Rebellion against tyrants is obedience to God [IC|MT|Open]

by **The World Capitalist Confederation** » Thu Mar 14, 2019 2:49 pm

The Imperial Palace, London, Neo-British Empire

"Excuse me, I need to speak to the Emperor." The Director said, his face gruff and stern.

"And who are you?" The guard asked, pulling his gun.

A silence engulfed the room for a few seconds, as the Director began to heat up....After a while of angry silence, the Director pulled out a sabre.

"I am the Director of Policing and Espionage, Frederick von Limburgh. I assigned you here myself, and yet you do not recognise my face." The Director proclaimed, his face lighting up, in a steely tone, as he pulled out his sabre.

"Mr. Director...uhh...please scan your retina and fingerprints here." The guard nervously shook, as he knew the Director was a brutal and unforgiving man, very much like the Emperor. It's almost like they were brothers.

The Director shook his head and had his retinas scanned, his fingerprints taken and signature checked.

"You...may..may..enter...sir.." The guard shook once more, with each word becoming more neurotic than the last.

The metal door swung open, on the other side an ornate throne room with jewels hung from the ceiling and gold painted on the walls. At the back, upon a throne of swords and skulls, is the Emperor.

Limburgh marched forward, bowing as he came close to the Emperor.

The Emperor gestured for him to speak.

"Your HIghness...there's this situation we need to deal with soon." The Director said in a calm and quiet voice, a lot more calm than usual.

"Let me guess...the reds have built a moon colony? The socialist Emperor of Japan is sending us insulting messages again?" The Emperor replied, joking in a half-serious manner.

"No, your majesty. It's Posteastan. They're having some turmoil." The Director replied, smiling at the joke.

"Bring me an ambassador from every alliance. I want to hear their answer." The Emperor said, fully interested.

"Then so it shall be, your majesty." The Director said, bowing and then leaving.

A representative from every faction in the Posteastan conflict is invite to London for talks with the Emperor.

by **Kjalaara** » Thu Mar 14, 2019 3:33 pm

Kjalårans are born with the waves in their blood. The storms of the oceans are their breath of life. Dying at sea is as honorable as falling in battel. Every storm is a sign of the gods. A storm that shakes the earth and tears the oceans appears that follows their Queen's declaration of war and rivers of blood could only be interpreted as the harbinger of the coming war.

The four fleets were divided with two moving to each city. Roztechko and Pibtsty would now be their homes for the time being. The oath of loyalty pledged by the queen to some random general in some random nation that had no political or cultural links with Kjalåra took most of the sailors by surprise.

The first to patrol the streets of Pibtsty were the men of the penal battalions. These guys looked like something straight out of a Boani propaganda video. Badly kept uniforms on men who often exceeded two meters in height. Many covered in tattoos and a hand full literally having things like murderer, oath breaker or killing machine tattooed to their foreheads. Obviously lovers of the abuse of steroids and other performance enhancers the men of the penal battalions secured the perimeter around the Kjalåran occupied parts of the ports.

by **Lux Pulchrae** » Thu Mar 14, 2019 4:06 pm

"Eh, as d'Umbra would of said 'Fuck the international community!', but I am not him. Public images are good, that's why we have suore, the nuns. We chosen them, the beautifulest in the convent. No one want to be cared by an ugly person, no? You need a nice, caring face, and that is what the nuns are. In times of war one must be careful, because men are animals, that is why we have a team guarding the nuns all times. And I think I have met your man, once. Your people seem alright." he took a long drag of his cigarette then blew the smoke away from him "As for refugees, we are still awaiting accommodations for them to be made. I think both Health and Infrastructure ministries are caring for this, as well as Civil Order. There is no wrong in a few saved souls Ministro Thatcher, the government simply wants religious unity, we can't have these refugees come, set up their church, and steal souls away from the Mother Church. Almeno, that is my reasoning. The rest of them is not up to me, it is up to my two bosses and back home."

Nevicca walked around while he talked, looking around the room, sitting in the nearest chair "Was that what you wanted to tell the Gentile? Some missili hit a part of the country we are nowhere involved in? I get it, I truly do, but I have been thinking about something else, ever since they flew for Villi. Now this is of my opinion and in no official capacity of my position as Deputy Minister...unless you agree. The government of Lux Pulchrae, the Kingdom, values heavily things like nationalism, a strong central authority, and above all else, its King and the Church. Now, looking at the conflict here, as they say, there are 'too many cooks in the kitchen'. There is Nationalists, Stateists, Telinburg, Royalists, all that jazz music. What if we cut down? Make a deal with one of them and become stronger. With many, we can become one. One body, one mind, one goal to live for. A strong, national and kingly Posteastan. If we push the right buttons, we can have this done. My vote would be the Nationalist, that may be my bias speaking, but it is just a thought. What say you?"

Leozina Airport
The storm was starting to gain traction and the rain poured down heavily. The Major threw orders around, "Matteo! Vinci! I want the asylumers and the captured and everyone else brought into the terminals. If you cannot fit them, bring the rest out to the barracks!"

"Major, what about us?" Matteo questioned.

"We are soldiers, not women, Matteo! We can handle a little rain, now get going! And I want that artillery tarped, no water-logging on my watch!" the captains nodded "Sir!" before gather the others and doing what they were told.

On the spiritual aspect, a small chapel had been set up in the terminal. A table was found and set up and an altar, a large cross had been placed on it as well as candles, it was a rather small room considering all the people present, but it sufficed. However, they were running out of hosts and if it didn't come soon they'd have to use loaves of regular bread. Because of this shortage, mass was set aside for the weekend only, instead of daily. The number of converts grew, from two-hundred to three-fifty, it was certainly more than can be handled, especially when factoring in the troops, certainly not all were in a state to receive the communion but even with half of them not receiving, it was still much.

by **Caracasus** » Fri Mar 15, 2019 3:46 am

Villi Island

Marrik frowned slightly. “No one was threatening to shoot you. Perhaps hypothetical clauses don't translate well into your language. My meaning was this. If Caracasus was to treat your people with the same disdain for human life that you treat the civilians of Posteastan, you yourself would be arrested and imprisoned upon arrival. Happily we have no prisons here, you are safe.

And of course these camps are internment camps. Otherwise, why are people within them not free to leave? It doesn't matter if each cell has a television and on tap booze, it remains a cell. You do not get to rename an internment camp a refugee camp. A refugee camp provides shelter for internally displaced people, not those arrested by the goon squads you support and aid.”

It was in a quiet lull in the proceedings that someone had approached Gentile. The man had wandered about the place, as all diplomats do. Seeking friends and enemies, though god alone knew how anyone was supposed to tell the difference really.

“Mr Gentile is it? I need a quiet word with you. It is important.”

The man nodded.

“Listen. I don't expect to change your mind on us, on Posteastan or on anything much, that's not why I am here. I am here to give you a warning. Posteastan is dangerous. It is far more dangerous than you'd believe. We've seen one nation respond with threats of nuclear war. Some unknown faction has fired missiles at one of the only functioning airstrips in the country. We're on a knife edge here and it is very, very important that anyone – especially those with some stake in Posteastan – think very carefully before committing any rash actions.”

Speaker Kimi of Caracasus's International Affairs was due to speak next.

“There is no denying Postestan is heading towards a humanitarian crisis that various factions are seeking to capitalize on for their own ends with little care paid to the sheer, staggering weight of human suffering they will generate.

However, not every nation has seen fit to join in the slaughter for personal gain. I would like to take this chance to formally welcome diplomats from the Federal Republic of Great Øhiton to the conference. Øhiton itself is no stranger to violence and bloodshed, however it has today proven itself far more capable of managing international affairs than many nations far richer than itself.

In the words of Bjørn Peter Nielsson and the high court of Vik, A few decades ago Øhiton was in a worse position than Posteastan is now. Whatever the problem appears to be, war is not the answer you are looking for. Ohiton has decided to repatriate what citizens it has currently in the country, and to deliver what aid it can spare. A gesture that both underlines the status of Ohiton as a functioning, humane and above all decent international actor and serves to highlight the utter contempt we should hold all those who would exploit a humanitarian crisis for personal gain.”

Caracasus Council Elect

Topic: Condemnation of the actions of IDS, Construction Enterprises and Kajallara

The people of Caracasus are deeply angry at the actions of Construction Enterprises and their associates.

As the international community has stated time and time again, Postestan urgently requires a diplomatic solution to its internal problems.

What concerns us is that IDS saw fit to use the rouge nation of Kajallara as security. We cannot stress enough that enabling or giving the warlords in charge of a country such as Kajallara a shred of legitimacy is beyond dangerous. It took hours before the standoff in Posteastan waters became a nuclear standoff. The shockingly irresponsible behaviour on the part of IDS and Construction Enterprises risked plunging the world into nuclear war.

While we admit that we might not know quite as much about how foreign free market trade works as others, it is our understanding that nuclear war is considered bad for business. We would urge any responsible nation or non state actor such as insurance firms or port authorities, whatever their particular political or economic leanings, to both openly condemn and sanction Construction Enterprises and IDS for their part in further destabilizing not just Posteastan but world peace out of sheer self preservation if nothing else. Playing a part in prompting a global nuclear war should not go unpunished.

We would also urge all nations to take whatever action is needed to ensure that Kajallara's access to fissile materials or equipment needed to produce further weapons of mass destruction is removed.

The Laughing Elephant commune.

The official from International Affairs had been kept waiting at the front desk for quite some time now. The commune had taken to redecorating the interior with a collage of death threats, disarmed mailbombs and legal cease and desist orders from other nations. He'd read a few.

The editor was busy, he had been told. He'd expected this. As part of their whole shtick, the commune had actually placed an editor in charge of the entire paper - an unusual setup in a country that avoided vertical hierarchies over horizontal committee led action. The position was, of course, utterly meaningless. The editor was editor of the paper for life, however they held no power whatsoever and was largely responsible for calling in Internal Security whenever a suspicious looking package was discovered.

"I don't want to meet with the editor. Listen, could you please do me the favour of organising a meeting? I'll address you all then."

They'd messed him around for a further few hours, during which he'd genuinely tried not to take offense. Eventually, they'd opened up a dingy backroom, similarly bedecked with death threats and invited him in. Surprisingly they'd listened, though whether they took on the advice would be anyone's guess.

"Listen, all of you. I'm here to ask you one hell of a favour. I know that once again there's a press conference that you're itching to send someone to and I know there's nothing to stop you going but please, I have to ask you not to send a reporter. This isn't Flauc, you won't be sending someone to show up a load of people you've got an ax to grind with. You'll be in a war zone and your words will have consequences, very real consequences for the people living there.

The media representatives of our nation probably should be satirists when all is said and done, but there are very good reasons why they can't be this time. The situation is far, far too delicate and volatile. Please, I'm asking you on behalf of the hundreds who won't get your jokes and will start strapping bombs to the undersides of cars - just stay home this once. Write all the satirical articles you like on Posteastan, but please do not put yourselves forwards as our representatives in this."

by **Kenmoria** » Fri Mar 15, 2019 11:18 am

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
This is a message in response to the recent public announcement of the Caracasus council elect. Although we acknowledge that every nation or other group of people is entitled to its own activities, which is something a few actors in the situation seem to be forgetting, there were a few statements that we believe require clarifying.

Firstly, it has been stated that Posteastan requires a peaceful solution to the conflict. This is of course true, but peace can sometimes only be achieved when those who commit violence have been persuaded to a different path or arrested. The soldiers of IDS and Kjalåra are here solely to protect the structure of law, and engage in conflict with the Renegages.

The Renegades are an aggressive and violent faction in the conflict located to the North of the country, and we current are in the belief that no major or minor foreign power has any support for them. This is with good reason, for human rights abuses are committed there almost daily. It was not expected that there would be controversy over the soldiers for this reason, as it was for the greater good.

Kjalåra is a proud and respected nation, and has chosen to assist our company in providing peace to the Posteastan region. The people in that nation have a naval force and, like any reasonable group, do not wish to see that attacked. A direct assault on any branch of a military would be seen as justification for war in any other circumstance, so why is Caracasus singling out this particular scenario?

It also must be stated that the main aim of Kjalåra is to safely evacuate civilians of Jomsvikinar and other Renegade-controlled areas, the very epitome of the peaceful solution that has been discussed. The IDS forces are only being used to actually pave the way for their military to make its way to the city without any major losses.

We are been suffering boycotts from the people of Keilersmoor and elsewhere, which have had a detrimental effect on our margins of safety in some regions. It may be asked why, as a fundamentally corporate entity, why we have not stopped. The answer is because we want to provide Posteastan with the right infrastructure for the future, and no condemnation from a biased company shall change that.

Lastly, we think it goes without saying that Kjalåra has a right to procure whatever materials it pleases, and that any attempt to restrict access to goods is considered nothing more than a rash and simplistic decision. Our fellow companies in Kenmoria have fissile materials, one has a nuclear stockpile, and we will be happy to work out a deal if this mistake is made.

Subject: Military Cooperation
To: President Niculai Valaska
From: Construction Enterprises
Encryption: High
Dear President Nicuali Valaska,

As we’re sure you have heard from the controversy, we have begun moving our IDS troops to the border of districts one and two, accompanied by Kjalåran forces, where there will be a brief press conference. This will be followed by us moving the entire military capability in the country up to the Renegade-controlled areas, which we are hoping to attack and make our way into the heart of the territory.

Kjalåra wishes to proceed with an evacuation mission, wherein the people of Renegade-controlled areas, particularly those who have been turned to Jomsvikinar, will be taken to a safer place where there are not such dangerous and cruel conditions. This is the reason for them joining the conflict, and we do not expect them to remain allied with us past the point where this core goal has been accomplished.

On the other hand, we want to accomplish this with the aim of extending our infrastructure and your control over these areas, so that the Government side can gain ground and we can improve on our mission. We will attack the Renegades with our forces, hopefully putting a dent in that reaches just to the target city, and then reinforce and secure the area.

To this aim, we wish to ask whether you have any soldiers that can be spared for this mission. Although you must have bigger issues about which to worry, this armed incursion could be decisive in deciding the future of the Posteastan conflict in general. Ideally, with your help, the mission can be accompanied with much loss of life.

Yours sincerely,
Construction Enterprises

by **Lux Pulchrae** » Fri Mar 15, 2019 7:28 pm

Villi
Gentile looked at the man, d’Umbra started to get up as well, putting his cap on. They both listened to the man, his words processing in their head, more for Gentile than the Colonel. D’Umbra had been greatly angered, he’s not a man to be brushed aside, especially in the situation he’s in. Gentile however would not allow anger, in contrast he had to be careful in his decisions, his actions, and his words.

“Patience is a virtue, and sadly at this moment, I do not possess it. I am through listening to you communist dogs. You do not grant the courtesy of hearing me out, and now I shall do the same. Think of us whatever you like, call us whatever you want. At this moment I do not care for your opinions nor do I care to explain myself any further.” He took out a packet of cigarettes and took one out and lit it, it was becoming habitual, but it was welcomed by this point. “You don’t want any rash actions, eh? You came to give me a warning, vero? Here’s my warning Signore: Frankenstein’s Creature, he only took so much abuse before he became the very thing he was accused of being. They kept calling him a monster and to everyone’s surprise, after their constant demonization and condemnations, he became the monster. All because they wouldn’t listen and he couldn’t say his piece. Good day, Signore.” And with that, he nodded to the man, and the two left the conference room and the building, going back to their own rooms at the nearby hotel.

Gentile sat in his room, overlooking the last reports he’d made on the situation in Posteastan. A knock on the door diverted his attention, “<Who is it?>”

“<It’s me!>” it was d’Umbra. The grand minister stood up and opened the door and let him in. He put a finger to his lips, Gentile understood. Even if it wasn’t true, they couldn’t risk speaking in their own rooms in case of bugging. D’Umbra tilted his head towards the door, telling Gentile that they should go outside. Nodding, he grabbed his coat and his hat and they both went out.

Hungry, the two went out to get something to eat from a nearby restaurant, their security detail following close behind. They found one with tables outside, like back home. Sitting down, they ordered wine and steak.

“<So, you’re weary of them too?>” Gentile asked as the wine was brought and poured by the waiter.

“<Of course I am. Even in my own home, if I’ve been out for too long. Call me paranoid.>”

“<No no, you have reason. I wouldn’t trust a communist even if his whole house was transparent. I can’t even risk speaking my own langauage in the hotel. All possibilites must be considered, even if impossible.>”

“<Are you armed?>” the colonel asked, taking a sip of his wine.

“<Yup. Keep it in my coat. I shouldn’t ask the same of you, you wear that hostler like you were your uniform.>”

“<It is part of my uniform Grand Minister. When’s the last time you actively fired a weapon?>”

“<Not since my Two Years. Well, that’s a lie. When I was in Defense, I’d go to the range a couple times a month. Work on my aim, train with my gun.>”

“<Gesu! If you really haven’t shot since your Two Years, your arm might’ve blown off if you shot one now.>” the two laughed and continued talking, waiting for their meal.

by **Posteastan** » Sat Mar 16, 2019 4:31 am

War in the South

Fallen Women executed by retreating Moralists

The fighting in Mierbozia was bloody and bitter. In total disarray the Moralists had to retreat to the east using a scorched earth tactic on their march back. Prisons, workhouses and homes for fallen women were emptied and the inmates executed. Moralists deserted in droves, leaving their weapons behind for the advancing stateists or blowing them up. Some surrendered to the Royalists, some to the National Guard but most deserters tried to make it to the Allanean migration offices.

The death of the Patriarch lead to a split in the Moralist movement. The New Moralist Party renounced its status as a church and accepted the Metropolitan of Leozina as their religious authority. The New Moralist Party almost instantly sued for peace and entered negotiations with the RDSU. To continue its existence as a political party all of its fighters had to be absorbed by the FPA. The Sorinna Movement led by the eccentric but charismatic Sister Sorinna formed the first political organization in Posteastan openly subscribing to socialist principles. Totally forswearing physical violence and putting all their weapons beyond use Sorinna Movement can best be described as agrarian socialists. Numerically it is the strongest successor of the Moralists but militarily it plays no roll at all. Beside that of being used for target practice by the Royalists whenever encountered in their sphere of control. Despite being pacifist they Sorinna Movement still happily uses violence against property and steals land rightfully belonging to someone else. The Heavenly Kingdom keeps up the values of the old Moralists and still holds the far east corner of the province. They prepare for a last stand and are going to take as many of the people in the vicinity with them. In two occasions the Heavenly Kingdom has already used homemade chemical weapons against the advancing statists with minimal effect.

The Democratic Social Union of Posteastan

Free and fair elections with a massive turnout

The first elections in Posteastan since the bombings of the Northern Alliance were held in Tabolov, northern Kolvce, Orikson and most of Mierbozia. The People's Chamber is the provisional parliament of the government in Tabolov. With the Royalist Party boycotting the elections they secured no seats in the People's Chamber. The turnout was strong and was said to be above 75% by the official sources. The votes were divided into 62% for the Revolutionary Democratic Social Union, 27% for the Patriotic Block and 9% for the New Moralist Party. 2% of the votes were counted as Invalid or for smaller parties who did not pass the 5% threshold. In a rare occasion of unity in Posteastan all three parties formed the government with positions of ministers given to all parties.

The first steps of the People's Chamber was to elect Vasilescu Tavitian as head of government and prime minister. The first action of the prime minister was to declare the Democratic Social Union of Posteastan, together with the leaders of the two other parties in government. Remus Balan was granted the job as minister of the interior while Virgil Cosmescu became foreign minister. The People's Chamber has not jet announced a head of state. There are rumors that there will be a referendum shortly whether the head of state shall be elected by the people or by the parliament. Or, as some say, not elected at all.

DEMOCRATIC SOCIAL UNION OF POSTEASTAN

Official Statement of the People's Chamber

To: All Nations
Subject: Declaration of the Democratic Social Union of Posteastan
OFFICIAL DECLARATION

Whereas the Posteastanian people is by right a free people:

And Whereas for hundreds of years the people of Posteastan have never ceased to repudiate and has repeatedly protested in arms against foreign usurpation:

And Whereas foreign rule in this country is, and always has been, based upon force and fraud and maintained by military occupation against the declared will of the people:

And Whereas the Democratic Republic of Posteastan was proclaimed in Telinburg by no other than Marku Tavitian acting on behalf of the people:

And Whereas the people of Posteastan are resolved to secure and maintain our complete independence in order to promote class-cooperation, to re-establish justice, to provide for future defense, to insure peace at home and goodwill with all nations and to constitute a national polity based upon the people's will with equal right and equal opportunity for every citizen, man or woman:

Now, therefore, we, the elected Representatives of the heroic Posteastanian people in assembled the People's Chamber, do, in the name of the nation, ratify the establishment of the National-Democratic Social Union of Posteastan and pledge ourselves and our people to make this declaration effective by every means at our command:

We ordain that the elected Representatives of the people alone have power to make laws binding on the people of Posteastan, and that the People's Chamber is the only Parliament to which that people will give its allegiance:

We solemnly declare all foreign government in Posteastan to be an invasion of our national right which we will never tolerate, and we demand the evacuation of our country by all armed foreign troops.

We claim for our national independence the recognition and support of every free nation in the world, and we proclaim that independence to be a condition precedent to international peace hereafter:

In all modesty we state that all existing trade deals and treaties negotiated at the point of foreign bayonets and enforced by drone strikes, coercion and murder are herewith struck down and subject to renegotiation by a Posteastan standing as equals, not subservient to other nations:

In the name of the people of Posteastan we humbly commit our destiny to our Almighty God who gave our fathers the courage and determination to persevere through long centuries of a ruthless tyranny, and strong in the justice of the cause which they have handed down to us, we ask His divine blessing on this the last stage of the struggle we have pledged ourselves to carry through to Freedom.

For the Provisional Government:
Vasilescu Tavitian, RDSU
Remus Balan, PB
Virgil Cosmescu, NMP

REPUBLIC OF POSTEASTAN

Official Statement of the Republic of Posteastan

To: Construction Enterprises
Subject: Security and Stability
OFFICIAL TELEGRAM FROM THE NATIONAL GUARD

I am not clear about the motives of Queen Tove. As much as I appreciate her unconditional support of freedom, democracy and the rule of law, I find her embrace of war and apocalyptic scenarios disturbing. What good comes from ruling over a pile of rubble? We have always worked towards a peaceful solution of this problem but no one has ever talked to me. All I get is death threats, blockades and bombings. I have to inform you that my friend and president Niculai Valaska is not feeling well. He has most likely caught the flu and has moved to Balagan for treatment. Keep this information secret under all circumstances.

The advance of Tavitian's forces makes things very complicated. We need to prepare our cities for a possible incursion into our territory. I don't think that this is the right time for offensive operations. Once the storm has passed we have the full fire power of two Kjalåran carrier groups at hand. With that it should be easy to overcome the bandits in the north.

Right now the evacuation seems impossible to me. Evacuating the city would mean that we would have to open the barricades, making our territory vulnerable both in the south and the north. This humanitarian mission is not possible without the agreement of the bandits not to attack the refugee convoy and not to use this opportunity for a raid on our territory. I cannot negotiate with the terrorists. This would further undermine my position.

National Guard Headquarters
Nina Neacsu
Telinburg

REPUBLIC OF POSTEASTAN

Official Statement of the Republic of Posteastan

To: Terrorists Occupying Leozina
Subject: Negotiations
OFFICIAL TELEGRAM FROM THE NATIONAL GUARD

Peace and stability can only be reached through direct talks. I will gladly meet your delegation to negotiate your withdrawal from Posteastan. As I won't come to Leozina to be murdered you will not come to Telinburg. Therefore, I suggest we meet in Steinhafen, Keilersmoor for direct talks.

National Guard Headquarters
Nina Neacsu
Telinburg

REPUBLIC OF POSTEASTAN

Official Statement of the Republic of Posteastan

To: Public Statement
Subject: Rule of Law
OFFICIAL TELEGRAM FROM THE NATIONAL GUARD

The Allanean war against the Sakala organization is a total disaster and dramatic failure. Form the beginning this approach was wrong and Posteastan should never have allowed it. From this day on all military operations of Allanea inside our territory are illegal. There will be no more extra judicial murders under my watch. If you and others wish to fight against the Sakala you are invited to do so. With legal means and through arrests and the enforcement of laws. You are free to collect evidence, help us in arresting members of the Sakala against whom we have enough hard evidence and bring them to court. Your actions have killed more civilians than the bombings of the Northern Alliance and the work of the Sakala combined. I don't need to remind you that you are illegally occupying sovereign nation if you don't obey this request. Either you persecute the Syndicate lawfully, without murders and without the mass culling of unarmed civilians and bystanders or not at all.

I commend the work of Uan aa Boa to persuade foreign invaders to withdraw from our nation. That has given us some time to breath. I am willing to ask Kjalåra and the IDS to leave and I am willing to agree to a naval blocked against weapons and mercenaries. But these measures cannot be one-sided. The anti-fascist forces of the IDS and Kjalåra are peace keepers, invited here by the internationally recognized government. We are now in a state of civil war, partly because of the reckless delivery of weapons to all rebel groups and partly because of the indiscriminate killing of suspects and civilians by Allanea.

As a first measure of de-escalation I demand recognition by Forest. You are free to block our ports but you have to give us a god damn way to meet your demands. You are holding us hostage but you have not named your demands!!! What is it you want me to do? Let the fascist take over the rest of the country too?

As the last part of this public annunciation I wish to establish an international fact finding mission regarding the recent attacks on our soldiers and civilian aid workers. I am aware that Allanea has killed endless numbers of civilians in the recent conflict without achieving anything at all but the local authorities were informed about every operation. Normally afterwards but Allanea never denied responsibility. These heinous murders are something different. The foreign powers that bombed Roztechko and murdered these people in cold blood on behalf of our local fascists and the syndicate must be brought to justice. We need to find out who is willing to support a group like the Sakala Crime Syndicate with missile strikes against our law enforcement. The same men who fought and died side by side with the Allaneans just days before. The same men who guard the hospitals and refugee camps with their lives. The brave heroes of the National Guard.

Take a look at what is happening in the south and how fast the fascists are advancing. Ask yourself do you want the UGF back in power? Do you want the Nazis in Leozina turning Posteastan into a death camp? What the hell do you want me to do to get your support? Regardless how much you turn this around. The National Guard will always remain the lesser evil. I am not going to lecture you about fascism but you know as well as my that they will not stop killing until the world is at war. And you all know very well that the UGF will instantly militarize Posteastan and take up arms for a next round against the Northern Alliance. If there is anything left in Posteastan that is.

National Guard Headquarters
Nina Neacsu
Telinburg

REPUBLIC OF POSTEASTAN

Official Statement of the Republic of Posteastan

To: Queen Tove
Subject: Commendation
OFFICIAL TELEGRAM FROM THE NATIONAL GUARD

Dear Sister,

I thank you for these kind words of support. In this darkness you are our beacon of hope. Your guarantees are the last lifeline for our freedom. Without you we would all be in the death camps of Great Nortend and Lux Pulchrae or enslaved by the deranged hordes of Tavitian and the renegades.

I'm forever grateful for what you have done for us. And so is the people of Posteastan. And while I share your anger I have to say that the threat of a global thermos nuclear war might not be suitable to be used as the first step of escalation.

I am not a diplomat. I am a soldier like you. I don't always find the right words but we must not end all room for negotiation before talks even have begun. Let us find a way out of this my sister without setting the world on fire.

National Guard Headquarters
Nina Neacsu
Telinburg

Syndicate Wars

The Syndicate always had very diversified means of income. Naturally most of them were concentrated in Posteastan. Very few of them involved the work of forced labor. People often voluntarily worked in dangerous jobs that would create meager income. At least it would create income.

The road network had to be reconstructed and the syndicate got its share in every meter the work progressed. They owned shares in concrete factories, bitumen production and so on. Both products and workforce of all construction sides contributed to the wealth of the Syndicate. These things were difficult to target. Simply lining up all construction workers and shooting them in the back of the head would do the trick but that seemed a bit farfetched.

Those working in the many cookeries that produced the endless amounts of drugs needed to keep Posteastan going were by no means slaves. Working conditions were poor but getting some of their payment in drugs was good. A lot better than in worthless Bozia. Blowing these factories up with the children of the workers in the center of the explosions did not particularly win the hearts and minds of the people. Few were opposed to killing high ranking Syndicate members but those often lodged elsewhere. In nations with nice long beaches and no civil war. The indifference with which their compatriots were killed often brought up the question of racism. The argument of fighting slavery was almost completely rejected. Neacsu had just introduced conscription and yet, she was not assassinated and tortured to death.

The campaign was going a lot better in the Statists controlled areas. Suspected syndicate members were apprehended and tortured under the supervision of Allanean officials till they revealed more names. Those people were than arrested and tortured till they came up with a list of slavers who could than either be executed or tortured till they reveal more names. And names were delivered. For the harder cases the newly formed Security Directorate resorted to harder measures. Torturing the children in front of the parents almost instantly brought the desired results. That way it could be safeguarded that Syndicate members could be shot dead in droves but no civilians were harmed.

Surprisingly the campaign to recruit syndicate members was going very successful. Especially along the syndicate coast were the Wright Takeover was in place many syndicate members, including Miran Cozma, split from their original organization and used the pardon to either completely move away or join the Wrights.

On day to day business the Syndicate was mostly relying on small arms. When there was need of bigger stuff, the all capitalist organization was a big fan of outsourcing. National Guard, members of the Renegades or the readily available mercenaries were normally hired for these jobs. Few of them were that closely linked to the Syndicate. A remarkable exception were the Wolves of Vangnes, a subunit of the Jomsvikingar. Commanded by the infamous Ove Drag, The Dragon of Milila. Not only was this group responsible for guarding the Spire, they also were in charge of a few of the northern mines.

by **Allanea** » Sat Mar 16, 2019 6:59 am

Encrypted message – internal OAS Satcom
To: Agent Emerald [Stateist Territory Chief of Station]

We are receiving reports that measures taken by the Stateist faction against slavery have gone into child torture. Prepare to withdraw all formal cooperation with these clients should you confirm this.

* * *

Encrypted message – internal OAS Satcom
To: Agent Sapphire [Stateist Territory Chief of Station]

Withdraw all formal cooperation with client if any remains. Move to covert operations only.

* * *

The declarations made by Nina Neascu were, for the moment, ignored by the Allaneans, to the extent that the Free Kingdom was continuing its operations anywhere where the official government of Posteastan could not stop it – which, to be fair, was almost everywhere in the country. Most importantly, the refugee flights began their operation. The process had been worked out by experience from other countries – the majority of the bureaucracy would be handled at home, in Allanea. Here, in Posteastan, only the most minimal background checks would be done – by a tired soldier typing a man's name into a laptop somewhere at a forgotten airfield.

About a hundred men, women, or children – and, by nature, children took priority – would be allowed to board each plane, and once it were full, the aircraft would take off. The long distances, and the small size of the airfields, did not allow any more than one or two flights to take off from any given airfield per day, but still this allowed for several hundred people to leave the country each day.

* * *

From: Grand Ambassador Peter Nizhinsky
To: Nina Neascu

To summarize a brief response to your statements: the Free Kingdom of Allanea has no objection to trade with your nation, and will probably be willing to temporarily suspend tariffs on all Posteastani goods for the duration of the emergency, once the legislature can be gotten to confirm the appropriate laws.

No Free Kingdom force had launched the recent missile strike, and it is bizarre that you accuse us of it given the situation.

However, what is false is to call our operations indiscriminate. As you know well – having provided us a lot of the intelligence on which the strikes are being based – all our strikes are carried out using precision munitions, based on verified, actionable intelligence, and in any cases using munitions that minimize collateral damage. They are no more indiscriminate than any tactics a nation would use when confronted with a terrorist organization armed – as per reports – with hundreds of armored vehicles, at least a dozen warships, and so forth.

To your description of Kjalaara as an 'anti-fascist' state I can only respond with a sad laugh. If you believe that aligning with a group of people who are famous for the deliberate mass-murder of children – degenerates to Ran. Every man, woman and child is, after all a famous quote from Queen Gormsdóttir – is going to somehow improve your lot, I can only wave you a sad farewell.

by **Posteastan** » Sat Mar 16, 2019 8:19 am

REPUBLIC OF POSTEASTAN

Official Statement of the Republic of Posteastan

To: The Free Kingdom of Allanea
Subject: Cease All Military Operations
OFFICIAL TELEGRAM FROM THE NATIONAL GUARD

To make things clear, The Free Kingdom of Allanea is the only one I do not have the slightest suspicion of behind behind the recent missile attack! Whatever you did you never did something without claiming responsibility. I would like to have your support in the fight against the Sakala but your mass killing of civilians has given them the status of Robin Hoods fighting for their homeland against the foreign oppressor. Your plan is not working. Clinging to it like a mad man unable to admit that it was wrong in the first place is not helping. Please just stop slaughtering innocent people. Help us reform our police and combat corruption. That would be much more useful than blowing up factories that produce unlicensed t-shirts.

No matter what, the person who in the end detonates the bomb is responsible for the action. You think you are not in the position to make choices when it comes to dropping a bomb on civilians caged to a syndicate facility? The Sakala are not even operating in your country. I still want and need your help in fighting crime and even more so in driving the fascists out of the west and the south.

The fascists have hundreds of foreign fighters with them and armored vehicles and they are operating air fields. You know we can't stop them on our own. We need the anti-fascist volunteers from the IDS and Kjalåra. You all keep repeating the same senseless arguments over and over: Just let your people die! I won't do it. What is so difficult to understand about that? I will not let my nation fall to fascism and I will not let my people die. You want the peace keepers gone? Fine, I make to you the same offer as I made to Forest. Come up with a better idea, and let me finish with the small hint: just to repeat the idea again that it might be best if I just let the fascists win won't work.

National Guard Headquarters
Nina Neacsu
Telinburg

by **Austria-Bohemia-Hungary** » Sat Mar 16, 2019 8:37 am

The Imperial and Royal Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Of the Kingdoms and Lands in Reichsrath Represented, the Lands of the Holy Hungarian Crown of Saint Stephen and the Lands of the Bohemian Crown of Saint Wenceslaus

To: The Representatives of the Republic of Posteastan
From: The Imperial and Royal Ministry for Foreign Affairs
CC: International Community
Encryption Level: Unencrypted

Your Excellency

The Imperial and Royal Minister for Foreign Affairs presents her compliments to the Acting Head of State and Government of the Republic of Posteastan, and Commander of her National Guard Service, and wishes to congratulate You on Your absolute chutzpah in naming the internationally wanted arch-war criminal the Queen of Kjalåra and her rogue state and her forces arbitrarily waving their nuclear arsenals about as anti-fascist forces for peace. The Imperial and Royal Ministry for Foreign Affairs must frankly admit that these claims coming from Your Excellency's Office were astoundingly surprising and bewildering, made while knowing fully well that the Kjalåran rogue state threatened the world with atomic holocaust just a few days ago near Your waters, in response to actions widely acknowledged by the nations of the world to be right and proper when it comes to human and contraband trafficking. That Your Excellency's Office has yet to issue a stern condemnation against their wanton arch-belligerency and blockade running is seriously concerning and alarming.
The Imperial and Royal Minister for Foreign Affairs suggests that if Your Excellency earnestly wishes for peace in Your country You should expel with immediacy and effect the Kjalåran bandits You invited, lest further harm be done. The Monarchy is standing by with humanitarian aide efforts together with our Allanean friends but for any amount of meaningful assistance to happen the Kjalåran bandits must be evicted first.

I have the honour to remain
The Imperial and Royal Minister for Foreign Affairs and Privy House-, Court-, and State-Chancellor
Her Serene Highness Alexandra Ignatia Prinzessin von Hardegg

by **The World Capitalist Confederation** » Sat Mar 16, 2019 11:52 am

The Imperial Palace, London

The large hall was luxurious, filled with great paintings and sculptures from artists throughout time, with more awe-inspiring contents than a museum. The door, when the representatives entered, was a bombproof door on one side with heavy security measures, and one gilded with diamonds and a mirror on the other. To their left, when they walked in, they saw, firstly, an ornate statue of the Emperor, along with a stack of paper and documents, presumably for the Emperor, on the right there was a buffet of exquisite food such as truffles, oyster and caviar, along with wine and other alcoholic drinks.

In the middle, closer to the door, there was a red carpet, lined with gold, as the reinforced glass windows made it glow like the sun. At the back, there was a raised platform and the so-called 'third throne', one made from what is said to be the dead bodies of all that came before him as a symbol of the Empire's immortality. He sat there, firmly upright, waiting for the representatives to plead their case to him.

by **Allanea** » Sat Mar 16, 2019 12:18 pm

Leyfield Palace, Sovereign Duchy of Leyfield

The Queen of Allanea looked out at her advisors and sighed.

"As I see it, we are in a quandary. We cannot discontinue our operations at present, given the Syndicate's actions, and we cannot continue them, given the reaction of the Posteastani public." – she began – "The last thing we want to do is provide the Syndicate with a form of legitimacy as some kind of social movement, that would be… very bad."

"That's essentially the analysts' assessment," – said Kalugin. – "However there's also the other side of the coin. Specifically, it's not clear what we are doing. The Navy is quite literally out of legitimate targets for its air strikes. Hundreds of Syndicate thugs have turned themselves in for the pardon and we’re still collating information from them. Dozens of slaver facilities of various kinds have been burned down to the ground. And yet…"

"And yet?" – Cassiopeia raised an eyebrow.

"The important issue in knowing whether to stop bombing and hand the situation over to a policing solution is to know if what remains of the Syndicate is susceptible to such a solution." – said the head of OAS. "In other words, if they still have fighting vehicles stashed somewhere, we'll be back to square one – they'll just kill any police sent after them."

"That's… that would be less than good." – said Cassiopeia. "But we do not currently have anything to bomb as I understand?"

"Not at present."

"Very well, and what about an economic solution?"

"What?" – Kalugin asked, looking momentarily perplexed.

"A significant part of why the Syndicate operation is so strong is the rising prices in the country." – said Nizhinsky. – "A flow of goods – both humanitarian aid and trade – into Posteastan could significantly weaken the dependence of the public there on any mafias."

"Would this not require approval from the legislature?" – asked Kalugin.

Nizhinsky nodded. "I have asked my people to formulate an act for assistance to Posteastan, and we will see if we can get someone to introduce it.

* * *

From: Grand Ambassador Peter Nizhinsky
To: Nina Neascu

Madam Neascu!

After a consultation, we've decided to suspend our aerial campaign as a gesture of good will. (Limited covert action may continue). We are taking the following measures as of now:

1) We are organizing the shipment of goods from our Strategic Reserve Facilities to your ports, in the form of food, as well as various equipment that will come in useful to you as part of your rebuilding efforts.

2) A Posteastan Assistance Act is being drafted for submission to our legislature, to allow for temporary unilateral free trade with your nation (i.e., we will suspend all tariffs on Posteastani goods and services, and not require you to do the same), as well as a small tranche of aide funding.

3) The operation to airlift aid into airfields around your country will be reinforced.

Regarding the policing issue, it is necessary for us to resolve certain significant issues before we proceed. Specifically: how much of the Syndicate's military potential remains online? It's obviously not possible for you, or us, or anyone else, to go after a military force with police-style action, you can hardly approach a tank crew and read them their rights!

Your friend,
Peter Nizhinsky

by **Lux Pulchrae** » Sat Mar 16, 2019 3:15 pm

Leozina Airport
The men at the airport waited around, with Gentile and d'Umbra still gone, military action became less and less frequent without the proper command to give orders. Their support however, was growing little by little as not only did they have the backing of the people Leoniza, but with their medical and foode aid, some of the other towns in the province as well.

Giornada was talking among his captains when his attention was called, one of the men from the gate-keeping team called him over the radio.

"Major?"

"What is it?"

"Nicolau is back from his errand."

"Good, if he's back that means we got a positive answer. Let him in." he confirmed, authorizing Nicolau's entrance "Boys! we got an answer!" he informed his captains, all cheering. Their Posteastani friend approached them with two envelopes, somewhat confusing the Major.

"Two letters Nicolau?"

"One is her response, the other is a public statement handed to everyone by the Telinburg regime."

"Give me those!" he said, snatching the envelopes. Opening the one addressed to them, he read it. It was rather short.

"What's it say?" asked one of the captains, Vinci,

"Well, 'To: Terrorists Occupying Leozina' Watch out men, there's terrorists in Leozina! Keep your eyes peeled." Giornada mocked as the captains laughed, he kept on reading "Whoa, this woman thinks we're killers or something! She thinks we're gonna 'murder' her if she steps foot here! She says she'd be happy to discuss our withdrawal, and she wants us to meet in...Keilersmoor? "

"The fuck is that Major?"

"Don't know. But we aren't leaving until we have this Sir Alexander guy is sitting on his throne, wearing his crown, in his own country."

"Well, the media has been giving you guys a bad name." Nicolau commented "You should read the public statement too, it's probably worse-" he was pulled before he could finish, Giornada grabbing him by collar.

"Listen here you gypsy: Fuck the media! A bunch of lying, propagandizing bastards. All they do is look at our 'atrocities' and turn a blind eye to the good we've done your people. This province would be starving, nakedm and raped without us. Like I said before, we aren't leaving until you have a king, capisci?" he promptly shoved Nicolau, letting him go. He then read the public statement, thinking nothing of it until he got towards the end. "Death camps? Is she calling us Nazis?" he spat at the paper and dropped it, falling on the ground. "Where's Nevicca?"

"He's went to go speak to the guy from Great Nortend."

"Fuck it. I'll write a letter myself. Have something come from my desk for once." he went to the terminal, sitting in one of the abandoned offices with a pen and paper. His captains were all in the doorway peering into the room in anticipation. "What?"

Matteo shrugged "I don't know, what are you going to write?"

"Something! I'm thinking."

"What if we all pitched in?"

"Get back to the field and leave me the fuck alone! NOW!" he stood up and ordered his men, all of them scurrying back to their posts. He was still trying to grasp the situation he was in no way prepared for. Nevicca was out on some chat with Thatcher, and both his uncle and Gentile are gone to some far off island, making him the highest ranking official there, a Major. The Posteastani government was making claims, two ways. Both Telinburg and Tavitian factions have pushed forward in proclaiming legitimate governments. Rumors of of the Moralists splitting up too, so who knows what's going on with them.

The paper he took was a regular white sheet. It had no insignia, standard, or stamp. Those kinds of official papers were in the ministers' rooms, so this letter was as much a long shot as the first one was.

Dear Madame Neacsu,

We are greatly offended at your assumptions and image of us. You make us out to be murderers and terrorists but we are probably the most gentlemanly bunch in this whole mess. Whatever you've been told is a lie, but you probably don't care. We have no 'deathcamps' and we are NOT Nazis. We are Monarchists hoping to see your King returned to his rightful place.

The Royalists have become like saviors to Leoniza, bringing clothes, medicine and food to the people. If you feel so unsure about your safety, out of good faith between two civilized people, I will go to you, alone and unarmed. This will save both of us a long, unnecessary flight to wherever the hell you wanted to go. Pick a place and I'll be there.

I will be sending this letter again with Nicolau, so you have a familiar face to expect.

Signed,

Major Luglio Giornada, 2nd Montagna Division.

Finishing the letter, he showed it to his men. "Major, your seriously not thinking of going alone? AND unarmed?"

"Got to get this meeting somehow. I ain't going to whatever bumfuck country they want me to go to. I'm staying right here. Plus, I put fifty bucks down on this woman. 'Rail-thin' my ass."

Taking the envelope, he thought for a second and then grabbed one of the sleeve patches from one his men, the patch was the Lux Pulchraean flag, finding no better substitute for an insignia, he stapled the patch to the back of the envelope and seal the letter inside. Summoning Nicolau again he handed him the letter "Nicolau, I have a serious question to ask of you."

The Posteastani nodded "Ask away."

"I know you're National Guard, and she WAS your general. What I need to know is: what is your allegiance yo her?"

The former guard gulped and answered "None sir. My allegiance is to the king and country."

"Good. Now go, give her this letter. And don't forget to tell her of all the good we've done here, for you and your people. Dig into that former guardsman in you and appeal to her that way. I want as much of a positive light on us as possible from her. Capisci? And don't come back unless you have her response."

Nodding, Nicolau was on his way again towards Neacsu.

Convoy of surrendered and captured Moralists

Hours later: t the gates it was rather boring, letting trucks in, letting trucks out. Open, close, open, close. The guards stood watch, setting up makeshift towers near the gates for the lookouts and snipers. A usual day, a boring day, until something was spotted on the road leading to the main gate, then the radio sounded.

Matteo, the captain in charge of gate-keeping answered, it was one of the checkpoint guards "Sir, we got a convoy headed to the gate. We cleared them. Patrol forces near Mierbozia caught them, they apparently surrendered. We letting them in?

"Hold on, I got to ask the Major." Standing by the gate's checkpoint, he sent someone to go and get Giornada.

Arriving on the scene, he was informed on the situation. Hearing the rumors of the Moralist Massacre, Giornada looked on as the convoy got closer and closer. The surrendered Moralists were in the back of trucks and in cuffs. He approached the lead driver of the convoy. "Good day Sergeant."

"Good day Major." the driver responded. "Am I driving them in?"

"Sure why not? I want you to put them in the hottest place possible, where the sun shines the most. Have your men sit them down, all of them. Carefully explain that if any of them get up, that person will be shot. I have enough on my plate Sergeant, I don't want to deal with women killers right about now. Dismissed!" he tapped on the truck and on it went into the airfield, doing as the Major had instructed.

by **Caracasus** » Sun Mar 17, 2019 2:07 am

Interlude. The Silvered Dew in Moonlight Commune Villi island

The commune produced fired stoneware and painted exquisite decorations on it for use in other communes. Some of their work had even reached as far as Quoris province, so they had decided to display some of their finest decorations across the windows leading in to the cafeteria and cooking area. Perhaps that was why the premises were mistaken for a restaraunt.

'What?'

'He asked for wine and a steak.'

The thick evening scent of nightime flowers merged with the sounds of crickets. Only two meters from the cobbled streets began the brushline. You could stare out past the scrub through to the ocean and the far lights of the mainland. No wonder people came so often to the commune to eat. No wonder so many other communes pitched in to supply from their own stock, preferring to prepare and eat food at the commune rather than at their own.

'Did they bring it with em? I don't mind cooking something up. Just finished my own.' The young man held up a heavy metal skillet to punctuate his point.

Confusion. The guests seemed thrown somewhat by the question, slight annoyance at the interruption to their conversation.

Back in the cooking area.

'Guys... I think they think we should do the cooking and supply the ingrediants.'

The others gathered in the kitchen nodded. It was fair enough. There was, as usual a gigantic stack of washing up to do. With the two sat down and the other two who for some reason remained standing (a health problem perhaps?) Working solidly, they'd likely clear it in a couple of hours. More than fair for a decent meal. If the gathered commune members were aggravated by the interruption to their evening plans, they didn't show it. There would be other beautiful evenings to enjoy. There always were.

The confusion grew.

'I uh... I think they think they are in a restaraunt...' the young woman who had handed them a bottle of wine on her way out to get a pack of playing cards from her apartment spoke up. She held a banknote in one hand.

The others hadn't really travelled far away. Tourism usually consisted of visiting Uan Aa Boa, Cedoria or another socialist ally of Caracasus. Restaraunts and other heirachical workplaces weren't part of their shared understanding of the world. She'd travelled as far as the Archive though, so the others listened, only occasionally interrupting.

'So why am I a waiter? Why can't I cook anything?'

'Well because no one told you to and it's not yours to cook.'

That was an odd concept. The steaks languished on the side uncooked as the Caracasusians attempted to figure out how restaraunts worked, picking apart the ideology in front of them.

'But you are telling everyone what to do, why do you get paid more for doing that? I should get paid for putting up with it!'

'Go then! You're a terrible cook and you always appropriate all the weed.'

The short lived restaraunt suffered its first resignation as the young Caracasusians stumbling venture into private enterprise faltered. Briefly remembering their guests, someone sent out another bottle of wine.

'They gave me more money...'

'Why? You were on your way out to change the bins anyway. Course you were going to get them the wine.'

The young woman of the world sighed. It was proving to be a long and exhausting night. Somehow they'd gotten the steaks cooked, though the chef had insisted on taking out what she had made. The door to the cooking area opened.

'Hey, you guys know there's a couple of people sitting down drinking and eating inside, right? What's the deal with the uniforms?'

'It's a thing.' Piped up one. 'They need them to remind themselves they're always supposed to be at war.'

'Sounds exhausting.'

The young woman who had explained restaraunts, money and heirachy to her friends and had watched as they'd done very little with the information. She was beginning to understand why these societies had to be perpetually reminded of violence and war instead of viewing it rather in the same way you would view decent sewerage. An unpleasent but neccessary part of maintaining a society.

She eventually wandered out when it was clear the guests had finished.

'Hey, glad you liked the meal. Thought I'd better let you know it's getting late. You might want to make a start on the washing up if you've got big plans early tomorrow.'

by **Kenmoria** » Sun Mar 17, 2019 5:25 am

In the border between the districts of Roztechko and Pibtsy, preparations were underway for the upcoming event. No affirmative response had yet been received, but, then again, Construction Enterprises didn’t send one for the Karevkan conference, so it was entirely possible that an entire party of international journalists could arrive. The soldiers had all arrived, IDS and Kjalåran, ready for questioning and interviews. Not that any of them would be honest, of course, the soldiers home from Kenmoria had been made to sign a contract saying that they would speak only positively about any corporate involvement, and the ones from Kjalåra would hopefully be busy doing something that was far away from the cameras.

A temporary building was constructed to house the event, made of certified steel and concrete. It would be a nightmare for the forcibly-contracted workers to take down, now that the Syndicate had been abandoned, but would serve well against any foreign aggression or possibly Royalist advances. Likewise, the soldiers were tasked to look for anything suspicious while they were doing publicity. For all the fanfare about this being a moment of peace and reflection, the reality was that the slightest sign of a threat would have half the journalists taken hostage, for there was no plan to let the only Construction Enterprises military in the area be affected in any way.

“Welcome to the event, my fellow compatriots!” A speaker stood on a makeshift podium in front of the ranks of soldiers. “I’m sure I don’t need to remind you, IDS, that your contract has been designed to include scenarios of precisely this nature. There is to be no talk of any forcible contraction programs in the area, except those of the Syndicate and how our company has abandoned them. Likewise, all talk of human rights is off the table, with the exception of the ones that Allanea has been ignoring. Kjalåran soldiers, I recognise that you have signed no deal with us and are, in theory, free to say whatever you like to the cameras. However, remember your queen, Queen Tove, has given her support to us, and I’m sure she wouldn’t want any negativity to come out of this event. Your primary mission is, I know, to safely evacuate people from Renegade-controlled areas, but a press conference or too can’t hurt, can it? Try to enjoy the event.”

After this was said, all of the soldiers made their way to positions, either standing at attention, designed to be the pinnacle of military success, or laughing and joking with facsimile smiles towards people they had never met before. The first to arrive were Kenmorian journalists, from The Custodian, Daily Times, and Local News, the latter of which was a transnational company specialising in foreign affairs. Officially, the event hadn’t started yet, and wouldn’t do so for a few more hours, so they spent their time looking at the picturesque scene and relaxing with the best food that Posteastan had to offer.

by **Uan aa Boa** » Sun Mar 17, 2019 4:31 pm

Eloise Tenga of The Rifle, Hoe and Sun had never been on an aircraft before. This was not unusual in Uan aa Boa since throughout south west Forest air travel was forbidden by more countries than permitted it. Even Foreign Minister Adeema Pula travelled by sea when not faced with critical time pressure, her vessel a sort of floating embassy, so it seemed remarkable to Eloise that her journey to Posteastan had been given enough diplomatic clearance for her to be at the tiny and exclusive government airfield north of Aa, bound for the only slightly larger airport at Quoris, Caracasus and an onward connection.

The staff of The Rifle, Hoe and Sun had been amused by Construction Enterprises' invitation to Boani newspapers in the plural. They were the only one. It wasn't a matter of censorship - with internet connection now universal it would have been pointless to try to silence foreign voices - but one of efficiency. Eloise knew that in capitalist countries different producers of the same product or service would work against rather than with each other, but this pointless duplication and waste of energy had no place in the Boani planned economy. She had been told that in countries such as Allanea, Kenmoria and Keilersmoor there was still a single system of electricity generation and a single cable bringing power to your apartment, yet you could still somehow choose between competing suppliers. Madness.

Political debate in Uan aa Boa was never ending, with many questions settled by a vote of communes and each commune meeting to thrash out its answer. Questions were extensively written and blogged about, and a growing number of communes produced online publications that tried to sway other communes and might develop into focal points for a particular point of view or tendency. It wasn't exactly journalism though, and since no commune could divert significant resources away from the demands of its Stakhanovite production targets the idea of one of these publications taking up the Kenmorian invitation was absurd. The idea of something like The Laughing Elephant was unthinkable, not least because that publication would have been thrown out of any commune meeting in the country for its flippancy and fecklessness, its lack of the warrior-like attitude of solawa.

The Rifle, Hoe and Sun was supplied with information about noteworthy domestic events by the various branches of the state and sometimes by individual communes. It collated information about foreign events from foreign sources and published it in Boani. It wasn't exactly journalism either, and it never hesitated to put a robust editorial slant on its reporting. Indeed impartial reporting was a concept that might take some time to effectively translate and explain. Those who did get it, however, would if the occasion arose invite foreigners to examine who owned and controlled the media in their countries and then to explain why they thought impartiality made any more sense at home than it did in Uan aa Boa.

As a foreign affairs writer, Eloise's expertise lay in translating a summary of foreign reports and interspersing it with orthodox socialist critique, usually ending with the standard "We say..." paragraph that applied 3 slogans more at home on a placard than in a newspaper. You couldn't deny the existence of a story that the rest of the world was reporting, and nor could you invent from nothing events of enough significance to be reported in foreign sources if they were true, but it was by no means unusual for awkward reports to be dismissed as imperialist propaganda. It wasn't anticipated that everyone in Uan aa Boa would believe the Rifle's interpretation , but it served as a baseline, a record of events accompanied by a simple statement of the Party's position on them.

As she was led out for boarding onto the baking heat of the sun-drenched tarmac she wondered at how different from the norm this assignment was going to be.

The Rifle, Hoe and Sun
First Edition

Humiliation of Mars Colony for the Super Rich!
Socialists Worldwide Unite in Ridicule of Stricken Capitalist Spaceship

News broke yesterday of a secret plot to transport a number of the world's richest people to a private colony on Mars. The plan now lies in ruins,
however, after a distress signal from the capitalists' vessel was received, forcing the corporation responsible to humiliate itself by begging the international community to mount a rescue mission!

Frederick Gruber, infamous plutocratic proprietor of Grubicon Incorporated, confessed that for all the wealth and technology at the his disposal, and all the corrupt political power of his corporate paymasters, he was powerless to intervene as the stricken spaceship, USS Enterprise, hurtled into the void beyond the orbit of the moon. Any nation willing to mount a rescue was urged to visit Gruber on his private tropical island.

Gruber is from the nation of Significance, an infamously rapacious capitalist hell hole whose government provides no education whatsoever and whose people die, on average, at an outrageous age of less than 25 years, such is the deplorable nature of their enslavement. Even such a corporate wasteland has proved insufficient for Gruber, however, and having made his fortune through immoral and degenerate casinos and the sale of brightly coloured soda drinks believed to contain waste from the nuclear power plants he also owns, he disavowed the nation of his birth and based his exploitative businesses from this tropical hideaway, no doubt to keep himself hidden from the justified wrath of those whose toil has provided his rise to wealth.

The previously secret Mars colony project offered a place on a new world to anyone able to pay the multi-billion credit cost of a ticket. It was flocked to by arch capitalists, no doubt hoping to escape the day they will be called to answer for their numberless crimes and instead begin the rape and destruction of a new planet's environment after they have wreaked so much destruction here on Earth.

Speaking from orbit as he prepares to depart for Mars with the international socialist mission on the vessel Intended Consequences, Cosmonaut First Class and Honorary Peoples' Representative Solomon Lotoa said "This clearly shows the inferiority of capitalist space technology, built like all their contemptible machinery without regard for the lives of the workers called upon to operate it. The coming socialist mission will demonstrate to the world the superiority of collectivised labour over deregulated and botch-ridden bourgeois engineering."

We say let the bosses wait in vain for a rescue mission! We condemn their brazen assumption that those they have oppressed will now further risk their lives in an attempt to save them! Let the imperialists perish in the freezing vacuum of space!

by **Lux Pulchrae** » Sun Mar 17, 2019 8:18 pm

Villi
With a somewhat lackluster ‘meal’ the two were done and stood up, the young woman approached them and started talking about washing up or something. D’Umbra was a bit confused and addressed her “Scusa? Washing up? I thank you for the concern miss, but I take my showers in the morning. Don’t tell me there’s community showers too?”

“They probably do.” Gentile chimed in, lighting the cigarette in his mouth “They have one showerhead for the whole commune. The community shower, the community toilet, the community toothbrush, the community towel. They probably even have a community condom, they just rinse it out and pass it on to the neighbor. Because sharing is caring gentlemen.” He said mockingly, a smirk appeared on his face, with the guards and d’Umbra laughing.

Taking his black leather gloves out of his inner jacket pocket, d’Umbra put them on “Have a good night miss.” He nodded his head before he and Gentile left, their guards walking behind them.

by **Keilersmoor** » Mon Mar 18, 2019 9:39 am

Politics is serious business in Keilersmoor.

Thousands took to the streets in Langenbrück. And to the rails and to the river. For one day, all access to the city was blocked. The forces of law and order were not taken by surprise. Informants and surveillance are common in the small republic but the turnout was so impressive that the police could not prevent all blockades.

The number of protesters made it impossible that this was an exclusive Vegan Front operation. There were only very few riots but the economic damage was still high. One day of total stand-still was expensive. The forced general strike was nothing to be taken lightly. To prevent the worst the army was send to guard the Schaller Werke and was issued live ammunition for that job.

The protest was met with mixed feelings but it took place at the right time for maximum effect. Military action in Keilersmoor needs to be sanctioned by the Landtag and not by the government. Getting the necessary majorities is often difficult and sometimes impossible. Massive street protest does not make these things any easier.

The most important thing was now to contain the protest in Langenbrück and prevent it from reaching other cities. The second objective was to prevent the Vegan Front from reaching a wider audience and drawing other groups to the protest.

From The Vegan Front 
To Everybody who can spare the time  

Fascism is Capitalism in Decay  

The rhetoric of comrade Thorbecke is full of falsehood, bigotry and hypocrisies. His words of anti-fascism are lies so despicable they would make an Allanean spin-doctor cry. It is true, the royalists are Nazis, the worst scum of the earth. Compared to them Remus Balan and Comrade Valaska might be the lesser evil. The lesser of two evils is still evil. It is our analysis that comrade Thorbecke is just trying to blind the working class. Anti-fascism does not mean to be not a fascist. Not being fascist is the base of all human civilization. In the world of today most fascists have at least the dignity not to call themselves fascists. This does not make them less homophobic, less sexist, less racist in one word, less capitalist. The only advantage of the groups that do not claim to be Nazis is that there actually is some room to negotiate. People who describe themselves as Nazis cannot be reasoned with. Those who have the mental abilities not to do it, show that they at least have the capability to display a humane façade. Even comrade Thorbecke claims not to be a fascist. It is a bit difficult to believe if you are on the receiving and of rubber bullets fired into peaceful protest.

The situation in Posteastan is that of a classic criminal turf war. Several gangs of criminals fight over the resources, one of these gangs is a group of Neo-Nazis. The focus on the royalists is wrong. Keilersmoor must instantly cut all economic ties to all groups in Posteastan. All accounts of people involved in the conflict must be frozen, all those responsible for delivering money and dual-use goods to the Posteastan Alms Society must be taken to court. All those arrested in the protest against Corruption Enterprises must be released. Keilersmoor must withdraw from the international stage and leave Posteastan to Caracasus and Uan aa Boa. They are more than capable to deal with the problem without imperialist aggression or a one-sided move against the royalists. A move that would only strengthen the other gangsters. The only progressive thing that ever came from Keilersmoor's involvement in the crisis is the arrest warrant against a Nazi war criminal and mastermind behind a child prostitution ring.

Our comrades in Caracasus are not doing the world a favor by letting Nazis roam free in their countryside. We are well aware that not all fascists are the same and therefore we have produced a strategy paper that will help our friends in Caracaus to understand the problematic. Negotiating with people who use hate speech to try and trigger a world of genocide, intolerance and hierarchy based on ethnicity, religion, nationality and wealth is a delicate business. Obviously there are many in Caracasus who think these are very good points and they need to be addressed and the arguments for and against them need carful weighting. This is right, but difficult. Therefore, the strategy paper is somewhat long. We tried to take most of the frequently encountered arguments for fascism into account.

Negotiating means willingness to compromise. Compromise with Nazis is impossible. Ask yourselves, what exactly are the concessions you are going to make? Peaceful coexistence of socialism and capitalism is impossible but the appeasement towards Nazis is killing people. We ask the people of Caracasus to follow our example. If their representatives are not willing to do what is right then do it yourself! Kill the Nazis! To help you do that we have included their pictures and all information we could get on them. Circulate this message and share it with other communes. Honor the spirit of Galvaro Lucciani! Action speaks louder than words.

From today on we will block all access to Langenbrück, by road, by rail and along the river. We will continue this blockade till Keilersmoor announces its official withdrawal from the conflict. We will continue to do so till our demands are met.

We Must Combat Fascism On All Levels! 
Unity! Peace! Progress!

by **Danlina** » Mon Mar 18, 2019 3:20 pm

OFFICIAL TELEGRAM

Topic: Financially Aiding Kolvce Free State

from: The Danlina Economical Branch

To Kolvce Free State and Cat Herders United, and whoever else is concerned,
After deep discussion on the matter, the DEB will be moving its resources in Posteastan to humanitarian aid in the eastern region, and specifically Kolvce. We will be aiding Cat Herders United in funding their current actions to help Kolvce, and send in medical personnel of our own and food supplies for the general population.
On this note I would like to address that Danlina will be withdrawing its navy from Posteastani waters and open discussion to find other ways to aid the war on slavery as this method doesn’t seem to help more than it hurts the problematic situation on the coast. Danlina is also doing all in its power to track down and arrest any active Wright agents remaining in Posteastan.

Best Regards,
Franklin Logan, Minister Of The Danlina Economical Branch

by **Danlina** » Mon Mar 18, 2019 3:47 pm

Villi Island
Some people were practically screaming at each other, some were more polite, but Orli Hanokh sat at the back of the room, watching, listening, studying the chaos that is the Posteastan conflict. And now she knew what to do.
Hanokh went to approach Gentile. “Mr Gentile, representative of Caracasus? My name is Orli Hanokh”.
“Yes, I’ve heard you were supposed to be here to represent Danlina. You have been awfully quiet lately, not just you but also Danlina as a nation”.
“Well I am quite aware of that, but I am here to break the silence. Something you might be interested to hear”.
“Well, then what is it?”
Hanokh handed Gentile a case file. “This company is called ‘Danlina Jet Industries’, it does energy solutions and some steel works. We can collaborate them with a construction company to rival Construction Enterprises. Think about it: what is it in Construction Enterprises that they are appealing to the public? That other than constructing buildings they make communication lines. We offer the public a company that gives the same services and even more, and Construction Enterprises will need to start worrying about more than just keeping underpaid workers in line.”
please ignore this message, nothing to see here...

by **Cat-Herders United** » Mon Mar 18, 2019 6:45 pm

☭ RED_STATE.CHU ☭
El Pueblo Unido’s premier source of communist news!

News | Weather | Sports & Rodeo | Cats | Events & Protest | About

CRIMINAL MISSILE STRIKE IN POSTEASTAN!
A missile strike perpetrated by an unknown assailant strikes Posteastan, killing 137 aid workers and destroying thousands of tons of humanitarian supplies, according to government’s own count. How much provocation is needed before the pusillanimous Mesteñero administration acts...[Read More]

POSTEASTAN DESTRUCTION BENEFITS FASCISM, HARMS KOLVCE, EXPERTS SAY
As the fascist hordes continue to expand their control over Posteastan lands, the international community, including our own government, has continued to ignore this threat...[Read More]

MEOW ZEDONG THOUGHT MAKING GAINS AMONG CAT HERDER YOUTH
The latest poll numbers show good news...[Read More]

The destruction within Posteastan did not deter the Volunteer Legion. With the covert support of Cat Herder intelligence, they continue to fly volunteers and light equipment to Kolvce using local airstrips, as well as occasionally smuggling weapons in through shipments arriving by river.

Far from the glare of the cameras, the military has taken its support to a new level, sending the first official combat advisors to Kolvce. 25 men on this flight, to be the first of 30 flights. It was no longer enough to support the Volunteer Legion, so these combat advisors will also make themselves available to the Kolvce militias themselves. Officially, it was earmarked as aid to the Republic of Posteastan. However, their secret orders were to assist the Kolvceans in fighting the republic if it ever comes to that.

by **Uan aa Boa** » Tue Mar 19, 2019 3:36 am

Silvered Dew in Moonlight Commune, Villi Island, Caracasus
As Gentile and d'Umbra left the canteen, still joking about their hosts' collectivist habits, a slight figure appeared on the pathway. They took it for a child until the diminutive Adeema Pula stepped into the pool of lamplight, alone and unarmed.

"Good evening gentlemen. A rather puzzled young woman I met on the road said that I might find you here. I have something to show you, though I would prefer to keep this brief. Will you walk with me?"

Starting down the track, Adeema produced a tablet, called up an image and offered it to her companions. "This is an image of the original - the menu on the sidebar will display a translation in the language of your choice. I cannot allow you to have a copy. We monitor and intercept communications across various parts of Posteastan. Sometimes we find something interesting."

"This here is a long list of names and addresses sent to a man you may know, a commander of the Royalist militia in the district of Leozina. As you can see, it bears the personal stamp of President Valaska. The names are described as being those of "known slavers" which is odd because, as I expect you know, there has been no occurrence of forced labour in Leozina district. So our people looked further into the identities involved - I doubt it will surprise you to hear that they are the people who were rounded up and who disappeared at the beginning of the recent "Onward Together" campaign."

"The public were told the victims of that purge were communists, but I can assure you they were no more communists than they were slavers. Perhaps a few of them owned books by fine Italian writers such as Gramsci or Fo, but for the most part not even that. Gentlemen, there simply is no organised communist movement in Posteastan. I make it my business to know such things and if there was, we would have been befriending and nurturing it all this time. The unfortunate deeds of the former Social Democratic government have inoculated the people against Leftist ideology for the foreseeable future."

"In truth, I do not know what linked these people or why they were killed. Perhaps it was a matter of clan rivalry, local politics or some other grudge impenetrable to foreigners. That is not the point. The point is that your Royalist brothers in arms have, for some time, been taking their orders from Telinburg. We believe it likely that death lists were also supplied by Remus Balan, who is now Minister for the Interior in Tabalov, though we do not have... how do you say it? A smoking gun."

"As you know, I recently issued a statement in which I said that the Royalist faction were responsible for some of the worst crimes of the conflict. You assumed that when I spoke of the Royalist faction I was referring primarily to you, and so you came to Villi Island to protest that while you are fascists, you are not that sort of fascist. It pains me to say, gentlemen, that it is not all about you. These names do not belong to the people you have detained in your little camp site at the airport. The bearers of these names were chained up in trucks and delivered to police facilities from which they did not emerge. A few were summarily executed in the street. The trucks were hosed down and sent back for more. The satellite images are incontrovertible and, as this shows, it was directed from Telinburg. I do not think you were complicit in this, but in inadvertently rushing here to downplay the incident you have offered both misdirection and a fig-leaf of diplomatic legitimacy. Someone sees you as useful idiots gentlemen, and it appears that those people have a larger agenda that the return of Alexander Bardi and that they do not include you in their confidences."

"I must go. The fact of this conversation would cause me very considerable embarrassment, despite your protestations about the difference between Mussolini and Hitler. If we have been observed I shall insist that I was rebuking you for your discourtesy to this commune," she glanced down at the tablet, "er... with instructional video. Meanwhile I doubt you wish to publicise that you get your intelligence from 4' 9" lesbian communists from "the Africas," however many of those you people think there are."

"Actually, on the topic of discourtesy, are you aware that in Keilersmoor there is a general strike, and that its leaders are calling for the people of this island - in a nation without courts or prisons - to lynch you? It might well be in your interests to refrain from trying quite so hard to offend them."

"If there is nothing further, I shall bid you a pleasant evening."

by **Caracasus** » Tue Mar 19, 2019 4:08 am

Villi Island

D'umbra and his entorage returned to the 'hotel' they had been allotted, thinking perhaps nothing much of the evening's events or the strange people they had encountered.

A couple of kids, driven by fascination and curiosity had captured the row quite by accident. They'd seen the Caracasusian go out to the terrace and seen the argument unfold. Unfortunately they'd only managed to capture the rant at the end on their communications devices, though that had already begun doing the rounds online. Some joker had already uploaded it with 'Rout from Leningrad 1944 - colourised archive footage.'

Most of the jokes made depended rather a lot on Caracasusian culture, highlighting the immaturity of those who refused to contribute which was lost somewhat in translation. No doubt others would use the material for their own purposes and own jokes.

What was clear for more or less anyone from any society was the serious breech in cultural etiquette. Villi island only had a population of 6 thousand or so, and it really did not take too long for news to spread.

The 'hotel' (in reality extended quarters that were temporarily not in use by the scientists who would gather in winter to chart ocean currents and pollutants) the group were staying at prided itself in its hospitality. People were guests first and foremost, and like any good hosts the Caracasusians who lived in the commune and on the island were more than happy to be courteous. Guests were to be treated well in Caracasusian culture. That was, however something of a two way street. Minor indiscretions were of course understandable. Treating commune members as if they were less than equals was, however, not. Added to a growing awareness of the situation in Posteastan and the Kielersmoorian Vegan Front's broadcasts, popular opinion to these guests in particular had hardened considerably.

The next morning, someone went round collecting laundry from outside the rooms of the various foreign dignitaries. Several rooms were missed. The hamper's contents were left to start stewing in sweat and dust. Those who had requested to be woken up were bought drinks, newspapers for those who had yet to fully abandon the old ways and even some sweet pastries one of the Caracasusians had made before heading out to record soil erosion on the seaward facing fields. Again, several rooms were studiously ignored. It appeared whatever AI happened to be in charge of the island's base infrastructure had been paying attention too. The tiny hoover robot that usually buzzed and hummed about the rooms sulkily returned to its alcove rather than clean certain rooms.

Breakfast was unsurprisingly a communal affair, guests could if they wished cook or simply sit and chat among each other, while hosts prepared something for them. The Caracasusians probably wouldn't take seriously the poster displaying the faces of the Lux Parche delegation titled 'Please don't feed the fascists!' that someone had tacked up. After all starving people was not something they would really get behind. It would however ensure a rather cold reception, some visibility of the whole debacle among other foreign dignitaries and the fact no Caracasusian was going to cook for them.

While the foreign dignitaries were out for the day, commune members would change sheets and bedclothes as anyone would treat a houseguest. Again, this time several rooms would find themselves missed.

Of course, there was the small matter of getting to the meeting in the first place. International Affairs had laid on a fleet of cars to take dignitaries from the various communes they stayed at. The number of cars was surprisingly a little short this morning. Luckilly it was only a three mile walk to the conference, and the weather was, as always, lovely.

Javvid scratched his ribs, reaching up under the bullet proof vest that covered the floral print open necked shirt he wore. On his arm, the band with insignia marking him as one of Caracasus's Internal Security officers. He brushed dust from his boots and jeans and yawned, studying the file.

The local defense committee had received word from International Affairs that there was a potential risk of violence to the Lux Pulcharaen delegation and, in accordance with international law, Caracasus had some measure of responsibility to ensure that they were not killed. Javvid had watched the video and seen the angry online discussions regarding the incident at the commune. The comments were fairly standard, outrage mixed with the occasional death threat. He didn't take the threats seriously, no doubt anyone who actually wanted to kill the delegates would be in the hills somewhere, waiting to get them together in the sights of their rifle. Not many Caracasusians owned guns, but those who did knew an awful lot about them.

He knew most of his comrades on the island, vaguely at the very least. There were a few that might attempt a protest, but beyond that none he would figure for an actual assassination attempt. The worst that'd be likely to happen would be pelting with eggs, possibly rotten vegetables given the Vegan Front's aversion to animal products.

He picked up and holstered a snub-nosed revolver just in case and made his way over to the commune the representatives were staying in, ready to introduce himself.

Official Statement of the Gramskitty International Brigade

In Solidarity with the Volunteer Legion

The Gramskitty International Brigade stands ready to fight with our comrades in Cat Herders United! While our own government does nothing to liberate the people of Posteastan, we stand arm in arm with our Forestian brothers and sisters.

At present, the Gramskitty International Brigade stands ready to deploy eighty seven trained fighters with the Volunteer Legion, with dozens more currently in training, in its attempt to consign the disgusting ideology of fascism to the litter tray of history.

Onwards to victory!

Nineday House

Topic: Potential peacekeeping operations in Posteastan
Recipients: Forestian National armed forces incl. Central Committee member Joshua Okangane (Uan Aa Boa), Landtag of Kielersmoor, Dutchy of Rivenland, Cat-Herders United Civil Defense Forces
CC: Commander Dursun Dektash of Balagan

As the crisis in Posteastan continues unabated and our first inadequate attempts to deter others from landing yet more soldiers in Posteastan fails, we must begin to work together to decide how limited use of military force could be best employed to protect the people of Posteastan from further internal and external aggression.

We cannot, and should not, stand by and watch as other nations use Posteastan as a proxy battlefield for their own conflicts. To do so would mean that on a legal and moral basis we have failed. Military intervention may be the last method anyone wishes to use to resolve a problem, but it must be present.

We must plan for the worst and hope that these plans are never needed. Should Posteastan fall to fascism and death camps be constructed we must have contingency plans in place to intervene. Should the situation continue as it is, we should ensure that plans are in place to provide peacekeeping support so that the country can recover without the threat of further internal conflict. We are certain you will all join us in hoping that the situation resolves itself peacefully very shortly, however we would be ignoring the lessons of the G.O.P.C if we were to rely on that hope alone.

We invite all the above to send military strategists to Nineday House where we will begin to lay plans for any military intervention scenario should it emerge.

by **Rivienland** » Tue Mar 19, 2019 11:26 am

The Rivienlander Courier

Novenville, Monday March 18, 2019 – Thirteen Pages
Five Cents

SOCIETY FOR THE SELF-DETERMINATION OF KOLVCE FOUNDED

Announced this previous Saturday at the Château de Bussière, Count Martin-Michel-Charles de Bussière declared the formation of the Society for the Self-Determination of Kolvce. Their primary mission, as stated by the Count, was to “support the cultural, and political independence of Kolvce which is due of any nationality”. To this end, the Society will primarily focus on spreading awareness of the situation within Kolvce, and to host fundraisers to send additional aid to the region.

Kolvce, a region within Posteastan, has gained international attention during, what many in the press have named, the Posteastan Crisis. With the recent declaration of the Democratic Social Union of Posteastan, many political analysts speculate that the war-torn nation will only fall into further conflict. For many average readers, the region of Kolvce was known due to several circulated reports of the rumored use of biological weapons against the rebellious locals. While these reports have not been confirmed, many nations believe a flu outbreak is still likely.

As polled last week by The Rivienlander Courier, 73 percent of Rivienlanders believe that the Grand Duchy should not get further involved within the Crisis. Regardless, 54 percent favored the contribution of aid to those in distressed. With the response of His Royal Highness’ Government to the Crisis being received poorly both domestically and internationally, Prime Minister Francois Vandamme has seen his approval ratings drop. While still having a general support base from both the Confessional Catholic Party (CCP), and the public, polls show that, since the beginning of the Crisis in February, Vandamme’s approval ratings have dropped by nearly 10 percent. Still, with the Liberal, and Progressive Parties both supporting further involvement in international affairs the CCP has remained popular in the public’s view.

The creation of the Society by Count de Bussière is seen as another step in the public debate over the role of Rivienland in international affairs, and to what affect the nation should contribute. With the government’s position seen as failing, perhaps it is time for others in society to step up. The Society has already accepted a wide host of well-to-dos, and society shakers. Besides Count de Bussière, Louis Crétet, Baron Jerome Paul de Villeneuve, Sir Charles-François Christophe, and Countess Louise Moncheur et d’Orban have become members of the Society.

Café Gourmont, Novenville

While Novenville has never been a large, or relatively old city, over two centuries of construction has transformed the capital into confusing medley narrow winding streets, and overcrowded apartment blocks. While Grand Duke Henri-Louis I’s renovation of Novenville during the latter half of the 19th century accomplished much, the city still remains in poor condition. The Quartier Nothomb is perhaps one of the largest slums in Novenville, and is breeding ground of crime, poverty, and disease. It was not only a little more than a decade ago that its inhabitants suffered a cholera epidemic that killed an estimated 5 percent of the population. Regardless, it was here that two close best friends, Antoine David and Robert Carrault, would seek out the Café Gourmont.

“I do not understand,” Antoine glanced at the paper again, “the man said the Café would be right around the corner. He said to take a left at Vins Garnier, and to keep walking till you come to Rue de Rivoli.” Glancing at his surroundings, Antoine took a moment to recap how a man from a small farm outside of Thieu ended up in the slums of Novenville. The smell of alcohol and ash had not left his nose since arriving, and rats as large as cats did not help either. Twice him and Robert passed, to what they thought was, a dead man. Their skin seemed akin to rotting beef with a distortion of colors, and a particular dryness that made it seemed like the very essence of hope had been extinguished. The slop of a chamber pot being emptied, and a sudden shout of Robert jerked him from his thoughts.

“There!” Following along the narrow street with the uneven cobblestones was a sign with an arrow reading ‘Café Gourmont’. Quickly pacing down the street, attempting to avoid the puddles from the newly melted snow, they followed the sign around the corner. Down a narrow alleyway, which could barely fit two people side-by-side, and down a staircase they approached the door to the Café.

It was a rundown place with bricks fractured, and the windows being cracked. Entering the building, the main room was dim with the smell of smoke lingering. The checkboard-like floor was chipped with damp, and torn litter everywhere. There were only a few people occupying the booths against the wall, no more than five, and just a worker and customer talking at the bar. While the obvious farmer attire of Antoine and Robert contrasted the patron’s city wear, the customer at the bar stood out even more. Just by looks alone, the man’s poncho would draw the attention of any Rivienlander. In addition, he spoke with a subtle accent. Spanish perhaps?

“We cannot wait too long,” said the strange poncho man, “the ceasefire will only last for so long, and more men will be needed.” The worker, wearing a worn black vest that contrasted his grey beard, spoke with a raspy voice. “All is well friend. The first batch will be ready this week, and I have the whole thing ready to-“ Suddenly, the worker’s eyes lock onto the two strangers into the café. “Watada you want?”

Stepping closer towards the two men, Antoine quickly glances at the paper in his hand. “Me and my friend are looking to speak with a man named Nicolas.” Looking briefly at the poncho man, the worker asks, “And why do you wanna see him?” At this moment, the poncho man quietly left the café. Stepping another step closer, practically leaning on the bar, Antoine whispers, “We are seeking an untraveled path.” For a minute the café worker stares the farmer boys down. Keeping his eyes on Antoine, it was clear Robert was nervous. Running away from home at only eighteen, too much was at risk with this sporadic plan.

Finally, the café worker slowly nodded, “Follow me.” Moving into a room on the second floor, the farmer boys followed the man who was understood to be Nicolas. With dusty floors and covered furniture, Nicolas pulled out a stool, and sat down. The café worker asked the boys questions about their life, and where they came from. It was simple small talk for nearly half an hour until Nicolas got serious. “So, do you know what this untraveled path really means? This is not some field trip to the local park.” “We were explained the whole situation concerning Kolvce,” Antoine and Robert glanced at each other, “And we are ready to do what is needed.”

“Kolvce will not be pretty. If things go south, the entire region will be surrounded by enemy forces. The Kolvceans are dying in batches from a flu epidemic. Our government will not help us, and they might even denounce us,” Nicolas leaned forward, “But we do this anyway. Not for glory, or wealth, but because this is what is right. God has given us peace and prosperity, and it is time that Kolvce be granted the opportunity for that as well. Can you shoot?”

“Yes!” Robert hopped forward. “We are the best hunters in all of Thieu!” Nicolas nodded. “Yes. You can shoot animals, but can you shoot the enemy?” Keeping his eyes on the older man, Antoine said, “We will.”

“Well,” Nicolas stood up, “lets get started on the next step.”

Letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

To: The Nineday House of Caracasus

Dearest ally,

As the situation in Posteastan only dissolves into further chaos, I am glad to see a nation in Forest take the lead in organizing further talks on the limited use of military force. While the Grand Duchy does not host a military force, the Grand Ducal Gendarmerie could potentially aid Forest in future military operations. Though I must confess to you that His Royal Highness’ Government, and popular opinion, are against any further investment of resources into the Posteastan Crisis. I hope this does not ruin our mutual standing, and, as history has shown, public opinion can always change. Until then, as a sign of goodwill, I have been authorized to send a representative from the Grand Ducal Gendarmerie to contribute what our Grand Duchy can. Our representative will be Major Martin Provoost, and he will depart for the meeting at first light. May we continue to work together to promote peace and prosperity in Forest, and the world.

Count Moncheur et d’Orban
Minister of Foreign Affairs

Chollmouth, Great Nortend

Arriving in the early morning, the ocean liner slowly pulled into port. Sir Edourard, staring at the picturesque city, was lost in his thoughts. The trip took longer than he thought, and, due to the storm, he had received no updates on the Crisis. Regardless, he was ready to get to work. He had two other aides at his service, and the backing of the Grand Duchy. Gregory Wuyts, a young aide from Foreign Affairs, appeared asking, “What is the plan once we reach shore?”

Turning his head, Sir Edourard remarked, “We will need to make our journey to Lendert-with-Cadell, and get settled at the hotel. Then, we need to contact Foreign Affairs, receive our updates, and proceed to our meeting with Sir Alexandru Bàrdi. Make no mistake, we have a lot to catchup on.”

by **Lux Pulchrae** » Wed Mar 20, 2019 1:50 am

Uan aa Boa wrote:Silvered Dew in Moonlight Commune, Villi Island, Caracasus
As Gentile and d'Umbra left the canteen, still joking about their hosts' collectivist habits, a slight figure appeared on the pathway. They took it for a child until the diminutive Adeema Pula stepped into the pool of lamplight, alone and unarmed.

"Good evening gentlemen. A rather puzzled young woman I met on the road said that I might find you here. I have something to show you, though I would prefer to keep this brief. Will you walk with me?"

Starting down the track, Adeema produced a tablet, called up an image and offered it to her companions. "This is an image of the original - the menu on the sidebar will display a translation in the language of your choice. I cannot allow you to have a copy. We monitor and intercept communications across various parts of Posteastan. Sometimes we find something interesting."

"This here is a long list of names and addresses sent to a man you may know, a commander of the Royalist militia in the district of Leozina. As you can see, it bears the personal stamp of President Valaska. The names are described as being those of "known slavers" which is odd because, as I expect you know, there has been no occurrence of forced labour in Leozina district. So our people looked further into the identities involved - I doubt it will surprise you to hear that they are the people who were rounded up and who disappeared at the beginning of the recent "Onward Together" campaign."

"The public were told the victims of that purge were communists, but I can assure you they were no more communists than they were slavers. Perhaps a few of them owned books by fine Italian writers such as Gramsci or Fo, but for the most part not even that. Gentlemen, there simply is no organised communist movement in Posteastan. I make it my business to know such things and if there was, we would have been befriending and nurturing it all this time. The unfortunate deeds of the former Social Democratic government have inoculated the people against Leftist ideology for the foreseeable future."

"In truth, I do not know what linked these people or why they were killed. Perhaps it was a matter of clan rivalry, local politics or some other grudge impenetrable to foreigners. That is not the point. The point is that your Royalist brothers in arms have, for some time, been taking their orders from Telinburg. We believe it likely that death lists were also supplied by Remus Balan, who is now Minister for the Interior in Tabalov, though we do not have... how do you say it? A smoking gun."

"As you know, I recently issued a statement in which I said that the Royalist faction were responsible for some of the worst crimes of the conflict. You assumed that when I spoke of the Royalist faction I was referring primarily to you, and so you came to Villi Island to protest that while you are fascists, you are not that sort of fascist. It pains me to say, gentlemen, that it is not all about you. These names do not belong to the people you have detained in your little camp site at the airport. The bearers of these names were chained up in trucks and delivered to police facilities from which they did not emerge. A few were summarily executed in the street. The trucks were hosed down and sent back for more. The satellite images are incontrovertible and, as this shows, it was directed from Telinburg. I do not think you were complicit in this, but in inadvertently rushing here to downplay the incident you have offered both misdirection and a fig-leaf of diplomatic legitimacy. Someone sees you as useful idiots gentlemen, and it appears that those people have a larger agenda that the return of Alexander Bardi and that they do not include you in their confidences."

"I must go. The fact of this conversation would cause me very considerable embarrassment, despite your protestations about the difference between Mussolini and Hitler. If we have been observed I shall insist that I was rebuking you for your discourtesy to this commune," she glanced down at the tablet, "er... with instructional video. Meanwhile I doubt you wish to publicise that you get your intelligence from 4' 9" lesbian communists from "the Africas," however many of those you people think there are."

"Actually, on the topic of discourtesy, are you aware that in Keilersmoor there is a general strike, and that its leaders are calling for the people of this island - in a nation without courts or prisons - to lynch you? It might well be in your interests to refrain from trying quite so hard to offend them."

"If there is nothing further, I shall bid you a pleasant evening."

Commune
"<Gesu! Being a communist is bad enough without all that extra stuff, woman. You sure showed me.>" d'Umbra commented, rolling his eyes as Madame Pula began walking away.

Gentile, in an admittedly rather extremely uncourteous and unprofessional move, picked up the small Boani and set her back infront of them before she could walk away "Forgive me for that, it will never happen again."

"Listen here, Selassie!" d'Umbra spoke "First off, I've never heard of this 'Keilersmoor', so I could care less what they think. They wan't me? Or us? They can say that to my face and not behind my back like some disingenuous communist bastardi! Second, I empathize with this whole slavery nonsense, and it breaks my heart, but it is not our problem nor are slavers. Christ never came down to free any slaves and neither should I, nor did he come to remove poverty. One thing that dog Marx never understood was that you cannot remove human nature from humans. They're will ALWAYS be the lesser, the poor, the suffering and the enslaved."

"And I would be inclined to believe you communists have no part in this, as I have not found any corpses bearing any flag of yours or your allies, but reports of legionaries from some 'socialist cat-herders' in Kolvce lead me to believe otherwise. And plus, it is obvious that by 'Royalist committing atrocities', you meant to include us, while creating sympathy for the other Royalist backer, Great Nortend. We work hand in hand and any accusation on the Royalist party is an accusation on us." stopping for a moment, d'Umbra took a deep breath to collect his thoughts, taking out a cigar and its cutter, and lighting it "Truthfully, I do not recognize this militiaman that is allegedly taking orders from Telinburg. The militia does not move on their own word, but on mine, and are currently resuming patrols around the province, going town by town to strengthen their cause, and monitoring the relief efforts of our planes and the Alms Society as ordered, or should be. No one plays me or my men for fools ma'am, I will get to the bottom of this."

Gentile went on to add to the conversation, flicking his cigarette to the side, "One other thing, we can separate you and Stalin, maybe and I expect you to have the same courtesy. And Gramsci can kiss my diplomatic ass. But to end this whole conversation, as I've told the man in the conference hall: I am done listening to you people and your opinions. With all my Power granted to me as Grand Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Kingdom of Lux Pulchrae and Amaglione under His Most August Majesty Cleone d'Angeli IV, I will do whatever to accomplish my one goal: set up SOMEONE as king, be it Bardi or some retard, even if it means compromising with Telinburg. I renounce this conference and regret ever setting foot on this most unholy land, governed by a most unholy ideology, and above all, a big waste of all our times. We will be leaving first thing in the morning, and leave the echo chamber to its own devices. We appreciate you coming to us madame, and hearing us out while we heard you out. Now that we've both spoken our mind, it is time to bid farewell and goodnight." tipping his hat to the woman, proceeding to walk back to their stay.

Morning
Making their way back, they went into their respective rooms and slept the night. The next morning, they woke up and did their morning routines. Gentile was done rather quickly, dressing himself in his usual attire, a gray suit. The used one he had put in a separate section in the luggage. They didn't pack much, just enough for one or two days stay. D'Umbra however was a bit slower, not because he was older, but because he just felt slower this morning, he did not know why, maybe the steak. Eventually he dressed himself, putting his uniform on, and his cap under his right pit.

Gentile exited his room and headed to the eating area, about to enter he was held back by something, it was the colonel.

"What do you want? Let me eat."

"I do not think they want us here." d'Umbra held up a poster that displayed their faces, and an uninviting message.

Gentile smiled "Well, how good of them to remind us of Lent, the season of fasting." he said optimistically

"So, are we going back to that godawful assembly?"

"No, I'm tired of, all of it. It's all so tiresome. Communists dogs are insane Colonel. They keep trying and trying and trying, expecting to make a change. Now THAT is insanity. Ours isn't perfect, and it isn't meant to be, by logic it shouldn't be, it is man-made, but it gave me a duty preform and here I am. In enemy territory."

"Ok then, monologue. Let's take another stroll, but let's not eat. One, to avoid anymore awkward moments like last night. And two, I a pretty sure that steak did something to me."

"Or maybe it was that bottle of wine you drank, I only had one glass. Remember?"

"Maybe." d'Umbra said as he placed his cap on his head, just then their guards meeting with them in the hall, saluting the colonel. "Va bene omini, andiamo! Let's go men, get out and get some air." The officials exited the the building, two guards behind them and two infront. As soon as they got out, one of the front guards got hit with some kind of vegetable, then pelted by an egg with a lucky shot to the face, there was a small gathering outside, probably some not-so-happy-anti-fascists. The guard that got pelted in the face was angered and grabbed the one that threw, catching his forearm and holding on tight and pushed him away harshly, he had left a mark on the protester's arm.

"Oh great, I love a welcoming party." Gentile sarcastically commented, putting a cigarette in his mouth. D'Umbra smiled, he was amused as well. They were almost on their way out of the country anyways so why not have some fun? The lieutenant-colonel's right arm went up in a classical Roman salute, he could simply excuse it as a simple 'hello' wave, but he knew no one was gonna buy it, so he didn't even try to sell it. He proudly saluted to the protesting crowd, probably angering them more. He gave a cheeky smile too. It was the salute of his father, and his father's father and so one, and nothing would make him stop.

Rebellion against tyrants is obedience to God [IC|MT|Open]

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