Between Ice and a Cold Place [MT, OPEN]

[Sevevill]

From the desk of President Joseph Henry
To: Military Leadership
Encryption: Low

I thank you for taking the time to read my letter. I would like to offer the support of the Imperial Army Core of Engineers to help rebuild your cities in this time of war. It would be our pleasure to assist in helping reconstruct. Along with adding more opportunity for Sevillian corporations to help boost the economy in this time of hardship.

Thank you,
President Joseph Henry.

The Congress of the Green Union has respectfully declined Sevevill’s generous offer for imperial military personnel in the Green Union. The government of the troubled country has stated that its own Congressional Security personnel and private industry efforts are more than capable of handling reconstruction at present.

Sevevill Dayly News. 8/26/35

Today the Empires famed aircraft manufacturer SG has announced plans of opening a helicopter factory in the Green Union. The company is looking to add factory workers, developmental and engineering staff along with many more positions. They will also be putting a grant towards engineering colleges around the nation to help more people go to university throughout the nation and get a education. The factory will be building everything from advanced civilian helicopters to highly advanced Military helicopters. Production of the factory will start in Mount Coulon later this month after contractors are hired and security is put in place for the construction site.

On the other hand, the CGU and municipal government of Mont Coulon have both responded positively to SG Aerodynamics’ moves to expand operations in the Green Union. Elements within the country’s government used the announcement to explain how the GU is still an attractive place for foreign business, while the mayor of Mont Coulon has lauded it as “yet another well executed step in our plan for rebuilding our city.”

Soon to be the CGU HQ of the SG Aerodynamics company. Mont Coulon
Lukas Martiviant. Head of SG Helicopters Devision

This should be a perfect spot for the new building he thought to himself as a architect they had brought along with them to survay the peice of land plotted out by the company for the main HQ off a main road not too far outside of the city. The building would be fenced in from the outside with a 24/7 security team. The actual superstructure would provide future employees with a indoor heated parking garage that lead directly into the office building for the cold winters that would prove difficult and a task needed to be tackled by builders. They also did not want to remove too much wildlife from the area just enough for what they needed. A small heliport in the back of the main five story structure. And a heated building to keep snowplow trucks and other general need pickups, Along with the helicopter tug and a small hanger attached onto it for easy commute of important SG executives from the airport along with providing the needed tranport to the actual manufacturing plant that was being built a little further outside of the city but some employees will have to commute between the areas. Both plots of land already had fences being constructed with a security company being hired to protect the construction workers and site from possible disaster. The Imperial Government offered a grant to help pay for scolarships and help the company pay for a PMC to protect the compound until they could get their own set up. SG Aerodynamics was also paying for grants to local police and fire departments to assure that they had equipment and training to handle a possible situation at the HQ. Mostly fire but they were paying for the police to be trained by retired Seve City Police officers and a set of shiny new AWD tahoes for the officers as a show of gratitude for allowing the foreign company into their homes and protect them just like any other citizen inn the city.

Imperial News Network.

Today another company from the Empire has announced plans to expand into the Green Union after the large SG Aerodynamics sudden move to go to the nation. Multiple Sevillian Companies are now interested in purchasing land. A much diffrent turn of events than after the Hunter National Gas companies move. CGL or Connor Global Laboratories has said they are planning on building a cold weather laboratory in the nation. Also interest form the University of Seve City who are planning on opening a branch of their school in the nation providing multiple new opportunities to people living in the CGU helping them advance into the future.

[The Green Union]

Green Union
Fyrland
Ekhavn | Afternoon | United Front

On an Ekhavn street, members of the United Front had assembled for the rally; fifty or so were there. Just as soon as they had gathered, C-Sec confronted them. Amidst the confusion, one of the United Front members fell dead, having provoked a C-Sec officer, and before the crowd dispersed, two found themselves arrested.

Emerstari

Der Kuingsblad
Deitrik O. Magnussen

One lay dead and two are arrested after a rally in support of the Duke Ekkesburg occurred in Ekhavn, Fyrland this week. Fifty-three attended the rally, staged by the Association for the Enthronement of Thomes Lorenssen (AETL), and were immediately met with backlash from C-Sec. There have been statements from the Green Union yet, but in a recent interview, Duke Lorenssen has opined of it.

Your Grace, events in Fyrland have escalated quickly, and one has died in your name. What have you to say?
"It besaddens me that it comes to a point whereat people are dying. I would not ask of those who support me to die, nor would I hope for those that are against me to die."

Secondly then, as you may be aware, Duke, the government of the Green Union raided the building of a newspaper that released an article in support of you. Do you think this will affect your support movements?
"You might tape the mouth, cover the ears, and even blind the eyes, but nothing short of a bullet will quell the mind. Are we to believe that simply halting production of a newspaper will stop the spreading of ideas?"

Finally, Your Grace, I think it is a topic on many minds: Should you ascend to the throne of the Green Union, would you stand with the current government or will the exiled government be able to come home?
"Should I ascend to the throne of the Green Union, I would accept the government of Wolfe IV back into the nation. As for the current government in power, I would have those directly involved with the murder of Wolfe VI put on trial for treason, but I would hope that Green Unioners everywhere could put their differences aside and rebuild their nation."

Congressional Security forces in the city of Ekhavn have vowed to launch an investigation into the widely publicised death of a protester during an illegal pro-rebel demonstration in the city. C-Sec has stated that, to the best of its knowledge, only a handful of local police and security troopers arrived after the demonstration began, and were threatened by the mob. The government agencies have said that their investigation should determine whether there was any wrongdoing.

Rebel media of the ARF and ARCC have also commented on the events in Ekhavn, but not in support of the protesters. The leadership of these movements have condemned the demonstration of support for Thomes Lorenssen, and reiterated their stance that Wolfe VI is the only rightful sovereign of the Green Union. A quote by Fred Green, leader of the ARCC, even ventures so far as to call supporters of Lorenssen “traitors to the crown, who should be treated the same way we treat supporters of the Republican Congress.”

[Emerstari]

Emerstari
Rensulier
Rensulier Palace

Matts Rudolf, — a member of the prestigious Emerstarian House of Fjellborg and fourth cousin of Her Majesty, the Queen, — loomed over Thomes, supporting himself on the back of Thomes's chair. He rested there, despite having had come into the salon of the palace a minute or two prior, for he durst not to goad the Duke Ekkesburg whilst he was deep in thought. Then Thomes leapt, springing up from the chair and turning himself about, and he greeted Matts, so Matts spoke, "Well, a certain want-to-be royal has been yet again condemned by the CGU, the ARF, the ARCC, and the Urlistani.
"This is news?"
"That's not, but there is more—," Matts began.
"More news? New news this time? Go on, Fjellborg."
"Not quite news, but Erik did tell me to tell you to not bother him for the next two hours, and you should go see Lorens."
"Which Lorens then?"
"Ingvar, and he's headed towards the Lillablom Castle from Rensulier Cathedral."
"Au revoir then, Matts."

Matts matched the goodbye with his own, so Thomes left the room, walking towards the hall, and thence he headed towards the stairs, racing therefrom into the Grand Hall of Rensulier Palace wherein a younger man, of about twenty-five years, stood tall and attentive in a blue uniform: "Are you leaving, Your Grace? Will you require anything?"
Thomes looked at him, asking, "What's the temperature?"
"Cold enough to snow, Your Grace; there is a light falling. I believe it is thirty-four Solister."
"Fetch me, my coat then."
The servant left therefor, and he returned, holding a brown winter jacket in one hand: "Here, your Grace."
"Thank you," Thomes said, putting it on. Thus and so, he headed outside, and he trailed Lorens Ingvar, — His Majesty, the King's brother.

Lillablom Castle

"Prince!" Thomes shouted, seeing Lorens just ahead of him, en route to his aforesaid destination of Lillablom Castle; Thomes jogged thither, and he said again, "Prince!" Lorens stopped and turned around to meet the voice, and Thomes approached: "You had wanted to see me, Lorens? That's what I was told by Erik via Matts?"
"Yes. I was going to meet you at the palace later, but as you're here now, follow me, for I think it would perhaps be better to talk of it inside."
"Lead the way then, Lorens."

The two aristocrats headed through the courtyard, — usually filled with mostly purple flowers (therefore, Lillablom or "Purple Flowers"), — into the castle, and into the salon thereof. Lorens dismissed a servant tending to the fireplace, and he sat himself on a couch across therefrom; Thomes sat himself on a couch across from Lorens: "Now, is everything ready for explaining?"
"I believe so, Thomes," he said, pausing thereafter.
"Go on."
"Calm yourself, Ekkesburg. Well, this just came to mind before I fell asleep last night. ARF dislikes you, ARCC dislikes you, the CGU dislikes you, and Urlistan dislikes you. You know who does like you, though?"
"The Fyrlanders, yes?"
"Yes, but no: the exiled Parliamentarians."
"They've never praised me or the like?"
"They've never condemned you, and you've been nice to them, so why don't you just send them a little message? I mean if Wolfe doesn't come back from the dead, are they ever heading back home?"
"Perhaps... Is that all?"
"Lest you have anything to add on."

Dear Mr. Delvin Sólymos:

I trust that you will entreat this letter to your utmost confidence. As you know, there is a general discontentment with me, with the most vocal insurgent groups in your Green Union homeland, — the ARF, the ARCC, the like. You, though, I accord with appreciably more fluency in politics and governance than them, so I trust that you would be considerably more open to constructive dialogue. Thus, I proffer you to meet with me therefor in whatever way and at whatever place is most satisfactory for you, Mr. Delegate.

May God long give you good fortune and have you in safety. Alleluia.

Sincerely signed,
His Grace, Duke of Ekkesburg: Thomes Adulf Lorenssen–Eirikr

[Emerstari]

Urlistan
Schuttler-Lay Army AirCorp Joint Base
7:03 AM | Stefan & Karl

Løjtnantserjant Gustafssen, — that is Stefan, — walked to aside his friend, comrade-in-arms, and immediate superior Uppserjant Karl Erikssen, who was eating his breakfast of mornsbrod: "You heard, yes?"
"Last night I was told, yes, by Regementskaptejnserjent Grenholm."
"Huh... I was only told this morning by one of the drummers, — Theodorossen."
"It is a bit out of the blue to all of us, but we've only a handful of minutes left fore assembly," Karl said, motioning for Stefan to sit down beside him. "Have you had breakfast yet?"
"I'm fine." The two conversed for some several more minutes until their rotte and moreover their company was assembled.

The Emerstarians stood in rough formation, talking amongst each other, — mainly on the topic of the assembly. Then, the Løjtnantoverste of the regiment, Karl Holske, strode out of the officer's barracks followed by the Overste of the regiment, Ragnvald Bjarnessen as well as by two drummers, two fifers, a piper, and two guards. "Ground your firearms!" he barked, and the Emerstarians went quiet, fixed their formation, and ground their guns.

The ménage of officers and musicians then walked afront of the formation to meet the Arcadian leadership that was approaching. Both colonels hereof nodded their heads towards the Arcadians whilst the regulars doffed their hats with their right hands, and Overste Bjarnessen shook the Arcadian Lieutenant-Colonel's hand, just as he had done when the Emerstarians first arrived hereto. "Colonel Heider," he spoke, "I must say, and I do sincerely mean this, that it has been an honor and a pleasure to work with you and your men. I pray that God has us together again sooner than later. Moreover, may He bless you, your family, and this unit. Farewell, my friend."

The Emerstarian regulars donned their hats, and the ménage headed towards the flagpole. There, the two aforesaid guards hastily drew the Emerstarian flag and folded it, — they were to carry it. The musicians took their places in the formation, and Holske proceeded to issue several more commands thereto: "Take up your firearms! Mourn your firearms! Shoulder your firearms! To the left face! Slow march!" Upon the command of slow march, the musicians played the tune Der Sjuv åg Ettintins Farval until Fyrland.

Emerstari had left Urlistan.

[Sevevill]

From the desk of the Imperial Commander and Chief.
To: Congress of The Green Union
Encryption: High

To my esteemed friends in the Green Union.
I would like to propose a meeting between myself and yourselves regarding your current situation. I will keep this short and sweet.

Respectfully,
President Joseph Henry

[Urlistan]

The Union Times

The Chief Regent has declared:" The beginning of a new era for the Amlug, and the people of the Union who flead from Vilhalan agression and oppression. With the Arcadian aid in forming a stable government, the Federation of Arcadian States and Commonwealths has announced that full auntonomy will be given to the Amlug people, and the local government in Urlistan. Chief Regent Emil Hošek also announced that the Unionist Forces will be taking a more active role in the security of the Amlug people, while working side by side with Arcadian forces.

With more auntonomy given to the regency, the Amlug National Congress, the legistrative branch of Urlistan as voted to proclaim the creation of the Federal Republic of the Green Union, and what many dub the 'Green Republic' thus claiming legitimacy over the former Green Union. This has garnered attention of the Kamooko Pact, and the Vilhalan backed puppet government in the east receiving harsh critisisms and calling this an act of 'agression and high treason'. The Arcadian Federation has remained silent on this move, and many wonder when will the Green Republic's only ally chime in on such a stark change in diplomatic policy for the small nation.

With ethnic Amlugs now in charge real policy change is expected to take place, and several laws that have harmed the Amlug people were reapealled once given the chance. And in a joint statment Regency, and the Arcadian Federation have invited the PAR to an offical meeting to calm and eventually end hostilities between the two sides in the small skirmishes that have hit the small arctic nation. It seems that the new Arcadian foreign policy that has been in the works since the empire federated coupled with the auntonomy of the Almug state is looking for real peace, and a return to normalicy to the small Amlug state.

[The Green Union]

Congressional Security forces in the city of Ekhavn have vowed to launch an investigation into the widely publicised death of a protester during an illegal pro-rebel demonstration in the city. C-Sec has stated that, to the best of its knowledge, only a handful of local police and security troopers arrived after the demonstration began, and were threatened by the mob. The government agencies have said that their investigation should determine whether there was any wrongdoing.

Rebel media of the ARF and ARCC have also commented on the events in Ekhavn, but not in support of the protesters. The leadership of these movements have condemned the demonstration of support for Thomes Lorenssen, and reiterated their stance that Wolfe VI is the only rightful sovereign of the Green Union. A quote by Fred Green, leader of the ARCC, even ventures so far as to call supporters of Lorenssen “traitors to the crown, who should be treated the same way we treat supporters of the Republican Congress.”

C-Sec and Ekhavn police have released the results of their probe into the death of a protester during an event in the town. The probe clears C-Sec personnel of all wrongdoing, saying that pro-Thomes protesters had been acting extremely aggressively and security troops acted reasonably within their mandate as peacekeepers.

The investigation would find some fault with soldiers' expediency in deploying knife bayonets to control the crowd, an act which led to several non serious injuries. It would propose phasing out the practice and issuing more specialized nonlethal riot equipment to front line personnel.

These findings garnered a strange response from the mainstream rebel groups, with both ARF and ARCC leaders backing C-Sec's use of lethal force against pro-Thomes rioters. The ARF would actually critique the proposal to stop using bayonets on civilians, saying that proper riot gear will never be available in remote areas of Arasland and starving locals are very difficult to control otherwise.

[The Green Union]

(Image)
The Union Times

The Chief Regent has declared:" The beginning of a new era for the Amlug, and the people of the Union who flead from Vilhalan agression and oppression. With the Arcadian aid in forming a stable government, the Federation of Arcadian States and Commonwealths has announced that full auntonomy will be given to the Amlug people, and the local government in Urlistan. Chief Regent Emil Hošek also announced that the Unionist Forces will be taking a more active role in the security of the Amlug people, while working side by side with Arcadian forces.

With more auntonomy given to the regency, the Amlug National Congress, the legistrative branch of Urlistan as voted to proclaim the creation of the Federal Republic of the Green Union, and what many dub the 'Green Republic' thus claiming legitimacy over the former Green Union. This has garnered attention of the Kamooko Pact, and the Vilhalan backed puppet government in the east receiving harsh critisisms and calling this an act of 'agression and high treason'. The Arcadian Federation has remained silent on this move, and many wonder when will the Green Republic's only ally chime in on such a stark change in diplomatic policy for the small nation.

With ethnic Amlugs now in charge real policy change is expected to take place, and several laws that have harmed the Amlug people were reapealled once given the chance. And in a joint statment Regency, and the Arcadian Federation have invited the PAR to an offical meeting to calm and eventually end hostilities between the two sides in the small skirmishes that have hit the small arctic nation. It seems that the new Arcadian foreign policy that has been in the works since the empire federated coupled with the auntonomy of the Almug state is looking for real peace, and a return to normalicy to the small Amlug state.

OOC: Only I speak for the CGU government, and only KP players collectively can speak for the Kamooko Pact.

Also, due to recent developments, the party in this thread takes place just a few hours after this declaration.

IC: Both the Congress of the Green Union and exiled Parliament of the Green Union voiced skepticism of Arcadia's intentions with this declaration. PGU sources have noted that similar statements to this were made in the past, but never delivered on, while the CGU has criticized the talk of peace while continuing military build-up and trade restrictions on their shared border. All government and rebel authority groups have condemned the announcement of a so-called Green Republic, with CGU President Harry Turner calling the move "pure warmongering" and "proof that Urlistan's government remains an Arcadian puppet."

Meanwhile, this announcement has sparked a great deal of unrest in Urlistan. Thousands of people took to the streets in Puffin Point, Warm Bay, and dozens of towns across the country to demand new elections. Agitation against ethnic Arcadians soon followed, with cries of "Imps go home" and "kill the kapis" being chanted outside Arcadian businesses and in Arcadian housing districts. FASC citizens moved in under colonial immigration policies have been the main targets, though some Arcadians who lived in Urlistan before the takeover have also seen themselves threatened.

The PAR has lauded these violent protests as being "a grassroots uprising against colonial terrorism" and responded favourably to the idea of negotiations. However, they have qualified this acceptance on the government first agreeing to new GMAN and KP-overseen elections and rolling back their claim to dominion over the entire Green Union.

[The Green Union]

Soon to be the CGU HQ of the SG Aerodynamics company. Mont Coulon
Lukas Martiviant. Head of SG Helicopters Devision

This should be a perfect spot for the new building he thought to himself as a architect they had brought along with them to survay the peice of land plotted out by the company for the main HQ off a main road not too far outside of the city. The building would be fenced in from the outside with a 24/7 security team. The actual superstructure would provide future employees with a indoor heated parking garage that lead directly into the office building for the cold winters that would prove difficult and a task needed to be tackled by builders. They also did not want to remove too much wildlife from the area just enough for what they needed. A small heliport in the back of the main five story structure. And a heated building to keep snowplow trucks and other general need pickups, Along with the helicopter tug and a small hanger attached onto it for easy commute of important SG executives from the airport along with providing the needed tranport to the actual manufacturing plant that was being built a little further outside of the city but some employees will have to commute between the areas. Both plots of land already had fences being constructed with a security company being hired to protect the construction workers and site from possible disaster. The Imperial Government offered a grant to help pay for scolarships and help the company pay for a PMC to protect the compound until they could get their own set up. SG Aerodynamics was also paying for grants to local police and fire departments to assure that they had equipment and training to handle a possible situation at the HQ. Mostly fire but they were paying for the police to be trained by retired Seve City Police officers and a set of shiny new AWD tahoes for the officers as a show of gratitude for allowing the foreign company into their homes and protect them just like any other citizen inn the city.

Imperial News Network.

Today another company from the Empire has announced plans to expand into the Green Union after the large SG Aerodynamics sudden move to go to the nation. Multiple Sevillian Companies are now interested in purchasing land. A much diffrent turn of events than after the Hunter National Gas companies move. CGL or Connor Global Laboratories has said they are planning on building a cold weather laboratory in the nation. Also interest form the University of Seve City who are planning on opening a branch of their school in the nation providing multiple new opportunities to people living in the CGU helping them advance into the future.

Unsettling news out of the Green Union after an attack against a construction site near Mont Coulon. Around midday, two commercial quadcopter drones approached the site and flew into heavy equipment, detonating improvised explosives in the process.

Nobody was hurt in the attack and only minor damage was caused (not least of all because it is the dead of winter and work has been progressing at a snail's pace), but there was momentary panic and the site had to be closed down for several hours while C-Sec forces arrived and secured the area.

Lockdown at the future SG Aerospace headquarters after today's terror attack, leading to concerns about the future of SG in the country

The target of the attack, none other than the future site of SG Aerospace's Green Union branch HQ, has come under scrutiny for its chosen location in thick woodland well outside of Mont Coulon city limits. Critics say the site is too isolated from everyday services and exposed to rebel attack. Given that SG supplies the CGU regime with conventional and counterinsurgency military aircraft, it seems very likely that rebel groups in the country would seek to target its operations.

[Urlistan]

With the riots breaking out all across the Green Republic in the aftermath of the national reform, Amlug police forces have been working to peacefully contain the riots and defuse the situation, local police forces have been dispatched to all communities to protect private and public property, along with ensuring emergency services can operate in areas affected by the riots. In Puffin Point the mayor has ask the rioters and protesters to 'allow emergency services to pass through to treat any injured and to protect property from damages such as arson.' he has also stated 'The people have a right to protest, but violence is not the answer, for those continuing peaceful methods we support your use of your rights and liberties and urge you to stick with peaceful demonstrations.

Police forces who are involved in riot control have been barred from using lethal methods, and non-lethal methods that can cause serious harm such as rubber bullets. Police forces that are using tear gas and flashbangs have been needing to call into their prescient commands for authorization to use those methods.

No Arcadian involvement has been spotted at the demonstrations with an all Amlug force keeping the peace. Green Republic military forces have not yet been deployed, but units on standby have already been issued non-lethal methods to contain violent demonstrators.

[Arcadian States and Commonwealths]

General Order #4659

All Arcadian forces in the Green Republic are instructed to use non-lethal force in protecting Arcadian military assets in the country. Embassy guards are strictly prohibited fro using lethal force against locals participating in the riots. Local forces will handle any acts of violence. Arcadian military forces are instructed to be on alert for possible military attacks from Vilhala during this time, but no other military operations will be occurring at this time.

ANN: Arcadian ambassador to the 'Green Republic' issues statements on ongoing protests

"The Arcadian Federation supports the protester's right to free speech and public gathering in such changing times in their nation's history. We understand these changes are met with heavy criticism and contempt. We have heard many of the voices of opposition to the most recent reform, and we can assure you that the Arcadian government and military is handing the responsibility of ruling the Amlug people back to the local government now that the groundwork for a successful republic has been set. Arcadian military forces have been ordered to stand aside while the local government seeks to end the protests and demonstrations in a peaceful manner. The extent of Arcadian involvement in the country is purely for keeping Vilhala out of the last vestige of the Amlug and the loyalist people. The Arcadian government wants nothing but success and prosperity for the Amlug people and hope both sides can come to an agreement soon."

[The Green Union]

With the riots breaking out all across the Green Republic in the aftermath of the national reform, Amlug police forces have been working to peacefully contain the riots and defuse the situation, local police forces have been dispatched to all communities to protect private and public property, along with ensuring emergency services can operate in areas affected by the riots. In Puffin Point the mayor has ask the rioters and protesters to 'allow emergency services to pass through to treat any injured and to protect property from damages such as arson.' he has also stated 'The people have a right to protest, but violence is not the answer, for those continuing peaceful methods we support your use of your rights and liberties and urge you to stick with peaceful demonstrations.

Police forces who are involved in riot control have been barred from using lethal methods, and non-lethal methods that can cause serious harm such as rubber bullets. Police forces that are using tear gas and flashbangs have been needing to call into their prescient commands for authorization to use those methods.

No Arcadian involvement has been spotted at the demonstrations with an all Amlug force keeping the peace. Green Republic military forces have not yet been deployed, but units on standby have already been issued non-lethal methods to contain violent demonstrators.

General Order #4659

All Arcadian forces in the Green Republic are instructed to use non-lethal force in protecting Arcadian military assets in the country. Embassy guards are strictly prohibited fro using lethal force against locals participating in the riots. Local forces will handle any acts of violence. Arcadian military forces are instructed to be on alert for possible military attacks from Vilhala during this time, but no other military operations will be occurring at this time.

(Image)
ANN: Arcadian ambassador to the 'Green Republic' issues statements on ongoing protests

"The Arcadian Federation supports the protester's right to free speech and public gathering in such changing times in their nation's history. We understand these changes are met with heavy criticism and contempt. We have heard many of the voices of opposition to the most recent reform, and we can assure you that the Arcadian government and military is handing the responsibility of ruling the Amlug people back to the local government now that the groundwork for a successful republic has been set. Arcadian military forces have been ordered to stand aside while the local government seeks to end the protests and demonstrations in a peaceful manner. The extent of Arcadian involvement in the country is purely for keeping Vilhala out of the last vestige of the Amlug and the loyalist people. The Arcadian government wants nothing but success and prosperity for the Amlug people and hope both sides can come to an agreement soon."

Emboldened by the restrained government response, protests across Urlistan have expanded. In many Arcadian suburbs, angry locals have blocked roads and continued to harass settlers, shouting ever more radical chants. Stones have begun to be thrown through business windows, and at least one popular settler restaurant has been set on fire. Emergency services have found crowds to be mostly hostile, continuing to refuse them passage.

The PAR has released statements suggesting FASC was not serious about wanting to negotiate with them, since the Arcadians and their puppets have not taken any action to meet their demands. To them, continued rule by this ethnically Arcadian dominated and expansionist government, without internationally recognized elections, is completely unacceptable.

Urlistan’s primary rebel group has claimed to not be associated with organizing or supplying these protests, maintaining that these are spontaneous uprisings. However, those who have taken to the streets appear to think otherwise. Many have begun wearing black armbands and flying the old flag of Urlistan. Many others in the crowds have been seen carrying firearms, ranging from hunting rifles to military grade FAL models. Many of the weapons looted from armouries during the fall of the People’s Kingdom appear to be reemerging.

In Warm Bay, a crowd of marchers forced their way inside the civic building and held a rally inside the vacant municipal council chambers. There, they heard spirited speeches from the emerging leaders of these protests, as well as some prominent PAR members.

Gunshots have been reported at several other gatherings, though it remains unclear whether these are authentic or protesters using firecrackers and other means to agitate the police.

[Urlistan]

Moments before tear gas and pepper spray filled the streets phones across the country buzzed in a notification from the police force an hour before and 30 minutes prior to the deployment of tear gas warning those with respiratory illnesses to head and stay indoors warning the demonstrators of the use and authorization and tear gas.

Local police and military forces have begun to be deployed to force the passage of emergency services including medical and fire services. Even with the escalation in government actions rubber bullets and any method of riot control that could be deemed as lethal. Riot gear has begun being issued to police forces, but under orders that identification of the officers be visible, with no facemasks with the intent of concealing the identity of the officer, and the officers' badges be prominently displayed.

The police have begun deploying long-range acoustic devices sending messages through loudspeakers to demoralize the demonstrators and encourage them to seek out peaceful methods. In several urban areas the police and medical teams have set up triages to aid anyone who enters no questions asked since demonstrators have blocked many emergency services. Helicopters equipped with firefighting equipment have been seen to be deployed to fight fires in areas where emergency services cannot yet enter.

Security has been heightened in several municipal centers with armored police vehicles been seen at hospitals and government buildings anticipating possible violence.

[The Green Union]

Moments before tear gas and pepper spray filled the streets phones across the country buzzed in a notification from the police force an hour before and 30 minutes prior to the deployment of tear gas warning those with respiratory illnesses to head and stay indoors warning the demonstrators of the use and authorization and tear gas.

Local police and military forces have begun to be deployed to force the passage of emergency services including medical and fire services. Even with the escalation in government actions rubber bullets and any method of riot control that could be deemed as lethal. Riot gear has begun being issued to police forces, but under orders that identification of the officers be visible, with no facemasks with the intent of concealing the identity of the officer, and the officers' badges be prominently displayed.

The police have begun deploying long-range acoustic devices sending messages through loudspeakers to demoralize the demonstrators and encourage them to seek out peaceful methods. In several urban areas the police and medical teams have set up triages to aid anyone who enters no questions asked since demonstrators have blocked many emergency services. Helicopters equipped with firefighting equipment have been seen to be deployed to fight fires in areas where emergency services cannot yet enter.

Security has been heightened in several municipal centers with armored police vehicles been seen at hospitals and government buildings anticipating possible violence.

The vast majority of protesters never received a government alert on their phones, and the crowds made every effort to drown out police megaphone with their own chants. Even those who did get the messages tended to refrain from checking their phones in the biting cold, or did not take them seriously. As a result, the sudden police onslaught took a surprising number by surprise and quickly forced hundreds into hospitals and triage centres. Several have died due to respiratory complications and trampling during the violent breakup of many demonstrations.

The most extreme protesters had gotten what they wanted, provoking police forces into a confrontation which would be captured on camera and shared all across social media. In the biting cold tear gas was less effective, and the exposed faces of the riot police left them exposed to frostbite and their own tear gas. The cell phone footage which came out of these confrontations, from the initial tear gas bombardments to close fighting against the most determined protesters, all painted a dark picture of the Green Republic's first days.

Despite the violence, Urlistan's major cities would have their streets cleared by the end of the day. The emerging leaders of the protest movements, mostly local activists and members of the PAR's political wing who occupied the Warm Bay civic building before the police countermoves, have encouraged their followers to "stock up and prepare for the next wave."

The PAR itself has continued to demand a response on their negotiation prerequisites, accusing the government of ignoring them.

[The Green Union]

The Silverstone™ mining company of Vilhala has today announced its intention to shut down operations in western Arasland, following less than profitable exploratory mining in the area. According to executives, their efforts had not been able to uncover a substantial deposit of oil, natural gas, or previous metals that could have justified the cost of extraction.

Some of the blame for this failed venture has been placed on the government of Urlistan, who's shutdown of their border with the Green Union has complicated Arctic logistics. Silverstone™'s massive property, which butts up against the border, is therefore only accessible via treacherous ice roads from the east. Undertaking this dangerous journey has already cost the life of more than one employee.

Silverstone™ will continue work on other properties in the Green Union. Being one of the largest mining corporations in the country and one of the only to turn a small profit, it is unlikely they will be going anywhere soon.

[The Kingdom of Rhamos]

The Moraine-Adiyata Group has released a statement in regards to its intentions to acquire the Silverstone Company's northern mining territory. The announcement by the company of its intents to relinquish the property was rumored to be viewed very favorably by the group. They have public stated that they are already in negotiations with the company to purchase the land.

Moraine-Adiyata representatives were confident in the groups use of surface penetrating radar and other mining resources would turn the area profitable. However, investors seemed to be more concerned with both the climate and the security of the area affecting profits with the resulting brief dip in the stock price reflecting these beliefs.

Already though the Group as made public its intention to partner with ArcLog Logistics and United National Defense Contracting should the deal go through. The Group seems to believe that this will help address shareholder concerns and help keep the operation profitable.

[Republic of Altos and Stratis]

Retconned

[Emerstari]

To: Captain Georg Frederik Arhus From: HH, Georg Jakob Bladhvan: Captain Georg Frederik Arhus, the Duke of Ekkesburg considers you to be a most excellent Fyrlander, one who excels at his job: he offers you his praise for your bravery in Diyaristan. So while he would hate to pry you from your current obligations, and he knows not even your position in regards to his claim, His Grace would like to, on his return from a trip to the JVP, either meet you personally or continue communication with you. As you may be aware, his supporters in Fyrland have recently had a rally or two of theirs shut down by the republican pretender government, — the Duke would like your help with progressing his claim. That is all I (being the High Chieftain of the Ulrikung Clan of Kophavien and deputy to His Grace) can say on his behalf at this moment, according to his direct instructions. On my behalf, I would simply like to add: oh, cruel is the snow that sweeps the Green Union and covers the grave of Wolfe. May God long give you good fortune and have you in safety. Alleluia. Sincerely signed, His Grace, Thomes Adulf Lorenssen–Eirikr His Higher, Georg Jakob Bladhavn

*oh, cruel is the snow that sweeps the Green Union and covers the grave of Wolfe is a play on words of an Emerstarian song about the murder of King Ervin III Karl committed by the followers of the treacherous Duke Villem Ingvalde Borgerstyrer. The true lyrics go, O, grym ar at snjo vilket vinder Leifsø åg felter gravett av Ervin or oh, cruel is the snow that sweeps Leifsø and covers the grave of Erwin.

[Urlistan]

[align=center]
Puffin Point Sun: The Republic organizes

The provisional government, of the republic of Urlistan, has come to an end with the formation of the Green Republic, welcomed and loathed by many with the nation decisively split on the new move. These changes would bring a few flag, and a new direction for the nation with the newly formed republic. With the nation now being fully independent, many more reforms are expected to be seen.

The regency has promised to continue with several reforms and projects of the provisional administration while rolling back others, to bring a sense of normalcy to the nation. Public Ordinance 309 is expected to reach congress at the end of the week which would roll back several provisional government laws including the ban on communes, political officers in public buildings, and strengthening others such as the expansion of education funding and facilities, a boost in national healthcare services, and the further expansion of the middle class which has prospered since the creation of the republic.

[The Kingdom of Rhamos]

Markion Office of Regional Affairs, Crown Colony of Meznar

Spacious as the room may have been designed for, it now felt cramped and stuffy as it was filled beyond occupancy. The myriad of suits and uniforms that sat around the long table and lined the walls were all focused on the current presentation or whispered plans amongst themselves. Not that you could reasonably make out any of the individuals present though, the lights had been shut off to allow the projector an unimpeded cone of brilliantly blinding proportions.

The man at the front of the room was wrapping up his presentation on the various parties, insurgents, royals, and governments of the Green Union. A task that had taken the better part of two hours and cause the dozing off of at least a few of those present. For the recently promoted Director of Markion Affairs though he was wide awake in silent contemplation of how everyone present had even gotten to this point.

Frankly up until now he couldn't have given a damn about the far away region. Its distance to Aels and minute interactions had hardly rated a blip on his radar and yet suddenly here he was, in charge of this whole mess.

As usual it had been those damn Jeebs that had started another headache for him. Figures, if they couldn't get their way in Aels they would look to export their ilk to another region. Playing the great game with them was something the nobles were all to eager to do and they were running the nation head long into a mess.

The man reached up and massaged the bridge of his nose as the Viceroy of Meznar interrupted the presentation to spew his bullshit. Alexandre understood that the man had to be included due to his nobility, what he didn't understand was why the man couldn't keep his mouth shut. As far as he was concerned the Viceroy had nothing of value to bring to the meeting and his ignorance was only proven as he finished his little "thinking out loud."

Finally, Alexandre spoke up before anyone else could try and build of the Viceroys arguement for action. "And what would you have us do sir? Invade the whole of the G U while fighting off the Arcadians and Sevvies from both sides along with their allies?"

The Viceroy seemed prepared for this answer as he started on about the conflict in the region but Alexandre was having none of it. "Let's say we do take the whole thing, what then? We fight a country wide insurgency that makes the Grasslands seem like a playground scrap? Not to mention their neighbors, I hardly think open conflict is a sustainable option in the least your Highness." He added the Highness on the tail end as a precautionary showing of respect. While the man needed reeled in, embarrassing him would only see Alexandre out of a job or worse.

The Board Chairman for the MAG was next to speak up, another noble of course and a fat one at that. "We propose that we throw out full weight behind the Congress and C-sec." The man speaking at this meeting a lone had been enough to raise Alexander's eyebrow, but his suggestion caught him even more off guard.

"You want us, the -kingdom- of Rhamos, a monarchy, to throw our support behind a government that had just rebelled against their own monarchy?" The disbelief had been evident in his voice more than he had wanted but he did not regret it. The Chairman was clearly not aware of his implications.

The fat man dabbed a handkerchief on his temple, sweating from the humid island air and the cramped heat of the room before continuing. "The Congress is the only legitimate government in the country at the moment who else are we to do business with? The King is dead after all."

A man along the wall who Alexandre couldn't see but figured to be RICIA interrupted. "Suspected to be dead. No proof besides a video has been put forth at this time." There was faint murmuring around the room at the statement as individuals argued over the merits of this fact.

A representative from the UNDC sitting next to the portly Chairman was the first to follow up the statement speaking out loud to the group. "We have much to offer and gain from helping Csec and the congress though. Their coin operations leave much to be desired and a partnership with Rhamos would allow them to learn from our operations in the Grasslands." He paused before sly adding "That's not to mention the possible hardware sales."

More murmuring followed and it only served to annoy Alexandre even more as another unidentifiable person spoke up behind him. "What of this Thomes fellow though?" Thankfully someone else answered saving Alexandre the trouble and effort.

"His claim is tentative at best and supported by the Arcadians it seems unlikely he would managed to garner popular support. Best case scenario is even if he does take power he'll be facing another extensive insurgency."

Alexandre grumbled softly as he complained inwardly that no one in the room had even been provided any options yet and how to approach any of the parties involved. So far the only things discussed were speculation and conjectures, without a serious effort put into researching the situation more they would never actually move the discussion along. Not that he had any actual time to have it conducted though, for with the MAG and UNDC jumping into the country head first he would have to race against the clock to put a workable plan together. God forbid the corporations made a policy decision for him by doing something rash and got the nation throughly stuck in a frozen cluster fuck. The thought alone brought on an aching need for a coffee and a cigarette.

[The Green Union]

C-Sec and Ekhavn police have released the results of their probe into the death of a protester during an event in the town. The probe clears C-Sec personnel of all wrongdoing, saying that pro-Thomes protesters had been acting extremely aggressively and security troops acted reasonably within their mandate as peacekeepers.

The investigation would find some fault with soldiers' expediency in deploying knife bayonets to control the crowd, an act which led to several non serious injuries. It would propose phasing out the practice and issuing more specialized nonlethal riot equipment to front line personnel.

These findings garnered a strange response from the mainstream rebel groups, with both ARF and ARCC leaders backing C-Sec's use of lethal force against pro-Thomes rioters. The ARF would actually critique the proposal to stop using bayonets on civilians, saying that proper riot gear will never be available in remote areas of Arasland and starving locals are very difficult to control otherwise.

Congressional Security has released a disturbing find today, related to their investigation into the death of a protester in Ekhavn. Specifically, the man killed has not yet been identified.

This in itself is not too unusual. With many documents having been removed or destroyed before the PGU's overthrow, this new CGU government has had to rebuild local censuses almost from scratch. Many persons, especially those who have had no ability or no will to be registered by the new republic, simply do not exist on the records.

But this case is different. Despite very clearly being an ethnic Calen, this corpse had no ID and no personal items which could be traced. When questioned, not a single resident of Ekhavn or the surrounding communities could identify the individual.

With Loyalist rebel groups and the old government in exile condemning this movement, and being left with no other reasonable theory to explain this, the Congress of the Green Union has formally accused the government of Emerstari with sending agents to infiltrate the country.

With no telling how far the pro-Thomes conspiracy may have spread by now, C-Sec has announced an increase in forces across Southern Fyrland. The additional troops will be used to sweep the countryside for rebel hideouts, as well as enforce a new policy of random searches on Fyrland's large population of ethnic Emerstarians and their property.

[Emerstari]

Congressional Security has released a disturbing find today, related to their investigation into the death of a protester in Ekhavn. Specifically, the man killed has not yet been identified.

This in itself is not too unusual. With many documents having been removed or destroyed before the PGU's overthrow, this new CGU government has had to rebuild local censuses almost from scratch. Many persons, especially those who have had no ability or no will to be registered by the new republic, simply do not exist on the records.

But this case is different. Despite very clearly being an ethnic Calen, this corpse had no ID and no personal items which could be traced. When questioned, not a single resident of Ekhavn or the surrounding communities could identify the individual.

With Loyalist rebel groups and the old government in exile condemning this movement, and being left with no other reasonable theory to explain this, the Congress of the Green Union has formally accused the government of Emerstari with sending agents to infiltrate the country.

With no telling how far the pro-Thomes conspiracy may have spread by now, C-Sec has announced an increase in forces across Southern Fyrland. The additional troops will be used to sweep the countryside for rebel hideouts, as well as enforce a new policy of random searches on Fyrland's large population of ethnic Emerstarians and their property.

Emerstari
Hørnborg in Rensulier
11:00 AM | Erik XII Georg & Thomes, Duke of Ekkesburg

The King stood behind the podium in the front of the Mottingsrum in the Hørnborg with Thomes at his side, about to issue his official response to the Congress of the Green Union's accusations. Despite his speech's such short notice, — he had written it himself the night prior without the aid of any team of speechwriters or anything like that, — many if not all of Emerstari's largest broadcasting companies were there: this was probably the most major breaking news, and it was being said by Erik XII Georg no less. He began just as a final politician or two sat down to listen, "Thank you all very much for coming to listen today, courtiers, politicians, newsmen, and all my other Emerstarian brethren and sistren. Then again, it might nearly be treason if you didn't." His jest garnered a small laugh from the crowd, possibly to avoid being convicted of treason. "To return to seriousness, though, I'm sure you have already guessed, and guessed correctly may I add, the topic I shall be speaking of this morning, especially with the good Duke of Ekkesburg here beside me: the accusations from the Congress of the Green Union."

Glancing towards his notes, the King continued on, "Now, it would simply be against every Emerstarian expectation on honor and morality if I were to not be completely honest on this topic, so let it be known that there has been no Emerstarian aid whatsoever to the supporters of Thomes in Fyrland. Yes, Thomes has indeed been receiving support from me as his kin and as a private individual, but no, there has never been any contact between him and the Fyrlanders. Likewise, no agents have ever been sent. In fact, we think the only right way to pursue his claim is to do it with all honesty; thus, I hereby offer my recognition as the King of the Green Union to him as the King of Emerstari, and I hope that my friends, — and if friend is too strong a word for some of a different political slant, my fellow Emerstarians, — in government to do the same in their official capacities. In fact, I hope that my friends and my peers from all nations give him their recognition. Thank you again for your time."

[The Kingdom of Rhamos]

Regional Affairs Office (Temporary)

Alexandre's stare was burning holes through the man that was now sitting across from him. Feelings he had long since buried away under layers of alcohol abuse, once suppressed, now bubbled to the surface all over again. The hatred, fear, regret, sorrow and pain from years ago now burned in his chest a fire he never thought he'd feel again. Above it all though it was the hate, all of it focused on this one man.

Awkwardly fidgeting with his fingers across from him sat the husk of a once proud man. His body scarred heavily and his face burnt and pockmarked on one side from flames and shrapnel. They were the memories and scars of a horrific chapter in Rhamosian history seemingly made human and manifested in front of Alexandre. The man, formerly the Governor-General of Theia, laid low here and now as pathetic mercenary, a board memberof the UNDC at that.

Despite the man's fidgeting it belied the mirroring reflection on his face of Alexandre's own hateful glare. Family history and blood ran deep in Rhamos and bad blood was not easily forgotten.

The floor had been cleared so the two men could speak in private but that all seemed for not, as the two stared down one another in silent fury. They both knew what this was, a barely disguised chance to settle an old score and clear the air before they were forced to work together.

Ladato however was not content to keep the status quo of mutually assured destruction in the air and finally opened his mouth to speak just to be cut off before he even started.

"How dare you."

The words were uttered as a statement more so than a question it seemed. Ladato was sure he was being baited into this arguement he had seen coming but he pressed on none the less.

"So it seems we will be-"

Alexandre cut him off again, his nostrils flaring with barely disguised rage.

"How dare you!" His voice had gotten louder this time provoking Ladato once more into the cage match.

"How dare I?! The fuck you think I want to do this now?!" Ladato's own voice had now risen to the challenge.

"Might as well! Just gonna waltz the country into another fucking disaster are you!" Alexandre's voice was making the trek towards shouting now and was glad no one else was on the floor. This was by no means going to be a professional meeting.

Ladato in turned roared back in rage himself now feeling his own inner demons resurface. "You think I wanted that too happen!"

Alexandre slammed both his hands down on the desk with a damning thud as he stood up launching into his tirade. Years of anger that he had never gotten the chance to deal with now being laid out. "We just got the fucking county back together Ladato! You god damn corporate sell out! You are letting the MAG walk us right back into another nightmare! The damnedable frozen hell hole is the last thing we fucking need right now!"

It was Ladato now who shot to his feet sending the chair over backwards and crashing to the floor as he pointed a damning finger at Alexandre. "You think I fucking wanted that to happen!?" He then pointed to his own half burnt face like a lawyer at a piece of damning evidence. "You think I wanted this too happen!? How was I suppose to know they were going to burn half the god damn colony to the ground!"

"BECAUSE THE NUTKS ARE FILTHY FUCKING SAVAGES THAT'S WHY! I HAD FAMILY THERE YOU MONSTER!" Alexandre was now full on screaming mad at this point, years of unresolved issues finally coming to a head with the man who caused it all.

He could see it all in his mind as if he was still there. The hordes of raiders burning towns and villages down looting, raping, killing as they went. The smell....that smell that had seared itself into his mind all those years ago of burning flesh. All because the man across from him now had made the ultimate faustian bargain with the devil himself.

Ladato, in his desperation to quietly squash the Beostian Nutk tribe uprising, had invited in another rival tribe to fight them on Rhamos's behalf. It had actually worked well at first, but he had expected the savages to keep their word. When the monsters finally bit the hand that fed them, Ladato had sent fighters to raze their caravans to the ground with napalm in retaliation and unwittingly unleashed a new kind of hell upon Rhamos as the tribes sought vengeance.

Those Pan-Germanic bastards and their hordes washed over the small colony like a sea of locusts, destroying all in their path. Abandoned by its allies and alone to face the storm cornered like common vermin, the desperation in which they fought and the retaliation they wrought unleashed a level of violence and bloodshed not seen since Operarion Goliath. It robbed it had many a young Rhamosian of their innocence. It had robbed Alexandre of his everything.

"YOU HAD FAMILY! I LOST EVERYTHING THERE! MY LIFE, MY CAREER, MY MEN, MY FACE, MY OWN FAMILY ALL GONE! YOU THINK I WANTED TO PUT CAROLINE IN DANGER!" Ladato was bellowing the words like bull now.

The mentioning of the colony's former Viceroy now only further served to enrage Alexandre. "THAT GOD DAMN ROYAL BITCH AND HER FUCKING MUTT OF A DAUGHTER GOT WHAT THEY DESERVED-" He stopped himself suddenly and his voice caught in his throat. His anger and finally forced his mouth to out pace his brain as he watched Ladato go from open rage to that magical level beyond where one finally found themselves calm again. The eye of the storm.

"I swear on all that is holy Alexandre if you don't take that back right now I'll fucking have you."

Alexandre could physically feel his pent up rage slowly was away only to be replaced by guilt and pain. His pride and anger begged him to pursue the path towards physical violence with the man, but his years and heart told him he had gone to far. With a mighty sigh he finally exhaled and the feeling to the rest of his body finally returned.

With this returning awareness though came the sensation that his hand was shaking, his trigger hand. Those who knew of it would recognize it at "the tick," the sign of man whose hand had done unspeakable things. A solemn reminder that surfaced now and again, a scar on the soul that would never let the bearer forget what they had done.

Collapsing into his chair Alexandre pulled open a drawer and produced forth two whiskey glasses which he sat on the desk between them and an accompanying bottle. Not having yet looked back to Ladato nor exchanging any further words with him he attempted to pour two glasses for the pair. Still suffering from his fit of the tick though he was making a mess as he couldn't steady his hand enough to get the liquid all in the glass.

Wordlessly Ladato reached forward and gently took the bottle from Alexandre and finished the task for him before handing a glass back to Alexandre's good hand. Both men sat in silent contemplation of their brief argument gone to far while sipping on the finely aged drink. Neither daring to break the deafening silence of peace for a moment. The silence was a forgiveness all its own between the two who knew that the other had only been an escape for the anger and not the cause.

Ladato finally spoke up after several minutes that had droned by like hours. "It is official Alexandre. We are throwing our support behind the congress no matter what you or I think of it." He paused to take another savoring sip of the whiskey before continuing. "I need your help. How do we keep another Theia from happening again."

Alexandre study his glass carefully in silence and contemplation as he swirled its contents around before responding. "The Kings official position on the CGU is a stable ally in the region is better than none at all regardless of the government. We've already dispatched an official Diplomatic Liaison to officially open up a channel between our governments." He took this time to take a sip himself of the fire water. "I expect that once they ask for some sort of military support I'll have more of an open hand to assist you with. But for now I can at least call in some favors."

[The Green Union]

Unsettling news out of the Green Union after an attack against a construction site near Mont Coulon. Around midday, two commercial quadcopter drones approached the site and flew into heavy equipment, detonating improvised explosives in the process.

Nobody was hurt in the attack and only minor damage was caused (not least of all because it is the dead of winter and work has been progressing at a snail's pace), but there was momentary panic and the site had to be closed down for several hours while C-Sec forces arrived and secured the area.

(Image)
Lockdown at the future SG Aerospace headquarters after today's terror attack, leading to concerns about the future of SG in the country

The target of the attack, none other than the future site of SG Aerospace's Green Union branch HQ, has come under scrutiny for its chosen location in thick woodland well outside of Mont Coulon city limits. Critics say the site is too isolated from everyday services and exposed to rebel attack. Given that SG supplies the CGU regime with conventional and counterinsurgency military aircraft, it seems very likely that rebel groups in the country would seek to target its operations.

ARCC media has gone online to claim responsibility for the recent drone attack against SG Aerospace's future company HQ, but has said that their motivation was not political. Rather, they claim, the construction contractor responsible for building the headquarters had stopped paying the ARCC's "trades tax" and had failed to acquire an ARCC permit for the work they were doing. Given that their construction site was protected by private security, the ARCC had used armed drones to remind the contractors of their obligations.

The construction firm in question has vehemently denied ever paying rebels for the right to work. The mayor of Mont Coulon, one Ben Sterling, has called the ARCC "thugs and terrorists" who intimidate local businesses into giving them what they need to carry on their criminal activities. He has urged any other honest people who have been extorted by these bandits to come forward, promising protection from future coercion.

[The Green Union]

ARCC media has gone online to claim responsibility for the recent drone attack against SG Aerospace's future company HQ, but has said that their motivation was not political. Rather, they claim, the construction contractor responsible for building the headquarters had stopped paying the ARCC's "trades tax" and had failed to acquire an ARCC permit for the work they were doing. Given that their construction site was protected by private security, the ARCC had used armed drones to remind the contractors of their obligations.

The construction firm in question has vehemently denied ever paying rebels for the right to work. The mayor of Mont Coulon, one Ben Sterling, has called the ARCC "thugs and terrorists" who intimidate local businesses into giving them what they need to carry on their criminal activities. He has urged any other honest people who have been extorted by these bandits to come forward, promising protection from future coercion.

Ben Sterling, Mayor of Mont Coulon, met today with President Harry Turner and senior brass of C-Sec to discuss the emerging situation in that part of the country. The result of their talks, as reported to press, is that seven thousand security personnel are being placed under Mr. Sterling's direct command. These troops are to be used as a means of addressing the recently discovered ARCC blackmail ring in and around the city. The mayor has said that security will be parceled out on a first come, first served basis to companies which provide evidence of rebel harassment.

C-Sec and local police have stepped up operations outside Mont Coulon, in an effort to cut down on rebel and criminal activity in the heartland

C-Sec is notoriously stretched thin, and it remains unclear where they are getting these forces from. Most speculate soldiers are being taken from the border with Urlistan, or the embattled garrisons in Mont Coulon's inner city.

Whatever the case, this show of force seems to have had the desired effect. Dozens of businesses, from small corner cafés right up to the regional transit provider, have raced to come forward with security camera footage, recorded conversations, and even paper contracts proving the influence of rebels in their daily affairs. Almost all the material revolves around how the ARCC expects a cut of businesses' profits in exchange for "protection," meaning that the ARCC themselves will only then refrain from harming the business owners and their property.