False Promises (Borealias, FanT)

[Fillicia]

With Fillicia now split, the two successor states of the former Fillician Empire rose from the ashes of a bloody and devastating civil war. The war ended on October 15th of 2015 with the signing of the Treaty of Tisalla, the north of Fillicia following a socialist, council based democracy, while the south chose to follow a similar system from their influential Montesardi neighbours. This peace was only accomplished because of the intervention of the Lubyakans, Lykosians and the Montesardi, as a conflict of interests led to a dead stalemate between the warring Fillician factions.

However, this peace didn't last. South Fillicia was allowed docking rights in the North's ports, but was left landlocked as the territorial divisions split the Fillicias by the Armugayzu River and the Central Fillician Steppes. South Fillicia invaded without an official declaration, pushing its troops into the territory of Ninarua. The South successfully destroyed what little garrisons that the North had stationed in Ninarua. The North retaliated by invading Jalöstan (or whatever little the South controlled of it), along with other attacks on other locations. War between the nations was officially declared on the 29th of October of the same year.

The North has managed to counter the attacks of the South, but with a less dominant navy, they face heavy economic restrictions due to the superior South Fillician navy and their blockades. However, the North has used its larger aerial and ground forces against many southern Fillician cities, crippling many of the South's infrastructure.

Interests once more conflict with each other, with the outcome even more obscure from what it previously was.

[Lykosia]

KONFEDERASI SOSIALIS LJKOSIA
PEOPLE'S COMMISSARIAT FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

"Peace and Friendship for the People of Labor"

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From: Socialist Confederacy of Lykosia
To: Prime Minister Kadira Ariane, Federated States of Fillicia
Carbon Copy: -
Attachments: -
Subject: Letter of Protest in response to Federated States of Fillicia aggression against People's Socialist Democratic Republic of Fillicia
Encryption: High - DCy

---

To whom it may concern,

The Lykosian Confederation of Council Republics is deeply concerned by the illegal occupation of Ninarua and the violent hostility against North Fillicia by the South. In the previous Fillician Civil War, while we are on the side of the Northern proletariat's self-determination, Lykosia had showed maximum restraint in order to avoid escalation of the armed conflict and always encouraged all parties to pursue a peaceful solution. Because of this reason we fully supported the Treaty of Tisalla in October 15, 2015. However we also fully support the right of self-defense by North Fillicia to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and thus will not tolerate any kind of violation on the Tisalla Treaty.

Through People's Commissariat for Foreign Affairs, Lykosia conveys its protest and condemnation in the strongest possible terms against the continued aggression against North Fillician sovereignty and territorial integrity by South Fillicia. We would like to remind you that Lykosia, as a worker's state, is committed to protect the interests of proletarian struggle and will not tolerate any kind of imperialism or expansionism in the region. We will not stay silent on this blatant imperialist betrayal.

Yesterday, Central Executive Committee of Lykosia has approved the State's request to allocate resources and has authorized the use of force to support North Fillician self-defense efforts. A legislation has also been passed and signed by Premier Kalisa Zetalos to place an embargo on South Fillicia. Hereby we demand the withdrawal of South Fillician troops from all North Fillician territories in no more than three weeks since the date this letter is received and the return of conditions to status quo ante bellum as part of the following peace efforts.

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Signed,
Kalisa Zetalos
Premier of the Socialist Confederacy

[Lykosia]

Co-post with Mont.

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North Jalostan, People's Socialist Democratic Republic of Fillicia

The mine-resistant AMRAP Heavy armored car was traversing through the battle-damaged Jalostan after it rolled out of a Lykosian transport aircraft in a neaby North Fillician controlled airport. No other armored vehicle escorted it to maintain a low profile presence. It’s moving behind friendly lines, however the risk was still relatively high as they were carrying a VIP in an active war zone. The AMRAP occasionally had to change directions to avoid roads blocked by rubbles or other obstacles, lowering the risk of an ambush. The Lykosian government had coordinated their presence to the North Fillicians, a small Lykosian flag waving on the car’s antenna and the different camouflage scheme served as a distinct identification.

Of course, there was no need for the Lykosians to hide themselves now. After the end of the civil war, Snezana openly embraced Lykosian support, allowing them to operate in North Fillicia without question; momentarily at least. With the invasion of Ninarua, Snezana almost saw her plan to alleviate tensions due to the intervention of foreign powers, thrown away. It was fortunate, however, since the North Fillicians would be able to counterattack the South and provide some stability despite a raging war.

Snezana found herself today at the battlegrounds of Jalöstan, despite having to address the Supreme Council of the Fillicians earlier that day. She couldn’t stand being dressed in her dress uniform, finding it completely uncomfortable; preferring to wear her combat gear and that funny looking commander cap. Not the case today, it seemed. Snezana sat at her desk inside the command tent, tugging at her red tie and wishing to undo the top buttons of her blouse. The skirt wasn’t any more comfortable than the rest of her clothing; she couldn’t understand how soldiers would stand them during a military parade, further contemplating how celebrations should be held on victory days.

The Lykosians in the other hand skipped the formality and were wearing a more season-oriented uniform. The AMRAP Heavy stopped in front of the command tent and five fully-armed soldiers wearing a thick winter jumpsuit and ushanka immediately created a parameter around the vehicle before a black-haired woman stepped out of the vehicle. She was wearing a black leather overcoat with warm fur inside and on the collar, and a grey ushanka similar to the others, though not enough to hide her long silky hair underneath which reached all the way to her hips. The large star on her red rank insignia indicated she was a top-ranking military officer. The human put her hands in her pockets and entered the tent, carrying a leather briefcase under her arm, then gave a salute as she saw Snezana at the desk. “Miss Snezana, I presume?” She asked with a friendly smile, still standing in front of the desk.

Glancing behind her back, Snezana looked at the Lykosian and returned a smile. “Zdravstvuyte, comrade! It has been a long time since I’ve been visited!” Snezana’s tail wagged happily, always joyous of meeting another Lykosian whenever she had the chance. Of course, it could be because she was a descendant of a Lykosian family or of her close friendship with Sasha; a Lykosian commando, but she would usually be very welcoming of any foreigner, regardless of their origins. The wolfling offered her visitor to take a seat in her tent, sliding a plate of biscuits to the centre, making sure to offer everyone. “Please, please, take a seat. Any of you would like a coffee or tea?” Snezana asked, sitting down on her own chair.

“Spasiba, sister. I’d usually go with something stronger at a weather like this, but tea sounds good.” The woman put her briefcase standing against the chair as she sat down, smiling even wider when she saw the wolfling joyful gestures. She glanced at the biscuits on the plate, then took Snezana’s hand for a shake. “Nonna Valentinovna, Chief of Staff of People’s Volunteer Armed Forces. We decided to get here straight away when Miss Kadira refused our ultimatum. Can you tell me the situation?”

“Situation? Well, I’m sure the People’s Guards of State Security have compiled most of the information regarding the South Fillician aggression. South Fillicia invaded Ninarua after they bombarded our garrisons stationed in Port Byustina and the coastline surrounding it. Initially, we fired back with aerial attacks, but the South Fillicians managed to capture AA guns. Later, a few days later, South Fillician tanks rolled past the border, pushing all the way up to Ninarua.” Snezana sneezed after she finished, then looking for a map to show what she was referring to. “This is the map of the area, and some satellite images of the South’s troops and armoured vehicles.”

Nonna stroked her chin thoughtfully as she examined the map, drawing imaginary arrows with her glove-clad finger. She looked at the photos and nodded as she switched images. “The South are still strong in the sea, no? We will have to defeat their navy before we can land our main forces, but we probably can send paratroopers to aid your forces for the time being if you so desire. We are committed to assist North Fillicia, just tell us what you need and we will certainly make a swift work on it.” She ran a hand through her hair and picked up a biscuit. “Which areas are under attack right now? Are they still pushing into your territory?” She took a bite of the snack.

Snezana’s ears flopped, perking up as soon as she was done thinking. “Well, yes, the South dominates some of the Uzumur Sea, strong enough to rival and defeat the Danzans. Our navy can only fight back against some attacks, but our naval power is mostly concentrated to the Laighin Sea to prevent any Montesardi or Lubyakan attack on our shores.” She scratched her ears, growling a bit as she thought hard about the situation. “Mmmm… Well, the South has only been able to defend against some of our advances, mostly counterattacks against the occupation of Ninarua, South Jalöstan has fallen to our invasion however, and it seems to be going well for us.”

Nonna chewed the biscuit as she drew more mental lines on the map. Despite that she always use computers nowadays, as an officer it was of course required to make a quick strategic or tactical calculations even when it had to be done manually. The computers were good to provide presentation, but she always remembered what unit goes where. “I’m guessing the largest difficulty is the attacks coming from their navy. It would be difficult later to advance when the sea is blocked off, especially for the...eastern part of North Fillicia. And even when we have defeated their navy, it’s still important to reunite your territory. Liberating Ninarua would be difficult without your forces and supply lines properly united. With your permission we can send our army to both sides of your territory. Then we will send Morskaya Pehota to attack from the coast, and when that happens, we will send the rest of our forces into Ninarua, thus attacking the region from three sides. South Fillicia will have no choice but to retreat back to their own territory.”

“I’d be foolish to reject your proposal, I want our lands restored as if was at the signing of the treaty, but I am weary of Lubyakan or Montesardi intervention or assistance to the South.” Snezana smiled, but slightly retracted it. “We’re in a situation where we win or lose, or lose and lose should they decide to back the South. Something must be done to prevent these emerging issues as well. You count with our full support, whatever you and the Soviets wish to follow, just so you know.”

“We will see what steps we can take later.” Nonna leaned back nonchalantly, arms crossed. “At the moment we will focus on Ninarua and try to protect the borders from further South incursions, and after that it depends on whether Miss Kadira wants to continue the war or not. And about Lubyakan or Montesardi intervention, I’ll order the Air Force to destroy all possible supply lines. Though to do all this we will need a sufficient intel on the locations of critical South Fillician infrastructure.”

Snezana nodded with an urge to itch her ears. “Very well, I’ll try to keep you informed of any major South Fillician movements. I’ll focus our troops to take Ninarua by land and repel any further invasions from the South. However, we will take Jalöstan completely and anything that surrounds it of importance. Hopefully, the Lubyakans and Montesardi think twice once the supply lines are destroyed.”

[Fillicia]

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FEDERATED STATES OF FILLICIA
BUREAU OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

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To: Socialist Confederation of Lykosian Soviets
Carbon Copy: Lykosian high ranking officials
Attachments: N/A
Subject: RE. To diplomatic missive from Lykosian government
Encryption: ELEVATED - C-03AB

---

---TRANSMISSION BEGIN---

The Federated States of Fillicia defends its legitimate claim over the territories that are comprised of Ninarua, effectively ignored by the Northern Fillician government directly after the signing of the Treaty of Tisalla. With the north's effective nullification of the maritime control over Ninarua regarding our nation's right to control the province, Prime Minister Kadira and the Bureau of National Defence were justified in taking military actions against the People's Socialist Democratic Republic of Fillicia on the basis of protecting our national sovereignty and our rightful claim over the territory.

While your government claims to defend the Treaty of Tisalla, our protests regarding several articles impeding our nation to effectively function had been ignored numerous times. We do not seek to bring conflict with our neighbours, however, we must defend our territory from foreign aggression. Threats of military actions against us only furthers our perspective of being bullied into submission by the North and your government, which is unacceptable. The troops and vessels in Ninarua shall not be withdrawn.

---TRANSMISSION END---

[Charnea]

Co-op post with Montie

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Ponto Il Nathcia, Kaidenarusa Autonomous Zone
Eastern Charnea

Vanacellare Estate, at the heart of Ponto Il Naithcia in Kaidenarusa, was once the seat of a proud dynasty in the most prosperous colony of Trotsbelden-Skirvpont, an a veritable center of power in colonial Charnea. The last members of that dynasty, however, had been killed in the Battle of the Stars by order of General Amina Zara of the Charnean Empire during the War of Reclamation centuries ago, and since then the family estate had stood vacant. An opulent building, it remained in the hands of minor functionaries of the government and visiting foreign dignitaries, although it would sometimes stand derelict for decades between inhabitants. By some twist of irony, this center of colonial power now found itself playing cost to the Charnean Liberation Army, more specifically the Ponto Il Naithcia garrison. Nearby Fort Khazani held the true military presence in the Ponto area, but high command demanded the military keep a tight hold on the city itself. Ponto Il Naithcia was the foreign jewel by which the Charnean Nation would attain prosperity. To let such a prize be scratched would be unacceptable.

Even so, few truly expected a military action to take place in Kaidenarusa. The revolution had long since come and passed in Charnea proper, and the following insurgency and revolts across the nation had been well and truly crushed. And while one could never be truly protected from terrorism, Charnea had certainly become much safer in that regard as well. Suffice it to say that Unity was living up to its predecessor’s reputation for ruthless efficiency in rooting out and eliminating the enemies of the state, or in this case, the people. As such, the Ponto garrison mostly kept to itself, keeping a watchful eye over their jewel but never blocking off traffic or interrupting the daily functioning of the city, as CLA garrisons often did with impunity in Charnean cities. Instead of serving as a fortified center from which to operate a military garrison, the Vanacellare estate instead found itself quickly becoming a multipurpose center of operations for the upper echelons of the Charnean government. Diplomats, directors, administrators and simple agents bustled in and out of Vanacellare at will, turning the center of power turned army base back into a center of power in a certain sense.

It had been a long time since Alexandrite had set hoof on Kaidenarusan soil. The last time, Kaidenarusa was still part of the Montesardi overseas territories. The unicorn had never understood how her nation managed to even hold control of the land for such a long time. Truly, it was more of a marvel than Ponto Il Naithcia itself. The glistening skyscrapers that surrounded the skyline, neatly laced with the gargantuan expressways that the city boasted made herself wonder how the Charneans would even be able to manage it at all. This was no longer her problem, she had no interests in Kaidenarusa, Foronna is much more important.

The snow coated mare walked on two legs, surrounded by two of her trusted NOI bodyguards into the marble decorated building with a rather imprudent stride. As they entered, they passed numerous jackals going about their duties. Alexandrite knew exactly where to do, heading right up to the central offices of the Charnean garrison. The bodyguards followed suit of the pony’s destination.

Standing beside the main office of the estate, up on the second floor past the staircase, was a single jackal clad in a strangely elegant dress, though she wore all black from head to toe. She stood and watched in silence with hands clasped behind her back as the former Prime Minister of the Montesardis approached. It was difficult to tell if she even blinked those bright yellow jackal eyes of hers. For a seasoned veteran of NOI, it would have been easy to tell this was no ordinary jackal, not like the soldiers that strode with confidence through the halls elsewhere. This was clearly an agent of Unity. In other words, Alexandrite had come to the right place. Without a word, the jackal in black opened the door to the main office and ushered Alexandrite in, though she held up a hand to politely block the path of her entourage.

“It would be best if you waited out here,” she said in crystal clear perfect Common. Inside the office, there sat a second jackal in a large red armchair behind a neat and orderly desk. Although she was not in any semblance of formal attire, this jackal certainly was dressed with a certain elegance and style. She smiled and stood up, extending her hand in greeting as the door closed behind Alexandrite.

“Good afternoon, Miss Stratzhoof. I don’t believe we have formally met before. My name is Sylvia Morji. You may know me as the former Agent Rix of the sadly defunct Imperial Security Office. A pleasure to make your acquaintance,” she said, shaking the unicorn’s hoof before the latter could so much as react.

“Good afternoon to yourself, Miss Sylvia, I have indeed heard of your endeavours. I assume you also know of mine.” She shook her hand with her hoof firmly, smiling slyly with a gaze that only those in the world of espionage would understand. “Some rather interesting hits… Interesting methods too. Quite an extensive file you have.” Her smile returned, she knew that the jackal knew exactly what she was talking about.

“Mmm, yes. I do sometimes long for my days as a field agent, but alas. I was called upon to serve a higher purpose, and now here I am. Although, I wouldn’t be the first agent to take up a political position, now would I? I wonder...were you surprised to learn my identity after all these years? Does the name and face of Agent Rix stand out to you?”

Alexandrite couldn’t help a chuckle, this hadn’t been the first time she had seen her face. It had, however, been the first time she was in killing distance of Agent Rix, something that would have made some of her missions easier back in those days. “To be fair, I’m just mildly surprised. Your face always stood out to me, even from so far away, but you were always so sly and good at hiding.” Once more, a smile appeared on the unicorn's face, laughing warmly.

“Ah, but I am wasting your precious time! Believe you me, I know perhaps better than anyone the extent of your influence and power. It would be ill mannered of me to keep you waiting. Please, let us tend to the business of the day. What can Director Morji do for you, Alex? May I call you Alex?”

“I don’t mind, Alex is fine.” Alexandrite’s red aura of magic readjusted her necktie as she took a seat in one of the chairs. “Well, Sylvia, I’ve taken quite a peculiar interest in the humanitarian aid that was sent into the Fillicias. I don’t think I’m the only one who’s noticed. Fortunately, for the both of us, all other parties haven’t dared to challenge my interest in it.” The white unicorn rubbed under her muzzle for a moment. “And we both know, it won’t be good if they find out what’s there.”

“Ah. And what, pray tell, have you uncovered? Don’t worry, the office isn’t bugged. You know I would not stoop to such a level. It is important, however, that I know what you know, if I am to solve your problem.”

“But the problem isn’t that of my own, you see. The ones at a potential loss is your own. Consider me a concerned third party, just wishing for the success of a friend.” Alexandrite continued to rub under her muzzle. “That aid, it’s obviously not bandages nor food. It’s, well, more of the explosive variant.” The mare spoke with her native Trotskivnan accent.

“Some of it, surely. Although you may find mortars, towed guns and hand grenades to be a surprising minority of our aid. When it comes to arming a guerilla army, no one knows the trade like we Charneans do,” replied Sylvia teasingly.

“But of course. This explains why your convoys were never touched by the Army or the Police. Not that us Montesardi care for who gets the arms in Fillicia, as it’s a great cash grab for us all. But, my interest rises when most convoys head towards the vulpes majority land. Then again, just an uninformed observation of mine.”

“We did take every precaution to ensure the safety and secrecy of our supply line into Fillicia...then again, I would be very disappointed if my Kleosar was able to pass enough weapons to arm one hundred thousand soldiers right under your nose without your knowledge. We always were so transparent to you. Well, not all of us…”

Alexandrite smirked slightly. “It’s good that we’re not underestimated. As you know, we pose no threat to you, but the Lykosians and the Lubyakans do. Just the other day, one of your convoys was almost struck by the Justicars. Fortunately, for the both of us, some of our men managed to… well, persuade them not to go meddling with what isn’t theirs. I’m here to help out, but our back must be scratched too.”

At this, Sylvia seemed taken aback. Her bright yellow eyes widened in mock surprise.
“Are you asking a favor? Is there something the great Alexandrite of House Stratzhoof cannot attain herself?”

The jackal paused, taking on a more serious expression, though retaining an air of friendliness in her demeanor.

“What is it you had in mind, then? You know of our plans in Fillicia, or at least you get the gist of it. Presumably, you understand my role in the events leading up to this plan. My cards are on the table. It's time to show me yours, no?

“What I can offer is continued support. It’s evident that our goals are similar, if not the same. If such is the case, more official cooperation seems only suiting, wouldn’t you say? And, I’m not one to say such harsh things at times, but the fact that Lubykans and Lykosians waltz around on Foronna as it it were theirs does not please us one bit. We’ll turn a blind eye to what is done in Foronna, as long as it’s harmful for either of those two factions.”

Sylvia responded at first with a raise eyebrow. “So your favor is...you want in?”

“Precisely,” Alexandrite smirked. “That’s what I desire.”

Sylvia could have suppressed her chuckle, but she chose not too. She was in the company of her old rival and friend. No need to hide her amusement in such company.

“If only I’d known such an offer would come to me on a metaphorical silver platter...you haven’t the faintest idea how many days, no, weeks of meticulous planning you’ve just rendered irrelevant. My my, will my Kleosar be pleased to hear this news…”

Alexandrite also chucked, grinning content. “There’s a reason I was called ‘Wildcard’. Nonetheless, it’s pleasing to see that we can cooperate further.”

“If you are surprised by our acceptance, then I am afraid you intelligence gathering in the Charnean government is quite ineffective...rapprochement with your government has been prominent in public discourse for some time now. Its one of the main objectives of the Shahi regime, and by extension the Charnean Socialist Party.”

“It’s not surprising to hear that, you see. It’s the fact that Prime Minister Silyania and her faction have no clue why the Charneans have been warming up to us Montesardi that is amusing.” The mare retorted, still grinning. “Needless to say, we’ve never had much of an ability to learn much of you Charneans anyway…”

“Hmm. Could it be that all we needed to do was declare our intentions outright in the very blunt and direct manner we have earned a reputation for? The irony, it is palpable. In any case, little use mourning our wasted time now. Let us discuss terms. I presume you do not hold legal negotiating power yourself, but your influence should be enough to bring about your end of any deal we strike?”

“But of course, anything that we agree to will be agreed upon with minor resistance. As for terms, well, what would be our side in the deal?”

Sylvia paused, a bright smile creeping across her face as she tapped her fingernails on her desk in thought.

“A formal alliance,” she began, bluntly, abandoning all pretext of subtleness and secrecy” Joint military command. And of course, full cooperation in economic matters and in foreign policy. Perhaps a single market and even closer ties in government would be called for down the line. Not the token partnerships of the Koros pact, that can we swept away by a changing breeze. My government desires a permanent edifice. One the next Montesardi administration cannot simply back out of with the have of their hand.”

The unicorn rubbed her horn a bit, wondering if this was possible. Surely, this would have to be done gradually, but she was not a novice at shaking things up drastically if the New Duntrot Reforms were anything to go by.

“Very well, I’ll need some time to get things moving, but, surely, this can be done.” Alexandrite said with a cautious pause. “Fortunately, the deal would be beneficial for us all, so I don’t expect to take very long on getting people aboard, even the socialists.”

“Yes, it is quite surprising how close the interests of former rivals can be once they open up to each other. Not often is a bold and selfish move so mutually beneficial, no?”

Alexandrite laughed in agreement. “Indeed so, and the fact that us two are the ones agreeing only puts the cherry on top of it all.”

“Indeed! I shall speak to Amina. Our government will send diplomats to yours in the coming days, I think. To iron out the details and of course, make a show of proposing this alliance. It cannot be made public that such deals are struck in the Unity DIrector’s office, after all... “

“Ah, but we both know what’s the reality, don’t we? All that other stuff is just pure formality. Nonetheless, I appreciate your time, Sylvia.” Alexandrite stood up from the chair, shaking the jackal’s hand with her hoof. “And congratulations on your promotion.”

Sylvia enthusiastically shook the unicorn’s hoof in return with a bright smile.
“I look forward to working with you again in the future, Wildcard. Fare thee well in all your endeavors,” she said, before tapping a buzzer on the underside of her desk, calling to the Unity agent outside the door to open up and usher the former prime minister out of her office.

Alexandrite smiled in return, walking out of the office. She looked at her two escorts, their faces clearly mapped with the intention of asking questions, but the mare would have none of it, she waved her hoof for them to follow, by which they did, not daring to ask her anything. A small, newer model Estrella pulled up to the cobblestone road way, near the building’s stairs. As one of her guards open the door, Alexandrite’s gaze remained fixed on the jackals going about their business. “Let’s go.” She told the guards as she entered the back of the sedan.

[Lykosia]

Co-op with Lubyak

It had been months since the Lykosian ultimatum against South Fillicia was past due, completely ignored despite the threat of war against a superpower. Of course they certainly thought the Lubyakans would defend them since they had military bases in the country, and a Lykosian invasion to any South Fillician territory would risk a third intercontinental war. In the other hand, Lykosia was adamant to treat any allied socialist countries as one of their own. Six first-tier readiness divisions, with 12,000 to 14,000 troops each, had been and were being sent to Fillicia from both mainland Lykosia and from Lykosian bases in Austrius to assist North Fillicia with defending from further Southern attacks, but mostly they stayed inside Northern borders to build up forces aside of occasional skirmishes and bombings from the People's Revolutionary Air Force.

It was not an easy task to move almost a hundred thousand of troops and equipment across the ocean even for an army created with the logistics of a gigantic country in mind. The fact that they had to conceal the real size of their forces complicated it further. All arriving armored vehicles were usually fitted with multi-spectral camouflage system to conceal them from satellites and their general silhouette on the ground and the sight of infantry was kept out of public inside covered convoy trucks. Lykosian multiple rocket launcher vehicles were made with deception in mind, they were built with hydraulically operated canvas covering the rocket launchers to mask them as a common logistics truck. Maintaining the narrative that Lykosia was only giving a limited military support was also helping.

But all that measures would be no use if they were unable to take action further due to the threat of clashing with Lubyakan forces in the region. Chairman of the Presidium Leonard Schwazedel took the initiative to visit the Dominion to make sure they could avoid just that.

Leon sighed and combed his deep green hair with his fingers as he walked down the halls of Tourmaline Palace. Even if they stuck to the original plan to strike Ninarua with speed, it shouldn’t take a Thors Military Academy graduate to realize the war would take longer than projected well after the liberation of the occupied territory. The man straightened his blue tie and buttoned up his red and white jacket. A sling bag full of documents was hanging on his shoulder. He pushed his glasses up his nose before knocking on Natalia Osalina’s office. Even if he’s technically a head of state, he had no time for a more formal visit. The door swung open, and a small petite woman, with carefully kept brown hair, and the faintest hint of feline ears beneath the bonnet she wore.

“Ah, Mister Schwazedel,” she said, as she opened the door further, and took a deep curtsey. “Madame Osalina has been expecting you,” she continued as she straightened back up, and bid him to follow. “Can I prepare some tea for you while you wait?”

Leon smiled and slightly bowed his head to the feline woman in response, making no difference with politeness even towards a mere servant. He then followed her through the door. “A tea would be good. Please make it cold.” His tall stature was pronounced even more when compared to the petite woman as they walked side by side.

“As you wish,” she said, smiling and nodded as she disappeared behind another oaken door.

Leon sat down on a nearby sofa and took off his sling bag, putting it on the coffee table in front of him. He leaned back nonchalantly as he waited. It had perhaps been awhile since the last time a Lykosian leader visited the Dominion, especially with the ongoing decades-long tension between both countries. He hoped Natalia Osalina would be more approachable, though the rest of the Presidium still didn’t like him doing a visit while there’s a dispute over Taros. The Lykosian ambassador for Lubyak certainly spoke highly of her.

“Mr. Chairman,” a soft voice echoed, as Natalia Osalina entered the room. She wore her blonde her in its classic bun, and wore a slim blue dress-suit. “I hope you’ve enjoyed your trip to Erota. I believe it’s your first time?” she said, as she approached the table.

“Ah, Miss Osalina!” Leon stood up from the sofa and extended his arm to shake the blonde woman’s hand. “Yeah, it’s my first time visiting the Dominion. Made me glad this visit isn’t so official, I might will stay in the city for a while before returning,” he said with a chuckle. “So, may we get straight to the problem in hand? You might be wondering why I couldn’t exactly announce my visit publicly.”

Natalia sat down, crossing her leg as she looked at him, an amused glint in her eyes. “The thought I had crossed my mind. I presume it has something to do with those divisions being transferred to Filicia and the expiration of your recent ultimatum?”

Leon’s ears twitched when Natalia mentioned the divisions. He knew they would notice, but hopefully not the exact size, as intended. “Um, exactly. Well, basically I’m worried our military forces will clash against yours. I trust you are not in Ninarua, but I’m afraid this conflict will drag longer than intended, if you know what I mean.”

“Indeed, the same thought has occured to those of us. Do you know the number of officers I’ve had in the Policy Committee demanding we launch a preemptive strike?” she asked, as the feline maid returned, carrying a tray laden with a tall glass of cool tea, and a steaming hot pot. “I presume you want some kind of assurances that the Lubyakan Armed Forces will withdraw from South Fillicia, and allow a reunification on Lykosian terms?”

“Reunification is a bit...complicated. We don’t know for sure what the future holds for us,” Leon said before he thanked the maid and took his tea, then sipping it. The difference of climate made him sweat a bit, the iced tea helped him cool down. “Of course that would be nice, assuming your forces would withdraw. The Treaty has been torn to shreds by the South Fillicia anyway.” He looked at Natalia with a serious look. “In the other hand we are currently only focusing on retaking Ninarua, so before we’re done with that we will not push into South Fillician border too much aside of Jalostan.”

“You do realise what you are asking of us, Mr. Chairman?” Natalia responded, cold steel slipping into her tone. “The Dominion has pledged to defend South Fillicia. Would you have Erota’s word mean nothing?”

“I know that, although some people in the Congress have been pressuring us to do that anyway, however we do it they don’t care. Miss Kalisa also have plans, just in case.” Leon scratched the back of his head. “Alternatively you can pressure the South Fillicia into withdrawing from occupied areas, perhaps return to conditions before the war, so we can arrange a second peace agreement. But I can’t promise anything if you wait too long.”

“Such an arrangement may be possible. The South Fillicians know there are limits to what they can do, and that they have strayed too close to those limits,” Natalia replied, her face stonelike and cool as she sipped her tea. She paused for a moment, letting steam rise from the cup. “However, such an arrangement would be a substantial expenditure of political capital, both here and there. You must know the Dominion Council has its share of hawks. They would never stand for this...surrender to the red tide, I’m sure they’d term it?” she continued, before taking another sip of tea.

“I suppose so, we’re pretty familiar with that kind of terminology. But you have to remind them it’s the South who started the war, over something that could be solved by renegotiations of the Treaty. Either way I don’t think this war is favorable for you, and for us,” Leon said as he propped his chin on both hands, and thoughtfully scratching his chin. It took awhile before he opened his mouth again. “The most important thing here is that we agree that no Lykosian or Lubyakan forces shall cross the North-South borders, except into Ninarua and Jalostan. When we have regained control of Ninarua, then we can talk again. How does that sound?”

Natalia pondered, setting her glass down. “You are correct, war is not in our interests. However, the Dominion can not let itself be seen as backing down. What would that mean for our other alliances?” she asked. “The Council will want more than just ‘avoiding a war’ to avoid making a move. I assure you, you would not appreciate a hardliner in Erota.”

Leon sighed and leaned back. Of course it couldn’t be that simple, he thought. “We can try opening up trade with The Dominion, with winter closing in we need to stock up on a lot of goods anyway. Food, and the likes. Maybe other things too, but it depends on how much you will import from us.” He scratched his chin thoughtfully. “In return I suppose we can offer you energy resources like oil and natural gas, I understand your country could always use more of those, plus our arcane minerals to support your magitech development. Relying on unicorns can’t be that efficient, right?” Leon said with a smile. It always came down to money and resources.

Natalia nodded. “And in turn, we will allow you to reclaim Ninaura. However, no Lykosian forces will remain there after the territory has been...returned. We will see what we can do to convince the South to avoid making this affair unnecessarily bloody.”

“It’s a deal then. I’ll bring this up in the next Presidium meeting,” Leon said with a smile, nonchalantly slipping his hand into his pocket before emptying his cup of tea.