The San Javier Conflict (IC | TWI ONLY | CLOSED)

[Corindia]

4AM, 50 kilometers North of Rio Pena

---

Chiaqui Paramac carefully opened the lid to the tunnel leading back to his cadre's underground barracks, and after furtively looking around for several seconds into the jungle surrounding it, gestured into the tunnel. His comrade, Cuilla Hucaja handed him the barrel of their Corindi Azote mortar, then clambered out with the rest of the assembly herself. They immediately began assembling the device in a small clearing of the canopy caused by the recent felling of a decades old tree. After assembling and inspecting the device, Cuilla began to calibrate the mortar for its desired target, the Vancouvian railroad nearly 3 kilometers to the east. Tunnels had been constructed near areas of the track where high concentrations of soldiers or construction workers had been reported by cadres active near the railroad, and at 5AM mortar teams were to fire 10 bombs onto the railroad and surrounding buildings. Following this, the mortar teams were to promptly pack up and then retreat back to the tunnels before a counterattack could find them, sealing the well-covered tunnels behind them and returning to cadre headquarters. At the same time as the mortar attacks, fire-teams would open fire and throw explosives onto the tracks with the intent on causing chaos among the foreigners and destroying the rails, if only temporarily.

After 15 minutes of preparation, Chiaqui and Cuilla were satisfied with their machine and its aim, and settled down to check their watches and meditate on pro-Iza revolutionary pamphlets distributed from the headquarters in the Oronas mountains. Both of the irregular cruzadores were nervous. This was their first attack on the foreign nations occupying San Javier, indeed, it was Azul Naturaleza's first major, concerted attack on the enemies to the east as well, and the novelty of the situation was a cause of great concern and excitement throughout the growing ranks of the Azul Naturaleza. If it went well, they might actually have a chance of taking San Javier.

Finally, the hour came, and Chiaqui and Cuilla did as they were instructed. Within ten seconds, their ammunition had been expended, and their role in the attack was finished. As they packed up the mortar, re-covered the entrance to the tunnel network and made good their escape, they heard the results of their work, ten explosions in quick succession followed by the quick report of gunshots and screams.

[Atnaia]

Roarke was in a panic. The phone in his hand was shaking. He hoped his voice was steady.

"It's a disaster, Mr. Hegemon," Roarke said. "A disaster. Everything I worked for..."

"Calm down," came the smooth tenor of Wessich's voice. "It's not over yet."

"Flores is dead."

"Yes," said Wessich. "But nothing is finished. You are still there. Your groundwork is still there. And the council of generals likes Atnaia right now."

"They're arresting Congressmen," Roarke said. "There's talks of executions."

"You are my ambassador to San Javier," the Hegemon replied. "You are safe. I need you there."

"But what is the plan, sir? There must be a plan."

The clock ticked twice before the Hegemon replied. "Of course there is," Wessich said. "You are to work with Zamora. Ensure that the ECSJ and our forces cooperate. Oversee the discussions with the paramilitarios and negotiate a compromise. You are going to be the only functioning diplomat in the country during the transition. Utilize that. Our number one priority are the oil fields. You must negotiate access with Zamora. The stability of that nation relies on our presence right now. We have his balls in a vice. Use it. The most important thing is that you are seen commanding that meeting with the paramilitarios. Establish Atnaian supremacy in that meeting. They must understand that the coherence and unity they are establishing is presented at our whim."

"Sir...this line isn't necessarily secure," Roarke said.

"The time for subtlety died with Flores," Wessich said.

The clock ticked twice again. "Alright," Roarke said, taking a deep breath. "The remaining Congressmen are useful. I have information on a few. Useful information."

"Good," Wessich said.

"I'll meet with Gaesel," said Roarke. "We can work out a plan of attack here."

"Do it," Wessich agreed.

[Ostehaar]

That is where you might become useful to them, and it means that they might become useful to you.

Pedro's coffee was more bitter than usual, but nonetheless he took a long sip, savoring the taste and gradually getting used to its harshness. For some reason it felt liberating, like sitting down on a comfortable couch after an exhausting day. He finished the entire cup and left it on the table as he got up and stepped outside his shack - it was early morning and the sun was just beginning to peek between the trees of the camp. Few were walking around, probably returning from night patrols, but the place felt almost completely deserted.

He actually hated these hours. Nothing good ever happened during these early hours - people were either returning from night raids, half wounded and in pain, or carrying out dawn raids, getting fired at and taking injuries. The coffee and the smell of rain both helped ease his thoughts. We know the Atnaians better than you do, the foreigners told him, they may actually be your ticket to expand your own control here. Perhaps they were right. After decades of fighting, maybe the better idea this time was simply to get along with the governing force. Maybe these men and women walking around him preferred that solution, now that they've pushed the communists back into their holes.

"General," a boy - or rather, a 17 year old man - said as he approached and handed Pedro a piece of paper. The teenage fighter saluted and turned to walk away, securing his rifle with the other hand so it wouldn't swing around.

It was a report from Samuel Marcos, commander of Los Locos, about reconnaissance patrols far in the western territories of Monte Rosario, right next to the Javieran Steppe. It included information on Atnaian and Vancouvian force movements, residual communist activity in the area, and other, less significant issues. Everything seemed to be in some sort of controlled chaos since the assassination, with the Atnaians being almost the only thing holding the place from drifting yet again into an all-out bloodbath.

Everyone were telling him the same story. The foreign advisers, ANDSJ leader Benito Carmanito, and even some of his own deputies. It was simple - join forces with the Atnaians or die trying to fight them. Take it as your mission to eradicate the communists, they told them, and help the new rulers deal with the cartel. There was no point in arguing. It was probably the most rational move to make.

It was a bitter and harsh solution, as far as he was concerned - but like the coffee he just had, perhaps it would feel liberating in the end. National movements evolve eventually, so perhaps this was the moment. The evolution of the Fuerzas.

The first meeting with an Atnaian representative was scheduled for that afternoon in Constantina. It was the reason he woke up so early in the first place. Time to head westwards, he thought, and walked towards the vehicle waiting nearby on the road.

[Covonant]

Inside the Anliana stronghold

Lt. Abbaca Senias was ordered by letter from General Cladio Machelli to ensure Covonant's role in San Javier became more direct. It had been months since Covonant had showed anymore interest in the island state, and have lost on crucial interest that were to be gained.

Lt. Senias and over 100 Legionnaires of the Covonantian Army made their way to the palace of the Anliana Cartel leader. The soldiers surrounded the palace grounds with a great many following Lt. Senias inside the palace. The presence of the Legions raised alarm from the cartel fighting force which aimed their guns at the Covonantian troops. The Covonantian troops were not outnumbered on the palace grounds but Anliana cartels could see reinforcement made quicker than the Covonantians.

Lt. Senias was however not interested in having an open warfare, in fact that incident would lead to a quick failure on the mission. He instead wanted to make it clear that Covonantian involvment will no longer be business as usual.

He along with the other troops made their way into the palace with troops making their station at key points inside the palace. Lt. Senias already having a blueprint of the palace knew exactly where he was going. He felt the least nervous and more superior and confident in his role. He walked up to the banquet hall door, and pushed it open. Guns were immediately directed at the Lt. His composure however was unmoved. He made his way even closer to Madre (The Leader of the Anliana cartels) showing no emotion towards the situation.

"Madre, I am most disappointed that I am welcomed with guns pointed directly at me. I would implore that you ask your men to lower their arms as I fear an unnecessary escalation of what could be a simple diplomatic engagement". Lt. Senias expressed

"And who the hell are you. In fact how did you gain access in here, this palace is guarded". Madre noted.

"Oh where is my manners, I seem to have taken on a San Javieran trait of being rude, my apologies. I am Lieutenant Abbaca Senias, Commander of the 6th Battalion of the Covonantian Legions. And I have been sent here to express that Covonant will with immediate effect be playing a more direct role in San Javier and by extension in Agustin. You see we have grown weary of how situations are unfolding on the Island. You have failed us Madre, and for that your service will no longer be required". Lt. Senias informed

"Hahahahahaha. You must be a mad man. You come to me to tell me that Covonant doesn't want me to control my city. You must be loco. Now you are making me miss lunch so tell me, why I should not have my men kill you now. Because what you are saying to me is crazy"

"Well Madre" The Lt expressed "I must inform you that way out to sea is a Covonantian destroyer and on land is over 1000 Covonantian legionnaires, I can assure you, if you so much as allow a scratch to be placed on me, this entire shithole will be reduced to dust and rubble. Not to mention the retaliation the combined Covonantian Armed Forces would unleash, and quite frankly none us would want that to happen, especially for us to be seen in the media as aggressors. So I will give you some time to process what I have told you. Not too much time however, we have to start our work now"

"MADNESS, GUARDS GET THIS PIECE OF SHIT OUT OF HERE." Madre shouted

Shots were fired, missing the Lieutenant but injuring a Covonantian Legion. The troops huddled around the Lt. and ensured he was moved to safety.

A gun fight ensued, with legions fighting with great precision and accuracy the cartels who had been using outdated but more modern Covonantian machinery as opposed to advance Covonantian weaponry.

The Lt. was taking over the palace walls and lead back to the camp.

"That bitch, she will rue the day she fucked with me" The Lt muttered to himself.

[Atnaia]

The sense of tension in the Presidential Palace was palpable. Roarke remembered when, only a few short weeks ago, he had been on the other end of a reception like the one they were about to give. There had been less soldiers around to receive his helicopter, and it had been members of the government welcoming him to the capitol and not a bunch of generals in bright orange berets, but now that he was standing here he could feel the way Hernandez must have when Roarke had first set foot here. It was like making a pact with the devil, or letting loose a lion to deal with some coyotes. There was something inherently wrong about the whole thing. You don't let the Bogeyman babysit your children.

Roarke stepped forward as General Fresia stepped from the helicopter and held out his hand. "General Fresia," he smiled. "How was the flight from Constantina?"

"Long," Fresia said. He glanced down at Roarke's hand and shook it after a moment. "You are Roarke? I met with your man this afternoon. He said you would be expecting me."

Roarke nodded. "Carmanito is already here. You've met, I've heard?"

"We're familiar," replied Fresia. He turned to the generals. "And these are generals Zamora, Pajino and Goya."

"Bueno finalmente conocerte," Zamora said, stepping forward and shaking Fresia's hands. "We've been shooting at each other long enough, eh? About time we met on good terms."

"Hopefully," Fresia said. "My men are being allowed into the city?"

"As we speak," Zamora grinned. "If we try any funny business, you are free to open fire on my troops. If anything happens, try and avoid hitting the favellas though, the walls are thin and won't stop bullets."

Zamora made it sound like a joke, but it didn't really feel like one. Roarke cleared his throat. "Come on then, gentlemen," he said. "We have much to discuss."

Roarke led the generals and their aides to a carefully selected conference room near the Congress hall. They had originally meant to hold it in the actual Chambers, but it would have felt so empty and would have set Roarke up in a position of authority that could have been taken negatively. Standing in the President's spot wouldn't have sent the right message. Instead, they had gone for something a bit less authoritative, albeit still formal. Portraits of former presidents hung on the walls, overlooking the wooden surface of the table. Benito Carmanito and his aides, and a few of the former Congressmen were already there, deliberately keeping conversation aimed at small talk. It was a strange atmosphere to step into, knowing all the things that were being left unsaid. Still, Roarke was used to this sort of thing.

"Gentlemen," he said, "General Pedro Fresia and his men have arrived. We could beat around the bush with introductions, but most of the people in this room are men of action, so let's take action. If everyone would take their seats please."

The gathered representatives sat around the circular table. Roarke took a seat on the far side from the double doors. If the table hadn't been circular, this is probably where the head of the table would have been. It wasn't as authoritative as standing at the President's podium in Chambers, but it still sent the message that Roarke was arbitrating the meeting.

"Well then, my friends," he said, once everyone was seated. "You've all met me by this point, but I am Ambassador Roarke. I am a representative from Atnaia, and we've decided that, as something of a neutral party, I will mediate the discussions today. Obviously, this wasn't specifically vetted by our guests, so if you have any issues with this, let me know now."

Someone had coughed at the word "neutral", but no one spoke up. Roarke smiled. "Good. Let's lay facts out: the communists are out of this war. At this point, we're mopping them up in the jungles. They still have weapons and equipment and men, but they don't have a stronghold, so they are on borrowed time. With organization, we will have them gone within the year."

There was murmured agreement, but Carmanito spoke up. "We've heard that before. Of course, they have lost Santa Ana, so it is more meaningful. But the jungles are dense, there are lots of places to hide. And there are still people who support them. What's to stop them stepping into the rubble of Santa Ana and starting anew."

"They were already divided into two factions before our Atnaian friends leveled the city," Zamora replied. "Not that I know the details of communist theory, but the People's Army supported a more directly militaro-nationalist form of communism. Diogosta and the Popular Revolution were more straightorward Marxists. Main thing stopping them from opening fire on each other half the time was clear communication. We smashed that apart with Santa Ana. If we can keep them divided, those two groups will probably further subdivide. Gangs we can deal with Armies are harder."

Carmanito nodded. "Agreed. But I don't see that as an assurance that it won't just drive them tighter together. Fire-forged friends, that is the term, yes?"

"We need to stop them from talking," said Fresia. "I know of the location of a few of their radio towers in the mountains. We've never had proper support to take them out, but with the aid of the Atnaians..."

Roarke held up his hands. "I think we may be getting ahead of ourselves. You're concerned that the communists may come together? Well, we need to do that [i[first[/i] before we start making plans. Cards on the table: what is the shape that we want this alliance to take? What are everyone's goals? How do you all see this working out when the dust settles?"

Roarke leaned forward. "The big question: will the Presidential Republic stand, or are we here today to burn the constitution and start something new?"

[Atnaia]

The cogs turned in the brains of the collected leaders. They all had their answers, of course. They were just trying to figure out what everyone else's answers were, and how to frame their own in such a way as to curry favour with the whole of the group. Not for the first time, Roarke was homesick for Atnaia, where the carefully chosen words would have flowed like honey as soon as he had finished speaking.

Giesel, the Atnaian general, leaned forward, his deeply lined face serious. "Let's not beat around the bush here. The constitution has effectively been suspended since the 1970s. The government of this nation has been making the rules up as it goes along since then. Burning the system down and starting from scratch isn't even what you all would be doing. The system burned down forty years ago, and the ashes blew away twenty. What you'll be doing is weeding an empty field and building your own structure. Hell, you already started culling the weeds when you rounded up the war profiteers and child molesters in Congress. May as well take the next step."

"We've been fighting for forty years for the system we had," said General Goya. He was a thin, tired-looking man, and he looked even more tired now.

"You've been fighting this war for forty years because the system forced you to fight for forty years," said Fresia. "It forced all of us to."

Zamora nodded. "A meat grinder, using young men's lives to feed the fat cats. That wasn't the system I signed up for."

Roarke smiled. "Dangerously close to Communism..."

Zamora grinned widely. "Pragmatism, my friend. A war that enriches the leaders will go on forever. We need to provide power back into the hands of the people fighting the war, the people on whose backs it was built."

"And what shape does that take?" Roarke asked. "This is no position for elections at the moment. The infrastructure isn't there."

"We need a strong central state again," replied Carmanito. "We need a government that projects authority. That scares the communists and drug dealers. That exerts control."

Everyone murmured their agreement.

"The situation we had involved too many cooks in the kitchen, so to speak," said Zamora. "Each playing the game of profits behind the scenes. What needs to be done is a small, politically-unified group with direction and purpose. No more congress of dozens arguing and getting nothing done and letting the countryside fall to brigands. No offense intended."

Fresia smiled patiently. "None taken. These are admirable goals, but what you seem to be suggesting is an imprint of the Atnaian system. The Hegemon and his Quorum. Forgive me for not immediately trusting such a recommendation when the elephant in the room is the foreigner in the room."

Roarke held his hands open like a benediction. "A fair comment. But may I ask a question...what would be so wrong with that? Tighter ties with Atnaia, I mean. We can offer much...infrastructure, military strength, a system proven to offer security. You retain the freedom of your sovereignty, but open the world of Atnaia's impressive diplomatic acumen to you. We can lift the burden of development from your shoulders and leave you with the important work of destroying the last vestiges of the communists and bringing the cartels to justice. Surely none of you want to take the burden of rebuilding upon your own shoulders."

Roarke could see the temptation ripple through them. This was the moment. If they stepped forward now, it would be a military junta.

The room remained silent.

"I believe we need to think harder about that than a simple meeting like this would provide," said Fresia. Several others agreed.

"Fair enough," said Roarke. "Then let us redirect. How do you see your own roles in all of this?"

[Covonant]

Coventry-Covonant (Palatine Manor-Prime Minister Office)

The Prime Minister was in his office looking over the news clipping on the San Javieran boat that was seized in Covonantian waters. Suddenly a knock was heard on his door followed by his aide walking in.

"Prime Minister, Mr. Marcus Quintus here to see you" notified the aide.

"Good ole Marcus, how do you fare" asked the PM

"Perturbed Imperatus, to say the least. I just saw on the news my shipment of goods seized and I hear it is to be destroyed...$200 million dollar worth of my goods destroyed. I expect you to stop this immediately. And tell me something since when did the coast guard routinely scout the west of Roberticis?" Marcus asked

"Quintus, I am sorry to tell you but, I believe for the betterment of Covonant's interest that we no longer rely on the Anliana Cartel and we have to put a stop to the trade"

Marcus Quintus being shocked at hearing the news sat in the couch of the PM's office

"And when did you plan on informing me of this" Asked Marcus

"I was hoping at the latest sometimes this week. I am really sorry but it is an election year Quintus and I can't have this continue any longer, if word broke out that I gave a citizen permission to conduct trade of allowing illegal substance into Covonant do you know what would happen to me and you or my election Quintus." explained Imperatus

"Have you forgotten I have contributed millions to your campaigning Prime Minister, and I can see that it ends. You have really played me on this one. You will regret that choice."

"Are you threatening me Marcus Quintus, are you? because I would have you know that I am very influential more so than you, you do not want me to be vengeful for placing me in this position. Now I am telling you that what we initially agreed on is over. Covonant will no longer play part in this illegal mess that I am sure the damn media is going to sniff out. To prevent this I will ensure that whatever happened with those cartels remains in the past and no mention of it ever again."

"And just how do you propose to do that" Asked Quintus seemingly calming down after reflecting on what he had been told.

"Simple, silence those who may destroy all we worked to build. Covonant will oversea matters in Agustin. We have to. I will not allow this to cause me my election, worst yet imagine if I lose the opposition leader turns PM and finds out. He would crucify me with it. Trust me Quintus, your investment will be rewarded after the election but for now, Covonant has to look out for her interest not yours."

"It seems your interest Prime Minister, but I fear its not the Anliana cartels you should fear, but those closer to home. You know the saying keeping your enemies closer than your friends might prove inefficient...Prime Minister"

With that Quintus left the PM's office with Imperatus pondering on what he had just heard.

Agustin

With gun battles at the Anliana Cartel stronghold still persisting on, Lt. Senias has ordered reinforcements of 200 Covonantian troops to penetrate the Palace walls. Jeeps traverse the steep rugged San Javieran landscape. Their goal to oust the leader Madre.

Lt. Senias having been brought back to the camp established just east of Agustin explains his operation now in full force to General Machelli.


"I don't want her dead, we will not have her become a martyr for these people. We will grant her the privilege of seeing what a developed country looks like. A Covonantian cell should do the trick. We are acting on orders from Covonant, capture Agustin, and my legions are doing just that." Senias expressed

Fighting has been going on for two days with both sides relying on reinforcements. The Covonantians however are having the advantage but the Anliana cartels are not going down without a fight.

[Corindia]

6:43 PM, 60 kilometers North of Rio Pena

---

Huanca Ilyapa gingerly opened the trapdoor that constituted one of the many forward terminals of the local tunnel network. The light from the growing slit blinded her, forcing her to quickly cover her eyes with her gloved hand and pause for a few seconds to catch her bearings. The trapdoor was in one of the relatively few patches of sunlight penetrating the thick canopy above. Huanca cursed the builders, most likely local men and women from the nearby village adjacent to the railroad. They knew that the tunnels were to be hidden and kept in the dark to avoid discovery, no matter how unlikely it was that an entrance could be stumbled into. She clambered out of the hole, making sure to avoid catching her Vástago on the rim. Closing the lid, it quickly became apparent that even in full light, the entrance was nearly invisible. Maybe the workers knew what they were doing after all. They certainly should: they had mounted a resistance movement from the village for decades, only recently electing to join the Azul Naturaleza along with many other local militias.

Huanca walked slowly for the next two kilometers, enjoying the welcome reprieve from the cloistered tunnels. She listened to bird calls and did her best to identify their makers. although she was never as skilled at remembering the distinct rhythms and cadences as her father, who had first taught her to tread the jungles and shoot, she still was confident that she could correctly identify over half of the hidden birds she heard.

When she finally arrived at her destination, a small mound of overgrown limestone that had not yet collapsed like the rest of the surrounding strata, she omitted two quick anhinga calls in fast succession. Hearing the same in return, she approached the mound. After scrambling up the karst walls and reaching the top of the formation, she smiled at what she saw. Maita Pachacamac, her spotter from the local resistance cell had established a crude camp, and was waiting for her with patrol rotation schedules from the soldiers guarding this section of the railroad. The next pass wasn't scheduled for several hours, so Huanca and Maita were to lay dormant, for now.

[Atnaia]

The meeting dragged on. And then it dragged on some more. Roarke wanted a drink. Actually, he wanted a dozen drinks. Maybe some cocaine. He'd never had cocaine before, but he would have been willing to try it if it injected some energy into the proceedings.

Everything was working in circles, and when the time came for a break, he and Gaesel sat down with Zamora and the three shared a trio of cigars on a balcony of the Palace just to dim the buzz of the chatter in their ears.

"This is a mess," Zamora said. "So much talking, not much doing."

Giesel grunted in response. "We need a prize to make all of this worth it. Something really good."

"What is there?" Zamora asked. "We're planning to pull the war out from the soldiers' feet. The paramilitarios aren't like me and the generals..."

"The generals and I," Roarke mumbled.

"The generals and I," Zamora echoed. "The generals and I want to end this war because we want to send our men home. The paramilitarios are at home in the fight. We need to offer them something to keep fighting..."

"The cartels," Roarke said, but Zamora interrupted.

"Bah," Zamora said. "The cartels want none of it."

"They shot Flores," Roarke said.

"Did they?" Zamora asked, stiff. Then he loosened. "But of course they did. All I mean to say is that that will be like giving them hand-me-down toys. We need better if we are to keep this running."

Roarke turned the problem over in his mind. A dread beast rose up inside of him, something akin to the Voice of God. The Voice of Wessich maybe. "There sure are a lot of foreigners with boots on the ground," he murmured. The others strained to hear him.

"What was that?" Giesel asked.

"Just that there are a lot of armed men on this island," Roarke said. "A lot of people with unclear intentions."

"Mr. Roarke," Zamora asked. "What are you suggesting?"

Roarke chewed at his cigar. "We should recess this discussion. Let me make a few calls. I think...I think we may need to do something very, very foolish."

[Atnaia]

In a back room of the Palace, several of the paramilitario generals met. If the room had been smokier, it would have been a picture from some Atish gangster film. As things stood, it was just dark. The incandescent bulb made a dim buzz.

"So, what do you think?" Carmanito asked. He was sipping a glass of water. With ice. The luxuries abounded.

"I think," Fresia said, "that the Atnaians are going to dangle some meat from a stick and hope we leap for it like dogs. I think their Hegemon has concepts of adding another circuitory prefecture. I think, perhaps, that this is a bad deal and that the ECSJ fools can't see past it. Or they can and they don't care."

"They want the war over," Carmanito responded.

"Of course they do," Fresia replied. "We all do. In its way. But do we really want to give up the nation to a bunch of foreigners to do it?"

Carmanito shifted. "What do you think they will feed us?"

Fresia shrugged. "They think we are attack dogs."

"Aren't we?"

"We're not rabid," Fresia pointed out.

"No," Carmanito sighed. "It will be the cartels. Or the Vancouvians. Anyone but themselves."

"Would they really turn us on the Vancs?"

"Maybe," Carmanito turned to an aide. "You know the most of the rail line situation."

"It's too valuable to the ECSJ to have the rail line," the aide replied. "But the cartels are an easy enemy to hate."

"I agree," said Fresia. "But they are also divided. Weak. To easy to smash if we are all working together. Not much of a war to keep us occupied."

"Then what?"

"I do not know," Fresia rubbed his chin. "We're so close to something. A unified country. After that, we focus control...we need a seat at the table, Beni."

Carmanito nodded. "Even if it means being an attack dog?"

"I don't know. We need to see what they offer, and we need room to think."

[Covonant]

With the Anliana Cartel battered by the Covonantian forces, Covonanatians back in Covonant are beginning to know the true nature of Covonant's involvement in San Javier. Defense Minister Batiatus Sula has informed General Machelli that the Prime Minister is ordering a quick redeployment of troops from the island to return to the Ailis Naval Base in Corindia. Covonant was pulling out of the country. The fighting had prolonged for weeks and Covonant was losing money staying too long in a country that the union seemed to be losing from.

---

Coventry, Covonant-Palatine Manor

"We need to get out now, Batiatus. The fucking FICA is investigating my government's involvement in the island if they get hands on critical information, I would have a scandal on my hands less than one month before my fucking election. Do you know the advantage we would give to the opposition" Prime Minister Marl expressed

"I have already gave the orders Imperatus, but enlighten why pull out some but maintain our presence" Asked Defense Minister Batiatus Sula.

"Its just a political move for the moment. I am expected to win the election and I will get the Consul approval once I return as Prime Minister to end these investigations and have our troops returned. We can go on the pretext that democracy as not yet arrived to that banana republic and we will be the guiding light that brings it to them. Don't think I would have wasted so many lives taking control of that area to give it up overnight" responded the PM.

"And if we don't win" Asked Batiatus

"Then we are fucked"

---

Agustin

The troops were packing up their equipments and supplies to move out of the country. General Machelli had an assembly with the few that were leaving.

"Gentlemen and women of the force. We have done a mighty good job here in San Javier and our mission here though one part of it is coming to an end, we can't lose sight of why we came here in the first place. Some of you will be redeployed to Ailis Naval Base and some will return to Covonant. Others will remain here at the post that has been established in Agustin. Your task will be to maintain the peace and to contribute to the development of this area. I will retire from this operation, and to take my place will be Lieutenant Wilkins who will be the Commandant of this post. Coventry will send other directives."

The General walked off with a mist in his eyes as though he was going to miss San Javier. He was not told much as to why Covonant was leaving abruptly and aborting the mission nor did he ask. The orders he received from the Defense Minister he ensured were obeyed. He figured with election coming near the government didn't want any mention of San Javier coming out. He was skeptical as well why would Covonant abandoned the mission. Why would they just leave the poppy fields so many fought and died securing.

[Corindia]

4:04 PM, Camp Granito-B, Western Oronas Mountains, San Javier

---

Col. Trujan watched from the passenger seat of his battered Coyote jeep as Comandante Poma Uyananche reviewed the latest cadre to have joined the Azul Naturaleza. In the weeks following the announcement Azul Naturaleza's final and complete withdrawal of support and involvement with the drug trade, many small villages and communities openly flocked to its banner. Trujan and Uyananche had been visiting these small centers of population and inspecting the local revolutionary cadres in an attempt to better integrate the previously underground cells. They would need more than the growing tide of Iza Nationalism to carry out the next planned offensive, the thrust to the south. To that end, Corindi advisors had been hard at work training and drilling the already skilled guerilla fighters in the usage of more offensive tactics and equipment. Smaller, northern cartels, warlords, and resisting cities in the north-west of the island were essentially employed as training sites for the young, Iza Cruzados to learn how to work in a team, use light armor, and coordinate with limited air and naval assets effectively.

After Cmd. Uyanache finished walking along the final row of Cruzadores, Col. Trujan gestured for him to get in the Coyote.

"Comandante, I have good news! My compatriots in the Corindi Navy have informed me that your boys are fully capable of operating the GEVs we shipped in, and they'll be ready to intercept and harass enemy shipping within two weeks. But that is not all; there was a bit of a stir in Covonant in regards to its... indescretions abroad. Very embarassing, but very deniable. Still, our eyes in the South say they've picked up a lot of movement from the Covonantian forces there, and it doesn't look it's for an expansion of their presence. Obviously we'll have to wait to see what they fly into Flore, but this could be a complete or partial withdrawal! It's going to make our push to the South a lot simpler militarily, and to be quite honest a lot of my men, and me, weren't thrilled by the thought of fighting the Covos, even indirectly."

'Fantastic news!" Uyananche was beaming "I've never seen so many young men and women in good health as today, and with matching rifles! These things seem small, and i'm certainly excited to hear of the souther cartel's misfortune, but for years, most of my life, we've been starving in the jungle, using whatever weapons we can, to see before me this! Ah, it does my old heart good. I feel better about the future than I have in years, Colonel."

[Corindia]

1:00 PM, Pachualla, San Javier

---

Comandante Poma Uyananche grimaced as he read the reports from cadre leaders in some of the southernmost villages controlled by the Azul Naturaleza. Their ominous warnings indicated what he had begun to fear after reading the news from Atnaia. The Ticking Flu ahd arrived. Luckily it appeared to be spreading slowly between villages, the decentralized nature of the Iza-controlled region was an enormous boon in that regard, but its spread within individual villages was fierce, and was taking a toll on the cruzadores.

Uyananche could only imagine what would happen if the disease spread to the few major cities controlled by the Azul Naturaleza, or even if it spread to the cities to the Eeast controlled by the foriegn invaders.

He dialed the number of the Azul Naturaleza commander of Pachualla

"Col. Marmolejos, we must discuss the future of this city"

"Speaking, Sir. What of it?"

"As I'm sure you're aware, the Atnaian disease has arrived in San Javier. How exactly, we cannot tell, although some of advisors believe that it originated in one of the port cities to the south. Regardless, it is here, and we must adapt. The city must prepare for the epidemic. Clinics and restictions to entry at first, if worst comes to worst then curfews and body patrols. Whatever it takes, you must do. I leave the specific implementation up to you."

"As you wish, Sir. I'll see to it that measures be adopted within the week"

'Fantastic, fantastic. Remember, this city is the pinnacle of our revolution so far. It would not do to see it fall into ruin."

"Of course not, Sir"

'Dismissed"

Uyananche put the phone down, and returned to his papers. As cold as it felt, he might be able to turn the disease to his advantage. Blame it's presence on the Atnaian soldiers, blame the spread on the Vanqui railroad...
There could be something there. No reason to let an opportunity go to waste, and they were at war after all.

[Covonant]

The Crassus Gais led administration having won the election on a promise of pulling Covonantian troops out of San Javier sought to make it their top priority. Defense Minister Crixus Ignacio is committed to starting the process of deployment of Covonantian troops out of the country. He made the decision to travel to San Javier to get a first look of the area that was under Covonantian control. Having flown from Coventry to Agustin the Defense Minister was meet by Lft. Wilkis who was overseeing Covonantian operation in the area.

"Lieutenant Wilkis it is a pleasure to finally meet. I have heard a lot about you. I am sure you are aware of the reason of my presence here. It is the wish of the administration to see our operation here come to an immediate end and while i am here for the two days I want to see great moves made for a quick pullout of our troops. "

"Sir we have already started to pack to supplies but we're awaiting orders from either the Prime Minister or the Defense Ministry on when to start moving out. I am more than willing to give you a tour of our operations and update you on what we have done thus far Sir"

"That's all good and all but let us save the tour till after. Now Lft. I have heard reports of a rival gang the Azul Naturalez. Now be Frank with me, I know their shaking hands with the Coirindians and Covonant is not looking to have any altercations with our favoured ally to the east. My first duty while here is to have a meeting with the leader of the Azul Naturalez and also with whoever is in charge of the Corindi mission here. Cab I trust you to provide that metering that must be kept on the hush, classified, top secret. "

"Yes sir, I will move at seeing up a meeting"

Lft. Wilkis saluted the defense minister and called for a road Jeep and made his way to the Azul naturalez controlled area to encourage the leader to meet with the Covonantian government official. His journey to the area clearly showed that the defense minister was his superior while on the island.

[Corindia]

Poma Uyananche couldn't remember the last time he'd been in such a clean room as the one he was in presently. He had been living on the move for years, often in tunnels and caves, and to even be in a proper structure was often a dangerous luxury he could not afford. Now things were different. The realities of the Azul Naturaleza's rapid expansion were starting to wear on him, but he couldn't complain about the new accommodations, even if they were only temporarily appropriated for the upcoming meeting with the Covonantian Defense Minister.

He smiled looking around the room. His aides had gone over it to make it presentable, even going so far as to put stands in the corner with the flags of Covonant and San Javier, or at least the Azul Naturaleza's flag for San Javier. Seeing the flag steeled Poma's resolve. Soon, perhaps within a few years if everything went right, he'd be able to speak for San Javier and not just the Azul Naturaleza. Unless he was assassinated like his predecessor, of course.

Suddenly the paneled wooden door opened, and Colonel Trujan entered in his hacienda-brown dress uniform.

"I don't think I've ever seen you in that" quipped Poma. It was strange seeing him without the usual patrol cap and muddy fatigues that were the standard attire for most Corindi personnel on the island.

"You haven't, these haven't seen the light of day since I got on the island. I figured I'd break them out for our esteemed Covonantian colleagues. Speaking of which, you've read the dossiers we've sent you, correct?"

"Yes, of course. You and your people have reviewed our main negotiating points, no?"

"Indeed we have, and you'll find no objection from us. We were concerned you were going to try shackle their commercial enterprises, and you know what reaction that would draw from them."

Poma laughed. "We aren't communists, Arlo. Lord knows somebody has to rebuild these roads."

"More than the roads Commander, half of the eastern island is burnt to the ground. Hell, if that Atty Disease keeps up it's pace of infection then half of it might be more than enough to go around. The place is going to need decades of investment to get back on its feet."

"Well, let's see how many decades we can get"

The pair continued chatting and reviewing documents, waiting for the Covonantians to arrive.

[Covonant]

The Defense Minister had a second thought of his decision to send the Lft to call meeting with Azul Naturalez leaders, he instead thought it best to make an entrance to express Covonant's presence. He called for the helicopter which transported him to the island which brought him to the area controlled by the Azul Naturaleza. The area was fairly close to Agustin. To his amazement he saw something he was not aware of. Corindian forces in the area and nicely built structure in the area to suggest some form of foreign investment in the area. The helicopter landed in an open field area of the town clearly showing the emblems and flag of Covonant. The Lft saw the craft coming to a land and quickly made his way towards it. Once the minister embarked from the craft the lft saluted him and began to speak.

"Sir your arrival is a surprise. I had not gotten the chance to arrange the meeting, but speaking to some of the locals, they suggest that the leader of the area is expecting you and is awaiting you to arrive at a town centre building that was recently constructed. I was going to check out out for myself but since you are here we can make our way there"

"Very well I am eager to meet whoever leads this place. The quicker I can leave this island, the better. "

The Defense Ministry along with Lieutenant Wilkis and two private of the Covonantian army and two Praetorian Guards arrived at a small building that was fairly guarded. When the guard at the door saw the Minister he quickly identified him.

"We have been expecting you" the guard said as he opened the door.

The Praetorian Guards and the privates walked in first followed by the Minister and the new lft at which the were led into a small room that had the flag of Corindia and Covonant placed which confused the minister.

"What do we have here. I thought I was to meet Corindian officials in Corindi" the minister said as he took a seat by the Covonantian flag as he took his shades off.

[Corindia]

The Defense Minister had a second thought of his decision to send the Lft to call meeting with Azul Naturalez leaders, he instead thought it best to make an entrance to express Covonant's presence. He called for the helicopter which transported him to the island which brought him to the area controlled by the Azul Naturaleza. The area was fairly close to Agustin. To his amazement he saw something he was not aware of. Corindian forces in the area and nicely built structure in the area to suggest some form of foreign investment in the area. The helicopter landed in an open field area of the town clearly showing the emblems and flag of Covonant. The Lft saw the craft coming to a land and quickly made his way towards it. Once the minister embarked from the craft the lft saluted him and began to speak.

"Sir your arrival is a surprise. I had not gotten the chance to arrange the meeting, but speaking to some of the locals, they suggest that the leader of the area is expecting you and is awaiting you to arrive at a town centre building that was recently constructed. I was going to check out out for myself but since you are here we can make our way there"

"Very well I am eager to meet whoever leads this place. The quicker I can leave this island, the better. "

The Defense Ministry along with Lieutenant Wilkis and two private of the Covonantian army and two Praetorian Guards arrived at a small building that was fairly guarded. When the guard at the door saw the Minister he quickly identified him.

"We have been expecting you" the guard said as he opened the door.

The Praetorian Guards and the privates walked in first followed by the Minister and the new lft at which the were led into a small room that had the flag of Corindia and Covonant placed which confused the minister.

"What do we have here. I thought I was to meet Corindian officials in Corindi" the minister said as he took a seat by the Covonantian flag as he took his shades off.

Commander Poma Uyananche excitedly walked over to the Covonantian delegation and shook their hands.
"Welcome to our island, we have much to discuss. I think we'll be able to find a solution to our little Augustín problem that will make both of us very, very happy. I will state now that it is imperative to the freedom of San Javier and the Iza people that no foreign powers continue to occupy the island, at least if they are not cooperating with us or supporting autocratic and communist elements on the island. Of course, it is equally important to the future of our island that after this great war, prosperity and enterprise returns. I understand that Covonant wishes to have a hand in shaping that post-war growth, and we're inclined to let it have just that."

Colonel Trujan calmly walked over to the delegation and greeted them as well.
"In response to your question, Minister, we thought it best that we allow the Azul Naturaleza to exercise its claimed sovereignty over San Javier and conduct its own negotiations. It's not our colony, just an ally, after all. With that in mind, I'll allow Commander Uyananche to speak for our position, unless you have questions about the Corindi military presence which I will be well-suited to answer."

[Covonant]

The Minister examined the unfamiliar faces in the room trying to see beneath their smiles and approach of underlying motives, while he was trying hard not to be too open with the motives his government intend to implement. He like the administration he was a part of cared little about the governance of San Javier. He thought that it was more expensive to have a colony as opposed to 'develop' a country. He intended to leave this meeting with San Javier under a new Covonantian foreign policy that was already in effect in Travencia and Jahe Davmwoem. A policy that would see the entire island serviced by major Covonantian companies mostly in the financial services. In the minister's mind it was a modern form of Covonantian colonialism just without boots on the ground. It was more Neo- colonialism where the island like most developing states fell under Covonant's financial control. The new administration also saw business expansion possible which one could argue was another reason why the Crassus led administration made the removal of Covonantian troops his first priority.

"Pleased to meet you all present. And to the Corindians, your presence is appreciated. It makes it easier for me to make this visit more efficient. Now if you are all bit familiar, Covonant has a new government and that government is looking to changing our role and operations on this island. No longer do we want to have our troops here as it is seen as a failed policy. Which is why I am here. As newly appointed Defense Minister it is my responsibility to see that Covonantian troops leave San Javier without much commotion, but we can't ignore the fact that Covonant has invested a lot of time, troops and money into this island, and we would feel more at ease to know that the area we once oversea is left in good hands and I find it ironic that the Corindians are here as I intended to visit Corindia with hopes of making such a proposal of assisting Covonant in ensuring the area is left in good hands. Covonant has reduced the numbers of Anliana cartels in the area but a significant majority is present in other areas on the island as they fled from our fighting force. We would want to be sure that peace can come between the two factions primarily the Azul Naturalez and the Anliana group. Covonant wishes to still play an important role on this island, mostly in her development with providing foreign direct investments and financial support to the islands infrastructure and programmes. I don't think Covonant is expressing for much considering we are withdrawing our presence to play a more developmental role which is in the best interest of this country and its people " Minister Ignacio expressed as he awaited their response.

[Corindia]

Poma beamed.
"Foreign investment is certainly something we'll need plenty of in the coming years, decades even. Particularly in the fields of infrastructure, banking, telecommunication... well, I said particularly, but in reality nearly every sector of our economy is in shambles. Agriculture and forestry come to mind as two fields we might be able to bootstrap, but wood and food are hardly the only components necessary for sustainable, economic growth. Yes, your businesses will be more than welcome to invest on the island.

Peace with the Anliana Cartel may not be possible, or even desirable, unfortunately. Our taking of Pachualla was somewhat of a slap in the face to them, and I can't imagine them tolerating our presence in Augustín either. That combined with their smuggling, raids, and heroin production make them a continued thorn in our side that may yet have to dealt with."

"If you'll forgive my interjection, I have something to add."
Colonel Trujan paused, waiting for the two politicians eyes to come to him before continuing.
"While the Anliana Cartel has certainly been hurt by the loss of their stronghold in Augustín and the spread of the Atty... excuse me, Ticking Flu, their cells have been engaging with our patrols as much as ever, and our reconnaissance flights over their camps have shown evidence of a not-insignificant build up of soldiers, and even a few antiquated armored vehicles and technicals."
Trujan handed his Covonantian Military counterpart a manila folder of radio transcripts, aerial photographs, and eyewitness reports from Iza villagers in Anliana territory.
"Speaking of the Anliana Cartel, do you have any information as to the whereabouts of La Madre?"

[Covonant]

Defense Minister Ignacio was silent as he scanned through the document. He looked up and exerted a heavy sigh.

"Covonant in our operation to contain the Anliana Cartel engaged in a bitter conflict that saw many casualties, in our quest to control the conflict we thought it best to confront La Madre and one such way was to get her out of the country on a flight to Covonant for placement in one of our high level penitentiary. No this had to be done in a way that the media was not alerted of this incidence. I'm not pleased at how it was handled and Parliament plans to investigate this. So presently La Madre is in Devios, Covonant but that order was done by my predecessor. I'm looking at new reports and intends on transferring her to our maximum penitentiary on our base in Arvan. I apologize for Covonant seemingly creating a problem and leaving it for someone else to deal with, but it was a different government. I don't have much information on the Anliana cartels as most of the reports I have not seen. But Covonant does not want to deal with anymore fighting on this island which is why I intended to go to Corindia to see if they could handle that. Now I say these things in confidence that they should remain in this room.

To be honest, out troops are tired of this country and I want them to do bigger things. Of its financing, we will provide, if it's sensitive information we will provide to the V km Corindians only. "

[Corindia]

Colonel Trujan frowned.
"Interesting. I guess this means the Anliana Cartel is looking for vengeance, and not planning a rescue mission. I'll admit that it's less than ideal, but it is what it is. It's concerning that we don't know who is in charge, but we'll keep monitoring their chatter. For all we know they'll announce it, although if they haven't yet I suspect the secrecy is intentional.

Defense Minister Ignacio, if I may be frank, I'd recommend airlifting your soldiers off the island as soon as possible. La Madre not being on the island will likely push whatever the Anliana Cartel is planning forward faster than we anticipated, and I think you've made it more than clear that the last thing Covonant needs is to be attacked right now, especially not at the beginning of Gais' first term."

Commander Poma Uyananche, seeing the concern of Trujan's face, spoke up.
"It's not that we don't like having you around! By all accounts your occupation of Augustín has been humane"
He sat back in his seat and chuckled.

[Covonant]

Defense minister Ignacio having heard the concerns of the Corindian colonel, agreed to his suggestion on airlifting Covonantian troops off the island.

"Colonel Trujan, I appreciate the concerns and suggestions you have provided, you have truly embodied the good relation have between Covonant and Corindia. I will make use of your suggestions. Since there is not much left for me to discuss, I must take my leave. I an expected in Corindia to represent the new government.

[Ostehaar]

It has been several weeks since General Pedro's meeting with the Atnaians. Nothing conclusive came out of it, but the men on the ground felt like the General had listened to the Osters' suggestion. Instead of going against the Atnaians, the day-to-day missions of FJARDP troops included chasing down communists between the villages and scouting for remains of the communist guerrillas. Complicated or risky missions were given to Samuel Marcos' Los Locos - they raided small communist strongholds in the mountains and ambushed communist convoys.

It wasn't another Santa Ana. That was the first - and so far only - major battle involving the Fuerzas. There, men died by the dozens every week. Now, a week was considered bad if more than ten were wounded. They had a routine now, and some even heard rumors about joint FJARDP-ECSJ operations. With the training and equipment supplied by the Osters, the Fuerzas were on the path to becoming a de-facto division of the ECSJ. Some villagers jokingly referred to the younger fighters as Cabos (corporals).

The hot days of August made most tasks unbearable to the team of Osters in San Javier. The breezes that blew from the direction of the coast were heavy with humidity, resulting in a sensation that they could not get used to even after a few years on the island. Their red and exhausted faces stood out among the Fuerzas in any camp they visited, alerting the locals of their presence and sometimes triggering a few laughs. Many of the young Fuerzas fighters admired Nicolas, who trained them, and respected Phil, who armed them and funded them - but they were still a pair of foreigners so out of place.

"This is all training missions, you know?" Nicolas said, his gaze still fixed on the horizon. Smoke was rising from a certain location in the forest, where Los Locos probably attacked a communist guerrilla campsite. "The folks are wiping the comunistas quickly, but they won't run out of targets."

"Cartel?" Phil wondered, and Nicolas hummed in response.

"It doesn't even have to be an Atnaian request. Hell, the Atnaians have their own problems back home now, so we shouldn't be surprised if they decide to leave any time soon. No, they would turn against the Cartel simply because it's there."

"Well, I hope not."

"Why do you care?"

Phil sighed and wiped the sweat off his face. "We have allies with interests who operate in those areas."

"Ah, you mean we as in Osters," Nicolas smiled. "I still think Fuerzas when I hear we."

"That's your problem. I'm not going to supply bullets and rockets if those turn against our allies."

Nicolas hummed again. "It won't happen soon anyway."

Phil felt it was the right moment to drop the bomb he was carrying between his lines. "I think we should start wrapping this operation up."

"Which one? The raid on -"

"The entire thing," Phil clarified, "All of Operation Tabula Rasa. Our presence here. The training. The support. The equipment. All of it."

Nicolas looked at his partner with eyes wide open, not entirely sure if he was being serious. "You're fucking insane. This is a fifty-year multi-million-dollar operation, and it's not going to be terminated just because you have fears of the Fuerzas becoming a loose dog. If they attack the Cartel -"

"I don't care about the Cartel itself," Phil interrupted him, "but if they start messing with the central areas, it means messing with people with bigger sticks who also happen to be our allies."

Nicolas could not think of anything specific to say. He spent many years of his life as the point-man of the Oster operation in San Javier - one might claim that building the Fuerzas into the force that they are today was his own 'masterpiece' and the main focus of his entire career as an OVAST operative overseas. Terminating Operation Tabula Rasa would mean terminating his team and giving away his control of what is practically one of San Javier's most effective fighting forces... it would mean sending him back home until another mission of that scale would come up.

Meanwhile, on the horizon, the smoke cleared. Nicolas chuckled. "Samuel has done it again," he said.

[Corindia]

Colonel Trujan smiled.
"Indeed. I'm glad that even this far off of the beaten path, we were able to avoid a confrontation."

"As am I!" Poma chimed in, "the last thing we need around here is further conflict. Well, I believe we're done here. Gentlemen, it's been a pleasure, I wish you safe passage on the rest of your journey."

A Corindi aide burst into the room, breaking the cordial atmosphere that had developed.
"Colonel Trujan! Urgent call from 2nd Battalion HQ, they've been engaged by..."

The aide was interrupted by a series of explosions rocking the compound. The sounds of glass falling out of windows, soldiers running and orders being shouted were punctuated by occasional blasts and bursts of machine gun fire from the edge of the compound.

Colonel Trujan sprung into action, "I'll take that call, ensure that the Covonantian Delegation and the Commander get the hell out of here!"

Poma, after taking a second to recover, withdrew an Escudero pistol with a mother-of-pearl inlaid handle. He looked towards the Covonantians. "It looks like our Corindi friends didn't have as much of a grasp on the Anliana's plans as they thought they did. Let's get you gentlemen to your helicopter!"

[Covonant]

Minister Ignacio was surprised at what he was seeing, could it be real he thought to himself. He was quickly taken by the arm from the Corindian while surrounded by the Covonantian General and Lft. "Great my first foreign visit and this is what I have encountered... Get me of this cursed island". The men all ran outside the building trying to divert shots coming from all angles. In the background the rotor of the helicopter could be heard as the wind created by the blades lifted dust from of the ground.

"Where is this plane taking me Poma, we both know it can't take me to Covonant. Is the base in Corindia close enough? " Ignacio asked as the ran towards the helicopter.