The Restoration War (IC, 1988)

[Camelone]

OOC
April, 1988
Social Commonwealth of Camelone, Cullyburgh
The port was busy with ships going in and out as the capital of the Social Commonwealth of Camelone buzzed with activity. Unlike many parts of the war torn country Cullyburgh had a sense of peace to it as the fighting had not reached the fair city but the feeling of dread was still present as all knew that to step out of line or to draw the attention of the Committee for the Safeguarding of the Revolution would be a nightmare. Symbols of the Revolution dominated all public spaces with the Commonwealth flag proudly displayed and ideologically inspired statues replacing the historic and religious statues that had once dominated the Cullyburgh cityscape. The once breathtaking Cathedral of St. Cataldus that had once dominated the skyline with its stunning stain glass windows and sculptures was a burned out husk that was now being used as a military depot for the Sentinels of the Revolution.

In the center of the city was located the Executive Manor where the three EC's were in a fierce debate about what to do next as the war seemed to have entered into a form of a stalemate. After a long debate the EC's disbanded and retired to their respective offices, the only one who did not seem upbeat in any sort of way was Executive Counselor Danial Emmet as he knew he was going to lose once more and there was nothing he could do to halt this continual descent into madness. How could the other two be so blind as to not see the hole that they are digging or the great suffering that they begun and now perpetuate? It was something he could not think of but he had to shake himself out of it as he had an additional meeting to attend to.

Crossing the threshold of his office EC Danial Emmet let out a sigh and muttered something without thinking in Camelonean Gaelic before he realized what he had done. His head snapping up and eyes wide with his only hope being that he said it to softly for anyone to have picked up on what language he had spoke. Taking a shaky breath he sat down at his desk and smoothed out his uniform in a nervous tick as the twitchy and thin looking Executive Counselor began looking over documents.

Royal and Catholic Army of Camelone, Cnoc na Teamhrach
Deep underground King Ludwig Krieger knelt before the dead High King's of Camelone contemplating his position in life and the burden that fell upon him to restore something that was barely an ember in the great fire of civilization. It seemed to be an impossible task but the Lord Himself had called Ludwig out of his exile in a foreign land and now he knew his purpose, he was to be the savior of the Last Bastion and another entry in the Book of Heroes. The power that he felt surrounding him was the blessing of the dead, he knew it for a fact that the old high kings watched from Heaven and that they were lending him their strength for this great endeavor. The land of Camelone teemed with life and wonder but here in the Tomb of the High Kings he could have sworn he felt the land itself cry out in pain and he knew victory had to be achieved.

Crossing himself the king rose up and grabbed his sword he had laid across the sarcophagus and kissed the blade before returning it to his scabbard. Resting a hand on where the last High King of Camelone was entombed, High King Gerulf, he whispered a vow that reverberated throughout the tomb.

"Judgement will find the traitors." With that he turned and left the tomb and returned to his men. Through the dripping darkness righteous fury shall emerge and be unleashed.

Knights of St. Michael, Bardifell
Monks in simple brown robes and boots that were falling apart gathered around a plaza and knelt with their layman comrades and while this sight would in of itself not have been odd except for the fact that the monks also wore vests to hold spare ammo and rifles slung over their shoulders. The Knights of St. Michael were a force that could not be swept away as easily as first thought as Commonwealth soldiers soon learned to fear these monks of war. With the sounds of prayer echoing into the war torn skies the soldiers of Christ prepare themselves for death as their duties are not yet done until the Alter is returned to its proper place. For the glory of God, for the glory of the Church, for the glory of Christendom! Deus Vult!

Freemen of Yeris, Odinnvik
The men of the North know war, they know suffering, and they know how to kill, a fact that many poor soldiers had the displeasure to learn firsthand. The War Council sat around a burning fire as the men discussed the war and the strategies that they will take, for many the continuation of the guerrilla strategies with only minor offenses was the only way to continue the war, anything was to risky and could very well mean the end to the Northman resistance and freedom. Lord Chieftain Farlin Mac Neil on the other hand was having none of it, he demanded to be given the men necessary to launch a major offensive against the weakened Commonwealth positions along the Northwest of Yeris to free their brethren from the heel of Commonwealth oppression. With many passionate and vulgar words the Lord Chieftain got what he wanted and began the preperation of a great offensive northwards to liberate those under a collective's tyrants heel. The wild thistle of the north shall never yield to the Socialist Rose.

Heaven's Levy, Ericsburg
Commander William O'Cinn stood at the docks of Ericsburg, the sea appeared to be choppy this day but despite the temperament of the sea it was a good day for the warriors of God. Allies from over the seas were coming to aid them in their time of great need, their brethren in Christ approached and a new dawn was fast approaching for the patient faithful of Camelone. With his honor guard about him the Commander appeared to be a man of Puritanical demeanor as his simple, yet respectable, clothing hinted but the greatest of the hints was the calm fire behind the mans eyes as he silently was reciting Scripture as he waited with the Bible in his hands. God preserves the faithful always.

Royal and Catholic Army of Camelone, Charlesgard
The fighting at the front was growing closer every single day it felt and supplies were running low even if they could theoretically hold for a year longer if they so wished. Large swathes of land around the city had been rendered no man's land with trench works, barbed wire, and artillery craters everywhere. The situation seemed hopeless to any outside observer but within the boundaries of Charlesgard Lord Conall stood defiantly with his men creating a headache and bogging down the renowned Red Knight of the Commonwealth. The Royalist rebels and Commonwealth soldiers had been fighting for over four months now with very little progress being made until last week when a hole was punched on the Eastern front. This was no longer a battle between ideological opponents but instead it was a clash of titans of men as two men imprinted in the national psyche led men in brutal combat. Almost non stop gunfire rings to be interrupted only by the sound and shaking of the payloads of heavier guns detonated. Sooner or later one side will fall.

[Agarntrop]

Pukalaz-nite, 1988
PM Pablemo sat round a table of his cabinet. Agarntrop had been in significant debt since the prosedent dictatorship and the subsequent civil war, and Carl claimed he had a plan to lower the debt whilst increasing foreign influence. The 'Agarntrop-Yeris deal' would involve the sale of 5000 FIM-92 Stinger MANPADS, 200 RIM 7 Sea Sparrow SAMs, 5000 SAR-48 rifles and 2500 G3 semi-auto rifles. However, many of his own party's ministers were against this deal. It reached top news headlines and was heavily criticised, but eventually the deal passed in the lower and upper houses. The weapons would be transported on merchant-style ships to Odinnvik, and Pablemo warned that if commonwealth submarines sank or attempted to sink any of these ships then there would be 'serious consequences'.

[Camelone]

Pukalaz-nite, 1988
PM Pablemo sat round a table of his cabinet. Agarntrop had been in significant debt since the prosedent dictatorship and the subsequent civil war, and Carl claimed he had a plan to lower the debt whilst increasing foreign influence. The 'Agarntrop-Yeris deal' would involve the sale of 5000 FIM-92 Stinger MANPADS, 200 RIM 7 Sea Sparrow SAMs, 5000 SAR-48 rifles and 2500 G3 semi-auto rifles. However, many of his own party's ministers were against this deal. It reached top news headlines and was heavily criticised, but eventually the deal passed in the lower and upper houses. The weapons would be transported on merchant-style ships to Odinnvik, and Pablemo warned that if commonwealth submarines sank or attempted to sink any of these ships then there would be 'serious consequences'.

The gall of those teasa bastards trying to interfere in strictly Camelonean affairs and having the nerve to demand that the Commonwealth do nothing when they arm a terrorist organization. Executive Counselor Luke Connors was more a little livid at the news and immediately called the Executive Council together to order a naval interception of the convoy in a unanimous vote. Now the leader of the Social Union Party stood in front of reporters from across the land as well as sending a message to all world leaders.

"The selling or transfer of weapons to known terrorists is not and should not fall under international protection of commerce. We are in a war and this blatant interference is a violation of our national sovereignty as well as criminal. This is nothing but an act of aggression by reactionary forces who seek to undermine the righteous cause of the Revolution. I call upon the international community to stand with us, the legitimate democratic government of Camelone, and denounce this act with vigor. Right now our ships have been sent on an intercept course against this convoy with strict orders to block but not destroy the violators. We do not seek conflict with outsiders but we will defend our borders and our republic. I hope the Agarntrop government and people will reconsider this act and cease this rather blatant imperialistic drive. Thank you and glory to the Revolution!"

Somewhere in Camelonean waters
Captain Patrick Clenary, the O dropped in accordance to the Chamber of Comrades new naming conventions stood at the bridge of his destroyer. He was tasked with guarding the coastline of Camelone from any foreign incursion and while they were spread thin they were focusing on this new threat in the north. The Northmen were already a pain in the neck and anything that could aid them would substantially raise the body count and prolong the inevitable triumph of the Commonwealth.

"Sir a ship has been spotted, unknown vessel." One of his bridge crew informed him to which he gave a simple nod in the lads direction before grabbing the radio.

"Unknown vessel you have entered the national waters of the Social Commonwealth of Camelone please turn back now or be boarded. I repeat you are in violation of our national waters turn back now or we will board you." The captain said as he gestured for the crew to man their stations, the alarm going off to inform others and a message was sent out to the ships in their area. There was no telling how many ships got by already or not, it is hard for the navy to do their jobs when they are spread as thin as they are.

[Agarntrop]

Pukalaz-nite, 1988
PM Pablemo sat round a table of his cabinet. Agarntrop had been in significant debt since the prosedent dictatorship and the subsequent civil war, and Carl claimed he had a plan to lower the debt whilst increasing foreign influence. The 'Agarntrop-Yeris deal' would involve the sale of 5000 FIM-92 Stinger MANPADS, 200 RIM 7 Sea Sparrow SAMs, 5000 SAR-48 rifles and 2500 G3 semi-auto rifles. However, many of his own party's ministers were against this deal. It reached top news headlines and was heavily criticised, but eventually the deal passed in the lower and upper houses. The weapons would be transported on merchant-style ships to Odinnvik, and Pablemo warned that if commonwealth submarines sank or attempted to sink any of these ships then there would be 'serious consequences'.

The gall of those teasa bastards trying to interfere in strictly Camelonean affairs and having the nerve to demand that the Commonwealth do nothing when they arm a terrorist organization. Executive Counselor Luke Connors was more a little livid at the news and immediately called the Executive Council together to order a naval interception of the convoy in a unanimous vote. Now the leader of the Social Union Party stood in front of reporters from across the land as well as sending a message to all world leaders.

"The selling or transfer of weapons to known terrorists is not and should not fall under international protection of commerce. We are in a war and this blatant interference is a violation of our national sovereignty as well as criminal. This is nothing but an act of aggression by reactionary forces who seek to undermine the righteous cause of the Revolution. I call upon the international community to stand with us, the legitimate democratic government of Camelone, and denounce this act with vigor. Right now our ships have been sent on an intercept course against this convoy with strict orders to block but not destroy the violators. We do not seek conflict with outsiders but we will defend our borders and our republic. I hope the Agarntrop government and people will reconsider this act and cease this rather blatant imperialistic drive. Thank you and glory to the Revolution!"

Somewhere in Camelonean waters
Captain Patrick Clenary, the O dropped in accordance to the Chamber of Comrades new naming conventions stood at the bridge of his destroyer. He was tasked with guarding the coastline of Camelone from any foreign incursion and while they were spread thin they were focusing on this new threat in the north. The Northmen were already a pain in the neck and anything that could aid them would substantially raise the body count and prolong the inevitable triumph of the Commonwealth.

"Sir a ship has been spotted, unknown vessel." One of his bridge crew informed him to which he gave a simple nod in the lads direction before grabbing the radio.

"Unknown vessel you have entered the national waters of the Social Commonwealth of Camelone please turn back now or be boarded. I repeat you are in violation of our national waters turn back now or we will board you." The captain said as he gestured for the crew to man their stations, the alarm going off to inform others and a message was sent out to the ships in their area. There was no telling how many ships got by already or not, it is hard for the navy to do their jobs when they are spread as thin as they are.

Camelonian waters, 1988
"We will return if you promise not to fire and allow us to go to our port safely in Malbia, Agarntrop."

[Democratic Colonies]

The clouds looked different at 40,000 feet, the cruising altitude of the Boeing 707. Major Richard Bell flew often, and frequently flew higher than 40,000 feet, but he never tired of the beautiful sights that flight afforded him.

That cloud looks like a fish, Bell thought to himself, before a voice in the passenger cabin called his attention away from his window and back towards his fellow passengers.

"Major Bell, that's not likely, is it?"

In front of Bell sat two well dressed civilians, a man and a woman. The woman, Alissa White, was a 30-something year old diplomat with the Department of Foreign Affairs. She was the one who'd caught Bell's attention. Next to her was the man, Hugh Jackson, an officer of the Foreign Intelligence Service in his fifties.

"What isn't likely?" asked Bell.

"If we do begin a large scale support operation for the Social Commonwealth of Camelone using aircraft like this, Boeing freighters and Starlifter transports and the like, how vulnerable will our aircraft be to ground fire? And, for that matter, what about recon overflights - my briefing said that the risk was minimal, that's right, isn't it?" asked White.

Bell considered the question.

"From what I understand, Foreign Intelligence believes that the insurgent groups do not have any advanced surface to air weapons," said Bell, looking over to Jackson who nodded in confirmation.

"Foreign Intelligence believes that the various insurgents are lacking in surface to air missiles, ground intercept RADARs, tactical aircraft, and so on," said Jackson.

"That means that our high flying recon aircraft can operate with impunity, and our transports will be mostly safe," said Bell.

"Mostly safe?" asked White with a raised eyebrow.

"There's always a period of vulnerability at take off and landing, that's why it's so important to secure the areas around airports, to make sure that no one snipes an engine or a pilot while it's on approach or take off, slow and low to the ground," said Bell.

White nodded and rubbed her chin.

"We'll have to ensure that the Commonwealth keeps their airports and outlying areas clear - but of course, we'll want a lot of assurances before we agree to sending supplies at all," she said.

"And we'll need to figure out exactly what it is that they need," said Bell. "There's no point in sending them small arms if they've already got more rifles than soldiers. Similarly, there's no point in sending them laser designators and laser guided bombs if they don't have the aircraft to do the sorties to use them effectively."

"Figuring all this out, that's why they pay us the big bucks," said Jackson, a wry smile on his face as he leaned back in his seat.

The trio paused their conversation as a stewardess arrived with a tray of drinks - whiskey for the men and a gin and tonic for White.

"The Captain wanted to let you know, we should be entering Commonwealth airspace shortly," the stewardess said as she handed out the drinks.

"Good," said Bell as he took a hold of his whiskey, a single malt Scotch. "The sooner we get on the ground, the sooner we can open talks and figure this whole thing out."

[Vionna-Frankenlisch]

Imperial Palace
Throne Room
Kingdom of Frankenlisch

---

The new Lord Lancaster was young. Perhaps not too young, a good age, in fact, twenty-eight years. He was named Edward, like his father, making him the third Duke of Glamorgan to bear that name. He had recently graduated from the Army Staff College in Donaldia and held a commission as a Lieutenant Colonel, despite being brevetted Major General by Horse Guards.

And here he stood before his sovereign lord, dressed in enough finery to be considered courteous, not quite enough to impress. King Edward III sat silently on the Imperial Throne, debating in his mind how to begin. His hand tightened around the golden knob of his cane and he lifted himself up from the cushioned seat of Imperial power. Dutifully, Duke Lancaster knelt.

"Our noble predecessor surrendered much power to his Parliament." King Edward proclaimed. He left the statement open, leaving the Duke to respond, confusedly.

"Yes... Your Majesty." He said, coming up from one knee to stand again.

"We are much indebted to the leftists who so treasonably usurped this nation for restoring confidence in the people towards the monarchy." The King wasn't entirely sure where he was going, "We are also very much supportive of fellow monarchies across the world. As a matter of fact, we have a population of exiles from the nation of Camelone languishing within our borders. Forty-hundred of these emigres have been organised into a brigade of infantry."

"Your Majesty has me most intrigued..." Duke Lancaster mused, openly.

"We are most glad to have peaked your interest, my Lord of Lancaster... Our noble generals and Ministers of War have put together a plan to deploy this unit, in conjunction with our own North Ballaeter Hussars. We need an officer to lead the operation. Would Your Grace have anyone in mind? An officer who is of the blood, resourceful and courageous. Preferably a fellow who needs to earn his spurs."

"Well, Your Majesty. Perhaps I could suggest Lord Riverland, as I recall-"

His Imperial Majesty laughed, "At ease, Lord Lancaster..." He said. "We mean you, sir. We request and require you to lead our forces into battle in their noble undertaking."

Lancaster smiled. "Very good, Your Majesty."

"Your orders are being delivered from Horse Guards as we speak. We suggest that you make the necessary arrangements with your household, your forces are assembling at Ravenstern as we converse." King Edward sat once more upon his throne. "We grant you leave, Duke Glamorgan. Do not fail in your undertaking."

Wordless, Lord Lancaster bowed deeply and turned, his cavalry boots tapping loudly on the stone floor as he left the throne room.

[Camelone]

Camelonian waters, 1988
"We will return if you promise not to fire and allow us to go to our port safely in Malbia, Agarntrop."

"Leave immediately than." Captain Clenary ordered as his guns were trained on the ship and the destroyer continued on the intercept course trying to get in between the ship and the mainland. Orders were being relayed between the ships in the fleet as the screen was shifted into this area.

The clouds looked different at 40,000 feet, the cruising altitude of the Boeing 707. Major Richard Bell flew often, and frequently flew higher than 40,000 feet, but he never tired of the beautiful sights that flight afforded him.

That cloud looks like a fish, Bell thought to himself, before a voice in the passenger cabin called his attention away from his window and back towards his fellow passengers.

"Major Bell, that's not likely, is it?"

In front of Bell sat two well dressed civilians, a man and a woman. The woman, Alissa White, was a 30-something year old diplomat with the Department of Foreign Affairs. She was the one who'd caught Bell's attention. Next to her was the man, Hugh Jackson, an officer of the Foreign Intelligence Service in his fifties.

"What isn't likely?" asked Bell.

"If we do begin a large scale support operation for the Social Commonwealth of Camelone using aircraft like this, Boeing freighters and Starlifter transports and the like, how vulnerable will our aircraft be to ground fire? And, for that matter, what about recon overflights - my briefing said that the risk was minimal, that's right, isn't it?" asked White.

Bell considered the question.

"From what I understand, Foreign Intelligence believes that the insurgent groups do not have any advanced surface to air weapons," said Bell, looking over to Jackson who nodded in confirmation.

"Foreign Intelligence believes that the various insurgents are lacking in surface to air missiles, ground intercept RADARs, tactical aircraft, and so on," said Jackson.

"That means that our high flying recon aircraft can operate with impunity, and our transports will be mostly safe," said Bell.

"Mostly safe?" asked White with a raised eyebrow.

"There's always a period of vulnerability at take off and landing, that's why it's so important to secure the areas around airports, to make sure that no one snipes an engine or a pilot while it's on approach or take off, slow and low to the ground," said Bell.

White nodded and rubbed her chin.

"We'll have to ensure that the Commonwealth keeps their airports and outlying areas clear - but of course, we'll want a lot of assurances before we agree to sending supplies at all," she said.

"And we'll need to figure out exactly what it is that they need," said Bell. "There's no point in sending them small arms if they've already got more rifles than soldiers. Similarly, there's no point in sending them laser designators and laser guided bombs if they don't have the aircraft to do the sorties to use them effectively."

"Figuring all this out, that's why they pay us the big bucks," said Jackson, a wry smile on his face as he leaned back in his seat.

The trio paused their conversation as a stewardess arrived with a tray of drinks - whiskey for the men and a gin and tonic for White.

"The Captain wanted to let you know, we should be entering Commonwealth airspace shortly," the stewardess said as she handed out the drinks.

"Good," said Bell as he took a hold of his whiskey, a single malt Scotch. "The sooner we get on the ground, the sooner we can open talks and figure this whole thing out."

As the plane entered Commonwealth airspace they were given the greenlight and escorted by a duo of Jarl low-altitude attack aircraft. As they flew one of the pilots radioed in to the captain to inform them of what was transpiring on the ground.

"This is Colonel Arden Menary of the SCCAF be advised that members of the Committee for the Safeguarding of the Revolution are disguised as aides in the Executive Councilors group. Tread carefully. Colonel Menary out." The pilot said as they neared the runway.

Standing there was a small group of men and women wearing suits and ties, Executive Counselor Danial Emmet wore a red sash tied around his waist as he rung his hands nervously as the sickly looking man tried to straighten up and make himself look presentable to the delegation. He was exhausted and by no means comfortable at the moment, even if he was surrounded by those who were probably a part of his political party. No there are spies everywhere, few can be trusted the lips must stay sealed as much as possible.

[Agarntrop]

Camelonian waters, 1988
The ship left peacefully, arriving in Mallibia port a few days later, however, the government was furious and PM Pablemo issued a speech the next day...
Pukalaz-nite,1988
"This is an utter disgrace on the part of the Commonwealth. Threatening to attack a civilian ship engaging in lawfull international commerce! Luckily, I can announce that MS Florence is back in Mallibia, safe and sound. However, I will be taking action against this evil regime. Firstly, I shall place NS Alberta, our only aircraft carrier, 350 miles from Dubran, just outside of the EEZ. Secondly, Agarn citizens who do business with the commonwealth shall be stripped of their Agarn citizenship and be barred from basic public services and if they have a country of origin deported. Thirdly, I shall place tariffs of up to 35% on Democratic Colonial goods, due to their support for the country. And fourth and finally, I shall host a conference here, in Pukalaz-nite, of 'leaders against the commonwealth', any country, who is either shocked by its human rights abuses or simply wants to topple its reign is welcome. Thank you, Mr Speaker."
Pablemo's speech was met with mixed reaction, some supported his ideas, some refuted them. But since none of them passed executive limits, they would go ahead.

[Vionna-Frankenlisch]

Halls of Government
Commons Chamber
Kingdom of Frankenlisch

---

"Mister Speaker!" David Llangen called, his voice punctuated by the shouts of his party and the opposition, "It is unconstitutional that His Imperial Majesty should order the deployment of forces to a foreign land without the assent of Parliament!"

The Imperial Party, situated on the other side of the chamber, were in upheaval.

"And, if I may speak frankly, Mister Speaker. It is for transgressions on the rights of Parliament, such as this, that caused the civil fighting which this country is still recovering from!"

This was too much for the Speaker of the House, Allistair O'Brady, who called for order. "Order! Order! This is most improper!" Calm, yet with a disgusted expression, he addressed Llangen, "I must ask the Right Honourable Member for Glamorgan to withdraw that statement which is not only unparliamentary but an insult to the nation and the good King which we serve."

Needless to say, the King's decision to deploy forces to Camelone was not entirely supported by his Parliament. He had the power to dissolve it, but that would make nothing better, he just had to live with the opposition for a while and hope that the rising popularity of the Imperial Party to see him through the political issues. Truth be told, the Commons would probably have given their assent, he hadn't asked them. The Upper Parliament had given its support to the King and that was enough for him. He knew the Prime Minister, Lord Aemond, well enough to be sure he wouldn't face a constitutional crisis so he had little to lose. The Conservatives, who were currently in government, generally left the issue alone and focused on economic recovery. The Labour Party, supported by many of the smaller parties in Parliament, made it a point that the King was not allowed to declare war without Parliament's assent so the deployment was unconstitutional. They were mainly opposed by the Imperial Party which argued on the main point that the King could essentially do what he pleased as he was the Monarch, but did make an interesting point in that the army units sent were under his personal command as the Camelone Brigade of Infantry and Kings Own North Ballaeter Hussars were Royal units and came under his jurisdiction. All in all the situation was tense but not untenable, nobody held the political power or influence to challenge the King and nobody wanted another civil war.

---

HMNS Julianopolis
Bridge
Open Seas

---

Enoch McCandless sat silently in his comfortable, new swivel chair. His tea was hot, his biscuits placed neatly on the saucer, his hot water bottle lightly resting on his torso with a soft blanket wrapped over it. The weather outside was dismal, rain, thunder and a piercing coldness. Despite this, there was little turbulence, HMNS Julianopolis was a vessel of very large proportions and the seas were simply not choppy enough to throw it about much more than usual. Rear Admiral McCandless' tea was safe in its china cup.

"Can I get you anything else, sir?" Mary, the Rear Admiral's steward (and bedmate), asked politely.

"No, thank you, Mary." Enoch replied, smiling. "What is the time?"

"Quarter to eleven, sir." The reply came from Enoch's Yeoman, Henry Evans.

McCandless yawned and stretched his arms out. "I'll have this," he said, gesturing with his cup, "And then I think I shall retire."

Evans nodded, as did Mary. The night was relatively dark and the sea illuminated by a full moon and the lights of the fleet. Behind Julianopolis trailed twenty four other vessels, ten were unremarkable transport vessels and two were auxiliary vessels, one a tanker and the other carrying large stores of ammunition. HMNS Crown, a new flattop carrying forty-two aircraft, was directly behind Julianopolis and flanked by two Earl Class Battlecruisers, HMNS Darlington and Lopenfort were the first capital ships to be built since the restoration of the monarchy and it showed in their modern design. With two turrets at the fore, stuffed with four 15-inch guns each, and a silo of ten short-range ballistic missiles at the stern with the central area a tiered mishmash of secondary guns, anti-missile defences, auxiliary systems and superstructure. They were well armoured for Battlecruisers but truly depended on their 30-knot speed and defence system as their true protection. HMNS St Gall, a Colony-class Cruiser lagged behind a little, built too late to take part in the Second Europan War but too soon to be groundbreaking in terms of design. St Gall, in particular, was remarkable for being the flagship of the Royalist Navy in exile and had seen battle off Oktobrisk in the Imperial Civil War.

Enoch was certainly chuffed with his fleet and smiled quite happily as he drank back his tea, served with an ample addition of brandy. He was glad of his position, he had remained loyal to the monarchy throughout its exile and had certainly been repaid. Commanding the naval portion of the first deployment since the War of Restoration was quite the honour. He bit into a rich tea biscuit and reflected on how he was really doing. Forty and unmarried, yes, but Mary was there for him and if he could persuade his brother, William, the Earl of Frederiksland, that she was respectable then perhaps one day he would marry her.

He wiped tea from the lower bristles of his moustache with a hankie and turned in surprise as he heard Mary. "Come to bed, dear..." She whined, humorously.

"In a moment, darling." He replied, "Let me finish this..." He held his almost-finished cup up and consumed the final biscuit. Such arrangements were common in the Imperial Navy, keeping a mistress as one's steward was while not usual, not unusual either, for captains. Only the new, young, officers and men were surprised, as well as the few veterans from the Socialist navy which had disallowed any such behaviour.

It was about a day's sail from their current location to the coast of Camelone. The young Lord Lancaster had expressed his wishes to land either at Hordivik or to take Tragobrig and set it up as a base of operations for the Imperial forces in Camelone. Enoch had yet to make his mind up and was considering the matter as he entered his cabin. A matter for tomorrow...

The Rear Admiral heaved into his warm bed and cosied up next to his dear Mary. Yes. He was quite happy...

[Democratic Colonies]

Airbase Tarmac

The secretive words from Colonel Menary reaffirmed the hopes of the DC party - those at the head of the nation were simply unacceptable, but under the surface there was hope yet for Camelone, for the restoration of a responsible leftist government. The Democratic Colonies simply had to empower them, support them, and then at the right time, assist them in seizing the reins in order to save the nation. They would, however, take the Colonel's words about treading carefully to heart.

"Executive Counselor Emmet," said Alissa White, the diplomat leading the way and extending a hand to the Camelonian. "It's a pleasure to meet you, we appreciate your taking the time to greet us in person. I'm Alissa White from the Democratic Colonies Department of Foreign Affairs, I will be the head of relations between our two nations."

"I'm Major Richard Bell, Democratic Colonies Air Force," said Bell as he extended his hand next. "I'll be assisting Ms. White in evaluating the military needs of the Commonwealth, and the ways in which the Democratic Colonies can provide assistance."

Bell held the Executive Counselor's hand tightly for a moment and looked him in the eye. "We're very happy to meet with you, as we're sure that the air force of your nation will have a large role in securing the future of your nation. We in the Democratic Colonies are big believers in the possibilities of air power."

Bell released his grip, allowing Jackson to extend a hand.

"Hugh Jackson, Foreign Intelligence Service," said Jackson, introducing himself. "I'll be assisting Ms. White and Major Bell with their intelligence needs, and providing assistance to the Commonwealth in whatever ways I can."

A further round of handshakes and brief introductions occurred as the DC party made a round with the Commonwealth officials before White clapped her hands together enthusiastically.

"Now, Executive Counselor, shall we make our way somewhere to discuss how the Democratic Colonies can assist your nation?" she said with her hands clasped. "We have some support staff, but to evaluate your needs, let's just have a high level discussion with the four of us. There's a lot we want to know, and a lot that the Democratic Colonies can offer in friendship."

[Camelone]

Camelonian waters, 1988
The ship left peacefully, arriving in Mallibia port a few days later, however, the government was furious and PM Pablemo issued a speech the next day...
Pukalaz-nite,1988
"This is an utter disgrace on the part of the Commonwealth. Threatening to attack a civilian ship engaging in lawfull international commerce! Luckily, I can announce that MS Florence is back in Mallibia, safe and sound. However, I will be taking action against this evil regime. Firstly, I shall place NS Alberta, our only aircraft carrier, 350 miles from Dubran, just outside of the EEZ. Secondly, Agarn citizens who do business with the commonwealth shall be stripped of their Agarn citizenship and be barred from basic public services and if they have a country of origin deported. Thirdly, I shall place tariffs of up to 35% on Democratic Colonial goods, due to their support for the country. And fourth and finally, I shall host a conference here, in Pukalaz-nite, of 'leaders against the commonwealth', any country, who is either shocked by its human rights abuses or simply wants to topple its reign is welcome. Thank you, Mr Speaker."
Pablemo's speech was met with mixed reaction, some supported his ideas, some refuted them. But since none of them passed executive limits, they would go ahead.

Back in the Commonwealth the mood was mixed with laughter and fury as the mere thought of anyone believing that 'trading' with rebels would constitute anything close to lawful commerce, especially when one considers nothing was going to be given to the imperialists. Not only did they violate another nations sovereign water and attempted to aid in a rebellion they had could not even come up with a convincing story to show the Commonwealth in bad light, all they were doing was making themselves look like fools. Once more EC Luke Connors found himself giving a message to be broadcast to the rest of the world.

"Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules ladies and gentlemen. As you all probably have figured we are gathered once more to address the rather pathetic display of power by the nation of Agarntrop. Not only did their vessel violate our sovereign waters but the ships were attempting to give weaponry to the rebellious Northmen who have been causing lawlessness across the Yeris region. This was a clear act of aggression against the Commonwealth and we acted as if we were dealing with smugglers, a logical conclusion due to the fact that the aiding of rebels is by no means an act of 'lawful international commerce'. The blatant lies of Agarntrop should be enough to convince any rational country that they by no means deserve any form of leadership. They were in the wrong it is as simple as that and now they are throwing a hissy fit unbefitting of a civilized nation. Thank you and good day." EC Connors said with a knowing smile on his face, this was just to good.

Halls of Government
Commons Chamber
Kingdom of Frankenlisch

---

"Mister Speaker!" David Llangen called, his voice punctuated by the shouts of his party and the opposition, "It is unconstitutional that His Imperial Majesty should order the deployment of forces to a foreign land without the assent of Parliament!"

The Imperial Party, situated on the other side of the chamber, were in upheaval.

"And, if I may speak frankly, Mister Speaker. It is for transgressions on the rights of Parliament, such as this, that caused the civil fighting which this country is still recovering from!"

This was too much for the Speaker of the House, Allistair O'Brady, who called for order. "Order! Order! This is most improper!" Calm, yet with a disgusted expression, he addressed Llangen, "I must ask the Right Honourable Member for Glamorgan to withdraw that statement which is not only unparliamentary but an insult to the nation and the good King which we serve."

Needless to say, the King's decision to deploy forces to Camelone was not entirely supported by his Parliament. He had the power to dissolve it, but that would make nothing better, he just had to live with the opposition for a while and hope that the rising popularity of the Imperial Party to see him through the political issues. Truth be told, the Commons would probably have given their assent, he hadn't asked them. The Upper Parliament had given its support to the King and that was enough for him. He knew the Prime Minister, Lord Aemond, well enough to be sure he wouldn't face a constitutional crisis so he had little to lose. The Conservatives, who were currently in government, generally left the issue alone and focused on economic recovery. The Labour Party, supported by many of the smaller parties in Parliament, made it a point that the King was not allowed to declare war without Parliament's assent so the deployment was unconstitutional. They were mainly opposed by the Imperial Party which argued on the main point that the King could essentially do what he pleased as he was the Monarch, but did make an interesting point in that the army units sent were under his personal command as the Camelone Brigade of Infantry and Kings Own North Ballaeter Hussars were Royal units and came under his jurisdiction. All in all the situation was tense but not untenable, nobody held the political power or influence to challenge the King and nobody wanted another civil war.

---

HMNS Julianopolis
Bridge
Open Seas

---

Enoch McCandless sat silently in his comfortable, new swivel chair. His tea was hot, his biscuits placed neatly on the saucer, his hot water bottle lightly resting on his torso with a soft blanket wrapped over it. The weather outside was dismal, rain, thunder and a piercing coldness. Despite this, there was little turbulence, HMNS Julianopolis was a vessel of very large proportions and the seas were simply not choppy enough to throw it about much more than usual. Rear Admiral McCandless' tea was safe in its china cup.

"Can I get you anything else, sir?" Mary, the Rear Admiral's steward (and bedmate), asked politely.

"No, thank you, Mary." Enoch replied, smiling. "What is the time?"

"Quarter to eleven, sir." The reply came from Enoch's Yeoman, Henry Evans.

McCandless yawned and stretched his arms out. "I'll have this," he said, gesturing with his cup, "And then I think I shall retire."

Evans nodded, as did Mary. The night was relatively dark and the sea illuminated by a full moon and the lights of the fleet. Behind Julianopolis trailed twenty four other vessels, ten were unremarkable transport vessels and two were auxiliary vessels, one a tanker and the other carrying large stores of ammunition. HMNS Crown, a new flattop carrying forty-two aircraft, was directly behind Julianopolis and flanked by two Earl Class Battlecruisers, HMNS Darlington and Lopenfort were the first capital ships to be built since the restoration of the monarchy and it showed in their modern design. With two turrets at the fore, stuffed with four 15-inch guns each, and a silo of ten short-range ballistic missiles at the stern with the central area a tiered mishmash of secondary guns, anti-missile defences, auxiliary systems and superstructure. They were well armoured for Battlecruisers but truly depended on their 30-knot speed and defence system as their true protection. HMNS St Gall, a Colony-class Cruiser lagged behind a little, built too late to take part in the Second Europan War but too soon to be groundbreaking in terms of design. St Gall, in particular, was remarkable for being the flagship of the Royalist Navy in exile and had seen battle off Oktobrisk in the Imperial Civil War.

Enoch was certainly chuffed with his fleet and smiled quite happily as he drank back his tea, served with an ample addition of brandy. He was glad of his position, he had remained loyal to the monarchy throughout its exile and had certainly been repaid. Commanding the naval portion of the first deployment since the War of Restoration was quite the honour. He bit into a rich tea biscuit and reflected on how he was really doing. Forty and unmarried, yes, but Mary was there for him and if he could persuade his brother, William, the Earl of Frederiksland, that she was respectable then perhaps one day he would marry her.

He wiped tea from the lower bristles of his moustache with a hankie and turned in surprise as he heard Mary. "Come to bed, dear..." She whined, humorously.

"In a moment, darling." He replied, "Let me finish this..." He held his almost-finished cup up and consumed the final biscuit. Such arrangements were common in the Imperial Navy, keeping a mistress as one's steward was while not usual, not unusual either, for captains. Only the new, young, officers and men were surprised, as well as the few veterans from the Socialist navy which had disallowed any such behaviour.

It was about a day's sail from their current location to the coast of Camelone. The young Lord Lancaster had expressed his wishes to land either at Hordivik or to take Tragobrig and set it up as a base of operations for the Imperial forces in Camelone. Enoch had yet to make his mind up and was considering the matter as he entered his cabin. A matter for tomorrow...

The Rear Admiral heaved into his warm bed and cosied up next to his dear Mary. Yes. He was quite happy...

The Commonwealth Navy had been keeping their distance from the fleet that was approaching their lands, they commanded far superior firepower to the thin line of Camelonean ships so the thought of engaging was out of the question at the moment. Submarines got as close as they could every now and then but swiftly left after getting recon on their positions for fear of being obliterated. They knew they were coming and Tragobrig was put on high alert, the mighty coastal forts buzzed with activity as the guns were prepared as well as a few of the missile sites, the local air base was beginning to set up a pattern of recon and engagement with their Jarls but orders were given to tread carefully. Debates went out among the fleet commanders with some wanting to attempt to engage but the majority knew they could not muster a substantial fleet to intercept them so the order was to begin to consolidate to attempt to trap the fleet wherever they went.

In Hordivik the army was gathering for a southward push because of reports that the Northmen were giving the Reds a whipping up north and a small force was going to be left behind to hold the line from any Red push down south. Connecting with the Northmen while a good idea was not the objective at the moment. No the south had more resources and seizing the factories there would give the Royal and Catholic Army the means to outfit more soldiers, as well as a major morale boost with the recapturing of St. Patrick's Abbey one of the oldest monasteries in Camelone. Regardless if they would receive reinforcements from abroad they will march south and give the Red's hell for Throne and Alter.

Airport Tarmac

The secretive words from Colonel Menary reaffirmed the hopes of the DC party - those at the head of the nation were simply unacceptable, but under the surface there was hope yet for Camelone, for the restoration of a responsible leftist government. The Democratic Colonies simply had to empower them, support them, and then at the right time, assist them in seizing the reins in order to save the nation. They would, however, take the Colonel's words about treading carefully to heart.

"Executive Counselor Emmet," said Alissa White, the diplomat leading the way and extending a hand to the Camelonian. "It's a pleasure to meet you, we appreciate your taking the time to greet us in person. I'm Alissa White from the Democratic Colonies Department of Foreign Affairs, I will be the head of relations between our two nations."

"I'm Major Richard Bell, Democratic Colonies Air Force," said Bell as he extended his hand next. "I'll be assisting Ms. White in evaluating the military needs of the Commonwealth, and the ways in which the Democratic Colonies can provide assistance."

Bell held the Executive Counselor's hand tightly for a moment and looked him in the eye. "We're very happy to meet with you, as we're sure that the air force of your nation will have a large role in securing the future of your nation. We in the Democratic Colonies are big believers in the possibilities of air power."

Bell released his grip, allowing Jackson to extend a hand.

"Hugh Jackson, Foreign Intelligence Service," said Jackson, introducing himself. "I'll be assisting Ms. White and Major Bell with their intelligence needs, and providing assistance to the Commonwealth in whatever ways I can."

A further round of handshakes and brief introductions occurred as the DC party made a round with the Commonwealth officials before White clapped her hands together enthusiastically.

"Now, Executive Counselor, shall we make our way somewhere to discuss how the Democratic Colonies can assist your nation?" she said with her hands clasped. "We have some support staff, but to evaluate your needs, let's just have a high level discussion with the four of us. There's a lot we want to know, and a lot that the Democratic Colonies can offer in friendship."

"Please follow me than." Executive Counselor Emmet said with a forced smile as he gestured for them to follow and began to make his way over to one of the buildings nearby, he was going to have the first meeting here at the air base, he was most definitely not letting the other two talk to the delegation before he got his word in. A room had been reserved and he already had his men scrub it clean of bugs, it was normally scrubbed as that was where the pilots liked to meet and complain about the severity of the government. He walked silently as did the rest of the group who were all minor officials in the Commonwealth but deemed important enough to meet them, no the real person of interest was in the room and that was his brother, Air Marshal Elijah.

When he had gotten to the door he opened his mouth closed it, thought for a few seconds before he opened his mouth again "This is for I and the Air Force, you are all dismissed." A few looked like they wished to argue but the Executive Counselor eyes lit up and he straightened up to full height "That is a direct order." There was no room to argue with him with that tone and they left to which EC Emmet opened the door and smiled at the delegation "Sometimes I miss my time as an artillery officer." He said before entering and walking through a few nondescript hallways and opening another door to show a regular conference room and Air Marshal Elijah Emmet.

The Air Marshal looked similar to the Executive Counselor but he held himself up taller and did not exhibit any nervousness instead a stoic face in a uniform of dark blue. A no nonsense military man was the impression he gave off and the other men in the room also gave the impression, they were little longer than the Air Marshal but each held the same air of importance and strength as he did, these were the aces of Camelone's Air Force, 6 of the 7 aces present were of the former nobility and stood at a attention when the delegation entered with EC Emmet. "At ease." EC Emmet said to which the men sat back down again and Air Marshal Elijah went over to shake the hands of the delegation.

"Air Marshal Elijah Emmet at your service. Please sit so we can begin. Speak frankly as the room has been scrubbed so you do not need to fear here." The Air Marshal said as he gesturing to them after he shook their hands to take a seat.

[Agarntrop]

Pukalaz-nite, 1988
The Agarn prime minister was at a press conference following the Camelonean address.
"CCN, sir, how do you react to the news that Cameline has condemned your actions against its civilisation?"
"Well" PM Pablemo chuckled "Civillised? They call lynching monks 'civillised'! They call the genocide of Christians 'civillised'! They call the red night's utter betrayal and power hungryness 'civillised'! I think I have my point across. When pigs fly the commonwealth becomes a civillised society. End of."

[Vionna-Frankenlisch]

HMNS Julianopolis
Conference Room
Open Seas

---

"But, Your Grace, their defences are sturdy and entrenched. I know that we could overpower them but think of the cost in lives if we were to land men on those shores..." Rear Admiral McCandless argued, desperately trying to waive Duke Lancaster off of his hare-brained scheme to attack Tragobrig.

"That's why the Cameloneans would be landing first, they would take the brunt of the defensive fire!" The Duke riposted, the comment was ludicrously uncaring but somehow came across as sincere.

The Chevalier de Sherette, a Gallandic nobleman who commanded the Camelone Brigade of Infantry, cut in. "No! I will not stand for it!" He called out with a thick accent that one might describe as 'greying'. "My men are just as important as the Vionnans!"

The Duke tried quickly to defend himself, "Chevalier, forgive me, I meant only that they have more experience and would be more suited to an assault than Major General MacKinnon's Brigade." MacKinnon remained silent.

McCandless tried to steer the debate back to the point, "Gentlemen. Surely you can see the dangers of such an attack. I know for a fact that everyone here is aware our destroyers have detected enemy submarines over the last few days and we all know the reports of aerial patrols from HMNS St Gall. They know that we're coming and they'll be prepared."

"All our knowledge points towards a small garrison on Tragobrig, perhaps a thousand men with no more than a hundred planes," Said Lord Lancaster, who wasn't entirely certain of those figures.

"But they have coastal batteries and missile silos, Your Grace. And that is to say nothing of naval power, even a small fleet could trap us between them and the defences of Tragobrig. The fleet would be pounded into cinders if we attack unprepared."

"Very well then, Admiral McCandless, what do you suggest?" Asked Lancaster.

"Well, Your Grace, the Royalist army in Hordivik has expressed a wish to attack southwards. I have three proposals involving them. One, we could join up with them and together march south. Two, we could ask them to march south and attack Tragobrig at the same time as us. Or, we could offer to take some men aboard, transport them south and have them land at Tragobrig with us. We have the space aboard the fleet for another five thousand men at most." Rear Admiral McCandless argued his case and Lancaster seemed sold on the matter.

"We must take Tragobrig." He declared simply. "If we can muster the aid of the Royalist army then we should, we'll need every man we can get. But, one way or another, we must take Tragobrig or perish in the attempt."

---

Hordivik
Camelone

---

Rear Admiral McCandless, Lord Lancaster and Major General Archibald MacKinnon sat in Lancaster's chartered car as it navigated through the winding streets of Hordivik. MacKinnon silently smoked a cigar and leaned gently out the window. Enoch McCandless and Edward Lancaster were in idle chat and actually found each other quite agreeable gents when it came down to it. The car was driven by Corporal Adder, MacKinnon's steward and he slowly made his way towards the seat of government in Hordivik where the military command was also headquartered. On the route, they passed many army vehicles and soldiers preparing to move out of the town and Lord Lancaster nodded appreciatively as each column walked past or vehicle drove by.

"Quite remarkable, really..." He declared to himself.

"Have 'ye no seen an army preparing for battle, y'Grace?" MacKinnon asked curiously.

"Not one other than my own," Duke Lancaster replied, "Besides, it's still an exciting thought, eh? Off to see battle for the first time."

MacKinnon rolled his eyes discretely to McCandless who smiled but secretly sympathised with Lancaster, he himself remembered the feeling before going into battle for the first time. He was younger than Lancaster was, but, the Royalists couldn't afford to be picky back then. He was supremely excited and proud to be in command of his own vessel in the first naval battle of the War of Restoration. As the vessel sailed into action he began to feel absolutely sick, despite his perfect sea legs. McCandless was snapped out of his reminiscing by MacKinnon's heavily accented Ballaetan voice.

"We're here." The Major General exclaimed, opening the door. Corporal Adder helped the other two officers out of the car and sat back down inside to wait.

"I think we're expected." McCandless said, leading the group inside. He had arranged the meeting. The commanders in Hordivik knew the basics of McCandless' plan, to attack Tragobrig with the Imperials and Cameloneans working together but they still had to deliberate before committing to anything. The three officers walked into some sort of conference room and sat down, awaiting the Camelonean officers who had arranged to meet them.

Little rushed at the end, I admit. Just wanted to leave something important for Camelone to reply to. Apologies if I assumed too much, please tell me if there's anything you want me to edit.

[Democratic Colonies]

Camelonian Airbase

Alissa White was pleased as she took her seat.

"We're very glad to have this opportunity to speak with you - with all of you - in private," she said. "Some of the things that I'd like to discuss must not be heard by those currently leading your nation."

White clasped her hands together on the table in front of her.

"To begin with, the Democratic Colonies wants to help you put down these armed insurrections. For your nation to fall into the hands of religious militants, for your people to be ruled by a theocracy, would be a tragedy," she said.

"In order to help save your nation from that fate, we are prepared to offer a wide variety of arms, equipment, and services. Small arms and infantry weapons, mortars, recoilless rifles, explosives, if you need them, can begin arriving in large quantities immediately. We're not here just to hand out some rifles though, we're sure you already have plenty of those. We can also offer state of the art high tech items such as sophisticated electronic warfare and jamming equipment, mortar locating RADAR, advanced third generation night vision systems, man-portable laser designators, and so-called 'smart' computer-controlled laser-guided bombs, all in large quantities. We can also begin reconnaissance overflights of insurgent-held areas in order to provide you with daily updates on troop movements, concentrations, supply caches, and so on, in order to guide your bombing campaign," she explained.

"We can start that phase of our relationship as soon as we've formalized an agreement, but moving forward, we have grave concerns about what comes next in Camelone," White said. "I will be direct. While we do not want the people of your nation to live under the yoke of theocracy, we also are gravely concerned by the actions of your government over the course of the past decade. There have been serious, flagrant human rights abuses that I'm sure I don't need to go into detail about, as you no doubt already know all about them."

White leaned forwards in her chair, her voice growing more intense. "The Democratic Colonies does not want to see a government of religious militants in Camelone, but we also do not want to see a government of tyrants. There is a third way though - a way I'm sure you already have in mind, a way where Camelone is led by a responsible leftist government that attends to the needs of the people and respects their human rights. The way, if I'm not mistaken, of the Phalanx Party."

"After these religious insurgents are put down and order is restored, or even during the process if a good opportunity arises, the Democratic Colonies would like to see the Phalanx Party assume control over the state apparatuses and restore responsible government to Camelone," White said. "I understand that this is no small undertaking, but I have read our intelligence briefs on both you, Executive Counselor, and you, Air Marshal, and unless we are mistaken you are both patriots who are willing to take risks for the good of your nation. Perhaps you have your own plans and plots - if you do, we can help you in executing them."

White nodded at Jackson, the Foreign Intelligence man, who pulled a hand-written note out of his jacket and slid it across the table.

"The DC Foreign Intelligence Service is prepared to provide listening devices, tracking devices, concealable explosives, poisons of these types, and whatever else you might need," said Jackson, gesturing at the list of chemical agents on the note. "Some of these agents can produce results that are difficult to tell apart from natural causes of death. We can provide training to operatives in the use of the poisons - how to make use of them, how long it takes, how much is required, and so on," he said. He paused for a second to ensure that the note was read before taking it again, pulling a lighter out of his pocket, and lighting the note on fire. After the flames had consumed the note he used a hand to push the ashen remains into a small plastic container of paperclips which he put into his briefcase as White began to speak again.

"The Democratic Colonies will back the Phalanx Party if there is open conflict," said White, "but we are hoping that this can be done without fighting in the streets. What we are hoping is that one night the people of Camelone will go to bed with one group in power, and wake up the next morning with a different one in control, with as little disruption as possible."

White looked around the room at the Camelonians, the gathered group of brave souls who dared speak, and hopefully act, against their government. She watched for any reactions on their faces, pausing on the two brothers, the two men who might be able to save this nation from tyranny.

"What do you think?" she asked.

[Camelone]

HMNS Julianopolis
Conference Room
Open Seas

---

"But, Your Grace, their defences are sturdy and entrenched. I know that we could overpower them but think of the cost in lives if we were to land men on those shores..." Rear Admiral McCandless argued, desperately trying to waive Duke Lancaster off of his hare-brained scheme to attack Tragobrig.

"That's why the Cameloneans would be landing first, they would take the brunt of the defensive fire!" The Duke riposted, the comment was ludicrously uncaring but somehow came across as sincere.

The Chevalier de Sherette, a Gallandic nobleman who commanded the Camelone Brigade of Infantry, cut in. "No! I will not stand for it!" He called out with a thick accent that one might describe as 'greying'. "My men are just as important as the Vionnans!"

The Duke tried quickly to defend himself, "Chevalier, forgive me, I meant only that they have more experience and would be more suited to an assault than Major General MacKinnon's Brigade." MacKinnon remained silent.

McCandless tried to steer the debate back to the point, "Gentlemen. Surely you can see the dangers of such an attack. I know for a fact that everyone here is aware our destroyers have detected enemy submarines over the last few days and we all know the reports of aerial patrols from HMNS St Gall. They know that we're coming and they'll be prepared."

"All our knowledge points towards a small garrison on Tragobrig, perhaps a thousand men with no more than a hundred planes," Said Lord Lancaster, who wasn't entirely certain of those figures.

"But they have coastal batteries and missile silos, Your Grace. And that is to say nothing of naval power, even a small fleet could trap us between them and the defences of Tragobrig. The fleet would be pounded into cinders if we attack unprepared."

"Very well then, Admiral McCandless, what do you suggest?" Asked Lancaster.

"Well, Your Grace, the Royalist army in Hordivik has expressed a wish to attack southwards. I have three proposals involving them. One, we could join up with them and together march south. Two, we could ask them to march south and attack Tragobrig at the same time as us. Or, we could offer to take some men aboard, transport them south and have them land at Tragobrig with us. We have the space aboard the fleet for another five thousand men at most." Rear Admiral McCandless argued his case and Lancaster seemed sold on the matter.

"We must take Tragobrig." He declared simply. "If we can muster the aid of the Royalist army then we should, we'll need every man we can get. But, one way or another, we must take Tragobrig or perish in the attempt."

---

Hordivik
Camelone

---

Rear Admiral McCandless, Lord Lancaster and Major General Archibald MacKinnon sat in Lancaster's chartered car as it navigated through the winding streets of Hordivik. MacKinnon silently smoked a cigar and leaned gently out the window. Enoch McCandless and Edward Lancaster were in idle chat and actually found each other quite agreeable gents when it came down to it. The car was driven by Corporal Adder, MacKinnon's steward and he slowly made his way towards the seat of government in Hordivik where the military command was also headquartered. On the route, they passed many army vehicles and soldiers preparing to move out of the town and Lord Lancaster nodded appreciatively as each column walked past or vehicle drove by.

"Quite remarkable, really..." He declared to himself.

"Have 'ye no seen an army preparing for battle, y'Grace?" MacKinnon asked curiously.

"Not one other than my own," Duke Lancaster replied, "Besides, it's still an exciting thought, eh? Off to see battle for the first time."

MacKinnon rolled his eyes discretely to McCandless who smiled but secretly sympathised with Lancaster, he himself remembered the feeling before going into battle for the first time. He was younger than Lancaster was, but, the Royalists couldn't afford to be picky back then. He was supremely excited and proud to be in command of his own vessel in the first naval battle of the War of Restoration. As the vessel sailed into action he began to feel absolutely sick, despite his perfect sea legs. McCandless was snapped out of his reminiscing by MacKinnon's heavily accented Ballaetan voice.

"We're here." The Major General exclaimed, opening the door. Corporal Adder helped the other two officers out of the car and sat back down inside to wait.

"I think we're expected." McCandless said, leading the group inside. He had arranged the meeting. The commanders in Hordivik knew the basics of McCandless' plan, to attack Tragobrig with the Imperials and Cameloneans working together but they still had to deliberate before committing to anything. The three officers walked into some sort of conference room and sat down, awaiting the Camelonean officers who had arranged to meet them.

Hordivik
The men who were marching off to battle were an assortment of militia and insurgents with there being no true standard among them besides the white cockade or the Heart of Christ. Some had helmets on while others had their hair spiked in the manner of the Celts of old while others wore whatever headgear they would have worn in peace time, clothing to varied greatly among the men of the Royal and Catholic Army with some in fatigues and others in civilian clothing and even a few walked with no shoes. By any account they looked like an army that could not stand long if it was not for the liveliness that oozed off them, each and every one of them walked as if they knew victory was secured and their suffering was for a cause greater than themselves. Eyes burning with passion and bodies animated by a just cause these battered and worn down men looked to have the willpower to charge headlong into the teeth of the enemy if it would aid in the victory. The sounds of bards singing songs of gallantry displayed on the battlefield recently but also about the old legends of Camelone to inspire the men and rekindle their desire to fight. There were civilians milling about as well and the churches were packed as soldiers went to receive the sacraments of Absolution and the Holy Eucharist one last time before returning to the front.

Meeting the three Imperial officers were three officers from the Royal and Catholic Army of Camelone two older men and a younger man who stood behind his two elders silently. One of the older men wore a combination of military fatigues and medieval noble clothing while the other elder wore pure military fatigues and the youngest was wearing clothes befitting of a noble at peace time, definitely not a soldier.

"Greetings brethren. I am King William O'Devlin, general of Lugh's Fist and my men will be assisting you in liberating Tragobrig. My companions are Lord Bran Cuarta." He gestured to the elder companion "Leader of my armored forces. And this fine lad is Sir Nuadu McSlatara overseer of my housecarl's, he will be leading our special forces deployments. Now please sit we have things to do." King William said with a smile ecstatic seeing them, Lord Bran mirroring his liege's emotions while Sir Nuadu remained stoic and stood behind his superiors respectfully as the two sat down. Rolling out a map of Tragobrig the city is displayed as a near island fortress.

"Sirs I will walk you through the defenses of the traitors. Tragobrig has defenses all along their coasts with their only being a few bridges connecting the island to the mainland. Without taking those bridges our men will be force to embark on an amphibious landing right into some of the heaviest defenses that the Commonwealth has. Bunkers and machine gun nests are all over the place with numerous mortar dugouts to provide close fire support. To avoid a long drawn out siege the bridges must be secured or else the strait will be stained red with the blood of our men. Now we do not know where they have their men deployed but it is logical for them to focus their men around the aforementioned bridges. We suggest utilizing our housecarls to take and hold the bridges until the main army can regroup with them. I take it air superiority has yet to be established yet?" Sir Nuadu asked as he pointed out the places on the map.

Camelonian Airbase

Alissa White was pleased as she took her seat.

"We're very glad to have this opportunity to speak with you - with all of you - in private," she said. "Some of the things that I'd like to discuss must not be heard by those currently leading your nation."

White clasped her hands together on the table in front of her.

"To begin with, the Democratic Colonies wants to help you put down these armed insurrections. For your nation to fall into the hands of religious militants, for your people to be ruled by a theocracy, would be a tragedy," she said.

"In order to help save your nation from that fate, we are prepared to offer a wide variety of arms, equipment, and services. Small arms and infantry weapons, mortars, recoilless rifles, explosives, if you need them, can begin arriving in large quantities immediately. We're not here just to hand out some rifles though, we're sure you already have plenty of those. We can also offer state of the art high tech items such as sophisticated electronic warfare and jamming equipment, mortar locating RADAR, advanced third generation night vision systems, man-portable laser designators, and so-called 'smart' computer-controlled laser-guided bombs, all in large quantities. We can also begin reconnaissance overflights of insurgent-held areas in order to provide you with daily updates on troop movements, concentrations, supply caches, and so on, in order to guide your bombing campaign," she explained.

"We can start that phase of our relationship as soon as we've formalized an agreement, but moving forward, we have grave concerns about what comes next in Camelone," White said. "I will be direct. While we do not want the people of your nation to live under the yoke of theocracy, we also are gravely concerned by the actions of your government over the course of the past decade. There have been serious, flagrant human rights abuses that I'm sure I don't need to go into detail about, as you no doubt already know all about them."

White leaned forwards in her chair, her voice growing more intense. "The Democratic Colonies does not want to see a government of religious militants in Camelone, but we also do not want to see a government of tyrants. There is a third way though - a way I'm sure you already have in mind, a way where Camelone is led by a responsible leftist government that attends to the needs of the people and respects their human rights. The way, if I'm not mistaken, of the Phalanx Party."

"After these religious insurgents are put down and order is restored, or even during the process if a good opportunity arises, the Democratic Colonies would like to see the Phalanx Party assume control over the state apparatuses and restore responsible government to Camelone," White said. "I understand that this is no small undertaking, but I have read our intelligence briefs on both you, Executive Counselor, and you, Air Marshal, and unless we are mistaken you are both patriots who are willing to take risks for the good of your nation. Perhaps you have your own plans and plots - if you do, we can help you in executing them."

White nodded at Jackson, the Foreign Intelligence man, who pulled a hand-written note out of his jacket and slid it across the table.

"The DC Foreign Intelligence Service is prepared to provide listening devices, tracking devices, concealable explosives, poisons of these types, and whatever else you might need," said Jackson, gesturing at the list of chemical agents on the note. "Some of these agents can produce results that are difficult to tell apart from natural causes of death. We can provide training to operatives in the use of the poisons - how to make use of them, how long it takes, how much is required, and so on," he said. He paused for a second to ensure that the note was read before taking it again, pulling a lighter out of his pocket, and lighting the note on fire. After the flames had consumed the note he used a hand to push the ashen remains into a small plastic container of paperclips which he put into his briefcase as White began to speak again.

"The Democratic Colonies will back the Phalanx Party if there is open conflict," said White, "but we are hoping that this can be done without fighting in the streets. What we are hoping is that one night the people of Camelone will go to bed with one group in power, and wake up the next morning with a different one in control, with as little disruption as possible."

White looked around the room at the Camelonians, the gathered group of brave souls who dared speak, and hopefully act, against their government. She watched for any reactions on their faces, pausing on the two brothers, the two men who might be able to save this nation from tyranny.

"What do you think?" she asked.

The group of Cameloneans listened intently and while most of them seemed rather interested and perhaps even hopeful about their chances of saving their nation one of the pilots, the only one not of noble birth, began to mutter in Gaelic prompting a rebuke from the Air Marshal who demands to know what is being said also in Gaelic and began to translate. "Airman Arbel says that he would prefer the Crown over any republic because at least the Crown protected the Jews and respected their rights... Even many of my own men have become jaded at the idea of a republic with there being a major undercurrent of monarchist sympathy, the greatest form of protest nowadays is to put up a picture of King Ludwig Krieger." After he said that EC Emmet spoke up.

"Brother I am aware of this but we have a chance to set things righ-"

"You said that before this shitfest began with your hubris! We were a respectable nation with a flourishing economy and peace in the home now fear reigns over the land all because you wanted to play lord with your insane friends!" Air Marshal Elijah snapped before he took a deep breath and looked over at the Democratic Colonies delegation "Apologies we have been under great stress lately with rumors of another purge happening soon, if we fail or are discovered we forfeit not only our lives but the lives of our families." He let that hang in the air for a few seconds before he shifted focused back to the topic on hand.

"I must say your offer of weaponry and advanced technology is good enough for me to pledge that we of the Phalanx Party will work our hardest to ensure that responsible and just government is restored to this land. The Commonwealth had promise in the beginning if only we had recognized the lies of the other parties before it was to late. I feel as if House Schola has risen once more to torment Camelone for daring to depose their heathenish reign over our Christian lands but in the guise of Communism and Socialism instead of witchcraft and devil sorcery, not as if there is much discernible difference." That got a chuckle from the rest of the men though they all felt uneasy about the mere mentioning of House Schola, it still felt taboo to even say the name. "Though I must say the prospect of striking back at the damn Reds gives me a sense of joy the only man we truly need to worry about is Marshal Ogma Rinnal, probably better known as the Red Knight. The only Communist that I have to respect and if I can respect a Red imagine the people's favor for him. Other than that I see nothing to argue with."

[Vionna-Frankenlisch]

Hordivik
Camelone

---

"Yer' men look exceedingly keen, sire." Major General MacKinnon remarked. (For a monarch is always afforded the title 'sire' when commanding forces)

"Forgive me, sire. I must introduce ourselves." Rear Admiral McCandless said, gesturing to each man as he spoke, "I am Rear Admiral Enoch McCandless. This is Major General Archibald MacKinnon of the King's Own North Ballaeter Hussars. And may I have the esteemed honour to introduce, His Grace, Edward Lancaster the Second, Duke of Glamorgan, of the most Honourable House of Lancaster."

Lord Lancaster bowed his head respectfully to King William. His tunic was well decorated with ceremonial awards and was draped with a tartan sash, at the centre of which was a large brooch pin, these denoted his position as the Duke of Glamorgan and, due to their cultural similarities, the Earl of Ballaeter wore similar accoutrements. Admiral McCandless was more modest in his dress, wearing the day uniform of a Rear Admiral of the Imperial Navy, with the peaked cap rather than the bicorne that many officers stuck to. MacKinnon wore the dark green uniform of the Royal Hussars with the various additions that showed his particular unit including tartan mini-cape and a kilt which, as a cavalryman, was made of a softer material for more comfortable riding and was slightly longer for similar reasons. He wore the traditional Ballaetan Tam-o'shanter which was a mix of tartan and khaki. The tartan on Lancaster's uniform was the mainly red design of his own House. MacKinnon was slightly different, while his whole brigade would almost unanimously be wearing the tartan of Clan Gordon, the clan which held the Earldom of Ballaeter, MacKinnon was a proud family man and used his uncle Colum's tartan which had been the hunting design of Clan MacKinnon for centuries.

"Aye." MacKinnon said. "But we're all of noble blood, sire, so you've no worry where tha's concerned." He added, just to dispell any doubts in the minds of their companions. All the same, the Cameloneans, with the exception of their warlike King, seemed to have a smug sense of superiority about them. Perhaps they thought Camelonean nobility was higher in some way than Imperial. Duke Lancaster seemed calm but MacKinnon was certainly ready to correct them in that regard.

"Sire. Gentlemen..." Duke Lancaster addressed, pointing to locations on the map as he narrated. "Your plan is sound but there are a few things to address. Firstly, as Sire has already pointed out, air superiority has yet to be established. We have forty-two aircraft aboard HMNS Crown and each vessel carries at least one helicopter. We estimate no more than a hundred aircraft in Tragobrig but we cannot be sure of a precise number. Also, Rear Admiral McCandless has raised his concerns over naval power, as is his position and prerogative."

"Thank you, Your Grace." McCandless took the reins, "As Lord Lancaster has said, I do have several concerns. One is that we cannot get too close to land with my fleet, if the enemy were to launch a surprise attack then it could be bottled in between the shore emplacements and the enemy vessels and could take heavy damage which we cannot afford this early in our campaign. I suggest that either the fleet stays away, perhaps too far to provide meaningful gunnery support, or we will have to carry the shore batteries while the attack is taking place." It was McCandless' turn to point locations out on the map. "Just about a day ago we had reports of submarines, they never engaged, perhaps due to our damned good screen of destroyers but the fact remains that they may still be in the area and could strike during the attack when we'd be more vulnerable. I, therefore, suggest that my ships land their marines, a total force of perhaps a thousand spare men, which are trained in quick attacks to take and neutralise fortified positions. They would seize the shore emplacements, hold or destroy them and allow my fleet to move in closer and provide support. We could, if you wished, also land regular troops if needed to support the operation."

"You have thoughts, I'm sure, sire... Gentlemen?" Lancaster said, courteously.

[Hathian Prime]

Hordivik, Camelone
Generaloberst Erwin Küttner fixed the medal of bravery on his chest for the third time in five minutes. Fidgeting was a bad habit of his and one that only ceased when he was involved in a meeting or commanding a battle. The long drive had not helped with his unrestfulness, so he tried to distract himself by thinking of other topics. However, the attempt failed and he soon found himself clasping tightly onto a file bearing the official seal of Hathian Prime. Erwin's right index finger traced the wax seal of the double-headed Hawk and then felt the rough outer edge.

One of Erwin's elite commando bodyguards grunted as the car pulled over to the side of the road, snapping Erwin out of his trance. He looked out of his window with a faint smile. He saw a formation of soldiers and vehicles marching by his car. Despite their obvious lack of supplies and lack of standard uniform, they exuded confidence and readiness for battle. Erwin's faint smile had changed into a warm grin. The sight of men willing to fight no matter how bad the odds against them were had reminded him of the days of the Arkon Revolution. After a few minutes, the driver was able to find a gap to drive through and continued her way to the meeting place. A small pang of fear went through Erwin's body as he realized that he had failed to prepare a speech for the meeting.

Hopefully, the rebels would understand that he was chosen to undergo such an arduous task on such short notice. Generaloberst Borrman had been the original choice for this meeting, but unfortunately, the old gentleman had died in a car accident just three days before the scheduled meeting. The Supreme Leader did not want to risk the possibility of a communication interception and had not sent the rebels the plan to send a different Generaloberst to the meeting. As Erwin's car pulled up to the designated meeting zone, he saw a Hathenian armored car already parked in a spot. It bore a mid-sized yellow triangle on the driver's door, a secret symbol that meant the car belonged to the Hathian Air Force. Then Erwin saw Generalleutnant Dietrich Kromer leaning against a side door in a dark blue uniform, smoking a cigar. Typical of him to be so early, Erwin mused. Erwin opened the car door to step out after it had come to a stop. He double checked that he had his custom-made compact SMG hidden away inside his trenchcoat before approaching Dietrich.

Dietrich held his arm out signaling for Erwin to stop. He took another drag off his cigar before removing it from my mouth. "They said for me to wait here for a moment while they inform their ruler of my arrival. My men have already secured the area." He nodded towards a group of men in blue uniforms armed with rifles standing in a loose circle before continuing, "They'll let us in soon enough."

Erwin nodded wordlessly and held up a fist that had his index, middle, and ring fingers up and spread apart. The 3 commandos in the car stepped out and moved to further secure the area. Dietrich rolled his eyes and let out an audible sigh as he finished his cigar. He tossed it to the ground and crushed it beneath the heel of his black boots.

Sorry if this seems rushed. I am not used to roleplaying like this. if there's anything I should change let me know

[Vionna-Frankenlisch]

Halls of Government
Opposition Chamber
Kingdom of Frankenlisch

---

"You cannot impeach the King..." Sir Edwyn Flowers spoke plainly.

"He acted without the will of Parliament, deployed Imperial soldiers to another nation!" The young Lewis Travers, Member of Parliament for Wicklowe, protested in a relatively quiet yet clearly agitated tone. He gestured wildly as he spoke.

Flowers sighed and looked down sternly at Travers. "It isn't done, Lewis," He said darkly but benevolently, "I've been playing this game longer than you but even you should know it. You cannot impeach the King, there is no mechanism for it and it simply isn't done." His grey whiskers bristled as he lectured the young politician.

"It has been done before, Edwyn." Travers smiled, suggestively.

"You're overstepping the mark, Mister Travers. This King has already fought a war and executed thousands of his citizens to regain power, he wouldn't hesitate to do it again to hold his throne."

"And you're testing my patience, Sir Edwyn." Travers replied, just as sternly and just as darkly. "Even if we cannot impeach the King. Even if we cannot make war against the King. Even if we must resort to force to remove the King... He must be taught to obey Parliament."

"Hullo, gents!" The pair were met by the jaunty greeting of Samuel Baker, the new Labour MP for Ravenstern.

"Good day, Sam." Sir Edwyn replied, courteously.

"What's all this about the King sending troops to Camelone? Damn bottom drawer if you ask me." Baker remarked. Flowers and Travers shared a glance. "Without Parliament too, bad show..."

"Yes... We were just... Discussing. Discussing that very matter." Travers replied.

Baker smiled. "Oh yes?" He asked.

"Well, we thought it was a bad showing too from His Majesty." Sir Edwyn added.

"Indeed." Baker sipped tea from a china cup. "Well. I don't suppose there's much we can do about it..."