[Kerbin Only] Kerbin in Jeopardy

[Islamic Nari]

"Oi driver," yelled Ahmed as he signaled over a beige taxi.

He was looking for nothing more than a replacement battery for his somewhat new phone. It must've been a sign from God to smite the cathodes embedded in the infidel's device. He still needed a phone, maybe a new one, but logic prevailed, and a battery replacement seemed more reasonable.

He rested on the window glass and staring out to see the endless grasslands. The man was always unsure of why he was out west instead of the bustling city of the east. He thought it might be better; the rural lands were developing. A local surprise was white technicians sweating their asses off in the heat installing backup electricity for cell towers. He met with them once in the capital when he still had his desk job there. "Barkadians," he muttered, only now did he realize what nationality they were, "I wonder what they want," he snickered.

"We're 'ere," said the driver, opening up his hand for the pay.

"Here," replied Ahmed as he handed over a quick 50.

It was quite a ride, but he arrived at a rather large town. More oddly were the road signs. Road signs were in both Niran and Dolfik, but more interesting were the shops. There was no time to admire the foreign goods, but he did have to check out one of them. He passed the ringing of the opening doors and sudden cooling from the air conditioning. Phones showcased well in glass boxes. He stepped over to the cashier and giving him a big bear hug.

"Eyy, how's the bazaar doing my old, friend," as Ahmed pats the man's back.

"Good, good," replied the store owner, "I can't believe how blessed I am."

Ahmed stepped back and patted his shirt down. His old friend was looking more blinged out than usual. "Hey, I got this problem, mate," he passed the phone across the counter, "the battery died, and I need a new one."

The cashier man smiled and said, "maybe get a new one," pointing down to his selection.

Ahmed bellowed with laughter, "don't play with me again, you silly donkey," pointing to his already used phone, "you already convinced me to buy one, so you need not another."

The cashier man replied in laughter as well, "you're a shrewd but honest man," as he went to the back of the store to find what the man was after.

"This should be it, fresh from the Dolfik plants," said the cashier man.

A lithium-ion battery had Dolfik written warnings and plastic tightly wrapped around it. "Slap it in and give it a try," said the clerk.

He opened up the back of the phone, then disconnected the screen from the board. It didn't take long to remove the old and put in the new, but he was glad he didn't take a newer phone. Reassembling it was a decent challenge, but once it was whole, it turned to life. "Thank you," as he hugged and cashier man again, "thank you."

"No problem, brother," replied the cashier man.

Ahmed stepped outside, took a breath, and stared at his phone, "to see our lithium go a world away before coming right back," he sighed.

He hailed for another taxi and got on. That was the most exciting thing he had done for the week, but his work wasn't over. His eyes started drifting as he fell asleep leaning on the door.

"Oi," yelled the driver as he prodded the sleepy man, "get up, you hooligan."

Ahmed stepped out quickly and walked over to the window to pay. He was here. It was where he belonged, in the middle of nowhere. Out front was a tank. Huge and towering over him, he was proud of it. "Wassup," yelled two men in uniform that approached, "guess you're the guy about the tanks, lieutenant notice you from afar."

Ahmed nodded, "Ahmed Masirah."

The two men nodded and escorted him to an open-top jeep. The roads we rough, but the sight was bustling full of action. Soldiers running left to right, and the sounds of yelling filled the air. "So you're the genius who made the Osório," said one of the soldiers in the jeep.

"Only one of many," replied Ahmed.

"Wiseguy, huh," yelled the driver, "We're almost here, so put this on," as one of them threw a black civilian helmet to Ahmed.

"They parked in front of a warehouse, large but made of tarp. A small door opened up to reveal a dozen mechanics and a staunch man. "Hello, Lieutenant," said Ahmed.

"Hello again, designer," replied the man.

The two climbed up the stairs to an elevated walkway. At the top, you could have a good view of the whole floor. Three tanks were displayed beautifully. Ahmed smiled, "so these are the new ones?"

The man beside him nodded, "mind telling us the upgrades, designer?"

"So they've got an entirely new armor package, the most modern sensor suite, and the usual engine upgrade. It also has more spots to pack on the most advanced explosive reactive armor and open systems for an active protection system," Ahmed excitedly replied.

"Save that speech for the grunts later, designer," laughed the Lieutenant.

Ahmed stared longingly at his tanks. They were no diamonds, but they sure were pretty. Men scurried below to fit the tanks with ERA plating and do final maintenance on the tanks. He knew that was what impressed the generals, but he cared only about the electronics. It had third-generation thermals and a sensor fusion suite. "We're developing something new," said Ahmed

"Why?" replied one of the mechanics.

"Well, it's majestic, and it won't go away for years, but it's old. The issue is mostly weight capacity," Ahmed quickly said.

"Huh," sighed another soldier.

Ahmed pondered for a bit and grinned, "long live the Osório."

The walkway filled with cheers, "Long Live the Osório!"

[Demitor]

Demitorian Mission in Baydor - Headquarters, Baydor, Kerbin

The balance between safety and looking like an occupying force was a very grey area. Knowing that two superpowers, one of whom just did a nuclear test was eyeing up the territory was clear as day to anyone working in this force. There was a good suspicion that something was brewing, and this small force would have to get out in a hurry. It was not lost on the command staff of this mission that they weren't there to fight, they were there to protect. If war broke out between two superpowers, then it might cause a flood of refugees to the Demitorian area that they were unequipped to handle.

Already known and called the Secure Area on maps, it was as safe as anywhere could be in Baydor. The mission of the soldier in Baydor was not to kill more, but to protect what citizens have not already fled. They had orders not to engage unless fired upon, with which the current state of things was proving more of a tactic that couldn't be upheld. The tension was clear as day, and the future was as dark as night. The forces sent to Baydor had been sent there to ensure no further bloodshed would happen, and it appears like that is something that is becoming harder day by day.

Already there had been small skirmishes between an invisible assailant. Demitor didn't lack air power to deal with insurgents, in fact the air force was tailored to that special mission. They had dedicated COIN aircraft, but none were present in Baydor. All men and material were brought in on cargo vessels to a port they hold to ensure that they didn't provoke any anti-air defenses or aircraft that were patrolling between the combatants. The force's own composition was not one to be excited about, consisting of the following units:

1st Quick Reaction Force
- 12th Air Assault Regiment
- 18th Air Defense Regiment
- 32nd Infantry Regiment (Detached)
- 40th Infantry Regiment (Detached)
- 2nd Infantry Regiment (Detached)

1st Blue Water Naval Detachment
- 1 "Squalo Bianco-Class" Destroyer
- 1 "Mckinney" Class Supply Ship
- 1 "Nightengale" Class Intelligence Ship
- 18 Merchant Marine Cargo/Passenger Vessels

1st Expeditionary Air Division
- 1 CADS IT.34 'Informatore'
- 3 Sansinni P.283 'Fulmine'
- 1 C-2 'Kraken'
- 3 C-65 'Skyvan'
- 1 CQ-10 'Lepoard'
- 8 H.10 'Albatro'
- 5 Q-15B/C/D 'Hawk Advanced'

[Island Paradis]

[Ostreich1]

Agios Public Announcement

Today Minister-President Sofia Moretti left Granto and visited Agios on her campaign tour of Serria in the lead up to the elections and is preparing to visit Paros and then St. Tiaranos soon. She commented on several local issues such as the Icarian refugee crisis and the corruption allegations in the Agios Parliament. "We have made tremendous progress on the refugee situation over the past ten years from the makeshift tent cities on the runway of the Agios Air Force Base in 2011, to the new apartment blocks in Agios, Aigaleo, Altena and other cities in the Order Territory, and we will continue this progress into the next decade. We have also been looking into the allegations of corruption in the Agios Parliament in regards to the apartment situation in Agios and Altena. We currently have no new information to share about this matter but more will be released in the coming weeks." Along with all of this the Movimento Populista Serriano or MPS has staged large rallies in Agios, Aigaleo and Paros to coincide with the Minister-Presidents visits in order to raise further support for their party in the elections.

In other news a Serrian Space Force Pantheon SSTO lifted off earlier today from Verga SFB, with a satellite from the secretive Icarus program. Nothing is currently publicly known about this program but we speculate that it has something to do with anti satellite weapons systems. We hope that more details will be made public in the future. The Aurora 1 lander is also slated to make its landing at the Aurora crater in a few days and begin its scientific exploration in preparation for the Aurora Base project with Iconia and Klathu.

[Nostrapais]

"So ?" where the welcoming words of Mersault when the Nostrapaisian envoy to the S.U.N.C. got off of the small aircraft, pulling a heavy briefcase.

"Good news sir..." answered the diplomat, barely catching his breath.

Without even giving him the time to continue, Mersault grabbed the briefcase from his hands as if it was a feather pillow before pointing towards his car, unceremoniously and against all safety protocols parked beside the runway. Inside, Salais was waiting, almost as impatient as his comrade.

For a second, the car's starter covered the envoy's heavy breathing.

"Well, do tell us the news comrade, how do they feel about our proposal ?" asked Salais.

"Good... They said it might require some political gymnastics and diplomatic loopholing but... but they accepted our offer for military cooperation and... and... would be open to further discussion on a defensive pact between our two nations..."

"Great work !" exclaimed both minister almost at unison.

"That's... not all. I passed by Nari upon their request on the way back... Haven't slept in two days but worth it... They agreed to allow S.U.N.C aircraft to transit through their airspace to reach Nostrapais... No lengthy turn around Kara aboard ships or pissing off Kerthenia this way... And I'm not even done yet... The government of Nari would also be happy to discuss joint military exercises... Everything's in the briefcase... Now, with all the respect I owe you, just let me sleep please..."

Salais looked at the spark of admiration in Mersault's eye. He knew the power the Ministry of Armies held in the party and he couldn't help but fear that, in that shady diplomat, he found the next Minister of External affair. He congratulated him nonetheless and mentally noted to propose him a raise that would take the man to a completely different department of the government.

[Demitor]

Demitorian Bureau of Aeronautical Research launches first test flight of new spacecraft.

The launch today of a air-launched orbital vehicle by the Bureau of Aeronautic Research marks the first test of a home built Demitorian spacecraft since the early launches of the 60's and 70's. After decades of using outdated spacecraft based on the SCUD missile platform, it was time for innovation. Funding and research from several universities helped contribute to this project. The Bureau of Defence is the first user of the new platform, with the payload classified but rumored to be communication or mapping cube satellites.

The launch went without failure at 7:00pm Demitorian Standard Time. It reached the edges of the atmosphere and attained orbit, then is going to deorbit and be reused one it's mission is completed.

[The Serrian Archipelago]

0049 LT, Givoanni diSera Air Force Base, Granto Island

A loud, droning hum is heard on the access road in front of the base's longest runway. Standing outside the barbed-wire fence are a fireteam of Serrian Air Defense Force Security Forces, armed and ready, on a moonless, overcast night. The hum grows louder and louder, before an SADF T.29 Stellato roars overhead. The aircraft climbs rapidly after performing a short take-off and quickly turns its anti-collision and beacon lights off.

"Hasita is airborne, airfield is still secure. All clear" radio the Security Forces, before loading into their all-black Transit van and returning to their station.

0050 LT, 4200 feet above the surface, just south of Givoanni diSera Air Force Base, Granto Island

"Flaps up."

"Alright." The co-pilot lifts up the flaps, returning the T.29 to a normal climb configuration after their short-take-off.

"Confirm transponder and lights off." orders the captain.

"Transponder and lights off." The co-pilot ensures that any tracking or transmitting equipment are disabled.

"Good. Radio silence from here on out. Sterile cockpit terminated. Standard climb to altitude from this point."

0210 LT, 15000 MSL, 27.922849N, 160.523436E
The loadmaster, equipped with supplemental oxygen and special goggles, gives a thumbs up to another aircrew forward in the cargo bay. He lowers a lever and the rear cargo door begins to open, exposing the night and cold air to the aircrew. As soon as the door is secured, the two loadmasters and two technicians perform their final checks on the payload.

Minutes later, following diagnostics, they give the all-clear. One of the crew plugged into the intercom voices "Ready to drop, standby."

"That's what we've been waiting for! Get ready." Both pilots close the flash curtains, the only T.29 equipped with them, and as a precaution equip their anti-flash goggles.

In the cargo bay, three stand forward while one stands aft near the open rear door. The loadmaster, the aftmost, signals another thumbs up.

"Payload release in 5, 4, 3..."

The payload's drag chute plows into the slipstream, and the package is quickly released and is smoothly ejected out of the cargo hold. Behind it, its parachute unfurls, whipping in the wind and slowing its descent.

Following another signal from the loadmaster, the cargo door begins to raise.

"Good drop, parachute successfully deployed," exclaims the technician, "event in 90 seconds!"

"Door secured" utters the loadmaster.

The custom-mounted FLIR camera ball tracking the payload sees it fall behind them, heading towards a pitch-black ocean.

[Kerthenia]

0219 Granto Time, CDN Serthenian Aerospace Defense Command, Granite Mountain Complex, United States of Kerthenia

Tired controllers carry out their duties monitoring the vast and expansive Serthenian airspace. On the large displays in the front of the room are the latest satellite and intelligence reports of Dolfik and Anderian fleets and submarine movements, the situation being closely monitored due to its risk of becoming a transcontinental nuclear debacle. There is a low hum of the loud computer servers and displays mimicking a mission control room. There is quiet chatter and friendly conversation, usual per a normally quiet room.

A tired sector observer works on other paperwork while sipping freshly brewed coffee. Suddenly, his computer monitor blares warnings. He quickly moves aside his drink and paperwork and pulls up the urgent notice. He freezes, drops his jaw, and quickly responds to his muscle memory training. He picks up the phone on his console.

"Nuclear detonation; 27.9 North, 160.5 East, Meridan Sea. Approximately 20-25 kilotons. Nationality unknown. Likely a test." The previously chattery room goes silent, and then erupts in noise. The displays of the Andolian theater are quickly replaced with satellite images and readings of a detonation.

The officer-in-charge quickly picks up the phone and dials a number, overlooking the large displays and the busy room.

"POTUS please."

"Yes, I'm aware."

"You're going to want to wake the President for this."

[The United Kolonia Republic]

600 kilometers off the Fokser coast, over the Meridan Sea

October 15th, 02:16

The drone of three 5,000 horsepower engines tore through the early morning air, mixing with the sound of waves about 5,000 feet below. A lone Kolonian P-3 Orion patrolled through the night, its radars pulsing into the darkness, searching for Barkadian freighters heading North, from Icaria. It was a rare shipment for them - The absolute majority of Barkadian equipment in Icaria was heading towards Anderia & Baydor, amassing for a coming conflict in that part of the world. They were just over 150 minutes into their patrol, and things were going just about as eventfully as early morning operations usually were.

In the cockpit, Major Asmikov of the Marines, and 1st Lt. Nováková of the Air Force sat at the controls. There was nothing ahead of them in the black but the stars. Over this part of the ocean, the sky was clear, and their job was fairly simple. The aircraft was on autopilot, the the aircrew could lay back and monitor the controls and occasionally plug commands into the autopilot, the P-3 doing the hard work itself.

They were flying almost straight north, roughly towards where Granto was. The aircraft's radar had turned up nothing after another 30 minutes of searching, and the Major decided it was time for a course correction.

"Lieutenant, course change, heading 180."

"Yes, sir! Heading 180." She reached up from her seat and plugged the three numbers. The plane began a slow 15 degree bank to the right, turning south.

A brilliant light overtook the aircraft. Both pilots instinctively reached to cover their eyes, but even that was not enough. It was a penetrating light, an utterly overwhelming one. In the back of the aircraft, the same light had blasted through the small porthole windows on the left side of the P-3, and, rushing forward, Captain Sedláček of the Air Force, the plane's third pilot, stood over the two.

"What the fuck was that!?" The Captain screamed forward.

The Major and 1st Lieutenant, just beginning to get their senses back in order, scanned their instruments. The plane was still making its bank, and was not damaged. The Major grabbed the controls and leveled the aircraft, the autopilot disengaging. There was still some light coming from that part of the sky, and, working off of that, the Major rolled his plane to the left and turned to face the source of the light.

They could not believe their eyes.

It was far, far in the distance, more than 50 kilometers, but it was clear as day what was rising over the pitch black ocean. A mushroom cloud, still illuminated by the ionizing radiation the bomb that created it made, blossomed upwards. The ocean leading up to the site of the detonation was filled with sparkles, as light from the cloud reflected off of the waves below. It was horrifying, and yet, undeniably beautiful.

"Get photographs," The Major exclaimed, "and get to the satellite phone, call command immediately!"

One of the enlisted sailors rushed forward with a camera and began taking pictures of the explosion on the horizon.

"Lieutenant, you are relieved, call command!"

The Lieutenant barked another "Yes sir!" and the Captain took over her seat. Running to the back of the aircraft, she passed the stunned Naval officers and enlisted crew and got to the satellite phone. The phone connected to the Molniya system, and then to Naval Dispatch. The Lieutenant worked her way up the chain of command until she reached Naval Headquarters in Příbram.





Naval Headquarters, Příbram, Southern Kolonia

October 15th, 02:25

The picture was becoming clear now. A Meridan treaty DNNS satellite had caught a flash - but without a second satellite to verify it was first thought to be a false alarm. The eyewitness reports were trickling in, though, and they all confirmed the same thing. At 02:19, the same time recorded by the satellite, a nuclear weapon detonated in the Meridan.

On the screen, a circle generated by the satellite showed roughly where they thought it was. About 100 kilometers in radius, it was centered on a point roughly 700 km from the Fokser coast, and 800 km south of Granto.

Another eyewitness report had come in, this time from a P-3, and it was close. They were estimating 40 kilometers North of their current position. Using the eyewitness report from the four surface ships that had seen flashes, the point of detonation was clear: 27.92N, 160.52E.

With the coordinates in hand, the General commanding Naval Headquarters picked up the phone, and called to wake up the President.

[The Serrian Archipelago]

[Nostrapais]

Mersault almost chocked on his coffee.

"A what now !?"

"A nuclear weapon sir, at least the eyewitness accounts we've had access to seem to match what we know about this kind of things."

"Oh for the love of... Any claims yet ?"

"Not officially sir. Our analysts are on it and we are trying to contact our allies to see if they have any ideas about it but needless to say, it's a hot mess of wild speculations."

"What are the most credible options ?"

The assistant paused for a minutes, skipping through his papers.

"Well, it's either a newcomer in the nuke club or someone trying to flex their muscles with a not so subtle hint at what's going on in Baydor. Given those and the area of the detonation, the most likely candidates in the first case would be either Faulsknia or Serria and in the second case, it ranges from Barkadia to Kerthenia with everyone inbetween."

"Worst case scenario ?"

"Dolfikland launching from Icaria as a show of force against Anderia's allies in the region. The likelihood is slim since such a demonstration without a claim is useless and that would have stirred quite the tensions in the area which the Dolfiks definitely don't need but we are going with this scenario for now."

"Alright. I want the first draft of a report by the end of the week and schedule an emergency online meeting with the Air Force brigadiers and their anti-air battalions officers for this afternoon, 15:00. I also want a preliminary briefing speech ready for tomorrow morning for the government council."

"We're on it sir."

"Good... Anything else ?"

"Well yes, the President asked for a clear formulation on the military aid you are planning to send over to Anderia."

"I will write him a detailed letter, for now let him know we're thinking about the 1st Army Brigade, the 4th Medical battalion, the 6th Signal corps and the 53rd Paratrooper company with an option for elements of the 3rd Brigade to reinforce them depending on the needs and losses once there. This will be discussed with the Brigadiers and the Anderian attaché next Monday."

The assistant quickly scribbled the informations on the back of his hand, saluted then left the office, leaving the Minister of Armies alone with his thoughts.

"Will be a miracle if I don't end a white haired apoplectic by the last years of my mandate..."

[The Serrian Archipelago]

[Ventrex]

STATEMENT OF CONCERN REGARDING NUCLEAR DETONATION IN THE MERIDAN

[Demitor]

Demitorian National News Bulletin

From: State Affairs Commission
To: Public Affairs Representative, Demitorian Ministry of Public Information and Archives
CC: Demitorian Press Association

Subject: Nuclear Detonation in Meridian Sea

Greetings,

This is to inform the press and the MPIA of the following;

1. The situation within the Meridian Sea is still currently under investigation by the military as well as the Ministry of Energy. Precautionary actions under the Nuclear Preparedness and Civil Defense Act of 1974 are to be carried out. Activation of reserve and rearguard Civil Support Teams are to be carried out to supplement existing CBRNE units. As well, those persons living on or near Khorokov bay are advised to shelter in place at this time. CORNER (Civil Order and Rescue Nuclear Emergency Reserve) teams are being activated as well. This is classified as a level I emergency, meaning there is a risk to life safety and the environment.

2. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade has begun reaching out to nations surrounding the Meridian Sea to hopefully learn more about the incident.

More information will be provided via the emergency alert system.

[Tungusta]

Following an IED incident last week at Lowerfield City in Baydor, wherein a section of 4th Tunguskan Striders were patrolling and were subsequently caught in an IED ambush (the yield of which is not yet known) resulting in one dead and three seriously injured in need of MEDIVAC, it has been ordered all frontline units don CSaPPS or Combat Shrapnel and Projectile Protection System. CSaPPS offers effective protection from a variety of explosives and rounds up to 7.62x39mm. The System has been in development since early April 2018 and a trial batch was ordered in late November 2020, proving to have significant protection. Efforts were made in early January 2021 to cut down on weight, reducing the weight by a whole 2.1Kg and enhancing arm and neck mobility. The initial production batch has been sent straight to the frontlines after this incident and it is hoped it will increase the survivability of the troops with a front seat of the fighting. This is just part of the wide range of improvements that the Tunguskan Army have made in response to the everchanging battlefield, with several more such improvements on the way or are ready to be implemented. These changes are important as the Tunguskan Army plans to get a lot more involved in the conflict following confirmation of the presence of Barkadian equipment in service with the so called Communist United Front (COUF) in Baydor and the recent nuclear weapons detonation. The IED incident also brings the total death toll of Tunguskan troops in Baydor to three.

[Demitor]

[i]FLASH MESSAGE

TOP SECRET - FOR OWN EYES ONLY

FROM: STATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION
TO: COMMAND STAFF, DEMITORIAN MISSION IN BAYDOR

TOPIC: DEPLOYMENT OF EXTRA FORCES TO THEATRE

This is coming to you via the Demitorian SecureNet System. As of 0800 hours on the 31st of October, State Affairs Commission members as well as the Union Assembly were briefed concerning the nuclear environmental emergency that has happened in the Meridian sea. Even though our coastline was not directly impacted, the detonation of a nuclear device so close to home has prompted the escalation of forces countrywide. Intelligence sources report the presence of Barkadian weapons given to the Baydorian communist partisans, though this is unconfirmed at this time. Intelligence suspects Dolfik or Barkadian origin of nuclear incident. Therefore, the State Affairs Commission has ordered as follows:

1. Retreat to the northern coastline of Baydorian territory, destroying all that could be used as bases of operations, leave civilian structures intact. Donning of CBRNE protective equipment is recommended at this time, and is to be worn on all patrols outside of Demitorian controlled areas. Improvised Explosive devices continue to be a threat, and all measures are to be taken to protect both our troops and civilians. The threat level to Demitorian soldiers remains at it's highest since the first deployment of soldiers at the conclusion of the civil war.

2. AMLIS systems are en-route to the area and will be deployed as soon as they are to arrive. Ensure protection of the airspace around controlled areas. No further air assets are expected to be deployed at this time.

3. Evuacuations and aid are to continue being provided on an as-needed basis. {/i]

[Beoiria]

Official Summary and Report of the Macroeconomics and Political Nature of Beoiria

Published by the University of Galwegis (Galwegis, Beoiria); McFallon-O'Luckman School of Economics

Abstract:

Broader Economic Figures:
Type: Capitalist
GDP: $560 billion
Growth Rate Annually: 8.5% average over a 10 year track
GDP Per Capita: $80,000
Currency: Quids

Overview:
Population: 7 million
Capital City: Portolius
Political System: Constitutional Parliamentary Republic

As a smaller country that has recently entered a tremendous period of growth, the Constitutional Republic of Beoiria is attempting to be involved more on the world stage, particularly in global trade to foster greater growth of Beoirian industries; Electric Vehicles, Battery Manufacturing, Finance and Fintech, Cybersecurity, Software, Software Services, Entertainment, Alcohol and Healthcare services (particularly in optical, dental, and otolaryngology technology). Of traditional medical services, Beoiria has some cutting edge pharmaceutical designs for vaccinations and treatments but would love to augment this with production and distribution from larger, developed nations with well-established manufacturers.

Aside from small-arms manufacturing, Beoiria, in the medium and long term, seeks relations with neighbors and organizations such as the CDN, SECT, and LSS to better bolster trade, particularly for food, some building materials, and defense technology (in particular, aircraft and missile defense systems). Military activity is a small portion of the broader economy as the country currently has a defense-focused policy.

The history of the country stems from the colonial days. As former people from Dolfikland, the original founders wanted to expand as a colony in the New World during the age of exploration. As orange-haired, green-eyed Catholics however, the Dolfiks were hesitant to fund this colony, so the founders went to Serria to seek funding. As a Catholic people, the Serrians funded this expedition. Since this point, the Beoirians have maintained teaching Dolfik as a language, but also began to speak more Serrian to benefit from the colonizing nation, leading to a very interesting and unique dialect.

The government system is mostly parliamentarian, with a Senate that has electors set from constitutionally-determined districts. The Senate elects a Consul as the head of the house. In addition, there is an executive that is elected by straight-majority. As the country only has around 7 million people, largely from the same cultural history and background, this system tends to be relatively stable.

As stated, the growth rate has been exceptionally high at 8.5% annually, with a GDP of $560 billion NSD, and a GDP per capita of around $80,000 per citizen. The majority of this being in the service-sector IT and information roles; highly concentrated in the keys off the coast that harbor the tech-focused cities. Off the coasts and a little more inland, Beoiria has some more traditional cities, where the majority of the workforce is in more of the blue-collar industries, such as the brewing of alcohol and manufacturing, particularly in power solutions, EVs, Agri-tech and agricultural equipment, and large alcohol breweries.

A big portion and pride of the nation of Beoiria is a love of preservation of the environment. While Beoiria has reserves of Copper, Lithium, Graphite, and silicon deposits, Beoiria has sent through policies focused on attracting trade with other nations that currently mine these materials to preserve the environment and some mining costs. With the adoption of nearly all EV in the nation (with the exception of large commercial/shipping planes, shipping vessels, and some military vehicles), Beoiria has some of the cleanest air in the world, benefitting from the coastal winds. While it can be rainy, the temperature is relatively moderate, making for excellent inland growing seasons for grains and potatoes, as well as lands for some livestock, such as grassfed sheep (a traditional meat for many foods), bovines, and chickens. Because the population is small at only 7 million citizens, this land is not farmed very heavily, and top-soil reduction has largely been extremely minimal. Fishing is extremely important, as the majority of the population lives near the coasts, and urbanization in that area has taken off.

Authors: Professor Brendan O'Shaunnessy Ph.D. of Macroeconomics, Professor Fiona McOgre Ph.D. of Political Science and Economics

[Estiaa]

[Faulksnia]

500 Kilometers off the coast of Svennheim, East Faulksnia. October 15th

All ships are dangerous, but cargo ships and fishing trawlers always seem to get the worst of it. The Liza III had been having engine trouble for days now. When it wasn't filter blockages, it was valves blowing out, or fuel line leaks. Three of the crew had already been injured during the various repairs. "Lucky Liza" had been slowly falling into disrepair since the jarl that commissioned her had fled the country during the revolution and the shipping co-op that had found the abandoned vessel didn't have the resources to repair what had deteriorated in the months in between.

The night shift, contrary to most jobs, was usually much nicer on the Liza than the day. Endless blue could drive any sailor mad, but the constellations hovered like imagined patterns on a popcorn ceiling. Cursing echoed up from the lower decks and crackled through walkie-talkies tonight, though. Dark smoke billowed from the stacks and out of a row of portholes that had been opened along the ship's side. The bridge crew sat at their stations and passed around a pot of acrid coffee.

Then everyone was standing, coffee and broken glass splashed across the floor. A massive light, brighter and faster rising than the sun, peaked over the horizon. The compass spun and every computer screen glitched and spasmed for a moment.

"Oh shit."

Foksberg, Southern Faulksnia. November 4th

"Has there been any change in rad count?"

"No, still reading only trace amounts over Svennheim. The wind is holding to the south."

"Any idea how wide the exclusion zone will be?"

"Honestly, just to be safe, I'd recommend keeping the whole coast shut down for a few more weeks until we can do more in-depth studies of the effect on the fish."

"We've already stretched this as far as it can go, there's already noticeable food shortages. The Free Lands are conducting their own surveys and I think they'll ignore any further restriction."

"Well, I guess 50 clicks off Svennheim and 100 in the more southern parts could be fine? We really have no idea the lasting impact and how much has already been affected."

"Ok. There's been people monitoring hauls from the rest of the country, directly south has negligible contamination and the west coast doesn't seem to be having any issues."

"That's good then. Ok, see you tomorrow then."

"Yep."

[Nostrapais]

It had been years, decades even since Mersault didn't put on a military uniform, he was more used to the three piece suit and the party uniform. When his PR consultant offered him a set he grabbed from the nearest surplus store, a sway of flashbacks from his twenty years of service, mostly border security but a great time overall from which he still had many friends, most retired or high ranking officers in the army. A few of those were actually here on this day. He was walking on a grassy, muddy field littered with spent cases of all calibers. This was the range where the army usually tested its weapon and often held marksmanship competitions. Today was the day the trials of the Barkadian weapons handed with the long awaited results and the final decision belonged to him and a bunch of guys who haven't seen a battlefield in ages.

"Stupid" Mersault thought for himself, already disgusted by the awfully cold and hazy weather.

Five men in uniform were standing in line, the judges, three veterans and two master armorer. Two of the soldiers were covered in mud and grime, indicating their participation into the mud and sand testing. The still clean soldier stepped forward.

"May I start sir ?" he asked after the usual saluting.

"Go ahead." sighed the Linister

"The testing are overall satisfactory. began the soldier while grabbing a rifle from a table beside the group and handing it over to Mersault. The BR-118 rifle handles similarly to our current FM-66 rifle and showed comparable resilience during rough testings while offering a much higher level of modularity, accuracy and durability granted by its more modern fabrication techniques and materials. Field testing granted overwhelmingly positive returns in all the units receiving the weapon, therefore its adoption is highly recommended."

Mersault played a bit with the gun for good measure, racking the bolt and turning the safety before returning it to its table and grabbing a somewhat shorter version of it.

"The BR-118C carbine offers the same advantages over our FM-66 short barreled rifles however, the later has been a source of constant complains regarding the minimal change in size and portability in comparison to a standard rifle, continued the man. The BR-118C received the same complaints Given our knowledge regarding the development of a bullpup version of the BR-118, we recommend either offering partnership to Barkadia in this venture or waiting for this weapon to hit the market. As such, we recommend against the adoption of the BR-118C."

"Now that will make the Barkadians happy..." muttered the Minister.

"Granted the major deficiencies our army suffers in squad level weaponry, we recommend the immediate adoption of both the BSR-97 and the BAR-118, went on the soldier while pointing at a marksman rifle and a heavier looking version of the previous assault rifles fitted with a drum magazine.

One of the generals accompanying Mersault stepped in to the dismay of the ministers.

"We cannot overlook the potential defects of these guns. Lives will depend on them, perhaps very soon. This one for instance..."

"No major issues were found sir, cut the soldier, though Lieutenant-Colonel Morin, our armorer, expressed doubts about the long term reliability of the drum magazines of the heavy rifles. This will remain to be seen and confirmed with feedback from our troops."

"Good then."

Mersault sighed. Knowing how long this would last when each and every of the high ups would step in to try and show off with their dated knowledge.

"Next, the BP-118 pistol. Though offering major advantages over our current issue pistols in terms of handling and firing characteristics, this one offered us major trouble in the reliability field. Grime and debris were prone to enter the action and render the gun unable to fire, extract or unsafe to use. Given this prospect, we recommend against its adoption for military purposes."

"Alright, I've heard enough, Mersault interrupted, watching a table still packed and bending under various forms of weaponry, ranging from grenade launchers to full on anti-aircraft missiles. I want the full reports tomorrow in my office, in the meantime, I delegate whatever decision powers I have here to the most senior officer. Goodbye."

With this, he turned back towards his car, trying to shake off the heavy and sticky goo which took the occasion to accumulate on his boots.

"You know Marin, he said to his driver, I think it's a good thing our country is broke, else I'd have to do this shit twice a week. I don't know how the Kerthenians or Serrians can stand this."

The driver nodded before starting the engine. At least he wouldn't to wait here, struggling to not fall asleep for five hours like his colleagues driving the generals' cars.

---

Big thanks to MrSinny for helping with this post.

[Verkimlund]

He felt like a Kid at Christmas, he gave the new rifle a few curls to get a feel for the weight, looking over its solid metal construction and polymer surfaces before laying it back down on the table, instead picking up the plate carrier and turning that around to look at it from all angles, shaking it to feel the plates. His Section stood behind him, craning their necks to see around him at the kit on the table. Along the far wall neat bays sat. Each had within it a rifle, plate carrier, helmet with a comms system, uniform, all the pouches and goodies any single man could want and various optionals, scrim covers and Velcro ID Patches. VSAS soldiers stood opposite him across the table, they already stood head to foot in the new equipment, facemasks drawn up over their noses. and kevvies hanging off carriers fitted to their harness.
one of them gestured at the kit.

"Sidearms are still in progress so were told, but the rifles good kit. same barrel length and effective range as the SR, Slightly heavier, but the weights all into your body, we've ben comfortably handling them one handed." The shorter of the two told him.

Pieter Nodded, he glanced back to the men lining the wall all trying to see past them at the bays along the wall they all stared at him, he couldn't help but grin, some were physically sweating from excitement.

"Go on lads"

The men basically leap at the bays, each one had a set up geared towards a specific task, most being aimed towards riflemen, two had no rifle and only the new equipment, another two had longer variants fitted with a bipod built into the handguard, and another two bays, side by side on the far left had a rifle fitted with a railed handguard, and sitting next to the rifle, an under barrel launcher. the men did a small amount of elbowing and shoving to get into a bay geared towards themselves.

Branday looked into each bay in turn, squeezing past his comrades to look at their kit before arriving besides his fellow machine gunner in the bay on the far right, he picked up the uniform to look under it before turning and rounding on the Trooper,

"wheres the fucking MG?" it was almost an accusation, as if he took offence to being the only one in the room not hugging a weapon.
"The RF-53 is staying in service, hence you dont need to try one out here"
The other gunner turned and spoke without looking up, flipping and inspecting the new jacket in a hunt for its biggest pocket to shove his tobacco in.
"Hows we supposed to know how to set our pouches if we cant try moving with the MG? Ey big man?"
The two Troopers looked at each other, the first itched his face through his mask, he nodded at the other.
"get these men their guns, and some drinks" he said after a second, "seems like these lads know what they're doing, might be here awhile"


Pieter let his men get on with their own preparations, slipping the plate carrier on and adjusting it for size, he picked up his own new Rifle, Serial Number 54303, he squinted, Sandy he decided after a second and went about inspecting the various pouches to decide on location and function, he didn't want any of the weight above his waist, he was too used to webbing. He picked up the belt sitting ontop of the folded uniform, turning it to look at the outer surface, finding more attachment webbing.

"this'll work, this'll work fine" he decided out loud. working the bolt.

[Demitor]

A meeting of the State Affairs Commission of the Social Workers Party of Demitor for the month of November was mainly concerned with the following issues:

1. A representative from the Union Assembly was on trial for several counts of bribery in the criminal courts, and a statement would be released shortly. Being the highest decision making body in the Union, the SAC was also the first court of instance for all matters concerning matters of national security or importance. This representative served on the Committee for National Security and Energy, one of the most important legislative committees in the entire Assembly. This means that the representative has access to many documents and plans that are of great importance to both the general national security of the Union and of the government. A decision was made to transfer the criminal side of the process to the Administrative Courts of the Ministry of Interior, a separate legal body from the normal criminal courts, generally reserved for people who are accused of treason or Un-Demitorian Counterrevolutionary Activity. This decision came from the State Revolutionary Commission, meaning that it cannot be overruled.

2. Radiation monitoring of the recent nuclear explosion has revealed several upticks in radiation among the western coastline near Kolonia. Evacuations of coastal regions have not been recommended by the military, though some academic institutions have begun conducting third party monitoring just to be safe.

3. With elections looming in the next few weeks, the Ministry for Interior has already established voting precincts and early voting has already begun. Rumors of a challenge by the small but vocal Demitorian National Unity Party has worried many members of the State Revolutionary Commission due to their positions being dependent on a victory for the Social Workers Party. The Internal Intelligence Bureau was tasked with the investigation of the DNP leadership and members of the same party who announced their candidacy have been caught up in a corruption scandal with minor regional officials. It is up to the State Affairs Commission to ensure that they are prosecuted in the correct courts. The Central Prosecution Office has already denied public defenders on the grounds the crimes are a matter of state importance and the income of the accused does not justify the appointing of legal counsel.

4. The State Revolutionary Commission has ordered the reinstatement of the draft for persons 18 years of age or older. The reasoning from the commission was that with the increase of international tensions, the appointment of more forces to bolster border defenses and internal security forces was justified.

[Toonu Empire]

Orders to Sail

For commodore eyes only.

From: STATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION
To: COMMAND STAFF, DEMITORIAN MISSION IN BAYDOR

Topic: Redeployment of task force to Viridia

Your Task Force is to be relocated into Viridia to join the TFO in operation Demitrio, as the COIN operations in Baydor to disarm the Fascist forces has been proven successful and the Baydoran government no longer needs our support. Your force is to depart at 0800 of 8th November. Earliest departure, if possible, would be favoured due to the deteriorating situation in the area to prevent unnecessary damage from being present in the area and being caught in the crossfire of the current tensions.

[Ostreich1]

Tau Kicari Union Public Announcement

Today the Tau Kicari Leadership Council has voted 3 in favour and 2 against to intervene in Baydor to support our Anderian and Barkadian Allies, in what will be the first military intervention in the Unions history, and has voted to increase the military budget to 4% from the current 2%. Currently 15 thousand soldiers are being deployed to Anderia and many of the Tau Kicari Union State Airline's aircraft have been requisitioned by the military to transport troops and supplies to Anderia in what will be the largest airlift in the history of the Union. The State Airline has announced that all international flights will be cancelled and either refunded or transferred to the Serrian airline Orbit Express which has announced that it will be expanding its operations in Kicar temporarily until the Tau Kicari State Airline can resume its operations.

[Dolphiland]

Offices of the Ministry of Defense
1100J, 8 November 2021
Meeting of the Joint Defense Committee

The feeling in the room was one of tension, the kind of tension felt when waiting for something that has been set in force to such an extent that the mere inertia which now carries it to completion is overwhelming to contemplate. This feeling made itself known in all those seated in the room, all wearing the uniforms of high ranking officers of the Admiralty and the General Staff. After they all gave the feeling a minute to settle in, one of them finally spoke.

"So, tomorrow's the day."

"Feeling nervous?" asked the one sitting across from them, smartly dressed in the uniform of a naval admiral.

"Nervous? I'm just concerned about having all our forces ready to do this. Hundreds of thousands of professional soldiers, hundreds of thousands more conscripts, all sorts of forces lining up in Baydor. And that's before we get to other strategic assets like air, space, and naval forces, and whatever it is the cyber folks are doing in this."

"We've had war plans for this exact situation for decades, been preparing to act on them for months, and have spent that time staging troops in Baydor, who've already gained experience fighting the communists by way of embedding with Baydorian forces. Lord General, I have full confidence that our forces are finally ready to launch a full scale offensive of their own, and in doing so show our enemies that our Kingsrike will never tolerate any attempts to unsurp the Meanwealth."

"And what about the Anderians? The front lines in Baydor have been a stalemate for months, our troops have been there, yes, but they've been supporting counter insurgency operations alongside local forces in government controlled areas, not launching an assault by themselves against territories solidly under the communist's control, which we know to be filled with, and I quote, 'advisors' from Anderia, Barkadia, Nostrapais, and who knows where else. What's to say this won't be taken as an act of war?"

"You've been asking that for months. We've all been asking ourselves that for months. But our nation? It has been preparing for that for generations. Isn't that the point of national service? Ensure every Dolfik knows their duty to their country, so that when the Anderian communistic hordes arrive to pillage our lands, they'll grab a rifle and fight for every inch of that land. We need to drive the reds out of Baydor, maybe even retake Aprezye and Suroig from them, and in doing so, show them that our Kingsrike's path to ascendancy will not suffer setbacks set upon it by the forces of communism. If we're lucky, even the liberals in Serthenia and those two faced politicians in the worker's party will be taking notes. And if, in their arrogance, the communists think they can confront us directly, our soldiers stand ready to drive them back and establish the name of the Dolfik folk in Anderia for a thousand years, so that they never again think to test our great Kingsrike."

"Of course, I have no doubt in the resolve of our soldiers to drive back the forces of communism. It is simply inherently stressful to stand waiting, knowing that, with my part in planning this war done, for now I can do naught but pray for our soldiers as they march to war."

"If I may" added another, dressed in the uniform of an officer of the Space Force, "I know the real underlying thought we all have is what happens if things go nuclear with the Anderians. I thought it might ease those here to say that all our orbital forces are currently at their peak readiness for dealing with such an event. Our orbital ops teams have ran exercises, and both our early warning satellites and kinetic strike platforms have demonstrated full operational capability, and are on alert as ever for any potential conflict. If the Anderians start launching missiles, we'll pick it up and start hitting their silos and command centers with tungsten rods from low orbit, hopefully leaving you lot with a bit less radiation to deal with on the battlefield. We even had our chaplains perform some rites in the control centers, because if there's anything that'll give you a headache more than being smited from orbit, it's being smited from orbit with the blessings of God."

"Spare some of God's favor for my tanks, eh?" intoned another officer in Army uniform.

"I'll ask him, although there are those inclined to believe he favors those who fight with wisdom and intellect." was the reply, given with a smirk.

"Before we have another argument between branches," said a naval officer, "might I ask our Air Force colleagues as to how their end of Operation Gomorrah is going? Our own submarines are making rapid progress to the area of operations, and should be able to strike as soon as any hostilities kick off."

"Our aircraft are in position in Xihaigang, we have a squadron each of tankers and bombers readying there. They'll be ready to strike as soon as the order is given." replied the officer of that service across from him.

"Good to see we'll be able to exert force in that region, make it known to the world that distance isn't safety when it comes to trying to back an assault against us."

"Now then," said the General who had been first to speak, "As was mentioned before, we are all of course already aware that our soldiers in Baydor are about to drive an armored fist into the communist forces there, and the ones stationed along our direct border with Anderia are standing ready to ensure any assault they try launching through the mountains or along the coast is halted. So, with that, I suppose our colleague here from the Space Force would be more willing to share some of those blessings of God that they've invoked with us while we wait for this to all finally kick off?"

"I'm certain that God is with us, for the sake of those soldiers of yours." was the reply.

---

Communist Occupied Baydor
0700J, 9 November 2021
11th Armoured RCT, 3rd Armoured Division

A column of Dolfik tanks rolled down the highway, leading a formation of APCs filled with soldiers and other vehicles behind them. The Baydorian countryside was unused to such sights, being more accustomed to, at most, far more poorly equipped forces from the local communist rebels and the government forces which opposed them. The scene resembled cavalry on the march in a long ago war, complete with a Dolfik flag and regimental guidon fluttering from the lead tank's antennae, whilst a trooper sat perched in the loader's hatch, eschewing the safety of the turret to enjoy the fresh air, whilst nonetheless keeping their head on a pivot as the column advanced further into potentially hostile territory.

"Gaunt!"

"Yeah?"

"You don't have a knack for good decision making, do you? First we had to drag you out of a pub in your uniform when we were packing up to deploy here, and now you're sitting up there with nothing but your helmet between you and any communist with a rifle who's wondering why the morning commuters today have one hundred and twenty millimeter guns sticking out their ride."

"And you'd rather be stuck in a hot and sweaty turret, eh?"

"Well, it's less hot and sweaty than it'd be with you in it."

"Is that an insult or a compliment?"

"We wouldn't be troopers if it wasn't ambiguous, now would we?"

"Fair point."

He leaned back in the hatch and thought about the reason they were rolling down this highway in the first place. Their regiment had been tasked with advancing on this area of the front against the communist forces who controlled the area. It was part of a larger offensive aimed at reclaiming a narrow strip of land from the rebels that connected one of their main territories to the border with Aprezye. Dolfik forces were amassing on either side of the strip, and the goal was to crush the communists between advancing armored forces on either side of the strip. It was the first major Dolfik offensive of the war, aimed at breaking the stalemate that existed there, and cutting off a significant amount of their opponent's forces from outside reinforcement.

But that was the immediate situation. Also on his mind was the bigger picture; this situation was the culmination of years of tensions in the region to begin with, with the Anderians not only backing the communist rebels in Baydor, but also having backed a coup in neighboring Aprezye a few years earlier. Maintaining control over these buffer states was essential for the Dolfiks to maintain, as, with the direct border with Anderia being mountainous, they represented the main buffer against any potential invasion by communist forces. As such, they were left with little choice in having to act now to maintain control and stability in the area lest they lose their remaining grasp there. And, in this case, acting now involved having a polite conversation with the Baydorian populace as to their political viewpoints, with a tank-mounted 120mm gun brought along as a motivational device.

He continued thinking this for a short while, before his train of thought was suddenly, and rudely, interrupted by the ping of a bullet against the side of the turret.

"We have contact!" he yelled, jumping down into the turret almost as fast as he slammed the hatch close above him once he was inside.

"You think?" replied the tank commander, as the gunner and he respectively swiveled the turret and the remotely controlled automatic grenade launcher on top to engage. "I got a visual, infantry, bearing zero-seven-six, hundred meters from us across this field in the trees, looks to be at least a section sized element." he continued, whilst they both simultaneously opened fire.

"They're mad enough to take on a column of armor with a section?"

"Do I look like I know?! Driver, get us off this road, we're exposed here! Gaunt, less talking, more doing your job of loading that gun with high explosive shells, if you'd be so kind."

"Yes, sir!" he replied, as he did what he was told, whilst the tank lurched around him as the driver floored it into the ditch next to the highway.

"RPG!" yelled the gunner, shortly before an explosion rocked the tank's interior.

"Engaging the launcher" replied the commander, as he pivoted the gun he controlled around again before opening fire again. Only a brief burst of fire was needed before he continued. "Target down, looks like their shot hit our ERA."

"How are the other tanks doing?" asked Gaunt.

"They're all green" replied the commander, who was the one wearing a headset linked to the tank's radio, which in turn was on a net with the other tanks in the troop. "engaging contact on both sides of the road, look to be inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy, looks like they had more than a section, a platoon maybe, our APCs are advancing to deploy infantry."

"We've got guys coming out of the tree line with their hands up!" said the gunner, as the sound of firing outside died off.

"Guess they must've realized what they were up against."

A few tense moments passed. The firing outside had died off, but the atmosphere of combat was still fresh for the crew of the tank. Outside, infantry disembarked from the APCs had ran up and were detaining the surrendering rebels, whilst the tanks themselves reversed back onto the highway.

"Commies knew were were coming, set an ambush for us." said Gaunt after a minute had passed.

"Well, does that surprise you? Any bloke with a toy drone knew we were coming. Bit hard to hide a column of 70 ton vehicles driving straight down the main highway." said the gunner.

"Gives me a strange vibe, is all. I mean, what if someone else told them? Anderians with drones or satellite images or something like that."

"And what basis you got for that? Could be any number of reasons they knew we were going to be coming through here."

"Just a bit odd to think in a few days we could be trading shots with Anderian tanks."

"You really think that's gonna happen? That this is gonna spark a war with them? Look, Gaunt, they're not that unreasonable, who'd start a large scale conflict over some place like this? You'd have to be mad."

"Welcome to Kerbin, whole place is mental. Besides, this whole conflict for Baydor is what decides who has the upper hand between us and the Anderians, whether or not they get to line up troops along our border or not. Seems like the kinda flashpoint that could drag them into open conflict to me."

"Look, mate, I got a wife back home, see? Not the kinda thoughts I want running through my mind, about what could happen to me if that happened, let alone what that'd do to her. Chasing down rebels in a tank? Yeah, that's one thing, doing your duty for the Kingsrike with multiple tons of armor around you that no rebel is going to have the firepower to get through. Going to an all out war? Trading shots with Anderian battle tanks? You think I want that on my mind right now?"

"Sorry mate, stuff's just got me all worried, is all."

"You two," interrupted the commander, "listen, you were just in combat, got all that stress running through you that, now that you're out of combat, is making you worry about things. Just relax, focus on what you need to do, eh?"

"Permission to pop the hatch again now that things have died down, sir?" asked Gaunt.

"As long as you get yourself right back in here if someone else starts popping off shots."

With that, Gaunt opened the hatch and stood up in it again, gripping the machinegun pintle mounted in front of him, as a part of him worried that the firefight would start again. To distract himself, he glanced over at the scene in the field to his side. The infantry had solidly rounded up the rebels who had surrendered, and had them huddled up in a group, surrounded by soldiers with their rifles ready.

Looking at the rebels, he noticed how similar they looked to the college students back home. They weren't poor farmers rising up against an oppressive government, as many an idealized image of their type would portray them. Neither did they look like hardened soldiers, of the kind who had fought for years for a cause they had shed blood and lost comrades for before. These looked to him like young folk, of the kind who, disillusioned with society for one reason or another, did not bother to truly understand the issues which faced them and how to address them in the confines of democracy, but instead listened to sinister voices, who turned these once innocent people into radicals willing to fight and die - things they didn't even understand the meaning of - for idealistic lies they had been fed by those trying to profit from their disillusionment.

In a way, the resemblance they had to the infantry who now detained them was interesting to contemplate. The mechanized infantry unit accompanying Gaunt's troop weren't hardened veterans of Icaria or Suroig, but rather, comprised of young people, newly graduated from secondary schooling, fulfilling their mandatory national service requirement the old fashioned way - serving in the military as was regularly encouraged, instead of opting out and doing civilian service via community service and the like - before moving on to higher education or a career. A thought that was unsavory for any patriotic Dolfik went through his head; how different were the rebels and these troops really? One had brought into lies told to them by those seeking to radicalize them for the socialist cause, the other into the idealized version of Dolfik patriotism fed to them by the education system back home and military training. Whilst of course the socialist cause was for undermining society, whilst the Dolfik one was for ensuring freedom and justice for the people of the Kingsrike and it's allies, the similarity in how both ideologies were no doubt idealized in spite of reality in the minds of those in front of him didn't fail to escape him.

As he thought this to himself, an argument, between one of the prisoners and one of the soldiers guarding them, finally grew loud enough to catch his attention.

"Dolfik pig! For years our people have worked for your companies, and your politicians have had ours controlled by strings. Our economy, our government, our culture, all usurped by you. Now we try to stand for ourselves, and you think to come in here with your rifles and force us to behave?"

"Those are strong words for someone who just surrendered."

"Boy, calm down." said one of the other prisoners, one of the oldest in the group.

"Only because you were slaughtering us! This was my only option to live, and perhaps one day be able to rejoin my people and fight for them once more."

"Hah. Fight? From a prisoner of war camp? Your naivety amuses me."

The prisoner stepped forwards and lunged at the soldier, which was rapidly met by a rifle round through his torso. Seeing this, a few of the other prisoners likewise tried to surge at their captors, and likewise were met by a fusilade of fire from the infantry, who quickly surged forth in kind and began beating down the ones not now bleeding out with the stocks of their rifles, tying them and restraining them on the ground.

Gaunt, still watching from the hatch, thought back to his thoughts a few moments ago about idealism and radicalism. Taking one last look at the scene, he muttered under his breath.

"This is going to be a long war."