Titansfall. (IC. Closed! ATTN: Sondria.)

by **Marquesan** » Wed Jun 10, 2015 1:48 pm

"For never two such kingdoms did contend without much fall of blood." - William Shakespeare; Henry V, Act I, Scene II.

PROLOGUE:
The Marquesas was in a state of turmoil. Decades of belligerence driven by the ruling Hyuga Dynasty, backed by a noble Stratocracy had culled the country's best and brightest to be sent home broken, disabled and dismembered; often in bodybags or worse, left to suffer the awful horrors of a life in the shadow of the evils of war. The old order was failing; the Shogunate that had united the great houses for hundreds of years was trying to pour water on the flames of open revolt with stronghanded tactics against a population that had grown sick of war and the warmongery of its military leadership. Fanning the flames were enemies of the Marquesan government abroad; nations that had fallen under the bootheels of the Shogunate's powerful military and foreign media broadcasting to the wide world footage of the devastation caused by the military in its desperate effort to quell the rebellion.

The situation was quickly spiraling out of control; even a repeal of the Rules of Engagement and massive military action in cities that had seen the worst of the fighting had done nothing to stem the flow of blood on the streets. Rioting was widespread, protests turning violent in every major population center. The Sondrian Regional Council, long a wellspring of reason and peaceful discourse had heard calls for the Shogun to step down in shame. The Royal Forces at Arms, widely held to be one of the strongest military powers in the region was simply overwhelmed at home. Storied and decorated combat units were being recalled from their duty stations abroad to patrol the streets of their home cities. Would the mighty Shogun step down and break hundreds of years of tradition? Would Nuku Hiva, capitol of the mighty Marquesas burn in the flames of civil war? What would become of The Marquesas, gem of southwest Sondria? Only time will tell when titans fall.

by **Gristol-Serkonos** » Wed Jun 10, 2015 3:14 pm

Internal Document: Black Forest Declaration

Authored By:
The Right Honourable, The Baroness Valtorum, MCE, Lord High Chancellor

Approved By:
Her Imperial Majesty, Annika I Felvaron, Co-Diarch of Gristol-Serkonos
His Imperial Majesty, Lorei IV Esteria, Co-Diarch of Gristol-Serkonos
Addressed To:
Olberti Sevansencu, MCE, Minister of Defence
Martin Gustavsson, MCE, Minister of State Affars
Lord Schultz, MCS, Chairman of the Imperial Defence Council
Baroness Warsi, Chairwoman of the Imperial Intelligence Commission
Vice Admiral Oskar Bennii, Chief of Intelligence, Directorate of Military Intelligence
General Claus Rivkin, Chief of Defence, Lord High General, Imperial Gristol-Serkonos Defence Forces
Vice Admiral Kaj Kjellsson, Commanding Officer, South Central Command, Imperial Gristol-Serkonos Expeditionary Forces

Greetings,

The situation in the Marquesan Shogunate is dire.

The Rieshistagi of Gristol-Serkonos is called by the Consei-Estadi to step in and assist our allies in Nuku Hiva. At this moment, the Imperial Gristol-Serkonos Defence Forces currently in the Marquesas is proceeding with the evacuation of our citizens as well as consulate officials. While it is not in the Sovereign Empire's interests in supporting non-democratic regimes, the Marquesan Shogunate is of great importance in Sondrian Geopolitics. They are a great counterweight to Crontorian foreign policy and a valuable trade partner in the Triad.

With the uncertainty of the future in the Shogunate, I declare GS-211, The Black Forest Protocol and all its measures be implemented and passed in the Consei-Estadi.

With the enactment of the Black Forest Protocol, the Government of the Sovereign Empire of Gristol-Serkonos is compelled to:
Increasing troops and assets in NORCENCOM and SOUCENCOM branches of the Imperial Gristol-Serkonos Expeditionary Forces.
The continuation of the evacuation of Consulate Staffs and Gristol-Serkonosean civilians.
Assist in humanitarian operations in the affected areas of the Marquesan Shogunate.
Assist in peacekeeping operations across Shanti Prefecture to calm the growing situation.
Involve the Directorate of Special Forces and the Directorate of Military Intelligence in covert operations against Al Hafa insurgents operating in the Marquesas.

The Imperial Office of State Affairs is to inform the Shogun that the IGSDF will be providing troops as soon as possible. Provided the Shogunate survives or transitions into a successor state, the IGSDF will immediately hand over responsibilities of security and day to day running of the state to the legitimate authorities.

Long Live The Sovereign Empire.

Cynthia Valtorum,
The Baroness Valtorum,
Lord High Chancellor of Gristol-Serkonos

by **Mahdah** » Wed Jun 10, 2015 3:30 pm

"O ye who believe! When ye meet those who disbelieve in battle, turn not your backs to them. (16)Whoso on that day turneth his back to them, unless maneuvering for battle or intent to join a company, he truly hath incurred wrath from Allah, and his habitation will be hell, a hapless journey's end." - Quran(8:15)

Recommended Listening.

Kohima, Darjeeling Prefecture,
Kyushu Penninsula, Marquesas Shogunate.

"Allah Akbar, Allah Akbar, Allah Akbar, Allah Akbar" sounded out throughout Kohima's Muslim majority districts as the call to prayer had sounded. Tamam traversed the stone steps leading towards the doors of the mosque, dressed in traditional Mahdavian wear, a white robe and a head piece, his sandals clapped as they hit the stone stairs. Upon reaching the entrance, he opened the door stepping inside as he kicked off his sandals placing them near the door, in his bare feet now he walked to his spot where he usually prayed and sat when he went to the mosque for prayer. Other regulars that usually came to the Mosque for prayer began to trickle in and take their own spots, the Imam stood at the front waiting patiently as the call to prayer continued to be recited.

"Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah.., Ashhadu an la ilaha illa Allah" Throughout the alkharan majority districts, the citizens filled the streets and sidewalks and begun their prayers, those that could went to one of the local Mosques as Tamam did and his mosque was beginning to fill up with men, women, children and the elderly. News of the unrest and violence from the Kanto Penninsula had reached most of Kyushu and Kohima, many were worried that if such events happened in Kyushu, that a once peaceful life could be disturbed and diluted into violence and chaos.

"Ashadu anna Muhammadan Rasool Allah...Ashadu anna Muhammadan Rasool Allah" The call to prayer continued as people continued to pray and so did Tamam as he knelt on his knees, closing his eyes and indulged in prayer. Unbeknownst to most, things had been put into motion behind the public eye in Kohima, something was brewing and ready to explode in the Darjeeling Prefecture and specifically Kohima. Tamam was part of that plan, he was coordinating the plan, he was one of the men who thought up the plan and now he was in prayer for what could be the last time if he fell in battle against his enemies.

"Hayya 'ala-s-Salah...Hayya 'ala-s-Salah" Dozens to hundreds of soon to be fighters were in positions in Kohima it's self, and even other cities in Darjeeling prefecture and possibly thousands more of sympathizers who had pledged to join the cause when It occurred.

"Hayya 'ala-l-Falah...Hayya 'ala-l-Falah" The call to prayer was coming to an end as prayer continued and would to very end, some would rise from their praying positions and continue to where they were originally going. Of course their were also the conspirators readying themselves for what was to come as It was planned that their actions would begin when the Call to prayer ended. A civilian van waited outside the mosque, a ride that Tamam was going to catch after the prayer, the van that would take him to the mountains outside the city where he'd join others who were involved in his plans and act as the 'leadership'.

"Allah Akbar...Allah Akbar" Things were going into motion, outside many Kohima police stations, vehicle's were parked outside at least one vehicle to a police station. Crowds begun to assemble in public areas, parks, plazas, black cladded masked men creeping through the shadows and alleys of Kohima unbeknownst to most authorities and other civilians in what seemed like a normal day in Kohima.

"La ilaha illa Allah..." The prayer had ended, Tamam rose from his knees and slipped into his sandals before leaving the mosque and leaving the city in a van headed for the mountains, a T3 CQB rifle in between his legs brought as a gift for him by a friend who could buy them. The strange vehicles parked outside Kohima's police stations, some sped right into the police stations themselves before exploding while others emptied of their armed occupants and assaulted the police with automatic weapons. The crowds begun their protests escalating into full scale riots in several areas in Kohima. Black cladded masked men wielding assault rifles patrolled and or ran the police out of alkharan majority districts. Things had turned bad for Kohima and It wasn't just in Kohima, similar instances small or big were occurring in Thiruvalla, Sirohi, Sankari and even some isolated incidents in the prefecture's capital; Rae Baeli.

The Darjeeling Military would soon respond before the end of the day, mobilizing it's army to quell the rapid spreading and escalating violence in the cities. Of course that's what was wanted by the perpetrators as even the Army would feel their wrath soon.

by **Aquilinia** » Fri Jun 12, 2015 2:59 pm

WE, THE FREEMEN AND LEGATES OF THE EMPIRE, IN THIS ASSEMBLY UNITED, DECLARE:

IT is with utter disgust that this assembly has taken notice of the events currently ongoing in the Shogunate of the Marquesas. While this assembly has always regarded the Shogunate as the legitimate government of the Marquesas, it can only look on and express our utter contempt at the response given to the protests of the populace of said nation. It deeply saddens this assembly to see a military response to the protests ongoing in the city of Nuku Hiva, and all around the nation.

However, this does not mean that this assembly condones the conduct of the protesters. No, it is never correct to voice one's opinion, no matter how important it may be to oneself, through violence.

Therefore, this assembly calls on both sides of the conflict to engage in dialogue, and to bridge the differences between them, lest there be further blood shed on either side. We call further upon the nations of Sondria not to exploit this instability in the Marquesas to their own end. We in Sondria need to work together to solve this crisis peacefully.

In order to further the peace process, this assembly declares the borders of the United Empire open to any and all refugees from the crisis in the Marquesas, to stay until the situation in their homeland has calmed down. They are offered shelter, and the opportunity of work, suitable to their abilities here in the United Empire. This assembly only asks that any and all refugees who come here to seek shelter will not engage in any hostilities against those of the opposing faction in the crisis. This assembly also declares that the United Empire will not take an active part in any foreign intervention in the crisis in the Marquesas unless national interests are threatened, and calls for all Imperial citizens within the Marquesas to leave the country at their earliest convenience.

Thus was it declared at Fort Aquilaine, on the twelfth day of the sixth month, in the year one-thousand three-hundred and six of our Lady Andraste, in the first year of the Third Imperial Assembly.

by **The Greater Aryan Race** » Sat Jun 13, 2015 7:25 am

Reich Chancellery
Germania
The Greater Aryan Race

The June morning was a cold and wet affair, as hordes of commuters transited to work in their private cars or alternatively, huddled together aboard the numerous public buses and train carriages that made up the public transportation network of the capital city, amidst an early morning shower. Amongst the hustle and bustle of this veritable human hive, no one appeared to notice a black Mercedes-Benz W100 600 hurtle down Schlossstrasse within the Charlottenburg district of Germania before turning left towards Bismarckstrasse towards Ernst Reuter Platz. The Mercedes was itself escorted by a smaller Mercedes car comprising of SS security officers tasked with protecting the Mercedes' prominent occupant.

Seated in the W100 600 was Reich Minister for State Security Hugo Honecker, chief of the national state security apparatus of the Greater Aryan Race tasked with preserving the political order of the Reich against all who would seek to overthrow the Fascist Party from power. He stared out of the window as the limousine cleared Ernst Reuter Platz and began driving along the central Germania road towards the Siegessäule ('Victory Column'), built in 1864 to commemorate the military triumphs of the German people against their enemies, whether French, Austrian, Russian, Italian, British or American. In spite of the humiliations and difficulties that Germany had endured, the Siegessäule still stood erect and triumphant, the golden statue of Victoria gazing down haughtily on all who drove past or walked past the column.

The Reich Minister was in an unpleasant mood. His morning had been interrupted by a telephone call from the Reich Chancellery summoning him to the Chancellery for an urgent cabinet meeting. No doubt the Reich Cabinet was being convened at the behest of the Führer due to the ongoing riots and fighting in Marquesan, which appeared with each passing day to be inching closer and closer to the brink of full-scale civil war. State Security had been caught off-guard as to the uprising. Although the analysts of State Security had predicted rising tensions and political instability to emerge in Marquesan by the end of the month, no one had imagined that the rebels would have acted so soon and so violently in starting their uprising across the Shogunate. Several cities were already in rebel hands with the rest of the Shogunate being heavily contested by rebels and RFA government forces. And the rebels were armed to the teeth with modern weapons and equipment.

Although it appeared on the surface that these happenings, distant as they were and carrying no clear obvious implications for the GAR, the unpleasant truth was that, in addition to the obvious economic interests and investments made by German businesses in Marquesan, the stability and security of the Reich depended upon a balance of power in Sondria, a sort of "Concert of Sondria" whereby the Shogunate of Marquesan, the dominant regional hegemon, was itself kept in check by other smaller powerhouses such as Crontor, Rustonia and Erjunhuf. The internal convulsions that threatened to grip Marquesan in instability and chaos would serve to render that Concert moot. It was in the interests of the GAR to have a powerful, neutral and somewhat pro-German Marquesan capable of fending off such powers as Rustonia and Mahdah.

As the motorcade cleared the Victory Column and neared the distinctive Brandenburg Gate, the Mercedes turned to the left and onto the Vossstrasse where the Reich Chancellery stood. As a grim-faced SS officer checked the paperwork of the motorcade before clearing them to proceed, the Reich Minister could already see several similar black vehicles parked in the grounds of the Chancellery. That could only mean the rest of the Cabinet were already there. Without further delay, Honecker eased himself out of the limousine and hurried into the interior of the Chancellery.

"Herr Reich Minister?" came a familiar voice.

Turning to his right, Honecker could see the strutting, imperious figure of Field Marshal Bergmann, Chief of the Wehrmacht, walking up towards him, accompanied by several other military officers from the various branches of the Wehrmacht. On cue, the Reich Minister proffered a stiff yet slight bow towards the Field Marshal, whom he had come to see as a viable partner of sorts in the government.

"It's glad to see someone else from the cabinet, I was under the impression that I was to be the last one to arrive at the meeting," remarked Field Marshal Bergmann. The duo and their escorts proceeded across the polished marble floors of the interior of the Chancellery, past small groups of military officers and bureaucrats huddled amongst themselves with urgent mutterings and whisperings.

"How goes the business of defending the country?" queried Honecker half-jokingly, half-seriously.

"I just had a meeting of the General Staff yesterday. They're insisting we mobilise the entire Wehrmacht in anticipation for the possibility of war, though the Abwehr (Military Intelligence) wants us to hold off any such moves until our relief units can evacuate our citizens from Marquesan."

"Well the generals are not too wrong in wanting to deploy more troops to Marquesan but yes it is premature for us to commit ourselves so soon to the conflict."

"What is the opinion of the Firm?" asked the Field Marshal, in reference to an unofficial nickname of the Reich Ministry for State Security.

"Ever since the uprising, our intelligence-gathering capabilities in the Shogunate have steadily declined since we can't get into contact with some of our agents and spies, some of whom might very well be dead. Honestly it's turning into an intelligence black-hole over there. For now though, I do agree this government would do better to await any more changes to the situation."

"Assuming one can convince the hawks to stand down that is," muttered the Field Marshal.

Eventually, the duo finally reached the end of one of the massive corridors of the Chancellery leading to the cabinet room. Orderlies standing at the sides of the doors immediately opened them to usher the two cabinet members in. Already inside, several of their colleagues were already present and engaged in conversation amongst themselves. With any luck, it was going to be a long day in Germania.

German Embassy
Nuku Hiva
Shogunate of Marquesan

Nuku Hiva was burning. Sporadic bursts of gunfire echoed throughout the city interspersed amidst sounds of rocket and mortar fire. Now and then, helicopters belonging to the Marquesan Royal Forces at Arms could be seen hovering around the capital in pursuit of rebel troops wherever they appeared. Several plumes of thick black smoke could be seen emanating from several buildings across the capital from the windows German Embassy, indicative of arson though no one could tell whether government forces or the rebels themselves had set fire to the buildings.

The German Embassy was itself in a state of flurried activity as the overwhelmed embassy guards struggled to hold back the growing hordes of Marquesan refugees demanding to be let in into the embassy grounds while the guards tried to let in only German citizens also trying to squeeze through the gates. Efforts by some refugees and citizens to scale the walls of the compound forced the steel-helmeted SS guards to fire their H&K G36 assault rifles into the air to force the crowds back, though the frenzied masses continued to surge forward after every shot sent them scattering.

Within the embassy, officials were hard at work sorting through confidential documents and data to be readied for incineration and destruction, in preparation for the possibility that the embassy itself would be seized by either government troops or rebel militia. The latter were especially feared since unsubstantiated rumours emerged that they were shooting down and killing any foreigners they came across. Other documents were packed away in cardboard boxes in anticipation for a possible evacuation of the embassy.

Ambassador Bruno Muhr, the GAR's official diplomatic emissary to the Shogunate, watched as aides scurried in and out of the building holding troves of papers, files or large cardboard boxes as they sought to clear out the archives of the embassy. One of them was spotted carting away the paintings that adorned the walls of the building. Only the Führer's portrait still remained, his hard, unceasing stare boring down on all who walked past the portrait, as if even here in this distant country in Hellas, the Führer was able to make his presence felt.

If anything, Ambassador Muhr could only watch on with some degree of helplessness. In spite of the deteriorating security situation in Nuku Hiva, the Wilhelmstrasse had only authorised and requested the immediate evacuation of all German citizens from Marquesan. As for the Ambassador and his staff, their orders were to remain in the capital of the Shogunate. Clearly, the Foreign Ministry had decided that there was still use for Ambassador Muhr in remaining behind in Marquesan.

From his office window, Ambassador Muhr could see the chaos out on the streets as desperate Germans sought to squeeze through the crowds and enter into the embassy while equally desperate Marquesan refugees attempted to follow. It was an eerie scene reminiscent of the chaos of Saigon in 1975, as American embassy staff sought to evacuate their citizens from a South Vietnam gripped by an impending Communist takeover.

"If things continue at this rate, we won't be able to last much longer at holding off the rebels and the refugee hordes," Ambassador Muhr thought out loud to himself. Hopefully, his superiors in Germania were already sending help to get them out of this hellhole of a country.

by **Crontor** » Sun Jun 14, 2015 3:07 pm

Sondria;
Imperial Federation of Crontor;
Administrative District of Crontor;
Columbia Province;
Crontorian Federal Building:

June 13, 2015

President Norman Carter sat in undisturbed silence. He had been this way for several hours now, sitting in his leather chair, tilted backwards on the spring, looking upwards at the white painted ceiling. His coffee had sat cold for some time now and his phone sat disconnected on his desk. He had locked the door and ordered his personal secretary and Chief of Staff to cancel his docket of meetings and appearances for the remainder of the afternoon. Save for a dire family emergency, he would remained undisturbed, and locked in deep thought.

For the past day, the reports of violence emanating from the Marquesas had rocked the highest levels of the Crontorian government, all of whom watched with fascinated yet worried eyes. The exact catalyst for the spiraling violence was hard to pin, but the Central Intelligence Service had managed to identify a series of popular protests which were suppressed by security forces. For a nation that celebrated its civil liberties and freedoms, the brutal suppression and open rebellion now occurring had come as a surprise. The Imperial Federation was less surprised that civilians had managed to get their hands on military grade weaponry, always having viewed the liberal gun laws to their south barbaric, but were nevertheless concerned. Open warfare on city streets was not unknown to Sondria, after all, Mahdah had regular convulsions and the memories of the war in Jagis were still fresh. It was Jagis apparently that had spurred the popular revolt. The people of Marquesan seemed fed up of Marquesan body bags returning home from distant lands.

Who could blame them, the Imperial Federation was similarly dissatisfied with Marquesan foreign policy which had grown in arrogance and assertiveness. The Newcastle War had propelled the Marquesas into a position of power it had probably never thought possible, all at the expense of the Imperial Federation which had to acquiesce to the new reality by seeking mutual defense treaties while it licked its wounds and bided its time. Relations in recent times had soured, first over the handling of the conflict in Jagis where the Crontorians felt that the Marquesans had little stake and then over the capture of Captain Cranico Jr., the famous son of the former President, who was allegedly stealing secrets from the Marquesans under the guise of a defense attaché.

The fabled Triad now existed in name only. While the organization still existed on paper, the Imperial Federation had for all intents and purposes broken with the group, ending all base sharing, joint training, and military to military talks. Foreign troops were expelled from the Imperial Federation and Crontorian units withdrawn from foreign territories across the world. Tensions had never been so high in the post-Newcastle era, which led many to adopt the rhetoric of those who until recently had only occupied the fringes of the political field, that another war between the giants was coming, and soon. The late Supreme Commander Rockepeller, had after all, left the talks that resulted in the Treaty of Echeron vowing revenge on the Marquesas for the outcome of the Newcastle War. Rockepeller was dead and President Cranico settled into retirement, leaving President Carter and Supreme Commander Crogden to assume their mantle and lead the nation back into war if they so chose to.

But the risks were high and the payoff uncertain. Arrogance had led the Imperial Federation to a shameful defeat decades ago. Similar strains of arrogance still ran heavily through the Imperial Federation and many would view the unrest in the Marquesas as an opportunity to kick the enemy while they were down, as the Marquesas had done to the Imperial Federation all those years ago. But Carter knew all too well, that this thinking was naïve. The most dangerous enemy was one without escape, a wounded animal backed into a corner, forced to fight even if the chances of success were slim to none.

There was also the historical precedent of foreign invasion uniting warring parties and strengthening the position of the government. While the Imperial Federation may be tempted to strike at a divided nation beset by internal violence to take advantage of worn down and preoccupied security forces, they could inadvertently strengthen the hand of the Shogun and give her ammunition to bring back rebels and dissidents into the mainstream society in opposition to the Imperial Federation. On the other hand, this opportunity may never happen again. Rocked by turmoil, there existed the possibility that this uprising was the best possible opportunity for the Imperial Federation to finally enact revenge for its embarrassing defeat all those years ago. It fell to President Carter to make that decision.

Leaning forward, he reconnected his phone and picked up the receiver. Punching in a string of numbers, he rested the receiver between his head and shoulder. Fidgeting with his wedding ring as he listened to the rings, the thought of war weighed heavily on his mind. After what seemed like hours, a gravelly voice answered on the other line, “Hello?”

“President Cranico, I have a question.”

Sondria;
Imperial Federation of Crontor;
Administrative District of Euphran;
Adenti Province Province;
Crontorian-Marquesan Border:

June 13, 2015

With the violence escalating in Marquesan, concerns about potential spillover into the Imperial Federation were growing forcing security forces at the border to remain vigilant and watch the border for any spikes in unusual activity. The Federal Security Service (FSS), tasked with border control, customs, and contraband enforcement within the Imperial Federation had so far not encountered any armed units attempting to cross into Crontor, neither civilian nor military. Still, reports of civilians getting their hands on military arms caches and even aircraft had alarmed the FSS and their parent agency, the Ministry of State Security about loose weapons finding their way into Crontorian hands.

With all of its equipment and agents however, the FSS could not stop an sizable armed incursion into the Imperial Federation. That was why a steady stream of reinforcements from the Crontorian Armed Forces were pouring south to monitor the violence. Their main concern was the potential migration of refugees flowing north to escape the violence. Although the Imperial Federation was probably not the first choice for refugees escaping persecution, a nation renowned for its oft xenophobic tendencies, desperation created a scenario where the seemingly impossible became a reality. There had been no official decision on what to do about refugees, although the consensus among the Ministry of State, Ministry of State Security, and Executive Office of the President remained that they should not be let into the country. To keep them out, military forces would need to be stationed at the border.

The first of the units being sent south were attached to National Defense Command (NATDEFCOM), dozens and dozens of towed and tracked artillery making its way south from bases across the Imperial Federation. Well over 150,000 personnel and thousands of artillery pieces were to be established in a defensive line across the southern border, with extra units concentrated across the border from the Marquesan cities of Pleiku, Lumphat, and Hekou. Howitizers, a mix of M777s and M198s, were broken into batteries of eighteen pieces and dug into defensive positions five kilometers from the border. Camouflage netting was placed over the guns and supply containers moved into place behind the lines. Interspersed between these positions were M109A6 Paladins and M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems which sat armed and ready for further orders.

This flurry of activity was mirrored by construction activities taking place across the south of the Imperial Federation. Military facilities and airfields were being joined by a series of new airfields closer to the Marquesan border. These ten new facilities were rumored to be the destination of a recently constructed air superiority fighter, produced by the Crontorian Engineering Corporation to replace the F-97D Super Cerastes presently in service with the Crontorian Air Defense Force. Railways and roads were clogged with supplies moving south as engineers began laying the groundwork and runways for the new air units. According to an official announcement from the CEC, the next week would see the company unveil an entirely new line of military hardware to be immediately launched into mass production for the usage of the CAF.

by **Marquesan** » Mon Jun 15, 2015 11:02 pm

Rinshi, Bertaut Prefecture,
Marquesan Shogunate.
Local Time: 0715 Hrs.

Flags fluttered in the cool morning breeze. The sunlight over the hills surrounding Rinshi was still silver-gold and the sky still held the last vestiges of dawn's pink and peach color. At Rinshi, the confluence of three rivers made the air soft with humidity; morning dew clung to every leaf, every flower. Here, so far away from the troubles on Kanto, the violence that had been plaguing the rest of the country seemed a dim horror on the evening news.

Yet here they were, meeting in a windowless warehouse on a quiet street. Four long tables were arranged in a U in the middle of the empty, dusty building. Only the lights above the tables, massive mercury hallides that buzzed as they gave off pale orange light burned overhead, while the rest of the warehouse's lights had been switched off. From all over The Marquesas they'd come. Four neighboring countries had sent representatives, too. Akola, Orai, Shanti and Darjeeling had all sent representatives. The Daimyo of Bertaut and Desroches sat in mute silence at the head of the table, listening. Around them, representatives from a wide swath of the largest rebel groups in the country were talking animatedly about the future of the country.

"Order! Order!" The Daimyo both stood in unison, their balled fists on the table. They looked out of place here, in the billowing black silk robes of the Shogun's government. They had flown all night to arrive here from Fatu Hiva and the exhaustion they felt from the past two weeks had begun to show. Their faces unshaven, red blood in the whites of their eyes, bags hanging under them limply. As they stood, the assembly came to order. Around them, most men were fighters with their militias; an assortment of weapons, some Morrigans, many foreign-built hung on slings over their chests or on their hips. Very few had the look of diplomats or statesmen and with few exception, all were very young. Here was the Crème de la crème of a crop of idealists that had grown weary of growing up without political freedoms, without the right to choose for themselves. They'd grown up knowing that one day the call would come and off they'd go, to fight and bleed and die in some foreign land for the Shogun who rarely would even show her face in public these days.

The room fell to silence. Before them was a document they'd all read a hundred times, a message that would echo in the halls of history for ages and ages hence. "Today, we sign a message. A message that says that the old ways are ending; the old ways will not do. This nation deserves a new birth. I pray it needs no more blood than it has already seen, but we know the reality is that we must fight for a thing so worth fighting for as freedom. We cannot simply ask for it and get it. Some things must be taken to be truly had. Liberty is that thing." With that, the final signature block was filled. Nobody clapped. Nobody moved. Not even a cough as the room looked down upon the drying ink.

Hours later, a courier would pass into the caverns of the Palace of the Ocean Throne high on Tekao Mountain in misty Nuku Hiva. Bearing a long paper rolled like a scroll, she delivered it, head bowed, onto the lap of Shogun Hyuga, who with trembling hands and a pallor about her cold, sweaty face read a notice she knew was inevitable.

Palace of the Ocean Throne, La Citadelle Des Etoiles,
Tekao Mountain, Nuku Hiva Capital District, Marquesas.

Crontorians building up on the border. Violence on a totally unprecedented scale in nearly every major city in the country. Foreign press calling for a change in government, the Gendarmerie and the RFA as a whole totally overwhelmed. Riots, looting, pitched battles between rebel groups springing out of virtually thin air and the Army on the streets of Marquesan cities, and now this. She'd read and re-read the paper thirty times in silence before the reality of it really sunk in. Akane Hyuga had failed to do what her predecessors for the last 425 years had done; kept the country together. Bertaut and Desroches prefectures had now seceded from the Shogunate and brought in four neighboring countries into the fold with them. When word got out, she would have zero credibility in the Diet and, of course, the secession would spread like wildfire. The Shogunate would, inevitably fall to pieces and it would be her watch, her responsibility, her fault. She had gone too far, pushed out the envelope until it broke. Maybe her foreign policy had been too brash, too imperialist. They were right. Her hands shook until the paper fell away from them and floated idly to the polished stone floor. She rarely smoked, it had been years, but she fumbled for a cigarette now, drawing in the hot smoke like a woman possessed. She felt frail. Cold. Alone. The back of her throat tasted of blood and adrenaline.

When Akane stepped out of her antechamber into the waiting area where her secretary and two Sentinels rose to sharp attention as always, she was a changed woman. She motioned to them to sit at ease, suddenly feeling decidedly undeserving of such respect. "Please call the press ministers; I must deliver an address as soon as possible. Find me when they are ready." Her voice trembled as she spoke.

At least she could beat the bastards to the punch.

by **Aquilinia** » Tue Jun 16, 2015 4:08 am

Imperial Air Force Evaluation Centre
Undisclosed Location, Orlaine, The United Empire of Aquilinia

16/06/1306 And.
11.15 IST

So far, the series of trials had been quite successful, and General Harris was quite optimistic as the test pilot brought the newest aircraft to a stop on the runway: The Myrmidon Type-27 Hoplite, the War Office's favourite to replace the Imperial Air Force's ageing fleet of LY-909 Sparrowhawk fighters. Smiling, the general walked out of his observation bunker onto the runway, where the Hoplite's pilot was just climbing out of the cockpit.

"Report, Lieutenant!", he shouted in the direction of the pilot, who slowly walked towards him. "Not bad at all," a distorted voice sounded from within the helmet. "Fulfils all our requirements regarding speed and manoeuvrability. Responsive, smooth controls, pretty easy to fly. But, unfortunately, that's where the good news end." Harris stood in surprise. "Then what are the bad news, Lieutenant?" The pilot laughed. "Whatever you did to the targetting computers caused half the thing's systems to shut down the second I engaged combat systems. Obviously not compatible with our software, sir. We need to either stick with the factory-equipped stuff or develop a new one. Or maybe try to adapt the factory one to work with our command system, I don't know. But like that? The second I flip the switch to lock target, I'm blind and deaf - and the target won't even lock on. Absolutely useless. That software turned one of the best fighters I've ever seen into a piece of flying scrap metal."

Slowly, Harris nodded. "The engineers feared as such. I will get them straight back to work. Thank you for your honest words, Lieutenant."

The Lieutenant laughed again as she finally lifted the helmet off her head, revealing a head of short, neon pink hair. "No worries, sir," she said, with a hint of a smile on her face. "You hired me for my honesty, after all. Anyway, I need to be off. You'll get my full written report on the Hoplite in the evening, as well as a detailed comparison with the Sparrowhawk and...what was that other piece of crap called?"

Harris laughed out loud. "Forget about that one. Thanks to your findings, it's either switch to the Hoplite, or try to upgrade the Sparrowhawk some more."

The pilot nodded in agreement. "Good call, General. So, I'm off for the rest of the week - my mother wants me back in the capital."

The General shook his head slowly. "I know, Lieutenant Steele, after all, I was the one who granted you that leave. Get back here safe, we need you."

With a quick wave, the young pilot walked towards the officers' mess, where the changing rooms were located. "Don't you worry," she said, looking back towards the General. "I know you can't do this without me."

Aéroport International Violette de Lune
Reilimée, Orlaine, the United Empire of Aquilinia

18.45 IST

The man at the door to the airline lounge held up his hand as the young woman approached. "Boarding pass and passport, please." Shaking her head, Lieutenant Steele handed over the documents. After a quick check, the doorman handed them back and held open the door. "Welcome to Imperial Airways First class, Messere Steele. We will call you thirty minutes before your departure time."

Exhausted, the young pilot threw herself down onto one of the chairs in the lounge. After the evaluation trials, she had headed to her quarters, got changed into a more becoming outfit - a leather skirt, pink t-shirt, ankle boots and a black leather jacket with her IAF insignia - and set off for the three-and-a-half hour drive to Reilimée Airport, named after one of the most famous military officers to have come from Orlaine: Violette de Lune, founder of the modern Imperial Navy, and close friend to Empresses Felicia and Lucille. Her sudden disappearance thirty years ago was still a mystery, although the young Lieutenant was pretty sure what had happened: she had gone on a trip on her personal yacht, struck something, and sunk. Simple as that. Quite ironic, actually. What would her fate be, she wondered - a plane crash? It would be fitting for someone like her, who felt a lot more comfortable in the air than on the ground.

Her musings were interrupted when an elderly, distinguished-looking woman sat down in the chair opposite, and introduced herself. "Bonjour! I 'ave never seen you 'ere before, and I know almost everyone flying first class from zis airport," she said in a heavy French accent, laughing. "Sorry, where are my manners - Béatrice de Lune. Before you ask, oui, related - a cousin. Although I never knew Violette well."

The Lieutenant forced herself to smile. "Lieutenant Victoria Steele, Imperial Air Force. Before you ask, yes, related - the Imperial Vicar is my mother."

Before de Lune could reply, the two women were interrupted by a newscast on the TV on the wall next to them.

"BREAKING NEWS: Reports have reached us that the crisis in the Marquesas may be on the brink of escalation! Sources claim that several provinces of the Shogunate are planning to secede from the nation in a bid to overthrow the nation's leader, Shogun Akane Hyuga. This has not been confirmed by either side yet, but it appears a press release is expected for later tonight. We were unable to get a statement from members of the Governing Council, and the Marquesan embassy did not react to any of our requests. We will keep you updated as the story develops. You are watching the Imperial News Network with Brian Hardley - and here are tonight's other headlines: Police are investigating the murder of three teenagers at a holiday resort in the Bismarck Isles. Trade across the southern Border with Crontor is forecast to grow further in the third quarter of the year. And the Fort Aquilaine Eagles hold on to score their fifth successive league title.

Steele leaned over to mute the volume on the TV as de Lune shook her head. "I studied in Nuku Hiva, you know," she said. "I even served for half a year as deputy ambassador to the Marquesas, just before the Newcastle War. I would have never predicted this mess. I just hope it doesn't escalate more."

Before the Lieutenant could respond, the doorman called out her name. "Victoria Steele? Flight QIA 7758 to Fort Aquilaine, departing in thirty minutes from Gate B11. Would you please follow me there."

The Imperial Vicary
Fort Aquilaine, The Crown of Francia, The United Empire of Aquilinia

19.00 IST

The Imperial Vicar, Elizabeth Steele, looked around at the members of the Governing Council. "I am sure you have all heard the rumours about secession in Marquesan. Well, I have just received confirmation by the Inquisition that these rumours are true. The Shogunate is descending into Civil War as we speak. The IFC is preparing its forces at the border to invade. Prepare the ports and the camps for an unprecedented influx of refugees."

Victor Roy, the Councilman at War, lifted his hand. "Shouldn't we be preparing our defences, Messere? What if we get drawn into this? The Union is not ready for war."

Maximilian Earl, Councilman for Foreign Affairs, shook his head. "And that is exactly why we should stay out of it, Messere Roy. As you say, we are not ready for war, so why should we let ourselves be dragged into one? We should get our citizens out of the Shogunate and the IFC. If those two want to have at it, I say we let them."

Roy laughed. "Remember last time the Marquesas and Crontor decidedd to 'have at it', Messere Earl? The entire region was dragged into it. No, we need our forces to stand ready, not to attack, but to defend, should we get drawn into this. I don't want to see a repeat of the Fiasco at Beblis, do you?"

Steele lifted her hands. "Gentlemen, please. This gets us nowhere. I agree with Messere Roy that we need our defences to be ready." Roy nodded at the mention of his name. "But I also agree with Messere Earl that there is no point in us getting involved in a war that we don't even know will happen yet. We all know how paranoid the Crontorians can be. Yes, Rockepeller and his ilk are gone, but that doesn't mean Crontor isn't still Crontor. I would interpret this just as a show of force, maybe even waiting fr a weakness, but it is no direct threat just yet."

Earl shook his head. "With all due respect, Messere Steele, I believe you are mistaken. This region is on the brink of a catastrophic war. And, knowing Crontor and the Shogunate, I doubt there will be any chance of diplomacy here should the situation start to boil over. If you don't agree with me now, just wait. You will see it eventually."

by **North Yemen-** » Tue Jun 16, 2015 12:40 pm

Prologue

The Midlands have always been in an awkward crossroads in Sondria; sandwiched between two regional superpowers and elemental to controlling the Hellan straits, the Midlands have always had to guard their independence jealously from conniving imperial powers that sought greater strategic influence in Hellas. The Midlands, as a unitary state, has only been a modern phenomenon having been partitioned and controlled by external imperial influences for many centuries. These centuries of domination and oppression, the Midland people have grown to be strong, fiercely nationalist and rabidly loyal and militant--by necessity and choice. Though the nation was innately a polyglot of traditions, cultures and creeds, the common thread--fear of foreign occupation--was all too real.

Indeed, the Midland States have maintained their independence only through strict neutrality and observance to maintaining a massive, defensive military force; every year, the military government organized trillions of dollars and trained millions of eager volunteers into forming a substantial, formidable land-army of fighters. The Midland State has had no choice in these matters; the threat of invasion, strategic threats and the all-too-real possibility of foreign invasion has made it unadvisable and foolish to let one’s guard down. And no Midlandt leader has cherished the notion of going down in history as the man who lost Midlant’s independence. The Midlandt people have suffered grievously at the hands of other powers. Surrounded by what could be considered to easily be the most belligerent and warmongering nations in the region, there was little alternative.

But now, with the Shogunate erupting into a frenzy of revolution and enlightenment, the Midlandt people felt great hope in their hearts; was it possible that one of the two superpowers could turn from Monarchical Imperialism to Libertarian Justice and Righteousness? Midlandt citizens congregated in coffee shops, libraries and private homes to eagerly discuss the happenings in Marquesan, where it was clear that the Marquesas was going to see some form of dramatic change. To the people of the Midlandt--who cherished and jealously defended their individual liberties and limited, participatory democratic government--the notion of such change in a bellicose nation was nothing short of thrilling. The two political parties, the Foxes and the Hawks, both seemed to agree that something had to be done.

Indigo Peak, Senate Forum

“There’s not much else to say,” asserted the tall, stylish Senator Mc Damon as he stood before the grand chamber hall of the Midlandt Senate that evening. “This is one of the rare occasions in which military force must be employed to liberate the people of the Marquesas! There’s more at stake here than a little uprising; this is a full-blown cry for freedom from a people repressed! We have a moral and ideological duty to intervene!”

“I have to disagree with you Senator,” a mustachioed Senator Torres stood, waving his finger angrily. “If we use military force, we’ll only invite repercussions from the Shogunate and her allies. What if the rebels are to fail? Can we truly afford to antagonize a surviving Shogunate? What of her fellow Pendragon States? What of the opportunist Crontorians? I’d think that they’d love an excuse to occupy some border states of the Midlands.”

“And not just that” the scrawny Senator Park also cried out, rising in his seat. “If we wish to defend our limited government and non interventionist neutral foreign policy, dear tenets of our democracy, we cannot allow ourselves to be embroiled in an expensive, expansive war! What is it next?”

The chamber fell into a stunned silence as Park continued his vicious tirade.

“Shall we go down the way of the other Sondrian nations where upwards of 30% of our people's’ wealth is wasted on procuring expensive armaments, and where the military and police hold disproportionate influence in government and governance? Id’ rather slit my own throat than see our treasured limited government fall to such tyranny!”

“He’s right,” Torres affirmed. “We are the only bastion of freedom and liberty in Sondria! Every other nation in this region is run by corrupt, oppressive and inefficient, bureaucratically choked morasses of government! Every other Sondrian government is in bed with corporate giants, steals the wealth of its people to buy the tools of oppression and murder and watches its people with invasive surveillance and spy technologies!”

“And it is precisely for those reasons you listed, dear Senator,” Mc Damon asserted angrily, “that we must offer assistance to the rebels! We need to spread the ideas of individual liberty and justice, even if it's at the tip of a bayonet! Freedom isn’t free! We can’t just watch as millions of people toil under oppression and communist filth! We need to help these rebels achieve justice and righteousness at home!”

“Enough!” Consul Avila rose from his seat, having pondered the situation deeply. His clean shaven face, chiseled features and intelligent suit all spoke of his attention to detail and reason. “Let’s not bicker any longer If my warmongering friends in this Senate wish to organize volunteer non-state paramilitary and funnel private assets to assist the revolutionaries in Marquesan, they are permitted to do so by our laws. However, we will not project force into Marquesan, for that would be a violation of both our constitution and Marquesan sovereignty. That shall be all.”

Indigo Peak, Outside the Senate Forum

As McDamon stormed from the Senate building that night, a fellow Hawk, Jefferson, caught him by the shoulder and asked him for a word.

“Listen Mc Damon,” Jefferson whispered, his eyes darting all around. “I do own a large number of contractor prisons and arms manufacturing firms. If you’re willing to reimburse me, I’d be more than happy to arm and smuggle volunteer penal battalions into the Shogunate.”

“What prices are we talking?”

“For you, a friend,” Jefferson took a few seconds to think, “the costs of arming, training and supplying the men will suffice for now. I have no need to generate a profit margin on any of this. Just tell me how many you need, and I’m willing to have them ready in a few week’s time. We could talk to the Thomas brothers and see if they wouldn’t be willing to deploy some of their Private Security Personnel to the front lines immediately.”

“Is arming Marquesan rebels out of the question?”

“It’s doable, but I’m gonna expect you to pay up for that. I’m not willing to let my equipment fall into the hands of Al Hafa or other radical rebel groups, so I’m a bit nervous about the idea.”

“Well, how about this?” Mc Damon glanced behind his shoulder and when convinced nobody was listening, he leaned in close.

“How about I’ll pay you double to contact and arm the Libertarian rebels. You’d make a 200% profit Margin, and I’ll get what I want. You get the weapons to them in less than two weeks, and we can have a workable deal while I wait for you to finish training those prisoners.”

Jefferson’s eyes widened at the prospect of such profits, but he shook his head.

“It’d be risky,” Jefferson hissed. “And my company--”

“I’ll pay you three times!” Mc Damon offered. “three times the market value of the weapons! MANPADs, ATGMs, nothing heavy. Just small weapons that can be employed by mobile bands of guerillas. That sort of stuff. I’m a wealthy man, and I have lots of friends who would like to see an opening of Marquesan markets and borders. Come on. you know it wouldn’t hurt.”

“..let’s discuss the details tonight at my home over a bottle of Burgundy.”

by **Mahdah** » Tue Jun 16, 2015 2:03 pm

"Acquiring weapons for the defense of Muslims is a religious duty... If I seek to acquire these weapons, I am carrying out a duty." - Osama Bin Laden.

Recommended Listening.

Kohima, Darjeeling Prefecture,
Kyushu Penninsula, Marquesas Shogunate.

It wasn't long before the Darjeeling Army did begin it's deployment throughout the terror stricken cities now plagued and partially occupied by Al Hafa linked resistance fighters. Kohima was the first city to witness the appearance of the resistance fighters take over several districts and push out local security forces and now the indigenous army was coming to re-take the streets and restore order to Kohima although It wouldn't be as easy as they thought It be. When the army entered Kohima It seemed as If everything was strangely perfectly normal in the city, they didn't find any of these resistance fighters as they moved through the city and even into the districts the resistance fighters had taken before. Something wasn't right but many in the Army who were now in Kohima didn't think so and considered their entering and quelling of rebellion in Kohima to be a success.

And just as the Army thought they had scored a successful victory against the not yet seen resistance fighters they came and struck like lighting. From the alley ways, balconies and roof tops the resistance fighters unleashed a large scale ambush against the entering Darjeeling Army in Kohima. They had waited in hiding for the army to advance deeper and deeper into the city before they would spring their trap, several remote detonated car bombs and IEDs placed about the city where the Darjeeling Army soldiers and their vehicles advanced through suddenly exploded in rapid succession. The explosions claimed dozens of the Army's soldiers and even some of their vehicles as the resistance fighters themselves from their positions unleashed a hail of gunfire upon the Army. In the haze of the aftermath of the explosions and now the hail of gunfire from the resistance fighters sent the soldiers in a state of panic as their fellow comrades fell in pools of blood to the insurgents ambush.

Now the resistance fighters begun to show themselves in the face of the now panicked and confused enemy. Moving from street to street, alley to alley and corner to corner the resistance fighters advanced forward with the momentum they now had. The army's soldiers stood no chance in the face of a underestimated tactical enemy. Some soldiers stuck to where they were and tried to mount a defense against the advancing fighters, utilizing their heavy machine gun mounted BMP-2 and it's 30mm cannon they were somewhat more successful in suppressing the resistance fighters as they stuck inside buildings or the alley ways. It was then from elevated positions such as roof tops and balconies a coordinated attack with RPG-7s and RPG-29s targeting the enemy armor such as their BMP-2s and T-72s. Within minutes scorched burning carcasses of steel hulls littered the streets, some even abandoned by their crews during the fighting.

As the fighting in Kohima begun to die down due to the frantic retreat by the Army, the resistance fighters took the pleasure in beginning to scavenge through the enemy's dead, assault rifles, pistols, ammunition and other weaponry were taken off the dead and the dying for use amongst the resistance fighters themselves adding to their arsenal and stock piles. The fighters once again secured the districts they had previously had infiltrated by the enemy and even more of the city was now under their watch. Life had seemed to return with some residents leaving their homes to inspect any damages or if the fighting had died down. Similar instances as the first clash at Kohima were happening in other cities as well as the Darjeeling Army clashed with the resistance fighters and were loosing now forced to re-group and re-think it's strategy although additional army units were already being deployed across the prefecture, the fight for Darjeeling had only just begun.

Unknown cave system, Mountains outside of Kohima,
Kyushu Penninsula, Marquesas Shogunate.

It was quiet and dark inside the cave system which Tamem and other resistance fighters who made up the 'leadership' of what was now called the 'Alkharan Front in Kyushu Penninsula' or 'Al Hafa in Marquesas'. Light fixtures hanging from the cave ceiling were the only source of light as Tamem stood with several others over a table with a map laid out before them all. The map was a printed out map from a internet search engine of what is the Darjeeling Prefecture. Receiving word on recent developments with clashes against the army and the success of the militants against the Army, Tamem circled the cities the militants had presence in which included Kohima, Thiruvalla, Sirhoi, Sankari and the prefecture capital of Rae Baeli.

"Well with what our brothers are telling us, they've successfully thwarted the first Army incursions with little to no casualties." Tamem said as he let off a smile looking at the map as did the others watching him and the map. Tamem before he was involved with Al Hafa had been a former Lieutenant in the Mahdavian Army and was experienced in leading large numbers of people, thus his position as de-facto leader of Al Hafa's influence in the Marquesas.

"Now as expected, we should see the next incursions soon but this time they'll be more of the Army out here. We must ensure tactical and strategic victory against our enemy and cripple their ability to wage war against us and our cause." Tamem explained as the men around the table nodded and agreed.

"Time is also not on our side, yes the Marquesan are distracted with their own people rebelling against them, but we must make full haste in securing a strong foothold before they figure out what's going on in Kyushu." Tamem again explained knowing that possibly eventually the Shogunate might find out what's going on in Kyushu and dispatch troops to stop it. Tamem hoped a strong foothold in the prefecture could be made before that happened. The radio on Tamem's belt squawked as he took it off his belt and listened, It seemed the Army had begun it's next incursions and the fight was back on. Tamem pressed the talk button and relayed orders before putting his radio back and looking at the men around him.

"We have a duty to our faith and our people, the caliphate must be established in Kyushu, This is where we will make history." Tamem saying a few words of encouragement before nodding to the other gentlemen and leaving for his command post within the caves as did the others.

by **The Greater Aryan Race** » Wed Jun 17, 2015 7:49 pm

Reich Chancellery
Germania
The Greater Aryan Race

As the Marquesan Shogunate lurched from crisis to crisis in Hellas, the Reich Cabinet was deep in session at the Reich Chancellery in Germania. In addition to the members of the cabinet, the seriousness of the situation in Marquesan meant that several additional high-ranking members of the Government and Party had been brought in to sit in on the cabinet meeting. These included the three heads of the service branches of the Wehrmacht and the Chief of Military Intelligence, Admiral Bernhart Holdermann.

At the end of the massive oak-wood conference table of the Cabinet Room, Colonel-General Ernst Hummels, Chief of the General Staff, was already briefing the Führer and the rest of the executive on the steady progress made by the Marquesan rebel forces as a gain digital screen showcased a map of the Shogunate coloured in different colours, each shade indicating the extent of Government and rebel influence in the area.

"Within several weeks, if Royal Marquesan Forces at Arms prove incapable of subdueing the rebel militia, we can estimate that the rebels will be able to acquire sufficient weaponry and recruits to successfully mount an attack on Nuku Hiva, the Marquesan capital."

"Within ten weeks or so, the rebel forces could very well seize the whole of the Shogunate for themselves, while the last RFA troops will be reduced to nothing more than pockets of resistance against the new government. No doubt we can expect the Shogunate itself to fracture apart as her constituent satellite states start to secede from the Shogunate."

"Secede?", queried the Reich Propaganda Minister, "Are not the states and prefectures of the Shogunate committed to a united Marquesan state? Why this talk of secession?"

"Because, Herr Warnecke," replied Reich Foreign Minister Balck as he shifted in his leather chair, "the districts of the Shogunate are only committed to the central government and the Shogun as long as it suits them politically and economically to do so. Now that that arrangement is falling apart and the plebeians are rioting in the streets, it would be foolish for the provincial chiefs to pretend business can carry on as per normal. No doubt some of them are more concerned about saving their asses rather than implementing far-flung nonsense about human liberty and freedom but you get the point."

"Well what are we waiting for? We should be mobilizing the Armed Forces to lend all available support to the Shogunate! Crush the rebels and it'll send a message to those in the Reich who would contemplated similar endeavors!" exclaimed the Chief of the Army, the aged Field Marshal Horst von Mollendorf, a committed hawk in the cabinet and one of the most vocal proponents of greater German intervention in the crisis. On cue, the rest of the service chiefs nodded their heads in agreement while Field Marshal Bergmann, Commander-in-Chief of the Wehrmacht stared impassively ahead.

"I'm afraid the Field Marshal is being a tad too hasty," interjected Reich Minister Balck, "Intervention now on the side of the Shogunate will bring us no tangible benefits while miring our troops in another quagmire we can ill-afford to support, to say nothing of the reaction of the rest of Sondria. Crontor for one, has already openly declared themselves in support of the rebels alongside the Mahdahvians. I advocate we continue to wait out the situation until we have a clearer picture of the Crisis."

"It's a rebellion, not a tea party. That's as clear as you'll get." retorted Field Marshal von Mollendorf. He snorted at the attempts of the diplomats to hold back the Reich's military assertiveness, always so concerned with fleshing out peaceful resolutions and diplomatic chit-chat.

"There is however, a slight twist to the Crisis." stated Reich Minister Hugo Honecker, the Führer's security chief. Since the Crisis first unfolded, he and his colleagues in the Normanenstrasse had been monitoring the Shogunate's descent into chaos while they scrambled to salvage their intelligence network of spies and informants in the country.

"Information has reached State Security of reports that Al-Hafa militants have been operating in the northern and western fringes of the Shogunate. We are still verifying the situation but it would seem entirely plausible, considering that Marquesan hosts a sizeable Mahdavian minority community within its borders."

"If we are not careful, there is the unwelcome possibility that Al-Hafa could exploit the internal disturbances in the Shogunate to entrench itself in Hellas like a veritable plague."

As the Reich Minister spoke, an aide entered the crowded cabinet room and squeezed towards the table where Reich Minister Balck was seated. Leaning in to whisper into his ear while passing a sheet of paper to him, one could the Reich Minister's face change and contort with obvious discomfort. He now rose to speak.

"The Foreign Ministry has just received a report that the prefectures of Akola, Orai, Shanti, Darjeeling, Bertaut and Desroches have announced their secession from the Shogunate."

That was all it took to reignite the debate in the Reich Cabinet as the pro-war faction clashed once more with the doves over whether the GAR should indeed intervene in the Crisis more actively. Eventually the Führer himself was forced to break the deadlock by detailing his orders to the Cabinet: The Reich would continue to maintain armed neutrality in the face of the Marquesan Crisis but would begin making tentative offers of aid to the Shogunate. The whole of the Wehrmacht was to be mobilized on a war footing, thereby satisfying the generals. The need to evacuate all German citizens from Marquesan was now even more urgent then ever.

Official Communique of The Fascist Dictatorship Of The Greater Aryan Race

To: The Governments of all the nation-states of Sondria
From: The Reich Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of the Greater Aryan Race

Subject: Declaration of Intent on the Marquesan Crisis

Encryption: LOW

To the Respective Governments,

Since the first instances of rioting and armed conflict in the Shogunate of Marquesan, the Reich Government of the Greater Aryan Race has noted with growing concern as the armed insurgency waged by anti-state separatists shows no sign of abating, thereby threatening to upset the geopolitical order and stability of the wider region in Sondria proper.

Mindful of her duties towards regional peace and stability in Sondria and cognizant of the need to respect the internal affairs of all nation-states as a sovereign right, the Reich Government hereby issues the following declaration of principles concerning the position of the Reich Government on the Marquesan Crisis:

The Shogunate of Marquesan and the incumbent Shogun Hyuga is the sole legitimate authority of Marquesan and the sole legal representative of the Marquesan peoples.
The Greater Aryan Race formally condemns and denounces the efforts of hostile-negative forces aided by foreign backers to engage in separatist and anarchical tendencies in Marquesan, aiding and encouraging open rebellion and unlawful separatism in clear violation of the constitutional order and the rule of law.
The Greater Aryan Race considers diplomatic and peaceful measures to be the only possible recourse in situations of extreme tension such as the current Crisis.

With these principles, the Greater Aryan Race stands ready to discharge her Sondrian duty in assisting in the termination of this Crisis and the ending of the rebel insurgency that threatens the foundations of regional stability.

To that end, I have been instructed by the Reich Chancellor and Führer to present the following demands and conditions for fruitful peace negotiations to take place between the Shogunate and the rebel forces.

The government of the Fascist Dictatorship of the Greater Aryan Race hereby calls for:

An immediate halt of all military operations by the forces of the rebellion and the Marquesan Royal Forces at Arms.
An immediate ceasefire to take effect with the implementation of the above-mentioned clause.
The Sondrian Regional Council shall meet immediately to discuss a permanent diplomatic resolution to the Marquesan Crisis.
All belligerent parties shall work within the framework of the SRC peace negotiations to establish a permanent and just peace in the region.
The Greater Aryan Race proposes to deploy it's own military forces to the Shogunate of Marquesan for the purpose of forming a peacekeeping and peace-enforcing force in the region while preserving and protecting the territorial sovereignty and integrity of the Shogunate of Marquesan.

These are our demands, which we sincerely hope the parties involved would accede to in order to bring this insurgency to a close. If however, any one party declines to adopt our demands and conditions or makes no official response whatsoever, then this Government, under the leadership of the Reich Chancellor and Führer, will be forced to undertake more vigorous measures to enforce the peace in Hellas.

With regards,
Hermann Balck
Reich Minister for Foreign Affairs
Reich Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Official Communique of The Fascist Dictatorship Of The Greater Aryan Race

To: Shogun Hyuga, Government of the Shogunate of Marquesan
From: The Reich Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of the Greater Aryan Race

Subject: German Military Assistance

Encryption: TOP SECRET

Your Majesty,

The Reich Chancellor and Führer, in his capacity as ruler of the Greater Aryan Race, has noted with increasing concern the deteriorating situation in Marquesan as hostile-negative agitators seek to overthrow the legitimate government of Your Majesty through violent means.

Though relations between our two states have remained cordial albeit interspersed with periods of active cooperation and good-neighborliness, it is clear to the Greater Aryan Race that it is in our best interests to have a fully-functioning and stable Marquesan capable of facilitating the balance of power in Sondria. To that end, the Führer has instructed me to inform Your Majesty of the following proposal to Your Majesty's Government:

The Reich Government of the Greater Aryan Race is willing to export military arms and equipment to the Marquesan Royal Forces at Arms for their use against the rebel forces. Though Your Majesty may opt to trust in the superiority of Marquesan arms in the struggle against the rebel militia, it is important to consider the possibility that rebel successes in Marquesan would deprive the Shogunate of the resources to manufacture it's own weapons.
The Greater Aryan Race is willing to proffer an interest-free loan of $740,000,000 USD to the Shogunate of Marquesan to prop-up the Marquesan economy and financial system.
If Your Majesty consents, the Greater Aryan Race will deploy military forces to the Shogunate to assist in operations against rebel insurgents and armed separatist gangs that threaten the fabric of Marquesan society.

In exchange for the above proposals, the Greater Aryan Race has the following conditions for your consideration:

That the Wehrmacht be authorized and permitted to utilize the Island of Pandora of the Shogunate of Marquesan and it's military bases and ports, as well as all other military bases in the mainland for use as platforms to conduct operations against any belligerent force.
That all available intelligence concerning the insurgency collated by the Marquesan intelligence services be shared with the intelligence and security organs of the Reich.
That the Greater Aryan Race coordinate and cooperate with the Shogunate of Marquesan and her allies against the anti-government forces operating in the Shogunate.

We look forward to hearing your reply and will consequently update Your Majesty on any changes to the situation.

I have the honour to remain, with high consideration,

Hermann Balck
Reich Minister for Foreign Affairs
Reich Ministry of Foreign Affairs

by **Gristol-Serkonos** » Thu Jun 18, 2015 1:32 am

IGSEFB Dosha,
Shanti Prefecture,
Marquesan Shogunate

Operation Dragonfly

A squadron of C-176 Valkyrie quad-rotor dropships takes off as NEO operations began. Amphibious assault ships carrying transport ships left the docks of IGSEFB Dosha, heading for their cities they were assigned to. The Imperial Government has authorized the evacuation operation, dubbing the operation by Imperial High Command as Operation Dragonfly. The Marquesas is a huge country, and evacuating Gristol-Serkonoseans on a war-torn country is an enormous undertaking being performed by solely by SOUCENCOM. The overseas forces in the Marquesas is divided into three forward operations bases and one command headquarters in the Shanti Prefecture with one forward operations base in Coevity Prefecture near the city of Mano.

Inland, SOUCENCOM's armoured infantry divisions comprising of several Coyote MRAVs and MBT-31 Redeemer's moved in to the cities of Assam, Amroha, Gudur, and Karaikal. Several F-104 Ghosts and F/A-18 Reaper fighters flew over the skies to provide aerial reconnaissance for the ground forces. Given the nature of the operations, offensive weapons are only to be used for self-defence, in compliance to the IGSDF's rules of engagement. Flying above the convoys, C-176 Valkyries are guarded by AH-80 Attack Helicopters as they head for their landing zones. IGSDF soldiers, clad in their SPARTAN armour rode inside their MRAVs as they approach the Consulate where Gristol-Serkonoseans found refuge.

The plan was routine. Evacuees are driven to the designated landing zones where C-176 Valkyries are landed. The C-176s will fly to IGSEFB Dosha where C-70 Super Bellona transport aircraft will fly back to the Sovereign Empire.

In Rota, Arue Prefecture, a TH-60 helicopters, flanked by MAH-80s descend on the Gristol-Serkonosean consulate. As they land on the consulate's rooftop, IGSDF marines that got off the TH-60s were welcomed by the DSS officers as they escort the evacuees. The pair of MAH-80 circled the consulate, keeping watch of the surroundings as the transport helicopters evacuate the citizens out. "Consulate's cleared of refugees. The Consulate staff is still destroying their files, we'll be back for them!" the DSS officer told the commanding officer of the Marine contingent as the helicopters took off.

Palati Populae,
Rien-Stadt, C.D.R.
Gristol-Serkonos

From the Press gallery to the main chamber, to say the Consei-Estadi was full is a monumental understatement. The chamber was not intended to hold all 646 members, with seating only limited to 500 of all the elected members. With the Chamber in session and is unusually full (usually the Chamber is full when bill of confidence are voted upon), the Speaker had to overwork his vocal chords more than usual. Lord High Chancellor Cynthia Valtorum was midway to her address and was forced to sit down as the backbenchers from the Social Democrats and the Progressive Conservatives yelled over each other.

"ORDER, ORDER!!" Baron Avi Victorsson, the Speaker of the Chamber, stood up as the rowdy backbenchers grudgingly calmed down. The Speaker faced the instigator "Mr. Rantala, you are one excitable individual! There will be order in this Chamber or I'll have you thrown out if you do it again! Now, the Lord High Chancellor." he beckoned for the member as he sat down.

"Thank you, Mr. Speaker." the Lord High Chancellor spoke as she approached the Dispatch Box on the government side of the chamber with her binder. "As I was saying, the Chamber must vote upon this bill. We are in the precipice of the largest shift in Sondrian geopolitics. We must help ensure that the Shogunate or whatever comes after this would retain its stability and control of its prefectures. This is an uncertain time for the Shogunate as well as the Sovereign Empire. So I urge you again, to vote on our measure to extend our military operations from Shanti to across Kyushu. Our government must provide stability in cooperation with our Pendragon allies." she sat down as her Progressive Conservative back and front benchers cheered and applauded.

"The Chamber now calls upon the Official Leader of the Opposition!" called Speaker Victorsson.

A visibly angry opposition leader rose from his seat and approached the Opposition-side Dispatch Box. "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, will this be another repeat of the Jagite War? Eleven million troops of our military forces are left unable to contribute because of this government's inability to act. What sort of reassurance can the Lord High Chancellor provide to us that this will not be a repeat? And will you give us reassurance that a peaceful transition is possible? If she can answer those questions, then she can have our votes!" to the applause and cheers of the front and back benchers of the opposition parties, the opposition leader sat.

Valtorum sat silently as the Minister of Defence was called upon and explained the government's case to the chamber.

"Mr. Speaker, our legal justification for this expansion of our peacekeeping mission in the Shogunate is solely to provide assistance for our allies. The IGSDF prepared to begin air campaigns against rebel positions as soon as possible. This will also include key Al Hafa targets. Of course, we will be operating in full cooperation of the Marquesan government. And we will adhere to the limitations imposed by them."

This will be a long session. Valtorum sighed as she keyed instructions on her smartphone. She instructed her aides to begin the draft on their communique for the Shogun. She further added that she will look upon it when the session goes into recess.

by **Crontor** » Tue Jun 23, 2015 8:46 pm

Sender: Crontorian Ministry of State
Receiver: United Empire of Aquilinia
Encryption: Secret
Subject: Neighborly Relations

The Imperial Federation of Crontor humbly requests an audience with a representative of the United Empire of Aquilinia to discuss emerging issues of pertinence to both of our great nations. With the growing unrest in the Marquesan Shogunate now boiling over into full-fledged civil war, the safety and security of the entire continent of Hellas is under threat. We in the Imperial Federation firmly believe that the best approach to calm the ongoing situation is through international dialogue. Only with concerted regional action can an even greater regional crisis be averted.

We await your response.

Alan Suderity
Ministry of State

Sondria;
Hellas;
The Midlands;
Villa of Senator McDamon:

Looking westwards towards the setting sun, Supreme Commander Crogden of the Imperial Federation stood silently and let the warm air wash over him. He took a sip of the beer in his hand and glanced at the label. It was a Crontorian brew, a favorite of his, and widely available in the Imperial Federation’s southwestern neighbor. The Midlands were, at least for now, quiet and peaceful, their vast expanses of open plains and farmlands representing just a small sliver of the geographic diversity of the continent of Hellas. Bordering the Imperial Federation and the Shogunate, the nation had never historically been able to carve out a significant sphere of power and influence, its efforts constantly squashed by the whims of the greater powers.

As a result, the Midlands were similarly divided ethnically and politically. Groups of immigrants from across Hellas and the surrounding continents had established scattered communities and integrated into local populations. The proximity and natural talents of the Crontorian migrants, supported by their brethren to the east had ensured that generations of Crontori peoples had come to form the political, economic, and military elite. Much to the chagrin of many populations in the Midlands, Vienna was able to exert a great deal of influence even in scattered hamlets here in southwestern Hellas. It was these historic ties, forged in centuries of iron and gold, that Crogden counted upon once again to help the Imperial Federation in its time of need.

Glancing south, he stared towards the Shogunate. Hundreds of miles to the south, the Shogunate was burning and if the Imperial Federation wanted to enact the revenge that it so desperately sought for the most embarrassing and devastating defeat in its modern history, it needed to explore every possible option. It did not take a scholar to determine the strategic significance of the Midlands to continental, international, and regional security. The first battles of Sondria’s greatest war would be fought here, in the wilds of Hellas.

Sondria;
Sondria Capital Islands;
Sondrian Regional Council:

“The Imperial Federation of Crontor,” began Ambassador Gavin Cranico, picking up where the German ambassador left off, “would like to thank the proactive nature of the German delegation for pressing for an emergency conference on this matter. Peace can only be achieved through international cooperation and dialogue. Therefore, the best solution can only come from this council. For too long we have allowed crisis after crisis to simmer and eventually break into an inferno while we bicker and moan. I push this council to take immediate action to quell the growing violence in the Shogunate as it has dangerous implications for the stability of this region as a whole.”

“While the Imperial Federation would like to refrain from declaring a legitimate representative of the Marquesan people, as it is simply not our call to make. What I can do is call upon the government of the Marquesas to listen to the will of its people and take immediate action to rectify those decisions that have caused the unrest. Furthermore, we call upon both factions to lay down their arms and begin peace negotiations. We also applaud the willingness of the German government to deploy peacekeepers to control the violence and in the absence of any decisions by the SRC, we call upon the The Great Aryan Race to move with all due haste to deploy peacekeepers to the embattled nation.”

Work in Progress.

by **Havensky** » Tue Jun 23, 2015 9:22 pm

Port City of Fourhearts
West Sevi Islands, Sondria

Trevor Talonson frowned as he looked over the reports coming in from Stars and Signals Command. He twirled the stylus in his hands as he read the latest report on happenings in the Shogunate before his green eyes paused on a certain paragraph. Talonson's fingers ran through his salt and pepper beard as he questioned the intelligence officer.

"How confident are you in this analysis?"

Intelligence Officer Eliza Sha replied confidently, "We've ran the models half a dozen ways and they all end up the same way. A bloody fist fight with a lot of blood split on both sides. Newcastle was a gods damn bloody mess - but it resulted in the Shogunate being a check on Crontor's government. Even if the Shogunate survives the crisis, the balance of power in the region will be unstable for a time. And gods know that the Skyan World Service has been reporting on some serious stuff in Madah. We'd be fools not to prepare for the worst case scenario."

Talonson groaned.

"Six months. We've had the port open for six months and we already got a fracking crisis in the area. What are the odds the port would be in danger?"

Officer Sha clicked her tablet and a map of the area displayed on the glass wall.

"We're well within the Elder Republic's sphere of influence. Anyone who makes a run at the port would also be making a run at the Elder Republic. Of course, if somebody decides to take a shot at the only other free nation in the region there's a chance we'd be dragged along with it. However, trying taking our port doesn't provide a lot of advantage anyway. The deployment of our forces from our other bases would be more trouble than it's worth."

"It's also it's too damn cold here to be bothered with!"

The room laughed.

The Port City of Fourhearts had been an old port leased from the Elder Republic from their West Sevi Islands. The far northern port was a good 40 degrees colder than any city in the home region of Texas. Most Skyans had never even seen snow and those who had been stationed in Fourhearts had undergone a bit of a shock at the cold weather. Even those who had hailed from Gholgoth had been shocked by the cold. The wind alone had cut through their bodies like a knife. It had taken several weeks and assistance from the Elder Republic to adapt their equipment.

Talonson raised his hand for silence.

"Ok, what are our current options?"

"The Imperial Federation and the Na....Greater Aryan Race have called for peace talks. We could easily echo their sentiment, although the Imperial Federation isn't exactly an uninterested party in this.

We could reach out to the Elder Republic and see what their thoughts are. I imagine their thinking would be similar to ours.

Or, we could simply do nothing and wait and see what happens."

Talonson shook his head vigorously and started tapping out a missive on his tablet.

"No, doing nothing isn't an option. I'm going to request the 2nd Humanitarian Fleet to deploy to the Port. I'm also going to request that the 7th Expeditionary Fleet be moved to the port. At the very least, I want to be able to discourage any hostiles. In the meantime, let's send some one on one messages to various parties encouraging talking. Let's try to avoid anything public until we have to."

Sha saluted sharply, "Understood"

* * * *

To: The Most Esteemed Representative of the Elder Republic of Erjunhuf
From: Trevor Talonson, Ambassador-at-Large to the Region of Sondria
Subject: Touching Base

I'm sure your government is just as concerned with the events in the Shogunate as my superiors are in Crystal City. Our instinct is to call for peace talks at the SRC, but we wanted to check in with you first. We, the Free People of Sondira, must stick together in times of crisis and as we operate very close to your borders we didn't want to make any moves without you knowing first. We've reached out to the Shogunate offering the services of our diplomatic and humanitarian corps. We are prepared to publicly back the peace talks as suggested by the GAR and the Imperial Federation unless you have some objection.

I have also summoned the 2nd Humanitarian Fleet to the Port of Fourhearts. They will be prepared to render aid in the event of conflict. The 7th Expeditionary Fleet will also be moving to a position just outside regional waters in case things goes sideways. I will be glad to make introductions to the appropriate counterparts in your armed forces. Obviously, if forces hostile to the Elder Republic enter your territory the 7th Fleet would naturally fall into your defensive formations.

As always, in friendship

Trevor Talonson
Ambassador to the Region of Sondria

To: The Most Esteemed Representative of the Marquesan Shogunate
From: Trevor Talonson, Ambassador at Large to the Region of Sondria
Subject: We're here if you need us

My friend,

We understand that this may be a difficult time for you and your government. Please be aware that the services of the Skyan Diplomatic Corp are at your disposal. The Skybound Republic will gladly provide diplomatic and humanitarian support to secure a peaceful resolution to this conflict.

Please keep in touch and don't hesitate to call if you need to talk.

Regards,
Trevor

by **Aquilinia** » Wed Jun 24, 2015 3:13 am

Undisclosed Location
The Bismarck Isles, United Empire of Aquilinia

18/06/1306 And.
06.00 local time - midnight IST

"So, Al-Hafa are involved. Who would have thought." The man shook his head and laughed. "This certainly does not come as a surprise to me. Or does it surprise any of you?" The hooded figures sat around the table all shook their heads in silence. "I wouldn't have thought so. Our politicians in the capital, of course, are completely ignorant of what is going on. No, they debate refugees, whether they should send aid, what a waste of time and hot air. This was not what we wanted when we restored the monarchy, was it, brothers and sisters?" Again, the figures shook their heads.

"We should remind them, master." Another voice came from the shadows in the corner of the darkened room, quiet, menacing. "Remind the Empress and her political pets that we gave her the throne to maintain order, not for this farce. We wanted a strong Empire, not this ridiculous show of clowns."

The master laughed again. "Calm, brother. Your moment will come. Our moment will come. But you are right, we should send them a little reminder." He got up. "Gentlemen, this meeting is adjourned. We shall meet again soon."

The home of Elizabeth Steele
Fort Aquilaine, East Francia, The United Empire of Aquilinia

12.00 IST

Steele had just sat down for a nice, quiet lunch with her daughter, who had arrived in the capital late the previous night, when the two were interrupted by a knock on the door. With an apologetic look to her daughter, the Vicar got up and quickly went over to the door. All Victoria heard were a few hushed whispers, and a sheet of paper was exchanged. As soon as the messenger had left, the Vicar sat back down and shook her head. "The IFC wants to talk. I need to get back to my office straight away. I'm sorry, Vix, but..." Victoria held up her hand. "Mum, you're important, and this damn crisis is important. I understand. Let me drive you."

Leaving their nearly untouched lunch on the table, the two women got up, Victoria grabbing her keys from the sideboard. "I'll drop you off and head home, I've got some things I need to get done myself. I've been in the Isles for far too long this time."

The Imperial Vicary
Fort Aquilaine, East Francia, The United Empire of Aquilinia

12.30 IST

It had been a quick drive through lunchtime traffic, and soon, Victoria pulled her car into the space marked "VIP", just round the back of the Vicary. "I have to admit, it's more comfortable than you think," her mother said with a laugh as she got out of the car. "But I still say you should go for something a bit newer." Victoria laughed as she got out of the other side. "Hey. It's a classic. A black 1290 SLK AMG? Believe me, in a few years this car will be very, very valuable."

The two women were still talking about cars when they arrived outside the Vicar's office. Victoria looked at her mother. "Right, I need to see Field Marshal Matthews. Call me when you're finished with all your governmenty business, and we can try again for dinner?" She laughed as she walked away down the corridor. Steele straightened her jacket, and opened the door to her office.

Which was not empty. A greying man in his late sixties was sat behind Elizabeth's desk and got up as she walked in. "Ah, finally. Your secretary told me to take a seat, that you'd be round shortly. Half an hour ago." Elizabeth shook her head. "What do you want, dad?"

The old man laughed. "What do I want? Business. Do I need to remind you who funded your election campaign? Who got you into this office? It's time for you to repay the favour." He pushed a hidden switch on one of the bookshelves, revealing a large screen. Elizabeth didn't even bother asking how he knew about it - her father's company had provided the entire equipment for this office. A few commands on the touchscreen later, and her father had brought up a spreadsheet and some graphs. "Goliath's business has been going good in all sectors except one: warfare. With our troops never being deployed, sales for ammunition, field rations, first aid kits, rifles, grenades, and so on, have all declined by almost sixty per cent over a period of ten years. One big war would change that. Get involved in Marquesan."

Elizabeth only had one word for her father's plan. "No. We won't get involved in Marquesan, and definitely not on Goliath's orders. You know that." Her father laughed. "If you don't get involved officially, we'll do it for you. Remember, we have a pretty well-equipped security force ourselves. We will do this. With or without you." Without another word, he turned around and walked out of the office. Elizabeth heard him greet his granddaughter on the corridor before his steps faded away. With a sigh, she sat down at her desk and flipped through the day's correspondence, before booting up her computer and sending an encrypted message to Crontor.

Code: Select all: OFFICE OF THE IMPERIAL VICAR - OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION. ENCRYPTION ALPHA-NINE TO: IFC MINISTRY OF STATE RE: NEIGHBOURLY RELATIONS 18/06/1306A. 1245IST. Dear Mr Suderity, I agree with your assessment that it is necessary to discuss these matters in person. I am open to a personal meeting with any representatives of the Crontorian government. I am able to fly to Vienna or any airport of your designation with a small staff for an immediate meeting. I await your confirmation. Elizabeth Steele, Imperial Vicar

by **North Yemen-** » Wed Jun 24, 2015 9:12 pm

Mc Damon's Residence

The self-identifying Crontorian minority in the Midlands comprised a measly 17% of the Midland’s population, shadowed by the massive and gargantuan Marquesan and Erjunhite nationalities that formed the bulk of the labor force and national military. Crontorian inferiority in numbers aside, however, the outnumbered, beleaguered Crontorian nationals managed to forge a powerful presence in the Middling nation thanks to a combination of Crontorian influence and an ambitious desire to build a new Crontorian nation in the Midlands. Crontorian nationalist influence on the formerly Francophone Midland nation had been so prevalent that English was now the national language, the flag mimicked that of Crontor’s and the economy was run by a select number of elite Crontorian families--many of whom had strong ties back to Vienna.

Senator Mc Damon went to great lengths to present himself as a genial and magnanimous man. Mc Damon smiled as he greeted his guests with that famous movie-smile. The Madisons had just arrived with their son, Lucas. Patting the boy’s back and stuffing his pockets with candy, Mc Damon demonstrated a social and political finesse that had catapulted him from a life in narcotic dealings to political dominance of the Crontori-aligned Hawk party. His ability to charm others was instrumental to his legions of adoring followers and fanatics. His willingness to support the Crontorian Nationalist agenda had additionally won him the backing of several wealthy financiers who had a vested desire to keep Crontorian influence in control in Midlands.

“Sir,” a uniformed member of the Crontorian Nationalist Front in Midland approached Mc Damon, snapping a fisted salute. “Your special guest has arrived. He wishes to speak to you, sir.”

“Ah?” Mc Damon gently put his glass of champagne into the hand of a waiter, and followed the soldier to the restroom where a secret door opened from behind a toilet stall. The soldier stood guard as Mc Damon gingerly rolled the door to a close.

Mc Damon descended to the small, dimly lit meeting room where a dozen of the wealthiest Midlanders and, lo and behold, Crogden himself, sat waiting.

“Ah, welcome to my humble abode,” Mc Damon smiled. “I’m afraid that this is no time for pleasantries, regardless of how pleasant you all look today. Ah Miss Anderson! Is that a new hairstyle? It’s absolutely ravishing! But I digress,” Mc Damon interjected, as if interrupting himself, revelling in Anderson’s blush.

“As we all know, there are several issues to discuss today, including the Referendum for Midlander membership in the Pendragon Pact, the situation in Marquesan and, of course, our plan to remove the traitorous, incompetent Avila from power. But before I continue, I’d like to bring attention to my guest today.”

“We have a special guest with us here, today,” Mc Damon smiled. “Mr. Crogden! Wouldn’t you like to introduce yourself today?”

Indigo Peak

“Down with Crontor!” rang the cries on the streets of Appleberg.. Thousands had come out to march in support of Midlanteer membership in the Pendragon Pact. While the Crontorian nationalists had strength in wealth and power, the Midlanteer commoner relied on their force of will and overwhelming numbers to keep Crontorian influence in their government in check. The mass majority of the Midlandeer people, a whopping 67%, had a strongly negative view of the Imperial Federation and the Hawk Party. Only skilled vote rigging kept the Crontorian government in power.

In fact, Consul Avila himself had won only through populist appeals to defend the nation and strike at the Crontorian fascists. His appeal resonated with Midlanteer nationalists, Socialists and workers who all had come out en masse to support Avila’s ascension to the Consulship Indeed, the money laid with Crontor and the masses laid .with dreams of a benevolent, righteous Marquesan ally

“Give us Pendragon!” the rally grew larger, stronger and more numerous.

This wouldn’t do. This simply wouldn’t do at all.

by **Aquilinia** » Thu Jun 25, 2015 6:52 am

Goliath Tower
Fort Aquilaine, Francia, The United Empire of Aquilinia

18/06/1306 And.
15.30 IST

Geoffrey Steele shook his head as he sat down behind is own desk on the top floor of the highest office building in the capital. So his daughter was trying to defy him. Him, the founder, owner, and CEO of the largest corporation in the Empire. Twenty per cent of the working population of the Empire were employed either directly or indirectly by Goliath. Automotive industry, media, banking, insurance, arms, security, food, travel, transport, energy, construction - the list of Goliath businesses was nearly endless. And yet, Elizabeth thought she could run the country without Goliath's approval? As if. But she would see reason soon. Steele had met some of the most important shareholders of the Corporation after his meeting with the Vicar, and they had confirmed what he had wanted to do. The only thing that remained to be done was send the letter.

To: The Government of the Shogunate of the Marquesas
Nuku Hiva, Marquesan

Ft Aquilaine, 18/06/1306

Honoured representatives of the Marquesan government,

it has come to our attention that your nation is in a state of crisis. Rioting in the streets, citizens killing each other. Military intervention has been inevitable. While the loss of life saddens us, it was inevitable that blood would be shed in the containment of this crisis. The international community may condemn this move, but I fully understand the reason behind your actions. Order must be maintained at all costs, even if it means deploying the military. It is for the safety of the people, after all.

This is why we at Goliath will not condemn your actions. We have petitioned the Imperial Government to send aid to the Royal Marquesan Forces at Arms, but unfortunately the Imperial Assembly has declined our request. Although this means that there will be no official aid from the Imperial Government, Goliath, as a private company, is free to act in your support. We have therefore dispatched a convoy laden with supplies for your forces, ranging from ammunition to rations and first aid supplies. We have also sent some of our security forces to make sure these supplies reach their intended destination and do not fall into the hands of the rebels. If you require their services, Commander Brooke and his men will happily stay in the Marquesas and support your forces against the insurgents. These services are provided free of charge, as a gesture of support for your government. We hope you will be encouraged to do further business with us, and we hope this crisis can be resolved quickly.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require anything from us.

Yours sincerely

Geoffrey Steele
CEO, Goliath Corporation

by **Crontor** » Thu Jun 25, 2015 3:47 pm

Sender: Crontorian Ministry of State
Receiver: United Empire of Aquilinia
Encryption: Secret
Subject: Neighborly Relations

We appreciate the quickness of your response on such an important matter. You are cordially invited to joined myself and some other assorted representatives of the Imperial Federation here at the Ministry of State in Vienna at your earliest convenience. Feel free to bring whichever officials you feel are necessary to discuss our mutual concerns regarding the Shogunate and the security of Hellas.

We will be expecting you.

Alan Suderity
Ministry of State

Sondria;
Hellas;
The Midlands;
Villa of Senator McDamon:

Crogden cracked a smile as Senator McDamon called attention to him, “Please Senator, I believe my reputation precedes me and in any case, I am with old friends. Thank you again, Senator, for hosting us here at your beautiful house and putting out enough booze only to get your guests slightly buzzed.”

Taking a sip of his beer as he waited for the chuckles to die down, Crogden continued, “As I am sure you all know, the Shogunate has seen fit in recent weeks to tear itself apart. Liberal gun laws and a general distaste amongst the populace for an overbearing and aggressive foreign policy has seemingly created the perfect cauldron for a full-fledged civil war. While tracking exact casualty figures are proving difficult to match, the Central Intelligence Service has assured me that the situation is extremely bloody and could very escalate. The security of the Shogunate’s nuclear facilities and its weapons is being monitored closely, but the Imperial Federation is concerned about the regional implications of widespread violence on Hellas. This continent, as you know, has long represented the seat of power in this region. A Hellas locked in internal turmoil cannot lead which is exactly what we need to correct.”

“Plainly put, the Shogun and her Pendragon Pact need to be permanently ended. The entrance of the Midlands into said pact would be a gross miscalculation. I can assure you that certain neighbors of this nation would do just about everything in their power to ensure that the Midlands paid for such a rash action. Which is what I am offering here, today, assistance in a project that as I understand it, has gained a great deal of popularity among this group, the deposal of Avila and a return of power to you gentleman and women. Senator McDamon, anything to add?”

Sondria;
Sondria Capital Islands;
Sondrian Regional Council;
Crontorian Naval Exclusionary Zone:

Another crisis before the Sondrian Regional Council meant that Ambassador Gavin’s Cranico had to continue dancing the delicate line between praising a doctrine that upheld regional human rights and actual Crontorian motives. Making Ambassador Cranico’s job even harder was the regularity at which the aforementioned were diametrically opposed to one another. In this situation, with the SRC Ambassador from the Midlands, James seated before his desk, Ambassador Cranico was dealing with the latter. His natural diplomatic skills had emerged from his career in business, which was still his second job. One did not become head of the Imperial Federation’s largest corporation by sheer dumb luck. A family lineage definitely helped him inherit the reigns of one of the region’s largest companies but he always attributed it to his Master’s Degree in Business from the prestigious University of Vrareba.

“…now listen James,” said Ambassador Cranico, his feet resting on his desk and palms tucked behind his head, “as you can probably imagine, Crontorian intelligence services are pretty good. Sure, we may not have the flashiest tech or claim to be a wellspring of international humanitarian law, but we do one thing right, and that’s intelligence. I personally am a huge fan of intelligence, its essential for every business, political, and social decision ever deceived by our creators, whoever the fuck you perceive them to be. Now what separates political and business decisions are the people who make them. Politicians and businessmen are similar yet very different as they both answer to irritable, incompetent, and largely irrational masses. Politicians answer to the public and businessmen to the stockholders.”

Taking his feet off the desk, Ambassador Cranico leaned forward towards Ambassador Courbonne, “And as I understand it ambassador, you have been acting a little bit too much like a businessman and not enough of a politician. But that’s fine, I am not going to condemn you, instead I will offer you a deal in terms that you understand, as a businessman. You see my dear Courbonne, the Imperial Federation is looking for SRC authorization of a peacekeeping mission to the Shogunate. Hopefully, SRC action will manage to nip this civil war in the bud. We would very much appreciate your vote in favor of this proposal, so I am going to ask you to name your price. Also, before you name something ridiculous, we know exactly where your wife, mistress, and children live.”

Sondria;
Imperial Federation of Crontor;
Administrative District of Crontor;
Whinesew Province;
Alobordo:

Standing before crowds of dock workers and harbor personnel including officials from the Federal Maritime and Port Administration (FMPA), President Norman Carter prepared to begin his address highlighting the launch of a brand new line of container ships. These vessels, the largest ever put to sea by the Crontorian Engineering Corporation (CEC) were marvels of heavy engineering. Constructed in the expansive shipyards of Echeron, these vessels were capable of carrying 9,250 forty foot ISO-standard containers and powered by liquefied natural gas which made them incredibly fuel efficient which came in extra handy when traveling the vast distances necessary to cross Sondria. Crontorian trade touched every continent and her flagged merchant fleet fueled the economic engine at home.

“The city you see behind me,” began President Carter, turning to indicate the glistening skyscrapers of Alobordo across the bay, “was once destroyed in a violent war, devastated and leveled by an aggressive invader. Alobordo has always represented the frontier of the Imperial Federation, once as the southernmost territory of our great nation, then as the launching point of many military expeditions, and finally as at the forefront of the Imperial Federation’s economy. Much like the nation it is honored to call itself part of, Alobordo has risen from the ashes to once again contribute to the greatest nation that Sondria has ever seen. The people of the Imperial Federation are truly indebted to the men and women of Alobordo for their commitment both to rebuilding and the maintenance of these port facilities.”

The remarks were short, but they did not need to drag on. President Carter had made his point and the throngs of cheering onlookers proved that. He posed for photo ops, shook hands, and held babies, all the while cracking jokes and answering questions from the assembled press corps. But all the while, his mind was occupied with the nation a short distance to the south, wracked by violence that posed a growing threat to the Imperial Federation. He knew that the Imperial Federation needed to move and to move quickly in order to contain the violence. For now, the five container ships were being loaded, their maiden voyage to Drontor, the Crontorian territory on Aerus. Elsewhere, to the northwest in Alteria, sister ships of the vessels of Alobordo prepared for their own journey, launching from the port of Duelgin. Carter could only hope these vessels and international commerce would not suffer from the coming war.

Work in Progress

by **The Greater Aryan Race** » Fri Jun 26, 2015 1:30 am

KMS Graf Zeppelin
Carrier Battle Group 1, High Seas Fleet
En-Route to Marquesani Waters

The Gerald R. Ford-Class aircraft carrier cruised through the ocean waters of Sondria, her massive steel hull slicing through the blue waters with almost effortless grace. Onboard the flight deck and within the interior of the supercarrier, personnel scrambled to ensure the carrier's aircraft and her own technical landing systems were kept in good condition, in case they were ever called into action. To the port side of the Graf Zeppelin, her sister ship KMS Friedrich der Grosse was also at sea, together with their escort vessels. They were joined in turn by Carrier Battle Group 2, comprising of the carriers KMS Hindenburg and KMS Konrad Adenaur and the Iowa-Class battleships of the 1st Battleship Squadron (1BS/HFS). All three divisions hailed from the High Seas Fleet, and all had set sail from their home bases in Wilhelmshaven towards their next destination.

As he watched the men of Graf Zeppelin scramble around the flight deck like ants from the carrier's towering bridge, Vice-Admiral Franz von Schoffen could not help but observe with a glowing sense of pride as the Kriegsmarine's finest readied themselves for the potential conflict that they expected to face in the Shogunate. The orders from the OKM had been clear: Sail to Marquesan and begin evacuating those Germans still stranded in the country. Despite this innocuous-sounding mission, the OKM was aware of the numerous risks posed by the fact that the rebel forces were in possession of modern-day aircraft which could pose a serious threat to the warships of the Kriegsmarine. Hence, the decision to send more than half of the total ships of the High Seas Fleet to Marquesan.

Vice-Admiral von Schoffen was still deep in thought when his Chief of Staff, Kapitän zur See Georg Eldersdorf walked up towards him holding the lastest weather forecast report.

"We're expecting a heavy squall within two days Herr Admiral," the Kapitän started, "once that clears, we should have clear blue skies for our carriers."

"And has High Command added any additional orders for us?"

"None so far Herr Admiral. It would no doubt please you to know that we have just passed the island of Pandora and will reach Marquesan waters in five days."

Vice-Admiral von Schoffen took the report from his Chief of Staff and overused through it absent-mindedly, his thoughts still dwelling on his latest assignment. Even if the High Seas Fleet had managed to evacuate all German citizens from Marquesan, there was always the unwelcome possibility that they would have to continue their deployment in Marquesan waters for peacekeeping purposes. By then, von Schoffen hoped he would be backed up by more than simply the remainder of the High Seas Fleet. Peacekeeping and foreign interventions were expensive and highly-demanding affairs.

Sondrian Regional Council Headquarters
Sondrian Capital Islands

It was now the turn of Ambassador Gerhard Drexler, the diplomatic representative of the Greater Aryan Race to the SRC, to speak as he rose to address the delegates of the Sondrian states.

"I thank the ambassador from the Imperial Federation for his continuous support for our diplomatic proposal to address the Marquesan Crisis. Certainly it has long been the policy of this Government to support peaceful, diplomatic initiatives under a multipolar diplomatic concert that takes into account the needs and interests of all parties in Sondria."

"We support, in principle, the implementation of a ceasefire and a halt to all hostilities between the warring parties in the Marquesan Shogunate followed by immediate diplomatic negotiations to flesh out a political agreement to address the root problems of the Crisis."

"However at the same time, legal norms dictate that only the Shogunate of Marquesan can be considered the proper, legitimate authority in Marquesan. The Greater Aryan Race affirms this point, seeing as no new law or arrangement has been reached to change the status quo as it is. Though some of our fellow Sondrians here will disagree, this Council cannot be seen to be encouraging separatist and hostile criminal activity and consequently must reaffirm the legitimate existence of the Shogunate unless it itself renounces it's mandate to govern Marquesan."

"It has also reached our attention, as it probably has already done so for the rest of the Council, that information has emerged which indicates that the terrorist group Al-Hafa has been operating in the Marquesan region. Though current information is brief and sketchy, the fact that Al-Hafa is operating with impunity shows that the Council must act to root out the threat of Islamic fundamentalism posed by these terrorists. And in order to accomplish that we must lend our fullest support to the Shogunate."

"That being said, the Greater Aryan Race is ready to deploy military troops to Marquesan to help enforce a ceasefire between the Shogunate and the anti-government forces. In the spirit of good-neighbourliness and respect for the sovereign right of a nation to manage her own affairs without undue foreign influence, we will only begin any peacekeeping initiatives once the Marquesan government consents to our deployment of troops to the Shogunate."

"Until such a development occurs, I wish to reiterate for the benefit of the Council that our military forces will be concerned only with the evacuation of all German citizens and other foreign nationals from Marquesan."

Ambassador Drexler finished his speech and sat down in his chair while sipping some water from a nearby glass, his eyes scanning the reactions of the rest of the delegates. Convincing them to maintain diplomatic recognition of the Shogunate was already a tall order, convincing them to commit considerable military forces in support of policing the region would be an impossible one.

From the corner of his eye, Ambassador Drexler suddenly noticed that Ambassador Cranico of the Imperial Federation was not in the Council chamber. A most conspicuous absence, but hardly surprising since Ambassador Cranico was most probably discussing matters with his government.

The Greater Aryan Race

While the Führer and his Ministers debated the next course of action for the Greater Aryan Race, the German General Staff of the Wehrmacht was already quietly engaged in the cumbersome process of preparing a campaign strategy for any military campaign in Marquesan, which was already considered inevitable in many government circles in the Greater Aryan Race.

The Generals, whatever their personal views on the Crisis (and there were many who found themselves either supporting or opposing a military venture into Marquesan), were first and foremostly professionals, committed only to the notions of military excellence and professionalism. Whatever the Führer had tasked them to carry out, they executed with all the fervent devotion expressed in their oath of loyalty which they had sworn. And now, until the politicians finally reached an agreement on whether to begin military operations in Marquesan, the task of this Wehrmacht was to plan for any such eventuality.

As the General Staff began the first of many war games and tactical simulations in order to assess the requirements for a Marquesan peacekeeping/military intervention operation, it was already becoming clear to her planners that a sizeable German military presence was crucial if the Wehrmacht ever intended to enforce a ceasefire between the Shogunate and the rebels. Even the most conservative estimates demanded the presence of two to three full German field armies backed up by extensive air and naval support, which would total at least 1.5 million men. And even the presence of Wehrmacht troops would not be sufficient without extensive assistance from the rest of the Sondrian states. Compounding these logistical issues were questions over the basic objective of the German military endeavor: Were they simply to enforce a ceasefire of sorts between the warring factions of Marquesan? Were they required to take sides and lend active support to one belligerent party? What about the security issues surrounding Marquesan's stockpile of WMDs? These were basic fundamental questions that had no intention of disappearing anytime soon.

Until the General Staff was able to conclude it's studies and war plans, the Wehrmacht was already surely but slowly being brought to Readiness State 2, just one state away from outright military action. While the reserves were being mobilized on a war footing, the German Expeditionary Force, a Rapid Reaction Force conceived for quick and sudden deployments overseas, was being prepped for departure to Marquesan within as little as fifteen minutes. All they needed now was a simple authorization order from the Führer and the OKW.

by **Marquesan** » Sat Jun 27, 2015 2:21 pm

The Royal Policy Institute, Ministry of State.

• 18 Rue Lumière, Fatu Hiva, Préfecture Remire, îles Marquises.

• (+65) 1 22 57 66 32 90 • affairesdletat.min.mqs

• Dr. Claude Chalier, Minister.

OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE.
From the Office of the Shōgun, Palace of the Ocean Throne,
La Citadelle Des Etoiles, Nuku Hiva, îles Marquises.
• To: Allied Nations.
• Importance: Highest.
• Subject: Recent Troubles.
• Encoding: Secured.

Dark days are upon us, friends.

This is likely to be my final message to you all. As I write this, a declaration has been passed to me that the two westernmost prefectures of the Shogunate have seceded and broken more than four hundred years of peace. Violence and bloodshed plague the streets of my country evermore day by day. I have no choice now but to either fight a war against my own people or flee the country and leave it to soak in its own blood. I can ask only for your help, my friends, to quench the fires and help my government to restore order to the country; there is war upon the cities of The Marquesas. If she falls, it will destabilize the entire region. I fear the stones and arrows of our hot-tempered neighbors at a time when our gaze is turned inward. The days grow short; for now I shall remain in place and do what I can to hold down what peace there is left. I must ask all of my friends for any aid you can send.

With Respect,

by **Havensky** » Sun Jun 28, 2015 8:08 pm

HRS Comfort
1st and 2nd Humanitarian Fleets
West Sevi Islands

The stark bright white hull of the Comfort broke through the icy waters just south of the Port Fourhearts. Admirals Mohammad Moonwing and Allister Carron stood on the observation deck of the Redemption-Class medical vessel.

To guard against the cold, Carron was drinking a pint of black coffee while Moonwing sipped a cup of chai tea. Carron's black naval coat sported a caduceus while Moonwing wore a small Crescent and Star. On each side of the Comfort, several stark white vessels of various shapes emblazoned with red crystals traveled along the choppy waters alongside them. Above the sea fleet was an airship fleet of at least two dozen large white airships with red stripes.

"I don't like this plan.", muttered Carron after some time. His bright red hair and brooding demeanor contrasted sharply with the kind grandfatherly demeanor of Moonwing.

"You don't have much of a choice Admiral."

"Pssssh, Admiral... I'm still have no idea what the High Council is thinking giving me that sort of rank."

"You don't give yourself enough credit. You're a fine medical officer. You ran the field hospital in Milograd during a very difficult time. Saved a lot of lives."

"I belong in the operating room."

"Allister, you and I both know that given your injury you can't operate. Which is a shame, but the Skybound Republic needs you to play a different role now. Despite your mean streak, I suspect that you genuinely care about people - like most doctors I know."

"Most doctors didn't lose their staff to human patients wired to explode. Humans suck. All I do now is my job. And, might I add, it does not include feeling great about the hair brained plan. It makes zero sense to split the fleet."

Moonwing took another sip of tea.

"Secretary Atticus feels that it will make it easier to negotiate peace talks this way. You deal with the rebels, while I deal with the Shogunate's forces. The separation will make it easier to build trust with the rebel forces. Trust we'll need to get them to the peacetalks."

"Anno Anno, but are we really backing this huddy proposal from Contor? Letting the skinheads in as godsdamn peacekeepers?"

"The prospect of armed foreign soldiers may incite a willingness to come to the table quickly."

A helijet flew over the pair's head and landed on the flight deck.

"That would be my ride. I'll go along Admiral, but I don't like it. And you should get inside - it's fraking baltic out.

* * * *

Sondrian Regional Council
Sondria Capital Islands

Skyan Ambassador-at-Large to Sondia Trevor Talonson took the podium next.

"The Skybound Republic would like to express their support for the Crontian resolution. While it is our opinion that the call for peacekeepers is a bit premature, if the two sides can not agree to a cease fire immediately we see no other options. At this time, we would like to announce to the Council that the Skybound Republic has deployed two Humanitarian Fleets in response to the crisis. These fleets will tend to the wounded as well as deliver food and other humanitarian supplies to the civilian populations affected by the crisis."

* * * *

Encrypted Message to the Leadership of the Western Marquesan States
From: Ambassador at Large Trevor Talonson
Subject: Humanitarian Aid

Friends,

As you know, my government has ordered the deployment of the 2nd Humanitarian Fleet to western Marquesan. We have made this public knowledge. What we have not made public is that the Skyan People are sympathetic to your goals. We, being a free people, do not bear a grudge towards any people seeking the same freedom.

However, the violence and bloodshed that this conflict has inflicted will make achieving your goals more difficult. At this moment, the regional council is considering deploying foreign troops in the very neighborhoods you call home. I suspect this is not something you desire.

The 2nd Humanitarian Fleet is headed towards your shore. The 1st Humanitarian Fleet is headed towards the Shogunate's forces. When they arrive, consider calling a ceasefire so that we may tend to the wounded and evacuate civilians from the front lines. Perhaps you will even allow us the privilege of helping with negotiations. Look at our history. You will see we are skilled negotiators. With both sides joining talks under a ceasefire, my government can then make the case that foreign troops are not needed.

Please consider our offer. You may contact me directly with any questions.

Ambassador Talonson

Encrypted Message to The Shogun
From: Secretary of State Lance Atticus
Subject: Humanitarian Aid

Your Honor,

As you know, my government has ordered the deployment of the 1st Humanitarian Fleet and 2nd Humanitarian Fleet to your nation. The 1st Humanitarian Fleet will provide medical and humanitarian aid to your troops and aid in the evacuation of your civilians. You should also know that our 2nd Humanitarian Fleet will do the same for the prefectures currently in rebellion.

We realize this may put a strain on our relationship, but the Skybound Republic feels that the best chance at bringing the warring states to the negotiating table is to offer this support. Otherwise, we can not be seen as an honest broker in these dealings.

Our goal will be to negotiate a ceasefire when the fleets arrive in order to render aid and evacuate civilians. If we can manage it, we can also offer asylum to Royals located within the warrring states. With both sides joining talks under a ceasefire, my government can then make the case that foreign troops are not needed. However, for this plan to work the Shogunate must be willing to negotiate in good faith and listen to the rebelling state's desire for additional liberties and self-governance. I realize that this is hard to hear. As such, you may contact me directly with any concerns. Our ears are always open to you.

In Friendship,

Secretary of State
Lance Atticus
Republic of Havensky

by **Gristol-Serkonos** » Mon Jun 29, 2015 2:00 pm

OOC: Posting something short for the SRC. More will be done in the next post.
Sondrian Regional Council
SRC Islands

Ambassador Henrikki Mäkelä grumbled and sighed as the GAR Ambassador sat from his address. Narrowing his eyes, he buttoned his coat and stood up, opened a file containing notes to his address with additions from the Rieshistagi. The Sovereign Empire has viewed the SRC with irrelevance these days. Ever since the unsatisfactory conclusion to the War in Jagis, the Sovereign Empire has largely withdrawn in the SRC. The only reason they have not fired Mäkelä was mostly for ceremonial reasons.

"Ambassador Gerhard, the Sovereign Empire has always been supportive for the peaceful end to this crisis. But what my country cannot support is another Jagite conclusion. We all know that our peacekeeping forces, comprised of Sondria's most belligerent states would turn into another occupation force. It is similar to what we have seen in Jagis in which the Imperial Federation and the Semitic Republic of Deusaeuri carved up the state with little regard to the Jagite people."

"We also recognize that the Shogunate of the Marquesas is the legitimate government. But who are we to disapprove of their desire for a change of government? Therefore I say let them sort themselves out and we deal with whoever comes out of it."

"As of last week, the Sovereign Empire has begun its non-combatant evacuation operations of Gristol-Serkonosean consulates and its citizens and as well as securing our overseas bases in the Kyushu peninsula. Our main embassy in Nuku Hiva will remain open with the protection of the Imperial Diplomatic Security Service and military backing of the Imperial Gristol-Serkonos Expeditionary Forces. In addition, our government will be putting forward our legal justification in which we will base our extension of our current military operations in the Kyushu Peninsula. This is to initiate a combined arms campaign to combat Islamic Fundamentalism."

"Because of this, to back such multilateral military action is not in the Sovereign Empire's interests. Instead, we will pursue a unilateral action independent from the SRC but with the consent from the Shogunate."

Ambassador Mäkelä finished his speech and sat down. Buttoning open his coat, an assistant to his left provided a phone; "It's the Lord High Chancellor."

Taking the phone, he spoke "Madam Chancellor. How may I help?"

by **The Greater Aryan Race** » Tue Jun 30, 2015 2:42 am

Tiergarten
Germania
The Greater Aryan Race

Amidst a sombre afternoon drizzle and overcast skies, the Führer was in the midst of one of his various strolls through the Tiergarten public park accompanied by his entourage and a team of black-shirted SS bodyguards continuously scanning the park for any possible security threats, though the chances of armed infiltrators entering the grounds of the park were practically nil. The Tiergarten was one of the largest public parks cum gardens of the capital Germania and since the NDVFGP took power, was a particularly favourite recreational destination of the Führer's whenever he opted not to retire to his country retreat in either Potsdam or Austrian mountains.

As the small entourage approached the center of the park where the Victory Column could be visibly seen, the Führer continued his steady pace. Accompanying him were the members of his inner circle and the government: Reich Foreign Minister Balck, Reichsführer-SS Valdemar Gartner and Field Marshal Bergmann, amongst other notables.

"The embassy in Nuku Hiva reports that the Marquesan Government has cabled a formal request for assistance from her allied compatriots. From the urgent tone of their message," reported Reich Minister Balck, "it is evidently clear that the Shogunate will not last long without more overt forms of intervention by the rest of Sondria."

"Write to the Shogun again and emphasise our willingness to provide military and financial support, provided she accedes to our conditions. That Shogun Hyuga has been reduced to holding out the begging-bowl is as clear a mandate as we have to begin active intervention." the Führer replied.

"Our man in the SRC has informed us that the sooner we begin military operations in Marquesan, the sooner the rest of the Sondrian region will lend their support and assistance." Reich Minister Balck spoke, as the group continued walking through a clearing in the Tiergarten. The park, normally abuzz with the calling-cries of birds and small animals, was now silent as a result of the afternoon rain.

"It's pointless for the GAR to be the only nation-state sending soldiers to Marquesan for peacekeeping operations. We can forget about Mahdah and the Outer Rim states. As for the rest of Sondria, if we are lucky we can count on the support of the Pendragon Pact and the rest of the neutral powers."

"Concerning President Carter and Ambassador Cranico, they and their supporters are demanding immediate negotiations between the Marquesan government and the rebels. What will you do, Mein Führer?"

"Pacify President Carter. Coax the Marquesan rebels and fight them at the same time. When the rebels eventually lose regional support and run out of men, then we don't have to coax them anymore." the Führer responded. Though the serenity of the Tiergarten was a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the capital, his thoughts were still heavily preoccupied with the Marquesan Crisis. Rounding a small corner along the footpath, the Führer and his entourage now found themselves in a large clearing next to one of the roads that cut through the Tiergarten. A large fleet of black Mercedes cars sat nearby, their drivers immediately starting-up the engines of the vehicles upon sighting the Führer and his court.

Official Communique of The Fascist Dictatorship Of The Greater Aryan Race

To: Shogun Hyuga, Government of the Shogunate of Marquesan
From: The Reich Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of the Greater Aryan Race

Subject: German Military Assistance

Encryption: TOP SECRET

Your Majesty,

The Reich Government of the Greater Aryan Race has received and acknowledged the recent request from Your Majesty's Government in requesting immediate assistance from the Sondrian region in permanently resolving the ongoing rebel insurgency being waged in Marquesan by hostile-negative rebel forces against Your Majesty's Government.

Though relations between our two states have remained cordial albeit interspersed with periods of active cooperation and good-neighborliness, it is clear to the Greater Aryan Race that it is in our best interests to have a fully-functioning and stable Marquesan capable of facilitating the balance of power in Sondria. To that end, the Führer has instructed me to reiterate our previous proposal which we had originally delivered to Your Majesty for your consideration:

The Reich Government of the Greater Aryan Race is willing to export military arms and equipment to the Marquesan Royal Forces at Arms for their use against the rebel forces. Though Your Majesty may opt to trust in the superiority of Marquesan arms in the struggle against the rebel militia, it is important to consider the possibility that rebel successes in Marquesan would deprive the Shogunate of the resources to manufacture it's own weapons.
The Greater Aryan Race is willing to proffer an interest-free loan of $740,000,000 USD to the Shogunate of Marquesan to prop-up the Marquesan economy and financial system.
The Greater Aryan Race will deploy military forces to the Shogunate to assist in operations against rebel insurgents and armed separatist gangs that threaten the fabric of Marquesan society once the evacuation of all citizens has been completed.

In exchange for the above proposals, the Greater Aryan Race thereby issues the following conditions for your consideration:

That the Wehrmacht be authorized and permitted to utilize the Island of Pandora of the Shogunate of Marquesan and it's military bases and ports, as well as all other military bases in the mainland for use as platforms to conduct operations against any belligerent force.
That all available intelligence concerning the insurgency collated by the Marquesan intelligence services be shared with the intelligence and security organs of the Reich.
That the Greater Aryan Race coordinate and cooperate with the Shogunate of Marquesan and her allies against the anti-government forces operating in the Shogunate.
That the Shogunate of Marquesan consider the necessity of leasing certain strategic territory to the Greater Aryan Race to be discussed at further notice.

We look forward to hearing your reply and will consequently update Your Majesty on any changes to the situation.

I have the honour to remain, with high consideration,

Hermann Balck
Reich Minister for Foreign Affairs
Reich Ministry of Foreign Affairs

German Expeditionary Force
The Greater Aryan Race

His mind made-up, the Führer summoned his most important military men: Field Marshal Aldrik Bergmann, Commander-in-Chief of the Wehrmacht; Chief of the General Staff Colonel-General Ernst Hummels; Chief of Military Intelligence Admiral Bernhart Holderman; Chief of Army Field Marshal Horst von Mollendorf; Chief of Navy Grand Admiral Siegfried Heisenberg, Chief of Air Force Field Marshal Hendrik Sperl and Army Quartermaster-General Colonel-General Ferdinand Schult. To these and about ten other officers present at the meeting, the Führer gave the order to activate Operation Gabriel. As the command began to be disseminated across the echelons of the Wehrmahct's command structure, the first divisions of the German Expeditionary Force began departing their assembly-points for their pre-selected destinations to Marquesan. From various airbases across the GAR, Airbus A400M Atlas transporters took off carrying the men and officers of the 5th Fallschirmjäger Division, escorted in turn by the Eurofighter Typhoons and McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornets of Jadgeschwader 305 (305th Fighter Wing) alongside Airbus A330 MRTT air tankers, to ensure the aircraft would be able to proceed to Marquesan without having to land at nearby airports to refuel.

Operation Gabriel was the code-name for the initial deployment of the Wehrmacht military contingent in Marquesan. The plan called for the deplpyment of three full armies to the Shogunate: the 1st Army, 11th Army and 8th Panzer Army. Acting as a vanguard and scouting force for the armies was to be the German Expeditionary Force. In addition to ground forces, Operation Gabriel also required the presence of at least one German naval battle fleet supported by extensive Luftwaffe support. It was a massive logistical and mobilization affair similar to Operation Desert Shield in the 1991 Gulf War, and was the cumulative result of extensive prepatory work and study by the General Staff.

The German Expeditionary Force, a corps-sized standing formation of four divisions, was a permanent unit tasked with overseas expeditions and missions encompassing a wide range of tasks such as humanitarian relief to peacekeeping and lastly, waging war. In addition to the four ground divisions, the German Expeditionary Force possessed one independent fighter wing (Jadgeschwader 305) attached to the Expeditionary Force for close-air-support purposes, similar to the old Condor Legion of Nazi Germany.

Commanding the Expeditionary Force was the youthful and energetic Lieutenant-General Alexander Maaz, a darling of the German press and considered by some to be a fast-rising star in the Wehrmacht's pecking order. He and his staff were to travel onboard one of the Airbus A400Ms together with the 5th Fallschirmjäger to Marquesan to coordinate the operations of the nascent German military contingent there which was only now slowly beginning to take shape.

Elsewhere within the Greater Aryan Race's port cities of Wilhelmshaven, Danzig, Koenigsberg, Hamburg and Riga, amphibious assault ships and cargo vessels of the Kriegsmarine began loading up men and vehicles from the three remaining ground divisions of the German Expeditionary Force: the 18th and 20th Panzergrenadier Divisions and the 38th Panzer Division. Within a day or two, these vessels would soon depart their moorings for Marquesan Government-held ports where they would disgorge their cargo load while providing amphibious fire-support. Escorting these ship convoys would be the last carrier battle group and battleship squadron of the High Seas Fleet together with a cruiser & destroyer group in support. The task of the Expeditionary Force was primarily to halt the advance of the rebels in order to buy more time for more reinforcements to be deployed to Marquesan, reinforcements which the OKW would soon begin drawing on.

Sondrian Regional Council Headquarters
Sondrian Capital Islands

Ambassador Drexler proceeded to the podium once the Ambassadors from Gristol-Serkonos and the Skybound Republic of Havensky had concluded their speeches.

"The Greater Aryan Race commends the Skybound Republic on their willingness to dispatch humanitarian aid to the affected regions of Marquesan, which will do much to alleviate the destructive effects that the Crisis has exerted on the Shogunate."

"However, we cannot help but express our concerns about the possibility that this humanitarian aid which the Skybound Republic seeks to deliver to the Marquesan people could potentially fall into the hands of rebel forces, which may then seek to use this aid to sustain their campaign of violent separatism and terrorism. With these concerns in mind, we wish to call upon the members of this Council to concentrate firstly on the necessity of enforcing peace and stability in Marquesan so as to begin fruitful diplomatic negotiations. That means supporting the lawful, legitimate government of Marquesan against terrorist activity."

"At the same time, we wish to notify the representatives of Havensky that the Greater Aryan Race has already deployed naval assets to Marquesani waters as part of our peacekeeping operations. As such, we welcome the possibility of close cooperation with your naval units in Marquesan in the coming future."

Still speaking, Ambassador Drexler proceeded to address the points raised by the Ambassador from Gristol-Serkonos.

"Ambassador Mäkelä from Gristol-Serkonos appears to have forgotten that when the powers-to-be wrestled territorial concessions from the former territories of Jagisville, his Government remained wholly silent on the whole affair. We are concerned chiefly with preserving general peace and stability in Marquesan through systematic and extensive peacekeeping and policing of the region. Fears that our presence will devolve into some occupation force are entirely unfounded."

"We are deeply regretful at your statement Herr Ambassador that IGSDF forces will not be cooperating and working alongside our military contingent. Doubtless to say, the Greater Aryan Race will still proceed with our military operations in Marquesan but as always, we remain open to joint cooperative efforts at combating radical terrorism while promoting peace and tranquility in Marquesan."

by **Crontor** » Wed Jul 01, 2015 7:55 pm

Sondria;
Aerus;
Imperial Federation of Crontor;
Administrative District of Drontor;
Cathos Province:

Aerus was not the first continent most Sondrians thought of when they looked for orange stains on a regional geopolitical map. Vast swathes of territory on Hellas were a given, the Anchli Isles were to be expected, and Vrontor had featured prominently in recent years with the outbreak of violence in the nation formerly known as Jagis. Not many people thought of the Crontorian territories known as Drontor, a colonial holding that had been given full-fledged representation in the Imperial Federation as it built itself into a model Crontorian territory. Despite the differences in fauna and terrain, a walkthrough any city on Drontor would be unmistakable from any Crontorian city on the mainland. With the familiar skyscrapers and broad boulevards of a Crontorian city came the reach of the federal government of the Imperial Federation.

This meant that while most Crontorian eyes were turned south towards the spiraling violence in Marquesan, in Drontor, they were actually turned north. All instruments that the Imperial Federation had on hand across the region of Sondria were tuned towards Marquesan and this included Southern Command (SOUCOM) assets based in Drontor. Like the majority of Operational Combat Commands (OCCs), SOUCOM shared its bases with less overt military commands known as Joint Civilian Operations Commands (JCOCs). For the men and women of Frontier Air Force Base on Frontier Island, north of Drontor, this meant sharing their expansive facility with elements of Special Warfare Command (SPEWCOM), in this case, a satellite facility of SPEWCOM’s Sondrian Media Corps (SMC). A cluster of buildings, satellite dishes, and radio towers were only distinguished from the remainder of the base from the SMC sign on a chain link fence above another sign in bright red lettering that read ‘Authorized Personnel Only’.

Inside, rows of computers displayed a steady stream of international news broadcasts ranging from local news coverage in Mahdavian hamlets to live coverage from the Crontorian Broadcasting Company covering the violence in the Shogunate. The officials here were watching the situation intently but unlike their allies in Joint Military Intelligence Operations Command (JOMINOC), the members of the SMC were not here to analyze or digest the news, they were here to contribute to the news. From this site, a steady stream of radio broadcasts was beginning to snake its tendrils into the Shogunate. In addition to reporting the news of the continued uprising to the civilian populace, the SMC made sure to make the reporting as interesting as possible. Spread amongst the updates now beaming across Sondria were stories detailing the indiscriminate slaughter of Marquesan civilians, concentration camps being established in Nuka Hiva, and whispers of planned tactical nuclear strikes against Marquesan cities by an increasingly desperate Shogun. As always, journalistic integrity was central to the mission of the SMC. They were sure to fill their broadcasts with plenty of encouragement to the freedom loving rebels. Readings from democratic constitutions, stories about civil disobedience, and practical tips for resisting a police state were included alongside casualty figures.

As the broadcasts continued, the SMC watched and waited, alongside the region desperate for an outcome to the ongoing conflict.

by **Tiami** » Wed Jul 01, 2015 8:33 pm

Eragosian Embassy,
Nuka Hiva, Marquesan

Crack! Crack! Crack! Bullets were everywhere. Bodies were everywhere. Blood was everywhere. This was a tragedy and a disaster, and both oozed into the sewer drains, into the earth and poisoned the lands. It was a disease spreading faster and faster as the body count skyrocketed. The cause of this seemingly incurable plague? No one knew for sure. What was sure, however, was that there would be far more death and destruction before the road itself was cleared.

The Shogunate was embroiled in a tumultuous uprising of it’s citizen class. Citizens armed with military-grade weaponry roamed the streets, enforcing their own will and advancing against the Shogunates forces. This civil war had caused the unnecessary deaths of thousands. Foreign countries were divided on how to aid the Shogunate or whether to support the uprising. The Imperial Federation seemed likely to get involved against the Shogunate. Other names- the Elder Republic, the Freehold Republic, and the leaders of Gristol-Serkonos would notable supporters of the Shogunate in its time of need. The times were feverish and this was never more noticeable than in the Eragosian embassy in Nuka Hiva.

Charlotte Marinski made her way down the long narrow corridors of the Eragosian embassy. The perky brunette looked famished. True, she had not eaten all day, rather she had been glued to the phone all day to receive updates about the uprising. With the outbreak of war in the Marquesas, as head of the embassy staff and official ambassador for Eragos in the Shogunate, she was already being tasked with implementing a successful program to further improve already strong ties with the regional superpower and now she was being tasked with monitoring the situation from up close. Specifically, the Eragosian government wanted to be certain that any imminent evacuation of the embassy would be safely procured should the event be initiated. Fighting had yet to reach Nuka Hiva, which was a relief. Fighting had spread everywhere else in the nation. Citizen against soldier. Population against government. Government against government. This always happened. Humanity could never be content with being ruled by what was once sought as a paragon. In the end, if history was ever truly accurate, then it would tell us that the many will always overcome the few.

Charlotte had finally reached her office where her computer had been ringing for an unspecified amount of time. Taking a seat in her plush brown office chair, she mouthed a simple word. “Open.” It was a chat with none other than President Orion of the the Freehold Republic.

“Mrs. President, I was not expecting you to call today.” a shocked Charlotte responded.

“Save the pleasantries for later Charlotte. We both know why I have called.” Orion spoke.

“Ma’am I am afraid not.”

“Charlotte, the Shogunate is facing its greatest adversary to date. With the imminent arrival of of anti-shogunate nations like the Imperial Federation, I believe it is within my best interest to remove our embassy staff and what citizens we can from the nation.” Orion caught her breath.

“Would you not agree?”

“With all due respect, Mrs. President, but why would we remove the staff? I understand removing our citizens, but the staff? We simply cannot afford to do such a thing! What does this say to the Shogun? That we are abandoning them?” Charlotte’s voice had become venomous. “You- You positioned us here to further relations between two great powers and allies! Leaving the nation now in its time of weakness only inspires the uprising to fight harder!"

“Can you even comprehend the severity of this threat? There are thousands that will die within the next few days. Thousands! I swore an oath upon my initiation to uphold and protect our republic. You will evacuate the embassy and as many other Eragosian citizens able to leave the nation.”

Charlotte grumbled. “Very well, ma’am. We will do as you say. I just hope your call is the correct call. I would hate to see anything… unfortunate happen.”

“You’ll thank me for this later. I will be right back though- a question from one of my staffers…”

Presidential Office,
Ajalem, Eragos

A typically stoic leader was shocked at the violence that had so suddenly flared in the Marquesas. People were dying by the hundreds. Civil War, so it seemed, was full-blown. It’s wings had finally spread. Though, supposedly, this could have been seen from a mile away. Even the greatest powers eventually met their enemy; and it seemed this time that revolution would bring downfall on the mighty Hyugas. President Orion, while keenly interested in the protection of her own people, would fight to ensure that her close allies remained functional at least. Perhaps this wasn't all apparent at first?

Preisdent Orion stood up from her chair and walked away from the desk towards the window. She put her hand on the window and looked out to the streets. All that was seen was emotions of happiness. People were making their way to work, going home, or shopping. And there was no evidence of unhappiness or fighting to be found. How could one nation so gallantly patriotic and free have so much death and despair? Her thoughts radiated throughout the room with ease, finding every crevice it could before meandering throughout the rest of the massive capitol building.

Truth be told, Orion had lied to Charlotte in order to collect her thoughts and emotions. To pull back an embassy was a difficult decision. Furthermore, to do it under the circumstances that were present further escalated the stressed leader. Nonetheless, showing a facade of calm and collectiveness, she returned to the chat.

Eragosian Embassy,
Nuka Hiva, Marquesas

“Alright, I am back. Now where were we?” President Orion asked calmly.

“You were going to move us out of the Shogunate and return us home. You were ordering the embassy closed until violence throughout the nation subsided.”

“Yes, of course. Charlotte, I know this is not a choice you would have liked to hear today, tomorrow, or any day, but it is within the best interest of the nation that I protect all Eragosian citizens that are willing and able to be protected. I have already ordered transportation to be prepared. You depart tomorrow.”

“I hope you know the risks associated with evacuating us, m’lady.”

Orion paused to think, letting out a shallow sigh before she spoke. “The risk lies in getting you and your staff out of the Marquesas. Now get packed and let everyone know.”

Before Charlotte could respond, the screen had gone become blacker than a dark hole. She was gone. There would be no negotiating with the president. As she was ordered, Charlotte proceeded to the commons room where should called a meeting of the embassy staff. It was not an order she was obliged to relay, but orders were orders. They were given in the best interest of the country. And for Eragos, evacuating whoever was willing was perhaps the only way to protect Eragos from imminent danger. Would the evacuation be seen as a symbol of Eragos' willingness to leave an ally to be butchered? Charlotte would not know. Why would she? She could not know what else the president was thinking. She wasn't told after all. In time though, all of the answers would be uncovered.

“An unfortunate turn of events have ensued, “ Charlotte cleared her throat. “President Orion has ordered a full evacuation of the embassy due to a damning increase of violence from militants.”

In a conundrum of sorts, the mass that was president easily overpowered Charlotte’s calm and soothing voice. They only spoke one word in unison.

“What?”

It was a type of ‘what’ that sounded depressing. Many Eragosians had actually come to like living among the Marquesas citizens. But that was all changing now. They were leaving, not the Marquesans. They were dying, not the Eragosians.

“Look, I do not have the time to deal with individuals right now. Gather your belongings. We leave tomorrow at sunrise.”

Charlotte left the meeting brief and proceeded to her own quarters. She began to pack, but her emotions were finally overcoming her. Even with the evacuation happening tomorrow, she could not help but wonder whether her last night was among her. For that, she left out a somber stream of tears; they were tears of sadness, but not for her or the embassy staff, but for those of a reeling country.

FOB Da Nang,
Raiho, Marquesas

Raiho International airport was bustling with activity. But it was not the usual type of activity. There were no cantankerous, wily, goofy, or whaling children around. There were no relieved, nerve-wracked, or agitated tourists and business people. There were tan boots that made a distinct Click! Clack! sound as they pounded the floors. There were men and women adorned in urban battle fatigues. These were not tourists. These were not citizens. These were soldiers of the Eragosian army.

They were the first soldiers to land at Raiho International Airport. They were the first of many… of a large deployment of Eragosian soldiers to the smoldering cities of the Marquesas. All together, nearly 100,000 Eragosians would call the Marquesas home for the next several months. The arrival was met with a series of attacks from the ground by Marquesan citizens. Rifle fire, mortar- name it, they had it. The lax gun control laws certainly armed this nation's populace. Arriving, the struggle truly was more real than previously imagined.

Offshore, the ENS Courageous and Peris, two Orion class aircraft carriers were positioned. Sorties were being regularly carried out while the bulk of the fleet they brought with them made landing. Since the arrival of Eragosian airpower, many believed that the fighting around the city might halt, but that was far from the case. Fighters were regularly targeted as they made their rounds around Raiho. Even one pilot was shot down, but not before he could eject and parachute to safety. The pilot blamed himself, citing that he should not have been flying so low to the ground. Needless to say, the runways at Raiho International were sure to be welcoming heavy traffic over the next few months.

The Type-37 "Sarissa" strike bombers were to carry out their bombing runs upon arrival. The squadron, twenty in total were navigating from Highborne Air Force Base in Eragos, as they were not compatible with any of Eragos' aircraft carriers.

There would be several thousands more arriving in the coming days, but much of the armor was already arriving. The “Boreas” CFVs, “Mithras” FAVs, “Abraxas” scout tanks, and the “Chimera” MBTs were arriving in numbers, having been unloaded by dozens of C-260 Wraith transport planes. They were of Marquesan origin and were favored for their maneuverability. With most of the fighting bound to take place within densely populated areas, the Eragosian army would need all the speed and maneuverability it could muster.

The airport as a whole was being fortified by the innovative ingenuity of CastraTech. CasCons as they were called, greatly resembled shipping containers in use around the world; however, they were armored to resist blasts, fragment, and ballistic penetration. They could be connected with other CasCons, forming a small town or city that was entirely linked to one another. These CasCons would be placed throughout the airport. A perimeter defense would also be set up.

Raiho International Airport was chosen as the main base of operation for one reason only: strategic location. The city was located near the capital on an island. It’s possessing a large airport only helped. The arrival of Eragosian combat troops would soon become a welcomed site to the strained and depleted Marquesan forces.

Eragosian Embassy,
Nuka Hiva, Marquesa

The plane had been given to the embassy staff as promised. Some staffers wept, not wishing to leave the shattered country. Others wept because they had to go home; the Marquesas had been their home for years. Others displayed no raw emotions; these emotions were likely running rampant from within. They simply boarded the plane, took their seats in the back of the jet and put earphones in. It would be a long way back to Eragos, a land they were hypothetically supposed to consider as their home once more.

The last to board, Charlotte took her time to reminisce about the place she had called home for so many years. To leave was heartbreaking, but it was for her own good. Or so she hoped. The static voice of the pilot saying “Buckle yourself in. We are taking off.” finally made the ongoing event real to Charlotte and the many others that were leaving. The engines sprung to life, roaring like a lion. Its wheels churned, creeping forward as the plane itself gained momentum. A gentle thrust towards his stomach of the stick and the pilot had pointed the nose upwards, beginning the flight. And Charlotte looked one last time down to the country she was leaving. Then it all went black.

Titansfall. (IC. Closed! ATTN: Sondria.)

Titansfall. (IC. Closed! ATTN: Sondria.)

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