Between Ice and a Cold Place [MT, OPEN]

[The Green Union]

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 Congress of the Green Union has left no question as to its utter disgust with the Communist Monarchist Terror State which is Emerstari. This is a regime which has the gall to openly declare support for Thomes, a man seeking the title of hereditary dictator in the Green Union, and who has encouraged dangerous and subversive activities on GU soil in order to achieve his goals. This declaration only confirms the accusations of treachery leveled against Emerstari, proving that the highest levels of their Communist-infiltrated government was materially supporting Thomes from the very beginning. Clips of the foreign king's threat against reporters, and Thomes' silence through the proceedings, have begun circulating rapidly on Green Union social and news media.

A strengthened C-Sec presence in southern Fyrland promises to suffocate this destabilizing criminal movement

In order to ensure a speedy return to stability in Fyrland, C-Sec has begun putting their strengthened counterinsurgency response into effect. Many citizens in the populous south have observed reinforcing security troopers conducting raids on suspected pro-Thomes sympathisers. Most targets have been among the local ethnic Emerstarian population, with several arrests being made but no known charges pressed.

[The Green Union]

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 Emerstarian crown's endorsement of one of their own to the Green Union throne did not go over well with other stakeholders, either. Loyalist rebel groups unanimously condemned the action, with the ARF's Armin Jäger stating in an address that "the king of white traitors is no king of mine" before going on to applaud the crackdown on persons of Emerstarian descent.

Loyal Fyrlander soldiers parade for the cameras in Kamooko, Placeoderms

From their exile in Placeoderms, the Parliament of the Green Union harshly refused to accept the Duke of Ekkesburg as their king. Once again affirming their loyalty to Wolfe VI, the exiles made a production of this evening’s changing of the guard at the Kamooko Pact Headquarters. News cameras were brought out to observe several high ranking PGU and KP dignitaries taking part in the ceremony. Harry Haida, who has stepped in to take on many of the royals’ duties after their disappearance, inspected the troops of the Third Kendorian Regiment and the unit relieving them, the King's Own Fyrlander Fusiliers. The Fyrlanders were not originally scheduled to take part in this ceremony, but a last minute change swapped them with an Albatanian unit for the occasion. Haida later gave an address reaffirming the alliance’s opposition to all regimes currently occupying their homeland, and vowing to one day return.

[The Green Union]

[align=center](Image)
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.

While no more major reaction has come from the people of Urlistan, it is clear that large portions of the local populace are not happy. Many districts and towns dominated by ethnic Amlugs and other non-Arcadian minorities have become quiet, with businesses boarding up their windows in anticipation of further unrest. Only those selling the bare essentials have seen a boom in business, as citizens make good on protest leader suggestions that they prepare for the worst. Even Arcadian settler communities, many shaken after being stormed by rioters, have seen a hush fall over them. Green and black fragments of cloth have begun appearing overnight hanging from windows, lampposts, and even more extreme locations. Within the first couple of days, large banners have been spotted tied to overpasses, construction cranes, and the tops of radio antennas.

Those that have put their displeasure into words have taken on a wide variety of stances. Many have gone online to object to this government once again changing Urlistan's flag, especially without any form of consultation with the public. With the provisional authority now seemingly free from oversight and attempting many unilateral changes, fears have been raised about the government acting with impunity. At least a few disenfranchised individuals have taken this chance to make threats against those they feel responsible, including government officials and Arcadian settlers. The refusal of the Green Republic's government to even acknowledge the demands for a free election has inflamed many of these individuals, who see this as a way to ensure the settler minority retains power.

Several have noted that a declaration of independence from Arcadia and adoption of a new flag has happened once before just a few months ago. They have accused the FASC puppet regime of simply repeating this circus over again in hopes that it will be better received.

[Urlistan]

The Green Republic's national parliament has continued to roll back several imperial era legislations including the ban on communes. The regency has stated that a return to normalcy is the current goal for the new administration. In the wake of the recent protests police and local reserves have stepped up patrols to help prevent acts of violence, with the government still issuing permits for peaceful protests in public spaces.

Since the independence of Urlistan, the policies of the regency have touted the creation of a middle class, massive public works with road systems that have been built in the south and are currently being built in the north. Meanwhile, the public and healthcare systems have returned to full function although wait time for medications is taking longer than pre-war wait times.

The youth age cadet program known as the 'Republican Cadet Corps' has had record attendance. Meanwhile, radio messages and tv advertisements have been broadcasting the accomplishments of the new nation to the people. One key law under imperial Urlistan that brought the military into schools has been repealed with the full support to demilitarize the school systems.

[The Kingdom of Rhamos]

Regional Affairs Office (Temporary)

A small racket exited the cupboard as Alexandre shifted through the numerous mugs absentmindedly. The man looked like a sullen bear aroused to early from its winter slumber and the bags under his eyes didn't help to dissuade the idea.

Save for the clanking of coffee cups, the room was silent until he let out a satisfied grunt having found his own personal one that someone had pushed towards the back.

The "conversation" he had had with Ladato weighed heavily on his mind causing him to busy himself with work in an attempt to bury it away. Not that there was a choice in the matter, the Kingdom's insistence on barreling into the country head first meant he had to work overtime regardless just to keep ahead of it.

Shuffling over to the worn coffee pot that now emanated the sweet smell of his morning life blood, Alexandre only turned from his morning ritual when he heard the cupboard door close again behind him. Turning around his attention was caught by another man a little younger than himself who had slipped past him in his self absorbed focus.

Blinking the morning sleep from his eyes so he could focus better he realized the man was one of the many attaches currently working with his department and an old friend of his. While normally he would have been happy to see him, the fact that the man was RICIA and represented their interest here was not lost on him. None the less though he pressed through to small talk and pleasantries, he had tried to burn enough bridges already.

"Mornin, Amell what brings you in here so early?" He punctuated the sentence with the occasional noise of clearing his throat much to his own annoyance. Damn coffee needed to finish so he could get some liquid in his body finally.

Amell procured on of the unclaimed mugs before turning around and joining Alexandre over by the machine. "Morning Alex, I should be asking why are you still here. Pulling an all nighter eh?"

Alexandre gave a small chuckle in acknowledgement, possibly a forced one as he ran a hand over his face in an attempt to prush the weariness away. "Yeah just trying to finish up some of these products before tomorrow's synch meeting. Lotta shit still needs done ya know."

Amell nodded in agreement. "Heard what happened the other day, you two able to hug it out yet." The statement caused Alexandre to inwardly grumble about the RICIA putting their damn noses everywhere they shouldn't be.

"It wasn't my best moment if that's what you are asking."

The coffee had finally stopped drizzling down into its bought causing both men to have a sigh of relief, finally some to wake them both up. Alexandre having grabbed the pot, proceeded to pour both of them a cup while he spoke to Amell.

"So what does bring you here so early? Figured you boys would be to busy with your own thing right now."

"Nah, department head is of the mind that you guys should take the lead on this one...." He paused take a small sip of the hot liquid. "...mm damn that's good, this local stuff?"

Alexandre shrugged as he took a gulp of his own, less concerned about the heat then Amell. "Its some fancy french shit one of the intel guys brought in it's alright but not my go to."

"Well anyways, we are trying not to put our own foot up our ass on this one like in Valencia. The whole speak soft and big stick shit instead of the other way around." Amell started to head out of the room as he kept talking effectively bringing the conversation an end much to Alexandre's joy, conversations before coffee was not his forte. "Plus I hear that place is cold as fuck, ain't no way I'm going there any sooner then I have too."

Alexandre watched the man go and made no effort to keep the idle chit chat going. Amell still hadn't said why he, or the a RICIA for that matter, was here so early and that gave him much to think on.

"God dammit, it's to early for this shit." He mumbled to no one but himself.

Upper Calendôr International Airport, Himmelsdorf, Green Union

Soaring gracefully through the the frozen skies of the GU, the Rhamosian charter flight was making its final approach into the aiprot. TropiCo Airways was a common airline used for government officials in their travels to exotic lands and this one was no different. This particular one was carrying the Rhamosian diplomatic mission to the CGU so they could finally make their initial overtures toward the government and hopefully establish grounds for future cooperation between the two.

On board, Anaïs watched intently out the window as the frozen wonderland raced by below her in all its magical glory. Having been born and raised in islands of southern Aels, she had never had to chance to see snow in person before and the idea of there being so much of it until now was beyond her. But here now, a whole countries worth of snow laid out before her eyes and stretched for to the horizon and it frankly took her breath away.

The sheen of light as it danced of the drifts in the setting sun, the contrasting colors of the sky in its purples and oranges set against as a back drop. All of it was truly magical, and she would have enjoyed it more had she not been getting over a case of the cold. She had been to over eager and ambitious for her first assignment and attempted to acclimate herself to the cold in her studio apartment by turning the temperature as low as she could for a week. Needless to say the idea had not gone over well for her.

Ahead of her sat the hopeful future Ambassador to the CGU and her boss Charles Hagan, a man several decades her senior. He hadn't bothered even looking outside once as he had compared notes and discussed with several advisors on the cultural aspects of the GU and what to expect while he was there.

The nature of the CGU and its recent history with monarchies had made the Rhamosian government hesitant to send anyone of noble decent and had assumed it to be wiser to choose a man of common birth. Charles had fit the bill perfectly and in Anaïs opinion, was more qualified than some pompous royal whose only qualification was their last name. He was after all a vetted diplomat and the fact that he was almost over looked for the position due to his social status only made her scoff at the upper class, pricks everyone of them.

She was pulled from her thoughts as her view of the winter wonderland disappeared rapidly altogether behind a wall of man made landscape and buildings. These to she marveled at with just as much intensity as the country side, seeing an entire city so different for the ones back home and dressed in the trappings of winter was truly sight to behold.

As the plane finally touched down and taxied to its final resting spot, she dutifully retrieved her carry-on and made sure to button herself up tight lest she wanted to get sick again. Making her way down the aisle she passed a colorful troupe of individual in various forms of uniform and casual attire. These were of course various repesentives of the agencies and departments who wished to use this opportunity to establish their own relationships with the CGU and to offer the expertise and counseling to the Ambassador.

She paid them no mind though as she made her way to the line at the exit and braced herself for being able to see the snow up close. Her excitement was indescribable and she could barely contain her smile as she eagerly awaited her turn to descend the steps. Finay her turn had come and with one big step, she left the cover of the cabin and almost immediately was struck and shocked by the nature of the freezing temperature of the outside world.

Like child finding out Santa wasn't real, she suddenly didn't find the snow so pretty anymore.

[The Green Union]

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.

(Image)
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.

Congressional Security have become an even more common sight in the Mont Coulon suburbs and neighbouring communities, as soldiers provide protection to businesses formerly victim to extortion by ARCC rebels.

The local response to this surge has so far been overwhelmingly positive. The Green Union Journal, federal news service of the republic, has interviewed residents and business owners who report being relieved at no longer needing to fear rebel interference. Commuters in particular are happy that they will be seeing an end to irregular ARCC fare collection on trains and buses, the details and extent of which are only now becoming clear.

An increased C-Sec presence on trains, buses, and the few subways which run is part of this new anti-insurgent surge

At present, almost all of the seven thousand C-Sec troops have been assigned to businesses across the Greater Mont Coulon Area. As dozens of local establishments continue to come forward with proof of extortion, Mayor Sterling is reportedly seeking more soldiers and police from Congress.

[Great Humania]

In the capital of Tyria, Roan. Members of the Imperial Grand Assembly discuss on how to get more resources so that the nation can stockpile for any future apocalyptic scenario. One of the resources discussed on the matter is fuel mainly petroleum/oil. They have been buying foreign oil to keep in storage but feared that price will soar so they decided that they need to drill up their own oil for storage. So they ordered IMPET(Imperial Petroleum) to have 1/3 of their oil to keep in storage and find more resources to extract.

So the higher-ups in the state-owned company looked over possible locations that haven’t been touched or not interested by rivaling companies. They eventually discussed on Cape Posten, a region that's far up north that mostly barren except for some predatory animals and some settlements, they also publicly stated that they’re interested to buy a plot to land to check the area for precious resources.

[Sevevill]

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.

SG Aerospace Press Brifing

While we were prepared to run into some turmoil as we expand to this new nation construction will continue as normal shortly after C-Sec finishes their investigation. Our contractor has told us that the current superstructure is safe and that nothing was damaged in the attack. Although this little hurdle will push back the opening date it is nothing we here at SG Aerospace are willing to compromise for safety.

[Arcadian States and Commonwealths]

La Caras Altaguay.

Hugo Plas

Hugo had arrived within the newly acquired state yesterday evening and was to meet with Mr. Wood tonight. The midday sun was beating down on his table while he looked on over the pool. Yet another trip from the company to sell cars, and negotiate contracts. But Hugo always liked the go-go-go lifestyle that his line of work gave him. The country had improved remarkably since the Empire, now federation took over, and for once they have protection from the Sevevillian threat.

As the day dragged on he checked his watch and it was about time to head to the room to meet. An OSR support team had cleared the room and were on standby in case of a security breach. Hugo approached the room to find Wood looking out the balcony and Hugo spoke, "Hello Mr. Wood, long time no see."

[Sevevill]

Imperial News Corporation Broadcast Station, East Dunn City. Sevevill.
More Money, Hosted by Josh Darrenneck
Camera 1 pans to face Josh sitting at a computer, screens with visuals of Imperial stock prices fluctuating.
"Today the market in Sevevill news from Sevillian heavy duty manufacturer HULK. Announcing they would move some of their manufacturing and R&D departments to the Green Union."
He turns to the second camera
This could be a huge impact in the manufacturing and commercial viability capabilitys of the company HULK who produces heavy duty military trucks and parts for the Imperial armed forces supplying them with nearly 70% of the heavy duty trucks known as the HR-110, or as a 'Humvee', These vehicles are also normally sent with Imperial armed forces almost everywhere they go. They also produce their civilian counterparts the H-100, H-120 and H-130. These vehicles are widely regarded as some of the best off roading vehicles available.
The third camera pans on him as he gets up and walks over to a tv screen
"this sudden establishment of HULK International is not a questionable move by the company as they continue to establish civilian counterparts in countries that rely heavily on these types of vehicles as either dayly transportation, government use and..." He pauses for a second "I think most importantly for the purposes of private military organizations that continue to buy the company vehicles to transport their soldiers and their clients."
Graph of company trade prices show up behind him
"HLK as they trade on the Imperial Stock Market has been expanding their market share significantly has started to significantly increase this sudden boost in the market has started to make investers question what company is going to make the next move out of the Empire to GU."

[Sevevill]

Mark Wilson. SG Chief Pilot.
The 12 A-10A aircraft had traversed a long distance. Although the planes were brand new and fitted with fuel extension tanks for this long journey. He hoped SG would hurry and design better means of transport for these fighters but this would work fittingly. He lead the flight on a right banked turn into a circle over Mont Coulon. He dipped his wings first as he was the first plane cleared to land. The rest followed diligently behind. He unlike most of his counterparts at SG had started from a Civil Aviation background with degrees in business from multiple schools around Markion. The flying and training he did was more of a hobby in his mind, it helped he got paid to do it though. Today alone SG was conducting one of the largest aircraft deliveries cross a ocean the company had ever done with the delivery of around 32 aircraft today. 12 A-10A aircraft 10 SG-32's and 10 SG-80 aircraft. The transport aircraft would come later with more equipment for this new customers operations. He taxied up to where some offical looking people were waiting turned off the plane and disembarked.

The SG corporation up to this point had been working tirelessly to aid this nation in the establishment of its airforce operations in preparation for this new aircraft delivery. Training maintenance staff and flying some pilots out to Sevevill to train in advanced simulators at one of SG's Training centers. His job was to stay and make sure the pilots fully understood these planes and how they were to be operated. He walked over to one of the government looking officials and introduced himself.

"Hello, I am Mark Wilson, SG's Chief Pilot. We are here to help everyone get situated with these new aircraft."

[Sevevill]

Pvt. Fal Cote, C-Sec Security Forces near the UofH, Himmelsdorf, the Green Union:

The C-Sec soldier simply sat in a daze, mind numb. Lying in front was the still body of Jason Danials, his many wounds dressed and a half dozen IV needles sticking out of his body. The memories of how the two had gotten there were a blur. Passersby had appeared, tried to help, and Cote had had to stand between grieving parents and the bodies of their children.

Oh god, the children . . .

The wimpering, the convulsions, the blood turned to ice in the wounds. The terror on parents’ faces, and having to threaten them with a bayonet to keep them away. One hysterical mother she had had to stab, before the woman was dragged back into the crowd. What had become of her?

When help finally arrived most of the shot had died of hypothermia, their bodies frozen stiff in the positions they had fallen in as they were loaded onto stretchers. Several security soldiers had thrown up when they saw the scene, or simply sat down and cried. Cote was taken off the shift as soon as possible.

How that led to where they were now, in a room in what was once called the Himmelsdorf Emerald Hospital, was anyone’s guess. Now she just stared into space, her mind turned off.

Because every time her eyes closed she saw them again; Children crying, dying, and her to blame. A little girl, younger than the rest, tugging on her stiffening sister’s hand. “Aspen, Aspen get up. You need to take me to school, Aspen.”

Pvt. Jason Danials. C-sec Soldier

He woke up.
Where am I? He thought to himself dazed. Is today Tuesday or Thursday? and then the medicated daze wore off and the pain started creeping in slowly and as it did he worked up the energy to sit up from the hospital bed.
"what is this shit?' he said admiring the hose going into his arm before reaching to pull it out.

[The Green Union]

The Green Republic's national parliament has continued to roll back several imperial era legislations including the ban on communes. The regency has stated that a return to normalcy is the current goal for the new administration. In the wake of the recent protests police and local reserves have stepped up patrols to help prevent acts of violence, with the government still issuing permits for peaceful protests in public spaces.

To many, the slow rolling back of unpopular legislation is too little, too late. Those who lived in communes before the legislation will never truly be able to return, as their collective properties were seized and privatized months ago, along with many assets necessary to their way of life. A growing movement is now demanding reparations be paid to all victims of Arcadian mistreatment, and new elections be held.

Since the independence of Urlistan, the policies of the regency have touted the creation of a middle class, massive public works with road systems that have been built in the south and are currently being built in the north. Meanwhile, the public and healthcare systems have returned to full function although wait time for medications is taking longer than pre-war wait times.

The youth age cadet program known as the 'Republican Cadet Corps' has had record attendance. Meanwhile, radio messages and tv advertisements have been broadcasting the accomplishments of the new nation to the people. One key law under imperial Urlistan that brought the military into schools has been repealed with the full support to demilitarize the school systems.

The political wing of the PAR and emerging protest leaders have slowly begun to question the legitimacy of the so-called Green Republic. This regime, which was unilaterally declared seemingly overnight, has still refused to even acknowledge the recent protest demands, and is still composed of the same officials "elected" at the beginning of Arcadian occupation rule, who are widely believed to have been chosen beforehand by the Arcadian Empire.

Daily propaganda broadcasts have caused considerable anger amongst natives, as few if any believe the official story any more. With support for the Green Republic plumetting as soon as it was announced, many seriously doubt that serious numbers of citizens are enrolling their children in the Youth Cadet Corps. Some photos from Youth Cadet marches have begun circulating on social media, showing formations of uniformed teens, nearly all of whom appear to be ethnic Arcadian.

For the most part, however, things are still quiet. Almost all displeasure is being voiced over the internet, as per advice by the PAR political wing and protest leaders. These two groups of activists, who are also encouraging people to stockpile supplies and weapons, are increasingly looking to be equivalent.

[Phoenxia]

Kassau

Artur dialed a number on his desk phone which he hadn't dialed since Christmas to offer holiday wishes, the tone rang throughout the silent study until he heard a pickup, "Ah, hello Cousin Thomes."

“Good afternoon, Artur,” Thomes said, as he worked to recall his specific relation to Artur. “I hope you’re doing well, yes?”

"Oh, I'm doing just fine, just fine indeed. Now, I heard down the chain of gossip that you claim Wolfe's old throne, bless his soul?" Artur instinctively tapped his desk as he waited for response.

“Let us hope that God blesses his soul, but such gossip is correct. I have put forth my hand in the struggle for the Green Union.”

"Well, Dear Cousin, I am willing to support your struggle. You always were one of my favorite cousins. We essentially raised our children together. I owe you this much."

“That’s more than kind of you, Artur. I don’t know if you ever have owed me anything, but definitely, I would be in your debt with this support.”

"Ah, Thomes. I am in personal belief that there is no such thing as debt among family. God willing the embrace of fraternal love."

“God willing, then. Whenever you might want to talk more of this, I’m sure you know where you can find me.”

"I shall see you in Ekkesburg then. Maybe then we can also catch up. I'll be sure to bring the kids with me."

“It sounds like it’ll be a grand time, Artur. I’ll see you then.”

"See you then, Thomes. Goodbye," Artur hung up the phone, satisfied to hear the voice of one of his favorite cousins.

[The Green Union]

Regional Affairs Office (Temporary)

A small racket exited the cupboard as Alexandre shifted through the numerous mugs absentmindedly. The man looked like a sullen bear aroused to early from its winter slumber and the bags under his eyes didn't help to dissuade the idea.

Save for the clanking of coffee cups, the room was silent until he let out a satisfied grunt having found his own personal one that someone had pushed towards the back.

The "conversation" he had had with Ladato weighed heavily on his mind causing him to busy himself with work in an attempt to bury it away. Not that there was a choice in the matter, the Kingdom's insistence on barreling into the country head first meant he had to work overtime regardless just to keep ahead of it.

Shuffling over to the worn coffee pot that now emanated the sweet smell of his morning life blood, Alexandre only turned from his morning ritual when he heard the cupboard door close again behind him. Turning around his attention was caught by another man a little younger than himself who had slipped past him in his self absorbed focus.

Blinking the morning sleep from his eyes so he could focus better he realized the man was one of the many attaches currently working with his department and an old friend of his. While normally he would have been happy to see him, the fact that the man was RICIA and represented their interest here was not lost on him. None the less though he pressed through to small talk and pleasantries, he had tried to burn enough bridges already.

"Mornin, Amell what brings you in here so early?" He punctuated the sentence with the occasional noise of clearing his throat much to his own annoyance. Damn coffee needed to finish so he could get some liquid in his body finally.

Amell procured on of the unclaimed mugs before turning around and joining Alexandre over by the machine. "Morning Alex, I should be asking why are you still here. Pulling an all nighter eh?"

Alexandre gave a small chuckle in acknowledgement, possibly a forced one as he ran a hand over his face in an attempt to prush the weariness away. "Yeah just trying to finish up some of these products before tomorrow's synch meeting. Lotta shit still needs done ya know."

Amell nodded in agreement. "Heard what happened the other day, you two able to hug it out yet." The statement caused Alexandre to inwardly grumble about the RICIA putting their damn noses everywhere they shouldn't be.

"It wasn't my best moment if that's what you are asking."

The coffee had finally stopped drizzling down into its bought causing both men to have a sigh of relief, finally some to wake them both up. Alexandre having grabbed the pot, proceeded to pour both of them a cup while he spoke to Amell.

"So what does bring you here so early? Figured you boys would be to busy with your own thing right now."

"Nah, department head is of the mind that you guys should take the lead on this one...." He paused take a small sip of the hot liquid. "...mm damn that's good, this local stuff?"

Alexandre shrugged as he took a gulp of his own, less concerned about the heat then Amell. "Its some fancy french shit one of the intel guys brought in it's alright but not my go to."

"Well anyways, we are trying not to put our own foot up our ass on this one like in Valencia. The whole speak soft and big stick shit instead of the other way around." Amell started to head out of the room as he kept talking effectively bringing the conversation an end much to Alexandre's joy, conversations before coffee was not his forte. "Plus I hear that place is cold as fuck, ain't no way I'm going there any sooner then I have too."

Alexandre watched the man go and made no effort to keep the idle chit chat going. Amell still hadn't said why he, or the a RICIA for that matter, was here so early and that gave him much to think on.

"God dammit, it's to early for this shit." He mumbled to no one but himself.

Upper Calendôr International Airport, Himmelsdorf, Green Union

Soaring gracefully through the the frozen skies of the GU, the Rhamosian charter flight was making its final approach into the aiprot. TropiCo Airways was a common airline used for government officials in their travels to exotic lands and this one was no different. This particular one was carrying the Rhamosian diplomatic mission to the CGU so they could finally make their initial overtures toward the government and hopefully establish grounds for future cooperation between the two.

On board, Anaïs watched intently out the window as the frozen wonderland raced by below her in all its magical glory. Having been born and raised in islands of southern Aels, she had never had to chance to see snow in person before and the idea of there being so much of it until now was beyond her. But here now, a whole countries worth of snow laid out before her eyes and stretched for to the horizon and it frankly took her breath away.

The sheen of light as it danced of the drifts in the setting sun, the contrasting colors of the sky in its purples and oranges set against as a back drop. All of it was truly magical, and she would have enjoyed it more had she not been getting over a case of the cold. She had been to over eager and ambitious for her first assignment and attempted to acclimate herself to the cold in her studio apartment by turning the temperature as low as she could for a week. Needless to say the idea had not gone over well for her.

Ahead of her sat the hopeful future Ambassador to the CGU and her boss Charles Hagan, a man several decades her senior. He hadn't bothered even looking outside once as he had compared notes and discussed with several advisors on the cultural aspects of the GU and what to expect while he was there.

The nature of the CGU and its recent history with monarchies had made the Rhamosian government hesitant to send anyone of noble decent and had assumed it to be wiser to choose a man of common birth. Charles had fit the bill perfectly and in Anaïs opinion, was more qualified than some pompous royal whose only qualification was their last name. He was after all a vetted diplomat and the fact that he was almost over looked for the position due to his social status only made her scoff at the upper class, pricks everyone of them.

She was pulled from her thoughts as her view of the winter wonderland disappeared rapidly altogether behind a wall of man made landscape and buildings. These to she marveled at with just as much intensity as the country side, seeing an entire city so different for the ones back home and dressed in the trappings of winter was truly sight to behold.

As the plane finally touched down and taxied to its final resting spot, she dutifully retrieved her carry-on and made sure to button herself up tight lest she wanted to get sick again. Making her way down the aisle she passed a colorful troupe of individual in various forms of uniform and casual attire. These were of course various repesentives of the agencies and departments who wished to use this opportunity to establish their own relationships with the CGU and to offer the expertise and counseling to the Ambassador.

She paid them no mind though as she made her way to the line at the exit and braced herself for being able to see the snow up close. Her excitement was indescribable and she could barely contain her smile as she eagerly awaited her turn to descend the steps. Finay her turn had come and with one big step, she left the cover of the cabin and almost immediately was struck and shocked by the nature of the freezing temperature of the outside world.

Like child finding out Santa wasn't real, she suddenly didn't find the snow so pretty anymore.

Himmelsdorf was a city on edge. Despite being cut off from the mass violence in the north, little bits of war have still managed to find their way into the capital city. It was in the small things: Pedestrians and motor traffic were few and far between. Constables now carried sidearms with them out on the streets. Politicians no longer took the train to work. Despite the lights of brand new corporate billboards and feverish pace of skyscraper building for many a future company headquarters, it was clear that something was wrong. As the parade of black cars slid through the icy streets, they came to pass a small makeshift monument on a street corner; plastic flowers arrayed before the smiling photos of several police officers. The party’s local escorts averted their eyes, memories still fresh from that night.

But soon enough they came to Congress, a trio of towering glass structures which dwarfed the low Victorian buildings which surrounded it. Ambassador Hagan had found himself in a car with a bubbly young C-Sec officer, who delighted not only in referring to the stoic man as ambassador but also in pointing out all the intricacies of their surroundings.

“Put up in three months, if you can believe it. This used to be a slum.”

They pulled into the building’s refurbished underground parking, seeing clearly now that it used to be some kind of affordable housing block. Everything about this now felt corporatized, from the streamlined furnishings of the lobby to the hardwood paneled elevator to the fact that with every floor they went up, the higher they climbed in the government hierarchy.

And they were headed for the very top.

[The Green Union]

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.

In the capital of Tyria, Roan. Members of the Imperial Grand Assembly discuss on how to get more resources so that the nation can stockpile for any future apocalyptic scenario. One of the resources discussed on the matter is fuel mainly petroleum/oil. They have been buying foreign oil to keep in storage but feared that price will soar so they decided that they need to drill up their own oil for storage. So they ordered IMPET(Imperial Petroleum) to have 1/3 of their oil to keep in storage and find more resources to extract.

So the higher-ups in the state-owned company looked over possible locations that haven’t been touched or not interested by rivaling companies. They eventually discussed on Cape Posten, a region that's far up north that mostly barren except for some predatory animals and some settlements, they also publicly stated that they’re interested to buy a plot to land to check the area for precious resources.

Vilhalan energy company Silverstone™ today announced the finalization of two land deals which will sell off large portions of their Green Union holdings to two foreign firms. Silverstone™ up until this point was the single largest land owner in the Congressional Green Union, having purchased the mining and drilling rights to roughly 1/3 of all land in the country back in July. But despite projections of large oil and natural gas deposits on this land, the company’s early exploratory drilling efforts have been unsuccessful. In some instances, the drilling was performed and little or nothing turned up. In others, the onset of winter destroyed equipment and forced expeditions to be abandoned.

Silverstone™ says this deal will sell off almost all their far north property to two main companies. Imperial Petroleum out of Tyria will be acquiring the entirety of Posten Island and neighbouring plots, including a small Silverstone™ outpost in Cape Posten which had to be abandoned some months ago due to bad weather. The second deal goes to the Rhamosian Moraine-Adiyata Group, acquiring eastern land from northern Fyrland all the way to Cold Bay. Hopefully, these new owners will have more luck during the drilling season.

[Phoenxia]

Ekkesburg

A slight breeze with a tingling chill blew across the estate as the car transporting the Phoenixian royal family (or at least a good part of it) came to a stop. Artur first stepped out to greet an awaiting Thomes, "Marvelous to see you again."

Thomes put forth his hand for a shake as he responded, “And it is good to see you as well, Artur, but shall we first ensure that you and the others are settled before we proceed onto other things?”

Artur firmly met the handshake. "Absolutely. Come inside, ladies. Please," He began walking alongside his cousin inside as he waved his family along.

While the group walked, Thomes smiled and nodded towards the two princesses, and gave a hello to Avosha as well. “It’s not quite a royal palace, but I hope that you’ll all find your arrangements adequate. Three rooms on the second floor are reserved. I’ll lead you to them.”

"Oh, Thomes. The estate is looking lovelier than ever, dear," Avosha looked around in awe as they neared the door.

“That’s very kind of you, Avosha. You know the history of the estate? The original building is some four hundred years old, but the estate has been in the family a bit longer than that.” In addition to that, Thomes listed off a few more facts in the time before they reached the second floor.

"Cousin, where is everyone? I'm eager to catch up." Etschelena cluelessly glanced around.

“Ah, well,” the Duke took a minute to think, “Annette would be off in Ekkesburg city at the moment, for reasons you’ll learn soon enough. But Anders, Lorens, Inga, and Hedi will be arriving in the next hour or so. They’re coming in for the weekend.”

"Well, you all can get settled. Me and Thomes have a little bit of business to attend to," Artur said and began down the hallway.

Thomes followed Artur down the hallway, and the two found themselves in an office sort of room, where Thomes sat down. “I’d ask about your trip and the family and all. Though, I imagine you may want to get right down to business?”

"Absolutely. We can talk about family when everyone else gets here," Artur settled into a chair and rested his hands upon his lap.

“Then, I suppose we’ll save the refreshments for then as well.” Thomes grabbed a pen and messed around with it, briefly pausing his train of thought. “Is there anyway in which you have envisioned our dealings? Anything that you would definitely like to do or definitely not like to do in regards to the GU and me?”

"Well, I would like to send a company of fine battle hardened Royal Marine Guards. They are currently off rotation, and putting them on contract to get them in isn't exactly hard. Financial aid as well will come your way."

“Quite a bold move, that, but perhaps that’s what we need. I’m sure you know the story up to this point, and how the Fyrlanders haven’t made any large moves yet, save for that one instance with the police.”

"Well, maybe we can help empower them," Artur quaintly smiled.

Thomes reciprocated the smile and quipped, “It could be the Emerstarian in them. I don’t know if you’ve ever read Erik VIII and his politics, but we may need that Phoenixian touch. I’ve been in contact with various individuals of importance as of late, so we could begin to plan something.”

Artur slightly chuckled, "Skål."

“Skål!” Thomes exclaimed as he set his pen aside and turned in his chair. “I don’t think, though, that we ought to discuss the serious details around your Marine Guards company without my team around and without maps and all that. Do you think the others are settled in yet?”

"I mean, yes. We should wait for more qualified professionals than ourselves to organize," Artur grinned. "I would suppose the ladies are indeed settled in by now, though. Also, did I mention that my Etschelena is courting with an Ekkesburger?"

“Is she? Well, don’t tell anyone else I said this, but Ekkesburg has the best men in all of Emerstari. I’m sure she’s found a good lad. Is he the son of someone I might know?”

"I'm sure you may have met him, he is quite the athlete. Ulrik Mikaelssen?"

“I believe I have met him once or twice. I almost expected an earl or a baron’s son, though. How did she meet Mikaelssen?”

"The MACA wrestling championships at Jans Küftner stadium in Kassau. I met him at one of Artur Deitrik's parties. Quite a charming lad."

“I would think he is. My youngest, Heda, is about five years married, so such days are just out of sight for me.” Thomes began towards the room’s entrance into the hallway.

"Oh, God bless. It's not worth all the tears and heartbreak."

“I imagine it might be most fitting that you go to check on Avosha and the children. I’ll go check on the kitchen if that’s alright?”

"Perfect."

By the time they had all come back together again, they were sat around the dining room table waiting for the food to arrive. Thomes sat at one of the heads of the table, with Annette and his children—and some of their spouses—to either of his sides. Meanwhile, the Mausen family sat on the other side in similar arrangement.

Thomes started off the table’s conversation, asking, “Is everything all satisfactory for you guys, Avosha, Etschelena, and Greta?”

Greta spoke aloud for the first time since they had arrived, "It's wonderful, Thomes. Thank you for allowing us to stay."

“That’s good to hear, Greta. If you or Etschelena would like, in the coming days you two could go and see the horses, the dogs, or the farm. I could also arrange for you to get off the estate as well if that’s more preferable.”

"I've never been out to the city of Ekkesburg, I think that would be quite nice, would it not, Etsch?" Greta began preparing to eat.

"That would be delightful. You know, Thomes, my boyfriend was raised in the city of Ekkesburg?" Etschelena took a sip from her glass of water.

“I was actually just made aware of that a short time ago. I’m sure that we could arrange for him to come to the estate sometime if you’d like.”

"I'm afraid he is all the way up in Bergland, sadly enough," she turned her attention to Heda, "It's been such a long time has it not, Heda?"

Thomes had opened his mouth to make some comment on Berglandish history, but closed it as the attention turned away from him. He looked over towards the kitchen as Heda answered, “It certainly has been quite awhile.”

Inga, Thomes’s other daughter, joined in on the conversation, “If I recall correctly, the last time we were together was for the birth of Jakob Þéodor.”

"That feels like an eternity ago," Avosha giggled. "Speaking of children, have you heard that Friedek and Ingrid had a daughter?"

Thomes’s younger son Lorens spoke up, “I came through Koborg on the way here, and Uncle Harolf was just telling me about that.”

"Her name is Inge. Such a beautiful little girl she is," Avosha smiled.

A server or two began to pass out the first course of the dinner, a soup consisting of mutton with a variety of vegetables. “The dinner has begun. Ought I say the prayer or would someone else like the honors?”

"It's only fitting that the man if the house lead in prayer," Artur said as the Mausen family began joining hands.

Thomes started to say the prayer after that, “O Gracious God, we have sinned against Thee and are unworthy of Thy mercy, but we thank Thee, for Thou open Thy hand and satisfy our hunger. Pardon our sins, Lord, and bless these mercies, and help us to eat and drink to Thy glory, for Christ's sake. Amen.”

All around the table lifted their heads, and replied in unison, "Amen."

Artur raised his glass after the prayer, "I would like to make a toast to my amazing cousin, who will surely be king of the Green Union by all measures, Skål!"

As each said his skål, Thomes smiled at the toast, “You’re far too kind with that toast, Artur.”

"Well, let us eat. I'm famished," Artur chuckled as he stuck his spoon into soup.

Thomes, likewise, put his attention on the food and ate, making light conversion until the second course made its arrival.

Annette spoke up, "Oh, Girls. I almost forgot to ask about school. How is that all going? Etschelena, I heard of Ilanov's performance at prep nationals, you must be feeling great, yes?"

"It was great, really. I'm just excited to graduate. I've been planning on going to Bergland." Etsch smiled and wiped her mouth.

"Well, that'll be quite the adventure. The scenery is beautiful up there."

“You know, Etschelena, they say the Frormundungs have ruled Bergland since at least the birth of Christ,” Thomes said, taking the opportunity to talk about Berglandish history. “I can get you in contact with the Duke if you wish.”

"That's very thoughtful of you, Thomes. Thank you."

Greta took her opportunity to speak of school herself, "I'm almost finished with my freshman year, high school is a lot of fun."

“Is it a public high school that you go to?” Thomes asked.

"No, sir. The Mausens have gone to Ilanov Prep for as long as time can tell," Greta smiled.

Thomes nodded as he responded, “I didn’t think so, but I had forgotten. You know, there are the occasional differences between Emerstari and Phoenixia.”

"Indeed there are," she resumed eating.

As everyone finished their dinners, Thomes stood up and pushed in his chair. “Shall we go out and do something, or would you guys prefer to retire after that meal?”

"Well, I'm one for a few hands of euchre, anyone?" Artur cleaned up his space.

The Duke sat back down, “Then let us play.”

(Made in large association with Emerstari)

[Phoenxia]

Repression of Fyrlanders

-snip-

MU General Assembly, Avibéliard

Eilina gathered her proposal into a nice, neat stack as the assembly was called into session for the morning. As everyone prepared themselves, she sighed. Did she really believe that Thomes was rightful King of the Green Union? No, but the monarchists had told her to say so.

The Speaker began, "Today, we begin with a proposal on the matter of Fyrland from Missus Eilina Krakov, Representative of Phoenixia."

She opened to the first page of her proposal, and pushed on a pair of readers, "The National Republic of Phoenixia hereby recognizes the sole sovereignty of the Kingdom of Fyrland, my government has also named Thomes Adulf Lorenssen-Eirikir as the recognized King of Fyrland and debatedly the Green Union. It has become clear and present that the Fyrlanders are an inherently different National Identity, and the CGU has no rightful claim to Fyrland, as they have only held on with tactics of repression and violence." When she finished the statement, she sulked back in her chair awaiting laughter.

[Arcadian States and Commonwealths]

[align=center]Schuttler-Lay Army Air Corps Joint Base, Green Republic
WO2. Steffen Heydrich, 171st Fighter Reconnaissance Squadron, UFAF Air Force

Steffen was moved to the main Arcadian base in the Green Republic, just two hours away from Warmbay. The Warmbay air station is now completely run by local military forces, with joint units now being assigned to this base. Local security forces and military forces were taking over the policing duties, and now the Arcadian forces were here just for the event of insurrection or invasion. The rumor mill is that the 222nd Airborne was coming here as a duty assignment with Phonexia closing down after the recent massacre. The formation of the green republic has seen the end of Arcadian military involvement in the region. This meant that the local government would soon have to vote on whether to keep Arcadian forces in the country and accept the 222nd or for the AAF to pull out when their rotations end leaving only the joint forces units as the one Steffen found himself in.

[The Green Union]

La Caras Altaguay.

Hugo Plas

Hugo had arrived within the newly acquired state yesterday evening and was to meet with Mr. Wood tonight. The midday sun was beating down on his table while he looked on over the pool. Yet another trip from the company to sell cars, and negotiate contracts. But Hugo always liked the go-go-go lifestyle that his line of work gave him. The country had improved remarkably since the Empire, now federation took over, and for once they have protection from the Sevevillian threat.

As the day dragged on he checked his watch and it was about time to head to the room to meet. An OSR support team had cleared the room and were on standby in case of a security breach. Hugo approached the room to find Wood looking out the balcony and Hugo spoke, "Hello Mr. Wood, long time no see."

Robert Wood, Las Caras, Altaguay:

Mr. Wood breathed in the warm tropical air, enjoying the feel of this tropical air. This was the sort of comfort he had grown accustomed to over a long career in the Vilhalan business world, and which had been notably lacking in this unpleasant stint as a politician. Still, there were opportunities available to a politician that even the most powerful businessman couldn't grasp. He smiled at that thought, considering how mere weeks ago the president of Altaguay had signed his nation's existence away to the Arcadians. What a smart man.

Did the Altaguayan people like it? Probably not, but it had still taken mere hours for the Altaguayan army and their Kamooko Pact backers to be swept aside as the Arcadians seized control. Even the Sevevillians, usually so bellicose, had melted into the background almost as soon as Arcadian boots set down.

The knock at his door came as no surprise, and nor was it shocking when his guests let themselves in a moment later. These Federationists really do have an in everywhere.

"Hello Mr. Wood, long time no see."

“Hello agent.” Wood didn’t turn, gesturing Hugo to come lean over the rail with him. “I’m still not sure why we couldn’t conduct this meeting by the pool. I have to catch all the rays I can before going back to that fucking ice town.”

Pvt. Jason Danials. C-sec Soldier

He woke up.
Where am I? He thought to himself dazed. Is today Tuesday or Thursday? and then the medicated daze wore off and the pain started creeping in slowly and as it did he worked up the energy to sit up from the hospital bed.
"what is this shit?' he said admiring the hose going into his arm before reaching to pull it out.

Pvt. Fal Cote, Himmelsdorf "Emerald" Hospital, Himmelsdorf, the Green Union:

Fal was shaken from her daze by the sound of her partner moving, immediately leaping forward to stop him removing the IV tube.

"No, no, it's okay Daniel." She gasped out, not realizing how tears had snuck into her eyes. "You're safe."

Her hands smoothed over his, trembling slightly. Even after months of serving alongside one another, they had never touched like this. His hands were strong, calloused like a fearless soldier ought to be. And yet to see him like this . . .

"I'm so sorry."

MU General Assembly, Avibéliard

Eilina gathered her proposal into a nice, neat stack as the assembly was called into session for the morning. As everyone prepared themselves, she sighed. Did she really believe that Thomes was rightful King of the Green Union? No, but the monarchists had told her to say so.

The Speaker began, "Today, we begin with a proposal on the matter of Fyrland from Missus Eilina Krakov, Representative of Phoenixia."

She opened to the first page of her proposal, and pushed on a pair of readers, "The National Republic of Phoenixia hereby recognizes the sole sovereignty of the Kingdom of Fyrland, my government has also named Thomes Adulf Lorenssen-Eirikir as the recognized King of Fyrland and debatedly the Green Union. It has become clear and present that the Fyrlanders are an inherently different National Identity, and the CGU has no rightful claim to Fyrland, as they have only held on with tactics of repression and violence." When she finished the statement, she sulked back in her chair awaiting laughter.

There were indeed quite a few snickers from the MU body, but two representatives at least were not in a joking mood. Congressional Green Union representative Alina Smith and Kamooko Pact representative Delvin Solymós, both white Green Union citizens in their own right, stared burning holes in the back of Representative Krakov's neck.

Smith would get her chance to respond first, and pulled no punches. "The government of the Green Union finds it ironic," she opened, "that the Phoenixian delegate would comment unfavourably on the police actions in Fyrland while her own notably irrelevant little nation is involved in a brutal decades-long war of ethnic cleansing in Xekniya. The people of Fyrland have been a valued part of the Green Union for over a century, and nothing is about to change that."

Solymós was no less firey. "The true government of the Green Union finds it deeply insulting that Phoenixia would name a man who has never set foot in Fyrland to be its king. While thousands back home and in exile abroad struggle for freedom, what has the good Duke done to support our cause? The people of the Green Union have more self respect than to take a claim like this seriously. So until the Phoenixians withdraw this insult, the Kamooko Pact might just recognize Duke Lorenssen as the emperor of Phoenixia!”

This last comment really did set the assembly into laughter, with guffaws and jeers hurled at poor Representative Krakov. Who did the Phoenixians think they were?

[Phoenxia]

~snip~

MU Assembly

Eilina, whilst sitting down spoke into her mic after the presiding officer called for order, "I don't understand why you would be talking about Žeknija whilst you fight a war in the arctic, the throne of the Green Union is a very personal issue for Artur Friedek. He knows very personally anyone in relation to said throne, and the statements I have read today are directly from his desk." She scoffed and sat back in her chair, by all means did she deserve a vacation after this; the October Islands were supposed to be nice this time of year.

Vietian Palace, Kasaau

Artur had a desk full of papers, and was working in maximum overdrive, but a break came for him in the form of his eldest teenage daughter in the doorway. "What is it, sweetie?"

"Can I go to Ekkesburg to see Ulrik for spring break?" She moved closer to his desk and put a hand on it, puppy-eyeing him.

"We were just in Ekkesburg, Etschelena. Why didn't you see him then?" Now, he moved his papers to the side to pay more attention to his daughter.

"Because he was all the way up at college in Bergland," Etsch put on the most conceivable frown she could without overdramatizing it.

"You put yourself in this situation when you signed up to date a man from Emerstari. If you really want to see him, tell him to come here, but you have to organize it all because I'm busy helping Thomes get on the throne of the Green Union."

[Sevevill]

-snip-

Pvt. Jason Danials. C-sec Soldier

He looked up still somewhat in a daze. Still not entirely sure where he was or what was going on. After slightly ignoring Fal he looked around the room he was sitting in. It was bleek to say the least, it was almost as if he had died and woken up in a dream. The building itself looked modern as he looked out of the window to see that the sun was setting on the horizon.

Looking back he could not remember much of what had happened the night before. The last vivid memory he had was of Fal and himself approaching a group of kids who were at the side of a alleyway. After that the last memory he had was of gunshots that he heard before slipping out of consciousness.

"what happend. Why am I here?" He asked Fal looking up at her.

[The Green Union]

SG Aerospace Press Brifing

While we were prepared to run into some turmoil as we expand to this new nation construction will continue as normal shortly after C-Sec finishes their investigation. Our contractor has told us that the current superstructure is safe and that nothing was damaged in the attack. Although this little hurdle will push back the opening date it is nothing we here at SG Aerospace are willing to compromise for safety.

ARCC media has gone online to claim responsibility for yesterday's drone attack against SG Aerospace's future company HQ, but has said that their motivation was not political or in any way related to SG's sale of arms to the Congress of the Green Union. 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.

[Sevevill]

SG Aerospace Press Brifing

While we were prepared to run into some turmoil as we expand to this new nation construction will continue as normal shortly after C-Sec finishes their investigation. Our contractor has told us that the current superstructure is safe and that nothing was damaged in the attack. Although this little hurdle will push back the opening date it is nothing we here at SG Aerospace are willing to compromise for safety.

ARCC media has gone online to claim responsibility for yesterday's drone attack against SG Aerospace's future company HQ, but has said that their motivation was not political or in any way related to SG's sale of arms to the Congress of the Green Union. 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 SG corporation has today come out with a statement regarding SG Aerospaces business in the GU. SG Aerospace has announced that they will be cancelling their contract with the Redwing Security firm and putting their own SG Security Devision in charge of the GU operations. They have also said that if the ARCC will not be receiving any protection money from the SG Corporation or their contractors. SG has reached out to the other businesses in Mont Coulon offering them free support from the SG Security Devision if these so called thugs try to extort them again.

We as a company see a great future for ourselves in the Green Union and are hoping to make a lasting impression on the communities were are involved while making the Green Union a better place. - SG Corporation CEO Robert Skaul

[The Green Union]

Former Cpl. Jacques Balladur, Mont Coulon Downtown:

Jacques stared through a tear in the blue tarp covering the window of the seventh floor apartment, counting the gusts of wind that sent snowflakes swirling around the room despite his companion's best attempts to insulate. It wasn't a particularly nice room, either, despite previously being a living room. The rubbish and broken glass had mostly been swept aside, but the springs were still coming through the chesterfield and the once red paint was now peeling after months of rain and snow. The former LAF soldier himself sat on a small stool with only two and a half legs. He stooped forward at an odd angle to keep the broken leg balanced on top of a stack of books. They had been so badly storm damaged when he'd found them that Jacques had figured they weren't good for much else.

Pulling his scarf up farther on his face and balling his hands in his mitts, Jacques once again wished that he still had his LAF winter kit. As it was he had been forced to ditch the distinctive clothing to avoid capture several weeks ago, and now he was making do with civilian ski gear pilfered from a sporting goods store. In most countries such wear would be fine, but the thermometer Jacques carried had just hit -35^oC, and he was starting to feel it.

On the street far below a Congressional Security patrol escorted an old government AAV-N armoured vehicle, a sight that went by just about every day now to "keep the peace" in Mont Coulon. The AAV wasn't the only familiar part of this patrol. The weapons, equipment, and demeanour of the C-Sec soldiers was so much like that of the former LAF that for a moment a twang of loss went through Jacques' body. He shuddered, wiping away a tear before it could freeze solid.

The former corporal had a rifle clutched in his hands, an accurized FAL-V courtesy of his companion, but he was not tempted to open fire. He knew the security forces would not enter the building if he didn't goad them; it was too dangerous, not only due to ARCC rebels like Jacques, but also from the scavengers and smugglers who used the high-rises to hide from aerial surveillance. Just sitting for a few hours one could hear dozens of distant gunshots, the sound of someone taking a wrong step in the new shadowy underworld of Mont Coulon's high rises, subway, and sewers.

There was a knock at the door, startling Jacques out of his pity party. Behind him was suddenly a woman dressed similarly to him thick winter attire, her entire face covered by a balaclava and ski goggles. But the single lock of sharply golden hair that snaked out of her trapper hat gave her away. It was, of course, his companion: Alex McTavish, former sergeant in the LAF and once Jacques' commanding officer. If there was one silver lining to the destruction of the country and the country and the uprooting of his society it was that Jacques had gotten to spend most of it with Alex.

The woman walked into the room, dropping down heavily on the chesterfield. She pulled down the balaclava to speak, wincing at the cold. "So, you're up early." she remarked.

It was a joke, of course. Jacques had been up and on watch in this spot for the last five hours. Before that it had been Alex sitting here with the rifle, which meant that they were both operating of, at max, five hours of sleep. It was the most they'd had all week.

"I think I've figured out where we need to go," Jacques said while gesturing with a mitten to their only means of navigation, a small map on the back of a tourism brochure, "but it's a ways to go. We'll need to head through the underground for a ways, and that won't be safe."

"None of this has been safe, Jacques. But if what you say is true . . ."

"We'll find her there." Jacques stated adamantly, "I'm sure of it."

"Well then," she said, "we've spent long enough hunkered down here. Let's go find a friend."

Former Sgt. Alexandra McTavish, Mont Coulon Downtown:

Getting here hadn't been as easy as it had looked on the tourism map.

The two ARCC rebels had walked on rickety planks bridging apartment buildings, crawled through crumbling holes between basements, and dug into frozen sewer systems under manholes. When they couldn't stay under cover they'd had to wait, sometimes for days, for a moment clear from the C-Sec patrols and UAVs just to make a dash of a couple hundred metres to the hidden terrors of the next apartment block.

Sometimes they had come across bandits, other times it was scattered pockets of survivors or rebel fighters. In the gloom and dark everyone looked the same, and for the most part they acted the same as well. Those who took kindly to strangers here had long since met their fates.

Even the green armband Alex and Jacques wore was no longer a sure sign of goodwill, as increasing numbers of wannabes, vigilantes, and bandits had found they could use it to gain the mainstream acceptance enjoyed by employees of Mont Coulon’s shadow government. The brutality, dishonour, and/or incompetence of such pretenders had only succeeded in giving all rebels in the city a bad name, and ARCC command had issued explicit orders to the foot soldiers not to tolerate copycats no matter what their excuse. When Alex and Jacques had come across a group of destitute teenagers, dressed as rebels and exacting retribution on C-Sec convoys, they had carried out these orders.

No, getting here hadn't been easy, but here they were.

The concrete apartment complex seemed identical to hundreds of others in the city. Snow swirled through its cramped, frozen hallways with beams of light through shattered windows only barely piercing the gloom. Floor by floor they went, finding mostly halls of undisturbed snowdrifts. The snow, though a nuisance, was always a sign of safety. In its unsullied state such drifts were proof that humans had not walked these halls in at least a couple days, allowing Jacques and Alex to move through without concern for what may be lurking in the shadows.

Once or twice they came across snow which had been tended, shoveled aside to make walking easier. On occasion there was even the distant sound of children laughing or the smell of food cooking. These spots the two rebels avoided like a deadly virus.

It was by this cautious creep that Alex and Jacques arrived at a door. The snow in front of it had barely been disturbed, and the rest of the hall showed no signs of life. Still, they were certain this was the place.

“8-045,” Jacques confirmed in a low breath, “which is the right address.”

Alex bit her lip under tthe ski mask, a tendril of doubt now curling its way through her chest. “This door hasn’t been opened in days. What if she’s not here? What if we’re too late? What if . . .”

“A bit late for that now.” Jacques said, moving his hand to the wood.


Former Lt. Nabila Al-Rashid, Mont Coulon Downtown:

The food was running out (but then, it had always been running out). The generator had finally stopped (but then, it had already been working on fumes). Even the alcohol was just about drained (as if it hadn’t been for months). So all-in-all Nabila was doing pretty well.

She knew they had to preserve wood, but the cold had finally become intolerable for Nabila and though they weren’t saying anything she knew her fellow occupants were probably feeling the same. Nabila plucked an old match from the matchbox with her left hand, trying awkwardly to not drop it with her right. Uttering a silent prayer (they were almost out of matches), she struck it, and was relieved when the familiar red glow flickered at the stick’s tip.

That was when there was a knock at the door.

Nabila hurriedly blew out the tiny flame and reached as quietly as possible for the other tool which was never far away, wrapping her right hand around the icy cold cloth-wrapped wood stock of their FA 1901. Doing her best to keep breathing steady, the former LAF soldier slipped out of the pile of blankets she had been in and began creeping across the floor, being certain to avoid the creaking boards as she want. Nabila fumbled under her coat, bringing out a small three-round clip of ammunition before feeding it into the antique rifle.

There was another knock.

Nabila’s heart was racing so fast she was sure whoever was outside would hear it. Going even faster, though, was her mind. Who was this? What did they want? She dreaded the thought of another run-in with rebel ‘tax collectors’.

Nabila took another small step before freezing, her eyes suddenly drawn sideways to the door of her apartment’s small bedroom. Without her noticing it, an imposing white shape had appeared in her periphery. The woman’s dark eyes found themselves staring into the entrance of her apartment’s small bedroom, fixing on those of her furry companion.

“Aja, no!” She hissed. “Go back to Allan.”

Aja the husky stood in the doorway, haunches raised as he came to investigate the sound which offended his sleep. For a moment he observed Nabila, seemingly weighing her request. But then another round of more aggressive hammering came at the door, and the big dog shot a final almost mournful look back into the bedroom before stalking out to take up his position next to her.

Nabila grumbled out some final protests, but ultimately knew it was futile. She sank into a crouch beside Aja, running her right hand through the dog’s mane as she leveled the rifle towards their door with her left. Aja, bless his bravery, bared his fangs and tried to get in front of her.

“Okay, boy. We’ll take them together.”

They stayed like that for what felt like an eternity, two more rounds of more rapid knocks cooming. Nabila began to wonder why they weren’t saying anything. Could it be some sort of trick? Were these people trying not to alert others in the building? But then why would they be coming for her of all people? She almost gave into a temptation to stand up and creep forward to check, but a low nervous growl from Aja locked her in place. And so she breathed on her hands, warming up her one trigger finger . . . until a muffled voice from their visitors floated in.

“Nab? Are you okay? Jacques and I ca-”

Alex hadn’t even finished her thought before Nabila threw the door open, tossing the gun aside as she threw her arms around her old friend. The other woman leapt in surprise, but only for a second before returning the embrace. The two sank to the ground, laughs turning to sobs of relief in one another’s arms. Jacques even had to leap in and wipe the messy tears from Nabila’s face before they froze solid; She wasn’t alone any more.