risk of another ERUFORCE-03 happening and a fiasco of that scale at a time like this, as I'm sure you're more then aware, would ruin us, although I feel the army is at its strongest in recent memory and a debacle of that scale happening again is extremely unlikely without deliberate sabotage. Of course our forces don't stand a chance against any of our potential international enemies, but hopefully a show of force of this scale will scare them into pause before action, giving us more time to work out any situations that arise from that" said Senior Marshal Mateja Maslovaric Supreme Commander of Erusuian Forces District West and chief of the Joint Services Command, cutting off the elderly intelligence official before he could stray from the topic further.

"Your proposal is interesting Marshal, and if conducted without incident would put us in an extremely favourable position on the world stage. Something you didn't take into consideration however is that holding that large of a military exercise might be seen as a provocation by some of our neighbours who also hold interests in Firmador but conduct trade with us, Vadim, your thoughts on the matter?" muttered Annushka over her cup of Tuljo.

"Ah, yes Mavla, my office has been conducting extensive analysis of our relations with our neighbours in preparation for the invasion and while it will most likely be temporarily coldening that will pass once the international situation normalize. Our relations with some of the nations actively involved in Firmador will almost certainly be irreparably damaged, but as far as our economy is concerned we will, if the central bank is to be believed mind you and you know how bankers are*, probably come out of this whole affair ahead. The Soodes will become more dependent on us for their agricultural goods if they keep their sanctions up and with their invasion its likely that more sanctions will be dumped on them..." dithered Zelislav Kudelin Foreign Minister in his heavily accented voice.

The meeting continued like this for most of the day and in what seemed to the people attending to be a blur the sun had fallen behind the black and white mountains that gave the capitals horizon its distinctive jagged edge.

By the time the members of the meeting filed out of the Chairwoman's office the Federations game plan had expanded and evolved a considerable amount. Not wanted to be left out the head of the air forces, Senior Air Marshal Puzanov Alesnarovich, had proposed the restarting of the 1960s nuclear capable bomber patrols with the nations newly refurbished bomber fleet. The patrols would be risky and would be a considerable escalation, but if flown over the Meditehrhean Sea and armed with nuclear warhead equipped AShMs they would prove a potent deterrent against any hostile naval activity in the area that could effect Erusuian interests. ERUFORCE was going to be held quite ahead of schedule and would be slightly smaller then the previous years because of the logistical black hole that the invasion had become, but to make up for the reduced number of forces taking part the exercises would include the simulated use of tactical and strategic nuclear weapons, the last time this happened being in the 1960s.

The whole situation had reignited the intensity in Annushka that had won her her office and now, even though the wide array of military officials and intelligence officers had shuffled out of her office, she continued to leaf though the various military deployment charts and maps they had left behind while downing her fifth cup of Tuljo. Smoothing her tastefully understated black suit down, Annushka stood up from her desk and walked over to the huge windows that formed the rear wall of her office. The Nashlvna was situated on a slight hill in the center of the federations sprawling concrete capital, and the view it afforded the Chief Chairwoman's office was a stunning showcase of the nations recovery and resurgence. To the immediate from of the Nashlvna was the Nashlvna-Plasznva, a long eight lane avenue that stretched as far as the eye could see in a perfectly strait line away from from the Nashlvna. To the left and right of the Nashlvna-Plasznva was an incomprehensible mass of government buildings and high class apartment complexes that stretched into the distance before being replaced with a huge expanse of dull grey apartment blocks aligned in a perfect grid of dull grey windswept concrete. Beyond this was the huge expanse of the prairie and even further beyond this was the jagged teeth of the Adorza mountains. This vast skyline was what Annushka had spent most of her life hoping to some day preside in office over, and today she would be leading it into a conflict of unprecedented scale.


Druzhba Central Airbase, Druzhba ,Teplovo Geur , Federation of Erusuia

Druzhba Central Airbase was a brutal place. Its buildings were brutal construction make of stamped steel and concrete, its runways had been brutally beaten by decades of use and the elite airborne forces of the federation underwent the final step of their brutal training at the base under the shadow of mount Zhdanovo. Today however the atmosphere was jubilant, for the troops of the elite 2nd airborne brigade stationed at the sprawling expanse of concrete and broken equipment would be meeting their first taste of actual combat. They had trained for years for this very moment so it would take more then the light drizzle currently falling on the base to dampen their spirits.

The first things to be loaded into the small fleet of cargo aircraft that would be transporting the nations elite into battle like the war chariots of old were the small group of airborne light tanks fallowed by a mountain of supplies for an extended operation and lastly by the men who would be carrying out the operation. The loading process took around two hours and by the time the men were taking their seats along the interior walls of the hulking soviet designed cargo aircraft the rain had picked up from a light drizzle to a full on torrential down pore. Once everything was loaded and the rear doors of the cargo aircraft closed the operation began.

After a brief spat of radio chatter between the bases flight control and the group of seven Il-76s, the brief silence that had befallen the base during the few moments after the men and their equipment was loaded but the planes engines hadn't fully spun up was shattered by the deep roar of Aviadvigatel PS-90-76 turbofans. Rolling over the bases pockmarked and cracked cement towards the runway the crews of the seven aircraft ran their final pre-flight checks, then sent their aircraft into the rain filled skies of western Erusuia. Their mission, code named Sickle Cut, was to fly into northern Firmador and harass Firmadorian government units moving from the northeast towards the Soodean offensive.

Somewhere above Northern Firmador

"All jumpers be advised, jump target eta five minuets" the crackly voice of the jump master booming through the cargo holds of the seven soviet behemoths.

"ALL RIGHT, EVERYONE KNOWS THEIR OBJECTIVE, THIS IS THE REAL DEAL GUYS, NO FUCKUPS!" roared major Knezevic, commander of the operation and a vast bear of a man who if any larger would probably require a bigger parachute.

"We'll be jumping first, fallowed by Hammer company and then by Plow company, after them Sledgehammer company's tank are coming down. We have to secure a landing asap as we went over at the briefing so that Plevnta* 7 can drop the supplies. There isn't any known enemy postions around where we're supposed to be landing, but keep you're shit together. We're jumping into an active warzone" continued the major.

"I HAVE VISUAL ON THE JUMP TARGET, ALL JUMPERS GET READY FOR CONTACT" screamed the electronically distorted voice of the jump master.

"YOU HEARD HIM, PREPARE FOR CONTACT. EYES TO GOD AND FEET TO HELL!*" shouted the major as he tightened the straps on his jump equipment and checked over his G3A4 battle rifle.

"EYES TO GOD FEET TO HELL!" repeated the troop of paratroopers as they fallowed the major in checking over their gear.

"All jumpers, green light, I repeat, green light, you have sky clear. Do our glorious nation proud..." crackled the jump master before his voice was cut off by the roar of the wind as the vast rear cargo door of the aircraft opened and Erusuia's elite began to run towards it.

Few things compare to jumping out of an aircraft and even fewer compare to jumping out of an aircraft along with five hundred other people jumping from aircraft in close proximity into an active combat zone. None of the Erusuian paratroopers had seen actual combat before but this didn't stop them from running out the backs of their transport aircraft and jumping into the cool night sky above northern Firmador. To avoid low level SAMs and anti aircraft guns the group of Erusuian aircraft had to fly at the maximum upper limits of their service ceilings and this meant that when the paratroopers jumped they had a very long fall ahead of them before reaching the ground.

It took roughly ten minuets for the paratroopers and their equipment to land and courtesy of a strong wind the company had been spread over a wide area of fields and farm buildings. Thankfully there didn't appear to be any hostile military presence and despite the inconvenience the only thing lost during he landing was a metal supply container that landed in the middle of a pond. The plan was for company to re-group after landing at a small complex of houses and farm buildings but because of the dispersion of men and equipment it took the better part of two hours for everyone to finally get to there. Despite the short notice of the operation, owing to the Erusuian leaderships intent to impress the Soodes with its boldness, it had been meticulously planned. The Erusuian forces would stash their supplies at the farm, thought to be disused, before setting out for a small town to the west of the drop site. The idea was for the airborne forces to draw Firmadorean government forces away from reinforcing their units in the path of the Soode advance by taking control of the town and opening up a window for more airborne forces to reinforce the operation.

---

Erusuian Terminology

*Nashlvna, Erusuian center of government

*Erusuia Forward, Large progressive conservative political party and current ruling party

*Stlanzabovna, Exceptionally wealthy and powerful business people in the upper echelons of a Stlanza

*Mavla, Respectful term for a female superior

*Erusraolnvo, Extremely powerful rail Stlanza with a near monopoly on rail transport within the Federation

*ERUFORCE, Very large annual military exercises held in Erusuia normally involving multiple divisions

*EYES TO GOD AND FEET TO HELL, Motto of the Federal Erusuian Airborne Forces

[Rhinocera]

To: Wen Hong, Director of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs of the Soodean Imperium
Encryption: Standard

I assure you that the Empire of Rhinocera is willing to engage in diplomatic talks to ease your concerns. However, your precondition that mandates a withdraw of all Rhinoceran units on Isle Diamante cannot be met. As Supreme Consul Tiberius stated prior to your response, Rhinocera is not a nation to pack it's bags and go home at the first sign of international unrest, especially if such reactions come from nations that we have had no prior association with in any way. However, do not mistake our refusal of your condition as an unwillingness to make concessions. I assure you that this is not the case.

To prove this, I shall make you a guarantee. The guarantee would be that no Rhinoceran warships in excess of 70,000 tons will be deployed to Isle Diamante or the adjacent waters, unless of course an offensive action be taken against us. Now, while I am well aware that this is hardly the guarantee that you were looking for, I am sure you understand the significance of such a concession. This concession would prevent us from deploying aircraft carriers to the theater, which in turn is a severe offensive restriction. It would also prevent us from fielding the vast majority of our battleships, which is another offensive restriction. I hope these military concessions help ease your concerns. Of course, we also hope that they will be enough to bring you to the negotiating table.

On another note, you expressed dismay that we did not initially contact you when we decided to establish a a presence on Isle Diamante. Your reaction is understandable and you deserve a truthful and straightforward answer. We did not initially contact you because , for all intensive purposes, we saw no reason to. We understand that it would have eased your mind, but in all honesty our dealings with Ausitoria are precisely that. Dealings with Ausitoria. They are not dealings with the Soodean Imperium. Now, make no mistake, we respect your nation, hence why we are talking now. I hope that we come to an understanding.

- Lesser Consul Augustus

[Mizrad]

OOC: Sorry for the lack of details and stuff in this post but I just needed to get one up before we progressed further. I figured everything that was absolutely necessary to put in was here aside from a government meeting but I'm sure none of you would even bother to read that let alone want to. However I will get a bunch of messages, meetings and things regarding the space-theater of this RP out in my next post. In the mean time I just wanted to post this quickie [About half of what I expected to have by now] so everybody would be pleased.


Arctic Circle, Northern Reaches of Mizrad, Ranger Mountain
05:00 Hours, -8 Degrees Fahrenheit Below 0 With Wind Chill
20th Army Special Operations Group

"Why is it always so fucking cold around here?"

Asks Private Hans Eineckel, exhaling as the moisture in his breath becomes visible in the frigid temperatures. Trudging through the snow making an audible crushing noise deep foot prints are left in the snow for the men following behind him to step in as the men who had walked before him had done the same. He stands, along with the twenty three other men of the 20th A-SOG platoon, in the valley of the Ranger Mountains. The sky looming over their heads is a dark and deep beautiful shade of blue turning out from the black of the night sky. Snow falls lazily towards the ground until wind brushes in and forces the puffy white snowflakes into a raging push against the ground and Hans flanked by his comrades.

"Welcome to the Arctic Circle Mr. Eineckel. That type of stuff tends to happen 'round here. Now keep it moving we're almost at the main building."

Responds Captain Benito Josemaria, a rugged and intimidating man at a rather less than astounding 5'10. His skin was a dark Hispanic tan, his eyes an attractive shade of brown and the beard around his mouth kept short yet noticeable as snow gets caught up in the hairs.

"He talkin' 'bout the cold and what not. Ain't you a spic Cap'n?"

Jokes the even shorter, Irish looking and Irish accented Corporal Joseph Finnigan. With dirty orange looking hair, brown eyes and a more unkempt beard mixed with his stereotypical brogue this soldier was nothing short of a walking clown and loved to show it.

"Yeah but he's also an elf. I thought you guys knew each other? Or are you a South Pole elf Finny?"

Says Corporal Garret Chernov, referencing how laughably short the two were. Chernov was a rather strong and silent sort of man. When he said something it always did exactly what he wanted it to whether it be an order or a joke. Despite having this way with words, he'd probably had more birthdays than he had said sentences even though he had recently turned twenty seven. Standing at a rather high altitude of six feet and four inches he was also the platoon's muscle and experience. Dead bolted door stuck in the way? Nothing a good ol' steel toed boot kick from Chernov couldn't fix. Looking for somebody who has dealt with everything life could throw at a person? Call Chernov. His face, clean shaven as always, collects water rather than snowflakes as the lack of hair stays rather apparent. Behind him is the rest of the 20th A-SOG platoon laughing at his joke.

The men shudder as a brutally cold gust of wind sweeps through the valley. Roaring in from over the peak of a mountain are two UH-1Y's outfitted for arctic operations kicking around even more freezing wind. Brushing it off as just another group of aircraft coming into the Ranger Mountain Facility the group keeps their eyes forward while stomping through the deep snow.

"Sir! Why are they landing!?"

Yells a young private from the back of the line. Hearing the cry of the soldier Josemaria throws his hand up in the air motioning for the platoon to hault. They all stare at the helicopters curiously, watching them descend to the snow. Hovering above the ground as to not get stuck a squad of base security officers slam open the doors and dive out. Four men in white snow camouflage and full combat uniforms rush forward and meet with Benito. One man steps forward to talk accidentally kicking snow towards the captain.

"Fuckin' POG rookie...."

Benito repeats in his mind awaiting for their encounter to end.

"Captain Benito Josemaria, 20th Army Special Operations Group?"

Asks the masked figure in a thick western European accent as he slings the assault rifle he'd been carrying around his shoulder.

"You're speaking to him. What's all this about?"

Josemaria snaps to the soldier in an impatient tone. Instantly after spitting the words into the world his mind settles into impatience due to him expecting an immediate answer. A guard flanking the Irishmen shows the speaker a clipboard with a piece of paper that had been laminated on it. The scene looked as if the four men had no idea what they were doing. From behind his back the captain's ears are pummeled with the words of Joey Finnigan.

"Why the fuck are these guys guarding the most secretive fuckin' place in the country? We might as well replace the presidential guard with a bunch of goddamn' mentally handicapped sheep while we're at!"

Benito swings his foot back between Eineckel's legs without hitting anything and nails Joe's right where all men hate to be hit most. A loud groan is the next thing to emit from his mouth before it's cut off by the captain.

"You were saying soldier?"

With a nod, he responds.

"Right. You and your men are to board the choppers and RTB. Command is authorizing the mobilization of multiple special operations groups to handle hot zones that have been popping up in this hemisphere. You'll be escorted straight to the briefing room to meet with your new companions. Understood?"

Every man in the platoon chants out a unified

"Yes sir!"

Before rushing to the pair of helicopters. As the guards and A-SOG operators board them the doors are slid shut and they take off for the base. Things were about to get interesting.

Arctic Circle, Northern Reaches of Mizrad, Deep Within the Ranger Mountain Underground Facility
05:15 Hours, -4 Degrees Fahrenheit Below 0 With Wind Chill Outside, 50 Degrees Fahrenheit Inside RMUF
Mizradian Special Operations Command

Tap... Tap Tap.....Tap

The sounds of an analyst pushing his fingers against the buttons of a keyboard ring about in the dead silent room. This room, despite being so quiet, was in fact filled with members of the MSOC community. Out of the one hundred and twenty chairs in the room only sixty were left unfilled. Up in the front behind a podium which in turn was beside a large digital screen stood General Frank Douglas. Frank was a short, grey haired, light blue eyed and aging man who had plans to retire in only a handful of years. At seventy he was ridiculously fragile compared to most other members of the Mizradian military however the fire within him still burned strong. Since age eighteen he'd served with the Mizrad's government or military in some sort of way and had been in so many wars that he lost count. This man was the type who could say merely a word and get people's jaws to drop let alone spill all the stories of the things he'd witnessed. In front of him sits a huge portion of the Mizradian Special Operations Command. Pilots and analysts from the 1st Aerial Reconnasaince Group alongside pilots from the 1st Special Air Group, both of which combined to create the 1st Aerial Support Wing. Also in attendance is the 21st, 22nd and 23rd Army Special Operations Group platoons. Any platoon numbered at 20 or above was informally considered "The Elite" due to the fact the 19th and below were all SF platoons used for less secretive or important and more miniscule tasks. If the government needed something done that a normal soldier couldn't handle but deploying your best would be inefficient then these men and women were who they called. However due to a recent incident in which the entire 24th A-SOG Platoon was killed in action the 19th would be taking their place. Not in attendence yet was the 20th, 25th and 19th platoon. Aside from the 20th, the other two would be sent to Port Warrior for briefing via video uplink their for mission purposes. Also scattered about the room is a handful of intelligence agents and other miscellaneous personnell but all would be vital.

In a short amount of time 20th Platoon finally arrives and takes their seats. Shuffling in down the aisles and past the legs of their comrades the men plop down in the chairs and look up at Douglas waiting for him to begin.

"That's going to take some getting used to... damned shame every single in this room couldn't make the funeral."

Whispers Chernov to Captain Josemaria and Sergeant Zach Chant, a light brown haired, six foot tall, thirty two year old veteran of the special forces world. Chant mutters a sentence keeping his eyes plastered to the board slapped against the far wall.

"Yeah. Pretty depressin' but I ain't plannin' on payin' no attention to it. It'll only bring you down more if you do. Besides, every man in that unit would've rather us finish what they started than show up and cry and about them kickin' it."

He says with a heavy, New York style slang accent. This was one of the few things that people universally hated about him as most Mizradians found in the north found that type of accent highly annoying. Yet the way he talked never had and never would stop him from being a seemingly inhuman beast on the battlefield. Unlike almost every other A-SOG operator Chant was immediately transferred to "The Elite" after just a few days in the lower tier teams. Benito shoots in an attempt to spit out a few words but is cut short by Frank clearing his throat and beginning.

"Ladies and gentlemen welcome to the little section of Earth that proves hell's heat has nothing on the cold."

The crowd responds with rather quiet laughter.

"Anyways let's get down to the issue at hand. The world is in a state of decay. The War of the Two Empresses sparked so many insurrectionist movements, wars, attacks and so on down the last that even after our enemies in Ghant were defeated the spillover continues to this very day. Most of you were the first and last line of defense in that awful war, and our dearly departed friends in the 24th were probably the most involved with it. I'm positive they'd all be here right now eager to complete stamp out the last burning embers of the inferno that war caused if they were still here. Sadly they're not and we can't do anything about it so we have to move on. We've been sitting on the bench of this international game for very long now. The ball's been driven down the field and now lays right in front of us. We have two options. Pick it up and smash it into the end zone or let our opponents take it to ours. I don't need to tell you which option you should be picking. So without further adue we've put together a map of the AO."

The screen shows a map of Firmador. Marked on it are a few interesting things that put Mizrad ahead of the game. First were a handful of intercepted troop movements from local warlors, second were the compilations of reports of the area from both the OCST and reputable REPNOR sources, thirdly were the troop movements of Mizrad's allies so kindly displayed to all OCST members and finally the discovery of Loufe making headway in the region. The final "Discovery" wasn't so easy to obtain however, after deep research and satellite recon along with the public statements of the Luvejen government it was now known what they planned to do. Agents deep inside Firmadorian territory also reported cruise missile and air strikes in the area which were at first dismissed as hoaxes but Mizrad's intelligence services quickly proved the information was in fact reliable and even worse -true to the fullest extent. The analyst that had been sitting at his computer gets up on the stage.

"Everyone"

He says in a relaxed voice.

"My name is Agent Carter Black and I'll be your handler for this mission. So far I can tell you a few things. The first and probably most important being that multiple nations are now attacking Firmador. The Soodean Imperium has begun an all out assault on the northeastern corridor of the nation. Maverica has put together forces to start a push south into government held territory, other OCST troops have begun supporting REPNOR and Loufe has started leveling all types of infastructure in the area. Needless to say all of that isn't good and even worse we have reason to believe Loufe is going to make a full scale invasion right below the government held sector of the nation. This leaves us in a tight spot. While we could easily establish naval superiority in the area through simply staying neutral with the Ausitorians and using homeland assets to lay waste to anything else not allied with us that would blow our cover faster than ever. Another issue is getting you and supplies in country with a way out. With Loufe pushing hard in the west and our rather mysterious Soodean allies pushing in from the east we could quickly lose the vital pipelines into Firmador. To compensate for this we've assigned you all with very important objectives. We have three platoons of you to accomplish three goals. Go in and secure three different routes into the country. Two of which go through Soodean territory and the final one will be at the forefront of their attack in hostile government held land after coming through our uneasy, quote "allies" , in Maverica. Unfortunately every single one of these can be easily cut off so you'll all need to ensure the fact every one of them is highly secure and the local populace wants Mizrad or at least the OCST rather than commies, imperialists or people who just plain don't like Mizrad. Once you all accomplish that more troops and equipment will be sent in to make even more gains within Firmador. Firmadorean defectors and allies sided with the MCID are acting as field agents and will help you get started in your missions and hold your hand every step of the way because I know how hard stuff like this gets for you hard asses."

The crowd booes at him as a joke before continuing.

"These agents report to me and they've been told every little detail of the objectives which they will then repeat to you to make sure nothing is messed up and every tiny thing goes correctly. Any questions?"

An officer up at the front's hand shoots up.

"What kind of support will we have before we establish secure connections back to Mizrad?"

Black doesn't ponder with an answer. It comes fast and affirmatively.

"As long as Maverica and Soode don't turn on us you'll have every kind of air support you'd need. If they do in fact turn on you, the contingency plan is to fall back into either the territory of the Republic of the North or land where we or the New Lowlandians can pick you up. Any other questions?"

Another hand takes flight.

"How are we going to infil in country?"

Agent Black laughs a bit.

"You hard asses get to take the choo-choo train all the way through Maverica where you'll then get dropped off at the Soodean front. We're contacting them as we speak to ensure everything goes according to plan. If it does they'll help us get where we need to be and if not then we have to rely on Maverica. If not them then we're invading. You are the last option before yet another full scale war. Everybody in this entire facility should know how catastrophic that would be. Meanwhile the 1st ARG will be doing what they've been doing over Firmador since they first attacked us in the war against Maverica, getting to do even more aerial recon. Are we done here?"

The inhabitants of the room chant out.

"Aye sir!"

Douglas finishes the meeting off.

"Very good. Briefing pamphlets filled with other info like reports of different groups in the area will be handed out to you on the planes to the train station. You're leaving in an hour so pack your things. Good luck people, I believe in you all. Operation Manipulater is a go. Dismissed."

And with that everybody gets up to go do their jobs.

Arctic Circle, Northern Reaches of Mizrad, Ranger Mountain
06:00 Hours, -2 Degrees Fahrenheit Below 0
1st Aerial Recon Group
Operation Manipulator

"Alright let's get going people! Thirty mikes until the wheels start rolling!"

An officer calls out in one of the many hidden hangars embedded in the mountains. This one specifically housed one of the 1st ARG's prized possesions.The SR-71M Blackbird. Ever since 1970 the Mizradian Air Force had kept a number of these highly useful yet expensive aircraft for recon. However reports concerning their obsolesence in the early 2000's convinced the governement that funding for the aircraft should be minimal if any was given at all. To compensate for the grounding of the majority of the wing, the air force responded through keeping four and upgrading them to the modern, 21st century standard with new electronics and other avianoc equipment. Although after testing and years of use two of the four aircraft were also grounded leaving the task of maintaining and utilizing the last remaining Cold War super planes solely on the shoulders of the 1st Aerial Recon Group. Now these planes sit in two reinforced hangars known as "Bucaneer" and "Pirate" referencing the pirate noise pronouncing the acronym of the men who fly them makes. The last time either one was used was, in a rare occurence, not too long ago. Only about two weeks prior had a recon run been made over Firmador to observe government positions in the event they were to try and make a last ditch attempt to strike Mizrad. The entire wing had been doing the same thing even well before the collapse because of Firmadorean involvement in the war against Maverica. In fact the only difference between what the pilots, analysts and other personnell were doing now and not even a month ago is the shift in the power.

Responding to the call of their officer the members of the group assemble beside the massive black plane. The officer climbs up on a table and yells out to the people who have gathered around him.

"Alright everyone things are starting to get interesting. If Douglas wants the best intelligence reports a human can provide than that's surely what he's going to get. Does anybody have the report on available satellite assets in the area?"

An analysts speaks up as people back away giving the pale young man space.

"We've had recon satellite and other forms of orbital recon looming over the area for months now, the only thing we have yet to observe is the Sooden-Eurusian attack and the results of the Loufian missile strike. We can have satellites above the Soodean front lines within a few hours but it will take another twenty four before we can reach where Loufe hit. However we do have that fine piece of machinery you're standing in front of to solve that problem."

A pilot takes the floor.

"He's right, we've been flying intelligence gathering operations alongside drones in the area whenever a satellite couldn't get there first. We must've done it about ten times now and I would be more than willing to make it eleven."

The commander runs his thumb under his chin as he ponders.

"I'm sure that could be arranged. When was your next scheduled fly over?"

Stepping forward and away from the crowd the pilot continues the conversation.

"Pirate's got a blank check and the all clear for this operation, we can go any time we need. Direct orders from General Douglas himself."

"How fast can we get this bird in the air?"

A mechanic within the crowd starts talking.

"Very fast, about the same time this operation is set to start. Refueling areas, flight courses and everything else we would need are already in place from past operations. The only thing we need is a set of objectives."


The man from the MCID pipes up, Agent Carter Black. He comes in standing by the door way looking at the people assembled in the center of the hangar. With a parka and heavy pants replacing his business suit from the meeting the straight forward and straight postured groomed man makes his point.

"I can do that, just give me two things in return. I'll be staying in the control room with you all and I need access to all incoming reports for further analyzation within the Central Intelligence Department."

A soldier with a questioned look on his face asks Black something.

"What was the second thing?"

Carter grins while stepping down on to the ground level of the building.

"Once the boys with A-SOG get their jobs done how hard is it going to be to get a ride into Firmador?"

"Not a problem, everybody I think our objectives are clear. Let's get to work."

The officer replies as the crowd disperses and everybody gets moving. As usual the two pilots start to gear up as the hangar doors open up and "Pirate" is pulled out on to the run way. A massive group of analysts and other works stare at their computers and monitors ensuring everything is ready to go. Out on the runway a truck pulls up to top off the fuel tank of the SR-71M while every little thing is put in place. Emerging from the hangar in their orange flights suits with helmets strapped to their belts, Major Connor Waltz and Captain Wyatt Coronado stroll towards their aircraft. Reaching the plane they climb up the mobile staircase propped against the cockpit passing an engineer who was returning from checking the electronics at the controls. The pair nod at each other and don their helmets then step into their seats. The staircase, trucks and people all pull away. A gathering of men and women that had assisted with the preparation all stand at a safe distance watching the reinforced canopy descend down and enclose the aviators. Going through the pre-flight measures, checking engines and such, the women in the control tower open communications.

"Eagle Eye this is Control, radio check please come in over."

Coronado flicks on the radio and begins transmitting.

"Copy Control this is Eagle Eye we've got you loud and clear. Just finishing up pre-flight checks now over."

Doing as he says the men go through everything one last time before calling into the control tower again.

"Control, Eagle Eye is all set and ready to go. Awaiting confirmation to take off over."

A girl in the control tower clears the runway and responds.

"You're cleared for take off Eagle Eye, good luck over there. Control out."

Hearing the all clear to get going Waltz wraps his hands around the controls and starts the engines. The thrusters start shoving the plane forward as it lifts into the air and ascends towards the atmosphere. Screaming into the sky with a mighty roar the SR-71M levels off and reaches cruising altitude at a level in which the lack of oxygen would kill any normal or unprotected human. Rocketing south towards Firmador and quickly passing over Mizradian land in a short time Connor angles the plane to turn and head into Eurusia and Firmador rather than pass over Maverica. Continuing southward and cutting off radio communication the pilots pray in a cold sweat that their allies would not fire on them like they had been told they wouldn't. Circling around Maverica after no long time at all the blindingly fast aircraft banks west to make it's final approach to head into the target zone. In only minutes they would be over the country of Firmador. Only time will tell if they make it.

Meanwhile Back at Ranger Mountain...

Rushing down the hall way, sixty special forces operators from the 20th, 21st and 22nd platoons hault in front of the base's main armory. The underground warehouse, spanning thousands of square feet, is filled to the top with every type of firearm the Mizradian military could ever possibly need. A handful of the newer members of the "Elite" stand in awe as their jaws drop. The other experienced members just brush by them and head in. Eineckel remains shocked by the base as this was his first time in the area after signing on with the military only a handful of years prior.

"Never gets old, does it kid?"

Josemaria says throwing his arm around Hans. Walking into the tomb of weaponry as he pushes the German along with him the captain lets go and points to a gun rack under the word "Army Special Operations Group". Any group permanently stationed at the base had an arsenal within the armory filled with whatever they requested as standard or even exotic equipment. While deployed they'd take their personal gear with them but upon returning it was stored here. Esctatic at the thought of running around like a kid in a candy shop Hans wraps his hands around the M4 which he had become used to using. Even having memorized the serial number, the weapon looked more expensive than one could even begin to think. Fitted with a Magpul handguard, retractable stock and all sorts of other accessories his mind races back to his days as a boy. Spending time with his friends and family hunting with everything from similar AR weapons to old rifles. Hans didn't like killing other people but he surely loved the artform of building a gun. This was the same mindset with most other people currently in the room. Every single one was an artist, their art form was war. Like all other artists each one had to learn everything one could know about the tools in which to make such art thus their prestige in their line of work. With the knowledge of their tools inside and out they all pick up the equipment they desire for the jungle-like terrain of Firmador and head out to the airfield.

Standing below the rising Winter sun in the freezing valley, the now fully equipped operators watch a lone C-130 descend down and screech to a stop on the runway. Quickly being moved into the take off runway the three platoons run across a walkway to reach their transport. As the back ramp falls down with a mechanical whir they all clamber into the fuselage and settle in. Most of them either read, talk or get some sleep but in a few hours they would be arriving at the Mizradian border to take a few trucks into Eurusuia, through the Soodean Imperium and end up in Firmador. An interesting adventure would come out of just getting into the country let alone actually doing what they had to do once they all got there.

[Maverica]

Town of Valendun Southern Maverican border.

Lord General Jacob Williams stepped off the train into the bustling train station. He and his soldiers just arrived at Valendun to get ready for actions in Firmador. They were 10 miles from the border where the main army was preparing to move into the government. Jacob and his other senior officers walked down the empty muddy streets to the town hall where Command was to be set up. The mayor waited outside.
"Well hello Lord General Jacob. Welcome to Valendun!" Said the Mayor Ross.
"Ross! I have no time right now. Now tell me about government troop movements." Said Jacob sternly.
"Well....I have some...umm...troubling news.... you see government troop movements are shifted east towards Soodean. And i heard they started a war with our neighbor in the east. Plus i heard that some important members in the Firmador government are not happy with us. But civilians are still supporting Maverica even more." Said the Mayor.
"Thanks Mayor. Now If you do not mind I am going to set up headquarters." Said Jacob as he and his fellow officers walked into the town hall. When Jacob got inside he stood up on a chair.
"Set up communications quickly now!!!! I want to start moving into Firmador soon!" Yelled Jacob as Guards start to set up posts around the town hall.

In just about ten to fifteenth minutes most of the headquarters is already set up and ready for operations. Officers of the Maverican military soon come in to hear the plan. They all sit in the conference room awaiting Jacob.
"Good morning gentlemen." Said Jacob as he entered.
"Now down to our plan now. Please observe your orders."

http://i.imgur.com/tuVupW9.jpg

"The 1st Army will start from the western end of the border. They will push south and meet up with the 1st Naval fleet. To the east a bit will be the 4th Army. They too will also push south till they reach the southern Government border. Same goes for the 2nd Army. The 5th Army though will push south also but will need too stay alert due to Soodean forces being nearby." Now that seems simple enough gentlemen! Good luck!" Said Jacob as he left.


"While we move our troops in out troops in Frimador already will meet up with our forces taking out any anti Maverican fighters that fire at our troops. Remember this operation is a peacekeeping one. We are here to help these people not fight them. The military is just here to protect our peacekeeping operations from anti Maverican government troops. So do not fire unless fired at! Everyone dismissed!" Said Jacob.

Just then a man ran into the room.
"General! We have reports of Erusian planes over Firmador! What should we do?" Asked the man.
"We will push forward. Do not shoot the Erusian planes though. I will contact them and tell them not to shoot us." Said Jacob as he started writing the message.

Dear Erusian comrades! We Mavericans have a army ready to move into government territory as peacekeepers and to give humanitarian aid. We are also going to establish order in the region but without force. So we would appreciate it if you tell your planes and paratroopers to not shoot at us so we can do our mission.
In the name if peace a prosperity...
Lord General Jacob Williams.

5th Army Headquarters

Major General Douglas was driving back in his Humvee after the conference. As the vehicle rolled up to his big tent soldiers were walking all around carrying supplies and ammunition for the push into Firmador. Douglas got out and walked into his tent where his colonels were.
"Hello sir" They all said.
"Hello gentlemen. I have good news. We are moving out within a hour. Get your divisions ready to move!" Said Douglas.
"Yes sir!" They said as they ran out.

Meanwhile at the part of camp where 1st Cavalry division was Captain James sitting on a supply crate. James was a younger man that rose through the ranks fairly quickly. as growing up he always loved to lead people and became captain of his school's soccer team. Now that he was transferred to southern Maverica from Northern Maverica he is revved up for a war.
"Hey Captain when are we moving out?" asked Private Jimmy.
"About 40 minutes now I heard. Might want to clean that rifle of your." Said James as he was pointing to a M4 Carbine laying on the ground.
"Might be a good idea. I do not want to be shot." Said Jimmy as he started to field strip the gun to clean.

Just then Private Henderson and Private Fickle walked and sat down on a crate nearby.
"Well hello Fickle and Henderson. What ya got in the bag?" Asked Jimmy.
"Umm.... some fresh lamb from a farm we bought some from." replied Henderson.
"Ha! Sounds like you stole it!" Said Jimmy.
"No I did not! A old man gave it too me!" Yelled back Henderson.
"Just shut up and eat the meat!" Yelled James.

Just then a horn was blown ordering everyone to get to their vehicles. James, his friends and the rest of his men all ran to a Bradly tank. James crawled into the commanders seat and then Jimmy got in the drivers seat and finally Fickle sat in the gunner seat. And Henderson and the others sat in the troop hold. The tank started up and got in line with the others moving into Firmador.
"Here we go boys!" Yelled James on the radio.
"Ye-haw!" Yelled everyone else on the radio and tank.
"Here is the border marker!" Yelled Jimmy as the tank crushed it.

Along with the 1st Cavalry Division all other Cavalry units were the first ones moving into Firmador. The attack is spearheaded by the armored cavarly divisions and supported by infantry. The Maverican army now are headed into Firmador.

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

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To: The Supreme Emperor Su Dou, Wen Hong
CC: Maria Veldt
From: The Cabinet & General Policy Intelligence and Security Standing Committee
Encryption: Top Secret, Confidential

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Your Excellencies,

Thank you for your message. We have taken some time to consider your request in detail.

In the first place, we have attached a copy with clarified wording with regards to the economic details: it is the standard in practice adopted by the Panessos Free Trade Zone; although the wording there is cumbersome and therefore we have not directly include it in the treaty. We have also put in a clause (no. 9) allowing the Firmador government to delay opening up to our trade for up to three years, which should be quite enough to make good progress in reconstruction, provided that you do not spend too much of the time fighting. Do please recall that as a sign of our friendship, we shall be paying the hefty lump sum of $50 billion to help with that rebuilding; and Ausitorian companies have a great deal of financial and technological expertise.

Regarding limits on the number of aircraft, while we would have no objection to limiting bombers, your other requests would make it even more impractical to patrol the intended area of 8 million square kilometers; and we already fear we will have to resort to continuing carrier patrols in the adjacent seas. Aircraft such as helicopters are obviously unsuited for such long-range patrols, and even our sophisticated multi-role aircraft can only patrol approximately four thousand square kilometers at a time; and therefore we would need two thousand aircraft in the air at all times to do the job properly, and that assumes that these aircraft will never touch the ground. Furthermore, even if stable government is returned to Firmador, such minimal patrols must to continue, for we must always keep a watchful eye over all seas where anybody does business.

Signatories to the treaty would be The New Lowlands and the Soodean Imperium and any other members of the OCST wishing to sign the treaty. If you cannot agree to this, then I am afraid we cannot think of any more concessions to add. However, if it would enable you to persuade your advisors to agree faster, tell them this: we do not consider the Soodean Imperium our enemy, but while you are so very busy in Firmador; you should be particularly anxious that we be your friend.

Treaty of Batavia

1. Ausitoria shall retain only up to:
a) Seven areas of an average of 65 square miles of the territory of Wagwater island and the associated lesser islands, and shall return the remainder to Firmador; with the areas as previously agreed.
b) Half of Wagwater Island’s territorial waters contiguous to the retained land area, and return the remainder to Firmador; with the areas as previously agreed.
2. Ausitorian citizens or agencies may insist that their assets in that returned territory be fairly compulsorily purchased by the Firmador government according to post-annexation free market prices.
3. Ausitoria shall acknowledge Firmador’s complete sovereignty over that returned territory.
4. The retained parts of Wagwater Island, hereafter referred to as the bases and legally titled ‘The Wagwater Bases’, shall be granted by the government of Firmador the right to continued self-government for 99 years, with only the following restrictions:
a) The government of the bases must be subject to local elections at least once every five years in elections with universal franchise for all residents,
b) The constitutional rights shared by Ausitoria and by Firmador shall be protected within the bases,
c) The government of the bases and the government of Firmador must grant to each other the trade rights outlined in WA Resolution No. 209, Section 1 and 2 (a) and (b), as though both members of the World Assembly, whether the WA Resolution is repealed or not,
d) The government of the bases must not permit within its territory the basing of weapons of mass destruction and/or more than two-thousand aircraft of any type within its territory and/or bomber aircraft, and
e) The government of the bases must pay rent to the government of Firmador to the value of $20 billion per year while the right to self-government is exercised.
5. The administration of the bases is recognized to be currently held by Ausitorian administrators, who shall continue to hold such powers unless those powers are transferred by the government of the bases.
6. Firmador shall pay or ensure payment of an indemnity to Ausitoria equivalent to any future costs of any past, present or future sanctions placed upon Ausitoria due to the Ausitorian seizure of Wagwater Island and not rescinded or cancelled within 24 hours of the enactment of this document; and any such payments shall be paid monthly.
7. Ausitoria apologizes for the inconvenience caused by Ausitorian acts in the past month and shall pay an indemnity of $50 billion to Firmador within a month as compensation.
8. Firmador and Ausitoria shall grant each other the trade rights outlined in WA Resolution No. 209, Section 1 and 2 (a) and (b), as though both members of the World Assembly, whether the WA Resolution is repealed or not.
9. Sections 4 (c) and 8 may be delayed by Firmador for any length of time of their choosing up to five years if they announce such an intention to the Senate prior to the enactment of this document; in which case Ausitoria shall retain the remainder of Wagwater Island as temporary extensions to The Wagwater Bases until one fortnight after Sections 4 (c) and 8 come into force or one month after the Firmador government announces the Senate that those sections will be coming into force, whichever is later.
10. a) The administration of the non-base territory held by Firmador shall be managed by whichever de-facto Firmador government the OCST recognizes as legitimate and that accepts these terms; and the money paid to Firmador and any interest accumulated shall be held in trust by the OCST until that time.
b) In the event that the OCST fails to select a legitimate Firmador government that accepts these terms within three years, the Imperial Commonwealth of Libraria and Ausitoria shall be recognized as sovereign owner of the entirety of the island and returned whatever money has been put into the above trust; and the OCST shall assume all Firmadoran liabilities and sovereign rights listed within this document.
c) For all other intents and purposes 'Firmador' in this document shall refer to the de-facto Firmador government the OCST recognizes as legitimate and that accepts these terms.
11. In case of dispute, any matters of dispute shall be referred to the regional courts or any other court considered mutually acceptable.
12. This treaty may be amended with the agreement of Ausitoria and Firmador and/or their successor states; except for clause 10; which may be amended with the agreement of Ausitoria and the OCST.
13. This treaty shall be enacted one week after signing.

We shall expect to hear from you within two days.

We have the great honour to be,
CPISC
The Imperial Commonwealth of Libraria and Ausitoria

[Erusuia]

To: Lord General Jacob Williams
From: Forward Headquarters of the 19th army
Encryption: Extreme

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Greetings. My forces have been informed, however due to the convert nature of the operation the forces involved in operation sickle cut cannot be informed in a timely manor and we advise that you keep your forces away from their AO. I'll keep in touch

Senior General Toporov Tarasovich Supreme Commander of the 19th army and of Operation Iron First

19th Army's staging area, Argentszant Province, The Soodean Imperium
(24th of September 2014)

The roar of mighty diesel engines and their thick black fumes filled the Lieutenant colonels lungs. Walking through his units motor pool towards his command tank Lt. colonel Kuznetsov tried to take stock of the situation and what he was going to be leading his men into. Just over a week prior he had been about to go on leave to visit his family when the order came in that all combat and combat support units in the 19th army were to ready themselves for rail transport and latter combat at once. Although having to forgo his leave had at first annoyed him, he had started to warm to the idea of finally entering actual combat after the years he had spent training and drilling for it. This sentiment was shared by most of the unit he commanded, the 189th Armored Company, and even without the prospect of combat pay to look forward too the unit had exceptionally high moral. The Lt. colonel had never concerned himself with foreign policy or anything of that sort and outside of the military objectives his commanding officers had laid out he didn't really know why the Erusuian army would be moving into Firmador.

Kuznetsov couldn't continue his train of though however, for he had reached the end of the long line of vehicles that formed the units motor pool where the mighty UG-2000 main battle tank he commanded the battalion from sat slightly apart from the line. The rest of the units tankers had been mobilized half an hour prior and now sat board on top of their vehicles awaiting the next move. Slipping his tankers helmet onto his bald head, Kuznetsov looked around at the display of military might that sat waiting around him before he reached for one of the slightly dented metal bars that made up the tanks right hand side gear rack and hauled himself up onto the turret and then inside. Sliding through the open commanders hatch, Kuznetsov sat himself down in the well padded TC's seat and connected his helmets built in radio system to the tanks intercom and the units radio network. Taking one last look around the outside of his unbuttoned tank Kuznetsov had a strange kind of realization; he was going into combat and he or some of the men he commanded could be killed and would be forced to kill in the name of the Erusian state, but instead of discomforting Kuznetsov as it would many others, it in a strange way reassured him. Years of government propaganda under the communist party that ruled during his youth had instilled him with an underlying, almost religious, conviction that regardless of what happened the Erusuian military would eventually triumph. This brief epiphany if you could even call it that was further reinforced by the awe inspiring spectacle unfolding around him. As far as his eyes could see in the low haze kicked up by an army tensely waiting to throw itself into combat there were thousands of tanks, APCs, IFVs, trucks and everything else needed to wage modern warfare. The 189th Armored Battalion's motor pool was situated on a slight hill so he was fully able to appreciate the sere size of the Erusuian force commitment and the first thing that it brought to Kuznetsov's mind was the propaganda movies that had initially made him aspire to the officer corps.

Fumbling with some of the switches on the tanks radio, the Lt. colonel cleared his throat and issued and short string of orders that would send the unit to the final staging area on the boarder with Firmador, from which the huge mass of Erusuian military men and equipment would be unleashed. Flipping back to the tanks intercom Kuznetsov ordered the tanks driver, a short rather barbaric looking man by the name and rank of Pvt. Gentian Pali Dibra who hailed from the Quonli special administrative region*, to begin moving towards the final staging area. The unit had been briefed an hour prior on the operation so little instruction was necessary on the part of the Lt. colonel. Pulling out of the battalions dusty staging area the Lt. colonel's tank, fallowed by the rest of the battalion, began to rumble down the roughly hune pair of tracks that cut their way through the Soodean countryside towards the boarder. All around the hill the rest of the 19th army's combat elements that hadn't set out earlier in the day were beginning to move. The drive to the boarder would take around half an hour, so Kuznetsov had plenty of time to think up an inspiring speech for the men.

Keznotva Station-5, Keznotva, Teplovo Geur, Federation of Erusuia
(24th of September 2014)

While rail travel was the preferred way of getting around in the Federation, six days of it when stuck in a second class car with a heavy smoker was enough to run even the most hardened traveler ragged. Senior Colonel Domagoj Novy of the Army Intelligence Department and Colonel Tsao Petrushevska of the National Intelligence and Security Committee had spent most of the trip going over intelligence reports and taking about old times, but as the days of endless farmland rolled past Tsao had started pulling out bottle after bottle of Doplna* from the seemingly endless she kept in her simple black briefcase. The two officers now sat on the same side of the cabin, arms over each others shoulders and a bottle of some mid range Doplna with a portrait of the late chairman of the communist party printed on the label in each hand. The train was mostly deserted and if anyone had worked up the guts to confront two people with very visible military issue automatic pistols hitched at their belts they could be sent away with a flash of a government ID card, so for the last day or so of the trip the pair drank with impunity. By the time the trains intercom screeched out that the train would be arriving at Keznotva Tsao, being a much heavier drinker of the depressed office worker variety, had already worked off what little hangover the mountain of empty Doplna bottles that now littered the cabin had given her while Domagoj was beginning to feel the onset of an alcohol induced migraine.

With the small rural border town of Keznotva looming in the distance Domagoj and Tsao worked as fast as they could to make themselves look at least somewhat presentable. Besides the occasional apology for an accidental elbow to the rib cage the two hadn't said anything since the town had calm into view. Both had different reasons, for Domagoj it was his ever increasing in intensity headache and the prospect of a six hour flight ahead of him in an elderly military transport aircraft to the 19th armies staging area were he would be stationed, for Tsao it was the realization that if she was seen leaving a train in a post-drunkenness stupor with an equally hungover man would there would be no end to the snide comments of her superiors and subordinates. Unlike Domagoj, who having spent most of his life in the armed forces simply assumed that the rest of society operated with the same attitude towards getting drunk with friends as the military did, Tsao worked an office job and could only imagine the jealously fueled resentment that would most assuredly be rearing its head when she returned to her normal office once the Firmador business had blown over. Domagoj would be getting on a plane and flying to the front as soon as the train arrived, but for Tsao the small boarder town would be her final stop for the foreseeable future so it was almost guaranteed that someone would see the pair departing from the train. Despite the period of extending misgiving that she had been having while straitening her skirt and suit, as the train finally eased itself into the flat expanse of concrete that formed Keznotva Station-5 Tsao had fallen back on her old steadfast method of dealing with problems like the this one. She would shut down any off colored discussions about her with a few sharp words and a stamping of the boot of authority. Once the train came to a stop, the two friends and their assorted luggage shuffled out the cars narrow hallway and disembarked.

Besides a few other travelers waiting to board a latter train and three board looking military personnel who were passing back and forth an ever dwindling pack of cigarettes the platform was deserted. Under a perfectly clear blue sky and with a slight warm wind brushing at their backs, Domagoj and Tsao bayed each other good by and started walking towards the group of soldiers. The soldiers jumped to attention upon noticing the two, albeit without the greatest degree of precision, and after a few short words the group wen't its separate directions. The soldiers had been sent to pick up the two intelligence officers to take them to their respective destinations and from the looks of their simplistic and slightly dirty uniforms they seemed to be members of the Frontier Forces*. Two of the soldiers took Tsao's bags and motioned towards the rear end of an awaiting staff car that poked out around the corner of the dull grey cement ticket building. The remaining solider, a callow looking youth no older then 17 with a shaved head and a slightly too large uniform, saluted Domagoj then began leading him off the platform and towards the stations parking lot. Walking quickly the frontier soldier led Domagoj into the parking lot and to an awaiting DUZ with a large, slightly chipped and mud splattered Frontier Forces logo on the hood. The pair climbed into the DUZ in almost total silence and it was only once the DUZ had pulled out of the stations pot holed gravel parking lot was the silence broken by the solider informing Domagoj that they would be at the airstrip in twenty minuets.

The short drive through the seemingly deserted farming town gave Domagoj a bit of time to think things over and to take into account the vast dump of information he'd gotten from Tsao pre-intoxication. Tsoa's people had intercepted a large amount of Firmadorian government communication and while most of it proved inconsequential or confirmed things he had already known, a small tidbit proved rather interesting. Firmador's intelligence and counter intelligence capabilities had remained semi intact despite the collapse of the country and rise of warlordism, and as a member of the Military Intelligence Division Domagoj would most likely be tasked with removing them. Domagoj would be leading intelligence operations for the first battslngova* of the 19th army and while still back in his corner office in Nvagorsk he had made most of the preparations for the operation to save himself the trouble once he got to the front. The agents under his command had traveled with the 19th army and the limited special forces and recon personnel he commanded had been attached to the armies second battslngova which would be leading the charge across the boarder. All and all Domagoj had been looking forward to this kind of battlefield intelligence operation since he'd signed up in the early 80s.

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Erusuian Terminology

*Quonli special administrative region, semi-autonomous state in the Adorza mountains that is similar in many ways to Nepal

*Doplna, alcoholic beverage made from wheat and mixed with eggs that is extremely potent and extremely popular

*Frontier Forces, state run militia force that acts as a reserve and national guard force

*battslngova, Erusuian military formation consisting of two or three divisions

[The Soodean Imperium]

Special Report by Informatsiya News Service

Near the village of Ceballos, Firmador
23 September 2014, 2030 hours local time

The atmosphere near the front lines conveys a mixture of triumph and grim endurance as the third day of military operations in Firmador draws to a close. In the time since last Sunday’s border attack, Soodean troops have advanced more than a hundred kilometers into Firmadorean territory, and the pace of the advance shows no sign of slowing. Operating in a zone along the coast, the Fifth Army has seen the greatest successes, with several commanders stating that the pace of the advance was faster than they had initially planned. Just a few hours ago, we received word that forward elements of the Fifth Army had reached the small River Coquin, linking up with Airborne forces who had been deployed at critical crossing points yesterday morning.

Despite the immediate feelings of jubilation as the forces were reunited, it was apparent that at least one of the Airborne Battalions had sustained significant casualties while holding off a counterattack. Feelings of fatigue also seemed common among the soldiers we spoke to, many of whom had received little sleep during the last two nights. For purposes of security, our organization is not permitted to disclose any further details, but it is apparent that both the ground and airborne forces will be expected to retain this exhausting pace for the coming week.

A similar fast tempo has characterized the movements of the Imperial Soodean Navy, which today concluded “Operation Mist Lake” – a coordinated effort to isolate and destroy Firmador’s remaining naval assets. The first strikes were carried out against warships in port on the afternoon of the 21st, disabling several missile cruisers as they were making preparations to leave dock. Other vessels made it to the open ocean, but were soon met with organized attacks by the ISN’s surface warships and naval aviation wings. Like the Army, the Firmadorean Navy has shown a relative lack of coordination, a problem capitalized upon by a sustained electronic-warfare effort on the part of the ISN. So far, no official information has been disclosed on the exact losses sustained in Operation Mist Lake, though Naval Headquarters has released a statement declaring the operation a success. Based on their wording, we have inferred that not all Firmadorean warships have been disabled, though those remaining are effectively confined to port.

The role of the Soodean involvement extends beyond combat. In the wake of the advance, the military forces have come across untold thousands of refugees, many of whom were displaced by fighting against warlord forces. There are also signs that many have been displaced by the recent invasion, which has swept into the country with tremendous force. The State has not released any estimates of civilian casualties created by the invasion, but has stated that the Soodean Imperium will continue its efforts to minimize collateral damage and execute its operations with justice and honor. Behind the front lines, work has already begun on a series of mass camps that will be used to house persons displaced by the fighting, though the delivery of supplies to these facilities has so far been delayed by the flow of supplies to the troops.

Severely outnumbered and worn down by their long struggle against local warlords, Firmadorean government troops have also been surrendering in large numbers. For the most part, these persons are as low on morale as they are on supplies: several captured persons we spoke to stated that they had not received proper wages for several weeks, another sign of the de facto regime’s weakness. The greatest success in this regard came this morning, when four regiments of government troops were cut off and encircled in a large pocket some 25 kilometers across. Following the completion of their commander’s surrender, close to ten thousand enemy personnel will be taken into custody, leaving the local facilities stretched to the maximum.

Unfortunately, this reaction has not been universal among enemy forces. Soodean front-line commanders which we spoke to said that they had encountered several particularly determined patches of resistance, hostile formations which refused to surrender and which continue to resist even while surrounded. There are reports that friendly troops, upon capturing these positions, have found evidence that the enemy had executed traitors in their midst, though these are unconfirmed rumors at this time. Such determined patches of resistance, variously termed “Nationalist Cells” or “National Extremists” by the Soodean soldiers we spoke to, are apparently a source of great concern for the commanders of our operation, who speculate that such extremism may intensify as the war progresses.

Central Military Command Bunker, Conference Room 4
City of Su’Cheng, The Soodean Imperium
1445 Hours, 23 September 2014

The artificial darkness of the bunker, normally so familiar to High Admiral Tsur, today felt like an invisible cage. In practical terms, the orders that kept him here had little effect on his ability to direct the movements of the fleet. Indeed, he was probably safer within this facility than he would be out in the shallower bunkers under Szantiag. But whatever logic might say, these screens and displays somehow felt further away from the locus of operations.

Adding to this, of course, was the fact that these orders came down from Su Dou himself. Why the Emperor wanted to keep his highest-ranking naval officer within Su’Cheng was a question that only opened up more questions beyond it. The implication was clear enough: he was suspected of something, something that could threaten Su Dou’s rule. Yet this implication perplexed him. Tsur held no aspirations of becoming Emperor – treachery was the last thing on his mind. He had been a loyal officer of the Imperial Soodean Navy since its conception, right back to the struggle against the Menghe loyalists. All he wanted was to build up the nation’s strategic defense, to secure its maritime sphere against the interventionist threat on the horizon. This was the first and foremost goal that any Emperor should have in mind.

A green light on the intercom speaker lit up, followed by a slightly distorted voice. “High Admiral, there’s a comms request on the safe cable from Szantiag. Should I put it through?”

“Yes, go ahead,” Tsur answered, checking the clock as he spoke. Two minutes late. Something must be holding him up.

After a few seconds’ delay, the large screen on the main wall flickered on, revealing the figure of Rear Admiral Hsan. Hsan was an old friend of Tsur, having been a new seaman on the patrol boat that Tsur commanded in the pre-’87 days. He was still a bit naïve now, and lacked the skill for command that Tsur expected of his other officers. But he was trustworthy – loyal, and trustworthy. He would follow his old captain to the ends of the earth if he had to. That was why, in spite of his still-moderate age, he had been lifted to a safe advisory position.

“Rear Admiral,” Tsur said. “Do you come to me with something important? Or something unexpected?”

“Both, sir. If our aerial recon patrols are to be believed.”

“And what would that be?”

In the screen, Rear Admiral Hsan took a deep breath, then exhaled grimly. “We have multiple confirmed reports that Maverican troops have crossed Firmador’s northern border in a large-scale military offensive. Their strength is estimated at three Armies, though SIGINT suggests a fourth is moving in further to the West.”

Tsur nodded, pondering this information for a few seconds. He had hoped that the Mavericans would be kept at bay by the ramifications of such an attack, but the possibility of a general invasion was something he had factored into his planning. “We can fall back on our contingency plan for this, of course?”

“For a smaller-scale invasion, we could, but this is not what we had predicted,” Hsan explained. “They mobilized the Fifth Army as well, in the eastern sector of their frontier. I can’t give a definite report on their plans, but if they continue in their current direction of advance, they could potentially reach the Southern Sea¹ coast in two days.”

This development would require more than a few seconds of silence. High Admiral Tsur leaned back in his chair, running a hand over his eyes and then drawing it down to the rough stubble on his chin. The Fifth Army’s mobilization was a scenario he had played out several times in his head, and it was the one that had troubled him the most. If Maverican forces successfully cut across to the shore, the Soodean Fifth Army would be unable to advance without going through them. Not that this in itself would be difficult; War Plan Black, the theoretical counteroffensive against Maverica, was a doctrinal plan older than he was. But the Soodean Imperium had already committed forces to War Plan Blue, the counteroffensive into Firmador. And with Isla Diamante still unresolved, War Plan Red was not far off. Especially if the Ausitorians took a Soodean-Maverican war as causus belli for intervention. This was, indeed, the time for difficult choices.

“Sir?” Hsan asked hesitantly.

Tsur sat up, his expression still stoically inscrutable. “Pass this information on to High Commander Kyodan and Emperor Su Dou. The operation to secure Firmador’s Eastern coast cannot be compromised, too much depends on it now. Tell them I recommend a mobilization of all forces in the West and Northwest Military Districts, and a continuation of the Fifth and Sixth Armies’ advance, whatever unidentified force might stand in their way.”

Hsan stared back, aghast. “Sir, with all due respect, are you suggesting we prepare for war with Maverica? Surely it is not within your authority to do so.”

“To the Army and the Air Force, I can only make recommendations,” Tsur answered. “But as High Admiral, I retain control over the Navy’s operational movements, and I will identify threats as I see fit. Maverica’s Fifth Army is a threat, and I am prepared to employ Naval operations against it.”

---

1: Southern Sea (Mengma): Traditional Soodean term for the Meditethrhean Sea.

Closed Letter Transmitted to President Justin
of the Socialist Republic of Maverica

To Cooperate with the Righteous Against the Forces of Darkness

We are gravely concerned by your recent troop movements into Firmador, especially in light of Maverica’s Irredentist claims to the northern areas of that country. We demand that you cease all troop movements, effective immediately, and enter into negotiations with the other members of the OCST in order to clarify the intentions of your force and determine whether they are permissible under the OCST charter.

From:
--Wen Hong, Director of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs
The Soodean Imperium

Closed Letter Transmitted to the Ausitorian Cabinet & General Policy
Intelligence and Security Standing Committee

To Cooperate with the Righteous Against the Forces of Darkness

We would like to again re-iterate our thanks for your willingness to compromise on what I am sure is an issue of great concern to you. We find the clarified wording of clauses 4.c, 8, and 10 (part 1) are to our liking, affording as they do a reasonable freedom of the legitimate Firmadorean government to subsidize the development of its own industry during the reconstruction period. While we are disheartened by the lack of a timetable for reducing force presence as piracy decreases, and the continued presence of military fighter aircraft on the island, we are willing to accept these concessions for the time being, in the interest of hastening the resolution of ambiguity over the status of Isla Diamante.

Even so, we are deeply concerned by the wording of clause 10 (part 2). Such terms would, in effect, nullify the provisions of clauses 1, 3, and 10.a, upon which the very foundation of this treaty is built. They would also amount to the seizure of foreign territory and the holding of said territory – including all persons living within it – hostage in exchange for market access. Such behavior is certainly inappropriate for a regional power, and would reflect most poorly upon Libraria and Ausitoria’s standing even if accepted. As such, we would like to strongly suggest that the latter half of the clause be removed, in order to eliminate what we see as a fundamental contradiction of the treaty’s other provisions.

Lest we forget, even in the absence of clause 10 (part 2) this remains an extraordinarily generous treaty for Libraria and Ausitoria. There are many within our government, and many more within our population, who will tolerate nothing short of a total restoration of the status quo ante bellum, on the basis that any land ceded by Firmador to the base areas has been ceded under duress and in violation of international norms and standards. In spite of these voices, which constitute a majority within the Politburo and the general population, the Soodean Central Government remains willing to tolerate the presence of sovereign base areas as defined by clause 1. We ask only that Libraria and Ausitoria take advantage of this generous policy while it lasts, and acknowledge that full trade access with the region’s largest economy is a very ambitious demand to make when the claims to the base areas themselves stand on such shaky ground.

From:
--Wen Hong, Director of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs
The Soodean Imperium

Open Letter Transmitted Supreme Consul Tiberius, ruler of the Empire of Rhinocera

To Cooperate with the Righteous Against the Forces of Darkness

We are grateful to see a more conciliatory tone in your latest communication, and agree with the need to reach a mutual understanding.

That said, we would like to keep the rest of this proposal straightforward. Rhinocera’s deployment of forces to Isla Diamante has, if our understanding is correct, been carried out in the name of combating piracy along the coast of Firmador and protecting local sea lanes which are threatened by pirate attacks. We recognize that this interest is entirely reasonable, especially as we share a land and maritime border with Firmador and have been forced to increase patrols and re-direct sea lanes in order to protect our own shipping.

We also recognize that the recent spike in pirate activity is a direct result of the collapse of the former, illegitimate government in Firmador, a collapse which cast much of the country into warlord-run anarchy. By extension, then, we reason that once the warlord strongholds along Firmador’s coast are dismantled, and once rule-of-law has been restored in the country’s ports, piracy will fall to pre-collapse levels and likely below even that.

In an extension of this reasoning, we would like the Rhinoceran government to ensure that its deployed force is consistent with the needs of a littoral counter-piracy operation. This would entail, for instance, a self-imposed ban on the placement of theater-range anti-aircraft systems, ballistic or cruise missiles, and large submarines. Such a restriction should not prove in any way inhibitive, as none of these weapons would have a credible role in counter-piracy operations. Furthermore, we would look favorably upon an assurance that once rule-of-law is restored along the coast of Firmador, Rhinoceran counter-piracy forces on the island will be gradually withdrawn – which, likewise, should occur anyway once the mission of curtailing piracy is accomplished.

We believe that these terms would be mutually beneficial to both of our nations, and that, if executed, they would allow both our objectives (restriction of piracy and reduction of conventional/strategic weapons threats) to be adequately met.

From:
--Wen Hong, Director of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs
The Soodean Imperium

[Loufe]

Kopaci, Shruikan SR, Loufe

Understand that all the spoken parts are in Luvejan.

"All these reports of terrorism in our nation, are just Resim-lies, we are all perfectly safe, and there is nothing to worry about." said the LNN anchor, on the Thursday Night News report that thousands of Luvejans tuned into. [As it was the only source of news within the borders of Loufe]. Tomas hardly touched his dinner that night, thinking of his job, his wife, and unconsciously, the terrorist bombing in Krasnoejeroi. His thoughts were a jumbled mess of preliminary tasks that he was worrying about, and the bigger-global things that he shouldn't have to even care about.

What if... what if a terrorist surge strikes Kopaci? he asked himself. Well, nobody expected it to happen in the capital! he was scared, and nervous about a multitude of things. If the Zheliz aren’t worried, then I shan’t be worried. he reaffirmed himself.

Suddenly, he heard a ruckus outside. He called for his wife, “Maria!” he shouted, “What is it outside?” He awaited a response, but he got none. He remembered that his wife was out for groceries. Tomas opened the balcony door to take a look outside, and he saw hundreds of protesters, chanting words and phrases he could not understand.

Resim o resim, nasem porod!

Riot police were closing in on the protesters, which looked to be waving the Pyatskan flag, the red eagle upon a black flag. This can’t be good. Tomas thought to himself. If Pyatskan rioters flooded the border from their country…[/i] He paced back into the living room where he tuned back into the news. None of the stories were covering the riots. Soldiers prepare for war in the Firmadorean territories! was the only headline on the news. As soon as the ten o’clock oath recitation came on, the rioters were still chanting. The oath was un-audible.

I pledge, myself, to my glorious country, in lif-, it was useless, Tomas thought. Might as well go to sleep, if I can. he thought. Oh well, just another day in Kopaci.

Marva Air Force Base, Maverica

The stage was set. The men of the Luvejan army were about to commit betrayal. Taking the government forces over in a single swipe, hoping to attract the alliance of the great, Soodean Imperium. Such an action, would only be thought about if the Firmadorean government was weak, and crumbling. Nobody would care about the collapse of this forgotten nation.

0935 Hours, Camp Bravo, Luvejan Controlled-Firmadorean Air Force Base

"When will we be bombing the terrorists in the south?" asked General Perez, of the Firmadorean National Army. General Krent, of the Luvejan Federal Army looked at him with a certain pity. He felt sorry for the broken-country that Firmador had become. What a pity that such a glorious nation, fell to such ruin. They should be glad that we are about to... help them. Krent responded to Perez,

"All in good time, my friend.", Perez nodded to Krent. The General moved forward and away from Perez, keeping his hand on his weapon, awaiting that dreadful call for arms. Suddenly, when he least expected it, his earpiece buzzed gently.

Vojnici naše vojske, slušaj ovo sad. Provesti nalog sedamdeset i sedam, u sljedećoj minuti. Uzmi Firmadorean dužnosnici kao taoce, a kako bi ostale vojnike odustati ruke ili lice svoje propast. Ponovite, vojnici naše vojske, provoditi red sedamdeset i sedam. said the main Captain at the base. Krent walked back to where he was talking to Perez, took out his Sarson, and pointed it at the Firmadorean's head.

"Give up, now." he said in Firmadorean. Perez dropped down onto his knees. The order was carried out. The Firmadorean government, would fall.

[Erusuia]

To: Bureau of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs, The Soodean Imperium and President Justin, Socialist Republic of Maverica
From: Erusuian Department of International Affairs
Encryption: high

---

Greetings. It has come to my attention that the Socialist Republic of Maverica has begun military operations within Firmador that may come into conflict with the military operations of both the Federation of Erusuia and The Soodean Imperium, so in the interest of mutual conflict avoidance and continued friendship we have decided that preemptive diplomatic measures must be taken to avoid an unnessary and tragic military clash. We understand that Maverica's claims within Firmador are a moment of contention within the Tethys geopolitical community, however we do not feel that they are worth entering into military conflict over when it is easily avoidable. Our own military forces haven't yet entered Firmador outside of some minor intelligence and reconnaissances units, however once they do our military command has proposed that they move to replace Soodean military units operating in area's were they may potentially enter into combat with Maverican forces. Due to Erusuia's friendship with both The Soodean Imperium and the Socialist Republic of Maverica we hope that the presence our of forces will serve to remove any chance of hostilities when our mutual objectives are regional stability and the establishment of a stable Firmador. For this to happen Maverican forces must immediately halt all military operations that may come into contact with forces of The Soodean Imperium while our forces move into position, and Soodean forces must immediately withdraw from area's were they are at a potential risk of entering contact with Maverican forces. Our proposal is simply a temporary measure of course, but it will hopefully allow all parties time to enter rational and constructive dialog without any unnecessary loss of life.

-May good suns shine upon you
Matfey Radimir Polzin Minister of International Affairs

To: General Karong, Temporary Command Center of the Southwestern Military Zone
From: Forward Headquarters of the 19th army
Encryption: Extreme

---

Greetings. As I'm doubtless you've heard, my nations politicians are trying to maintain good relations with both your nation and Maverica and I've been instructed to move my units in between your forces and the Maverica's forces. While I'm not very enthused about the idea myself, it would enable your army to operate freely in the rest of the country without having to tie up your units. I've already ordered my units to begin moving towards the Maverican forces.

May we stay in touch.

Senior General Toporov Tarasovich Supreme Commander of the 19th army and of Operation Iron First

Boarder with Firmador, Argentszant Province, The Soodean Imperium
(24th of September 2014)

Behind him sat a waiting army and before lay nothing. Sitting on the roof of his UG-2000s turret Lt. colonel Kuznetsov scanned the vast amount of military equipment that now sat waiting for the order to roll over the boarder and into the first war that Erusuia had been involved in in nearly sixty years. The half hour drive to the boarder from the 19th armies staging area had given Kuznetsov a bit of time to think off a short speech to get his men psyched up for the first time they'd be entering actual combat. With two minuets until the regimental commander's ordered time to have all vehicles buttoned up and combat ready, Kuznetsov stood up on the roof of his massive steel war chariot and called for his men's attention.

"Hestva!*" bellowed out the young Lt. colonel, his men jumping to attention.

"Comrades! For thirty years the world has laughed at us! Has mocked us! Has pitied us! No more! They meddling sent out farms and factories into disrepair, their threats of aggression had us living in fear! For thirty years our women and our children had to subsist on almost nothing! For thirty years our military was the laughing stock of the world! NO MORE! We were once a nation that instilled fear in the hearts and minds of its enemies and so we will once again! Today we show the world that Erusuia will be weak no longer! Today we crush all those who thought they could destroy us! Today we go to war! TO YOUR VEHICLES COMRADES, THE GLORY OF BATTLE AWAITS US!"

With that Kuznetsov slid into the open tank commanders hatch of his tank and slammed it down behind him. The rest of the company had fallowed suit and after a few seconds catching his breath the Lt. colonel began barking out orders over the company radio network. With a lurch Kuznetsov's tank began to rumble forward, fallowed by the rest of the company, towards the imaginary line some hundred for so feet ahead that marked the boarder between Firmador and The Soodean Imperium. Behind kuznetsov's tank the company formed into a lose column as it rumbled over the boarder towards the front line and behind the company the bulk of the 19th armies combat units fallowed suit, their objective being to meet up with Soodean units at the front line.

---

Erusuian Terminology

*Hestva, "attention"

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

Bigger version

---

To: The Supreme Emperor Su Dou, Wen Hong
CC: Maria Veldt
From: The Cabinet & General Policy Intelligence and Security Standing Committee
Encryption: Top Secret, Confidential

---

Your Excellencies,

Thank you for your message. Clause 10 (b) serves only as an insurance policy to stop you from stonewalling in choosing the Firmador government. As such we would be quite happy to accept any other comparable insurance against such delay, and we list a couple of other ones to choose from: (i) or (ii).

10. a) The administration of the non-base territory held by Firmador shall be managed by whichever de-facto Firmador government the Soodean Imperium and the New Lowlands recognize as legitimate and that accepts these terms; and the money paid to Firmador and any interest accumulated shall be held in trust with the OCST until that time.
b) In the event that the Soodean Imperium and the New Lowlands fail to select a legitimate Firmador government that accepts these terms within three years, the Imperial Commonwealth of Libraria and Ausitoria shall either (i) select any Firmador government on behalf of the Soodean Imperium and the New Lowlands to function in such a capacity or (ii) be paid a sum equal to the market value of the bases plus $5 trillion and whatever money has been put into the above trust by the Soodean Imperium and one week later surrender the entire island to the care of the Soodean Imperium for their disposal; with the Soodean Imperium and the New Lowlands together assuming all Firmadoran liabilities and other sovereign rights listed within this document. The Soodean Imperium shall choose between (i) and (ii) within a month of such an eventuality; or surrender the right to choose to Ausitoria.
c) For all other intents and purposes 'Firmador' in this document shall refer to the de-facto Firmador government selected as legitimate by the process above and that accepts these terms.

Our population's patience is growing thin; and we expect the treaty to be agreed within a day and will respond immediately to any requests for last minute treaty changes.

It is in your interests to hasten the signing of the document, as while the treaty remains unsigned, you cannot access large parts of the eastern Firmador coast; and there are growing voices in the Ausitorian public who want us to rescind our renunciation of responsibility for Firmador: the OCST is hopelessly divided, and it might be appropriate for us to help the Firmador factions to halt your advance altogether - in the humanitarian interest, of course.

While from your point of view the treaty may be extraordinarily commercially generous, it is extremely unusual for governments to surrender easily-defensible territory for any reason whatsoever; particularly when their opponents are otherwise distracted.

We have the great honour to remain,
CPISC
The Imperial Commonwealth of Libraria and Ausitoria

[Nauversia]

Subject: Firmador War

Recipient: Director of Nauversian Intelligence Association, NIA; ***** ******
Sender: Department of International Affairs: Global Politics

Greetings from International Affairs. We come with requests and permission for new actions that require usage of NIA Intelligence.

There is a new event which is currently brought to light in the eyes of the Nauversian Government. After a failed and torturous attempt to infiltrate soldiers within a foreign power, Nauversia has remained woefully ignorant to their surroundings.

We urge you to address a new issue pertaining directly to Libraria and Ausitoria, who are in the process of gaining military strength.

It is not our wish to have Nauversian Intelligence directly involved in this occurrence, but to rather watch from afar. At the request of the ***** *****, a chief minister in global affairs, we have prepared a group of field agents to near the village of Ceballos using a high-flying Super Hornet to free-fall to a low height into said territory. Our department will locate the most strategic entry point and drop men in from there.

Of course, there is a reason for this asking. Firmador is being overcome by other nations and could lose some of it's wealth and power as punishment for their loss in war. Nauversia was left to dry in the recent affair of border skirmishes between Alderann and Fallenrun and did gain a profit from their actions. Being a newer, more stable country, we can take risks and sustain losses, and are willing to try once more to reap benefits. We are expecting some sort of compensation for the nations that might possibly win out over Firmador, and would like to be part of that. If there is a small percentage of Firmadorian profit given to victorious nations for a period of time, Nauversia would prefer to be on the recieving end of that. Of course, you can gather our intentions. We only want the best for our country.

A reminder. We do not wish to become involved. There is no room for mistake.

With due respect, we ask you to incinerate this letter.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Re: Firmador War

Recipient: Department of International Affairs: Global Politics
Sender: NIA, Board of Transmission

It would us great pleasure to aid the Nauversian Government with such endeavors. After going over details with a specialized team of Stealth Agents; we have agreed upon terms.

Analyzing a blueprint of Firmador, and specifically, Ceballos, we have narrowed down multiple areas that have potential visitation. Approximately 100 kilometres south of Roszaria, we have a secure chance of entering undetected. The 19th Army of Eruisia entering Firmador is almost 200 kilometres west of the perimeter that we believe is attainable in deploying a select group of field and transmission agents. Meanwhile, any other threats are even farther from this location and overall, we have ensured this is the safest drop area.

In condition with this, we must take into consideration about drones and sweepers. Past knowledge has informed us that it is not pleasurable to assume that distancing yourself between undesirable powers translates to security. As a result, we have employed a low-flying jet to take the agents in, before a small cargo plane deploys three-seat motorbikes. With conservative fuel usage, we are quite sure that six agents could reach Las Closcas by skirting around Eruisian Army 19, only coming within 50 kilometres of the outside area of it. The current date being 18/12/2014, we would deploy half a dozen agents at **/**/2014.

Your suggestions have provided us with a basis, with a team of Infiltration Specialists adding intricate details of their own. This plan will be carried out, and it will be completed and any cost. However, we must idealize that NIA should share plans with allies that can be trusted, as we are still relatively weak in influence and military strength. Of course, our nation has focused its majority of it's military budget on stealth, until the recent Loufe weaponry purchase.

Prospects are anything but bleak. Nauversia has failed once, and your department is correct... we will not fail this time.

Thank you for your time.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Re: Firmador War

Recipient: NIA, Board of Transmissions
CC: International Affairs, Private Consulation
Sender: NIA, Infiltration Specialists

The Board of Transmissions has covered details, so let us be brief.

The half dozen field agents will be dropped into a barren area, 100 kilometres south of Roszaria. Hours later, another plane will arrive, a mini cargo plane, customized for speed and undetectable abilities (aided by the fact that it will be low-flying). These will drop three off-terrain military bikes, designed to last for 75 kilometres per gallon. The bikes can hold up to nine gallons and have to travel approximately 350 kilometres before approaching a nearby battlefield. The group will travel around the Eruisian 19th Army, going no closer than 50 kilometres.

This blueprint is still in development, but we hope that it is an accurate beginning for a possible advantage for our country.
-NIA

[Nauversia]

The Declaration of Allegiance
In Accordance With the Progressive Coalition and the OCST; Pertaining to the Firmador Invasion

Understanding the recent crisis of Firmador, we wish to propose terms of alliance to those who are trying to gain control of the Firmador land, such as the Progressive Coalition, or at least a fraction of it. Meanwhile, we also wish to eradicate war globally, and take the first step by joining the OCST, though outside the Tethys-Rhea continent.

Throughout the region of Hemithea, international happenings are of the utmost importance and magnitude. Each decision has its own consequence, whether beneficial, or grave. The outcome of a nation can be chosen, not by themselves, but by others, who are of greater influence and wealth. Yet the true measure of a nation's development and strength is of it's alliances with others; it's proof of camaraderie; it's consent to remain loyal unto one another and uphold that loyalty when the matter calls for it. It is why our nation presents this option of loyalty to other unions within Hemithea. For it is of immense meaning to defend our allies and support them with understanding and righteousness.

Addressing the Progressive Coalition, we offer our entire country, to aid with a purpose when the time arises. This union represents our birthright, the basis of our nation. Socialism, a system of equality and choice, one that our country believes is the choice of people's welfare, is also the scaffolding to the Progressive Coalition, and is our common ground, our similarity that binds us. Socialism, the style of living that allows people to ask for our nation's support, or stand without, privately, is also the style that brings our nation to your union, asking for trust and friendship.

Therefore we present terms that we hope all participants of the Progressive Coalition can agree upon and use as Nauversia's proof of acceptance into the Coalition.

The Progressive Coalition Terms of Nauversia

Section 1 of the Progressive Coalition Alliance Terms (General Policies):

1.1) Upon entering the Coalition, other nations have the right to call upon our military pertaining to a national crisis of battle or war, or an invasion which holds a positive purpose.

1.2) Nauversia has permission to ask for military aid from the Progressive Coalition, however the latter have claim to ignore such a call if they have a valid and honest intention.

1.3) The Coalition has the right to request international loans from our nation, provided they benefit all members of the Coalition, if not returned within a year, they must pay a one percent interest rate a year.

1.4) Our nation has allowance to inquire on loans from other members of the Progressive Coalition, provided they are repaid within a year. If the terms are not fulfilled to the extent, the Coalition has the right to charge an interest rate of one percent every year.

1.5) Trades can be made between Nauversia and the remaining members of the Coalition without hostility or threat. All imports and exports are not false, but genuine and truthful.

1.6) In moments of arguments and diplomacy with potentially aggressive and destructive nations, the Coalition will defend Nauversia rights and vice versa. (Don't worry about the RMB.)

1.7) When the matter arises, the Coalition presents Nauversia with five percent of the economical benefits reaped from any military encounter with outsiders, provided Nauversia has taken part and aided the Coalition. If Nauversia is aided by a member in a war, they share benefits also.

1.8) The members Progressive Coalition does not invade, threaten, or politically insult and shame Nauversia as long as Nauversia has not committed offense first. If the latter is false, Nauversia has the claim to take offense from the action and request for remaining members to avenge the threat, without causing major disruption.

1.9) Nauversia has no rights to betray or harm any members of the Progressive Coalition provided they have not committed offense first. As Nauversia has laid claim to retaliate an offender, as stated previously, any recipient of Nauversian hostility in the Progressive Coalition has right to call upon other members for justice.


Section 2 of Progressive Coalition Alliance Terms (Details of Military Policies):

2.1) In accordance with Section 1.1; The Coalition is given right to call upon Nauversia's aid in war. If any member of the Coalition calls upon Nauversia to make a first action on an innocent nation that has not threatened the member in any way, there will be consequences. Nauversia will be allowed to request the removal of the member, in accusation of 'unprovoked harm'. However, if the Coalition is not falsifying their request, Nauversia must convey the asked amount of troops or military material, as long as it is not more than 60,000 soldiers, or over 1,200 items of technological warfare, unless it is understood that the request is of meaning.

2.2) In accordance with Section 1.2; Nauversia has the allowance to ask the same of the Coalition in time of war upon Nauversia. If Nauversia is lying to members of the request, the Coalition can take the exact same measures as said before in Section 2.1.

2.3) In accordance with Section 1.6; if Nauversia or another member of the Progressive Coalition is being accused of international illegality or aggressiveness towards another nation, the Coalition and Nauversia supports the accused member. However, if this accused member is proven to be of negative intention, the Coalition and Nauversia have the right to request the argument to cease, rather than directly support the accused. Moreover, if our own nation is accused, the Coalition will support Nauversia unless the accusation is true, whereas the Coalition can simply try and request a compliance.

2.4) In accordance with Section 1.8 and 1.9; neither a member of the Coalition, nor Nauversia have the right to attack each other, whether unprovoked or provoked. If the nation of the Progressive Coalition is wishing to convey a warning to Nauversia, they may do it through diplomatic and political terms, not warfare. Nauversia must respect these terms too. In the event of a member invading or attacking Nauversia, or vice versa, the defender may gather their own forces in an attempt to defend, while asking for aid from other innocent members.


Section 3 of Progressive Coalition Alliance Terms (Details of Economical Policies):

3.1) In accordance with Section 1.3 and 1.4; loans are permitted between all members of the Progressive Coalition including Nauversia. However, the loan should not be over 5 billion US dollars, as this is an extreme amount. If any member forgets to return a loan, including Nauversia, they must suffer an interest rate of 1 percent a year. It is to be noted however, that these loans must have intention, rather than something useless to the rest of the members of the Coalition. At any point, a member can decline a loan, but they should have a valid reason, such as a stock market crash that has left the government floundering.

3.2) In accordance with Section 1.5; trades can be done between all member of the Progressive Coalition. Unlike a regular trade between two acquainted, not allied nations, this trade is done with honesty, rather then an excuse to harm a member economically or in any other way. If the trade is falsified and or an export or import to Nauversia or another ally is valueless, than actions may be taken to justify it, such as temporary exclusion from the Progressive Coalition until terms are resolved.

3.3) In accordance with Section 1.7; if Nauversia take parts in any war or battle with the Coalition and vice versa, any benefits gained must be shared among the Coalition, or any member must share the benefits with Nauversia. This is only committed however, if Nauversia or another has actually taken part in the crisis and aided another member with over 4,000 troops or 300 military vehicles. Once this has taken place, any benefits must be shared with a five percent to Nauversia. If there is a fee of 500 million US dollars as loss of a war given to a member of the Coalition, while Nauversia or another member has taken place within terms, a five percent percentage is initiated if economical benefits are found. In this said example, 250,000 US dollars would be given to Nauversia. It is to be reminded that this pertains to any member, not just Nauversia.

Signed by,
Douglas Cohen, Percival Kellis, Alastair Wilson.

We would like to dutifully remind that we also pledge alliance with the OCST, however, remaining outside the required area, Nauversia would be titled as an observer, rather than member. However, Nauversia is willing to help keep peace from disastrous calamities, even if they are outside our international neighborhood. Moreover, we are pleased to be part of a prestigious union that would mark us as a nation that's aim is to better the globe by resolving heated political arguments and physical crisis's. As a result, we will announce our application upon entry of the OCST.

Application Form for OCST

Nation Name: Nauversia
Government Type: Socialist Federal Republic
Intended Status: Associate/Observer

Signed by,
Douglas Cohen, Percival Kellis, Alastair Wilson

We thank both organizations for their time and notice and hope they will accept Nauversia's choice on these terms and applications, as we only want what is best.

The Federal Republic of Nauversia

In the end, Ausi will die.

[Nauversia]

"Its only a start. Technically, we don't even have permission yet..."
Fingers, long, pale, those of piano player's, curled in a tight ball, flexing, bending, agitated.
"Of course, the whole idea isn't clear-cut. One wrong move and, well, Nauversia isn't equipped for full-out war."
A shaded face, pallid lips, that moved like worms, worry, fear.
"We will consult. Let us ask. There is always a way around it. Do not fret. I have control of this nation."
"Do you?" It is my turn to speak. I have been allowed. "You are only the Chancellor, sir."
'Bah!" The reply was contemptuous. "What does a title mean? You are ruler, or you are not. This nation stinks of corruption, as do so many others. It repels me, and it is my cause."

Dretheria; Military Corps: 07:19

I sigh wearily, staring at the stack of neat, white papers on my desk. "Who would've thought that a Captain of 100 men would have to do so much GODDAMN PAPERWORK IN THE MIDST OF A WAR!"
"Mr. Harrison? Is everything all right? D'you need a cuppa' tea? Coffee maybe?"
I shake my head. "No thanks Mrs. Bailey, I'll manage fine without it, just the work."
"It does get to your mind, doesn't it? Stacks of so much things to do... oh... I used to remember when I had a desk job like yours."
"Yes, yes, Miss. You still have a desk job, you know?"
Her face fell. "Oh dear, I do don't I?"
Waving her away, I turn back to the papers, murmuring to myself.
"Drafting form... Inspection form... Inspection.. Inspection... Inspection... Drafting... Paychecks... Bills... Inspection..." I shuffle through the stack, seeing nothing worthy of my attention, until I reach the second to last paper. "Ooh! Some action! Let's see- 'Call for removal at militant corps, please inform Captain Harrison that he should be taken to the Lebeth complex's.'
I pocket the letter, and move to grab my briefcase, also chock-full of letters. Picking it up, I whip around and look at the pile of papers on my desk.
"Ah well... Some things must go to waste."

Lebeth; Barracks: 13:56

Gunfire rang out.
"You lard of babies! Hit the bloody target! Are you incapable of seeing where your opponents stand, or are you just suicidal?!"
I watch in pleasure as a sergeant major screams his head off at a squadron of privates and corporals. They fumble with their guns, reloading clumsily, pressured by the sergeant.
Walking in, I tip my hat to the sergeant. "Captain Harrison, reporting. Any news?"
The smartly dressed man spins around and stutters. "This isn't an inspection, is it sir?"
"No, of course not. Just came here on an urgent call. Do you know?"
He tucked in his shirt. "Errrr... oh yeah! People sayin' that we're gonna run inta' trouble soon. A little battle on Firmador, sending some troops in."
I nod implacably, but in the inside, my stomach seems to fall into a pit. They're sending me out to Firm?
I'd asked for action. It looked like I'd get it.

"Yes... Captain Harrison, please sit. I'm Colonel General Wilfred." He stressed the word. Obviously the kind of man who thought his rank meant who he was.
"And I'm Lieutenant General Bennison, at your service, Captain." I looked up confused. It was hardly the traditional greeting from a senior officer. The man had a kindly face, smiling and young.
"I know you won't like it, Harrison, but its got to happen. You've been working as a clerk for the past few years, with training every weekends, and just as fit as ever. Its your time to work now."
I speak glumly. "I know, send a letter to my parents, if you will."

"Al'right, you 'orrible lot!!!!" A fat major with a round, red face screams like a stuck pig. "You listen to me, now, or you'll listen to the COURT MARTIAL!"
There's nineteen other captains and lieutenants around me, all rolling there eyes, taking the shouts. They're happy now. But that's probably because they know what's coming, and are trying to release as much as possible.
The major gestures to a weapons rack.
"Each and everyone of you gets some new weapons. Luvejan produced, from what I hear. You all have an SLA-94 and a Cressela revolver or Sarson P20 pistol. I grab the assault rifle and pistol and turn to some targets.
"Have a crack shot at em' and then we'll see the men."
I feel the cold steel in my hands. It hasn't been used yet. Wrapping my fingers around the trigger, I relax my body, but keep my grip firm and steady.
With an ear-piercing bang, the bullet leaves the pistol, flying towards the target. It hits the stomach of the man. Fatal, but not a certain kill. I shrug. It was a good shot, at least.

A rabble of sound is everywhere. Men dressed in uniforms, strapping assault rifles to their backs. Some specialists carry adaptive combat rifles. A few aim snipers, some have machine guns, with bipods. I know there's around a hundred men in this area, outside the barracks, that are mine to command. One hundred lives in my hand. Imagine being a general, controlling 100,000... I shrug my rifle onto back. No sweat.
Every single captain and lieutenant had been told there job. It was a preparation, not an immediate attack. At some point, we'd be called. 100,000 men, sent off to Firmador. Some would fly over, taking a few hours, as Firmador wasn't close by. They would stay at its back, which was advantageous to their fuel supply, as Nauversia is facing Firmador's back. Meanwhile, the rest would travel through empty Euryphaessan land on land transport, before loaded onto large wartime ships, some being aircraft carriers, other's surface combatants. They would carry extra fuel for any planes that were in need. Waiting for a moment when Firmador's troops where either at their weakest or strongest, the group of 100,000 would attack, an a traditional arrowhead formation, laying artillery shells and air-to-surface missiles onto the land, before troops were deployed at made to attack.

Of course, it was all theoretical. Technically, the other attacking nation's didn't even need our help. Yet. Which was why Nauversia was waiting.

Draft of Possible Battle Sequence

[Naybra]

The Parliament of Naybra had been hard at work the past day drafting resolutions. This initiative, led mainly by members of the National Conservative Party and supported by the Popular Republican Party and Rally for the Right had pushed for action in the Chamber, Council, and the Executive since the start, and this is only the beginning of political action.

Though sometimes slow, Naybra was still a prominent player on the diplomatic stage. In the near future, this characteristic will be more distinct. The Western Isles has sat long enough in a state of isolationist. It has come time to break out of its shell.

Official Resolution of the Parliament of Naybra



Condemn the Soodean Imperium
A resolution to express shock and dismay at a nation

---

The Western Isles of Naybra,

COMMITTING itself to diplomatic efforts to address the fragmentation of the Government of the Republic of Firmador,

ACKNOWLEDGES the event of the 21st of September 2014, in which a detachment of Firmadorian forces assailed the Soodean border town of Las Closcas with unknown intent,

PROTESTS the Soodean Imperium’s subsequent invasion of Northeastern Firmador through the deployment of the Soodean Imperium’s Fifth and Sixth Army,

DENOUNCES this invasion as an inappropriate choice of response,

BELIEVING this action has worsened the volatile situation in Northern Firmador,

ACCEPTING that a condemnation is the very least the Western Isles of Naybra can do as an international entity dedicated to addressing this fragmentation through diplomatic means,

HEREBY CONDEMNS the Soodean Imperium.

Official Resolution of the Parliament of Naybra



Condemn the Socialist Republic of Maverica
A resolution to express shock and dismay at a nation

---

The Western Isles of Naybra,

COMMITTING itself to diplomatic efforts to address the fragmentation of the Government of the Republic of Firmador,

PROTESTS the Maverican invasion of Northern Firmador through the deployment of the four unnamed Field Army sized formations and the support of the Luvejan annexation and invasion of Western Firmador through the deployment of an unnamed Corps sized formation,

DENOUNCES this invasion as a disguised attempt to annex a portion of the Republic of Firmador and install a puppet authority state in the name of the Socialist Republic of Maverica,

NOTES the Socialist Republic of Maverica has yet to inform the international community of the intent and reason for this invasion,

BELIEVING this action has worsened the volatile situation in the Republic of Firmador,

ACCEPTING that a condemnation is the very least the Western Isles of Naybra can do as an international entity dedicated to addressing this fragmentation through diplomatic means,

HEREBY CONDEMNS the Socialist Republic of Maverica.

Official Resolution of the Parliament of Naybra



Condemn the Socialist Federation of Loufe
A resolution to express shock and dismay at a nation

---

The Western Isles of Naybra,

COMMITTING itself to diplomatic efforts to address the fragmentation of the Government of the Republic of Firmador,

ACKNOWLEDGES Luvejan Deputy Head Nikos Aunivollich’s call for action concerning the Republic of Firmador,

PROTESTS the Luvejan annexation of Eastern Firmador through the deployment of Luvejan Federal Army forces,

APPRECIATES its intention on aiding Firmadorian government forces against known terrorist factions such as the República del Norte, the República del Sud, and the Cruzadores de Firmador,

APPALLED by the Luvejan Federal Army betrayal of Firmadorian government forces on the morning of the 24th of September, 2014,

DENOUNCES this betrayal as a deplorable action of the greatest kind,

ACCEPTING that a condemnation is the very least the Western Isles of Naybra can do as an international entity dedicated to addressing this fragmentation through diplomatic means,

INFORMS the Socialist Federation of Loufe that it has perpetually tarnished its reputation with the Western Isles of Naybra,

HEREBY CONDEMNS the Socialist Federation of Loufe.

Official Resolution of the Parliament of Naybra



Condemn the Federation of Erusuia
A resolution to express shock and dismay at a nation

---

The Western Isles of Naybra,

COMMITTING itself to diplomatic efforts to address the fragmentation of the Government of the Republic of Firmador,

ACKNOWLEDGES the Federation of Erusuia’s Open Declaration to the international community calling for action in the Republic of Firmador in response to the event of the 21st of November, 2014,

HONORS the Federation of Erusuia’s right to deploy military forces in support of the defence of their ally, the Soodean Imperium,

PROTESTS the involvement of the Erusuian 19th Army in the Soodean Imperium’s invasion of Northeastern Firmador,

DISAPPOINTED that the Federation of Erusuia supports the Soodean Imperium’s annexation of Firmadorian territory,

BELIEVING this involvement has worsened the volatile situation in the Northern Firmador,

ACCEPTING that a condemnation is the very least the Western Isles of Naybra can do as an international entity dedicated to addressing this fragmentation through diplomatic means,

HEREBY CONDEMNS the Federation of Erusuia.

[The New Lowlands]

Ciudad Santiago de Firmador, Southern Firmador, Confederacion Syndicalista - 23 September 2014, 7:24 BST

A tired sun rose over the southernmost edge of the war-torn country, whose name, when mentioned, invoked images of death, pain, bloodlust, car bombs and mass shootings, terror threats and war tourism, all viewed from the comfortable lens of a television screen, mentioned by reporters, discussed by politicians, ranted about by average folk, and long since faded into the background of events for most of the region's public.

The sight of the city with one's own eyes was a rather more subtle image. A man ferrying a pack animal down the road for lack of fuel, boarded windows, faded revolutionary banners, a main square still dirtied with litter, tear gas canisters, splintered signs with angry messages. The war had come here, and had decided to leave, departing brusquely while leaving its relics behind. Wounded men, armed soldiers, dirtied streets, and for the residents of Santiago, a kind of quiet defeatism. The link to the Republica del Sud- their northern allies, and a key source of hope- had been broken. It was only a matter of time before the government came back. There would be reprisals. Deaths. Chaos.

Business as usual.

Today was different, although the man in the street wouldn't know it. There had been planes overhead for some time now. Hulking, four-engined beasts that came and went to the barely-serviceable Santiago International Airport, keeping food coming in, taking letters going out, the logo and letters hastily spray-painted on the side of the aircraft made more notable by the absence of certain key markings on the vehicles, suggesting they were part of the Lowlandian foreign aid programme. Food for all, books for children, fuel for generators, and in heavy wooden boxes, clinking metal people knew better than to ask about. Never munitions of course, as the rebels already had plenty of bullets. This was demonstrated by the fact that they never seemed to run out.

The food kept coming in this day, but the planes were more numerous. Like great, stiff pelicans, they moved to and fro, and on the ground, the rumbling of engines and clattering of tracks was quite the sight to behold, as terrible a reminder of the ongoing war that they were. Foreign soldiers poured into the airport this time, accompanying tonnes of supplies and equipment that had been brought along by earlier flights. These new craft did not share the hurried paint jobs of earlier examples.

Adjudant Sofie Matthatri quietly descended down the front ramp of one of the transports, watching the unit of paratroopers that had been brought along on the same flight march off to the right. The junior officer sighed as she collected her duffel bag, marching quickly up to an overlooking loadmaster; the Negaran fellow pointed her in the direction of the commanding officers' station, and she acknowledged him with a quick thanks before proceeding onward towards there.

Her commanding officer was fairly easy to find. "General Salimtra," Matthatri announced herself with a salute as she entered his office. The older Tilpashimi man blinked, standing behind his sparse desk, and rose with a salute in response, speaking;

"Adjudant Matthatri. I wasn't expecting you so soon."

She nodded curtly, standing at ease. "You ordered me to speak with you as soon as I'd arrived, sir."

Salimtra sat down again, resting his arms on the desk. "I suppose I should thank you for your punctuality," he remarked, "although I must admit I didn't expect you to take my comment literally."

The young, brown-skinned woman seemed largely unfazed. "Should I come back at a later time, sir?" she inquired sharply, her brown eyes seeming to look straight through Salimtra to the wall behind him. For his part, Salimtra shook his head.

"I might as well tell you what the business was while you're here," he announced, leaning forward slightly. "You're one of our communications officers, correct?"

"That's right, sir," she replied. "Assigned to complement contact with-"

"With friendly militia forces, yes," he murmured, glancing over the document before him. "Unfortunately, all the required positions for communications officers of your rank have been filled, so you'll be placed into operational reserve status, Adjudant."

Matthatri stood a little straighter. "So, I'll be waiting until an appropriate position opens, sir?"

"Correct. You're dismissed, Adjudant," he informed her, writing something off on the sheet before him.

Matthatri blinked, turning and leaving through the same flimsy door she had entered the temporary structure through. Standing still for a few moments, she picked up her bag and headed for the barracks.

Stadtholder's Comments on Withdrawal from Negotiations with Libraria-Ausitoria - 24 September 2014

Over the past few weeks, the United Provinces has been responding to events in Firmador as they have come about. Throughout the crisis, we have been very clear on two matters of principle; the Firmadorean people have the right to determine the outcome of this internal conflict, and the territorial integrity of Firmador is not to be challenged. Together with our allies in Tethys and further afield, we have urged all sides to take measures to reduce violent action and account for civilian casualties, and encouraged the Firmadoreans to take steps by which to stabilise their country, as well as encouraging the government to move towards free and fair elections by the end of this year. I have spoken to President Amar Riqueza, as well as the leaders of the rebel movements in Firmador, and we have made clear that the option was open for them to be part of the international effort to restore peace and prosperity to a united Firmador, which is not only in the interests of the country itself, but also in that of the international community as a whole.

Recent statements by the Parliament of Naybra are simply further evidence of a complete lack of willingness to co-operate as well as understanding on behalf of the imperialist Euryphaessan powers. In this environment of hostility, when states formerly our allies have shown themselves entirely willing to resort to military action against the will of local populations and their own democratic principles, have failed utterly to take our interests into account, and continue to provoke us diplomatically and militarily in statements condemning actions taken in defence of peace in Firmador, and by the violation of international norms by the introduction of armaments in space, we see no reason why we should continue to take their international and political stances in favour of our own. As such, we will not be recognising Ausitorian sovereignty over Diamante, just as we will not be recognising Fallenrun and Nerod's claims to Madris, and hence we see no reason to continue negotiations over a foregone conclusion. Madris and Diamante are Firmadorean just as much as Gillenor is Lowlandian. The fact that all of these territories remain under foreign occupation does not change the diplomatic reality.

We have retained contact with Ausitorian officials, and have expressed extensively our concern both through public means and in private over the continued military movements by their state into Firmador. It should be kept in mind that Ausitoria, Nerod, and the Imperial Federation have no historical ties to Firmador, either economic or cultural, which renders the continued violation of Firmador's sovereignty and territorial integrity entirely unjustified. Their invasion has been deeply destabilising, to the extent that it is goes against the interests not only of Firmador and Tethys, but also those of Euryphaessa, as it has led to a breakdown of communications between our government and that of Firmador over a gradual return to peace. As a result, we and our allies have been forced to rely on military means to secure peace in Firmador. Further vapid proclamations in protest against this fact from Wagonwater or other sources will be ignored.

[Maverica]

Eastern military sector, 5th army, 10th Cavarly Division, near Los Carlos

Company Bronco and the rest of the 10th Cavarly were driving down a main road that lead to a major important city in Firmador named Los Carlos. This city is a important crossroads and depot of the Firmadorian army. For Maverica to succure this sector of Firmador they would need to capture the city. Several other divisions of the 5th army were also converging on the city while the rest of the army continued to liberate other small cities and towns.

In company bronco Captian James was looking out of his B1A1 Buck tank on top of turret.
"Well boys we should be getting into the city soon. Several of our divisions are converging on the city." said James.

Fredrick looked up at James while driving.
"Captian? How are we going to attack the city? What's the plan?" asked Fredrick.

"Well I talked to the Colonel of the regiment. We will attack the city from the north along with the 16th Infantry division. To the west the 11th Cavarly Division and the 20th infantry division is going to attack. Then to the east the 13th Cavarly division and 19th infantry division will attack leaving one way for the Firmadorian troops to escape through the fields. But on the hills around the three sides of the city will sit artillery batteries and closest to the fields outside of the city are two units of Mounted Highlanders. So when the enemy retreats the one way out over the feilds where one each side of the city sitting on the ridge will open fire and cut them down." said James.

"Sounds like a plan captain." Answered Frederick.

Just then the sound of thundering horses were heard. To the front of the suddenly appeared a company of Dragoons.
"Stop! Stop!" yelled the captain of the Dragoons.
The tanks and other vehicals stop as James opens his hatch to talk with the Captian.
"What is the matter?" asked James.
"We have a change of plans from high command. To get out of the Soodeans army way and avoid a diplomatic crisis we are going to start moving west. We will move west towards the other maverican armies to flank the enemy." said the captain.
"Thank you for this information Captian" Said James as he saluted.

The Dragoons then turned their horses and disappeared in the woods. James crawled back in his tank and closed the hatch.

"Alright boys you heard the man! Lets move west!" Yelled James.

Word quickly spread through the 5th army to move west. Soon the whole 5th army was moving west. West to the fight.

HQ of the Maverican army

General Jacob was sitting at his desk looking over battle reports. Just then Commisoner Newman entered the room.
"Good day General. I have come to you to overlook the plan." said Newman.
"Ah. I been expecting you comrad commisoner. Please sit." said Jacob as Newman sat in a Victorian style leather chair.
"Thanks General. Now let's get down to business. I heard you are moving the 5th army west to avoid a crisis with soodean. Good move. If we were at war with soodean we would be split in two. Soodean would push through our heartland and split Maverica in two. I told our government to station more troops and build defences on the border." said Newman.
"I see what you mean commisoner Newman. Now here is a idea I have. I am thinking to send a few teams of special ops behind enemy lines to capture key areas. But there will be two teams tasked with a special mission. One will be sent to the northern firmadorian government's capitol and capture or kill the governor San Franko. The other team will go to the Goverment's national capitol and capture or kill the President Franco Deloblo. After we do this the Goverment's pro Mavericans will then rise up and topple the government's tyrannical rein. We will also then make the final blow in the north and secure our right full lands in northern firmador." said General Jacob.

"Nice plan but after the north is secured what will we do with the southern government lands?" asked Newman.

"We will send a small fleet to help the anti Goverment rebels restore order. While we do this we will also start giving humartarian aid the citizens." said General Jacob.

"Sounds good Jacob. You my turn out to be a good General after all. Now here. Have a drink." said Newman as he poured two glasses of wine.

"To a better future!" said the two as they drank their wine.


Secret Maverican base in Black Mountians.

Lt. Marlin and Captain Gregor were walking down the hallway to the briefing room where there men had gathered.
" So what ya think about this mission Marlin?" Asked Gregor
"Me personally. I am nervous. All the action we seen was in the Mizrad Maverican war. But all what we were used as was regular combat and small search and destroy mission with militia. Never something in enemy territory to capture a leader of a nation." said Marlin.
"Capture or kill Marlin. So if all else fails just end him." Replied Gregor.

Just then the two entered a room filled with 40 Maverican Speacil ops.
Gregor and Marlin stepped on a platform facing the crowed.

"Good evening gentlemen. Today we have been called to help put the end to a tyrannical goverment of Firmador. Our target. The governor of Goverment Northern Firmador and the President of Goverment Firmador. Remember your enemies are goverment troops and leaders in Firmador. Most Citizens will be happy to help you but higher class citizens will not. So try not to contact citizens. Next. Team 1 will be under my command. We will leave here and head to the Northern Firmadorian Capital Jan Hosa. There we will be dropped a mile away by helicopter. After that we will navigate our way to a abandoned warehouse ware 2 of our 10 agents will be waiting with two vehicals. From there they will drive us a block down the road from the capital building. After that we will go by roof and climb into the capital building. From there we will split up. One team will head to the presidential quarters. The other will secure the exit through the main door where our 8 spies will be with our get away vehical. After we capture or kill the governor we will drive out of the city on our vehicals. While we get away the 2 other spies and pro maverican rebels will cause chaos in the city for our escape. The plan will be about the same in southern goverment Firmador except the escape route will be different. Instead of waiting for the vehicles from the spies the spies and pro mavericans will airlift you out due to the Captital city being walled unlike the Northern Captital city. Any questions?" Said Gregor.

*Silence*

"Good. Now everyone! To your helicopters!!!!" yelled Gregor as he and Marlin ran to their helecopters. As the troops got in Gregor wished Marlin good luck as they got in separate helecopters.

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

It was a remarkable document, thought the Prime Minister, surveying it from the more comfortable armchair of the Foreign Secretary's study.

While there was always use in having committees and boards and offices reacting to the world, negotiating, and so on and so forth; from time to time the think-tanks would throw a new light on an old problem, and throw out something that really might make a difference.

Throwing half a trillion dollars at Firmador if the Soodean Imperium agreed on the deal quickly was the first sort of reaction to the world: money was an excellent lubricant, and it would probably still leave them just within the black.

But offering to reconcile Ausitoria's foreign policy with what everybody else wanted in a way that might actually be workable...

It was worth a shot, anyway.

Pax Prosperitas

---

Request for Opinions: Consultation Treaty

This White Paper has been endorsed by the Government & General & Cabinet Policy Intelligence and Security Committee.

With either (a) the arranged return of the islands to Firmador and normalization of relations with the Soodean Imperium and subsequently with other important powers or (b) war and/or (c) a Hemithean-wide economic recession now expected, we would like to consider in detail the post-incident scene and make amends to ensure that there is no repeat: we have all looked over the edge of a possibly nuclear abyss and are hopefully now moving rapidly away from it.

Ausitoria, as is patently obvious, annexed Wagwater for the best of reasons (the triple standard of humanitarian intervention, security, and self-determination) on the incorrect impression that it had no need to consult a representative sample of other significant powers. Clearly we ought to have consulted with some of these powers, as some of them saw Wagwater as a major destabilizing upset to the hitherto-disregarded balance of power and may have considered waging war; for even when the triple-standard is met there are evidently also matters of real-politic to consider when there are idiots around who think that war is glorious.

To prevent this sort of incident from happening again, we would suggest an agreement that modifications to national sovereignty within the geographic bounds of Hemithea/Panessos and declarations/acts of war may only be made after discussion with at least the Great Powers Ausitoria, The New Lowlands, Oaledonia, Fallenrun, Terripin, Feroxi, Mizrad, Maverica, Pletoriumia, and the Soodean Imperium. If relations are normalized, Ausitoria undertakes to do so anyway.

XFLR-6a(iv)
Experimental Policy Think-Tank 6a(iv), The Imperial Commonwealth of Libraria and Ausitoria

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

---

Article from the New Alexandrian Courante online version; 16th Seperia, 2014, Assorted Ausitorian Standard Time
Subsidiary of the ABC

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Opinion: Ausitorian Policy in a World of Insufficient Stability

An Open Letter from the Turquoise Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Archduke Kazpia

We have been informed that the Soodean Government will agree on a general settlement on the basis of Ausitoria recognizing Firmador sovereignty over the island and providing extensive economic and diplomatic support to the Firmador government of the Soodean Imperium’s choice in exchange for basing permits and a guarantee that any costs of uncancelled economic sanctions (e.g. those of The New Lowlands) will not be paid for by the Ausitorian taxpayer. Unfortunately we regret to estimate that The New Lowlands will probably cancel the sanctions and therefore force the Ausitorian government to foot the bill for practically all of the economic damage caused to Ausitoria in the past few days. Approximately reiterating previous growth forecasts, regional economic growth is still expected to be approximately flat for this quarter. Ausitorian quarterly growth is expected to be slightly positive, with a large rebound in the following quarter, provided there are no further upsets to the international scene.

Allegations that Ausitoria foreign policy is in tatters seem to be relatively widespread, and we are concerned for international security that some foolhardy enemies may want to believe Ausitoria is admitting to an international power vacuum: that decadent Ausitoria loves money too much to go to war. Yes, Ausitorian foreign policy has demonstrated our willingness to be flexible, and our willingness to grease the wheels of international diplomacy with money (we still have a lot more than anybody else in Hemithea). Yes, the Ausitorian manner of application of Pax Prosperitas has been slightly revised with this reminder that we definitely still need friends, not enemies.

But this is no new era of appeasement.

We will continue to play the role of international policeman, enforcing the widely agreed minimum standards of behaviour in war and peace. We will continue to respect and will demonstrably support the independence and security of the Soodean Imperium and The New Lowlands as counterweights, trading partners, and fellow guarantors of long-term stability in the East. We are continuing to pursue an “n+ power” navy, more powerful than all other navies and air forces combined. We will continue to defend stability and pursue our liberal trading agenda in co-operation with the community of nations. We will continue to pursue development for all. I can confirm that the Ausitorian Foreign Office did privately hint to foreign governments that it was considering initiating military action if the sanctions were not resolved, so that these foreign governments understood the golden line that the Ausitorian government would always be prepared to fight a war over. It is our founding principle, and our only way to thrive. And I do not believe it to be at all unreasonable:

We must always be able to trade.

And now that our enemies are expected to once again become our friends and partners in maintaining the international order, let the balance of power be resumed, let the strong protect the weak, let us all work together on common ground to maintain international stability, and let competition between us remain forever economic; for that is the purpose of our infinite Pax Prosperitas.

P.s. Foreign friends, look out for the next Ausitorian Aid Budget.

By Prince Richard Henry Terefort Palmerston of Kazpia, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Imperial Commonwealth)

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Comments

Lord Witty wrote:
Now here is a sensible, measured foreign policy I could get behind. It looks like we’re in for some stability at last. ▲184,999,103 ▼103,445,204

The King of the Mountain wrote:
How Ausitoria does ‘Pax Prosperitas’.
Stage 1. Tell everybody to obey or else.
Stage 2. Find you can’t control them.
Stage 3. Be conciliatory.
Stage 4. Think that you’ve reached the stage where you can tell everybody to obey or else.
Repeat.
▲223,488,384 ▼37,990,192

The Anarchists are upon us wrote:
Ye Dictators, tremble in fear: Ausitoria hasn’t left the stage. They were just doing a quick costume change. ▲107,498,922 ▼30,499,723

Who said interventionism was dead? wrote:
I told you it wasn’t! ▲86,326,302 ▼78,987,099

Mr. Omniseer wrote:
It looks pretty dead to me. Undoubtedly we’ll still be intervening, but with much more of an eye on regional stability again. Which is no bad thing.▲110,491,488 ▼52,400,490

Mr. Barnaby wrote:
Why are we now going to shower Foreigners with money? Aren’t there still a few poor people around in our country? ▲60,491,488 ▼52,400,490

Alexandria Rules wrote:
The Foreign Secretary is probably carefully counting the votes: it’s certainly easier to do foreign policy by spending money, but he’s got to have an eye on the next election too…▲69,203,100 ▼13,409,512

The Spring Palace
At last: time to think and be free once more, thought the Foreign Secretary, gazing out over the sunny lawn, and trying not to gaze at the Deputy Prime Minister, who was sunbathing below.
Heilanor… Alderann… Atlas… Sondria…
The work of the Ausitorian Government was never done, contemplated the Foreign Secretary, as he pulled out a pile of minutes, and re-engaged with the rest of the world.

He paused.

Heilanor was a particular worry. With Ausitoria suffering a serious setback there, perhaps it would be better for him to start worrying about Domestic Politics first...

He descended the stairs, two at a time, to the Deputy Prime Minister, pausing only to call down the corridor for the Permanent Secretary of the Union. The Commonwealth was an inherently unstable entity, they all knew that. It was difficult managing such a Superpower: perhaps the new militarization program, demographic engineering, and all their other plans would not be enough to hold the nation together. He knew they had already discussed this, but events moved quickly, and this Firmador business had certainly markedly distracted the Ausitorian government, and would result in dangerously slow growth in some parts of the Commonwealth...

[Mizrad]

EDIT: I accidentally posted this WAY before I was done. This is a place holder until I finish up the post.

[The Soodean Imperium]

Command Post of the Soodean 5th Army
Northeastern Firmador
0130 Hours, 24 September 2014

The commanders of the Fifth Army were sitting around the map table, exhausted by a lack of sleep, when a series of urgent knocks rang out on the door to the command post. The uniformed men hurriedly sat up, dusting off their uniforms and straightening their caps. General Karong was the first to address the visitor. “Do you have a report? Come in.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, the door to the command post swung open and a lieutenant-colonel stepped in, saluting his superiors as he struggled to catch his breath. “We have a new report from the Signals Intelligence brigade, sir. Maverican forces in the Fifth Army have been ordered to re-direct their advance; they will now be pivoting West-Southwest. This will bring them parallel to our course of advance, rather than into our path. Aerial and satellite reconnaissance is spotty, but seems consistent with this report, sir.”

General Karong nodded, heaving a sigh of relief. For almost the entirety of the preceding day, his staff had been ready to accept the possibility that the Mavericans would continue driving toward the coast in an attempt to cut off the Soodean advance. And while the Lieutenant-Colonel, by virtue of his rank, could only guess at the implications of this, General Karong had been personally informed by the Supreme Commander that his Fifth Army was to continue its advance even if it meant driving straight through the Mavericans’ flanks. Such a possibility was frightening to him, not only because it would more than double the size of the enemy force he had to cope with, but because the outbreak of Soodean-Maverican hostilities in Firmador would almost guarantee an escalation up the Imperium’s western frontier. Karong was a fighting man by nature, a man who could trace his ancestry to the legendary generals of the Huo Clan, but he did not rest easily with the knowledge that obeying the Supreme Commander’s order would draw the Soodean Imperium into its deadliest war since the 1940s.

“May thanks be to Heaven,” Lieutenant-General Lan commented, his face slack with relief as well. “If the Mavericans are re-routing their advance, this Army will have room to continue moving along the coast. And what’s more, we can count on the Eighth Tank Army to support our advance, instead of breaking off to the northeast in a diversionary drive against Maverica’s reserves. If we can keep the pace now, the operation will be completed well ahead of schedule.”

But General Karong shook his head. “Don’t be so quick to thank Heaven, Lieutenant-General. The Mavericans may not want to fight us, but the Firmadoreans do. If their second echelon manages to form into a coherent defense along that narrow front, our advance will meet its stiffest resistance yet.”

“Then what do you propose, General?”

“I propose,” Karong replied, “that we make the most of our momentum while we still can. Our aerial and signals intelligence efforts, before they were diverted to watch the Mavericans, suggested that the Firmadoreans are moving two Corps toward the front lines in rapid columns. They’re better-organized than the ragtag teams at the border, but they’re still coordinating along a fragmented chain of command. Which means that if we focus our response carefully, we can use their momentum to our advantage.”

“How so, commander?” a Major-General asked. “We’re working on a very narrow front here. And against an enemy that knows we’re coming.”

“But not against an enemy that knows where we’re coming.” General Karong stood up, stretching his shoulders as he rose. “By delivering a focused attack against the seaside Corps’s western shoulder, we can open a breakthrough where coordination between their formations is weak. A breakthrough large enough to allow room for our Army’s Armored Corps to bypass their front-line forces…”

“…and attack their supply columns,” finished Lieutenant-General Jisan, commander of the 54th Armored Corps in question.

“But what about the Mavericans?” the Major-General inquired. “With their forces still in close proximity, the Sixth Army beside us will need to continue rolling out along our westward flank in case war does break out. Add in the fact that my Lieutenant-General’s corps fell behind after carrying out that encirclement, and I’m not sure we have the necessary superiority of force to stage a breakthrough.”

“At this point in the game, the presence of the Mavericans can work to our advantage,” General Karong answered. “While we can’t place much trust on their cooperation, their force still presents a large obstacle to the enemy’s movements, and should draw Firmador’s inland corps even further inland – opening the gap just before we strike. As for superiority of force, now that our air superiority is secure we can focus our strikes on the chosen flank, weakening it in preparation for the attack. With our 51^st Corps regrouping in an overnight march, and the Erusuian 19th Army close behind, we have just enough strength to see this operation through.”

Fifth Tier of the Palace of State
Su’Cheng, The Soodean Imperium
0545 hours, 24 September 2014

The High Admiral rubbed his eyes, struggling to stay awake as he sat in a chair opposite Su Dou’s working desk. The Emperor’s office was a small, plain room, hung with paintings of historical scenes and ringed with traditional furniture. On most days it was filled with natural light from the tall windows behind the working desk, but this early in the morning the curtains were drawn closed and only the dim, false-candle lamps provided light to the room.

Tsur detested early-morning meetings like this. He had been working late last night, well beyond midnight, arranging the movement of fleet reinforcements to the coast of Firmador. He had only been able to catch a few short hours of sleep before a palace servant knocked on the door, alerting him to the meeting with only 45 minutes to spare. Su Dou seemed to like summoning guests at early hours like this, and palace rumor held that the Emperor called such meetings when he had to subtly pressure someone into making the decision he wanted. The High Admiral now found himself wondering what decision was expected of him.

At last, after several uncomfortable minutes of silence, the Emperor looked up from the papers on his desk and addressed his guest. “I take it, High Admiral, that you have seen and reviewed the latest treaty offer sent by Libraria-Ausitoria?”

High Admiral Tsur, still tired, had to think for a moment before his words came to mind. “Yes, your Majesty, I reviewed it yesterday evening.”

“And I take it you have a recommendation to make regarding our nation’s decision?”

This statement puzzled Tsur, who blinked rapidly to keep his eyes open. “A recommendation, sir? I’m not a diplomat.”

“But you are the highest-ranking officer in the ISN,” Su Dou replied. “And this is chiefly a matter of our national security, is it not?”

Tsur nodded, wishing he were more awake. “The treaty is still not entirely to our advantage, but it will benefit us in the long run. In less than a month, we’ll have Firmador’s southeast coast under our control. Once that happens, Military Aviation and the Navy will begin adapting the existing military bases of the old government, and the Army will deploy long-range rocket artillery and short-range ballistic missiles across from Isla Diamante. We will emerge from this crisis standing on the high ground, sir.”

“Good. Very good.” The Emperor paused, writing notes on one of the sheets of paper before him. “You are dismissed.”

Tsur stood up and leaned forward, as though he hadn’t understood. “What do you mean, sir? Surely you haven’t called me this early in the morning to ask-”

“I said, you are dismissed,” Su Dou repeated, still poring over the materials on his desk. “I requested your advice, that advice has been given, and it will be followed. You may return to the command bunker now.”

The High Admiral gritted his teeth in protest, but decided against anything more. “Yes, your Majesty,” he finally murmured, bowing and turning around to leave the room. The Emperor was not acting like himself these days.

West Side of the Coquin River
Northeastern Firmador
0920 Hours, 24 September 2014

One Company of IFVs trundled slowly through the morning fog, the passing of their treads carving ruts into the muddy ground. Just a few hours ago, they had crossed a pontoon bridge over the Coquin river. The area they were traveling through had been taken the night before, and the bridge had been put together not long after that. Most of the crew and passengers stood with their heads out the vehicles’ hatches, savoring the fresh air and clear vision they would lose next time somebody gave the order to button up. Captain Kempo Rezin was among them, gazing around at the unit’s eerie surroundings.

The grassy field, if that was what it had been before the engagement, was strewn with wreckage. The scorched forms of tanks, trucks, and everything in between lay scattered over the ground, many damaged beyond recognition. Deep craters all around marked the places where other rockets, missiles, and bombs had fallen. Among the steel ruins lay bodies, many of them charred or mangled by enemy fire. Crows cawed harshly in the distance, the flapping of their black wings echoing in the misty air. The faint scent of morning air was laced with a reek of smoke and decay.

“Heaven have mercy. What happened here?” the gunner asked, watching in shock as they rolled past the remains of an enemy IFV and its crew.

“This must have been the Firmadorean Motorized Regiment that was guarding the other bank,” Company Sergeant Baoshuan answered gruffly. “The 21st Tank Division crossed the river yesterday, at the bridgehead secured by our airborne forces. They must have broken out and rolled up behind the rest of the river defenses overnight.”

“You know this?” the gunner asked again.

“I saw it with my own eyes. Last night, I walked to the hill crest on the west side of the encampment. In the distance, I could see our tanks on the other side of the river, lit up by the flashes of gunfire. There must have been a whole battalion of [url=-----]Hoksans[/url] supporting them, hovering over the river or skirmishing further south. It looked as though the entire far bank was on fire.”

“In that case, we should be proud, then,” Changsad, the Political Officer, cut in. “On this ground, we decisively struck down the enemy’s forces and secured a victory for the Imperium.”

“Victory?” Baoshuan, a hint of spite on his face, gestured to the right, where a Su’Chong-6 tank sat with its ammunition panels blown off and a penetrating hole punched through the side of the turret. “Tell that to them.”

A few seconds of silence followed, after which the gunner spoke up again. “You’re making this up. Our orders were to rest that night, not go wandering out of the compound.”

“Your orders were to rest, gunner. My orders, as Company Sergeant, were to make sure you followed those orders. That wasn’t much work at all.”

“Stop calling me ‘gunner.’ I have a name, you know. I’m Byonfu, call me that.”

“That’s an idiot name, gunner. I can call you whatever I wish. Maybe if you last long enough to become an Il-Sarzant, you can do the same.”

“Enough,” Captain Rezin interrupted. “Save it for the enemy, or for when the war is over. We’re coming up on a forward encampment now, try to look your best.”

But ‘forward encampment’ was a rather loose term for it, Rezin thought to himself as the designated area came into view. It was little more than a group of other tracked IFVs, perhaps an under-strength Company, sitting in a rough circle at the corner of a village. Their crew and soldiers looked tired but alert, standing in groups circles of their own further off. The village itself looked far worse off; bullet pits riddled the plaster walls, mixed in with larger holes where the thirty-millimeter cannons had hit. As his own small column drew nearer, Rezin nudged his driver and pointed toward what looked to be the other group’s command vehicle.

“Second Company reporting in. Is the commander of the First Company present?” he asked as one of the vehicle crew looked in his direction.

“You’re speaking to him,” the man, a Lieutenant, replied. “We lost our Captain to a roadside blast yesterday evening. I’ve been appointed in his place, sir.”

Kempo Rezin nodded. The First Company’s commander had been a recognizable fellow around camp, strong and confident on the outside but rather nice in private. Back before the war, everyone had expected that he would be promoted to the rank of Major when the Battalion’s second-in-command reached the end of his service term. Now he was gone, just like the rest of the charred soldiers out in the field.

“May Heaven’s peace be with him.” a moment of respectful silence, and then: “do you have any word from Battalion HQ on our unit’s orders?”

“As a matter of fact, I do,” the Lieutenant answered. “You’re Second Company, right? The Battalion wants you to move up and take Village 54, El Manchon. The First Echelon dispatched a unit to encircle it last night, but it seems there’s still resistance inside. El Manchon is near an important crossroads, so we need it cleared out before the supply elements can pass through.”

“Anything more specific?”

The Lieutenant paused in thought for a moment, then reached into his satchel and pulled out a wrinkled sheet of paper. “These are the orders the Commanding Officer dropped off here in case your unit passed by. Apparently the Battalion radio will be running again by noon, but they’re still trying to minimize clutter on the network.”

Captain Rezin took the paper and read it through. It was a five-paragraph, mission-type order, the kind he had grown familiar with in his training, though the ones he had received so far in Firmador seemed hastier than the ones from his combat exercises.

Baoshuan groaned. “So we’re playing second-fiddle to the tankers again today?”

“Quiet,” Rezin told him, then turned back to the Lieutenant. “An order’s an order. We’ll move in and clear them out, sir.”

Somewhere over Northeast Firmador
Roughly 300 kilometers from the Soodean border
1510 Hours, 24 September 2014

“All right, pilots,” Major Reisu announced over the short-range radio, glancing over his shoulder to make sure the rest of his flight was in position. “Keep your eyes open. We’re coming up on the target area, over.”

“Hai, Maiyor,” First Lieutenant Yamazaki replied. “I’m breaking off with my wingman to strike from the eastern side, over.”

“Understood. Keep your altitude above four thousand meters. Their long-range SAMs are down, but shoulder-launched missiles are still a threat. Over.”

It was the second sortie Reisu had flown that day, and in the same general area. According to the latest signal intercepts, Firmadorean government forces were attempting to mount a second-echelon defense, marshalling the patrol forces stationed elsewhere in the country into an organized counterattack. Forward enemy strength was estimated at two Corps – still half the strength of General Karong’s Fifth Army, but a force to be reckoned with nonetheless.

This was where Reisu and his pilots had to contribute. The relentless campaign of SEAD and counter-airfield strikes had by now granted the Soodean forces total air superiority, at least in the Northeastern sector. Now Soodean Military Aviation could direct its full attention to the remaining ground forces. But this was still no time for attrition airstrikes, spread evenly across the line. Reisu was only a Flight Leader, but he knew his commanders’ intent two levels up. And there could be little doubt that the goal was to focus strikes on the seaward corps’ western wing, opening the way for a breakthrough by a Tank Corps – or, perhaps, a Tank Army.

“Seven-One here. I have something spotted on the FLIR. Looks like a tank column… I’m estimating Company strength. Maybe two Companies. Supply trucks moving behind them, over.”

Reisu smiled, his cold grin hidden behind the oxygen mask. “This is our target. Flight, you are free to engage. Leave none of them intact. Over and out.”

The Major switched the right-side display screen to the targeting view, sweeping the hardpoint-mounted camera over the terrain until the enemy tanks were in view. Heated by engines, tread wear, and the scorching sun, they stood out a brilliant white on the infrared display. Upon closer examination, it wasn’t one Company but two, each one at reduced strength. The last round of strikes must have taken its toll.

Lieutenant Michap’s voice came over the radio now. “Seven-Four, in position and ready to drop. Kicking down the door for you three. Submunition bomb away, over.”

Reisu watched the column on his targeting screen, surprised that the vehicles were still packed together on the road. Had nobody seen them yet? Both Companies were short on vehicles, they must have been hit by airstrikes earlier in the day. With half the Firmadorean air force burning on the ground, they must know their situation. But in spite of it, they kept on coming, tanks bunched together in a lumpy column on the road. In Reisu’s eyes, eyes that viewed the scene on an infrared screen, it had to be sheer stupidity. That, or unstoppable determination. Few other forces could lead men to march onward in the face of near-certain death. Or, perhaps, there was a third force: ignorance. At least ignorance could be forgiven.

The Major glimpsed a flash of light on the upper edge of the display and adjusted the zoom, just enough to see dozens of small cylinders spreading out as they descended toward the ground. Now the tanks awoke from their stupor, hastily breaking formation and veering off the sides of the road. But by then, it was already too late: one by one, the falling bomblets went off, each one releasing a shaped-charge blast as its sensors swept over a target. Hit on their thin top armor, the stricken tanks had little chance of survival, some lighting up in flames while others drifted slowly to a halt.

“Splash on target, confirmed,” Reisu reported. “Tally nine… ten tanks probably destroyed. Well done, Seven-Four, over.”

“Seven-Two, this is Seven-Four. What are your orders?” Yamazaki asked.

Reisu glanced up from the screen and scanned the rest of the valley, checking his surroundings. Thick, black smoke was already rising from the road ahead. “Seven-Four, Seven-Three, Seven-One, cover me and keep your eyes peeled. I’m moving in to finish the job.”

Down below, the survivors of the first strike were spreading away from the road, wary of a second strike. The remaining tanks were dispersing into the forest, hoping to find cover in the underbrush. To Reisu, this was the perfect outcome: moving targets were easy to pick apart from dead ones. He flicked the arming switch, closing in on the attack site but maintaining his high altitude.

“Ground target locked,” he reported, switching on the laser designator as his sights settled on the first tank. “Short Paw.”¹

A single missile raced down from his left wing, its engine light flickering on the display screen as it spiraled ahead toward the target. After a few seconds, a flash of light burst on the tank, knocking it out. Reisu adjusted the designator, placing another tank in his sights. “Short Paw.” Two down. The remaining three tanks began moving further afield, but Reisu kept them within his gaze. “Short Paw.” This time, the enemy reacted with countermeasueres: a cloud of white smoke burst out of the ground ahead of the target, blocking the laser’s signal. The Major grimaced for a moment, then adjusted his course, making sure altitude stayed above four thousand meters. He placed the targeting sight over a fourth tank, waiting for the smoke to clear on the third. “Short Paw.”

“Seven-Two, this is Seven-Four,” Yamazaki interrupted on the radio. “I think I see another column on the highway to the east of our position. I’d like to take a closer look, over.”

Reisu waited for a second until he saw the flash of impact on his screen, then gave his approval. “Seven-Four, this is Seven-Two. You have my permission to survey the new column, but do not engage. We might need your munitions to finish the main objective. Over.”

“Hai, Komandir. Order received, over and out.”

Major Reisu checked his sight again, but by this point he was too close to the road to engage. After locking the last tank’s position into his targeting computer, he nudged the control stick to the left and eased into a banking turn, moving into position for a new attack run. He would come from the other direction this time, and finish off the tank behind the smokescreen. For a few seconds, he could still see the road in his targeting screen. The supply trucks following behind had been bunched up into a knot by the sudden stop, but some were starting to disperse the way the tanks had. Smaller heat signals were also milling around the area: personnel, soldiers running for cover in the trees. Only a few minutes had passed, and the lumpy tank column was in chaos.

As his fighter passed overhead, Reisu turned his attention to Yamazaki’s Seven-Four, which was racing ahead near his eleven o’clock. The target highway could be seen further out; even at this distance, the Major could see sunlight glinting on metal along the road.

“Seven-Four here, I have the highway on FLIR… By Heaven, there are a lot of vehicles. Looks like an entire Mechanized Battalion, over.”

Major Reisu felt a cold sensation on the edge of his spine. This battalion had not been part of their briefing; there had been no troop marker scheduled to pass south of their target area. Intelligence was never perfect, but it was hard to miss an entire battalion while holding air superiority. Puzzled, he thought back to the higher officers’ briefing, to the Colonel’s report on enemy troop movements. Gradually, it dawned upon him that this might be the 319^th Battalion, the formation which they had lost contact with as it passed to the north. His superiors’ estimates had placed the 319^th further west, as part of the Inland corps, but now it looked like it was heading to the seaside. Reisu bit his lip, measuring the facts against the possibilities. His superiors had to be informed about this. The same for his subordinates.

“This is Seven-Four, I have good images on this force. Definitely battalion-strength, and I see little sign of major attrition. We haven’t hit these guys yet, over.”

“Seven-Four, this is Seven-Two. I think this is an enemy unit our commanders expected in a different sector. Start recording targeting data, they need to see this, over.”

“Give me a minute, Seven-Two. I think I see AA out there. Looks like they have a short-range SAM battery attached to the rear of the formation, over.”

“Then be ready to jam their signal and get out, Seven-Four. The stakes are too high to leave these guys alone, over”

There was a brief pause, then Yamazaki spoke again. “Understood, Seven-Two. I’m moving in closer.”

Reisu stared off at Yamazaki’s plane, a small dot outlined against the afternoon sky. Suddenly he had a bad feeling, worse than the one he had felt during the ambush that nearly claimed his life. It crept over him, gradually at first but soon prickling through his veins.

“Seven-Four, pull back.” He swallowed, pressing his helmet against the glass canopy and squinting against the sunlight. “Seven-Four, pull back now. That’s an order. I repeat, Seven-”

“SAM launch! SAM launch! South, on the highway!” Lieutenant Michap shouted over the radio, his harsh voice crackling over the static background.

“I see it!” Yamazaki answered. His plane banked right and began to descend, dropping toward the near ridge line as two streaks of smoke raced toward it. “Engaged, defensive! Radar and infrared jammers active! Trying to break lock!”

“Seven-Three, do you have PD-48?”²” Reisu called out.

“Affirmative, sir, but I’m too far away! He’s outside effective range!”

“Scholk!” Reisu swore, watching Yamazaki’s fighter descend as the enemy missiles raced toward it. There were four streaks of smoke now, two in the lead and two more further back. The first missile passed clear behind Yamazaki’s plane, fooled by the jammer, but the second came closer and detonated as it passed a few meters below. The Major watched from far away, but he could see the scene play out in vivid clarity. Yamazaki’s plane continued to descend, but by now it was trailing smoke. Small pieces of the airframe glinted in the sunlight as they broke off behind him.

“Seven-Four, eject,” Reisu barked, his eyes still locked on the falling plane. “Eject! That’s an order, damn you!”

But the fighter continued its course, gradually pulling up as it neared the ridge below. The third missile passed clear overhead, unable to match the maneuver, but the fourth slammed directly into its side. A shower of sparks and orange fire burst out where the FD-12 had been a moment ago, and the rest of the plane spiraled down beyond that, a blackened fuselage trailing smoke and flames. Like a tumbling metal meteor, it curved down toward the earth, painting a wide streak of red and black until it disappeared into a fireball amongst the trees.

“Yamazaki!” the Major shouted into the radio, as though a louder voice would carry more clearly over the channel.

A few seconds of stunned silence drifted by. Yamazaki had been in their flight for years, longer than anyone but his Major. Nobody had expected to lose him here, against an enemy that couldn’t control its own skies.

“Seven-Three here. I’m too far out. Does anyone see a chute?”

Silence. Reisu’s gaze drifted from the fallen plane’s smoke trail, which still hung in the air, to the telltale column of smoke rising from the site of the crash.

The third pilot radioed in next, in a jubilant tone. “Chute! Chute! There, about five hundred meters east of the crash site!”

Major Reisu adjusted his gaze, frantically searching among the treetops for a moment, then saw it – a parachute, a bright yellow hemisphere descending gracefully toward the ground.

“Lucky fool, he must have ejected just before that last SAM hit,” Michap commented wryly.

“Seven-Three, keep your tone formal,” Reisu shot back. “The mission is still ongoing. We are to maintain general radio discipline, over.” But after he finished speaking, he stole one last look at the falling parachute, trying to make out the black dot it carried. His First Lieutenant was alive… for now.

“Understood, Seven-Two,” Michap answered, his tone a bit harsher. “I still have FLIR locked on the target area, sir. It appears the enemy is starting to regroup, over.”

“Seven-Two here. Let’s finish them before they get away. Over.”

Reisu was a little surprised to hear a harsh edge in his voice. Yamazaki’s shootdown still floated with uncertainty in his mind, like a moment from a dream: clear, vivid, but he couldn’t quite tell if it was real. As he began to bank right, turning back to approach the strike zone, he realized his hands were trembling. He hadn’t felt like this since the surface-to-air ambush two days back. Back then, it had been his plane in the enemy’s sights. And back then, he had made it, if only by a hair’s breadth. The same could not be said of Yamazaki. Even if he had survived the shootdown, he was deep behind enemy territory. It would be four days, maybe more, before the Army made it this far, and by then he could have been moved deeper into the country. If he even made it that long, of course. With the country in warlord-torn chaos, government forces weren’t likely to spare much effort with prisoners.

“Seven-Two here. Target area in view. Beginning attack run, over.” The targeting computer had kept its lock; the blurry rectangle of an enemy tank glowed white on the display. “Short Paw.” A missile raced down toward the target, knocking the turret off as it found its mark. Reisu felt a tingling surge flow down his back, and sensed his earlier feelings beginning to mix with anger. Tightening his grip on the controls, he repositioned the targeting laser, lighting up the tank he had missed before. “Short Paw.” His sixth and final anti-tank missile raced ahead, homing in on its mark. As the explosion bloomed on his targeting screen, Reisu felt himself smile again. Only this time, it was not a cold smile, the empty satisfaction of an order fulfilled. This time, there was fire behind it, anger at the men in those burning tanks. Those were the men who had shot down Yamazaki. They would not see the light of the next day.

Heavy smoke still hung over the area where the tanks had been a few minutes ago, and the supply trucks were huddled further back, some idling where their drivers had left them and fled. Reisu switched the target settings, readying the two guided bombs slung under his fuselage. With another shiver, he released them, then eased back on the throttle to keep the target in sight as the bombs fell ahead. He could see the trucks clearly now, lightly armored cabs paired with canvas covers or steel tanks. The faint shapes of people milled about around them, some running away while others hurried in to pick up the wounded. On all the missions before this, the Major had dispatched his targets with calm composure, following through the familiar, mechanical techniques of engagement. Whatever happened on the opposite end of his bombsight was of little concern to him as long as his mission was carried out. But today, he felt a distinct and conscious hatred for the people he was about to kill. “Menghokgeuh, he murmured, his lips curling into a snarl as the trucks were ripped apart before his staring eyes. “Desshori Menghokgeuh!”³

---

1: Short Paw: brevity code for a laser-guided air-to-ground missile, in this case PD-82B.

2: Podang PD-48: Light, short-range anti-radiation missile used to address “pop-up” surface-to-air threats.

3: Menghokgeuh, Desshori Menghokgeuh: “Southwestern barbarians, dishonorable Southwestern barbarians” in Sukomun. The root syllable “geuh” (alternately transliterated “ge” or “gə” and pronounced similarly as in Anger) is usually translated as “barbarian” in this context, but its literal stand-alone meaning is “dirty” or “coarse.”

Closed Letter Transmitted to the Ausitorian Cabinet & General Policy
Intelligence and Security Standing Committee

To Cooperate with the Righteous Against the Forces of Darkness

In the interest of preventing the currently unstable situation from escalating further, we would like to inform you that we will be willing to accept the treaty as it currently stands. While it is not the optimal solution we had hoped for, this agreement may spare both of our nations the bloodshed that would come of a war at sea under the current conditions.

Likewise, we are very pleased with recent Ausitorian government remarks indicating that your nation will respect the independence and sovereignty of our Socialist State. Even so, we must remind your government that we will be watching its upcoming decisions, including its donation of aid to Firmador, with the utmost scrutiny. It is the view of the Soodean government, and of the Soodean people, that the annexation of Isla Diamante has exposed Libraria and Ausitoria’s ulterior motives. And even as we choose the path of peace today, your leaders would do well to remember that it will take many years to rebuilt the trust broken in a single day.

From:
--Wen Hong, Director of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs
The Soodean Imperium

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

It was almost unheard of.

Not one, but two policy notes within a decade.

This was not an example of terrific bureaucracy such as you have no doubt come to expect from Ausitoria. These policy notes emanated from the most powerful office in Ausitoria, a committee so dreadfully terrifying in the extent of its powers that it had still not met once, and nobody liked to mention its real name, and referred to it simply as ‘The Standing Committee on Just About Everything’. It was a committee for the preservation of anything worth preserving, a completely apolitical and impartial committee by design, a committee whose thoughts only really needed to be predicted at in the severest of crises, like the combined economic, debt, and currency crisis some twenty years earlier, when the mere expectation of a meeting had resulted in a national government and a happy ending. In the far future at the beginning of the universe, the Committee had a long and distinguished history, eventually declaring that Sovereignty no longer existed and Ausitoria was a concept and nation no more, but those glorious days of infinite freedom are still to come, so let us return - with a heavy heart - to the present.

In the last ten years, the working office of this committee – an office called into action only by a combined letter of the Heads of State (Lord Justice, Lord Speaker, Cabinet, and Cabinet Secretary) - had only created a single policy note to the effect that Ausitoria now appeared, in principle, to have evolved to become a Federation of a particular type, and that there was really nothing to it. It had instantly clearing the way to Ausitoria’s realization of its position. And that, everybody thought, had been the last whisper they would hear for probably another twenty years.

But evidently the committee members had been rather ruffled by the troubles of a maritime power. Peace no longer seemed sacrosanct, territorial designs were being carried out left right and centre, and a balance of power and communication was lacking. Perhaps they had been prompted by a minute on the secret Inquiry into the Wagwater incident. Perhaps they had been prompted by an intelligence report of Pletoriumia’s possible planned invasion of Zamathi, and all the frightening consequences of unlimited war. Perhaps they had been notified by a hologram left by The Serene Maharaja Alistair “Zog” Pinkbutton, whose noble exploits included killing a past version of himself, killing his grandfather, unknowingly imprisoning a future version of himself for the consequent disruption, and going on to repeal the law of conservation of continuity by one of those celebrated Acts of Parliament that Ausitoria, in its later infinite stages, so enjoyed doing. For we all know that The Serene Zog’s noble disregard for time when the preservation of civilization was imperilled is perfectly proper, and it is perfectly likely that he would have slipped back or forward in time at this crucial juncture.

But however it came to be, the Heads of State had whispered to the Secretaries, and the Secretaries had whispered to XFLR-6a(vii), and the preservation the Pax Prosperitas was back on the menu.

Freedom of Information Office & XFLR-6a(vii), Ministry of Intelligence and Statistics, on behalf of Ausitoria incarnate.
For circulation to all foreign embassies throughout future time.

Public Policy Memo: Delivering Stability in a World of Insufficient Stability:

The Madness of Escalation: The Ultimate Deterrent

Why war with any power capable of matching the force used against them should be avoided or limited: Peace is so much better for everybody.

***

Why the deterrent of escalation keeps an otherwise weak country safe
As everybody should prefer to spend money on peace.

Let us start off by assuming it can be sufficiently advantageous to all nations to keep the peace. As we all know, if a nation is pushed, it will prepare to strike back: perhaps proportionally, perhaps over-proportionally: e.g. Soodean Imperium over the Wagwater incident. As we all know, the only way to avoid such escalation – of any type – is to ensure that both sides can make gains, e.g. the Soodean Imperium invading Firmador, or to ensure that all sides recognize the madness of escalation: the ultimate, old-as-civilization deterrent.

Now if a country X was invaded in such a way that it would shortly collapse, it would need to be able to make an appropriate proportional response. This does not necessarily mean nuclear missiles – although if the war continued for any period of time, it would start to make very little difference. But everybody would need to know that country X would carry out this proportional response, and therefore they do not invade country X. This is why it is not possible to defeat a nuclear power because a nuclear power can always do equivalent damage to its enemy, which is why nuclear powers should as a rule avoid going to war, and definitely avoid a total war.

This works well with most nuclear powers because of the following:
1. Nobody wants war, whether total war or not.
2. Everybody knows roughly in what conditions nuclear war will start.
3. People fear escalation, and therefore avoid the mere possibility of war.

Peace is so much better for everybody.

Why Ausitoria is explaining the extent of its weakness
To avoid foreign powers escalating more than they pretend to think they are escalating.

Now it emerges, from any sensible thinking, that Ausitoria must be clear – to all nations - about what it is weak at. Any attack upon Ausitoria’s most important territory – its seas – might be made in such a way that Ausitoria might collapse. (Ausitorian strength is so tied up with the sea that any loss of its control per day would be approximately equivalent to the economic impact of having the 5 largest cities destroyed with nuclear missiles for each such day). Equally, to nation X, in such an event, Ausitoria would need to be able to defend itself in an equal manner. Ausitoria’s proportional response would probably have to rely upon Ballistic Missiles, in large numbers.

The problem is that there has historically been some doubt over just how much of an escalation interfering with Ausitorian trade is. The argument goes that a last resort should be just that: a last resort.

But this is misguided thinking. Maritime integrity is important to Ausitoria in exactly the same way that territorial integrity is considered important to some nations. Yes, the seas are not the last resort for Ausitoria. But they are terrifically important, and all powers must realize that just like any nation X, Ausitoria will defend itself proportionally, in all situations. Therefore all powers must realize that there is absolutely no point in even starting a war in the first place, because nobody can win a war where the madness of escalation is used as a deterrent by both sides. The fact that Ausitoria values seas more highly than land is a reason to NOT attack Ausitoria’s ability to conduct maritime trade, because an attack on Ausitoria seas will lead to a bigger retaliation. There is no point in damaging a nation which will damage your nation equally.

So, just like for nation X, ensuring that the madness of escalation is properly understood and predictable provides the ultimate deterrent and keeps the peace.

Peace is so much better for everybody.

Why all powers must learn to avoid escalation
So we don’t all die.

Because nations are so linked to the world at large, any disruption anywhere can be potentially injurious. However, for trading nations, anything good for most of the world is going to be good for them. It is only major shifts in power, usually only those backed up my force, which seriously interfere and might be considered grounds for action. Therefore it is highly advised that all Hemithean (and other) countries refrain from any major shifts in power without consulting other powers – something that Ausitoria has already pledged to do.

In the event of an escalation to war, Ausitoria will do its utmost to contain escalations of violence beyond an acceptable limit: i.e. confined war in local areas not affecting civilians, or the long-term security of such citizens; and preferably peace within a very short space of time. However, this is a two-sided process: all nations should avoid escalation, for beyond this step, we reach a situation nearly indistinguishable from total war.

Communication, reciprocity, and de-escalation must be our watchwords.

Peace is so much better for everybody.

Public Memo by XFLR-6a(vii), Experimental Policy Think-Tank 6a(iv); in conjunction with the Freedom of Information Office, The Ministry of Intelligence and Statistics; on behalf of The Imperial Commonwealth of Libraria and Ausitoria incarnate

[The New Lowlands]

Rapport der Nationale Marine - Scheepsbouwbegrotingscommissie
Report of the National Navy - Shipbuilding Budget Committee

Een Marine van 3000 Schepen
Building a 3000-Ship Navy

[Translated from Lowlandian] As the States-General pores over the 2015 Navy budget, one of the most important issues to be drawn to the attention of the political system of the United Provinces should be continued attention to the maintenance of the Navy's shipbuilding programme. This report, prepared at the request of the Stadtholder, stems from inquiries in the Government about the possibility of increasing the United Provinces' conventional maritime strength, in the absence of assurances of a mutual restraint from the use of strategic nuclear weaponry revealed by XFLR-6a(vii)'s recent publication, and the continued lack of assurances from the Ausitorian and other regional government with regards to Lowlandian strategic interests in the immediate area.

For historical context, the post-Dai Menghe world, the United Provinces was briefly the indisputably dominant maritime power of the Eosian, Hemithean, and Pandoran oceans, with a postwar surplus of military equipment unmatched by the efforts of any one state which allowed the country to ensure the stability of friendly regimes in Erusuia and Firmador, and subsequently the proactive participation through foreign policy in the establishment of politically independent Soodean and Maverican states. This era of total maritime dominance provided a level of security to the State that has been unmatched at any time prior or since, but was maintained at the expense of economic growth and led to a series of foreign policy mistakes with regards to the Euryphaessan and Rhean theatres, as well as the loss of domestic stability. The subsequent periods saw the rise of Euryphaessan maritime power and the first expression of such in the Tethys-Rhean area of the world since the collapse of the colonial system, with the incursion of Ausitorian patrols into Eastern maritime waters.

As a result of domestic economic weakness and the prioritisation of modernisation over mass, the State saw fit to appropriate a large submarine fleet with a restricted surface navy to provide its primary means of national defense by challenging maritime control rather than establishing it. Even during the geopolitical conflict of the 50's-70's period, this was seen as a sufficient force in the presence of a large network of regional allies, but our relationship with key partners in the Euryphaessan and even the Tethyn theatre has since lapsed, leaving us with a relatively weak maritime deterrent. Ausitoria, as the principle threat to the United Provinces' maritime security, has established that it is willing to resort to nuclear weaponry in response to our conventional deterrent. This leaves us with the choice of accepting a threat to the United Provinces' own territory directly, or the re-establishment of maritime control by some means. Old alliances cannot be relied on; the political relationship between key players in the Tethyn theatre and their combined naval strength is still too weak in blue-water operations to provide the security assurances that the United Provinces needs.

As such, the State finds itself in the uncomfortable position of seeing no recourse but to expand its conventional, surface-based naval capabilities, in order to re-establish a sphere of control of sufficient size to allow it to project power internationally with the safety of knowing that the homeland is secure from naval attacks- although expecting the ability to launch major offensives outside of our immediate region would be wildly optimistic. As such, the National Navy requires the ability to launch operationally offensive operations with confidence out at sea.

At the moment our conventional naval capabilities are severely lacking for this purpose. The United Provinces keeps about 2000¹ ships in service, a large proportion of which are submarine combatants. Increasing the size of the Navy by even an additional 25% will be a massive national undertaking, which will certainly take more at least a decade to complete, but it would re-establish a Lowlandian presence on the world stage, set up a baseline for future maintenance of large fleet numbers, and allow us to provide an unprecedented level of confidence and support to our allies; assuming that the Provincial navy retains its current, strategically defensive doctrine, then such a force will almost certainly be sufficient to provide an overmatch in nearby waters to hostile forces in the case of a major war.

In accordance with requests from the administration, this committee has outlined three possible options for reaching the Administration's goal of a navy of sufficient size to present a serious conventional threat in terms of open-ocean warfare, sufficient perhaps to secure a conventional military victory in a war where all military assets are employed without resort to strategic-level weaponry, estimated to be about 2500 ships.

Option 1 would be the rapid construction of additional vessels of existing classes, primarily of the Tilpashim, T. Rensmit, and Tahani-class in a ten-year period.

Option 2 would be the construction of additional vessels of the same classes in a fifteen-year period, with appropriate inclusion of midlife upgrades.

Option 3 would be the construction of new classes of vessel to augment naval capabilities over a fifteen-year period.

Assuming that we use the full naval construction capacity available to the military at the current time, authorisation starting in 2014 will lead to the completion of at least the additional 500 ships by 2024 (assuming a roughly ten year construction phase) but this will place great strain on the nation's budget, the Navy's capability to recruit and train new officers, available shipyards, and has the political disadvantage of looking like immediate preparation for a major war. Cost estimates for building an additional 500 ships suggest a total price of roughly 160.7 trillion NLF [803 billion NSD] (2014 value) On the other hand, reaching the 2,500 ship goal by 2024 will allow the Navy to immediately provide a counterforce against potentially hostile naval assets. This would, however, require an increase of 80 billion NSD per year to the Navy's current construction budget.

It is notable that "Option 2" is essentially identical to Option 1, but being more dispersed in terms of time, with construction taking place over a period of 20 years and therefore halving the increase in the yearly budget. However, we might expect that Option 2 would require some increase in the number of ships actually constructed, as a number of the Navy's ships may be seen to leave service by the time the mass construction project concludes. As a result, one can expect some cost overruns from the given 803 billion NSD value in excess of inflation.

Option 3 would involve the introduction of new aviation cruisers, aircraft carrying vessels capable of launching a small complement of 8-12 aircraft with the inclusion of STOL aviation capable of providing airborne early warning, and emphasis on open-ocean warfare rather than attempting to replicate the force-projection strategies attempted by our international assailants, complemented by a large fleet of relatively small-scale, low-cost AAW and ASW frigates with modern EW installations. The problem with this high-mass strategy is that it relies on a relatively untested concept of naval warfare, and the high level of (relatively small) ships constructed will almost certainly tie down a large amount of in-State shipbuilding assets, forcing us to lose some business to international competitors, but no more than Option 1. Additionally, Option 3 would allow us to field a somewhat larger force than the other two options by the time of the conclusion of the shipbuilding phase; up to 655, instead of the 500 additional estimated ships fielded by options 1 & 2. The estimated yearly cost to the state is 40.2 billion NSD for Option 3, accounting for increases in project costs due differing ship types.

The unlisted option is the maintenance of current force increase levels and emphasis on total strategic superiority in the realm of submarine warfare and nuclear weaponry, in order to deter our international opponents from employing their countervalue strategy and ensure the viability of current doctrine, as the Administration is not of the belief that this is a viable option. In attempting to maintain impartiality, this committee has not been authorised to produce a direct recommendation within this report.

¹ = Estimate, both ICly and OOCly. IIWiki page is based on outdated information.

[Maverica]

Off the Coast Of Western Firmador

Admiral Jones of the Maverican Southern Fleet walked down the hallways of his battleship to the bridge. So far maverican operations in firmador was going great. But now it was time for the navy to join in. The plan was for his fleet to land troops north of Cape Los Grendel and Port Los Grendel. They are then to secure the beaches and move in to capture the Port where Maverican ships can dock and unload supplies and troops. From there the 1st navel infantry division will move north while the 2nd NI division will move West towards the Northern Firmadorian Capital.

Jones opened the door to the bridge.
"Good day gentlemen." said Jones as he walked towards his chair.
"Good Day Admiral!" said the crewmen as they got back to work.

Captian Quincy walked over the the admiral.

"Hello sir. I have news for you. We have reached the target and are ready to send the first wave. Our artillery guns and missiles have pounded the beach for a good hour already while you were sleeping. We also called in A-10 Warthogs and F-18 to provide air support for our comrades." said Quincy.

"Sounds excellent Captian. Now we will have our infantry start to go in the landing craft. At the same time tell our planes to come in and strafe the Firmadorian positions." said Jones as he looked out the window.

Quincy saluted and gave the order. From the bridge of the MRS Bear Jones could see a good portion of the landing site. On the shore Firmadors have dug in with trenches, fox holes, and a few bunkers. They also had a few T-55s and T-72s dug in along with machine guns on trucks, and light artillery.



In the water going towards the Firmador positions
Sgt Carlos sat in his landing craft with his squad. Carlos was originally from Firmador when it was a better place. He came to Maverica as a soldier in the Firmador army. But when Firmador collapsed his unit along with other units deserted the army and melted into the Maverican population. When Maverica called for volunteers and conscripts to fight Firmador Carlos was quickly taken and was put in command of a bunch of rookie conscripts that never saw combat. Now here he is fighting Firmador.

It was dawn, the sea was fairly rought today. Carlos stood up in front of his men.

"Comrades! Today is the day. Today we will fight. When that door opens there is no going back. Only option if you want to live is to push forward. Thank you my comrades." said Carlos.

The young soldiers nodded and turned to fix their bayonets. A man named Private Chad turned to Carlos.

"Nice speech gramps" said Chad.

"Shut up private. I may be 35 years old but I can still fight better than you." replied Carlos.

Just then before anyone could chuckle the door of the landing craft went down and a spray of bullet came in killing a man named Gregor next to Chad.

"Greg!!!" yelled Chad

"Shut up kid. Do you have a death wish?" said Carlos as he pushed Chad out onto the beach.

"Squad 1 of B company. Over here!!!" yelled carlos as he ducked into a crater.

Quickly his squad all ran into the crater.

"Alright. Jimmy and Tod you set up your PK machine gun and give us covering fire. Everyone else follow me." said Carlos.

No one said anything. Jimmy set up the PK while Tod loaded it.

"Fire away." said Tod.

Just then the PK lit up the Firmadorian positions. Around them Maverican troops were doing the same thing while other troops assault the positions. Carlos gave a quick nod to Chad and Chad nodded to the rest of the squad.

"Lets go boys!!!!!" yelled Carlos as he ran out of the crater. Machine gun fire and artillery from both sides pounded the beach. Assulting Maverican troops were being mowed down by blistering fire. Carlos ran as fast as he could. He could feel sweat running down his neck. Just then a mine exploded next to him launching him to a bank where Maverican troops have took cover. Carlos opened his eyes and seen his squad scurrying towards the bank. Several of his troops were mowed down. Everything was ringing. Chad slid next to him yelling at him. Trying to tell him something. Then...the ringing stopped.stopped as the ringing stopped he heard Chad saying.
"Sarg! We are pinned down. 10 yards from the enemy positions. High command says that air support is coming in 5 minutes." said Chad.

"5 minute!!!! We can not hold for 5 fricking minutes." yelled Carlos.

Chad stood there staring at Carlos for orders as the sound of gun fire continued.

"Chad call for Alex, Tod and Jimmy back. We need the machine gun and sniper back up here. Meanwhile where is Jack?" yelled Carlos.

"Yes sir" said Chad as he s hurried away.

"Here I am Sarg." said Jack.

"Good. Now take your DMR and take out those Firmador machine gunners." said Carlos.

Without a word Jack quickly deployed his bibod and rested his G3 DMR on the top of the bank. He peered over and aimed carefully at a Firmador machine gunner 20 yards away. Bang. Went the gun was fired. Jack peered in his scope and seen that the poor fellow was shot in the neck.

Just then after Jack took the shot the sound of planes were heard over the gun fire. Just the the sound of missiles, auto cannons and bombs were heard. The Firmador lines were fired apon by Maverican A10 and F-29s. The Mavericans ducked behind the dirt bank from the air support. A few seconds later the last of the Maverican planes let loose their payload.

Then a quick blast of Maverican machine gun fire was fired at the enemy by Tod and Jimmy with Alex and Chad running towards the bank. As soon as the machine gun was heard Maverican marines quickly jumped over the dirt bank and charged the Firmador position with bayonets fixed. Carlos and his men followed. Carlos grabbed a Firmador by the shoulders and threw him on the ground and fired a shot at the soldier from his Colt 1911. Around him the Firmador positions were quickly being captured. Shaken up by the fierce air assault and the charge most Firmador soldiers either surrendered or retreated.

With most of the trench system captured Carlos's squad quickly took up position of started to shoot at the retreating Firmador troops. They were soon joined by other Maverican marines mowing down the retreating enemy in their backs. The gunfire soon stopped and Maverican marines regrouped.

Carlos looked at his squad. In the assault he only had Chad, Tod, Alex, Jack, and Bobby left.
"Alright boy. We did good today. As you can see our comrades from the ships are being dropped off at the beach with Bison tanks and that. As I know our squad will be used now for defending this beach head as the fresh troops on the ships will push towards the port." said Carlos.

This is only the beginning of a short But bloody war.


Maverica City, Goverment plaza

President Vandolf was walking down the lavish halls. He was in a hurry and even forgot to eat breakfast. He hurried to a door and opened it. Inside was a long table made of Maverican oak. The room was filled with maps and paintings on the wall. At the table a meal was set up with Maverica's top leaders around.

"Hello gentlemen." said Vandolf.

Hello Mr President." said General Henry as Vandolf took a seat.

"I see we have a nice meal here today." said Vandolf looking at the food hungrily.

"Yes. This just came from the cargo train from the Heartland. Lamb, rabbit, corn, potatoes, gravy, bread, lamb stew and several bottles of Wine." said Henry as everyone started to eat.

"Sounds good. Shall we get down to the point?" said Vandolf as he sipped on some wine.

"Yes we should." said Secretary of Defense Kroff.

*Henry pulls down a map of Firmador.*

"Well as you know so far. Our forces in the north are attacking with no problems. The Firmador soldiers are being pushed back. The only problem we had was to divert the 5th army west to avoid war with Soodean. Also our secret task force has left Maverica.Maveric to the two major cities. Task force one has just gotten outside of Kroffandsgrailed the Capitol city in Northern Goverment Firmador. Task force two is still on the move." said General Henry.

"I see. Well Henry. Would it be wise to put aircraft into the air at Firmadar? Before other nations contrals the air." said Kroff.

"Yes. We were just going to put aircraft up now. They are getting ready to take off and arrive at Firmador." said Henry as he ate a big chuck of lamb.

"Sounds good. We have also seen that Naybra condemed us. I would say we should just ignore it and condemn Naybra." said Vandolf.

"I agree." said Minister of Forgine affairs.

"Good. Anouther issue is our navy. Agents in TNL report that The New United Lowlands are building a bigger navy. Along with this comes more danger to our navy. We need to build more ships that are cheaper but modern. We have several designs in the processes. A cruiser, a updated version of the Avenge class that carries mostly missiles and a few more that have not been revealed yet.." said Vandolf.

"Yes. Your right. We are already building the Avenge 2 class fitted with mostly missles and other ships. We must keep up in this navel race." said Minister of the Navy.

Just then the Ministery of Space Ron Fox stood up.

"That's nice. Meanwhile we are behind in the space race. If we can make it to space we can open a whole new front that can protect our nation. That's right gentlemen me and my department are sick of getting the left overs of the budget. To ensure our nations safety we need to be in space. Me and my workers have designed several rockets and defense platforms to be put in space. We have been working a long time on these projects. We need more money to finish these projects." said Ron.

*Everybody laughts*

"Ron no offence but who cares about space. And putting weapons in space is not as good as you think. It just impractical." said General Henry.

"I know your doubts but if we make it to space it can open a new frontier. We could maybe even mine resources on the moon one day." said Ron.

"It would be to expensive." said Henry.

"Yes. But more money could afford research that could come up with a cheaper fuel. Also making it to space could get well deserved respect from other nations. I do not know about you but I am sick of being looked at by other nations as just anouther nation that produces food. We have not won a war in a long time. We need to get a name for Maverica and restore the respect torn from us by Mizrad and Treneria." said Ron.

Everyone sat quietly in their chairs thinking.

"Alright. I will give you the funding of several more million. But you must give us proof that we can get a rocket in space. So do not mess around." said President Vandolf.

"Thank you sir." said Ron

"Alright. Meeting is now over. Please thank the chef for the wonderful meal." said Vandolf as he got up.


Northern Firmador Capital,

Two Ansat helicopters and one Chinook landed outside the city in a small grassy feild. Lt. James stepped out of the chopper and ordered his men to line up.

"Alright. The men in the Ansat helicopters will come with me to the raid. The Chinook troops stay here to secure the pick up zone. Lets go." said James.

20 men picked up their gear and followed James towards the city. A half a mile down the trail four vans pulled up and pulled out a Maverican coin. Without a word James and his men got in the vans and headed to the city.

[The Soodean Imperium]

Command Center of the Soodean 5^th Army
Northeastern Firmador
1015 hours, 25 September 2014

“Lieutenant-General Lan,” Karong said, stretching his shoulders as he held the telephone to his ear. “You asked to contact me. I take it you have something to report?”

“I’ve made contact with the enemy’s second echelon, General,” Lan replied. “Two of my front-line divisions engaged what appeared to be a forward camp earlier this morning, just before daybreak. They routed the night watch, and managed to take most of the soldiers prisoner.”

“Already? Are they advancing that quickly?”

Lieutenant-General Lan shook his head. “It’s not that they’re moving up, it’s that we’re moving down. I take it you’ve seen the reports; some of my Divisions are making more than a hundred kilometers a day. They’ve barely broken column ranks.”

General Karong leaned back; the news was not quite surprising, but it wasn’t what he had expected. He had known that enemy resistance was thin, but to see it growing thinner was something else. “How are you on fuel? I take it you’re in need of logistical support?”

“Not bad on fuel, actually, we’d expected to spend as much time maneuvering on the small scale,” Lan replied. “But our stocks of precision-guided munitions are running low. It’s a fire-free environment out there, and we’re dispatching targets as fast as they appear. The attack helicopters and missile artillery are particularly low on ammunition.”

“I see. In that case, instruct your Divisional and Regimental commanders to use their remaining guided weapons sparingly; at this point, they’ve already broken the enemy. I’ll petition to High Command to have more long-range missiles transferred from the stockpiles of the 11^th Army.”

“Understood, General.”

“I also want you to re-direct your Corps on a more southerly strategic direction,” General Karong continued. “I will commit 54 Corps, the Armored Reserve, along your right flank, but the rest of the 5^th Army will now follow a course parallel to the coastline. We will leave the enemy’s inland resistance to the Mavericans.”

“Wouldn’t want to do their job for them, would I?” Lan added confidently. “Very well. I’ll inform my Divisional commanders of the 5^th Army’s new intent. May further victories await us.”

General Karong switched off the video feed, then hung the radio-telephone on its hook beside the control screen. The 5^th Army had moved up again, and his headquarters had moved with it. He was issuing commands from the back of a truck now, and while he was glad not to be out in the field itself, he still felt things were cramped inside the command module.

“A hundred kilometers a day?” asked his staff officer, Lieutenant-General Horo. “At that rate, the supply units transferred from Army Group South will have trouble catching up with us.”

“High Command never foresaw us fighting a war at this rate of advance,” Karong mused, rising from his seat and walking over to the corner where Horo was standing. “But we’re not fighting a war anymore.”

Horo’s brow tightened. “Not fighting a war? What do you mean?”

“The war is already decided,” Karong replied, turning back to the control screens. “I predicted our aerial and missile campaign would break their chain of command, but I hadn’t predicted just how destructive a guided-weapons bombardment would be. According to some reports, yesterday’s aerial sorties… well, you showed me the reports yourself, Lieutenant-General. These levels of attrition are what the DPR Menghe expected from a war with tactical nuclear weapons. And it’s been targeted destruction – SAMs, airfields, command posts, communication centers. Their entire fighting force has been disassembled.”

“And whatever scattered forces they still have can be tracked, engaged, and destroyed at our leisure.”

General Karong nodded, his expression somber and distant. “At this rate of advance, it could be two days – at most, four – before we establish contact with the forces of the Republica del Norte.”

“Do you think the High General will dispatch the 8^th Tank Army to finish the breakthrough?” Lieutenant-General Horo asked.

The General shrugged. “At the rate we’re moving, it won’t even be necessary. Army Group Command will probably keep the 8^th Tank in reserve near the Maverican border, to drive into their flank if anything goes wrong. Anyway, the sort of fight we’re heading into is no place for tank armies.”

“The sort of fight we’re heading into?” Horo seemed puzzled. “Won’t the conclusion of this operation signal the destruction of Firmador’s conventional forces along the border?”

“In the original War Plan, it would,” Karong answered. “Once their Second Echelon is defeated, nothing will remain along the Eastern coast but scattered irregular troops. The Fourth and Ninth Armies will probably roll through that area in a guarded column. But I doubt the Firmadorean government will surrender to the terms our commanders have in mind. We may have to advance to the very gates of the capital itself in order to force a conclusion to this war.”

The Lieutenant-General’s eyes widened. “Do you really think it will come to that, General?”

Horo sighed and shook his head. “What I wish for most is their surrender. But I doubt that will come. Instead, we can only move quickly, and hope that a swift victory will bring an end to this war.”


Landing Platform Dock ISS Luchang
At Sea, East of Firmador
1630 hours, 25 September 2014

Corporal Zhuriyan stood on the deck of the ISS Luchang, looking out at the endless ocean that glittered under the afternoon sun. He didn’t particularly like being at sea. He didn’t hate it, of course, but he didn’t particularly like it either. Something about the sensation of rocking on the waves, the ever-present smell of salt, and the fact that his entire walkable universe was confined to a single crowded ship all combined to give him a sense of discomfort. In light of this, it was perhaps a little odd that he had joined the Marine Infantry, but Zhuyan didn’t see any contradiction. To him, this was just another job; once the old steel mill in his hometown had been closed by the environmental defense bureau, he had been left with few credentials other than the degree from his military-run high school. And now here he was, thousands of kilometers from home, on the way to a foreign land he hoped he would never have to see.

“Feeling seasick, Corporal?” a familiar voice asked from behind him.

“Knock it off, Sergeant,” Zhuriyan muttered, a smile gradually showing on his face.

In many ways, Sergeant Hirei and Corporal Zhuriyan were polar opposites. Hirei had joined some time before him at the age of 17, fresh out of the military academy in Cheng-Emil, though he had originally lived in Huang Province on the southern coast. He was a well-kept man, clean-shaven except for a neatly trimmed mustache, and in terms of his appearance and mannerisms seemed better suited to work as a proper officer rather than an NCO.

The Corporal, by contrast, was the very image of a Soodean “inlander.” Rough-shaven and broad-shouldered, he hailed from the mountains of Chikai Province, and still looked more like a steelworker than a soldier. Having joined at a later age, he was several years older than his Sergeant, and while he played the part of subordinate in official situations, his voice held more authority among the men in day-to-day life. Not that he held anything against Hirei; he respected the man. Even if he wasn’t proper Sergeant material, he was certainly a better Lieutenant than the Platoon Commander they had to deal with now.

“You know, I never thought I’d end up seeing a war first-hand,” Sergeant Hirei mused as he moved over to the railing near Zhuriyan. “Well, maybe during the war with Mizrad, but I’d thought a new government in Firmador would bring peace to the border.”

Zhuriyan shrugged, the rough grin now easily seen on his face. “Who knows? Maybe it will. But not until we install it ourselves.”

Hirei looked over at him, one eyebrow slightly raised. “You seem awfully eager about this war, Corporal.”

“Only because I have to, Sergeant. The political officer won’t have it any other way.” He shook his head, still grinning. “But you, Sergeant, have a lot more to look forward to. We both know how veterans get promoted; once this war’s over, you’ll be on an easy road to the Officer’s life. Think about it – trading in your green stars for gold ones,, studying at the Academy, and coming back to have a whole platoon at your command.”

Now it was Hirei’s turn to smile. “Are you saying that out of comradeship, Corporal? Or because you know the post of Squad Commander will be yours for the taking once I’m gone?”

Zhuriyan chuckled, looking over at his commander. “Like I said, Sergeant, we both know how veterans get promoted.”

Hirei sighed, looking out to sea. “Still, though, I never thought I’d get there like this. For ten years, we’ve heard talk of a war with Firmador, a long and bloody war. Now that it’s here, it feels almost…”

“Like it’s barely even a war,” Zhuriyan finished. “Judging by how fast the Northern Front is said to be advancing, it may be less than a day before we link up with the Army. Probably an unopposed landing, too. Ay, fortune’s really favored us.”

The Sergeant looked back at Zhuriyan for a moment, as though to say something, a look of protest on his face. But in the middle of the motion, he stopped himself, trying to disguise his expression. Unfortunately for him, the ruse didn’t work.

“Is something wrong?” Zhuriyan asked. “You don’t look well, all of a sudden.”

Sergeant Hirei shook his head, avoiding eye contact. “We’re not landing in the Northeast, Corporal. The plans have changed.”

“Come again? What do you mean, the plans have changed?”

Hirei looked up at his subordinate now, staring him in the eye. “Don’t take what I’m about to say as certainty, because it’s nothing more than a rumor floating around the officers’ cabin. But word has it that our fleet has been re-routed on a new course to a more distant destination. They’re going to land us somewhere else, deep in the South of the country.”

“Impossible,” Zhuriyan mouthed, the word barely escaping his lips. “But if we land there, we’ll be cut off! It’ll be weeks, maybe months before the Army Group can link up with us.”

“Not necessarily. The main force may be far away, but the Southern Republic secessionists and their Syndicalist allies have power bases in that area.” Zhuriyan moved to protest, but Hirei cut him off. “Again, Corporal, it’s just a rumor, and a vague one at that. But if it’s true… we might be getting our promotions faster than expected.”

City of Szantiag
Argentszant Province, The Soodean Imperium
2045 hours, 25 September 2014

Two uniformed figures walked down the narrow street, moving in and out of the shadows left by the scattered streetlamps. At first glance, they could have been any of the many military personnel in the city; even before the outbreak of the war with Firmador, Argentsant Province had been a central hub in the Southwest Military District’s administration. Hemmed in by Maverica to the north, Firmador to the west, and the Southern Ocean to the south, the Southwest Military District was home to most of the Soodean Military’s active troops. This was a fortunate situation for the national leadership, insofar as it allowed them to weigh down two birds with one stone; the Southwest was also one of the most politically unstable regions of the Soodean Imperium.

Formally annexed into the Greater Menghe Federative Republic in 1902, it was a relatively recent acquisition in the long scheme of history, and while secessionist feelings were still unpopular they seemed to be on the rise. Of particular concern was the “Gang of Eight,” an extremist faction that had intensified its campaign of small-scale attacks during the uncertain days after the Firmadorean government’s collapse. When the Soodean Army moved into Firmador on the 21st, there was widespread fear that the Gang of Eight would intensify their attacks, or even attempt to target a military command building. But for the last few days, there had been little news from them; the invasion, it was rumored, had been accompanied by a harsh crackdown against the Gang’s command structure. There was still public uncertainty about how much of a threat the Gang still were, but these two uniformed figures didn’t seem dissuaded from walking alone down the half-lit street.

“I must say, I didn’t expect you to visit the Army Group Command Center so early,” the first man said, keeping his voice low.

“The lord can make plans on the mountain, but he can only enact them on the field,” the other replied, in a familiar turn of phrase. “And at any rate, many of our plans have been moved ahead of schedule. Maverica’s advance to the north is moving quickly, and we don’t know how long the favorable situation at sea will last.”

“True, but the situation on the coast is still hostile. I know I approved that operation, Your Majesty, but I don’t like the situation there. The enemy has a large reserve of troops that they can bring to bear on our landing force.”

“I don’t entirely like it either, Supreme Commander Kyodan, but it has to be done. I’m cautious of Tsur’s ambitions, but in this case he is correct: if there is an objective in this war, it’s to seize Firmador’s southwestern coast, not to overrun the inland Northeast.”

The Supreme Commander paused, slowing his pace. “Isn’t it unwise of you to leave Tsur in the capital all by himself?”

“I understand the risks, Kyodan. Suffice to say, he is being watched carefully. If he makes any moves out of the ordinary, I will be notified.”

“I must warn you, Your Majesty, you are playing with fire in that man. A victory in this war will no doubt go to his head.”

“I have taken measures to correct that, as well,” Su Dou replied, a faint but grim smile barely visible on his face. “It was at High Admiral Tsur’s recommendation that I approved the cession of Isla Diamante. This fact has been recorded, and will be emphasized when the news is announced. Tsur’s attention is fixated on the single goal of seizing Firmador’s coast, and today that fixation will cost him his popularity.

“My, my,” Kyodan sighed, shaking his head. “You really are a master of political strategy.”

“The result of being a veteran. I did not seize power over this nation through good fortune alone, Kyodan.” Su Dou slowed to a halt, then turned, leading Kyodan down a side path. He followed hesitantly, not accustomed to this area of the city. “This reminds me of another question, comrade-commander. The Ausitorian announcement made yesterday… surely you have seen it by now. What do you make of those claims?”

“It’s a bluff,” Kyodan stated, his tone level and firm.

“A bluff?” Su Dou asked.

Kyodan nodded. “Such firm demands are hard to take at face value even in times of peace. To see them so soon after the same nation signed a treaty in our favor, and all but renounced foreign interventionism… it’s beyond credibility. Even the money-grubbing Ausitorians wouldn’t throw the world into nuclear holocaust over a hike in tariffs, it would be economic suicide-en-masse.”

“Then why do you suppose they bothered with such an announcement?”

Kyodan ran a hand over his chin, wondering why the Emperor was questioning him on this subject. He could even tell from the tone of his voice that this was not an honest question, that he knew what the reply would be. He felt that Su Dou was behaving strangely, that he was not his usual self; there was a sort of urgency in his tone that didn’t match his usual calm, composed demeanor. “It must be a matter of public image,” Kyodan mused at last. “The Ausitorians are a democratic country after all, and after setting off with the intent of annexing new land in an easy move, they have instead returned home making concessions to avoid the spectre of war.”

“In order to regain their credibility, they make a statement which puts their credibility in doubt?”

The Supreme Commander shrugged. “I’m a military strategist, Your Majesty, not a politician. And certainly not an Ausitorian. This latest announcement is as much an enigma to me as it is to the rest of us.”

Emperor Su Dou sighed, a hint of disappointment – or was it exhaustion? – in his tone. “Setting aside the nature of the threats, though, they have made one thing clear: that they place a great value on their control of the seas.”

“And once this war ends, we’ll have one hand on the back door to the Meditethrhean. They’ll notice that for certain.”

“And do you think they will risk conventional war over it?

Kyodan smiled, and stopped in his tracks; the Emperor stopped as well. “Your Majesty… as long as you are alive, and this nation is united, it will take the combined forces of Heaven and Earth to tear down what you have built.”

“Ah,” Su Dou sighed, his voice growing quiet. “But how much longer will those conditions hold?”

[The New Lowlands]

Official Communiqué - Officiële Verklaring
Der Verenigde Provinciën der Nieuwe Neêrlanden

To the President of the Socialist Republic of Maverica,
President Vandolf

Dear Sir,

It has recently come to the attention of our state's intelligence service that the Socialist Republic of Maverica has decided to initiate a large-scale shipbuilding programme, and it seems likely that this is a result of concerns over our own most recent budgetary inquiries into the shipbuilding programmes of the United Provincial Navy. We hope to apologise for any misunderstanding of our intent: it is not the objective of the United Provincial Navy to cause Maverica concern for her own maritime defence, rather, the current discussions of buildup are as a result of security concerns about third parties in the region.

However, as it is likely that Maverica's resources have by this point been committed, and since we have no particular desire to infringe on Maverica's sovereignty by suggesting that it cease shipbuilding activities, we hope to take this mutual naval buildup towards a more constructive path by suggesting a programme of mutual co-operation with regards to development and construction, so as to better secure the defence of both the United Provinces and the Socialist Republic, with a view both to reducing costs in the current build-up, improving our capabilities, and setting a platform for future co-operation.

Respectfully,

Maria Veldt,

Stadtholder and Grand Pensionary of the United Provinces