To Break A Nation [IC | ATTN: IFC | Invite Only]

by **New Roma Republic** » Wed Jan 03, 2018 1:57 pm

An Alliance Divided!

In an despicable move, special forces of the United Remnants of America raided a village in the nation of Al-Khalifiya, killing all of its residents. The villagers, including women and children, were massacred execution-style after being branded POWs by URA special forces personnel.

The news was eventually leaked to the media, causing an international outcry. The Imperial Republic of New Rome, in disgust, cried out against the URA, with protests taking place outside the Remnant Embassy in New Rome. In response to domestic pressure, the Imperial Senate has passed a trade embargo with the URA, preventing several items to be traded with the URA, chief among them being foodstuffs and agricultural products.

Remnant-New Roman trade relations have been historically important for the URA. With overpopulation being an issue, and domestic food production unable to feed a large segment of the population, this caused a reliance on imported food, especially from the IRNR. Trading with any other nation would financially cripple the Remnant. The New Roman embargo greatly limited the URA;s ability to feed its own people, causing a strain on the Remnant government. Rationing began, but this was only a temporary issue. Starvation had become a very real fear.

Amid impending food riots, the Remnant government is forced to make a snap decision: Begin targeting New Roman assets, both politically and militarily, in an effort to pressure the IRNR to lift the embargo.

This situation has polarized the International Freedom Coalition. Both the URA and IRNR are members of the IFC, so hostilities between the two have become a major issue. Despite talks in the IFC Council, the time for talking may soon be over as IFC members choose sides in the coming conflict...

Basic Rules:
No godmodding/metagaming
No number wanking
No WMDs
No one-liners
New Roma and URA reserve the right to kick anyone out at any time.

by **The United Remnants of America** » Wed Jan 03, 2018 5:53 pm

President Gabriel Drake

Olympia, URA, GRCS

1/3/2018 - 11:15

"What more can we do, sir?"

Secretary of Defense Luke Konrad was standing awkwardly in Drake's presidential office among the rest of Drake's senior staff. Konrad was normally a confident man, but the bags under his eyes and his disheveled silver hair suggested he hadn't gone home to sleep in at least a day, if not longer. The rest of Drake's staff looked like that, and if he could see himself, Drake wouldn't be surprised if he looked similar.

It had been three months since the "Great Famine" started, as the media liked to call it. 35% of all agricultural imports came from New Roma. A month without those imports had forced the URA to impose a ration system. Two months of a ration system had taken its toll on the populace, especially with claims of corruption of the system, that richer families were getting more ration tickets or more food for their tickets than poorer families. It was false, of course, but that did nothing to stop the inflamed population, which called out for action.

Action was hard to come by. Drake had already ordered all New Roman consulates except for the embassy in Olympia to be vacated, and the embassy itself had been blockaded by police as a show of intimidation. The Remnant Navy had taken to interdicting New Roman ships that neared territorial waters, boarding them for sham inspections. The URA had forced trading with New Roma to grind to a halt, and had begun to stop flights and civilian travel between the nations, Anything more would be an obvious declaration of war, which would create a conflict between a close ally, something Drake still thought of the New Romans as, despite the strained relations. A war would strain resources even tighter than they currently were.

Drake looked up at Secretary of Defense Konrad and shook his head, "I'm... I'm not sure. We need someone to alleviate the embargo. Maybe we'll get lucky and the New Romans will have a change of heart. Maybe we can get other nations to fill in the trade gap we currently have. Maybe... Maybe fate will force our hand. But I know one thing. We can't keep this up, and we can't tough it out."

Chief of Staff Bruce Samson stepped forward, drawing the attention of the room. He was looking at the tablet in his hand, "Well, Gabriel, you may have gotten your wish. I think fate gave us something to do, for better or worse. Look."

Samson handed the tablet to Drake, who took a look before sighing and throwing the tablet across the room, "Fuck!"

Commander Jace Bradley

International Waters

1/3/2018 - 10:45

The 3rd Fleet was listed an expeditionary unit. In the URA, there were strategic-level units not attached to a unified combatant command. Assets in those fleets, air forces, and armies were top of the list to be deployed in times of conflict. 3rd Fleet had one of the longest operational histories in the Navy. 3rd Fleet ships were always the first to be sent anywhere, just as it was with the "Great Famine."

New Roman ships, despite no longer trading with Remnant ports, they still sailed close to the URA's territorial waters. And as far as the archaic term "territorial waters" went, the high command had deemed any New Roman ship sailing within radar range to be close enough to interdict. It was a harmless enough maneuver. Hassle New Roman civilian ships on their trade routes, intimidate them, make them behind schedule, and confiscate any and all "contraband," citing some vague maritime law about smuggling. If they wanted it back, they'd need to file a lengthy complaint and deal with the bureaucratic process. It was at least frustrating if it didn't do much else.

The URS Carrion, known officially as the DDG-26, was a Zeus-class Destroyer assigned to the 3rd Fleet. She carried a pair of 8in rapid-fire guns as well as enough Archangel anti-ship missiles. The Carrion was the most storied and experienced destroyer in the 3rd Fleet, and it could be argued it was the most experienced destroyer in the Navy.

Commander Jace Bradley was the captain of the Carrion. A little over two years ago, he'd been made a flotilla commander, giving him operational command over the ten destroyers in the 3rd Fleet. However, it was a hollow position, since he was still the captain of his own ship, he rarely had the time to truly direct the other nine ships in the destroyer flotilla. That was just as well, Bradley enjoyed being a ship captain, and had begrudgingly accepted the appointment after vocally turning down several times the ability for a promotion to admiralty.

The Carrion had stopped a New Roman ship, the Lepidus, a small cargo ship. According to the registry, she should've been carrying foodstuffs, an irony not lost on Bradley that the food should've been going to his home country. Everything had been going well. The destroyer had come alongside the cargo ship and forced it to stop without incident. And an away team had been sent over to inspect the ship. Bradley's XO Lieutenant Colonel Brad Ripley had decided to lead the boarding team on a lark. He'd been suffering from intense cabin fever, so Bradley saw no hurt in letting his second have some fun.

"We got nothing, Jace." Ripley's voice crackled over the radio. Jace was on the deck of the destroyer, but he couldn't see the team he'd sent over.

Jace smiled and responded, "Nothing at all?"

"No, just food. Seriously. Stevens is down below and he radioed up. Only food, nothing else. The crew's been really compliant, too."

Jace nodded, shifting his weight from side to side, "Alright, well finish your tour up and get back over here."

"Gotcha..." There was the sounds of argument in the background.

"What's goin' on, Ripley?"

"Uh, hang on." The argument was growing louder. Bradley assumed Ripley was moving closer.

Bradley waited for a moment before prompting, "Ripley?"

"Yeah, yeah, sorry. One of the damn Romans is rapid-firing off at Romanov and we had to call up Stevens because he's the only one that can translate for us. Apparently the guy's just reminded us what we're doing is illegal, yada yada." In the background, Bradley could hear Stevens arguing with a Roman sailor.

"Well tell him to calm down and we'll be out of his hair soon."

"Trust me, that's what Stevens is-" pop pop "Oh shit!" Gunfire.

Bradley's head snapped in the direction of the Lepidus. "What the hell's going on?"

Ripley's thumb was on the transmit button but he wasn't talking to Bradley, "Put the gun down, put the gun down! Put the fucking gun down!" In the background, others were screaming the same thing, and there was screaming back by Romans.

"Ripley! What the hell happened!"

pop pop pop

President Gabriel Drake

Olympia, URA, GRCS

1/3/2018 - 11:20

Drake paced across his office. Samson quietly walked over to pick up the tablet. The other occupants of the office were silent, each one trying to build up the courage to speak. Drake was never angry. For him to chuck a tablet....

"What... What happened, Gabriel?" Secretary of State Jack O'Neill was the first to speak.

Drake stopped and looked over his senior staff. He closed his eyes and took deep breath, trying to calm himself. "A boarding party on a Roman ship fired on the crew. There was an argument, one of the crew grabbed for a gun of one of the boarding party and fired off a couple warning rounds. It ended with the boarding party gunning down the Roman crew member. They rounded up and detained the rest of the crew, took them aboard, and scuttled the Roman ship."

There was a moment of silence as the cabinet members took that information in.

Konrad looked down, "So that's that then... That's war."

Drake pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes. "Yeah. That's war. If the Romans don't declare war in response, we'll have to in order to save face and play it off as an opening move."

Konrad nodded, "Well, at least we have POWs already."

Drake's stare could almost bore holes into Konrad, "Do what you need to do. All of you. Mobilize everything. Reach out to allies. We need to prepare. Go."

Drake was met with silent nods and mumbled affirmatives as his cabinet cleared out of his office, leaving Drake alone to stare out the window behind his desk.

by **New Roma Republic** » Thu Jan 04, 2018 12:19 pm

Situation Room
Imperial Palace
New Rome, Donum Terra, Imperial Republic of New Rome
The Caesar and her niece had recently moved into the newly rebuilt Imperial Palace, home of the Caesar. The building was under construction for most of her time as Caesar, since the plane flew into the building on that fateful night. It was rebuilt exactly how the previous was, though with some modifications that the average citizen would never see.

The senior staff of the executive branch sat around the table; the TVs around the room all had different images. One was tuned to Roman Central News, the main news hub in the Imperial Republic. Another showed the New Roman trade routes near the URA. Others showed other necessary strategic information.

The group did not look happy. News had reached them that the URA had stopped a cargo ship, then proceeded to shoot its crew and sink the ship, while in international waters – a ship that was full of food, nothing else.

The full story wasn’t yet clear, however. They had a radio report from the captain of the ship that a URA flagged warship was forcing them to stop. Later, there was a frantic call on the radio by an unknown crew member that shots were fired, then nothing. A recon satellite that flew over the area showed nothing; no ships, cargo or otherwise. There was, however, a substance on the surface that appeared to be oil slick, a clear sign of a ship being sunk. It was unknown the status of the crew.

“This is a clear act of war!” shouted the Chief of Staff for the Imperial Navy. “Piracy on the high seas. I say we give them a taste of their own medicine! Sink their cargo vessels; make all trade dry up for them. I’d like to see how they fare when the number of ships carrying food gets cut, again!”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs cleared his throat before commenting “While I do agree that this is most suspicious, I don’t think it is an act of war. Er, not an intentional one I should say,” he added when seeing how red Navy’s face was getting. “They do not want to declare war; it would hurt more than help. If nothing else, a war may just tear the IFC apart, starting a Civil War. And the IFC is on its last legs as is. Nakashima, our representative in the Council says that nothing has been discussed for a while. There is now talk, even, of launching a new PM election cycle. They know as well as we do that this may just turn into a power struggle within the IFC, while actual people die outside in the real world.”

“I don’t see why we are even still in that organization” replied the Director or the Imperial Intelligence Agency. “They are useless as is. Tell me one time since this nation joined that the IFC actually did something and succeeded. The only operation I can think of was the whole Bluewell Incident, which turned into a cluster fuck, and forced the IFC to eventually end operations.”

“Ladies and Gentlemen, let me remind you that this is not a shit on the IFC session. True we need to consider the fallout with in the IFC allies, but the issue at hand is the URA” interjected the Caesar. “Now, the way I see it is the URA has committed an act of war, whether or not it was intentional. That leaves us with two options: openly declare first, and be seen as the aggressor, or wait for their declaration, which will come because of this event, and be seen as weak, slow to action. Either way it does not look good. Our embassy is surrounded by police and our people are stranded inside. We have heavily armed Patriae Vigilum surrounding the URA embassy…keeping them in and our citizens out. Once this news hits the media, I don’t think the PVs could hold back the ensuing riot. We are between a rock and a hard place.” The group sat in silence for a minute before continuing.

“War is immanent. The second those URA sailors pulled their triggers, it was immanent” said the Chief of Staff of the Imperial Space Force. After a pause, he continued “We, we should begin mobilizing. Call up the Naval Reserves, begin preparing ships for war. I, myself, will have the MACOs get ready for deployment. A 2-shuttle mission into LEO, begin capturing and disabling Remnant satellites. NatSatCom has already begun classifying the different satellite types. We get ready behind the scenes. They declare. We attack first. Disable their satellites, we disable their nation.” The looks around the table showed Starfleet that his plan would go into action. The Caesar looked like a mess, but she also agreed, though in her eyes, he could see resentment to this course of action. The only person to disagree was the MiniForAf, Saturninus.

“It’s agreed then. Begin mobilizing your forces. HOWEVER,” she said loudly to be heard over the end of meeting murmuring that had already started, “I want the conflict to be limited in scope. Naval conflicts only, in the beginning. The last thing anyone want is a total war.” There were responses of “aye” and “yes ma’am” from around the table. “Good. You are all dismissed.”

Undisclosed Location
New Rome, Donum Terra, IRNR
The Chief of Staff of the Imperial Navy, Quintinus Pontius walked into the room full of older gentlemen, one of whom was smoking. Pontius shrugged off his trench coat, and hung it before joining the men, who sat in chairs. One brought him a whiskey in a crystal glass. “What’s the story from your meeting?” asked one.

Pontius took a sip before answering. “War with the URA is on the horizon. It is being assumed that it will drag the rest of the IFC into war with it. We are mobilizing but not declaring. URA can do that for us. Valentinianus, the Chief of Staff of Starfleet, wants to disable the URA satellite network. It’ll disable their nation, he claims.”

“Good, so war will be coming. I had hoped for that” commented the man who was smoking.

“How can we be certain this will work?” asked a pudgier man.

“We can’t” replied the smoking man. “But if we fail, it cannot be traced back to us. We were too overt with Bumcinum. Relying on the military backfired. Now, we are using our less overt methods. Trust me when I say it will not fail this time.” He leaned back and took another puff on his cigarette. Shame those embassy workers don’t know what they’re in for he thought. All he needed was confirmation that war had been declared.

IFC Headquarters
Kairaku, Kirishima
The Imperial Republican representative to the IFC Council, Florus Nakashima, walked through the hall of the IFC HQ. In his hands were two glasses, and a glass bottle containing a light blue liquid. Though some called it Ambrosia, it was more commonly known as Roman Ale, a more modern creation, but heavy in alcohol content. It was so intoxicating, in fact, that it was banned in at lease 37 nations, though several still had a trade in it, albeit underground. Despite its name, it was closer to vodka than ale.

Nakashima entered the office suite for the Remnant. He wanted to talk to his colleague, not as a diplomat, but as a friend. Nakashima’s guard eyed the Remnant guard, who eyed both back. Walking up to the desk of the Executive Assistant, basically a glorified secretary, he asked “Good evening Ma’am, I know it’s close to closing, but is your boss, the Ambassador still here? I’d like to talk…not on business, just as a friend.”

by **Isle of Lost** » Thu Jan 04, 2018 5:55 pm

Consulatus
Palmaurbis, Merick Isles

Dress shoes rhythmically clanked about freshly waxed marble floors of the Consulatus, the aptly-named house of the Parfoederal executive branch -the consulate-, as multiple levels of politicians, military figure heads and aides/servants of every category walked about crisply. One such trio followed the shinning ancient halls as far as they would take them and into a room marked only with the words "CONSULATUS MAGNIFICIUS", which boringly translated more-or-less from the trashed Mericki-Latin (better known outside the nation as just as Mericki) into "Grand Caucus". Inside the, the gentlemen brought themselves to a firm attention and rendered a salute to the room before them.

"CONSULATO CONSULATE! CONSULATO VERGUATOR!" [Salute/Greetings to the Consulate & President]
The trio shouted nearly perfectly in unison. They held their salute firmly, waiting to be addressed.
"Legati." replied the Verguator, simply; taking liberty to exercise his control over the functionality of the Consulate. Although the Campargius (articles of governance) stripped the Verguator of most powers held by Emperors of the past, it did give them significant power within the functions of the Consulate; and the Consulate itself was given a much more powerful executive hand than contemporary governance styles. As the three Legates settled in to seats looking on towards the Consulate, the eight Gentem [State/province] governors who comprised the body began to speak up, lead in voice by the strong willed Governor of Scopulus, Scredius Lucor Croley.

"Mr. Gregore." Scredius began, "Why on terra have you brought us here to listen to the ramblings of three legates? You pressed this meeting into action with such ferocity we were led to believe there was some sort of crisis. Yet your summons of three retired Colonels, well known as they may be, leads me to believe otherwise. So I ask, Nemius, are you wasting our time when our leadership is best spent at our nidis?"

The Verguator rolled his eyes and let out an audible sigh.

"Lucor, you are welcome to sign the ratiio and dismiss your right to a vote." Gregore let his comment settle in with the governor who simply settled into his seat prior to continuing.

"Governors, as the Ninth Verguator of the Parfoederation I hereby call this Consulate into session. First and foremost on the ratiio we are to discuss the action on the ongoing tension between International Freedom Coalition allies, the United Remnants and the Imperial Republic of New Rome, after such we are to debate the veto or approval of Senatus bill number LXIV. Before us I have invited three Legati assigned to IFC affairs. Mister Papus, Mister Caeris and Mister Beauchêne. Gentlemen, if you could please give the Consulate the most brief overview possible without sparing important details. I would like to adjure this session ASAP.

The legates talked among themselves for almost a minute before one finally spoke up.

"Consulate! The situation between the Olympia and New Rome is currently just a spark, but as we speak it could very well be esclating into war. Given that both nations are IFC members our ambassador informs us that any mutal defense clause possibly pulled out of choppy IFC documents might as well be voided. As such there is no military obligation at this time and our address today is moreso on the behalf of trade. Due to a possible accident -yet perhaps intentional move-, Remnant special forces brutally annihilated entire civilian village in far-out nation of Al-Khalifiya. In response, New Rome ordered a trade embargo on the Remnants." The man who started finished, and his speech was very quickly picked up by another.

"This embargo includes thousands upon thousands of tonnes of grain, corn and other food items. Apparently the Remnants leaned heavily on Roman food trade and, while the embargo is undoubtedly hurting the Roman economy in turn, the near future could hold shortages and possible famine in the Remnants." he stated, and turned to the third legate to speak.

"May I request the following be off the record?" he said calmly. However calmly it may have been, it immediately brought down pressure from the Governor of Rerno.

"Off the record? What could three legates have to say that could possibly convince us to take them off the record? Have you gone insane? I'll have none of it. Continue now or remove yourselves!" he spat, clearly ticked off. However, Gregore replied.

"Enough Alfaso. Consulate will now be going off the record." he then stated. The governors looked over towards their Verguator confused as all of the 'none essential' members, viewers and recorders hasilty left. A single guard sealed the door from the outside. Scredius spoke first.

"Alright then Gregore, what is YOUR proposal?"

The Verguator sighed slightly, but his attempt to not attribute himself was half-assed at best. He accepted that he should have known better and carried on.

"As Legate Beauchêne just informed us, the Remnants are going to face a food shortage if they don't look elsewhere soon. My advisors have spoken to the big three corporations owning almost 92% of all Merickian overseas farming industry, primarly in Ruolnik and India of course. They are all eager to shift their produce towards the Remnants. A move which will bring considerable monies to both the private sector and to the Parfoederal Government through taxes and a small number of OSBSs."

The governor of Poricii threw up his pen.

"Verguator! Did you honestly bring us here to ask for permission to allow the private sector to do something we are not stopping them from doing in the first place! What an absurb waste of time!"

Gregore straightened his back at this, and unleashed a stern reply in a harsh tone.

"Governor Lucas! I called upon the Consulate today not to ask permission, but to express my intentions as per the Imperator Clause of the Campargius. Assuming the Remnants allow it, they will have our business. Mericki and Remnant shipping will undoubtably be capable of hauling the goods which will save Remnant lives, line Mericki, Ruol and Indian pockets and clearly allow Remnant to last long enough the Romans will be forced to seek peace least they want to succumb to their own embargo. Furthermore, I will see to it that the Navy supplies at least 1 ship per convoy. If the Romans dare touch a Mericki-flagged ship we will be meeting here once more; but I doubt that will happen and the fewer lives lost the better. Now, I shall have my office dispatch the news and orders of this decision only to those it matters to immediately. Unless any of you would like a say..?"

The floor went quiet. Very little did Gregore through about any power as he just did, but in those few times the Consulate had a tendency to agree.

"Very well." He said, and sent his most trusted aide to enact his cabinet's plans.
"Now, shall we discuss Bill LXIV?"

To: The Remnant Office of Foreign Affairs And/or Its Equivalent
From: The Merickian Office of Foreign Affairs
Subject: Matters of Trade
Encryption: Level 3 [HIGH]
To whom it may concern;

Several international Merickian corporations have expressed interest in filling a trade void recently created by a certain Roman Embargo. They seek to sell Merickian agricultural products, including but not limited to: corn, grain, barley, rice, perishables, tractors & heavy equipment, fertilizers and seed. It is not the business of the Parfoederal Government to intervene in private business and as such we shall simply attach contact information as per request so your governance and/or private sources can interact with our industry, however, it is required that your governance be informed that, given the tense political situation and the Parfoederal Government's commitment to protecting its people and their livelihood, that any deals reached will have their product sorted into convoys and protected by at least 1 Naval vessel under the Mericki flag. Charges involved with such escort are not to of your government's concern and will be footed by the Parfoederal Government as simply part of Ally Relations.

We thank you for giving your time to consider our industries; any trade deal made here will sure go further to expanding relations and improving the lives of citizens of both our great nations.

Signed,
Salvien Graduli
Head of Foreign Affairs

by **Guadalupador** » Fri Jan 05, 2018 1:59 pm

Myra Soymian's Office, IFC Headquarters, Kairaku, Kirishima

Only a few doors down the hall from the Remnant Delegate's Office quick spats of Dorian could be overheard from the Guadalupadorian Delegate's Office as the upcoming Interim Prime Minister Myra Soymian anxiously paced around his office. He had so much on his plate, and only for a short time. His train of thought about the weight of the job was interrupted by his secretary nudging him and mentioning that the Grand Premier was on the phone waiting to talk to him. Myra looked to the phone and back to a large stack of papers on his desk and mumbled "Put him on hold, or at least tell him to call back later, there's so much shit to do." No thanks to Moorston. Myra thought. Soymian didn't really want the job, he didn't even want to run as PM if given the chance to but nevertheless he felt he had a duty to the Coalition. As much as he wanted to just call an election for Prime Minister as soon as he got into office, the developing situation between the URA and New Rome took precedence. An election as the crisis continued to simmer could possibly only make things worse perhaps causing an irreparable schism within the IFC. That was the nightmare scenario at least, something that would not happen under his watch. This Crisis needed to be nipped in the bud, and Myra had an idea. He turned back to his secretary and told her to contact both the Remnant and New Roman delegates so they could all have a meeting in his office.

by **The United Remnants of America** » Fri Jan 05, 2018 11:45 pm

To: The Merickian Office of Foreign Affairs
From: The United Remnants of America Department of State
Subject: RE:Matters of Trade
Encryption: Level 3 [HIGH]

Mr. Graduli:

The Unitary State of the United Remnants of America appreciates the generosity of the Merickian private sector. We would entertain the negotiation with Merickian businesses for potential future trade dealings. The only thing, however, that is not expressly needed is heavy equipment, fertilizer, or seed. The Remnant agricultural sector is operating as full capacity due to the recent issues with sub-optimal imports,
and it is safe to say that any equipment or agricultural support would go to waste as of this moment. Since these naval convoys would be directly benefiting the URA, we could propose a Remnant Navy or Contracted Personnel Division vessel to escort these civilian trade ships in addition to the Mericki Navy escort in order to assure the safety of these much-needed supplies. We thank you both for your offer or assistance and humanitarian efforts as a fellow ally and member of the International Freedom Coalition.

Signed,
Jack O'Neal
Secretary of State

Deputy Ambassador Sacha Canis

IFC Headquarters, Kairaku, Kirishima

1/3/2018 - 14:38

Sacha Canis' office light was off, allowing only sunlight through the small window of his office to add a slight glow to the room. His eyes were closed as he leaned back in his chair, hit feet resting on his desk and electroswing music playing softly from his computer.

Sacha Canis was the 1% of the URA, and the 31 year-old diplomat wanted for nothing through childhood. Both of Sacha's parents were business magnates. His uncle was Vice President James Canis. He had cousins, aunts, and uncles in the military. The Canis family was one of the richest, most powerful families in the country.

A ring on his computer pulled Sacha out of his relaxation, and the lean diplomat's eyes fluttered open to rest on his computer screen. The window to his email had a new inbox, an automatic request from his secretary outside the office asking if he would take a visitor. He spun his chair so he could reach the keyboard without moving his relaxed position to send an automatic affirmative response. A moment later, the secretary opened his door, and standing beyond it, Sacha saw someone he didn't expect to see: Florus Nakashima.

Sacha's eyes opened wider and he put his feet down off his desk to sit up right, his white hair falling in front of his eyes as he sat up. Sacha's grey hair was an oddity, but almost every member of the Canis family was born with achromotrichia, or the lack of hair color, meaning most of Sacha's relatives had grey and white hair despite their age.

Sacha adjusted his hair and nodded towards the Roman ambassador, "Mr. Nakashima. What a... Surprise? What are you doing here?"

Admiral Hugh Cossak

Twin Falls, URA, GRCS

1/3/2018 - 14:40

Admiral Cossak had had nothing but phone calls today. The first phone call was from Admiral of the Navy Robert Lowell. And then it had been Commander Bradley, the commander of his destroyers. And then it had been General McAffee, Lowell's boss, the commander-in-chief, with orders straight from President Drake himself. The orders, it seemed were that Cossak would be in charge of all operations involving the developing situation with the Romans.

Cossak was the commander of the Remnant Navy 3rd Fleet, and ever since Fleet Admiral Harrington had retired to become Governor-General of Zhangua, he was the third-senior officer in the entire Navy behind 6th Fleet's Admiral Kenseth and Admiral Lowell himself. While that wasn't an extremely prestigious position, it made his rank a political one. If he did well handling this, then it only meant good things for him. If he failed, Cossak knew he'd be dismissed in an instant.

The most recent call he'd just hung up with had been from a very upset Commander Susan Grey. Grey was the commanding officer of the Contracted Personnel Division, essentially a separate branch of the Remnant Military, but made up of private contractors, mercenaries. Grey herself was former Army, but she'd been transferred to command the CPD. She had called Cossak because she herself had gotten a call from General McAffee, ordering her to divert some of her already-limited resources to assist him. That meant not only did he have almost his entire fleet, he had whatever CPD assets Grey wasn't currently using, which, apparently, were a lot, looking at the email that had been forwarded to him after the call with Grey.

Cossak had a fleet and a half, with an army to boot. That would do well enough. Cossak began writing up deployment orders. First, he'd have to deal with the dozen Roman prisoners aboard the Carrion...

by **United States of Devonta** » Sat Jan 06, 2018 11:42 am

Presidential Office - Devonta City, United States of Devonta - 1/3/18 - 12:00 PM

It was a chilly day in the Devontan capitol city. A windchill had recently hit the southeastern part of Kanza just days before hand. Temperatures dipped to almost freezing and most commuters and tourist stayed inside, other then the few resilient joggers and picture hungry photographers.

As high noon fell on the capitol a emergency meeting was called by President Josiah Jones in response to the recently received reports of a incident on a interdicted New Roman flagged cargo vessel by a URA Remnant Navy destroyer. The meeting was the first of it kind since the conflict in West Atlas earlier in the summer of 2017. Just minutes after the incident, Devontan media lit up in breaking news reports of the event.

The last of the meetings attendees arrived inside the presidents office. It only took minutes for the meetings attendees to arrive from their own offices around the capitol. President Josiah Jones greeted each of his subordinates as they walked in and took seats forming a circle. Around the president set some of the most powerful citizens in Devonta. The Vice-President, Senior Adviser, Public Relations Adviser, senior National Security Adviser, secretaries of five departments; being the Interior, State, Territorial Affairs, Defense, and Dept. of Homeland Security. It also included the Chiefs of Staffs of all five of the Devontan Armed Forces branches, and the Directors of the Devontan Intelligence Agency and Federal Police Bureau.

The President opened. "Hello, ladies and gentlemen! I'm sure you know why you are here today. The IFC has been dormant for sometime, but it seems two of our members - the New Roman Empire and the United Remnant - could possibly go to over the incident earlier this morning. I need a complete run down on what the hell happened?".

Being that the State Department was the first to receive word of the incident, Secretary of State Joseph Ivory was the first to speak.

"Sir, my office has been busy since this incident. From what we are hearing from the Remnant government and from news reports in both effected nations is that a civilian cargo vessel under the New Roman flag was intercepted and boarded by a Remnant Navy destroyer just outside Remnant territorial waters. The vessel was reported to of just been carrying food. A sailor on the vessel was killed and the rest of the crew was detained by the Remnant Navy as they scuttled the vessel. The New Romans claim the ship was illegally boarded and the sailor was murdered and its crew captured as prisoners, although the Remnant Navy claims the sailor shot first causing the incident. What ever happened is very unclear at this moment other then the ship was intercepted illegally in international waters."

As the secretary finished, the president spoke "Well.. It's no surprise that this was coming. The New Romans and United Remnant have been at each others throats for months according to our councilmen in the IFC council, Joseph Donald. Trade ha been cut off for sometime now and I can't see any way to handle this other then remain neutral for the time being like we did when Northdeigo and the Luxans had there territorial dispute over Arsia in 2014."

The Secretary of State chimed in. "I agree. It's been Devontan policy for sometime to remain neutral in conflicts involving our allies on both sides. It seems if we want to stop a conflict we need to consider the reasons why this happened." Joseph paused. "The United Remnants has been in a state of economic depression and famine for sometime after sanctions were placed by the New Roman Empire. I think we could take the New Romans place as the nations main trade partner, this would hopefully alleviate the urge to board New Roman vessels and help lessen animosity towards the New Romans..."

Josiah interrupted. "I concur, although we must not also extend a hand to the New Romans. We must not make not alienate them. I want a Charge de Affairs sent to the New Roman Empire." Josiah then focused on his longtime Senior Adviser Maria. "And Maria I would like you to summon the Remnants ambassador Lee Ross immediately."

Maria replied. "Yes sir! Will do. I'll also contact our IFC councilmen and update him on the current situation."

The president nodded in approval before the Secretary of State spoke again. "I'll send a diplomat immediately to the New Roman Empire. As for the trade deals i think that can be arranged with the ambassador, sir."

Josiah spoke again. "Thank you Maria and Joseph. I also want to know the reactions to this crisis of every single nation IFC and non-IFC?"

Joseph answered. "Its been quite so far but within minutes I assume that will change. I assume many nations will remain neutral as we plan too."

"Thank you again, Joseph." The President paused and asked the group another question. "If Devonta gets involved militarily - all be it very unlikely - what assets due we have near each nation respectively?"

The Secretary of Defense Chuck Bengal answered. "Elements of the first and third fleets are in range of both nations. This includes forces from the Marine Corps and the Devontan military also has territories containing airbases and army installations near by we can use, sir." He paused. "If any use of military was needed I assume it would most likely be humanitarian and I am confident each naval task force is prepared for such a operation."

The President cut in. "This sounds good, Chuck. Put these units on alert till this crisis boils over." Josiah directed his eyes towards the director of the Devontan Intelligence Agency (DIA), Raymond Foker. "Raymond I need you to work hand and hand with our other departments and start intelligence ops on the New Roman Empire and the United Remnant."

The director replied. "Yes, sir. I'll have our embassy in the United Remants activate its few dozen informants. They can report to us news from the country faster and any obvious military activity. I'll also have 500 members from our Cyber Warfare Division to access social media cites commonly used in both nations."

It is common operating procedure for the DIA to have at least a few dozen informants connected to each embassy that would be activated in times of crisis to update Devontan authorities on happenings in the troubled areas. This made any possible evacuations and/or crisis management easier. Most informants were either dual-citizens, Devontan Visa holders, or local service staff. The informants were also wire-tapped by the embassy to weed out any counter-espionage.

Defense Secretary Bengal chimed in to Josiah. "I'll also direct any of our military's cyber assets to the DIA if need be, in the mean time, I can order our satellites to change orbit and began SIGINT, COMINT, and ELINT intelligence operations over both countries to get a better idea of troop movements. This should only take a few hours if you authorize the military to do so, sir."

President Josiah spoke again. "Thank you, Raymond. I want you to start your're intel operations immediately and Chuck you have my green light. I want eyes on every port and airbase as much as possible, how many satiates can we spare for these operations?"

The Defense Secretary spoke. "Just a dozen or so will do, sir. That's only a very small portion of the Air Force's fleet of 160."

President Josiah nodded and stood up from his office chair. "This meeting is adjourned. Thank you ladies and gentlemen."

Presidential Office
Recipient: All nations involved in Crisis.
Encryption: Public
Subject: Remnant-Roman Crisis
On behalf of the citizens of Devonta, its territories, and commonwealths I urge both sides to use restraint after this tragic loss of life earlier in the morning. I hope both sides through diplomatic efforts of the IFC will find a compromise and end any fighting before it can start.

All of Devonta is saddened to here the plight of the United Remnants people and the New Roman sailor who was was killed. I urge that a independent non-partisan IFC investigative commission be created to solve what happened on board the New Roman vessel. Devonta also, offers itself, to be a hot of any attempted diplomatic meetings over the crisis. Lets not let the scourges of war and warmongering tear apart the IFC into a Civil War.

The IFC will live on for decades to come and shall not be torn apart by war like the Western Coalition was briefly. A alliance devoted to freedom and liberty should not see members fight one another.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Josiah Jones, President of the United States of Devonta

by **New Aeyariss** » Sat Jan 06, 2018 12:37 pm

MON OF MAKI KOJIRO, SHOGUN OF THE EMPIRE OF GREATER NIHON

Honorable Ayanami-heika;,

I, Maki Kojiro, Shogun of the Empire of Greater Nifon, am addressing this letter to his Imperial Highness, Cornellia Ayanami. As I have been informed by appropriate Nifonese services, New Roma Republic had enacted embargo on the state of Remnant. All market analyses portray that Roman economy will be significantly hit by the recent embargo. The Empire of Greater Nifon believes that there is a chance to alleviate this situation by opening the Nifonese agricultural market to Roman agricultural products.

At this point, the Empire of Greater Nifon maintains highly protectionist policies regarding agricultural products, due to the fact that in the past prices of agricultural products in Nifon were simply higher than on international market; thus such tariffs were required to be held to avoid devastation of national agricultural industry. However the prices have been stabilizing as now and it is within my belief that this may be the proper time to remove at least few restrictions, with exceptions or rice, which remains too fundamental to food security of the Empire of Greater Nifon to manage at will.

Of course, all that I ask in return is that the Roman government strengthens itself against the state of Remnant, government of which comitted a treason against SACTO by allying themselves with the dishonorable aka. Such unvirtouous conduct needs to be properly punished and as long as moves are being made by the Roman government against the state of Remnant, the Empire of Greater Nifon will be willing to negotiate eventual opening of Nifonese agricultural market to cover the losses caused by embargo and will be willing to mediate between the Roman government and states allied to the Empire of Greater Nifon about opening of their markets and reduction of tariffs.

On behalf of the Empire of Greater Nifon I would therefore request a detailed information about the agricultural products the Roman industries usually export, so that we could plan the future tariff reduction.

In addition, should there come to a military action, Nifonese companies such as Murakami defense industries will be willing to accept orders from the Roman government for new military equipment, and various Nifonese volunteer units could be interested to fight alongside their brethren from Toskajin.

Honor guide you,

- マキ小次郎

by **Isle of Lost** » Sat Jan 06, 2018 3:53 pm

To: The Remnant Office of Foreign Affairs And/or Its Equivalent
From: The Merickian Office of Foreign Affairs
Subject: RE: Matters of Trade
Encryption: Level 3 [HIGH]
Mr. O'Neal,

Thank you for your quick and timely reply. I assure you the contacts provided are excited to gain your business. The ins and outs of what sort of goods/services will be bought is of course up to your discretion entirely, and I only included companies seeking to sell heavy equipment and other stated goods because said companies request I did so. If the need is not there, then we completely understand you turning down said trade and I am sure our companies agree. As for the food products themselves, I have been assured that that if a deal is struck there are a number of loaded containerships which will embark immediately. Which brings us to the part. Your Navy and/or CPD is most certainly welcome to help in the escorting of the goods, however, given recent events if said Remnant escorts would be better applied elsewhere, then I can assure you that Mericki escorts will be certainly sufficient given our status as an IFC ally to the Romans and/or a third-party neutral state should suffice in deterring any unwanted attention; let alone more than capable of engaging and removing other threats. Still, you are more than welcome to join in the escorting, and if such a decision is reaching I shall provide you with a list of Ports of Call for the goods.

Signed,
Salvien Graduli
Head of Foreign Affairs

by **Flardania** » Mon Jan 08, 2018 3:52 pm

The Federal Palace
Heiwa | Kirishima

The sipping of tea was the only sound in the Federal Palace dining hall. It wasn't always this silent as just about an hour and a half ago, Dirigeant Arata Kasuga was up and about when he received his morning briefing. It was the usual stuff such as the status of legislation in the national assembly, the stock market, actions taken by certain terrorist groups, etc. every once in awhile it would be a job report or something of that nature. The latest dispute between Imperial Republic and the URA was both unexpected and unwanted news. Kasuga decided to some a few individuals to discuss the matter over breakfast. Director of Cipher Pol 9 Junko Otonashi, Minister of Defense Kuvira Beifong, Sous-Premier Makoto Naegi, Minister of Foreign Affairs Na Sung-Ki, and of course Arata's Chief of Staff Hisako Arato were all gathered. These were who Kasuga usually turned to cabinet wise when he did not require a meeting in the situation or war room. The group was mostly quiet outside Junko's sipping but that would not last long.

"I don't see what the issue is..." Junko stated breaking the silence. "It's about damn time, the IFC has been needing something to jolt it awake and this is it. Now the poor residents of Kairaku don't have to deal with a boring serious building in an otherwise fun and pleasurable city." Junko concluded matter of fact.

"It was never dead Otonashi-san..." Sung-Ki remarked. "Foreign affairs is not the fast and action pace that you are more inclined to see in your field of work. It is a delicate affair, in the case of the IFC, it's a normal alliance, it was exciting when globalist ran with resolutions that conflicted with sovereignty being presented or major alliances going to war over trivial things. Times are different, we are a primarily a defense alliance these days that focuses on members issues, and right now we have a major one." The recently appointed foreign minister remarked as Arata gestured towards him with his finger.

"He is right and there are plenty of soft power benefits behind hosting IFC Headquarters. Now, Otonashi-san your casual anarchist style and Na-san you measured style while off topic has gotten us talking and for that I thank the two of you!" Kasuga stated with a warm smile before getting serious. "Alright...what do we know?" Arata asked as his chief of staff stepped forward.

"Well the story is still developing Kasuga-nim, but here is what we know." Hisako stated suppressing a yawn as she pulled out her tablet containing her notes. "A small New Roman cargo ship known as the Lepidus was sailing in international waters near the URA carrying food when they were stopped by a remnant ship. A dispute of unknown nature erupted resulting in a killed New Roman sailor, the rest of the crew status are unconfirmed and the ship is missing, New Roman media is claiming the ship was sunk but we don't have evidence nor reason to take their words at face value at this time." Hisako explained.

Kuvira and Junko exchanged glances before Kuvira shrugged, giving Junko the spotlight. "So....Cipher Pol 9 is aware that both sides seem to mobilizing for war which considering our allegiances and institutions, ya know that boring IFC we talked about, this can get messy easily. Especially since the most boring of boring IFC leaders stepped down and we have an interim leader of the IFC." Junko paused. "Judging by the reactions, it seems you were all unaware save for Arato-chan."

Hisako flinched. "I was getting to that later, but it is true in a matter of inconvenient timing Moorston has stepped away from being Prime Minister and appointed Myra Soymian of Guadalupador as the interim Prime Minister" Hisako explained.

"Because besides being boring, Moorston can't even ride out the rest of his damn term. Way to throw your colleague under the bus. F*cking useless...my apologies." Junko spat out before apologizing with lack of sincerity.

"That is an issue....alas as these are both allies of ours and IFC HQ is on Kirishinan soil, we need to be diplomatic about it. However we also need to be realist over here besides Na-san, it is no secret to anyone here that you are wary of both the Remnant and New Roman governments if things breakdown into war we may have no choice but to pick a side in a worse case scenario nonetheless but we should have a side in mind." Kuvira remarked. "So what are your thoughts Kasuga-nim?" she added.

Arata thought for a minute. "The only person I can confidently say I personally trust or like in either governments is the New Roman Cesar herself. I will send her a communiqué regarding the recent tragedy also see where we go from there. Ayanami-san is a good friend, I could only imagine how stressful this complicated situation is. On the other hand the URA is not looking good considering their recent controversies including this one and their falling out with SACTO...worse case scenario and final option if there is indeed a war would be to support the NRR. However now we do everything we can to be neutral but facilitate peace as we have done as a nation for many years. Na-san, make sure to reach out to Gam Sol-Mi. Update her as to our diplomatic plans and have her report IFC activities to me. After I send my communiqué I will meet with you to finalize our directives before we contact her. Otanashi-san keep me updated on any further developments and have agents on standby to be sent on vacation. Also definitely keep watching the embassy situation." Arata stood up. "Meeting is complete feel free to finish your meals, other than what we went over, today is business as usual." Arata added as the rest of those gathered stood up and saluted him. There was work to be done, on an unpredictable and unstable problem no less.

The Taisuist Republic of Kirishima

Origin: Office of Arata Kasuga
Sender: Arata Kasuga, Dirigeant of Kirishima
Recipient: Cornellia Ayanami, Caesar of New Rome
Subject:Recent Events

Encryption: High

Bonjour et Kon'nichiwa,

Ayanami-san, it has been quite sometime since we last spoke and I wish it was under more favorable and casual conditions. I would first like to offer my most sincere condolences for the loss of a New Roman national. The actions of the URA have undoubtedly been erratic as of late and the latest action of attacking a mere cargo ship in international waters, has my nation fearing war between two fellow IFC members may soon break out. I will not make a selfish statement about thinking about the alliance at this time but while your nation responds as needed, I urge that the option of peace and dialogue always be on the table. That it would always be an option even if it is not the course of action you decide to take. Kirishima as a nation that not only hosts the IFC Headquarters but more importantly is an ally to you and the URA, will be doing everything it can to try and facilitate peace as opportunities for it arise. We hope a scenario where one IFC member has to choose one side over another never arises and that the tools of diplomacy are exercised between you and the URA.

With that said should all our fears come into fruition and this erupts into a full on war, dragging the entirety of the IFC into conflict, Kirishima will have your back. Not only that but at an individual level I take our friendship seriously and I have your back. You have many capable advisors guiding you through these difficult times, but should you ever need a fellow world leader or friend who understand what it is like to rule, to talk to or vent to, feel free to call my office. If I remember correctly, you have a direct line to my office. I wish you all the best as you navigate your nation though this.

Kamiya Bless.

Regards,

Mr. Arata Kasuga
Dirigeant De La République Taisuist De Kirishima

IFC Headquarters
Kairaku | Kirishima

Kirishinan IFC ambassador and local resident Gam Sol-Mi sat silently near her office phone. Sure things were building up between New Rome and the URA but was something she did not envision, an act of war with both sides mobilizing. neither side made a formal declaration of war and while it was a hopeful prospect, it might simply be a slight calm before the storm. If things couldn't get worse Moorston stepped down as Prime Minister making Myra Soymian of Gudalupador the interim PM. Sol-Mi feared that the IFC may not be able to respond properly or credible in this situation. Sol-Mi ultimately decided to see if she could meet with the new PM, both to send congratulations but to also see what was on their mind. "Hayasaki, I will be out trying to speak with the PM. Don't take any calls unless it's from Heiwa." Sol-Mi told her aide before heading towards Soymian's office.

by **Guadalupador** » Sun Jan 14, 2018 7:59 pm

Prime Minister's Office, IFC Headquarters, Kairaku, Kirishima

It seemed that Myra wouldn't get used to his new position as the Interim Prime Minister of the IFC, but he still felt he had a duty to keep the Coalition safe and that was worth his time in office. He and his aides moved his stuff from his old office into the much more spacious Prime Minister's Office. The whole experience of being thrust into power definitely humbled him. Myra was once a firebrand and vocal delegate railing against former leadership, Soymian now had to tread a lot more lightly. As he got his computer together he noticed Kirishinan Delegate, Gam Sol-Mi heading through the door to the office unannounced. Soymian quickly called for his secretary to help translate for the Delegate. He didn't expect them to know Dorian so he wanted to be sure. Myra greeted the delegate as they entered the PM's enclosed office-space. "Gam Sol-Mi, I didn't expect you to come in so soon, but it is good to see you. Tell me, what brings you in here?"

by **New Roma Republic** » Mon Jan 15, 2018 2:23 pm

Office of Deputy Ambassador Sacha Canis
IFC Headquarters
Kairaku, Kirishima
“Hello Mr. Canis, I wanted to talk, informally. The whole situation between our nations is distressing, and I don’t want anything to escalate, as I’m sure you don’t as well.” He placed the glasses off the desk, took the top off the bottle, and poured two drinks. “Have you ever had Roman Ale? It’s quite delicious; a delicacy from my nation. May I take a seat?”

As he said that, his phone dinged, denoting an email had arrived. He pulled it out and took a look. “Ah, it looks like our interim PM wants a meeting, I’m assuming to discuss the issue” he said, taking a sip from the Roman Ale.

Imperial Office
Imperial Palace
New Rome, Donum Terra, IRNR
The Caesar sat at her desk looking over various communiques that had come in about the incident. In the corner, a TV was playing RCN, showing that the media had gotten wind of the ship interdiction, and now the protesters outside the Remnant embassy had grown. She wasn’t sure how long the Patriae Vigilum could hold the crowds back as they kept growing, shouting angry, anti-Remnant chants.

She picked up the letter from Shogun Kojiro again, reading it over, again. Her ministers filed in; she had called them in to discuss the message from the Nifonese. They all had a copy with them; with every copy being well annotated and notes written on legal pads, which they had brought as well. “As much as I hate to admit it, I have to agree with the Shogun,” begun the Minister of the Treasury. “Our economy has already taken a hit from this embargo. As I said before, an embargo goes both ways. And our increased trade with Unkazi is helping only so much. We need a large trade deal to help stop the economy from slipping any further.”

“I would caution against making any kind of deal that would benefit the Nifonese” replied the Minister of Defense. “Their entire foreign policy is to benefit their nation. If the Shogun is offering this deal, they are quite definitely seeing an advantage for themselves. I would suggest looking elsewhere.”

The Caesar settled back in her chair. “It seems to me that our economy needs foodstuffs to be traded, and that Nifon is offering an opportunity to do so,” there were some nods, “and then if another, more lucrative opportunity shows itself, or if the Remnant Incident cools off, we can open trade with them agian.

There was general agreement around the room. The MiniDef thought about what the Caesar said for a minute before speaking up: “I have to begrudgingly agree. But I have to warn you that this is the same nation that perpetrated the Spring Sea Massacre; they are NOT to be trusted.”

The Caesar leaned forward and replied “Duly noted Diana.” She then flipped out another printed out letter, this one from the Republic of Flardania. “I have just received this letter from Arata Kasuga of Flardania. He is stressing peaceful options be pursued. I have to agree. War will do nothing but hurt us, hurt the URA, and hurt the IFC.”

“Yes, war would not be beneficial, but we can hurt them if it does come to that” said the MiniDef, Diana Mars.

“Oh?” there were several looks from around the room. Mars whipped out a sheet of paper with abbreviated plans detailed on it. “Unrestricted submarine warfare, targeting cargo vessels heading for URA. It will cut their food by even more. Also issuing letters of Marque to our Naval surface vessels for the same purpose. Only if war is declared that is.”

“Thank you for the option, Diana” replied the Caesar as she took the paper and read it over. “Unless anyone else has anything else to talk about, this meeting is adjourned.”

Office of the Caesar

TO: Maki Kojiro, Shogun of the Empire of Greater Nifon
FROM: Cornelia Ayanami, Caesar, Imperial Republic of New Rome
ENCRYPTION: Diplomatic

Greetings Shogun Kojiro,

I would like to thank you for your message of support for the Imperial Republic in our time of crisis. I am especially grateful for the offer to begin trading our extra foodstuffs with Nifon. It would greatly benefit my nation economically. Therefore, it has been agreed that the IRNR will begin trading in this newly opened market.

Your other offers have been taken under advisement, and will have decisions made if and when they are deemed necessary.

Once again, thank you, and I hope you enjoy the food.

Senatus Populusque Romanus,
Cornelia Ayanami
Caesar
Imperial Republic of New Rome

Office of the Caesar

TO: Arata Kasuga, Dirigeant of Kirishima
FROM: Cornelia Ayanami, Caesar, Imperial Republic of New Rome
ENCRYPTION: High

Cara Arata,

It is good to hear from you; it has been too long. Thank you for the condolence. As I am sure you know, it is hard to learn that a national, which you are responsible for the safety for as their leader dies. Especially when it is in foreign lands by the hand of an ally.

War is not desired by any of my staff; in fact, I would not have had this entire situation, if it was avoidable. But alas, in a democracy the leader must listen to the common man. And the common man is out for blood. I will try my damnest, though, to prevent war.

Finally, thank you for your support. Should war break out, I am glad I will have you as an ally. I may have to take you up on the call offer, though. The events of the next few days may determine if I need that call or not. Let’s hope I can call with good news and not bad.

I will keep in contact.

Mi optime,
Cornelia Ayanami
Caesar
Imperial Republic of New Rome

by **The United Remnants of America** » Tue Jan 23, 2018 12:13 am

Deputy Ambassador Sacha Canis

IFC Headquarters, Kairaku, Kirishima

1/3/2018 - 14:42

Canis sighed when Nakashima's first sentence was about the war. "Florus, please, that's literally all I've been working on for the past-" his voice stopped mid-sentence when he laid eyes on the Roman ale, "I... I haven't had it before, actually, but I've heard about it. Sit right on down, please, and if we're going to be day drinking and sharing our heritage..."

Canis reached under his desk, pulling open a drawer, retrieving two of his own glasses and setting them on the table. Next, he pulled out a glass bottle filled two-thirds of the way with a bright yellow-orange colored liquid inside, which he used to fill his own two glasses, sliding one to Nakashima. "Remnant vodka," Canis explained, "Potatoes make vodka, fermented red and green apples make the fruity, wine taste." Canis' eyes drifted off and he chuckled, "They stopped production of it a couple months ago. Since potatoes and apples are the URA's major crops, the government forced alcohol production to a halt so the food could be used as actual food." Canis swirled the vodka around in his glass, "From what I hear, a bottle goes for around ten times on the streets as what it was sold on shelves." He set the glass down next to the offered glass of Roman ale.

Canis took a sip of the ale along with Nakashima and pulled his head back in surprise. It was much more similar to his own nation's drinks than he'd realized. He fought the urge to reflect on that realization too much: The idea that the Romans and Remnants were more similar than they were different and that this conflict was laughable. It wasn't his job to pontificate, it was his job to be a diplomat.

"Well, if our PM wants a meeting, we're both here. I'm sure the Dorian has some pomegranates he can ferment and add to our little tasting party. Tell him to swing by if he so wishes to grace our presence with his temporary authority." Canis actually enjoyed Myra's company, but he was decidedly in a mood today, as he had been the past several days. He was confident the Dorian interim prime minister wasn't interested in having a fun celebration, rather he wanted to force Nakashima and Canis to work out the squabble between their two nations.

And Canis would be ready to laugh and play along, as his impotent position in the Remnant diplomatic corps allowed.

President Gabriel Drake

Olympia, URA, GRCS

1/3/2018 - 16:45

The press corps had been assembled rather quickly, Drake noticed. They must've smelled the blood in the water. He'd tried to have his people keep a tight lid on the news of the Navy destroyer sinking a Roman cargo ship and taking the crew hostage, but it inevitably got out. He'd even seen that foreign news services were covering the story. Drake decided he hated the modern world. It was easier when he had taken power in the mid-90's. News was slower, and the Internet simply just wasn't what it was today. Even now, Drake could see a few reporters recording him on their smartphones, probably streaming it directly to their online-only news services. What a day to be alive.

Lights illuminated Drake's face as he stood behind the press room's lectern. It was damn hot in those lights, and he caught himself trying to will his body to not sweat, a sign of nervousness. He decided that this statement wasn't necessary. Most of those in the room probably had already heard the rumors, just like they'd somehow figured out about the incident this morning. Such was the flow of information: Rapid and unstoppable. Either way, the votes had been cast, and he'd needed to deliver the news to his nation of one and a half billion hungry, scared people and hope they rallied to him rather than threw him into the ocean.

With a slight raise of his hand, the mumbling in the press room ceased instantly, and Drake cleared his throat.

"Earlier today, a Remnant Navy destroyer interdicted a Roman cargo ship, the Lepidus in Remnant territorial waters. During a brief check of the ship's documentation, a Roman crew member attacked Remnant sailors, resulting in a short standoff resulting in the death of one Roman crew member and the arrest of twelve others. The Remnant destroyer took the prisoners aboard and scuttled the Roman cargo ship."

Drake paused and looked over the crowd of journalists, reporters, and cameramen. Everyone knew that already, but now it was for the hard ball.

"This interdiction was a standard naval procedure against a nation that has until recently been a friend and ally to the United Remnants of America. However, they have broken this relationship in favor of starving our people through embargoes and sanctions. While regretful, the death of the Roman civilian crew member, the arrest of the rest of the crew of the Lepidus, and the sinking of the ship were only a fraction of the suffering the Romans have inflicted upon our great nation through their devastating trade policies while they try to maintain the moral high ground. The actions of the Imperial Republic of New Rome are indescribably inhumane for a nation that publicly touts its human rights. The United Remnants of America, as a result of this vicious and unnecessary treatment, has been forced into a corner, necessitating not only emergency negotiations with interested parties of the Merick Isles, but also for preemptive defensive tactics."

Another pause, Drake had been building up to this, the crescendo of his perfectly-tailored speech.

"It is as a result of this plan of preemptive defensive tactics, that the Remnant Senate has voted six-hundred and fifty-three to one-hundred forty-seven into declaring a state of limited and necessary war against the Imperial Republic of New Rome until such time as the state of war is no longer necessary due to a return to the status quo between the IRNR and the URA. There will be no questions, thank you."

As Drake turned to immediately leave the room, the press corps exploded into a frenzy. Drake ignored them all as he exited the room. He'd just had to declare war on a former ally. He had calls to make and decisions to be responsible for.

Commander Jace Bradley

International Waters

1/3/2018 - 16:55

"Well, shit."

Commander Bradley looked over at his XO, Brad Ripley.

"Good fucking job, Rip. You started a war!"

Ripley's head was in his hands as he sat. Both had been watching President Drake live on a satellite feed, and both had seen Drake's announcement.

The executive officer slowly mumbled through his hands, "If it wasn't me, it would've been someone else."

Bradley through up his hands and walked off the bridge, "God damn it! This is just fucking cherry! My ship just became the home of the first prisoners of war! Every Roman and their brother is going to be hunting us now!"

A minute later, Bradley was on the destroyer's deck, staring over the railing into the choppy ocean. The Carrion had been ordered to maintain its patrol pattern previous to the incident with the Lepidus by Admiral Cossak. The prisoners were to be stuffed into three bunk rooms, that way they each had a bed. Bradley had issued a full security detail to those rooms, though he doubted the prisoners would make much of a fuss. He had realized that since they were PoWs now, he could execute them due to his country's general rules of war, but the thought made him shudder. Shit like that was the Army's job. Navy wasn't supposed to be taking prisoners, but here they were. Bradley was the operational commander on the scene and he decided they were neutral noncombatants, meaning he'd just have to drop them off when he was in port. Since it was his call, even if it was a Remnant port, the former crew of the Lepidus would be given amnesty and be allowed to travel anywhere else so long as they stayed out of trouble.

All Bradley needed to do, then, was get to port, but Admiral Cossak had been very aggressive about his staying on patrol in territorial waters while Cossak started gathering reinforcements. Bradley wasn't exactly sure of what that meant, but Cossak had said he'd be sending other ships from the 3rd Fleet as well as a few Contracted Personnel Department assets his way, which was just as well. Once those were on site, maybe he could get his destroyer relieved and get rid of the prisoners and give his crew a quick rest on shore.

Before the war began. Before the Romans came here for revenge. Before his destroyer was in the middle of the fight, because it had just become to symbol of the Remnant fight against the Romans.

Bradley kept staring at the gentle waves of the ocean, his jaw popping every time he moved it. The popping meant he'd probably have issues with his jaw later in life, but it was also a habit he'd picked up since he quit smoking, since every former smoker knew that while the addiction faded, the habit needed to be replaced. He replaced it with clicking his jaw.

He'd kill for a cigarette right now.

by **New Roma Republic** » Fri Feb 02, 2018 1:35 pm

Outside the Remnant Embassy
New Rome, Donum Terra, Imperial Republic of New Rome
A novelty of modern times is that word spreads like wild fire. Something could happen in the Imperial Republic, and people on the other side of the world would learn about within minutes, even seconds of the event happening. As much happened when President Drake announced a declaration of war against the Imperial Republic. The word spread through the mob in front of the Embassy like wildfire. And the crowd got louder. The crowd got bigger. The crowd got violent.

They began throwing items at the Patriae Vigilum, growing in size. Soon the sheer numbers began to push through the blockade of national officers, many of them getting beaten and trodden over. Several officers even joined the rioters, as the tore at the gate to the Embassy. The gate quickly yielded as they were bashed open by battering rams, commonly used by police, but acquired by the rioters. Through the gates, the New Romans streamed, some throwing rocks into the windows, others making potshots with their RBR-19 service rifles. Many of them carried their service weapons, because conscription forced every New Roman to be a part of the military, and they were to keep their battle rifle at home, while in the reserves (until age 40).

Several with Designated Marksmen Rifles hid behind several barricades that were dragged up, and began firing through the windows at any guards who showed themselves to fire on the rioters.

Imperial Space Force Anti-Satellite Operations Command
Isobunni, Toskajin region, Imperial Republic of New Rome
The call came on the watch officer’s phone. He picked up the phone “Beneficiarius
Ruricius, watch officer”.

“Ruricius, Caecina. The Remnant has declared war on the Imperial Republic. Execute General Order 27.”

“Sic Domine! Ave imperatoris!”

“Ave imperatoris”

The watch officer walked out of his office, and announced “Ladies and Gentlemen, we are now at war with the Remnant. Execute General Order 27. This is not a drill.” And with that, he went back into his office. The Legionnaires in the ISFASOC began to execute their parts of G.O. 27. G.O. 27 was the 27th of 100 standing orders established by the New Roman military command. This specific command was set for that should the IRNR go to war, then the strategic satellites of the hostile nation will be targeted by countermeasures, mainly jamming of targeting of GPS and communications satellites. Jammers across the Imperial Republic began directing their interference toward the Remnant satellites. Most of the signals were helped by New Roman satellites designed to redirect signals. These turned toward Remnant GPS satellites, and began directing the interference toward them.

Imperial Republican Senate
New Rome, Donum Terra, Imperial Republic of New Rome
“IS Bill 032018 passes, with a vote of 13-3-4” the Praetor banged the gavel, signaling the passage of Bill 032018. “The Senate, therefore, now issues all Imperial Naval ships Letters of Marque, valid against all ships flagged as Remnant Vessels. Ave Imperatoris! Senatus Populusque Romanus!”

NRS Sol, NRS Syrax, and NRS B’Moth
Enroute to Remnant territorial water
The small pack of subs were dispatched to URA waters. With their newly issued Letters of Marque, they hoped to score cargo vessel kills. Though the Syrax and B’Moth were attack subs, the Sol was a guided missile sub. Its presence was there in case any orders to destroy Remnant infrastructure came down the line.

by **Valaran** » Sat Feb 03, 2018 9:44 am

‘This is my shocked face’

Silence was often deafening, but that was only in the presence of other sounds. In this case the Valaran Empire merely joined the cacophony — the existing barrage of pointless declarations and voiced concern, and — more importantly — the lack of anything important being said. The silence lay in the lack of momentous speech, but it was less interesting when everybody was doing it.

The need to articulate a policy was not pressing. Roma was a dear ally yes, and the Remnants were important players. That might suggest the need to play a role. This was an opening for a state with ties to both — the honest broker that the Empire so loved to play.

But this was now an IFC matter, and that was a death-knell. The IFC was not considered a living, breathing entity in Astaria. It was an ossified entente, more concerned with the motions of inhalation and exhalation, than the intake of true life-giving oxygen. Elections still came and went, like the whir of sensors on an automatic routine, and council debated long into the night, the echoes of expired debates drifting past flickering strobes.

If and when it sputtered into activity, this only exposed how broken the organisation was. Valaran barely considered more than half a dozen member states actual allies; it was certain that it not alone in such selective perceptions of unity. The glue that bound its member-states together was little more than a thin residue, a filmy skim that merely blurred, but did not hide the gaping fault-lines beneath. Even paper covered more cracks. Rival blocs were more unified than the IFC’s own member-states — shared hatred was a more reliable basis of coalition than the diaphanous strands of neglect and resentment that wrapped around the International Freedom Coalition.

This state of affairs would be sad, but that would imply this was a tragedy. It was barely farce. What was truly lost by another dead alliance? Even if this one had once chanced itself above others, there was no point comparing the current IFC to those heights, no point at all.

Who would light a candle to its passing? Not the current membership, and not the Valaran Empire. There had been a move to leave, but to be honest, the process rejection was more trouble than the alliance was worth. A truer neglect was not impassioned decrial, but the simple shrug.

As soon as the crisis had become an IFC matter, the Valaran Empire had shrugged.

“A token show of support should suffice, Foreign Secretary.” Tarengard was blunt for a diplomat. She felt that she had earned the right to be blunt. Politeness was for foreign leaders, not your own.

The boss in question suppressed a sigh. Crien didn’t change her expression, but Tarengard knew when a mind was doing what the body did not. Crien looked at the declaration.

The Valaran Empire voices grave concern at the current Crisis between the Imperial Republic of New Rome, and the Greater Remnant Co-prosperity Sphere.

It adds its condemnation to the horrific massacre in Al-Khalifiya by Remnant Soldiers, and demands those responsible be brought to justice. Of no lesser importance are the illegal actions committed against Roman shipping. However, the unilateral blockade of the United Remnants is a deeply troubling action of its own. Illegal actions, however horrific, should not be responded to with further illegal actions, especially ones that are as reckless and indiscriminate as this. The Remnant population should not be punished for the actions of its government.

The Valaran Empire urges both Parties to deescalate immediately and accept IFC adjudication, before the crisis escalate further. After this latest provocation, the prospect of war seems a very real one. This must be resolved as soon as a possible, before the prospect has a chance to become a reality.

A neat, balanced, meaningless set of phrases. Not-so implicit rebukes for both sides, carefully weighted so there was only a slight tilt to the Romans. Crien looked at it again. “This is about the bare minimum we could say. I wonder if we should voice some additional concern about responses to fresh provocations?”

“Secretary, if the Romans respond to this fresh provocation, they would be idiots.” Tarengard seemed relaxed in her chair. “In short, the Remnants don’t understand the concept of international cooperation, so they basically have no idea why they owe anyone anything. Even if they understood their little massacre had consequences, they would be too proud to admit it.”

“A rather harsh view, Tarengard.” Crien admonished like a schoolteacher. In fact, the whole exchange gave off a distinctly school-room vibe to Tarengard. She had been blunt then, too.

“If you want varnish, Secretary, hire an advertising agency.” She leaned back. “I’ve dealt with the GCRCS before. There’s nothing new here for them. They indulge in the illicit and the underhand, and fail to see why this isolates them. The only difference is the Romans are pressing the matter, and getting shafted for it too.”

Her teachers had all hated this kind of talk. How can you be so certain they had wanted to ask. It was what Crien wanted to articulate as well. Instead, no one could really articulate this, so they gave short stares and passive-aggressive comments.

“But what if the Romans respond in kind?” Crien meant escalation.

“Well they can. But its stupid.”

“Could you elaborate on that please.” Crien’s voice turned curt.

Tarengard nodded. Maybe she was being too dismissive. “Minister, do you know the theory of asymmetric escalation?” Tarengard went on before Crien could shake her head. “Its when a nation does something aggressive, but not too aggressive. Like, say, building on a disputed island. Or using fishing boats to attack each other. Other nations will resent this. But because its not out and out aggression — no declaration of war, say — there’s no clear response to take. The solution to militarising fishing boats is never to militarise your own fishing boats. It doesn’t resolve the issue, and besides, the enemy already stole a march on you. The only resolution is to escalate in turn — deploying a navy. Yet in this response, you were the one to escalate — aggressively. Suddenly, you no longer have an indisputable moral status, because you’re the one sending submarines against trawlers.” Tarengard leaned forwards. “An advertising agency would call it bad optics, because it is. The enemy forces you to either roll over — accept minor but cumulative losses, or to escalate dramatically and become the aggressor.”

“So, the Romans escalated, and now look where they are. Their ships are being raided, foreign firms are stealing market share, for no discernible results. They escalated, but got stuck in an impasse. What more can they really do? Arrest innocent Remnants in their territory? Seize the assets of civilians to get compensation? Kill the same number of people Al-Khalifiya lost? Nothing like having death quotas. Anyway, at any of these, nations would have a justifiable reason to no longer back them. That includes us. The only responses we need to support are meaningless ones — resolutions in the IFC council, empty rhetoric,” she tapped the paper “This kind of stuff.”

She continued. “If they’re smart, they’ll realise this. And once they do, they’ll resort to public — and meaningless — rhetorical action, because its the only way to retain diplomatic pressure and keep other nations on side. Chances are the Remnants still won’t care, but they just might offer a back room deal, in exchange for no public loss of face. This could never be publicised, so no one will ever know. Which isn’t great if you need to publicly show you got something in return.”

“So, basically the Remnants will never really lose.”

“Sort of. The point is the Romans only have the illusion of options. Either they do something that’s reasonable but practically useless, or something that’s useful but utterly unreasonable. Either way, they’re currently in a bind and their best option is to get some kind of confidential deal, since the Remnants would never publicly back down. Or they declare war, I guess, but you don’t need me to tell you why that’s stupid.”

Crien blinked. Tarengard had a relaxed, chatty tone, and her speeches were an eager stream of words, delivered almost too quick to properly intake. Entirely the opposite from the slow, considered phrases of her fellow diplomats.

“What would you do, if you were the Romans?”

Tarengard smiled. “I’d make the confidential deal. Then I’d reveal the entire thing.”

Crien raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t that a betrayal of trust?”

“Whose trust am I really betraying here? The Remnants?” she snorted.

The Foreign Secretary frowned. “Still, its short term gains over a more valuable long-term relationship.” A rational viewpoint — yet unusual. Politicians were always badgered for looking only at short-term gains, and yet here was a shining exception. Crien actually cared about the lasting effects. How farcical was that?

“Well, Secretary, that's the point. This is a great win for me, leader of the Romans, but not only a temporary finger in the eye for the Remnants. They’re a practical sort — they’ll still cooperate in the future if they have to.”

Crien eyed her subordinate. Tarengard settled further into her seat. It was like she had just won a class debate.

Slowly, the Foreign Secretary spoke. “I can’t immediately fault your logic. Maybe it really is as you say, or maybe you just deliver it confidently enough to convince others. Yet I can’t help but think the reality will never progress quite as you planned. I’ve never dealt with the Remnants as you have, but in my experience no negotiation was ever so… linear.”

Tarengard held up her hands. “None of my class mates could think this either. Nor Sathren and Marec, even Nygaard, and he was as a tricksy as they come. Seward understands, though.”

“Is that why he became Prime Minister of the IFC?”

“It was why he became many things, Foreign Secretary. He was never my mentor, but he understands how to play games. You kind of need to in the IFC. Games are all they do.”

by **Emmerian Republic** » Sun Feb 04, 2018 7:04 pm

All of Emmeria has condemn the actions that happened in Al-Khalifiya by Remnant Soldiers, and the demands for those who are responsible to be brought to justice. Needless to say that the illegal actions committed against Roman shipping is a clear violation to the Roman sovereignty. However, the blockade of the United Remnants by the New Roman Republic has deeply concern the Emmerian people about the escalations between the two countries. President Delcan Shaw and Vice president Sandra Holiday has strongly asked both parties urge the use of diplomacy for violence is never the answer to the problem

Presidential Office,
Equestria City, Emmeria
12:42 hrs

The incident between the New Roman Republic and the United Remnants has reached even the newly elected President of Emmeria, Declan Shaw. The relations between the the two countries have grown intense over the past few months since the incident and the IFC is depended on stabilizing the memberships between nations coming together to prospare democratic status to the world. The fallout in the alliance could jeopardize not only the alliance, but for Emmeria too.

In a emergency situation, Declan Shaw is meeting with all of his administrative officials and foreign assets to come help deal with the resolution. He takes a seat in the middle of a big oval table with all the district officials and the federal officials to discuss the matter in hand.
"Ladies and gentleman," he said. "I have all calld you here on a very pressing matter. We are on a verge of a international crisis. Recently, the UR has created a violation to the Roman Republic sovereignty on their soil by massacring the Roman people on their soil and now the Romans want action by cutting a trade embargo." he explained.

"The tensions are mounting and if the two nations go to war, then all of the IFC will shatter when the first strike hits." said Defense Secretary John McGillon. "The UR and the NRR have been at each other for the past several months and we've been so focused on provide arms to the fighters in the Qaidi region to make sure that their democratic ways can be established."

"We have other nations to provide arms for the UDC in Qaidi," Helen Brownell, the Disctric Secretary of Arlington State called. "What's more important is the safety and the deescalation of United Remnants and the New Roman Republic. The IFC was built from the foundations of the Western Coalition and the International Freedom alliance, we cannot allow this standing alliance between democratic nations to be destroyed just like the other previous alliance."

"We all agree with what is important Helen," Satino Delagatos, the District Secretary of Arizona State said. "Without the IFC, more democratic nations would fall under dictators and tyrant that could overthrow the democratic ways the countries have previously built amongst themselves. We joined the IFc because we share the same value of democracy."

"Even if the United Remnants and the New Roman Republic share the same value, the relations between two countries are skyrocketing," the Foreign Administor David Beckon, stated. "We're seeing reports of Remnant ships rading on Roman cargo vessels in international waters and in return, the protesting in the Roman Republic are growing more violent for war. We need to at least send diplomatic assets to each countries to help with other IFC members de-escalate the situation." he suggested.

Declan remains sitting at his seat with his glasses on while his administrative officials talk it our amongst themselves. He was deeply thinking about the situation between the United Remnants and the Roman Republic. The countries are growing more hostile with every day passing and war might be inevitable if the two countries can't resolve the issue.

"Mr. President, the actions between both parties are clearly a violation to each sovereignty, but we know that military isn't the option, what do you believe is right for us?" Karen McGillis, the District Director of Remington State asked.

Everyone turned their heads over to the president Thye await to see the kind of action that Emmeria should take. When he signed heavily, it was a clear that Emmeria was in a deadlock. "Honestly, all we can do is wait and see." His answer shocked everyone in the room. "We uphold the dedication to support the IFC, but in the times like this, but the delegates in the Council are debating the new Resolution that would change the IFC as we speak. We were so careless to think that the matter could be dealt wth easily, but now that the situation has so I pray to god that they would make the right decision for the nations."

by **Flardania** » Tue Feb 06, 2018 3:58 pm

The Federal Palace
Heiwa | Kirishima

Arata Kasuga found himself in his office needing to deal with the ongoing crisis between the URA and New Roma once again. He had plans to meet with members of the National Assembly before the upcoming legislative election cycle, but that had to be delayed. Arata Kasuga found himself with his Chief of Staff Hisako as usual along with Minister of Foreign Affairs Na Sung-Ki, who Arata requested stay around the Federal Palace.

Arata shook his head. "So Drake-san, has elected to go with war...granted you had the New Roman blockade but...what exactly is going on." Arata asked floored. "To be fair the acts of the URA deserved that sought of response but not with unilateral action by New Roma. It should've been the greater IFC collective that should've done something." Sung-Ki remarked

"No..." Arata responded. "The IFC has on many occasions rejected the ability for the IFC to respond appropriately to these situation outside of group condemnation. The Remnant public sees nothing wrong with the incident and are convinced they are the victims." Hisako stated finishing Kasuga's thoughts.

"Exactly, hmmmm, what we need is to stop or slow down the escalation. If things get out of hand....it will be very difficult to see resolution. I don't see where the war could come to an end with the public being satisfied without further escalation." Arata stated.

"Well how about we invite Ayanami and Drake to Heiwa?" Sung-Ki asked. "Kirishima has brokered many peace deals in its history so why not do it again. I mean with all do respect, Kasuga-nim it's not like any of those two have a high opinion of the IFC right now anyways. Plus it would be excellent PR and boost National Pride as we would once again play a role in securing peace. " Sung-Ki added.

"Ayanami could potentially be on board but we have no idea on the Remnant view on peace is not to mention Kasuga-nim does not have anywhere as personal of a friendship with Drake as he has with Ayanami. Plus it may be a good idea to let the representatives in the IFC handle things...the IFC may very well need it." Hisako stated.

*sigh*

"Alright, I actually have an idea...Arato-san...Na-san, thank you for your inputs. I will give the IFC the chance to handle things. In the meantime we will try to set up the framework for talks. It will take sometime to do that anyways and both the citizens of New Roma and the Remnant need time to vent. I will reach out to Drake and get a gauge for his goals in this war. I am going to need to keep communication up with both leaders if we want this to work." Arata stated

"Sounds good, just make you are polite in addressing Drake, we have no reason to be hostile to the URA." Sung-Ki stated

"Of course, the URA has not done anything to us and I obviously understand the most basic of foreign affairs, who do you take me for? An Inyurstan!" Kasuga joked as the three shared a laugh. "Alright Na-san you are dismissed, please keep frequent contact with Gam-san." Arata stated.

"Yes sir!" Sung-Ki stated with a bow before leaving Kasuga and Arato.

"Geez, this is really annoying Kasuga-nim. Want anything?" Hisako asked as Kasuga rubbed his temples

"Actually, one of your herbal teas would work wonders right now. Thank You" Arata responded.

"Okay" Arato replied as she bowed before leaving the office presumably for her mortar and pestle as well as some leaves. Kasuga left all alone took a deep breath and got to work.

The Taisuist Republic of Kirishima

Origin: Office of Arata Kasuga
Sender: Arata Kasuga, Dirigeant of Kirishima
Recipient: Gabriel Drake, President of The United Remnants of America
Subject:Recent Events

Encryption: High

Bonjour et Kon'nichiwa,

I wish we were speaking in a pleasant setting but unfortunately it is during a situation that I am sure no won anticipated nor wanted months ago. As obvious of an issue this is for the IFC to have two of it's members go to war with one another. I will not waste any of our time by saying that the war needs to be nipped solely for the PR of the IFC. I simply seek peace between two nations that not too long ago could proudly call each other allies. I am curious as too what is the Remnant end goal in this war and I wanted to know how open to peace your government is. I really do hope that we can prevent good hard working citizens of your nation as well as New Roma from dying at the hands of a former ally.

Kamiya Bless.

Regards,

Mr. Arata Kasuga
Dirigeant De La République Taisuist De Kirishima

IFC Headquarters
Kairaku | Kirishima

Gam Sol-Mi stared blankly for two seconds before face-palming. "I am an idiot..." Sol-Mi muttered to herself in Korean. She had been too comfortable since she lived in Kairaku. In her excitement she had managed to forget not every representative knew her languages and she was certainly embarrassed. Sol-Mi's English wasn't that good as she chose to learn Mandarin in school *(all literate Kirishinans know Japanese and French, in school students can pick between learning English, Korean, or Mandarin).* Luckily it seemed that the secretary was Kirishinan and would make up for her faux pas. "Sorry for barging in so unprepared and on such notice!" Sol-Mi stated while bowing. After calming down she took a breath. "Well first off, I wanted to congratulate you for being the new PM...I know it's temporary but it still means something to be chosen." Sol-Mi stated with a smile. "But more importantly...oh well not to say you aren't important or anything, but we have a real crisis here involving the URA and New Roma. I was wondering what do you intend to do?" Sol-Mi asked.

by **The United Remnants of America** » Tue Feb 06, 2018 9:37 pm

Staff Sergeant Robert Kemple

Remnant Embassy, New Rome, IRNR

1/3/2018 - 17:05

The Remnant embassy was the only one currently remaining in New Roma. The URA's diplomatic staff was extremely small, so an abundance of embassies and consulates was never an issue for Remnant tourists, not that many of those existed, either. Still, the Remnant embassy in the IRNR had spent the last several months down-sizing even from what it had already been.

By this point, a total of fifteen Remnants worked in the embassy. Six were Sentinels dedicated to security. One was a non-official cover operative and station chief from the Marshals. One was a National Intelligence Agency liaison to the IRNR's national intelligence and police organizations. Two were secretaries. Four were counsels in various diplomatic specializations, while the final Remnant was a chief administration officer of the Diplomatic Corps. Technically, the Chief Admin was the highest-ranked diplomat in the IRNR, there were no ambassadors or deputy ambassadors as the post had been significantly curtailed following the cold spell in Roman-Remnant relations.

It had proven to be good foresight, as the growing crowd around the embassy had turned violent with President Drake's declaration of war. While the crowd had definitely been unruly earlier since the news of the sinking of the Lepidus had come through, it was nothing compared to now. Roman citizens had already torn down the front gates, and no one inside had any idea where the Roman site security had went, or if they'd been killed, or even if they'd just joined the riot. Even now, pot-shots from inside the compound broke windows and chipped the facade of the main building.

It took five minutes after Drake's speech for Staff Sergeant Robert Kemple to go into the embassy's basement and unlock the small armory they kept with the only key on-site. Inside were a handful of weapons. He'd called down everyone in the embassy to the armory to properly dispatch his equipment.

For himself, he took a full loadout of frag and smoke grenades, an R-18 rifle, and an M-23-45 pistol. He even donned a set of light personnel armor for himself, but that was it. Sergeant Antonio Singson, his second in command here for embassy security, took a similar loadout. Sergeants John Dohmen and Mike Rountree took R-21 rifles instead of the R-18. Sergeant Matthew Musingo took an R-23 chambered for .300 WinMag. Sergeant Wayne Hill took one of the 12-gauge R-25 shotguns. That was all the Sentinels. Despite being a special operations force, only about half the Sentinels were on active duty at any given time, and from that, half again did active operations. The other half were assigned to embassy and personal security duty. Kemple and his team were from the 2nd Battalion, which had led the way into Zhangua 3 years ago. Now the 2nd Battalion was separated out into embassy duty for now, and Kemple, originally a 2IC of a squad, had been given the chief of security position for the Remnant Embassy in the IRNR.

He sent Musingo and Rountree to the roof of the embassy to lay covering fire, hopefully enough to keep the angry people back. Singson and Dohmen he immediately sent to the front door. Finally, he told Wayne to stand by so he could have him guard the Chief Admin. Next, he looked at the secretaries, and told the young Remnant man and woman to find desks to take cover. They had no experience whatsoever and were safest if they hid out of the way. The nodded and ran back upstairs to find a safe hole to hide in. Looking at the four counsels and ordered them to do more or less the same. They were all in their thirties, but all were government officials, none had ever picked up a gun. They had to hide as well.

The NIA liaison, the Marshal, Sergeant Hill, and Chief Admin Cho were left. They were out of rifles, but had four more pistols, so he tossed another pistol to the NIA liaison, who had the same basic training as anyone in the NIA, and told her to help guard the front door. The Marshal was all that was left, and while the Marshal was part of the Political Action Division, he still had military training, so he got a pistol as well and was told to do whatever he could to survive. Kemple didn't like the Marshals, and the Sentinels and Marshals rarely got along when they met in the field, but an extra shooter was a shooter. The Marshal nodded and took off as fast as he could back up to the ground floor.

Finally, Kemple looked at Chief Administrator Cho and Sergeant Hill, "We stick together." He tossed a pistol to Cho, who caught it in shaking hands, "Did you send that we've been compromised?" Kemple shoved the last pistol into his waistband. That gave him three guns, just in case.

Cho looked at her acquired pistol and then looked back to Kemple, "Rob, I can not use this!"

Kemply took Cho by the shoulders and yanked the chief administrator towards the steps. Hill followed, making sure his automatic shotgun was loaded with a fresh magazine and smiling to find that it was. "I don't care, Cho. You need something in case something happens to me or Wayne. Now did you call out?"

Cho didn't respond immediately, instead putting the pistol down by her side. "Y-Yes... I called out on the emergency line. They said they'd attempt to negotiate a ceasefire or attempt an extraction."

"Ha. Bullshit, extraction. We're stuck if they don't get these Romans to stop their little assault."

Cho was frantic as they made it up the flight of steps and stood in the main room of the embassy, "But this is a war crime! We're a diplomatic mission!"

Kemple turned to Cho and waited for her to hear the gunshots before pointing through the doorway leading to the foyer and front door where Singson and Dohmen were trading hastily-aimed shots with Romans outside through broken windows. "Does it look like the Romans give a shit what war crimes they commit right now? I think they want to see us dead."

Cho's face turned white, the gravity of their situation sinking in, "Oh my god..."

Kemple nodded, "Yeah. Keep praying. Let's hope we can keep you safe long enough for your miracle to come."

All around them, gunfire echoed.

SATOPS Headquarters, Point Azimuth, URA

1/3/2018 - 17:15

The young technician watched as several dots on his world map screen disappeared, and their corresponding screen of statistics ceased to exist. He paused, tapped his keyboard a few times, then sighed. He tapped more keys, and nothing onscreen happened.

"What the fuck."

Point Azimuth was one of several military installations throughout the URA that was vital to government and military operations Azimuth was the HQ of SATOPS, as well as the mission control teams for any and all space operations, including the ground control of the space station, Freedom Star. SATOPS, otherwise known as the Satellite Operations and Communications division, was a defense agency under the Remnant Military tasked with control of the myriad government, business, and military satellites in orbit around the world.

One technician in charge of the S2 Strategic Positioning System of satellites was trying to realize what happened when he heard an epithet to his side.

"The hell?"

He turned to his left in his wheeled chair, "It happen to you, too?"

The young woman turned back, "You lose your section of S2's as well?"

The man nodded, confused. Together, they motioned for their supervisor to come over.

The older man looked over both their screens before nodding, "Gotta be a glitch. We can try to work out the-"

"Sir? I lost all my satellite feeds."

The supervisor's head jumped up, "What?"

After checking, they realized that in all, 4 of the 6 GPS system consoles had gone dark, as if their corresponding satellites had suddenly exploded. The supervisor scratched his head and picked up his landline. "Yeah, this is Koval in GPS. Anyone else having... Yeah? Um... Okay, what do I.... Okay. I'll tell them."

The supervisor hung up his phone and looked at the dozen techs in his small room nested inside Point Azimuth, "They're being jammed. We sit tight and wait, I guess

The GPS satellite supervisor didn't know the kind of chaos that could or would ensue from Remnant systems being offline for 2/3 of the planet, but it wasn't his job to do anything other than supervise and keep those satellites working. Moving them was pointless, as it would throw off the GPS on the ground, so they just had to wait for the jamming to stop.

The Unitary State of the United Remnants of america

Origin: Office of Gabriel Drake
Sender: Gabriel Drake, President of the United Remnants of America
Recipient: Arata Kasuga, Dirigeant of Kirishima
Subject: RE:Recent Events

Encryption: High

Nin hao, Ann-Yeong-Haseyo, Zdravstvujtye, and Hello.

I am equally saddened and emboldened by your reaching out to me in this time of crisis for my nation. I admit that this war is not what I envisioned when the New Romans began to blockade the naval trade routes Remnant and allied ships had been using in peace for years. However, it is with a solemn hand and a mind to upholding my duty to my nation that I began this war with the aim of retaining the status quo for my nation. I understand the irony of attempting to normalize relations through war, but it is my only recourse. As my people starved, the IFC has done nothing. As my nation's economy stagnated and entered a recession, the IFC mirrored my economy. The IFC has failed the URA through allowing this repression of my people by another member state. I do not wish to see death, but the lives of millions lay in the hands of the New Romans through their foul and dishonorable strangulation of my countrymen. This war is my nation's fight to survive, and if our thrashing draws the attention and ire of others, so be it. I want only one thing more than peace, and that is the unhindered trade between my nation and her allies, both current and former.

Regards,
Mr. Gabriel Drake
President of the Unitary State of the United Remnants of America and Greater Remnant Cooperation Sphere

by **New Roma Republic** » Mon Feb 12, 2018 8:04 am

Imperial Palace
New Rome, Donum Terra, IRNR
The Caesar was sitting at her kitchen table – the kitchen was a huge facility in the bowels of the Palace, designed to be able to cook for large state functions – eating an early dinner with her niece, while her cat prowled around for scrapes. She enjoyed eating the kitchen as it almost made her feel like a normal person and not someone who 274 million people depended on her for leadership and guidance…and tried to forget the war that had just started with a former ally. But that illusion came crashing down as her Chief of Protocol came in. The look on his face said it all. “What happened?” she demanded.

“Ma’am…the citizens that were protesting in front of the embassy got violent. They broke through the Patriae Vigilum blockade and began using their service weapons on the Remnant Embassy. The Embassy is currently under a full-scale assault by our reservists.”

“God-damn those half-witted grunts! We are trying to prevent a war, not make it worse” signed the Caesar. “I’m sorry Aflidia, but I must go back to work.”

“Ok Aunt Cornelia!” The Caesar walked back up the stairs with the COP and entered her office through one of many secret entrances, passing several Praetorian Guards, who were on high alert due to the terrorist attack going on. As soon as she sat down at her desk, her National Security Advisor came in through the main entrance and thrust a small packet of papers on her desk. “Madam Caesar, here is the most recent updates on the war.”

She signed and relaxed into the chair. “Paulus, spare me the reading and just tell me what’s going on” she then leaned over and clicked her intercom “Could someone please fix me a drink? Romaki, on the rocks.” With that, a secretary paged the Imperial Naval sailor responsible for fixing drinks for the Caesar.

“Now, tell me what’s happening in this war.”

“Not a lot at the moment, to be honest, Ma’am. Starfleet has begun active jamming of Remnant GPS satellites, and are preparing a shuttle to send MACOs to permanently disable their GPS satellites.

“The Senate has passed an act issuing Letters of Marque to every ship in the Navy. There are currently 3 subs, two fast attack and one guided missile, heading toward the URA as we speak. Their primary goal is recon, but to also disrupt shipping if the opportunity presents itself.

“At least the automatic orders are following through as planned” muttered the Caesar. She turned her chair to look out the window, with her newly arrived Romaki, sipping on it, staring in the direction of the Remnant Embassy. “Where’s the police?” she asked suddenly.

“Uh, I don’t know off hand…” stammered the NSA. The COP looked confused.

“There is a riot going on, there should be riot police at the scene.”

“I believe they stayed out since the Patriae Vigilum had the situation under control” replied the COP

“Obviously they didn’t. Deploy the Military Police and get word out to the Chief that if his civies don’t get there, he’ll be out of a job.”

“Yes Ma’am!” With that, the NSA took his leave to make the necessary calls, passing down the Caesar’s orders. The COP also took his leave to deal with paperwork. This is going to be a long night thought the Caesar as she looked at her watch.

Office of Sacha Canis
IFC HQ, Kairaku, Kirishima
Nakashima had his phone out, and responded to the PM of the IFC:

Good Evening Secretary of the IFC PM,

Could you please let the PM know what both Canis and I are sitting in Canis’s office? He’s welcome to join us, just so long as he brings fermented pomegranates or some such drink from his nation.

Hope to see him soon,

Florus Nakashima
Ambassador to the IFC
Imperial Republic of New Rome

He hit send and put his phone down. He grabbed a glass of the Remnant Vodka and took a sip. He looked up in surprise, exclaiming “This stuff is good! I’ve never had Remnant Vodka before. It’s not very common back home. Gods, I miss home. I miss the northern mountains, how they seem to sing in the wind, and glisten when the sun hits them right in the morning.” He took another sip of the Vodka.

“Anyway, how are you holding up in this situation? I can’t stand what’s going on. It makes no sense! That’s what happens when you let popular opinion decide the foreign policy of your state. Commoners protest, the state listens to their demands, and a cargo ship get sunk in international waters, possibly sparking a larger conflict. Gods damn them all.”

Lupa Joint Military Complex
Ostia, Domum Terra, Imperial Republic of New Rome
There was a protocol in the Imperial Space Force that stated, “There shall be, without fail, at least 1 shuttle on operational standby at all times.” This protocol was established for two reasons: 1) If there is an emergency in orbit, whether it be on Icarus Station or with another shuttle or capsule, there is an emergency shuttle on standby, for rescue, and 2) in the event of war, a shuttle can be used for offensive or defensive operations.

The use of this shuttle, SOV-1 Mercury, fell under reason 2: use in offensive operations. The objective was simple: disable at least 2, maybe 3 Remnant GPS satellites, if fuel allowed. The shuttle was already at the pad, with security tight around the base. Their mission was a sensitive one; the launch was unannounced; the airspace cleared only hours before, with an exclusion zone for the launch. This was designed more for safety of the shuttle crew and the people in the planes than security.

The fueling operations had been going on since the word of the war declaration had gotten to Mission Control, about 90 minutes earlier. The 8 MACOs were on board the shuttle, and at T-90s, all systems were marked as “Go”.

At T-15s, Guidance went to internal. At T-6.8s, 6.6s. 6.4s, and 6.2s the main engines on the External Fuel Tank began ignition. T-0, the four external liquid fuel boosters ignited, propelling the Mercury up. “Lift off…. the Shuttle has cleared the tower” came the call from mission control.

The shuttle began its gravity turn after reaching up into the sky. At Max Q, the maximum dynamic pressure on the shuttle during launch, the engines were throttled back, as was standard practice. After Max Q, the engines were throttled back up. Soon after the Boosters were throttled back and were ejected off the External Tank. The boosters then turned around, and performed a boost-back burn, set to land back at Lupa JMC for future use.

The External Tank separated as the shuttle was inserted into a parking orbit. The External Tank also performed a boost back burn, set to land on a barge at sea for reuse as well. The Shuttle, after making several orbits, boosted its orbit up to GEO height, and set an orbital plane to intersect with a Remnant GPS satellite. As it moved closer, its hanger opened, and the arm came out. After doing slight maneuvering, the shuttle came close to the satellite and the arm grabbed onto it. With that accomplished, 3 MACOs donned their EVA suits, along with their Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU). They exited the airlock and maneuvered to the satellite. There they forced open a panel and began cutting the wires inside. All the wires visible in the panel were cut. That would hopefully be enough to disable the satellite. They maneuvered back inside, and the arm detached itself.

The Mercury then maneuvered to the next Remnant GPS satellite in the orbital plane, preforming the same actions. After that, it was determined that there was not enough fuel to intercept a third satellite and return home, so they began the deorbiting process, by firing their thrusters in the opposite direction of their orbit.

The landing several hours later was textbook and successful. The entire mission duration was 23 hours.

Icarus Station
LEO
There were two MACOs on the space station, along with one SF-01, a spaceplane that was designed for combat in space. It was put up there as the payload for a rocket and was maneuvered to a docking port on the station where it would stay, on deployment there. The MACOs were trained to fly this two seated “fighter”. They were ordered to use it today.

While the Mercury took out two GPS satellites, the SF-01 would take out two more. Except this time, it would be more aggressive, the manner in which the satellites would be disabled. The SF-01 had 5 50 kw hydrogen fuel cells, one of which was for use on the 50kw laser on the nose of the fighter. This laser was designed to heat up the hull of a craft to deform the metal and either a) deorbit it or b) had it fall apart while deorbiting, due to a compromised hull.

The SF-01 detached from the station and boosted up to a GEO orbital plane that intersected with a GPS satellite. Instead of using the laser, a side door opened, and a missile was sent out, via electromagnets, similar to EMALS on an aircraft carrier. Its maneuvering thrusters oriented it, and its engine fired for several seconds before cutting off. It fired a second time 6 seconds before impact, to increase the kinetic energy. There was a small explosion on impact (there wasn’t a large explosive component on it; it mainly relied on a kinetic hit to make the kill).

With that kill, the two MACOs flew the SF-01 over to another GPS satellite, where they performed the same act, using the other missile bay, this time. Due to fuel consumption, they had to go back to Icarus. It was reported as a successful mission. 4 of the 6 GPS satellites had been intercepted, and now jammers could focus on the last two, and communications satellites.

Lupa Joint Military Complex
Ostia, Domum Terra, Imperial Republic of New Rome
The Imperial Space Force tracked the Remnant space station Freedom Star, in LEO. It was a desirable target, for morale. With the large emphasis that the Imperial Republic put on space, they largely saw it as theirs, and others presence in space were only tolerated by the New Romans. Now that war broke out, space superiority must be established, and that includes downing the space station.

The Imperial Air Force units at Lupa JMC had a wing of designated as anti-satellite units. 50 RAS 15F Aquilam fighters that were designed to carry the ASATM-273 missile up to a high height. The Aquilam would release the ASATM-273, where it would then travel the rest of the way to the target.

Two Aquilams armed with the ASATM-273, escorted by 3 regular Aquilams, began their ascent. It was timed with the next pass of Freedom Star. The two planes with the ASATM-273 released their payloads. Their targets were two different habitable modules. The missile’s motors fired, and flew toward their targets.

Cyberwarfare Department
Castra Remus, Zela, Domum Terra, IRNR
The Imperial Air Forces Cyberwarfare Department went hard to work with the declaration of war. 4 hours after it had been declared, the building was teaming with nerds who liked hacking things too much. The orders were simple: hack Remnant GPS and Communications satellites and render them inoperable. They were going to sew discord in the people of the Remnant. The hackers got to work trying to fight their way past firewalls and other defenses. This was going to be a long task.

Embassy District
New Rome, Donum Terra, IRNR
Several rioters began to fall, blood spouting out of their bodies as bullets rained from above. “Contacts on the roof!” Someone shouted. Many began to direct their fire up there.

Behind the rioters, sirens blared as armored police vehicles came rolling down the street. The backs opened as riot police poured out, armored in Kevlar, holding riot shields. They formed a line, reminiscent of the Old Empire legions, while those in the back began to fire tear gas cannisters into the violent rioters. Many of the rioters that were still outside of the gates turned around and began to fire on the riot police. Overhead, an EC DCCXXV Tigrina flew overhead, the Military Police, checking out situation. The side doors opened, and tear gas canisters were dumped all over the rioters inside the compound.

The tear gas fell around protesters; too many to kick away. Some of the rioters tried to throw them into the building to get them away, but there were too many canisters. They began to pull back out of the compound gates, but there was no escape. The riot police had closed off all means of escape. Police armed with batons and nightsticks broke ranks and began to beat the protesters, subduing and arresting them. There was a mad rush toward one of the lines to break through and escape. Of the 1000 rioters, about 60 were killed or wounded inside the compound. About 120 were arrested by the Riot Police. As the others escaped, they ran into the two Cohorts of MPs, making their way through the streets, in a police line fashion. At the end of the day, only 325 escaped death or capture.

An MP officer walked up to the compound gates, the tear gas mostly dissipated at this point. With a megaphone, he called out “Remnant Embassy workers, the situation is under control. Do you need medical attention?”

Wolf Pack Alpha
Enroute to URA
“Con, Sonar, contact, designated Sierra 4, bearing 37 mark 4. Turns for 19 knots. About 106 km away. Our computer has identified the engine as one for a Remnant civilian cargo vessel.”

The captain of the B’Moth stood up from his chair, glancing at the Letter of Marque hanging on the wall, framed, for all the bridge to see. “Helm, make an intercept course, and bring speed to 20 knots.” As the B’Moth sped up and broke from the trio, the other subs continued on. If they got separated, they had a preset rendezvous point.

“Torpedo Room, Con, load tubes 1 and 2, and make them ready in all aspects to fire.”

“Con, Torpedo Room, aye” came the response. At 60 km from the target, the torpedoes were fired. Once they acquired the target on their internal systems, the wired were cut, outer doors closed, and tubes reloaded with new torpedoes.

The Sonar room tracked them, using the towed passive sonar array, as they swam their way to their target.

by **The United Remnants of America** » Thu Feb 15, 2018 8:28 pm

Deputy Ambassador Sacha Canis

IFC Headquarters, Kairaku, Kirishima

1/3/2018 - 14:45

Canis smiled and looked up at the ceiling, "I miss home, too. The cool, rainy summers and the cooler, snowy winters. The nice, busy upper levels of the cities." Canis took a drink of Roman ale and nodded again, "Decent enough."

As Nakashima kept speaking, though, Canis' head slowly swiveled back down to lock onto Nakashima's face. He waited until Nakashima was done speaking to take another sip of the ale, allowing a pause, before speaking sarcastically, "Yeah. Gods damn all those millions of Remnants in the food ration lines. How dare they cry out for something to be done about the lack of food. At least my family has survived these last few months nearly untouched."

President Gabriel Drake

Olympia, URA, GRCS

1/3/2018 - 17:20

"What do we have?"

Drake was at his desk in his office once again. His most senior advisory staff were either sitting or standing across from him. Eventually, however, they would need to move down into their strategy room, which was underground and under the capital building. It was safe and secure, but he needed this information now.

Secretary of State Jack O'Neal shrugged, "We have... A lot."

Drake waved his hand to keep going.

O'Neal looked around the room, "We've upped the security blockade at the Roman Embassy down the street. A perimeter has been set up, and no one is to cross or else they get shot. There's a growing crowd, but heavily-armed Internal Security Agency are keeping them at bay. Unlike... At our embassy."

Drake nodded heavily. He'd heard the news already from the Diplomatic Corps, "Is there anything we can do?"

O'Neal shook his head, "No, sir. We're at a state of war, any aircraft we send near New Roma is likely to be shot down, which will just increase the body count. Diplomatic staff has immunity even during times of war, so the best we can do is hope that the Roman government is able to quell the attack and save our staff."

"Don't they have security?"

"Aye. Six Sentinels."

Drake sighed and sunk into his chair lower than he had been, "That's not enough to stop an army of angry citizen-soldiers."

"No, sir."

"Shit." Drake looked around and stood, "We need to get to the strategy room and discuss this. This embassy along with the GPS outages we've been having..."

"One plane has already crashed with 173 on board. We're grounding all flights, but the ones in the air are...."

Drake nodded. "Fucked. They're fucked, Jack"

A sigh from the secretary of state, "Yeah, Gabriel. They're fucked. Hopefully some of them get to an airstrip they can land at safely, but... There's no way they all land safely. That 173 dead is going to rise."

Drake didn't speak for an entire thirty seconds as he stood and stared at his desk. "C'mon. We have to go handle this... War."

Drake's advisors nodded and turned to leave, Jack O'Neal was the last to leave, and as he turned to check on his president, he noticed Drake rubbing his eyes before he, too, left the presidential office.

S8 OCS A-7

Low Orbit

1/3/2018 - 17:23

Point Azimuth wasn't just the HQ for GPS satellite operations. Azimuth had authority for all space shuttle and rocket launches in the URA. Azimuth also monitored the Freedom Star space station, which was dedicated to research in low orbit, as well as military applications. Freedom Star actually had a small team of soldiers on rotation to study the effects of combat readiness in space.

In addition to these, Azimuth was currently in control of eight different constellations of satellites, all of varying roles. The creatively named S8 platform was the most recent, created out of fears of a Kessler Syndrome making LEO impossible to navigate by filling space with debris. The S8 Orbital Clearance Satellite was then created, armed with a solid state laser capable of vaporizing small pieces of debris from rocket launches and small projectiles that could damage satellites. The S8 OCS was an important tool due to it being an orbiting space laser. But today, it would become a weapon.

Point Azimuth had decided over the last several minutes that the recent GPS blackout, which had resulted in at least 173 deaths, had been caused in some way by New Roma. This had been recently confirmed with the arrival of a New Roman shuttle, which had disabled two GPS satellites. This had been confirmed through cameras and status readouts on the satellites themselves.

It had been immediately decided by senior Point Azimuth staff to reply in kind. The S8 platform known as A-7 was on a path that brought a New Roman telecommunications satellite to within 200km of A-7. In space, 200km was childplay, especially for a laser. As their closest point arrived, ground control for A-7 maneuvered the platform's laser towards the Roman satellite and fired.

The attack lasted three seconds. A-7's main battery was depleted at that point, and it would take almost a full day to charge. Three seconds of silence, with zero flair or explosions. But the Roman telecom satellite had indeed been hit and had a hole nearly melted all the way through the platform. Azimuth had considered the success a soft kill, since the chief operator of A-7 was disappointed the telecom satellite didn't explode or otherwise break up. This marked the first time a Remnant satellite had been used in combat, and frankly, A-7's chief operator hoped it was the last.

But A-7's chief knew deep down that other S8 crews would be tasked with missions like these in the near future. New Roma had made this a space war, and the URA was apparently willing to play ball. Meanwhile, other staff at Point Azimuth were busy discussing and organizing an orbiter flight into LEO to repair those satellites that had been affected at their earliest possible convenience.

Talk of fixing satellites stopped when report that a space plane had blown up two more GPS satellites tore through Azimuth like a hot needle through butter. More S8 OCS fire solutions were planned immediately on Roman telecom satellites. This would become the newest theater of a war no one wanted, but the Romans seemed excited for.

Talk of those missions ceased in a moment of silence as the next news came in.

Freedom Star Station

Low Orbit

1/3/2018 - 17:30

Commander Vadim Zevik was technically the CO of Freedom Star, but that didn't matter. Originally, there was a pool of around 20 research astronauts and 40 soldiers cleared for space, but over the years, Freedom Star had become a different goal. Now, there was a pool of 200 scientists and a pool of only 20 soldiers. Freedom Star only held a crew of 10, and usually only had two of the soldiers aboard at a time. They were mainly here, the last vestige of a program to test combat readiness in low orbit.

Zevik was proud to be Remnant, and proud to be a scientist specializing in biology. His personal project was the growth of apples in low orbit, but he'd had few successful results. Apple trees, apparently, were hard to grow in space. The pursuit of science was littered with failures, but Commander Zevik considered them to be learning experiences. Zevik was on his way for his "evening" check of his apple seeds. Evening was relative in space, especially when they saw the sun rise several times a "day."

Freedom Star had been in space for years, and although it was getting mildly creaky, Zevik had been in charge of the astronauts that came here since the program's launch, and he loved the station, even when he was on the ground during a rotation. Slight expansions had allowed other modules to be attached to the station, and they'd made small modifications themselves over the years to personalize Freedom Star into a home. As Zevik passed by one habitation module, he saw the two military men playing a computer game from a system they'd brought up and hooked into the power supply. Entertainment was good in lonely, lonely space.

Zevik would never get to his apple seeds. As Zevik floated harmlessly through the scientific space station, two anti-satellite missiles slammed into Freedom Star. If they were aimed for anything specific, it didn't matter. Freedom Star wasn't built to survive missiles, or the destruction they caused. Zevik was immediately killed, along with 7 others as shrapnel shredded their bodies and Freedom Star blew apart. One of the military men miraculously survived being torn to bits before being sucked into the void of space. The last surviving scientist, trapped in an airlock that was no longer powered, found himself alone and soon to freeze to death. He survived seven minutes and eighteen seconds before lack of air and the cold got to him.

The Remnant space station, the symbol of scientific progress and peace, had been destroyed. 10 unarmed personnel, eight of which were non-military science personnel, had been killed. The Freedom Star program had been forcefully aborted by two missiles.

Staff Sergeant Robert Kemple

Remnant Embassy, New Rome, IRNR

1/3/2018 - 17:30

The firefight was intense, but it was brief, at least for Kemple. He'd admittedly been in worse shit. The fire began to subside for them on the ground floor when it was shifted up. All the Sentinels wore their radios on their vests, and Musingo announced that Rountree had been hit, taking a round in the shoulder. Musingo had then taken over Rountree's autorifle.

Kemple watched the blood spray in front of him from Singson when a ricochet knocked his leg out from under him, prompting Wayne to run from the foyer into the front lobby to pull Singson back out of harm's way. Musingo announced that police had arrived. Kemple assumed they were reinforcements for the crowd, but Dohmen confirmed for Musingo they were trying to return order to the streets outside.

They'd expended almost all their ammunition by the time the crowd had been fully broken up, and the Roman police had called out to the embassy. By this time, Kemple had recalled Musingo and Rountree from the upper floors and rounding up the staffers, as well as the NIA officer and the Marshall. Other than Rountree and Singson, they'd avoided major injury, and of the two, Rountree was on his feet. Wayne had stopped Singson's bleeding for now with a blowout kit and a tourniquet made from a bandanna Wayne had been wearing, but he'd need surgery at some point, Kemple decided.

“Remnant Embassy workers, the situation is under control. Do you need medical attention?”

Kemple looked up, and then looked to Chief Admin Cho and nodded. Cho nodded back and headed to the broken windows in the lobby.

"This is Chief Administrator Karen Cho. Two of our security staff are injured, and one needs help. Thank you for arriving when you did!"

Cho looked back at Kemple and his security team, as well as the other embassy staffers and Kemple gave the chief administrator a small smile. They'd survived, which wasn't what Kemple had expected.

Hopefully they hadn't left the frying pan only to fall right into the fire.

George Stillwell, International Waters[/size]

1/3/2018 - 17:35

The Decorum was a small cargo ship by all respects. Captain George Stillwell was a civilian, but he liked the title that came with owning a ship. The Decorum was a Remnant flagged vessel, crewed by a dozen or so Remnant civilians. She was owned by Wildfire Indsutries, the largest heavy industry company in the URA. On a return trip from Guadalupador, the Decorum was carrying raw materials, mostly titanium and steel, for Wildfire to use as building materials.

Captain Stillwell, however, would never make it to Twin Falls, the Remnant city his ship was en route to. The Decorum would also never make it. Being an old cargo ship, the sonar of the ship was basic, and never even registered the torpedoes coming. The first explosion was the first indication the ship was under attack, and by that point, it was already too late.

11 Remnant sailors died with the sinking of the Decorum, and with it, 75,000 DWT of titanium and steel were also lost. No one would ever know how, but later, submarines would be suspected as the only logical way a ship could've been killed with impunity.

by **Guadalupador** » Wed Feb 21, 2018 2:14 pm

IFC HQ, Kairaku, Kirishima. PM's Office

Myra tried to relax in his new chair as the Kirishinan Delegate congratulated him on the recent "promotion." "It's no problem, really. I'd prefer people to see me directly." He heard through the translator asking what he was going to do about the ongoing crisis between the NRR and URA. He sighed before replying: "I called the delegates in to my office and they have yet to respond, I'm going to try to nip this in the bud before it gets any worse. The best thing we can do right now is to open talks immediately-"

Another aide popped their head through the door of the office and informed Soymian that the New Roman delegate called and told him to come on over to the Remnant delegate's office, with some alcohol of course. Myra looked back at Gam Sol-Mi and said: "And there we go, dialogue started." Myra got up and searched for the bottle of Pomele he had in stashed under his desk and started to leave the office. "Let's go,
they could always need some more company." Myra said to Gam.

Myra walked down the hallway past his old office and saw the new Guadalupadorian Delegate, Galia Elde moving her stuff into the office. Myra leaned over to Gam and said: "Elde is a trip. A Yanamaist all the way. I can't believe Marcos thought she'd be 'diplomatic' enough for the IFC." After a few more minutes Myra arrived at Canis' office. He knocked on the door and announced. "Sacha, Florus let's talk. I've got a bottle of Pomele with all our names on it." His translator meekly translated his statement as he continued to knock on the Remnant delegate's door.

by **Flardania** » Wed Mar 07, 2018 4:09 am

The Federal Palace
Heiwa | Kirishima

Arata Kasuga sat in silence tapping his desk and alternating between the tea brewed by his Chief of Staff and review the response sent by Remnant President Gabriel Drake before letting out a sigh and grinning.

"Well Hisako-san, it seems that it was more than just the public that see themselves as the victims but it seems the Remnant President is no different. I mean sure the IFC hasn't done much about the embargo but they didn't do anything about the more important situation of an IFC member massacring civilians. That is where I feel that the IFC failed. At the end of the day at least New Rome can say they responded." Arata stated tiredly.

"Be that as it may Kasuga-shi, We are seeing first hand what happens when a nation performs unilateral action in lieu of an alliance." Hisako commented.

*sigh* "I know, I know. I mean we didn't place an embargo ourselves not that we have any major trade with the URA...Hisako what else do you have for me?" Arata asked

"Uh...well Moon-shi had sent some data from the M.S.A and Beifong-shi has also sent similar information from the Ministry of Defense..." Hisako stated nervelessly

" Huh, that does seem strange to have the MSA and MOD send similar information...wait I don't like the timing of this, what happened?" Arata asked slightly concerned. Arata didn't expect something to serious but considering how both the Ministry of Science and Aeronautics as well as the Ministry of Defense have data for him, he had a bad feeling about what information Hisako had for him.

Hisako took a breath before calmly explaining the news. "The Ministries detected an unscheduled launch which after determining it was not a missile nor a threat to Kirishima, they elected to not make a deal out of it problem hence the two Ministries sending similar reports. Reason why this is being highlighted is because it correlates closely to GPS in the URA failing and...the crashing of a civilian plane, it seems that New Rome is behind the chaos. Furthermore the KBC is reporting that the Remnant government ordered all flights to be grounded, there are several flight cancellations already involving Kirishima bound flights we checked the radar for any airborne flights near Kirishima, skies are currently clear but.....that can change." Hisako stated crestfallen.

"Inform the M.O.D to direct any Remant aircraft that stumbles into Kirishinan airspace with limited fuel to perform a sea landing and have rescue crews on high alert. I don't think it will come to that but I want to be prepared." Arata stated

"Understood!" Hisako responded.

"Now about this Space War that the Remnant will respond to if they did not already given their nature, this will an need to end as soon as possible. Anyone with half a brain is aware of Kessler Syndrome, which I am sure is definitely in the M.S.A memo and as far as I am concerned that is a threat to Kirishinan prosperity and security. I will demand that they deescalate out of space and will contact Na-san on the matter." Arata stated bridging his nose.

"What about the IFC?" Hisako asked.

"If they respond great but the Remnant declared war on a member and no action has been taken. I want to end conflicts up there asap and want a formal agreement signed. If the public aren't ready for peace that is one thing but in no way am I standing by for a childish war with "space toys" Arata answered. "Anything else?" Arata asked cautiously.

"No sir...but I'll be sure to keep you updated." Hisako answered.

"Thank You, you are dismissed for now." Arata responded. After Hisako left the room Arata slumped in his chair before wheeling the chair over to the window. After gazing at the sky, Arata was filled with resolved and got to work.

The Taisuist Republic of Kirishima

Origin: Office of Arata Kasuga
Sender: Arata Kasuga, Dirigeant of Kirishima
Recipient: Cornellia Ayanami, Caesar of New Rome
Subject:Star Wars

Encryption: High

Bonjour et Kon'nichiwa,

It has recently been brought to my attention by both the Ministry of Science and Aeronautics as well as the Ministry of Defense that an announced launch was performed. Considering that it was not a missile it was initially overlooked but considering that Remnant GPS are down , a plane has crashed and many more planes a flying haphazardly in the air it is safe to say that this conflict has escalated beyond the clouds. I can not stand idly by with such action as the last thing anyone needs is more space debris which can easily should this continue pose a threat to the assets of many nations including Kirishima. The populations of your people may not be in the mood for peace at this time, however I urge that New Rome and the United Remnants of America sign an agreement declaring that space warfare is off limits in this conflict. The agreement can be mediated by Kirishima if need be. I am sure there are plenty of tactical advantages to the status quo but in the sake of potential long term ramifications, I do hope you heed my request. Thank You.

Kamiya Bless.

Cordially,

Mr. Arata Kasuga
Dirigeant De La République Taisuist De Kirishima

The Taisuist Republic of Kirishima

Origin: Office of Arata Kasuga
Sender: Arata Kasuga, Dirigeant of Kirishima
Recipient: Gabriel Drake, President of The United Remnants of America
Subject:Star Wars

Encryption: High

Bonjour et Kon'nichiwa,

It is regretful that it has taken a situation like this in this short of a time for us to correspond. With data acquired by both the Ministry of Science and Aeronautics as well as the Ministry of Defense, we are aware of the New Roman role in disrupting your nations satellites. We also understand that you would understandably want to retaliate if you have not done so already. I do hope the latter has not occurred but nonetheless military action in low earth orbit needs to come to an utter stop. Further increase in space debris let alone intentional is not desirable in the slight and is a threat to the assets of many nations including Kirishima. I understand that your people are not in the mood for peace but I want an agreement between your nation as well as New Rome prohibiting engagements in space. Kirishima will be willing to mediate such an agreement should it be desired. I have reached out to the New Roman Caesar and I hope the two of you can agree to leave space out of this conflict.

Kamiya Bless.

Regards,

Mr. Arata Kasuga
Dirigeant De La République Taisuist De Kirishima

Air Pacifica Headquarters
1479 Miyazaki Drive, Nabaek, HO 82436
The Taisuist Republic of Kirishima
www.AirPac.com.ohef

Sender: Mr. Roger LaFrentz, CEO, Air Pacifica
Recipient: Arthur Halsey, CEO, Origin Corporation
Subject:Partnership Proposal

Date:X/X/20XX

Bonjour et Kon'nichiwa,

Greetings Mr. Halsey, the war between your nation and New Rome is painful and the news of it's devastating effects on Remnant aviation is heartbreaking. We don't want this war to affect the travel of Remnant citizens. Our motto here at Air Pacifica is an experience that Exceeds the Sky of Time. Our founder believes in the joys of aviation and the experience that traveling has so we can't sit idly by with Remnant passengers stranded. Air Pacifica would like to restore some flight service to whatever route we can in place of Remnant planes. It would be a pleasure doing business with you.

Regards,

Mr. Roger LaFrentz
CEO of Air Pacifica

IFC Headquarters
Kairaku | Kirishima

Sol-Mi was glad to see that she didn't mess things up with how she barged into the PM's office and was also pleased with the urgency Soymian exuded. Sol-mi would frown at hearing that Galia Elde was a Yanamaist. In her mind this delegate was going to amount to a troublemaker. "Well maybe Marcos is trying to say something. I don't know about other nations but usually ambassadors and foreign representatives reflect their leaders foreign policy and world views... " Sol-Mi responded before getting to the room.

by **The United Remnants of America** » Wed Mar 07, 2018 8:48 pm

The Unitary State of the United Remnants of America

Origin: Office of Gabriel Drake
Sender: Gabriel Drake, President of the United Remnants of America
Recipient: Arata Kasuga, Dirigeant of Kirishima
Subject: RE:Star Wars

Encryption: High

Nin hao, Ann-Yeong-Haseyo, Zdravstvujtye, and Hello.

I agree that this situation is both regrettable and I wish it could have been avoidable, but this situation was not precipitated by the United Remnants of America, or even the wider Greater Remnant Cooperation Sphere. This attack has been initiated by Roman assets, as your government has already concluded. My government has advised that due to the destruction to civilian science and communication assets that I consider this an intentional terrorist attack, and I am in agreement. The numbers of civilian accidents and deaths that result from the loss of Remnant-operated communications and global positioning system satellites is currently unknown, but the consequences of this attack are no doubt going to be tragic. The response from the Remnant Military has been to target only Roman military orbital platforms or suspected military platforms. A war in low orbit is not what my country wanted, and it not a conflict my country wishes to prolong for any longer than necessary, but the damage has already been done. My government would appreciate, however, any assistance to bring peace to this conflict would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Mr. Gabriel Drake
President of the Unitary State of the United Remnants of America and Greater Remnant Cooperation Sphere

The Unitary State of the United Remnants of America

Origin: Office of Arthur Halsey
Sender: Arthur Halsey, CEO, Origin Corporation
Recipient: Roger LaFrentz, CEO, Air Pacifica
Subject: RE:Partnership Proposal

Encryption: High

Hello.

Thank you for your concern, Mr. LaFrentz. It is true that this conflict has been difficult, not just for Remnant aviation, but for all forms of international mass transportation. The recent blackouts in communications and GPS systems has even affected local travel. I would personally approve of any assistance your company would be willing to offer, and I can offer a portion of the profits from any flights Air Pacifica picks up in place of Origin Corporation flights.

Thank You,
Mr. Arthur Halsey
Chief Executive Officer of Origin Corporation

by **New Roma Republic** » Fri Mar 16, 2018 11:42 am

Embassy District
New Rome, Donum Terra, IRNR
The MP, an Opito Cohortian (O-5), motioned to a few of his subordinates for them to come over. “Listen up, I want medical and security personnel in there, unarmed. They were just attacked by us and will not be trusting us” he paused as he let them digest that. “With that being said, I want a defensive line out here ready to charge in if things go south inside for whatever reason.” He turned to a Centurion “Make a defensive perimeter of 2 blocks around this entire area. And get a Legion over to the residential area to defend. The perps may try to attack their families. Unarmed civilians make for easy targets.”

The group broke, and 5 minutes later, 10 Legionnaires headed through the gates. The group consisted of 4 medical and 6 security, all unarmed. Only 1 embassy worked needed help, but the other medical personnel would look at the others, ensuring they were in fact not injured. The MP got on his microphone and said “We are sending personnel in to look at you and ensure everyone is safe and well.

The group walked across the yard, slowly, with their hands raised. As they approached the door, one of them knocked on it.

Office of Sacha Canis
IFC HQ, Kairaku, Kirishima
Nakashima sipped his drink, listening to Canis’ comment, but kept his face passive. A benefit about being a professional diplomat was that you had to learn to not show emotion when talking. A emotion could give the enemy an upper hand in negotiating. “Ah, yes. The poor deserve to die. If they can’t earn coin, then they better do us all a favor and reduce the surplus population!” Nakashima leaned back and smiled. “That’s from some book I had to read when I was younger. A man who hates Christmas said that to someone. Bit him in the ass later in the story, if I’m remembering that correctly. Not sure which book that was…Ah, never mind that!”

He took another sip before continuing “My own personal honest belief is that we shouldn’t have embargoed you guys. It was a cheap move, like kicking someone where it counts when in a fist fight.” Another pause “You have to understand that my people are an emotional one. Especially the populous. They saw injustice and decided it needed to be punished. Me? I think we should have confronted you all through official channels. But the Senators got scared for their jobs, and I guess the Caesar did too. Damn shame.”

He turned around when he a knock on the door. “Sounds like we have a guest.”

Imperial Space Force Anti-Satellite Operations Command
Isobunni, Toskajin region, Imperial Republic of New Rome
On the large screen showed the location of strategically important satellites to the Remnant. And over several hours, one by one, GPS satellites went down. And then it was confirmed that Freedom Star Station was destroyed. The room went silent as the news was confirmed. The mood had been somber all day. Never before had war been fought in space, and now the first human deaths in space due to war had been made; the poor bastards probably didn’t even know what hit them.

On the same base, in a different building, held the ISF Satellite Operations Command: the soldiers responsible for controlling all military related satellites for the Imperial Republic. Around 1725 the section responsible for monitoring telecommunications satellites lost contact with one of its satellites. They checked the location in its orbit, and even though it was around Remnant space, they didn’t think much of it. Communications with satellites were lost all the time. The only time to panic is if it was more than five minutes. So the operator sat back and waited.

Five minutes passed, and nothing. Then ten, then fifteen. At this point the operators were panicking. “Proreta, could you come over here? We, erm, lost a satellite.” The Officer on Duty walked over to the group of consoles.

“What do you mean you lost a satellite?” he asked pointedly.

“Sir, we lost contact around 15 minutes ago and have heard nothing since.”

The officer sighed and looked at the screen. “It appears that our missing satellite should be arriving over the Salderian Province soon. Let’s give them a ca-“

“OOD to his office. You have a call from the Commander of the Salders Joint Military Base on line 1” came a call from over the intercom.

“Shit…where did you lose contact with the satellite?” he muttered.

“Over the Remnant, sir.”

“Fuck, fuck, fuck. They don’t pay me enough to deal with space wars!” He ran back to his office and picked up the phone. “Yes, sir”

“Are you aware that there’s what looks like a shooting star here? Except there isn’t a reason to be any. So I had my people look up any satellites in our path and it’s one of yours.”

“Yes sir, it was just brought to my attention that we lost a telecommunications satellite.”

“You might want to contact your superiors about that boy!”

“Yes sir, I will sir.”

“Good. Good luck.”

The Proreta put the phone down and collapsed in his chair. He swirled it around, poured himself a shot of Roman Ale, and picked up the phone. Time to call the boss.

Caesaral Office, Imperial Palace
New Rome, Donum Terra, IRNR
Cornelia Ayanami sat at her desk reading over the letter from Kasuga. As she got toward the end of the letter, the National Security Advisor walked in. “Simplex, did you read the letter from Kasuga?”

“Yes Madam Caesar, I did. The Kessler Effect was a well-known threat from the onset. We made the orders with that in mind. With that being said, we should scale back.”

The Caesar nodded slowly. “Perhaps. What does ISF feel about this?”

“The Commander said that he agrees it should be scaled back, for the sake of future launches. The Director of the IACEA has been blowing up my phone since this has broken news. He wants us to stop immediately.”

“I’ll draft a message to Drake then” replied the Caesar.

Office of the Caesar

TO: Arata Kasuga, Dirigeant of Kirishima
FROM: Cornelia Ayanami, Caesar, Imperial Republic of New Rome
SUBJECT: Re: Star Wars
ENCRYPTION: High

Cara Arata,

Thank you for expressing your concerns. I have talked it over with my advisors, and we are going to cut back on attacks against satellites.

Multiple space faring agencies within this government have expressed concern over the Kessler Syndrome, and the desire for continued access to space is the leading factor to this decision.

Mi optime,
Cornelia Ayanami
Caesar
Imperial Republic of New Rome

Office of the Caesar

TO: Gabriel Drake, President of The United Remnants of America
FROM: Cornelia Ayanami, Caesar, Imperial Republic of New Rome
SUBJECT: Satellite Conflict
ENCRYPTION: High

Cara Drake,

I am sending this message in regard to the recent attacks in orbit. I recently learned that you, in response to our attacks, have taken down a telecommunications satellite. I believed that this kind of escalation will negatively affect both our nations.

Therefore, I would like to offer a ceasefire in space. War in space is off limits for the duration of this conflict.

Mi optime,
Cornelia Ayanami
Caesar
Imperial Republic of New Rome

by **New Aeyariss** » Fri Mar 30, 2018 2:08 pm

MON OF MAKI KOJIRO, SHOGUN OF THE EMPIRE OF GREATER NIHON

Honorable shikken of the New Roma Republic;,

I, Maki Kojiro, Shogun of the Empire of Greater Nifon, am addressing this letter the honorable authorities in the government of New Roma Republic. Since it's removal from SACTO, The Empire of Greater Nifon considers remnant a threat to the Nifonese national interests. For this reason, the Empire of Greater Nifon agreed to open it's market to Roman products to offset the losses coming from the imposed embargo.

It is evident that the government of Remnant truly unveiled it's treacherous nature and it's desires to subjugate everything under Remnantian rule. It will back from nothing to accomplish it's wicked goal. Therefore, I am sending Tokugawa-san, my minister of external affairs, to your honorable republic in order to negotiate further diplomatic agreements aimed at offsetting the position of the government of Remnant. My only request is for Tokugawa-san to be received by a proper authority.

In the past, our states fought each other; and Roman people learned how terrifying foe the Empire of Greater Nifon can be. However, at this point, in my opinion, it's time to put our past behind in the name of common interests; and let it be known that the Nifonese people can be as loyal friends as terrifying enemies they are!

Honor guide you,

- マキ小次郎

*** En route to new Roma capital

For majority of the world, Greater Nifon was a land shrouded in mystery, legends and half-truths, with all of it's inhabitants being warlike samurai ready to hire themselves under a contract for whatever right wing power demanded their help. Nothing could be further from truth, albeit no one in Nifon would deny the legacy of over 800 years of permanent civil war, beginning with the famous struggle between Kira and Akamatsu clans, ending only in mid XIX century. The fault has been partially on the sons of Admiral Yi themselves; there was not another nation in whole Greater Furukuran Sea that was as xenophobic as the Nifonese were, and while their society possessed ability to assimilate "gaijin", it always done so without loosing their national identity. Many of the Kojiro's subjects prided themselves on being most remote area in their region, one of exceptional cultural and ethnic homogeneity, with very few minorities being present.

Even since 1860s when Emperor Genji took power, leaving this world in early 1920s, Nifon undertook several waves of modernization, each time assimilating rather than accepting. Under Shogun Kojiro's rule, another revolution - the information one - took place, with the industry gradually being replaced with services, driven by exceptional work culture developed by conjunction of protestant and tanzist concepts, ever driving the Nifonese population further and further. A new form of government, one that made the liberals across the world shudder in fear begun to develop, fueled by the very information technology that previously thought would open Nifon to cosmopolitan influence first time in history. But Shogun Kojiro, instead of attempting to halt globalization, used a method common among the Nifonese martial arts - "Do not stop the river, for you will be crushed. Manipulate the current instead". And as the famous masters of Seireiken use the opponent's energy against itself, Kojiro used the very technology that brought globalization against liberalism. And thus constant bombardment of manga and anime made under guidance of Gunpeitai, filled with carefully selected themes, but always having something in common with bushido, samurai and "Nifonese values" filled the markets of foreign countries, while the "popnationalism" bombarded the market at home. Hybrid society that never had Enlightenment nor embraced it's values was on course to create new, technocratic middle ages through a hybrid state where institutions melted under weight of Kojiro's vassals.

Nifon however made as well enormous inroads into foreign markets - especially due to enormous high-tech sector and growing services market. The government currently observed process of transition from export-led economy into one more driven through domestic spending. At the same time, despite it's rapid economic growth and hurricane like entry into political scene, Nifon has not yet confronted any major power outside New Hayesalia; but chances for escalation diminished following capture of several Hayesalian navy vessels, a meeting was organized between Asuka Tokugawa and newly re-elected Daniel Hayes. Still, one could not deny that Kojiro had grand ambitions, and only time was going to show how were they going to be realized....

With New Roma, Nifon was connected with a strange bond. During the civil war in Aravea, both nations found itself on the opposing sides. The result was infamous "Spring Sea Massacre" where Imperial Nifonese Navy utterly humiliated pride of New Roma Republic by wiping out two carrier groups from the face of the Earth. Subsequently, the two nations once again found themselves at odds when supporting opposing sides in Timurovsky. Geopolitical experts, however, believed that Timurovsky was the last time when New Roma and Nifon will find themselves at each other's throats.

Then came the events at Toskajin and proven them wrong. The events ended in a person of Nifonese descent assuming title of Caesar in New Roma. The two nations, now united by a common crisis, and having more interests in common than against each other, ceased hostilities. The time had come to cement this agreement. To accomplish that goal, Kojiro sent no one else than his "left hand". The "left hand" was famed minister of external affairs, Tokugawa Asuka, a lady in her 40s, recently widowed after her husband suffered an unfortunate car accident. Since that time she has been playing the role of "neater face of the bakufu", and wherever the situation required sending the Nifon's most talented diplomat, Kojiro sent her. As much as because she was smallest risk, as much because she was simply good at her job.

She was now sitting in her Ki-56 flying to New Roma with a letter of authentication authorizing her to play a role of a special envoy to the Roman government, thinking about her subsequent plans. As the plane landed, the diplomat familiarized herself with all the intelligence provided by Nifonese services. Shortly after her CPP team finished sweeping the area and moved her into the motorcade, she was driven into place of the meeting. Upon entering, she merely sat on her place, waiting for the host to approach. After all, Nifonese culture had very strict standards of behaviour...

To Break A Nation [IC | ATTN: IFC | Invite Only]

To Break A Nation [IC | ATTN: IFC | Invite Only]

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