Keisarraik: Legacy of The Swarm Wars

[Techoligia]

In Technological news, Klaus Schuler's Personality will be entered into an AI, along with several extremely well-decorated generals of the past and present. These AIs will take control of the General Staff, replacing what the council believes to be an extremely incompetent leadership. This incompetence is pinned to a Military brain drain after most generals defected to the Monarchist side, and refuse to return to their posts.

The new General Staff should be online within a week.

[Finswedeway]

viewtopic.php?f=23&t=417709&p=32084736#p32084736

Joining the band-wagon because why not?

[Evil Dictators Happyland]

In Technological news, Klaus Schuler's Personality will be entered into an AI, along with several extremely well-decorated generals of the past and present. These AIs will take control of the General Staff, replacing what the council believes to be an extremely incompetent leadership. This incompetence is pinned to a Military brain drain after most generals defected to the Monarchist side, and refuse to return to their posts.

The new General Staff should be online within a week.

OOC: I'm torn between being annoyed at the copying and wanting to congratulate you on the good idea (and wondering why no one else did this). I'm leaning towards the latter. The Dictator, however, will be reacting in-character.

*Huh, so the techies managed to do it, the Dictator thought while reading a cyber newspaper (physical newspapers have been out of print for decades, but the term remains). *Wonder if the Nubleans did this, too. They certainly have the technological prowess for it, and it makes taking breaks to play Civilization X much easier, at the least.
*...Well, I should probably get back to work.
Unmuting the computer so as to speak with the technicians, the Dictator had but one question, a question he had asked approximately 2,192 times over the months to various members of Project Nüwa, an attempt to create the first AI meld, the theoretical Dictator Mk. V.
*How far along is the work?
Each time, he recieved an answer which he instantly translated from technese to "not great", either there was little progress today (everyone spent the whole day solving 5D Rubix cubes and thought he wouldn't notice), an unexpected hardware malfunction produced setbacks (they were once again making pizza in the chip ovens), there was a software glitch (they forgot to save before clocking out), a computer was bricked with their work on it (they were browsing... certain websites they should't have been, let's just say, and picked up a nasty New Fanian virus), or something of that nature.
Today was no different. The lead scientist explained in between bites of homemade pizza how a hardware problem produced a chain failure that bricked six computer hard drives, but an order to replace them with new 256 TB models had already been sent.
*::sigh::
*Well, I do put up with them because they're the best in the business. But admittedly very few other reasons. the Dictator thought as he opened up Civ X again and greenlighted the colonization of Mars.
*On more pressing issues: Why is Babylon STILL overpowered? And why do I still love playing as them so much?

OOC: Just a little slice-of-life segment brought to you by one of the most shameless minmaxers in history.

[Finswedeway]

Polls in Finswedeway show that formerly Soviet territories of Finswedeway wish to secede from the motherland, under the leadership of Isabel II. Zhian Konu-She has expressed outrage at this proposal, while the Empress remains silent in isolation (too busy trying to fix her damn computer(NOTE: in real life I am not The Empress, we have very different personalities, but I may emulate myself through her sometimes...)) Zhian has, in The Empress' absence, lower taxes in an effort to win back public support. This was a major hit to the economy, and black market activity only increased from this.

[Pax Athena]

Polls in Finswedeway show that formerly Soviet territories of Finswedeway wish to secede from the motherland, under the leadership of Isabel II. Zhian Konu-She has expressed outrage at this proposal, while the Empress remains silent in isolation (too busy trying to fix her damn computer(NOTE: in real life I am not The Empress, we have very different personalities, but I may emulate myself through her sometimes...)) Zhian has, in The Empress' absence, lower taxes in an effort to win back public support. This was a major hit to the economy, and black market activity only increased from this.

Pax Athena's new democratically elected green socialist government decides supports whatever decisions Finswedeway decides to take, and promises to help the Finswedewegians to the best of their abilities and repay the debt of liberating their nation. The military has taken a beating after the last occupation though, and will take some time to rebuild.

In other news, an AI is being created to fill the newly created post of Under Prime Minister. This position will not be democratically elected but instead, the AI will be based off the personalities of famous figures in Athenian history such as king Julius II, or former Prime Minister Eliza Gowda. The Under Prime Minister will have some executive authority such as the ability to veto the PM's decisions. He will not have full dictatoral power and measures have been enacted to ensure he won't be able to seize it. The Under Prime Minister's job is to assist the PM and the nation to the best of it's ability.

Magazines are mocking the government for "jumping into the bandwagon late". The new Prime Minister, Hassad al-Dimaq, who used to be ambassador to the Finswedewegians, replied that if it works, then the nation will all benefit; copying is of no matter.

[Techoligia]

The new General Staff will be commanding the next set of Techoligian War Games.

In other news, the Union Strikes have ceased in Pax Athena as Techoligian Unions leaders return home.

[Pax Athena]

The new General Staff will be commanding the next set of Techoligian War Games.

In other news, the Union Strikes have ceased in Pax Athena as Techoligian Unions leaders return home.

War Games?

Anyways, a hard left party has formed in Pax Athena, being very popular among the Techoligian syndicalists. It started off as a joke party calling for Fully Automated Luxury Gay Space Communism, but as the idea gained traction, nearly 10% of voters are supporting some form of (very) soft communism, driven by the exploitation of automata. They also support inclusiveness, space exploration, and soft wealth redistribution.

A Techoligian syndicalist union leader is heading the Fully Automated Luxury Gay Space Communist Party, currently under the process of trying to rename itself to gain more legitimacy.

OOC; look it up, I just heard of of Fully Automated Space Communism and it is hilarious.

[Finswedeway]

A group of labourers and farmers wielding torches and pitchforks have raided an ancient fort, stolen all of the weapons and have flown a new flag over the walls (namely, this one https://imgur.com/gallery/j470j,) declaring themselves a new country, free from the evils of communism. Their only territory is the area around the fort, as defensive barriers are set up in the perimeter. A few of the soldiers stationed at the base have decided to join the revolution and provide professional support.

Fin forces begin to prepare to march upon the fort to suppress the revolution.

[Pax Athena]

A group of labourers and farmers wielding torches and pitchforks have raided an ancient fort, stolen all of the weapons and have flown a new flag over the walls (namely, this one https://imgur.com/gallery/j470j,) declaring themselves a new country, free from the evils of communism. Their only territory is the area around the fort, as defensive barriers are set up in the perimeter. A few of the soldiers stationed at the base have decided to join the revolution and provide professional support.

Fin forces begin to prepare to march upon the fort to suppress the revolution.

The King has offered the full support of the Athenian Air Corps, which have mobilised and are ready to move in the moment the Fins accept assistance. As of right now, 10 squadrons of fighter-bombers are at the border ready to bomb the rebels into submission.

Intelligence gathered by the Intelligence Services about the rebels have been transferred to the Fins armed forces, including LIDAR scans of the geography around the fort, and the underground structures detected so far.

[Finswedeway]

A group of labourers and farmers wielding torches and pitchforks have raided an ancient fort, stolen all of the weapons and have flown a new flag over the walls (namely, this one https://imgur.com/gallery/j470j,) declaring themselves a new country, free from the evils of communism. Their only territory is the area around the fort, as defensive barriers are set up in the perimeter. A few of the soldiers stationed at the base have decided to join the revolution and provide professional support.

Fin forces begin to prepare to march upon the fort to suppress the revolution.

The King has offered the full support of the Athenian Air Corps, which have mobilised and are ready to move in the moment the Fins accept assistance. As of right now, 10 squadrons of fighter-bombers are at the border ready to bomb the rebels into submission.

Intelligence gathered by the Intelligence Services about the rebels have been transferred to the Fins armed forces, including LIDAR scans of the geography around the fort, and the underground structures detected so far.

"While the assistance is very much appreciated, it is entirely unnecessary," notes Zhian Konu-She, in a video message to the Athenians. "A well-organised group of 50 could easily take them out. However, the information you sent is also quite alarming. How is it that you seem to know all of this? Lest we forget, this is our land; no one knows it better than us. Well, whatever. I'll ignore it for now."

The rebels have very little support, with Isabel claiming no responsibility for the movement. They are estimated to be 126 in number with as much manpower as a small and ancient fort could possibly provide. They simply do not have the support they need to go anywhere. They will make for a great example.

The allied troops begin their march to the frozen north. It has been some time since any Fin had to kill another Fin; not since the royalist wars of the late 1990's. It will take some getting used to.

[Pax Athena]

The King has offered the full support of the Athenian Air Corps, which have mobilised and are ready to move in the moment the Fins accept assistance. As of right now, 10 squadrons of fighter-bombers are at the border ready to bomb the rebels into submission.

Intelligence gathered by the Intelligence Services about the rebels have been transferred to the Fins armed forces, including LIDAR scans of the geography around the fort, and the underground structures detected so far.

"While the assistance is very much appreciated, it is entirely unnecessary," notes Zhian Konu-She, in a video message to the Athenians. "A well-organised group of 50 could easily take them out. However, the information you sent is also quite alarming. How is it that you seem to know all of this? Lest we forget, this is our land; no one knows it better than us. Well, whatever. I'll ignore it for now."

The rebels have very little support, with Isabel claiming no responsibility for the movement. They are estimated to be 126 in number with as much manpower as a small and ancient fort could possibly provide. They simply do not have the support they need to go anywhere. They will make for a great example.

The allied troops begin their march to the frozen north. It has been some time since any Fin had to kill another Fin; not since the royalist wars of the late 1990's. It will take some getting used to.

"We have... advanced intelligence gathering technologies the previous regime may have stolen from a few well off New Fanian corporations for surveillance purposes," the new ambassador to the Fins, Isabelle Komarov said in a manner that conveyed her inexperience, "it allows us advanced geographical understanding of any territory provided we change the orbit of our satellites to all focus on that location, including underground scans. You may ask how we scan the underground to nearly 50m considering stellar waves can barely get to 2 meters, but I'm afraid that is a confidential matter. You'll have to ask the corporations we stole the tech from, but we can't divulge which it is either."

"On another note, we have withdrawn our armed forces. The aircraft carrier is returning home," Isabelle said. "Anyways, if you want assistance, the offer is always in the table."

[Evil Dictators Happyland]

The King has offered the full support of the Athenian Air Corps, which have mobilised and are ready to move in the moment the Fins accept assistance. As of right now, 10 squadrons of fighter-bombers are at the border ready to bomb the rebels into submission.

Intelligence gathered by the Intelligence Services about the rebels have been transferred to the Fins armed forces, including LIDAR scans of the geography around the fort, and the underground structures detected so far.

"While the assistance is very much appreciated, it is entirely unnecessary," notes Zhian Konu-She, in a video message to the Athenians. "A well-organised group of 50 could easily take them out. However, the information you sent is also quite alarming. How is it that you seem to know all of this? Lest we forget, this is our land; no one knows it better than us. Well, whatever. I'll ignore it for now."

The rebels have very little support, with Isabel claiming no responsibility for the movement. They are estimated to be 126 in number with as much manpower as a small and ancient fort could possibly provide. They simply do not have the support they need to go anywhere. They will make for a great example.

The allied troops begin their march to the frozen north. It has been some time since any Fin had to kill another Fin; not since the royalist wars of the late 1990's. It will take some getting used to.

When the Fins' troops arrive, they are greeted with a silent, deserted fortress, with no one inside, living or dead.
The only things left inside that show any signs of battle are approx. 200 shell casings from various weapons and a message scorched on one of the walls reading, in plain Awgilkhan:
"From the Happyland with love."

[Finswedeway]

The prime minister stormed through Palace Town, the small country paradise under the imposing shadow of the Imperial palace, in a blind rage, with Zhingu lagging close behind.

"I hope you have a reason for rousing me from bed this late at night, miss," The Empress asked, somehow both politely and rudely.
"I'm here to make an example of someone, as our greatest chance of doing so was ruined by our neighbours overseas," Zhian responded bluntly.
"You mean-"
"Yes. The smallest rebellion in human history,"

After a short walk, the pair arrived upon a preacher. Propped up on a soap box, he spouts Isabel's ideas to the drowsy public. A single lamp lights the area, with the moon hiding between the clouds.

"Those rebels were heroes!" He shouts to the small crowd, unaware of the approaching royal pair. "We must unite as one, and properly establish ourselves!"
Some applaud him, others are too tired or too apathetic to react.
"We must take up arms. Brothers an-"

The preacher is interrepted by a swift punch in the back of the head. The Prime Minister surprises everyone, including The Empress. She pulls out a large butcher's knife and proceeds to brutalise him in front of the crowd. What she does is unspeakable. The crowd watches on as the man shouts and begs for mercy only to be silenced finally with his head slowly cut off and brought up in front of the crowd.

"This is what happens!" She shouts viciously, the Empress shielding her eyes "This is what happens when you spread these thoughts!"
In a burst of stoicity, the Empress smacks the unrecognisable mass of flesh out of Zhian's hand.
"Stop this at once!" she yells in a volume not a single soul on Earth has yet to hear her speak in. "There will be no such torture of my people," she speaks in a low, harsh tone, "no matter how treacherous!"

Zhian is taken aback. In the several years of knowing each other, neither had seen the other like this.

"These are turbulent times," the Empress calls out to the crowd, "we must stay together, not be torn apart! Please, return home and get some rest." "I thought you represented freedom, miss," somberly states Zhingu. "Now clean this up!"

The monarch angrily goes home, leaving the PM behind, wondering how to phrase her "thank you," letter to the electronic dictator.

[Techoligia]

All communications, as well as trade ships and other signs of activity, have ceased from Techoligia.

It's like the whole Nation has gone dark.

[Evil Dictators Happyland]

stuff

*If you're wondering what happened, I was merely testing ceramic drop pods that would allow me to deploy troops from orbit, and needed something to test them on. The rebels were a convenient target. I suppose it's fortunate that we missed and landed a klick and a half away, the destroyed roof would have been hard to replace in time.
*Also, they are all alive. We used experimental electrolaser stun weaponry to take them prisoner, and they are currently prisoners aboard the EDHSS Kepler, and they will be returned to you if you'd like to make an example (not that I would know anything about needing to do that).

[Techoligia]

The Silence has been broken as an announcement came from the Council that the War Games were a massive success, the A.I. encountering few problems.

This AI research is now being put into creating Robotic Soldiers.

[Finswedeway]

stuff

*If you're wondering what happened, I was merely testing ceramic drop pods that would allow me to deploy troops from orbit, and needed something to test them on. The rebels were a convenient target. I suppose it's fortunate that we missed and landed a klick and a half away, the destroyed roof would have been hard to replace in time.
*Also, they are all alive. We used experimental electrolaser stun weaponry to take them prisoner, and they are currently prisoners aboard the EDHSS Kepler, and they will be returned to you if you'd like to make an example (not that I would know anything about needing to do that).

"Kill them," bluntly states Zhian, silencing a barrage of calls from the Empress, "however you please, a traitorous Fin is a dead Fin." She pauses to shred a large stack of angry letters from Zhingu. "Send their bodies over, or whatever's left of them, and we'll deal with the rest."

Public outcry brews as Zhian orders the police-enforced silence, while Zhingu organises the protection of freedom of speech with her own royal guard. Fighting in the streets between three factions break out day and night. What we know as "Finswedeway," may become unclear in due time.

[Evil Dictators Happyland]

*If you're wondering what happened, I was merely testing ceramic drop pods that would allow me to deploy troops from orbit, and needed something to test them on. The rebels were a convenient target. I suppose it's fortunate that we missed and landed a klick and a half away, the destroyed roof would have been hard to replace in time.
*Also, they are all alive. We used experimental electrolaser stun weaponry to take them prisoner, and they are currently prisoners aboard the EDHSS Kepler, and they will be returned to you if you'd like to make an example (not that I would know anything about needing to do that).

"Kill them," bluntly states Zhian, silencing a barrage of calls from the Empress, "however you please, a traitorous Fin is a dead Fin." She pauses to shred a large stack of angry letters from Zhingu. "Send their bodies over, or whatever's left of them, and we'll deal with the rest."

Public outcry brews as Zhian orders the police-enforced silence, while Zhingu organises the protection of freedom of speech with her own royal guard. Fighting in the streets between three factions break out day and night. What we know as "Finswedeway," may become unclear in due time.

*...
*No. Our criminal justice system does not allow for capital punishment, and as they are technically on Happylandian soil, we will try them under Happylandian law. Specifically, since most admitted their guilt, they have been assigned twenty five years in prison to reeducate them, while the remaining dozen or so are claiming that they were forced to rebel, and due to lack of evidence one way or the other, they will likely be placed in witness protection, with their identities a Blue-7 state secret.
*If you want to extradite them, go right ahead, but I will not violate our laws to meet the request of a foreign government, no matter the circumstance.

[Techoligia]

There have been protests in Cogsport over Techoligia's alliance with the Happyland. Citing Happyland's dictatorship being inherently against Techoligia's Democratic and Syndicalist views. The Council and most Techoligians put this off, but it has raised questions.

[Finswedeway]

"Kill them," bluntly states Zhian, silencing a barrage of calls from the Empress, "however you please, a traitorous Fin is a dead Fin." She pauses to shred a large stack of angry letters from Zhingu. "Send their bodies over, or whatever's left of them, and we'll deal with the rest."

Public outcry brews as Zhian orders the police-enforced silence, while Zhingu organises the protection of freedom of speech with her own royal guard. Fighting in the streets between three factions break out day and night. What we know as "Finswedeway," may become unclear in due time.

*...
*No. Our criminal justice system does not allow for capital punishment, and as they are technically on Happylandian soil, we will try them under Happylandian law. Specifically, since most admitted their guilt, they have been assigned twenty five years in prison to reeducate them, while the remaining dozen or so are claiming that they were forced to rebel, and due to lack of evidence one way or the other, they will likely be placed in witness protection, with their identities a Blue-7 state secret.
*If you want to extradite them, go right ahead, but I will not violate our laws to meet the request of a foreign government, no matter the circumstance.

"Please excuse my... colleague, mr. Dictator," nervously says The Empress, holding a dagger close to her chest, "our country is divided, and no one can agree on anything. Please, release them from prison; they are guilty of no crime. While I don't approve of their methods, I'm positive there is something peaceful to be done about this -- a-a a referendum perhaps." The building shakes, as a loud crash is heard followed by shouting and fighting.

The transmission is cut off by a message from Isabel, lounging peacefully by a warm fire. "Good afternoon," she says nonchalantly, sipping fine wine from a glass, "it seems you have some of MY men in your land. I would ask that they be returned to me. We could always use the extra manpower, after all. I'm sure you know a little about the concept, eh?" She pauses to take another sip of wine, "basically, just give them back and we can just forget about all of this. Think about it, and come back to me."

[Techoligia]

Despite recent conflicts, the Council has decided to once again extend the Reed Doctrine, or Reed Defense Treaty, to cover Finswedeway. Many Techoligian Unions based in Finswedeway have begun organizing paramilitary forces to aid the current government.

[Evil Dictators Happyland]

There have been protests in Cogsport over Techoligia's alliance with the Happyland. Citing Happyland's dictatorship being inherently against Techoligia's Democratic and Syndicalist views. The Council and most Techoligians put this off, but it has raised questions.

We assure the people of Techoligia that while we may have a government that is nearly nothing like theirs, we will make no attempt to interfere in their actions or impose our policies on them. We cite the history of us coming to Techoligia's aid and asking nothing in return as evidence of this, and we hope that we can continue as allies.

*...
*No. Our criminal justice system does not allow for capital punishment, and as they are technically on Happylandian soil, we will try them under Happylandian law. Specifically, since most admitted their guilt, they have been assigned twenty five years in prison to reeducate them, while the remaining dozen or so are claiming that they were forced to rebel, and due to lack of evidence one way or the other, they will likely be placed in witness protection, with their identities a Blue-7 state secret.
*If you want to extradite them, go right ahead, but I will not violate our laws to meet the request of a foreign government, no matter the circumstance.

"Please excuse my... colleague, mr. Dictator," nervously says The Empress, holding a dagger close to her chest, "our country is divided, and no one can agree on anything. Please, release them from prison; they are guilty of no crime. While I don't approve of their methods, I'm positive there is something peaceful to be done about this -- a-a a referendum perhaps." The building shakes, as a loud crash is heard followed by shouting and fighting.

The transmission is cut off by a message from Isabel, lounging peacefully by a warm fire. "Good afternoon," she says nonchalantly, sipping fine wine from a glass, "it seems you have some of MY men in your land. I would ask that they be returned to me. We could always use the extra manpower, after all. I'm sure you know a little about the concept, eh?" She pauses to take another sip of wine, "basically, just give them back and we can just forget about all of this. Think about it, and come back to me."

*I'm afraid that I cannot do either. The judges have reconsidered and come to an arrangement with the rebels: they will be placed in protective custody until the civil war is over, then be sent to Finswedeway to meet whatever fate they shall, whether it be trial or freedom.
*As for the war, we will remain neutral. Our Alaskan and Californian borders are open to refugees, and while we will sell medical supplies to both sides at lower prices due to need, we will not sell weaponry of any kind to either, and we urge the fighters on both sides to come to an agreement.

[Finswedeway]

Despite recent conflicts, the Council has decided to once again extend the Reed Doctrine, or Reed Defense Treaty, to cover Finswedeway. Many Techoligian Unions based in Finswedeway have begun organizing paramilitary forces to aid the current government.

The question is: which government? You have The Empress, who wants to peacefully resolve the conflict in whatever way possible. She has the support of the about half of the public and her own personal army.
Then there is the Prime Minister, who wants to suppress the dissentors and maintain unity. She has the support of parliament and a large portion of the military.
And, of course, the Rebels, who want to either reform the current government or form a new one. They have the support of the rest of the public and military.

[Techoligia]

Despite recent conflicts, the Council has decided to once again extend the Reed Doctrine, or Reed Defense Treaty, to cover Finswedeway. Many Techoligian Unions based in Finswedeway have begun organizing paramilitary forces to aid the current government.

The question is: which government? You have The Empress, who wants to peacefully resolve the conflict in whatever way possible. She has the support of the about half of the public and her own personal army.
Then there is the Prime Minister, who wants to suppress the dissentors and maintain unity. She has the support of parliament and a large portion of the military.
And, of course, the Rebels, who want to either reform the current government or form a new one. They have the support of the rest of the public and military.

They are strictly to prevent a coup by the Rebels, not to suppress anything. They take no sides within the government, only protecting it.

[Finswedeway]

The question is: which government? You have The Empress, who wants to peacefully resolve the conflict in whatever way possible. She has the support of the about half of the public and her own personal army.
Then there is the Prime Minister, who wants to suppress the dissentors and maintain unity. She has the support of parliament and a large portion of the military.
And, of course, the Rebels, who want to either reform the current government or form a new one. They have the support of the rest of the public and military.

They are strictly to prevent a coup by the Rebels, not to suppress anything. They take no sides within the government, only protecting it.

OOC: aye

IC:
An aged and weathered royal guard readied his rifle. The enemy artillery had finally stopped firing, and the oncoming attack was inevitable. He crouched behind the remnants of the city wall, as his dozen comrades do the same. Though few in number, they were great in skill. He knew not who was attacking, only that he must defend the city and the resources it holds. Beyond him, he saw the sprawling rice fields of central Finswedeway up in flames.

On the other side of the field, a youthful and innocent soldier carefully loads his gun beside a burning wooden mill. The charge would begin soon, and his only orders are to kill any opposition. Shoved into the conflict by his parents, he is unsure of what he fights for. All he knows is that the safety of his family is at stake, and he is willing to die for them. The Prime Minister taught him bare minimum, hoping not to reveal the true nature of the war. Clad in a clean military jumpsuit and flying the same flag as the enemy, he and his allies prepare for the coming battle. It will be the first of many.