Esconian Crisis (MT/IC/Mirandus Only)

[Nations United for Conquest]

Back Story:
For the past 50 years the large peninsula nation of Escon was controlled by a pro-capitalist republic. Yet as in most government systems, over the years it slowly became corrupt paired with the massive percentage of the population under the poverty line cause for massive divisions to arise in the country. Small protest and sit-ins began across the nation, but to little effect. Soon more radical groups began flooding into the nation, some home grown and other foreign, raising the tension between the split group movements and the government. Finally in 2015 an splinter group of the military, known as the Escon Liberation Army, stormed the capital in an attempt to overthrow the current government. After a short three day war between the military and the Government the ELA secured victory setting up a Military regime. After 3 weeks of oppressive control the military government began to falter as rebel groups and in fighting took their toll on the new and weak government. After a week of fighting the government was on the verge of collapsing.

The civil war that followed set up the base for a Humanitarian crisis. The Nation of Escon was home to over 60 million civilian, many of whom have already been displaced. The nation of Eskar which borders Escon has closed borders to all Esconian, and has threatened a mass invasion of the nation should the situation threaten them. A neutral country of Ethor has agreed to take on Refugees but has no way of entering the country due to the no fly zones, and the destruction of multiple ports. The situation has now gained the attention of the United Mirandus Assembly as well as several other nations, who have moved into assess the the situation and try to prevent a full humanitarian crisis.

ELA: The ELA is the Escon Liberation Army and is a splinter group of the Escon armed forces. In late 2015 the group lead a coup against the standing government grabbing control after three days of fighting. Installing a military regime they were met with backlash from the populace and other rebel groups within the country causing for the nation to spill out into another civil war. They are by far the most well equipped group in the nation, but have the most enemies. They number near 12,000 active members, using high grade military equipment as well as a large arsenal of armoured vehicles and aircraft.

ERL: The Escon Republican Loyalists are the military forces and populace still loyal to the old republic and are working to re-install the previous government. They have access to similar equipment as the ELA but are one of the smallest groups in the nation. They number near 1,000 members and have access to some armoured vehicles, mostly APCs and several helicopters. RP'd by: Parthonopia

ECF: Escon Communist Front. One of the earliest anti-government groups in Escon, they formed several years before the civil war, helping to grow the tensions by showing how the capitalists had corrupted the government and lead to several protests in the nation leading up to the military coup. They are by far the largest and most liked group in the nation. They are equipped with mostly black market weapons, but have some stolen military equipment such as armored vehicles. Number near 30,000 they use your standard military and rebel equipment. It is also known that they have several stolen military equipment, including tanks.

EIGS: Escon Independ Groups are pockets of civilians and military officials alike trying to grab power in the nation for their own purpose. The two largest groups are the ENA(Escon Nationalist Army) and EDA(Escon Democratic Army) both with meduim numbers and using mostly black market military equipment. These spliter groups have numbers ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand and are prone to infighting over territory.

Rules:
No Gmod
Defender decides losses, but attack can suggest
Minium of 8 lines of text per post, or two paragraphs
Give people time to respond to attack
Try to keep "Scripting" style posts to a minium, and shouldn't be you entire post
I am OP, but Burthenia is co-op our word is law
I will control all NPC factions unless someone else asks to
RP will last until one side takes power(decided by me) or everything goes to shit
No nukes
Chemical weapons are allowed for Rebel and government factions, but no outside or supporting powers
Date your posts, begins in august of 2015
Have fun, and may the best poster win

UMA Objectives(since it wasn't clear):
1. Bring aid to the peoples of Escon in the most affected areas
2. Set up safe zone for civilians
3. Prevent a mass migration into Escon nieghbors
4. Try if possible to set up a Democratic Government/re-install the previous government under a different leader(+more democratic)

[Nations United for Conquest]

OOC: Sorry it took so long

[Parthonopia]

[OOC:Is there a map for Escon? For now I'm using generalities so don't mind me. Did take the freedom to name whatever mountain range might be in it though.]

(Insert City Name Here), (Compass Direction) Esconia
8:00 PM
21 August 2015

The sun was slowly was slowly setting behind the distant Apporinian Mountains, the light on the street fading along with it; the temperature did not drop much, however, along with the sunset. It was wet and humid out, as the sun went away the mosquitoes appeared in droves making it particularly uncomfortable to be outside. Despite being uncomfortable, outside of (City Name) were easily two thousand tents, many of which were makeshift tarp structures rigged up with rope and staves; for over a year conflict in the nation ravaged the towns and villages through. More than a third of the population was displaced from their homes for one reason or another. (City Name) was the last bastion of safety for the Esconian Republican Loyalists. For the past month and half the remnants of the Republican Army loyal to the former President were losing and gaining ground daily, but the ERL lacked the troop numbers the various rebel groups had; for every man slain by a Loyalist, ten more would take his place. Now the ERL stood fast in (City Name), a dark cloud hanging over their heads.

Before the war (City Name) was a powerhouse of local commerce, stemming from its manufacturing based infrastructure. As the war progressively came closer to the doorstep of (City Name), many people abandoned everything to avoid the bloodshed. Those who stayed only did so because they had nothing or could not afford to abandon what little they had. First the schools and offices were closed indefinitely, then entertainment centers and post offices. Before long the food markets were shut down and the supplies confiscated to feed the nearly starving Esconian Loyal Republican Army. The situation was dire and every day the distant sounds of bombs and gun fire were closer and closer. The bombs had not yet reached (City Name), but when the shells impacted on the front lines, the city streets would tremble.

Throughout the course of the previous week, divisions of the army were trickling into (City Name) and bivuoacking in or around the City Hall, now Mustering Field. They were being pulled from the front lines as per President Umberto Raes' orders, although stemming from the pressure of General Ferdinand Romero. The troops stationed in the ERL's capital now numbered near 1,700 fighting men, only a handful of units remained at the front line on a suicide mission of purely being an obstacle that will inevitably fall. A jeep barreled down the street, heading in the direction of the front, the roadway declining in in maintenance the further from the city it traveled. Six kilometers past the limits and the massive refugee tent city, the road way was almost completely gone, turning into a dirt and gravel driveway. Whole sections of pavement were fractured off the road into the water ditches parallel to it. The site of bomb shell craters exponentially increased after the sixth kilometer, only two away from the front.

The jeep, followed by an APC closely behind, was slowing down, now sharing the road with pedestrians, civilian and military alike most of whom were injured in someway. Looking out the windows of the jeep, on either side, was a string of pale men and women, covered in dust and mud, with a look of despair upon their face. Some limped, others were carried or supported entirely by another. Soldiers were thronged into the crowd, a few of them missing arms or with burns across their body. It was a zombie conga line of despair, struggling to make it to was they hoped was safety ahead of them.

The jeep finally came to a full stop, being met by two T-80 Main Battle Tanks that closed off the road. There was a unit of fifteen some odd riflemen around the tanks, some sitting on the tanks, others pacing anxiously. Out of the jeep stepped the President himself, Umberto Raes, along with Captain Roberto Padia, Captain of the 1st Regiment of Foot Republican Guards.

There to greet them was a disheveled Captain Jose Cervez, "Your Excellency! I have word from the front."

Raes gave a forced smiled as he extended his hand into Cervez's, "Yes and I from home. After the recent losses and the rallying of the remaining force at (City Name) I have reorganized the army, at General Romero's digression. You are in command of the 7th Regiment of Fusiliers, numbering two hundred rifles."

"Thank you sir, it will be my pleasure. However, there are no more than one hundred men left to my command at this post, sir. Should I expect the arrival of reinforcements soon?" Cervez's expression had mildly changed, a glimmer of hope could be seen in his nearly lifeless eyes.

"That would be the bad news, Captain. You will receive no new reinforcements as the men here are not included in the reorganization. All remaining forces on the front are under your command until you can no longer hold the line. At such a time you, and only your highest ranking officers, may retreat and take charge of the 7th. I came here to personally tell you this and wish you good luck and God bless face to face. We are all making sacrifices to see this great Republic rebuilt, and my brother today fortune calls upon you to make yours. I will see you in (City Name), the ELA is tired and moving at the pace of a tortoise. They do not know our full numbers and are afraid to storm right at us, we have a week at least before any major offensive on their part. In the mean time, perhaps diplomacy may prevail."

President Raes saluted Captain Cervez, Cervez returned the favor all hope gone from his eyes and his face moist with sweat. A miracle was needed for ERL victory at this point, only a few cards were left to be played before all chances at victory were completely squashed. Upon President Raes' return to (City Name) he played a card he had been waiting to use until there was no other choice. Now the time had come.

ATTN UNITED MIRANDUS ASSEMBLY SECURITY COUNCIL LEADERSHIP
RE: ESCONIAN CRISIS SITUATION

THIS IS RIGHTFUL PRESIDENT OF THE ESCONIAN REPUBLIC, UMBERTO RAES, CALLING UPON THE UMA TO ACT ON THE BEHALF OF LIBERTY AND JUSTICE. THE REBEL FORCES HAVE LEFT ESCONIA RAVAGED AND A BLAZE, LOYAL REPUBLICAN FORCES DWINDLED TO LESS THAN 2000. THERE IS NO SAFE PLACE LEFT FOR A CIVILIAN, REFUGEES NUMBER WELL INTO THE MILLIONS. I ASK OF YOU HOW MUCH BLOODSHED CAN YOU TOLERATE BEFORE INTERVENING? THERE ARE MANY BATTLES GROUPS BEING GATHERED ON THE SEAS OUTSIDE OF ESCON, BOTH UMA IN ORIGIN AND OF OTHER FOREIGN NATIONS, THE INTENTIONS OF THESE FORCES UNCLEAR. I CHARGE YOU TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND ALLOW A MEETING BETWEEN MYSELF AND YOUR LEADERS SO THAT WE MAY DISCUSS A LASTING PEACE AND PROSPERITY FOR THIS NATION. THANK YOU.

[Alcodonia]

I appreciate the actions take place rather quickly, but I'm doing so in the interest of the RP. Also I can't do dialogue for shit.

Esconian Capital
August 22, 2016
0930

You got me?

I got you.

Good.

Annike Dahl ran an instinctive finger through her hair as Tomas began rolling. It was something she'd done for her entire broadcasting career, but she didn't know why. It had been commented on time and time again in the office, but each time she would give a shrug and a blank stare - indicating her insouciance as much as her ignorance. As a journalist, you learnt to ignore the unnecessary and focus solely on what was important. Staring into the lens, she began to talk.

"I'm standing here in western [capital], shortly after breakfast, and we've already been presented with a grim scene. Gunfire raged through the night, in this, the last bastion of the previous Esconian government, whilst pockets of refugees sought to escape the carnage with only the clothes on their backs. It comes as the latest in a string of escalating disturbances in this increasingly desperate situation here in Escon."

Annike's eyes flicked across the litter-strewn street as a sniper round echoed through the morning air. It was not unusual - as she had described, the night was peppered with small arms fire, mostly from across the city, running battles between small bands representing various factions. At first, it had disturbed her sleep - she would lie awake in the dark, wincing every time a weapon discharged, praying the next one wouldn't shoot through her window. Eventually, as all war journalists learn, she got used to it, they became just another part of the landscape. But the eerie, lingering whisper of the sniper still shook her - she guessed it was the anonymity, disconnected death, that terrified her the most. She glanced down at her vest - the letters 'PRESS' embossed in white across the chest. It wouldn't be much use against a sharpshooter, she thought, and it made her uncomfortably hot, but regulations dictated it. She shifted it once again, tightening it against her thin frame.

She continued to recite her prelearned report into the camera with unflinching pronounciation. This report would be stored, and then once they returned to the international zone, Tomas would upload it to his laptop and then send it off to the CTV news headquarters in Hassenberg, where it would make the evening news, with any luck. This was her fourth day in [capital], and her twelfth in Escon. She had replaced the Senior Foreign Correspondant, Julius Wimmer, who'd completed his 2 month stint and was back with his family in Witstroom, as CTV's presence on the ground in Escon, the it location in global affairs. She knew it was coming, the posting, as she went about her domestic news duties. There was chatter around her in the office, saying Dahl was in line for the big job. She didn't really want it, to be honest, but she wasn't going to be telling anyone that. She had just moved in with her new boyfriend, and was trying to lay down roots in a new city, which a tour of duty would do little to aid. So she accepted it when editor Matthaus came a-calling, and a week later, she was on the plane to Eskar, and across the border into Escon.

It had been pretty standard fare as far as war journalism went - days in the 'hot zone', with her cameraman Tomas and security analyst Rijkard, whilst as the sun went down, they retreated into the designated 'international zone' where foreign journalist and observes were coralled into a apartment block on the edge of the city. Each morning they went into town, to some war-battered district of the city, and reported the news. Most of the time, unless something important happened, they'd be done before midday, and then would return to the IZ to do some edition, log their reports and generally kill time. Annike had become quite an adept at cards even in this brief outing.

She concluded her report and gave a hollow smile into the camera as Tomas counted her out. He snapped the camera's viewing port shut and glanced up at his coworker, smiling back. She waited whilst he worked

"That was good."

"Yeah it wasn't bad, tripped on the names a little bit."

"If you think you were bad, you should have seen Mariska on the 10 o'clock last night, fuckin' train wreck."

Annike allowed herself a genuine smile, before unclipping her microphone and tucking it into her pocket. Tomas was packing up the camera, whilst Annike walked over to Rijkard who was leant on the open door of their SUV. The 36 year-old hid his placid blue eyes behind a pair of dark sunglasses.

"Are we all done here?"

"Should be. Any chatter over the radio?"

"Apparently there was a bit of a scene over by the main train station, some service from another country picked it up. Sounds just like an exchange of small arms fire, nothing particularly serious. It might be worth checking out, if you want to."

Annike surveyed her surroundings. There wasn't a soul about, and she wasn't sure she wanted to go towards the place where people were. She shook her head.

"Let's get back."

*****

ANS Zeeleeuw
Panther Class Destroyer
Sea off Esconian Coast
August 22, 2016
0730

There were grim faces around the table. Major General Raimund Macek, of the 35th Ummstad Rifles, was the last to set himself down, nodding curtly to the others assembled at the meeting. The civilians marked themselves out - bleary-eyed and clutching steaming mugs of tea, so he addressed them directly to rouse them.

"Professor Slusser, Dr Kroger?"

The two figures opposite him on the table looked up and blinked. Professor Ivetta Slusser was a greying anthropology lecturer from the University of Caspardett, one of the nation's preminent universities and had often advised the government on humanitarian matters. Next to her was Vice Chairman Dr. Artur Kroger, of the Alcodonian Humanitarian Board, a think-tank based out of Hassenberg which sought solutions to the world's humanitarian crises. They had been brought together, along with the Major General, to head up an International Observation Cadre to monitor the situation in Escon.

There was large scale map of the peninsula nation on the wall facing Macek, so behind the other two. The 52-year old indicated to it, and they turned to look.

"You'll see on the map we'll be anchored off [capital] for the duration, and we've indicated areas that might be of interest to the Cadre. Of course, this is open to change, and should you desire to see anything else, we'll be able to arrange that. We have the go-ahead from the UNA, and we've got a couple of Recon. companies from the army to help out. We've also committed an engineering corps from the Old Hassen Guards who will be available for deployment on your call to aid with any refugee problems. They've been fully briefed and equipped to do most tasks - anything else we can have shipped in a couple of days.

"Beyond that, you'll have received your packs which contain your itineries, we'll be visiting key civilian facilities in the city and surrounding countryside. You'll notice on day 3 we've scheduled a visit to the refugee camp in [provincial town] - we've got a detachment of armoured vehicles to make sure everything runs smoothly..."

Professor Slusser opened her eyes wide, presumably the word 'armoured' threw her off. Macek gave a small laugh.

"Don't worry, professor. I can assure you we'll avoid any contact with opposition forces. The BI-17s are purely insurance. We'll also have a detachment of rangers with us, for added insurance."

The academic nodded serenly and made a few notes on a small piece of paper. Dr Kroger did likewise.

"But in reality, are we likely to encounter any, er, obstacles?" He asked, drumming his pen on the desk.

"Well, it is a warzone."

Kruger raised an eyebrow.

"Don't worry Doctor, you have my guarantee that you'll remain completley secure."

"That's good to hear." He said, tersely. Macek could sense the tension, the kind which often emerged during joint operations between civilians and military. If it was entirely up to him, this would strictly be a military operation: a couple of precision bombing runs, missions by special forces and none of this 'observation' bullshit, but the Cabinet had been very clear - the words 'Alcodonia' and 'war' just simply didn't mix, so everything had to be done to avoid a conflagration. President Martz had even gone so far as to say that the mission would be 'strictly' civilian led. He only complicated the matter by sanctioning the release of over 600 troops to assist in the operation. In fact, there were just two lone civilians on this mission, but they called all the shots. Macek didn't hold anything against them personally, they both struck him as thoroughly intelligent people and consumant professionals, it was just, as he had said, they were entering a warzone (or an areas as good as), and he didn't want to have to be babysitting some white coats.

"Anyways," He continued "we'll go out this morning at 1030, we have some fast recon boats and will be doing a brief scouting of the area by sea. You're welcome to join us, make some preliminary notes, but we can't get close until we've done a formal survey of the area, which will be done this afternoon by the recon companies. If you'd like to do that, tell me and muster back here at 1000, where we'll brief you. Captain Schoorel will be in charge of that."

He glanced at both Kroger and Slusser, who nodded slowly in acceptance. He quietly hoped that neither would opt to join Cpt. Schoorel on what would actually be quite an important operation, but he knew that they weren't here for a holiday.

"If that'll be all, we've all got work to do."

Macek gathered his documents and left the civilians to talk amongst themselves, swiftly saluting the guard on duty at the door. He walked along the metal-panelled hallway of the destroyer, adjusting his step with the roll of the ship. He emerged out into the bridge after scaling several flights of stairs, the dusty coastline of Escon visible through the forward windows. Captain Leitz stood at the helm, and he offered the seaman a salute, even though he superceded him in rank.

"Good morning Major General, the civvies making for good company?" Leitz asked jovially.

Macek smiled. "They're certainly not used to the early starts."

They both looked out the forward windows, silent. Macek continued, but was cut-off by a marine who had emerged quickly onto the bridge, saluting briskly before addressing the Major General.

"Sir, we've just picked up this telegram via the UMA, from the ex-Esconian leader. I think you should read it."

The marine held a folded piece of paper, and handed it to the Major General. He studied it intently. Nodding, he dismissed the marine and pocketed the message. He saluted Leitz and descended the stairs back into the ship, making for the communications centre, located at the aft of the vessel.

The centre itself was a hive of early-morning activity - three staffers moved about the cramped interior, dashing between various consoles and radios. They all halted and offered Macek a salute, but he waved them away. He sought the most senior, a Hassenbergian named Rodetz, who wore his uniform loosely given the oppressive heat of the space. He nervously adjusted his shirt and hat, but again, Macek excused him. Rodetz smiled in relief.

He gave him the note, and he examined it with equal inquistiveness.

"What're you thinking?" He asked, finished.

"I say we meet President Raes."

*****

TO: Umberto Raes, proclaimed President of the Esconian Republic
SENT FROM: Maj. Gen. Raimund Macek, on behalf of the Alcodonian Naval Command
ENCRYPTION: ULTRA-HIGH

Greetings Mr Raes,

My name is Major General Raimund Macek, of the 35th Ummstad Rifles, of the Alcodonian Army. I am in charge of a cadre tasked with observing the situation here in Escon, and advising our government back home as to what it's official position should be. Via the UMA, we picked up your message and would like to arrange a meeting between our two sides, in order to build a clearer picture of the situation in your country. Obviously, due to the nature of your position, an open meeting would be both impractical and logistically impossible. Therefore, we offer to dispatch a delegation, headed by a representative of myself, to meet you somewhere in [capital city].

Yours in peace,
Maj. General Riamund Macek
35th Ummstad Rifles

[Zambora]

Palais de Pyrénées
Desrosier, Zambora
11:24 PM, 21 August 2015

The lights of the palace could be seen from miles away at night, sitting atop the tallest hill, taking its rightful place as the most notable and historic building in the city. The beauty and grandeur of the palace couldn't be matched by any other building in the country, not even by the other castles and palaces that the royal family had in their possession throughout the countryside. It had been standing for over one thousand years, and, although having gone through many renovations and general improvements over time, the exterior of the main structure still appeared as it would have so long ago. It was widely regarded as the most historic building in the nation. So much had happened within its walls. Whether it be the signing of the Constitution that transitioned the nation into a crowned republic, the coronation of some of the best monarchs the nation had ever known, or some of the most important decisions ever made regarding the future of Zambora, all had happened in that palace. Tonight, another important decision would be made. One that, while maybe not as significant as others made by people within its walls, would affect the lives of thousands of people.

The Prime Minister of Zambora, Christophe Bonhomme, had arrived a short time ago, at approximately 11:15, and had been directed by a butler through the palace towards the Queen's private quarters. He had been sleeping only a thirty minutes ago, awoken by one of his aides who had quietly entered his bedroom. The aide had said that the Queen had summoned him to the palace, and no one told her no. He had quickly dressed back into the clothes he had worn that day and ran down to the front entrance of his residence. Awaiting him was his motorcade, the long line of black SUVs and cars that accompanied him anywhere that he went.

After the signing of the Constitution in 1821, the majority of the power had been transferred to the Prime Minister. He was, for all intents and purposes, the head of the legislature and executive branches of government. While the Queen now held a more advisory and ceremonial role, she was still a highly respected woman, and when she wanted something she would often get it. The Constitution had still retained a certain power for the monarch, though. The monarch remained as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.

Parliament had recently, upon request from the Queen, passed a motion that would allow for armed intervention in a conflict currently brewing not far away. The collapse of the Esconian government had been a significant blow to Zambora's power abroad. The corrupt government wasn't above taking bribes and supplying Zambora with what it wanted, so it was often that under-the-table dealings were done out of the sight of the public. At first, it had looked like the unrest wouldn't turn into anything other than that, but soon it became obvious that Escon was having true problems that could very well lead to something unfortunate. It turned out that that was exactly what happened. When radical armed groups began popping up around the country the Queen began to become concerned that their position in the nation may not be like it had been in the past. When the ELA overthrew the government, it began to be clear that there would be conflict. When the weakness of the ELA government became apparent, it was clear that large scale conflict would be the result. The civil war largely began soon after.

The Prime Minister knew that if the Queen was waking him up at this time that what she wanted was serious, and considering the passage of the motion happened not long ago, he was almost certain that was what he was being called to the palace for.

His motorcade had gotten through the city with relative ease. At that hour of the night there weren't many cars on the road which increased the speed that the motorcade was able transverse the curving highways. Upon arrival he was directed up several flights of stairs to where the Queen would presumably be. He had been in this part of the palace several times. Every time he was re-elected to be Prime Minister in the National Assembly he traveled to the palace to announce to the Queen that he had the confidence of the legislature.

He was directed to an ornate sitting room near the back of the palace. The furniture all looked antique while the walls were dark oak and the hard wood floors a lighter color. A chandelier hanging above the room provided ample light along with a number of lamps and a fireplace, although the fireplace was not lit tonight.

"Mr. Bonhomme, I'm delighted you could make it tonight." The Queen rose from a seat she was resting in near the far side of the room by the windows. She knew more than anyone else that he wouldn't decline her request to meet her, but that didn't stop her from being polite about it.

"Of course, Your Majesty, it's my pleasure," he responded, bowing and moving forward to a chair that she was offering him.

"There are a few things I would like to discuss with you, I'm sure you already have an idea what it's about?" she prodded, returning to her seat. On a table beside her was a glass of wine, which she took a sip of as the Prime Minster answered.

"If I had to guess I would say that it's probably about the current situation in Escon, but I wouldn't want to assume," he replied.

"Well, your guess would be correct," she began, setting her glass back on the table. "As you are aware, we dispatched a large number of soldiers of the Royal Guard along with an armored regiment and a naval task force. A rather large force perhaps, but our interests must be protected, I'm sure you agree," she said, not giving him a chance to respond. "They arrived a short time ago. As I understand it, they landed on a beach and have set up a perimeter already. Don't ask me where exactly, I don't have a map in front of me, but I know they're there and everything has gone well so far."

"That's good news," the Prime Minister interjected. "Is that what you brought me here to discuss, the landing of the troops?"

"Not exactly," the Queen responded. "General Lévesque can explain why I called you here," she said, gesturing behind him.

A tall man dressed in a formal officers uniform stepped forward from behind the Prime Minister. He had gone completely unnoticed by when the Prime Minister entered.

"Good evening, Mister Prime Minister," the general said, handing Christophe a piece of paper. The Prime Minister recognized him immediately. He was the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. There had been many times the two had interacted. "As the Her Majesty has already told you, the naval task force arrived to Escon a short time ago. An initial group of the Royal Guard were able to land on the beach without any resistance. They are currently in the middle of landing more soldiers and parts of the armored regiment. So far there haven't been any issues. Now," he said, pulling out a paper of his own, "this is what you were called here for."

Looking down to the paper in his hand, the Prime Minister read over the small amount of text that was present. What he was reading was addressed to the United Mirandus Assembly Security Council, one of the many groups that would be intervening in the crisis. A short time later, he had finished and looked back up at the General and then at the Queen.

The Queen was the first one to speak. "As you can see, the rightful government of Escon is requesting assistance."

"I see that," the Prime Minister said, "but we are not participating as part of the Security Council."

"That is correct, we are not," she responded. "Let's be completely honest with each other, though. What good is the lousy United Mirandus Assembly going to do? They had had their grubby hands all over things in the past and rarely does anything ever turn out how they said it would. If they are helped by the Security Council then they will lose for sure. I wanted to consult you before announcing our support for their cause."

The Prime Minister sat silent for a short time before speaking again. "Were we not always going to support them as the rightful government?"

"Well..." the Queen trailed off. "It was always one of the top options that we had. Although after recent events I find that it may be the best option that we have. They know the landscape, they know the people. With them assisting us, or should I say us assisting them, there should be little issue capturing the nation for ourselves. Whether or not we keep them in power is another matter altogether."

"I see, I see. I would be under the impression that helping them would be the correct course of action as well. They are the legitimate government after all. The last thing that we would want is for a hostile group to take complete control." The Prime Minister handed the paper back to the General who was still standing close by.

"That's perfect," the Queen said, clapping her hands together. "I've already prepared a response. General Lévesque, if you would."

The General now handed the Prime Minister another piece of paper. It was drafted on the Queen's official stationary, although that was just for show around the palace. A real response would be transmitted digitally.

---

Official Communiqué of the Crowned Republic of Zambora

ATTN: President Raes of the Esconian Republic
From: Her Royal Majesty Alexandrie III Sauveterre of the Crowned Republic of Zambora
Encryption: 94oiegj|[_=gre+.\rhg98

---

Greetings, Mr. President. It pains me greatly to witness the tragic events that have taken place in your nation during the past months. It is highly unfortunate that such a series of events unfolded. I wish you strength in the following months while you retake control of your nation. While we have never met, I have heard much about you from those who have traveled to your great country. It is because of the things I have heard that I send you this proposition tonight. Zambora officially recognizes you and your supporters as the rightful government of the Esconian Republic and has done so for a long time. Due to this we are offering you our assistance in the battles to come. While we are not participating under the banner of the United Mirandus Assembly Security Council, we believe that our assistance would be many times superior to anything they could supply. We have recently injected approximately thirty thousand members of my Royal Guard into your borders. These men and women are accompanied by a large attachment of armor and air units, as well as a naval task force that can accomplish any task that might be given to it. I hope that you consider the proposal that has been presented to you. Know that it is your best chance to continue to be a legitimate leader in your nation.

Sincerely.
Her Royal Majesty Alexandrie III Sauveterre of the Crowned Republic of Zambora

"Well," the Prime Minister said after reading over the letter. "It looks fine to me. I'd be amazed if they declined our support."

The Queen laughed. "They won't decline our support. They are desperate. The security council forces that are there only number to a little under half of what we have. The only reason they would decline our support would be if they don't wish to survive any longer." Turning to the general she nodded. "Send it. Also, inform Rear Admiral Janvier and Lieutenant General Michaud of the decision. They very well may end up in-charge of a thousand or so more men."

"Of course, Your Majesty," he said, saluting. "I will do so immediately."

Upon saying this the general exited the room, presumably back to the Ministry of Defense to transmit the message to the Esconian President. "Is that everything?" the Prime Minister asked.

"That is all, thank you for coming," Alexandrie responded.

---

ZNS Roch Antoine
Off the coast of Landing Zone Alpha
Escon
12:11 AM, 22 August 2015

The skies were dark and the seas were calm, and that's how Rear Admiral Janvier liked it. Ever since the naval force left port back in Zambora he had been able to be relatively relaxed. While he knew that he and everyone with him was headed off to a warzone, he also knew that most of the fighting would take place on land. His naval force had been sent as a form of transportation and support. He knew that there was a possibility some naval action could take place, but even if that happened he was fairly confident that his force could outdo any other that would be in the waters around Escon.

When he had found out that he would be the one heading the small fleet that was being sent to Escon he had felt a rush of excitement. He was one of, if not the youngest admirals in the navy at age 42. He had been recently promoted and this was to be his first actual war experience. He had participated in annual war games, patrols, and regular deployments during peacetime, but he had never actually experienced what it was like to be deployed to a foreign country during a time of war. If he was honest, it felt the same, at least it had on the way. Once the coast of Escon came into view the reality set in and a much more serious mood took over himself and the crew.

He had received orders from command back in Zambora that he was to anchor the fleet off of the coast of an area that had been quiet for quite some time. When they first arrived, all was quiet. No shots ringing out, no one trying to contact them, nothing. It appeared that the information he had been given about no action in the area was correct.

Once ensuring that the area was clear and there was no hostiles in the area the landing began. Helicopters and landing ships took soldiers and tanks to the beach where they would be setting up a perimeter and scouting the surrounding area. They had begun about an hour ago and so far no issues had arisen.

Looking out of the large panoramic windows of the bridge, Rear Admiral Janvier stood with his hands clasped behind his back. The transport ships were going back and forth between where the rest of the fleet was anchored and the shore, gradually getting all of the things that would be needed. While he was enjoying it, the quiet on the bridge didn't last long.

"Rear Admiral, sir!" broke through the silence. Turning around, a communications officer was standing at attention.

"At ease, son," he said, wanting to find out what was so important.

"We have received a message from Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Lévesque. He has informed us that the Queen has instructed us to offer any assistance to the ERL that they request if they contact us, but to not move position unless we talk to command first."

"Mmm. Alright," Janvier said, turning back to the windows. "Send a message back. We understand and are awaiting orders."

"Yes, sir," the officer said, saluting before turning and leaving the bridge.

Speaking to no one in particular, Janvier said, "Get me a line open to Lieutenant General Michaud down on land."

Janvier had known Michaud for some time, meeting him about a year before being promoted to Rear Admiral. It was just luck that they ended up being assigned to the same force. "Line's open Admiral," came a response from one of the officers on the bridge behind him.

"Lieutenant General, I've got some news." The channel that had been open was like using a speaker phone. No need to hold something up to your ear and speak through a little microphone.

"Ah." Michaud's voice was rugged and deep. "Do tell."

"We've received a message from command. Turns out that we're going to be directly assisting the ERL. We're supposed to give them anything that they ask for."

"Great. Just what we need now. I haven't even finished landing all of the troops who are assigned to this landing zone."

"Don't worry just yet," Janvier assured. "They haven't requested anything as of yet. It's just the order that came through. We are supposed to communicate the request back to command before acting on it if it's anything big."

"Roger that. Let me know if anything else comes through."

"Will do," Janvier said, signaling for the line to be closed. He knew that there would be requests coming. Initial intelligence had suggested that the ERL forces were extremely fragile and in small numbers. With the large force that was brought by Zambora being available to them, the chances were good that they would be put to use.

[Eraphalia]

3:00PM, August 24, 2015
The Eraphalian Assembly for International Matter (Intermat)
Meeting Room P301

There was a saying in Eraphalia, related to the position of the executive office, the director. The saying was: One must have a stern heart, a stern mind, and a stern disposition. A very true saying for anyone that has ever held the position of director, a position that commands the entire might of the Eraphalian military and holds large political clout. It is the pinnacle of an Eraphalian politician and it is what every citizen of Eraphalia dreams to be or to worship. Due to such conditions, it is also one of stressful positions one can have in Eraphalia or anywhere in the world, considering the implications of what might happen if a single wrong move is taken. While it has never happened, it is very likely that failure could lead to suicide with the backlash from the public and from other politicians would be immense.

Director Heart, the current executive ruler of Eraphalia, walked down the long halls towards one of the most secretive of meetings in Eraphalia. Dressed pristine with not a single fault, the director prepared his posture and readied to speak to a gather of individuals. There was not an inch of weariness, not a single tremble of loose nerves, not even his eyes betrayed his emotions. He was a veteran of the political games. It is not incorrect to say that Director Heart is one of the brightest of minds in Mirandus and one of the sharpest political swords.

“Oh Eraphalia, shalt I give thy my soul and mind? For if thy desire, I shalt plunge a blade into my heart and bleed for thy,” whispering the true old words of an Eraphalian poem, Director Heart entered the room after two attendants opened the grand doors leading to the meeting. The meeting room was relatively simple with a pristine modern design where minimalism is king. The floor was marbled, but polished and the carpet centered around the desk and being sunken around three centimeters below the marble flooring. The walls were made of some sort of material Director Heart has yet to discover, but they were reflective of the lights having above. To him, if he could, he would make the meeting room his office to work in. Clean and simple.

“Life for Eraphalia,” a man stated confidently to the far left of Director Heart, “by Sir Alexander Temings during the rise of nationalism. Excellent repeat of the line Director Heart, I must give you my commendations. Not many know about that particular line, especially since it is from Life for Eraphalia. I would had missed you reciting that line if I wasn't paying attention and it would had been rather unfortunate."

Senator Polis. It was near-instantaneous. The director’s eyes flickered briefly towards the speaker, identifying the key facial features and the attire. Everything pointed to what Senator Polis would normally wear and what he looked like. The dark suit from a high class retail store in Hersa-Argena, not far from a famous historical monument and aggressive ‘old-man’ physical features were the distinctive parts of the elderly senator. For Director Heart, he made it a personal mission to remember each face and each name of every senator and governor of Eraphalia. The senator was one of the easiest to remember, considering his political power and unique accent.

“You are correct Senator Polis,” Director Heart gave a polite smile as he headed towards his chair, the main seat of the oval table, “I am a fan of the works by Alexander Temings, one of the greatest literary minds of Eraphalia. Now, as much as I love to discuss the subjects regarding to his works, I find that it is most urgent that we start the main discussion regarding to the situation for Escon. As many of you all know, Task Force Blue and the First International Division led by Admiral Winters and General Cester respectably are on their way to Escon. We must complete the political side first before they begin the operation.”

A woman, Senator Irings, nodded her head and turned opened her folder, glancing at the contents briefly before speaking in a kind but authoritative tone, “Director Heart is correct. At current, I believe the Eraphalian Senate is throwing its support behind the Escon Liberation Army or, to reduce the name to a more manageable amount, the ELA?”

“That is correct Senator Irings,” Senator Polis agreed as he cleaned his glasses with a cloth, “now pardon me, but I would suggest that we aid a more… technocratic or meritocratic faction than the ELA. In my honest opinion, they do not fit our bill completely. I do not trust that they have what would be our own interest at heart. So, I propose that we…” the senator clasped his hands together, “reorganize the ELA. It wouldn’t be hard I would imagine, especially after all the conflict is said and done. We’ll influence the ELA or make the opposition ‘disappear’ if you would. That way, we can use Escon as a weapon of influence, to channel it against the others.”

There was a flash of tension, a generating pool that would lead to a counterstatement. It was relatively easy for anyone to find out who. In the current meeting room were two senators from the Liberal Party, Senator Fields and Senator Fairwaters. For Eraphalia’s Liberal Party, they were dead-against any forceful implementation of a technocratic government on a foreign country, something that would pit them against other unlike-minded parties. Director Heart was already on the move the minute he recognized what Senator Polis would say and what the meeting would dissolve into without intervention..

“That is noted of Senator Polis, we will consider your suggestion later in the next meeting where others related to international matters are here. But,” Director Heart motioned towards the empty seats in the meeting room, “at current they are gone, absent from the discussion. So, as I have other events in my schedule and I am sure you all have them, this meeting will be concluded early. At current, the Eraphalian Government will release an official statement of direct intervention of Escon on the side of the ELA. There will be no more discussion at this point and if you are inclined to discussion subjects, please leave them for next time.”

With that, Director Heart motioned for the adjournment of the meeting. There was opposition, subtle ones, at first, but overtime the silent protestors relented. Even if they wanted to challenge Senator Polis on his opinion or to support it, that would be challenging the director’s authority. And it is common knowledge that challenging the political head over a relatively minor declaration of adjournment would be suicidal.

One may consider what Director Heart did as a mistake, but it wasn’t. It may be in the eyes of the public, but for the politicians that dealt with Eraphalia’s intricacies, it was a simple closure of discussion. There is no weakness that was shown and there is none. To challenge that is to be sentencing one’s self to a life of misery. That was the power of what Director Heart possessed despite the flaws of the executive branch. What would be wrong to others would be a simple passage of events to him and his actions.

The only thing anyone would know about regarding to the meeting would be that Eraphalia is throwing its support towards the ELA. That was it, nothing more and nothing less and certainly no hint that there was a meeting of political leaders. It will enter it with a large presence ready to crush resistance. Eraphalia does not play fair, it plays effectively and quickly.

In two hours’ time, Director Heart will give a prepared speech to the general public and to the world of what Eraphalia’s position on the matters over Escon. In two hours it will be known that Eraphalia does not play passively.

”Eraphalia is a falcon, a bird that seeks opportunities. It is our duty to the fatherland to take the chances present to us, to take the initiative whereas others may falter. As of today, with the powers instilled upon me as the director of Eraphalia, I so declare that Eraphalia will aid the Escon Liberation Army in establishing a government that is for the people and a government that is free from corruption and the flaws that plague so many others. As of August 24, 2015, Eraphalia will crush anyone who so opposes the single and sole legitimate government of Escon. At this minute, at this very second, our brave men of both the Eraphalian navy and army are making their way to Escon to establish peace and tranquility to all.

Let it be known to the world that Eraphalia will not tolerate a condition like Escon to exist in the modern world. Let it be known to the world that Eraphalia will not tolerate any intervention that threatens to length or induce more chaos in the nation. Let it be known Esconian citizens that we, Eraphalia, will guarantee that the conflict that has wrecked your nation will be put to a stop. Let it be known rebelling factions that Eraphalia will end your terrorism. Thank you all for listening my fellow citizens and may you stay faithful to Eraphalia."

- Director Williams Heart

[Parthonopia]

ERL Stronghold
5:47 AM
23 May 2015

A strong stench of smoke and human feces lingered in the air throughout the remnants of a city that was now being utilized as the capital of a more than likely doomed republic. The streets were dimly lit, the sun not fully risen yet. Electricity had been shut down in the most sections of the city, only the central district which was were the soldiers were bivouacked and housed the provisional government. The sun moved farther into the sky as the morning went on, casting light on the bleak scene below. There were few people to be seen out on the streets, save for the rifleman on sentry and those who were sleeping in them. The pains and terror of the war that was raging in Escon had driven refugees here in hordes. At first there were institutions in place to aid them but before much time had passed any existing homeless shelter had been filled to the brim. Hospitals were over the maximum occupancy and the food for citizens of the city was scarcer every day, let alone for the bands of fleeing civilians.

To prevent absolute anarchy and the capitulation of any form of government in the city President Raes had ordered a series of edicts, taking over control of the food, water, fuel, and energy supplies of the city. These edicts were enforced by General Romero's riflemen who in turn established a rationing system. Immediately after the edict all remaining food items in the markets and warehouses were confiscated and horded into the city's Grand Museum of History and an inventory was taken. The museum being only a few blocks away from the City Hall and central location it was aptly put to use first as the camp for the senators that had come along with Raes, and their retainers, as well as the President himself and two regiments of the army. After the edict it became what would be sarcastically referred to as the "First Bank of Escon", the soup line for the entire population of the city. Shortly thereafter Raes had moved to the City Hall, but often found himself in the Museum at all hours of the day and night.

The day had not fully begun, still people began to groggily rise up to tend their chores; fires on the sidewalks were being stoked, the coals still the slightest bit warm from the night before, enough so to get to flame. A crowd was gathering in the street in front of the museum, trumpeting the old saying that the early bird gets the worm, trying to get that front spot in the line for morning rations at 8AM. Dog barking could be heard often, there always seemed to be a thin, mangy one roaming the streets among droves of just as thin and sickly looking refugees. The people did not riot, despite the miserable conditions, however, because when the gates opened for rations to be handed out there was always a uniformed man there to deliver to the supplies. In the previous month the soldiers of the ERL had spent more time on scavenging missions than they had meeting the enemy. The city gave the soldiers a false sense of security, as did little combat for a month or so, they had convinced themselves that the fight would be resolved before it reached these streets. Now on this early August morning rebel forces were within fifty miles of the city in all directions.

The morning mist on the street was slowly disappearing, women clad in rags and makeshift blanket overcoats trickled from the buildings to the sidewalks most heading towards the rationing center, others emptying the 5 gal buckets being used as chamber pots due to the lack of water. A rifleman was sprinting down the cracked streets, avoiding the pedestrians but stomping through the dark brown puddles of mud and who know what else. His left hand atop his helmet and his right clutching a transcript as he pumped his arm en route to the city hall. His breath heavy, he rounded the last corner and narrowly missed running right into a woman holding a baby, without hesitation he continued forward and upon reaching the picket in front of his destination he was not slowed down still, the sentries recognizing the messenger.

The rifleman jogged up the steps and into the main corridor of the building where an improvised mess hall was established for the 1st Regiment of Foot Republican Guards. The rifleman saluted the sentry that stopped him as he entered the building and stated his business. He was quickly let go and proceeded on ward to reach the President Raes who was already up and holding a conference with several of the Captains of the Army along with the General Romero. Finally the rifleman reached his target, he stood outside the door of conference and rapped his knuckles on it.

"Enter."

The rifleman swung open the door and bowed slightly before standing at attention and saluting the gathering of powerful men in the room. President Raes waved his hand, gesturing for the rifleman to be at ease, and spoke, "What do you have to bring to my attention, boy?"

The rifleman snapped back into attention, gave a quick salute and raised the transcript up in his hand, "Reports from the front sir! A large foreign force has been spotted landing on the coast not far from here, sir."

Captain Padia, who was sitting closest to the door and to the rifleman retrieved the transcript form his hand, briefly examined it, and passed it down the table eventually to the President. Upon recieval of the message, Raes nodded his head once and dismissed the rifleman, who promptly exited the room. Raes sat up in his seat, swiveling the chair to clearly see the door fully close, "Well, gentleman, this note is, thankfully, fully explained along with the news that I have for you all this morning."

Gathered in the room was the brain trust of the ERL, the Regiment Captians, their General, and a handful of former Senators acting as the defacto leadership of what remained of the Republic. Several of the men present were visibly beaten, the politicians of them especially so. Bags under their eyes and a strong smell of coffee on their breath a few of them were struggling to even stay awake. No one slept a good night's rest any more, the not so distant shrieks of terror and mortar shells made sure of that. The visible change in appearance of these men from when they arrived in the city was tremendous, once cleanly shaven and well groomed most were sporting beards with gray hairs spreading throughout them like a forest fire. President Raes was still cleanly shaven, however, being a strong believer in the power of appearance feeling compelled to be seen as clean and collected even in this time of despair.

"Yesterday several messages were received from foreign senders regarding our situation. It would seem that our beloved Esconia was forgotten about and left to the vices of our enemies until the United Mirandus Assembly wanted to stick its fingers in our business. Now every nation in the region seems to have a fleet docked off our coasts."

Raes looked around the room to judge the reactions of those present. The senators were visibly tense, the Captains less so if not for the ten yard stare in their eyes. General Romero, however, remained cool and had a look of what seemed like intrigue on his face as he twiddled his mustache with his right pointer finger and thumb. Romero, much like the President, found personal upkeep to be very important, although for different reasons, and was cleanly shaven save for his finely trimmed mustache which he waxed into upwards curls.

"One of these messages," Raes continued, "may be the saving grace that we need to survive this conflict. The Queen of Zambora, Her Royal Majesty Alexandrie III Sauveterre, has contacted me promising to be our savior. She has sent soldiers fight our cause and fleet to defend their travel and that of supplies which they will gift to us. Now that brings me to the message that runner brought us, this information details the sighting of thousands of troops and military equipment landing on the beach not twenty five miles from here. The description of their colors and their uniform matches that of Zamborian troops."

Most of the group instantly perked up, a smile stretching across the face of one senator, but no the General Romero, "President, sir, may I say that I do not see how good this may actually be for us. Have you responded to his Queen and accepted her assistance? Or does this monarch just wish to grab a quick colony from an army that numbers less than a fifth of their expeditionary force?"

It was Raes turn to smile, "I know so without a fathom of a doubt, General, for the Queen has extended the invitation for us to do with this force as we see fit. If she wished to wipe us out undoubtedly it would be an easy task, we are not so far from that at this moment now anyway. If that were the goal of this force they would not be allowed to be commanded by you sir, rather they would have crushed us already and be commanding what ever survivors remain. I have drafted a response to her, as well as to the UMA who replied to my diplomatic call. There are big things to come gentlemen and the republic will live again!"

One senator, slightly startled by Raes raising his voice, began to clap before sideways glances from the others made him stop and sink deeper into his seat. Raes chuckled and thanked the senator as he handed out copies of his drafted replies. Not much more was said, but the room was in agreement, shortly there after the President would respond. The meeting was concluded and all in the room quickly stood from their seats and went through the basic formalities, shaking everyone's hand and wishing them good day. The Captains returned to their Regiments and began drilling or swapping sentries, the few senators more than likely returning to bed having nothing to do besides add their opinion when the President asked for it. Romero stayed behind to talk to Raes for one brief moment, "Well, Umberto, what do you wish of me then?"

Raes gently nodded, "Take a detachment from Padia's regiment of Guards and head towards the coast to greet our ally. The road ways should be relatively clear, there hasn't been much movement that way in a few weeks."

General Romero saluted, Raes returning the favor, and said before turning towards the door, "It would be my pleasure, Mr. President. These rebels can start counting down their days until their ultimate demise, with this backup on the battle field no one can stop us."

ATTN HER ROYAL MAJESTY QUEEN ALEXANDRIE SAUVETERE III
RE: ESCONIAN CRISIS SITUATION

THIS IS RIGHTFUL PRESIDENT OF THE ESCONIAN REPUBLIC, UMBERTO RAES, WISHING TO PERSONALLY AND GRACIOUSLY EXTEND MY DEEPEST GRATITUDE FOR YOUR MOST GENEROUS OFFER. I AM UNSURE AS TO THE EXTENT OF COVERAGE THE CRISIS IN THIS GREAT NATION RECEIVES ON THE NEWS PROGRAMMING ABROAD, SO I CANNOT JUDGE WHAT KNOWLEDGE YOU MAY HAVE OF THE SITUATION HERE. I MUST SAY THAT YOUR AID AND DEPLOYMENT WILL ASSUREDLY GREATLY BENEFIT THE CAUSE HERE AND MAKE IT SO THAT VICTORY AND PEACE IS ATTAINABLE. I HAVE ORDERED MY COMMANDING OFFICER, GENERAL FERDINAND ROMERO, TO MEET WITH YOUR COMMANDERS ON THE LAND TO BEGIN TO FORMULATE A STRATEGY FOR THIS FACTION. INFORM YOUR OFFICERS OF MY ACCEPTANCE OF YOUR HELP AND OF THIS MEETING. ONCE AGAIN I THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND PROCLAIM THAT I, AND THIS NATION, WILL FOREVER BE IN YOUR DEBT.

[Atariia]

Atar, Capital of Atariia
August 23, 2015
Midday

Of all the mornings in Atariia, today's had been rather peaceful. The sun shone through the windows of the Atariian National Senate building in such a way to make even the grumpiest of senators smile a bit when speaking of the various resolutions on the docket. They felt they were truly in a nation greater than ever before. However, not all such peace can last. As he sat there admiring the essence of the moment, Atarii Segasis found himself in the presence of a close friend.

"Ahh, yes. What is it, Karl?" asked the President rather jovially.

"Sir, it may be best if I had a moment of your time. Alone?" replied Lieutenant General Karl Sieg. He had known Segasis since back in the Old Nation, nearly 40 years ago. That was, of course, a completely different time for both of them.

"Yes, of course my man." Segasis rose from his velvety seat and motioned Sieg to take the lead. They walked out of the balcony above the Senate Floor and down a hallway towards a conference room that wasn't being used by any Senate Committees at the time.

"Alright, man, what is it?" asked the President once more. His tone had changed from its original pleased state to one of concern.

"Well, sir, the--" Sieg was stopped mid-sentence by the President.

"Drop the 'sir' shit Karl and give it to me straight, no sugar," requested Segasis.

"Alright, well, we received this over in Comms. Something from Escon that needed your immediate attention." He handed the simple piece of paper with the transcription of the message over to Atarii, who was at this point intrigued.

"Escon?" he asked. "What are they up to? People finally want to revolt 'cause they're poor?" he joked. But the look on his old friend's face confirmed the grim truth. He read the letter quietly to himself, making facial reactions to what President Umberto Raes had written. The letter was one of desperation mixed with a rather strange amount of hope that the United Mirandus Assembly Security Council could resolve everything.

"He can't be serious," commented the President, knowing full well that he was. "Why hasn't the UMA Council sent out an official transcription?"

"They are worried that other nations in Mirandus aren't willing to help and may use this information for personal gains," replied the Lieutenant General.

"Who wouldn't?" responded Segasis. "Lord knows I would if we didn't have significant ties to UMA." He thought for a moment about a reality in which that was the case but determined it to be useless extrapolation and carried on with Karl. "How should we react?"

"Well Atarii, the only reasonable way we can. We must restore the Republic." He looked sternly at the President, knowing that he would agree.

"Well, you know that I know you're right but what benefits does that give us?" He began thinking out loud to himself. "We can reinstall a government that fully supports capitalism and would be grateful. Perhaps grateful enough to trade with us, especially considering the key role we could play. The Atariian Armed Forces are ready for a conflict, and when you consider the lack of conflict in the past, well, while....that could work."

Sieg agreed with his old friend and knew what to do. "Perhaps we could speak with the Council of Elders on matters of spreading Atariianism as well. We all know how well it lines up with capitalistic views. That way, there will be more than one reason for the average Esconian citizen to support the economic policies we establish."

"Brilliant, Karl. Escon will be conflict-free for a long while after this is over and we spread our ideals in the process, not to mention the exporting we could create in terms of weapons, vehicles, other massive industries..." He trailed off for a moment thinking of all the possibilities. The dull conference room faded away as hopeful visions of the future filled the leader's mind. "Very well then, Karl," snapped the President as he faded from his trance-like state. "I see no reason why not to support them. When will the be 121st ready for deployment?"

"Within the week," replied the Lieutenant General. "We'll outfit them tomorrow morning and have them anchors up by sundown."

Atarii looked at Karl for a moment. "Can we move that forward to tonight, shipping them out first thing tomorrow?"

"Yes, sir. I shall notify Reznov, Shollen, Lance, Vlaskin, and Tenton as soon as I return to port this afternoon. The men will be ready and at your command, sir," finished Sieg as he saluted.

"Thank you very much, Lieutenant General." Segasis saluted as well and saw his man out of the room. He had one more stop to make before giving the official announcement to the Senate.

---

Atariian Council of Elders, Atar
August 23, 2015
4:47 PM

"As you can see, I think there would be great justification for the spreading of Atariianism on Escon. These people need to know that God is watching over them and will protect them, both during these times of crisis and in the future during times of prosperity." Atarii Segasis had just finished his official statement to the Council of Elders, who determined how the government should play a role in the religion of the country. Many of them nodded and seemed happy that the President, after all these years in office, still considered both religion and the Elders themselves integral to the nation and the matters it dealt with.

"We will have you see to it, with our supervision, of course," piped one of the Elders. However, their pleased reactions had already hinted Segasis to that conclusion. He was quite pleased with how smoothly everything was going in the whole of the process and thanked them graciously.
He, now with their blessing, needed to officially announce to the National Senate that he was moving to assist Escon's previous capitalist institutions through UMA. They would be pleased with the matter, as they usually were with such matters concerning UMA. After all, the country started off only wishing to be included among other great nations in the affairs of Mirandus and her allies and neighbors. With this a reality, increasing relations with UMA was a top priority and this Escon issue could really do much to improve Atariia's position with the other nations. Segasis thought of all of this as he left the Council of Elders to go across the building to the floor of the Senate to express his impending action.

---

Meanwhile, in Atar's main military port, the 121st Marine Division readied up for deployment the next morning. They said their goodbye's to their loved ones, but not as if they were not to see each other again. The troops were most confident of all of the success of the operation. They joked about the headlines that would be published across the whole of Atariia upon the completion of the campaign. 'Not a Single Soul Lost in Escon Conflict' seemed to be the one circulating the most. Of course, that wouldn't be the case, as it never is. But these men knew that and were willing to die for their great nation. After all, what nation could be greater than the capitalist paradise of the Democratic Republic of Atariia, especially considering their moral and religious society and their immense industry and military forces? This was a conflict that, in their minds, could only benefit each and every one of them as well as the entirety of the nation. And if it was good enough for those courageous marines of the 121st Marine Division, the pride of the Atariian Marine Corps and the Atariian Armed Forces in general, then it was good enough for the nation.