The Good, the Bad, The Weird (CLOSED)

[Phoenxia]

Some Tavern in South Jelenia

A black SUV pulled into the parking lot, out of it came Jisan Kôzka, putting his P94 into a holster. No one could tell that this man worked for the war ministry at any point. He was wearing cowboy boots, blue jeans, and a biker jacket. He also had a KA-BAR sheathed upon his hip, like many of the locals did. And so, he walked inside to see a group of rugged looking group of Jelenians hunched around a table. They weren't just any group of Jelenians, they were militants. "Mind if I sit with you guys?" Zani walked up to the table.

"What in the fuck do you want," he looked Zani up and down, noticing that he was military, "fucking kid killer?" one of the militants stood up from the table to face Zani. He was maybe four inches taller, and 50 lbs heavier.

"You know what I want? I want my fucking wife back!" Zani tackled the brute and pulled out his KA-BAR to seal the deal. He made swiss cheese of his neck, pulled out his pistol and shot two more.

Zani rushed out the door, ducking and dodging as the militants fired at him.

But this was part of his plan, as he slide behind his SUV.

"Come out you little bitch." One of the Militants said, reloading as he motioned for his friends to flank the SUV.

"Take him alive."

Zani, was miles ahead, he had planned for this. as the two men moved round the truck, guns trained on Zani.

"Drop the weapon and hands up." one of the said and Zani did as he was told, dropping his weapon to the ground.

The man to his left moved behind him to pat Zani down as the other man bent to pick up the discarded gun.

"Bad move." Zani said, as he throwing his head back, breaking the nose of the militant behind him. Zan then stomped his foot, as a blade popped out of his boot and kicked the other guy in the throat, blood spraying over the ground.

"Bitch." Zani said, as he opened the door of his SUV and pulled out his 64A3. He kissed the weapon as he charged it and rounded the side of his SUV. He did not even give the other militants a chance, as he squeezed the trigger and unloaded into them.

Zani did not know how long he hled that trigger down, but he know that at some point, rounds stopped coming out of the barrel.

He walked back to his open door, pulled his second mag and reloaded. But by the time he looked to the militants, they were already dead.

"Fuck." Zani said as he looked around, spotting the militant who's nose he had broke.

"Guess you'll do." Zani aimed the weapon at the man, and pulled the trigger, letting the weapon fire into the man, until the mag was empty.

"Ah fuck, blood on my boots? Par for the course, I guess," he said as he got into his SUV. "Next stop, here I come," he put on his sunglasses and sped away into the endless horizon of the steppe.

[The Kingdom of Rhamos]

Phoenixia

The chaos and upheaval up until this point had been a key factor in allowing the RICIA to fully accomplish one of its key initial goals.

The complete control over the Phoenixia media sphere.

While this was far from solid nor total in its entirety, for all intents and purposes though the RICIA would be telling the Phoenixians what to think from now on.

The seige on the embassy was the perfect example of exactly how this was playing out.

Bot accounts spawned into existence on every Phoenixian social media platform adding to the already considerable amount present. They circulated skewed news articles painting the anti monarchist as traitors and Tyrian lapdogs.

Clipped videos showing seemingly unprovoked attacks on pro monarchy groups, routing and looting aimed at their homes and work.

Agitators were paid to infiltrate and provoke peaceful protest into full on riots.

Several instances of actual fights and clashes taking place between two groups have occurred sporadically and their videos are latched onto and spread like a virus.

news stations are generously paid to keep up the view point that these individuals are attacking the very values of Phoenixian life. Attempting to destroy and corrupt all they hold dear.

The embassy bombing is portrayed as the Tyrians attacking the protestors unprovoked and the protestors bravely fighting back against the foreign murders.

Everywhere and anywhere this influence and its view points are pushed and carried. Infiltrating the entirety of Phoenixian life.

The fight for the heart and mind of the people was almost complete.

The grand scheme of the RICIA and the machinations of the Duke were about to come to full fruition.

The Viceroy of Cerese has expressed the utmost sadness at the news of the Kings passing and the contempt for those who would dare attack a man appointed by God.
On behalf of the Ceresian government and the Kingdom, Rhamos has vowed to help bring these killers to justice.

Two Composite brigades of Airassault and motorized troops that had been put on standby have made ready to depart for Phoenixia. This QRF is intended to help with peacekeeping operations and counter insurgency should the need arise.

[The JVP]

Apartment in downtown Kassau

"So then Rudi said, Random first, then the target." Sofi said as she sat on Tomasz lap, her head resting on his chest, as she recounted the events of the day.

"Did he now, and you listened?" Tomasz replied, petting Sofi on the head, his face tightening as she wiggled around in his lap, trying to find the right position. She had been doing this since he arrived, and every time she wiggled, he would reposition her back onto his leg and ask her some more questions. "So them what?"

"Then I fired three off." She mimicked firing sounds as she reached her hand down and squeezed him three times. "Just like that." She once again snuggled closer to him, and Tomasz once again repositioned her back onto his leg.

"You should have seen it, Big Brother Tomasz." Came the voice of Rudi from behind him. Unlike his sister, Rudi had taken to rubbing Tomasz's shoulders, every so often rubbing his chest, as he grinded on his back.

Tomasz secretly spoke a cuss on their contractor, but a deal was a deal. If the twins, as much as he hated to be around their weird child like bodies, could do this job and not go into their weird incestual berserker rage, then he would be theirs for the night. Renata had left as soon as he got there, hot date with The Contractor, he even wore a nice mask for her, plus Dae and Jin had been out for most of the day. Tomasz shook his head. Knowing those two, Dae was trying to pick up women, Jin would cock block him, and then the two would return to the hotel and bang uglies all night, then act like they did not wake the whole damn place up, with Dae begging Jin to let him sleep.

But now here he was, alone in an apartment, in a foreign nation, in a foreign region, and he was being felt up by a pair of experimental drug killers. Tomasz let his mind wonder as he went back over his plan. Pet their heads, say nice words, sit Sofi on his leg, let Rudi rub his neck, and then deflect them till they went to sleep. He even made sure to bring them lots of sweets to eat. But he had just made his first fatal mistake. He stopped paying attention to what they were doing, and that's when he felt the tug of ropes being tied around his hands.

"AHHH, FUCK." He said, trying to stand up, but trip as the ropes around his legs held him in place. "What the. When did you get those...." He paused as he turned over and looked at Sofi, who now planted herself on his waist.

"Big Sister Renata says you might try to run away, so we had these ready to go." Sofi smiled, tightening the ropes around his hands and Rudi tightened the ones around his feet.

"Yeah. Big Sister even gave us the rope." Rudi said, pulling out a pair of heavy scissors. "She also gave us this. Said jeans are easy to just cut off."

At this Tomasz went into a frenzy. bucking around trying to get loss, but it was hopeless, the twins are anything but sloppy at what they do. "Still does not mean you can get any part of me to agree to this." He said, knowing his general disgust for them would keep him safe.

"Big sister Jin also told us this. She gave us this blue pill, and showed us how she gets Big Brother Dae to take it." Sofi quickly jammed the pill into Tomasz mouth, and held her hand over it, as Rudi came around and messaged his throat. Tomasz fought it as best he could, but he slowly felt his mouth water up and the pill slowly slid down his throat. He stopped protesting and looked at Sofie, who removed her hand from his mouth.

"Fuck you two. No toys you hear me. Dae was never the same after you two cornered him that one time in Roanapur. We do this, we do this normal." He looked to Rudi. "Ish. We do this normal-ish." He looked back to Sofi, knowing her to be the true brains when it came to shit like this."We clear?"

"No toys, I promise." Sofi said, the corners of her mouth twisting up into a sicking smile. "But the Ropes stay on." She laughed, as he felt his pants being cut off.




The next morning Renata unlocked her apartment door and walked in on the aftermath of the night's events. Tomasz was still tied to the floor. Renata had to follow the ropes to see that the twins had put some hooks into the ground. She looked back at the pile of bodies, Sofi still laying on Tomasz stomach to stomach. Rentana wondered why, usually she slept curled in a ball, but looking a little close, she could see why.

"Wow. She did not want to let him go, I see." She said, taking her phone out and snapping a few pictures. She found Rudi not too far away, he was curled up between Tomasz legs. Thumb in mouth as his other hand gripped something else.

"Nice. The others are going to bust a gut." She said, taking even more pictures. It was the last snap that seemed to wake up Tomasz.

"Renata you fucking demon." He began, trying to get his hands free.

"Good Morning Tomasz. I see you had." She looked over him and the Twins again. "A very eventful night."

"And I bet you and The Contractor just fucked in some club." He snapped back.

"Tsk tsk. And here I was ready to cut you free. But your words wound me." She faked a cry as she nudged Sofi in the side.

"Don't you fucking dare." Tomasz said, voice beginning to raise.

"She'll enjoy her wake up." Renata said, turning her back, as she went to her room.

"RENATA, RENATA. YOU COME CUT MY LOOSE RIGHT FUCKING NOW. RENATA YOU BITCH, I KNOW YOU CAN HEAR ME. RENATA" Tomasz yelled as he felt Sofi begin to move away.

"Good morning." She said rubbing her eyes and sitting up, her eyes growing wide as she looked down. "This early in the morning Big Brother Tomasz."

"Get off me and cut me loose... dear." adding in a hint of sweetness to his words, but he was cut short, as he heard the sound of bath water and some music being played. It was then that he knew he was fucked in more ways than way.

"No... Toys." Was the last thing he said, as he heard a good morning from Rudi, and a slight tug on his jewels.

[Phoenxia]

The air weighed heavy on everyone's shoulders as they walked up the steps to the cathedral. Today was no normal mass, far too many were in attendance, some of which were not regular goers of St. Kuäk's. The likes of High Queen Vivi Fuchs of JVP, King Erik XII Georg of Emerstari, and many other nobles and monarchs. There were not many things that bound these people together except for their nobility, and the fact that they all had a deep respect for the late King Artur II. And so, they walked up the Cathedral steps for him, to honor his life and the legacy it left.

Etschelena legitimately prayed for the first time in many years. The unexpected turn of events was dragging down her spirits exponentially. If Friedek didn't pull through, did she take a crown she didn't want to make everyone happy? Or would she carry on with her ambitions to marry the man of her dreams and leave the country a disgrace. She didn't even need to think about this right now, just to get through the funeral without a complete mental breakdown.

Ingrid was visiting her lifeless husband with their three young children. When Henrik and Charles would ask why papa would not wake up, she simply said, "He is taking a really long nap. He needs rest too, you know?" She just broke down crying, right there. It was everything combined, the funeral for her father in law, her husband laying limp in a hospital bed in an uncertain condition, and her children cluelessly innocent with all the darkness going around; she truly wished for that level of ignorance.

Ingrid and the kids arrived just as everyone was taking their places and the funeral liturgy was beginning. The Patriarch began reading the eulogy, "Our King Artur the Second was a respected man within the household of the palace, within the city of Kassau, within his country, and within the region. He was born on August 22nd, 1965 Artur Friedek Mausen to Artur Charles Mausen and Heliana Viviana Mausen. He attended Ilanov prep, much as his forefathers and children have,” The Patriarch continued the eulogy up until the closing statement, “His reign may have been cut short, but by the divine power of god may he with the divine right of a king live on from above, in the name of the father, the son, and the holy spirit, amen. Now, may the children of the deceased make their way to the altar.”

Etschelena and Greta both stood up to make their speeches. As the oldest of the siblings at the ceremony, Etschelena went first. “My father was a great man, and though I was never his ideal daughter, he certainly did his best to make me feel special and, well… like a princess,” she began tearing up as she cupped her hand to her mouth ‘keep it together, Etsch’ she kept thinking, “He has left us so soon, and you never realize how much you need something until it’s gone, and I have most definitely needed his love and support through this chapter in my life. I will always love you, papa,” Greta patted her on the back and whispered, “It’s okay,” in her ear.

“As my sister was saying, he has always been very supportive of our ambitions, and he will be deeply missed as this country moves onto a new chapter in his absence. His charisma and fortitude in the face of crisis will never be forgotten in the history books of Phoenixia. God bless you, Papa.” Greta walked outside after her speech, though she was nowhere near as low in a hole as her sister was, it was still dragging her down. The reception was coming up and she just needed some time alone.

"You mind if I sit here with you?" A heavily accented voice came from around the corner.

Greta looked up, she didn't recognize who it was, nor did she have the faintest clue, "I mean, sure. Knock yourself out." She let her head fall into her lap.

"Nice autumn weather, yeah? I mean, I would suppose. I've never been to Phoenixia before, could I get a second opinion?" he giggled a little bit. It did sound as though he was trying his very hardest to speak Phoenixian.

She giggled a little herself, but not for the same reason, "Are you trying to flatter me?"

"Well, yeah. My name is Emile, by the way," he reached out his hand to shake. "I already knew who you were, Greta."

"I could tell," she let out a little laughter.

[Serderistan]

Tyrian Embassy, Kassau

The immediate area around the Tyrian Embassy had become a veritable killing ground. Due to the advantages of speed, surprise, and violence of action employed by the Ares special operations contractors, they were tearing through Üpo officers and the few Tyria IAG security personnel who were evacuating wounded staff. The advantages could only get them so far, as the opposition were not hapless Jelenik rebels and recovered quickly. In addition, the fires created by the Trekish drones and mortar strike made it easier for the Phoenixians to fight at night.

Dagger 1-Actual, aka Rebound, had just plugged two Üpo shooters when he saw two operators from his element go down in a hail of accurate fire.

"Two Contacts, 50 meters west behind the SUVs," said the troop leader, "Engage."

The LAMG gunner snapped his machinegun in direction of the opposition before letting loose a barrage at the entrenched group before others joined in. As the Phoenixian police officers hunkered down, another one of the assault troops moved in on their flanks and ended them. With the reprieve, Rebound's men quickly recovered their downed operators, with the medic rendering as much aid as possible, and continued their assault.

While there were rare successes achieved by the Üpo against their assailants, they were few and far between. As the SMD assaulters closed in and employed frag grenades, the Phoenixian officer's casualties drastically increased. It wasn't long before some of the remaining officers attempted to surrender. Unfortunately, it only prolonged their lives momentarily before the Ares contractors executed them too.

"Dagger 1-Actual, Blacklight 2 actual. We are approaching your position and will set up cordon."

"Good copy, we see you," Rebound replied, eyeing an approaching SUV, "We have five WIA, 3 ambulatory, 2 urgent-surgical. We'll need them out of here ASAP while we breach."

"Roger, we'll task a vic to evac them."

As the Strike Force contractors set up their cordon, the Special Missions Detachment members assembled back into their elements. Despite two of the assault troops having fewer members, the target had been softened up by the bombing. With the front ECP having been flattened, the assaulters moved switflty to the main embassy building and their assigned breach points.

[The Kingdom of Rhamos]

Phoenixia, Funeral

The atmosphere of the affair was somber and morbid, as it should have been minus some commotion down the street. Away from the funeral outside the walls of security a protest turned riot was well under way and gathering momentum.

Ever ahead of the curve the RICIA had used its army of bots and social media influences to gather anti-monarchist for the protest.

It had of course been peaceful with many using the opportunity to appeal to reason and incite change. A movement to bring Phoenixia into their future. But it was not RICIAs future.

Agitators had been paid and dispersed amongst the crowd, utilizing mob mentality to sway them to the path of violence. Inciting the police to fire tear gas and escalating the situation.

The news had been tipped off and palms had been greased insuring the coverage of the riot would be slanted distinctly away from the mobs favor.

Back inside Adelaide shadowed the Duke per the usual his ever faithful shadow.The Duke was making his way about the affair bumping elbows with notable Rhamosian colonials, networking she surmised. She watched curiously as he encountered a young man she recognized as the son of the local Viceroy whom the Duke greeted energetically.

"Ah my young Emile it is a pleasure to meet you again even with such sordid conditions."

"Sir Marche, the pleasure is all mine. I was not expecting to see you here so far from Aels."

The Duke feigned an exasperated sigh. "I am afraid my work has made this less of a get away then I had hoped for." He motioned around him for emphasis when Adelaide noticed the corner of his mouth turn up in a slight smile.

"Say my young Emile, could you perchance acquiesce a humble favor for me? I saw young Princess Greta leave the premises, to I assume relieve herself of such horrid visions." He placed a hand upon the younger Dukes shoulders like a father having a heart to heart with his son.

"I do believe as a young man representing the finest of Rhamosian noble blood in these savage lands it is your solemn duty to ensure she is able to regain her noble bearing no?"

Emile looked from Red to the door he was motioning to and back. A mix of trepidation and duty was plain on his face. Hesitating for a moment Red took the opportunity to put his arm around his shoulders and gently guided him towards the door.

"Now now, we men of sivilsasjon can not choose when duty is thrust upon us only in how we meet the challenge. Just, tell her a joke or something. Use that Risencrati wit, to break the ice and bring her back to her senses."

Emile nodded deep in thought before he stepped while the pair watched him go. "Good lad."

Adelaide could not help but shake her head at the subtle display of manipulation that had just played out before her. "You are truly terrifying sometimes." To which the Duke meerly waved off nonchalantly.

"Nonsense, my dear Adelaide I am simply an actor playing a part." He clapped his hands together suddenly as a energetic look crept onto his face. "Now! Let us see if our host had the presence of mind to provide this affair with coffee!"

[Phoenxia]

Tyrian Embassy, Kassau

The immediate area around the Tyrian Embassy had become a veritable killing ground. Due to the advantages of speed, surprise, and violence of action employed by the Ares special operations contractors, they were tearing through Üpo officers and the few Tyria IAG security personnel who were evacuating wounded staff. The advantages could only get them so far, as the opposition were not hapless Jelenik rebels and recovered quickly. In addition, the fires created by the Trekish drones and mortar strike made it easier for the Phoenixians to fight at night.

Dagger 1-Actual, aka Rebound, had just plugged two Üpo shooters when he saw two operators from his element go down in a hail of accurate fire.

"Two Contacts, 50 meters west behind the SUVs," said the troop leader, "Engage."

The LAMG gunner snapped his machinegun in direction of the opposition before letting loose a barrage at the entrenched group before others joined in. As the Phoenixian police officers hunkered down, another one of the assault troops moved in on their flanks and ended them. With the reprieve, Rebound's men quickly recovered their downed operators, with the medic rendering as much aid as possible, and continued their assault.

While there were rare successes achieved by the Üpo against their assailants, they were few and far between. As the SMD assaulters closed in and employed frag grenades, the Phoenixian officer's casualties drastically increased. It wasn't long before some of the remaining officers attempted to surrender. Unfortunately, it only prolonged their lives momentarily before the Ares contractors executed them too.

"Dagger 1-Actual, Blacklight 2 actual. We are approaching your position and will set up cordon."

"Good copy, we see you," Rebound replied, eyeing an approaching SUV, "We have five WIA, 3 ambulatory, 2 urgent-surgical. We'll need them out of here ASAP while we breach."

"Roger, we'll task a vic to evac them."

As the Strike Force contractors set up their cordon, the Special Missions Detachment members assembled back into their elements. Despite two of the assault troops having fewer members, the target had been softened up by the bombing. With the front ECP having been flattened, the assaulters moved switflty to the main embassy building and their assigned breach points.

Out of nowhere, a red alert started going off at EKSG command. "All Üpo units under attack at embassy wreckage! Contact with multiple heavily armed elements! This is not a drill!" Teams three and seven were dispatched in full combat gear to the scene, and closing in the block to make an encirclement. With all the gunfire, it sounded like they were back in Atserna again. As they got out of the truck, they automatically came under fire.

"On our two, on our two, at the basement exit!" the leader of team three, Cpt. Vazili Chernevic called. Team seven was taking the other side of the block and taking just as much fire. They couldn't use grenades for the risk of injuring Tyrian embassy employees or emergency workers. Chernevic radioed, "Tunnel, this is Bastion three-zero, how copy?" No response. He repeated in a more assertive tone, “Tunnel, this is Bastion three-zero, how copy?” Nothing but static. He couldn’t even hear the other team through the radio. “Ay, someone! Run like the fucking wind back to HQ and tell them to get reinforcements!” Volgonov nodded and began running back which the way they came. It didn’t have to take long at all, they were only a half mile from the War Ministry and MCA.

“Misha, what the hell did you run here for?” Colonel Orenov put his hands on his hips.

“Comms are jammed, sir. Vazili sent me as a runner. These are well trained and well equipped soldiers. Unless we get some real heavy cavalry, they’ll hold there all night, or longer.”

“Thank you, Misha. Go tell Vaz I’ll see what I can do.” The colonel saluted, Volgonov returned the salute and began running back to the embassy.

“Alright, what’s the situation?” Chernevic rocked in a new magazine.

“Orenov said he’d do what he could. With the whole garrison sitting around right now, I’m sure he could scrape together something,” Volgonov racked the bolt on his rifle and began returning fire.

They continued fighting like normal for about 20 minutes, no side gained any ground. They still hadn’t identified who the opposing force was, but they had an idea at the very least, seeing the training and equipment of the enemy; these weren’t just Žeknijan militants getting their revenge on the Tyrians.

[The JVP]

Funeral of King Artur II

Vivi sat in pew, flanked by two of her Valkyries, with the rest of her detail outside. Vivi was back in Ameria, on a tour with Admiral Son, when she got the news of the King being killed. Leaving Inna in Ameria, Vivi herself returned for the funeral. The last time she visited, the nation of Phoenixia was a little bit more peaceful, but now there was fighting in it's fringes, and attacks on it's monarch. Friedek, the crown heir, also laid in the hospital intel saying he would not last the week.

Vivi had watched the video of the attack, from almost every angle, phones were all over the king as he took his final breath. In one blow the nation had lost its King and their Heir, and if the reports were to be true, The Princess Heir Etschelena, did not want the job. The images and texts Vivi read from her documents on the matter, sicken the Queen. To turn your back on your people in such a time. But Vivi knew that feeling, she did not want to be High Queen, hell she ran off to the Order and took every assignment she could get her hands on, then became a Valkyrie to get even further away from the crown. But when samchon grow ill, and it came time for her to lead, she lead. To think that Etschelena was so weak.

But it seemed the Crown would really fall to Greta, the youngest daughter. Inna had seemed to really enjoy her time with Greta, and the girl seemed very bright for her age. Greta would be forged in the fires of these events, and Vivi hoped the girl would grow stronger from them. Still. The JVP market seemed to be investing heavily in Phoenixian companies, and if her reports were true, had brought out a good lion's share. This reminded her of Namijistan, but less bankrupt.

She pushed the thoughts from her mind, as one of her Valkyries lent over and passed on some details.

"An attack? today?" Vivi replied, switching between Korean and Vedorician, to throw off anyone listening. The Valkyrie replied back with more information. Seems the attack was on a Tyrian embassy in the downtown government area.

"Keep me informed." Vivi replied, as she returned her focus back to the royal family, locking eyes with Avosha, the late King's Wife. Poor women, to lose her Husband, and pretty much her son. Vivi had made up her mind. She would stay in Phoenixia for a few more days, and see after the poor Queen. Maybe an outside factor can help her get past this. Maybe.

The Contractor

Echo flight had not really ignored the Embassy attack. Hell, they had their own plan to hit the damn thing, but seems like the job was done for them. Still elements of the team were in the waits, ready to move in if given the word. Still, The Contractor knew the client had brought over many assets, but to think that they would on this level. His mind raced as he thought of the other Aels PMC's that could be involved, he then quickly switched his thinking mask out for one that showed a slight smile. "The Client is a smart man." The Contractor said to himself as he looked away from the embassy, his comms buzzing about the EKSG being mobilized and most likely inbound.

"Perfect. Set it up." He said, as he moved back to his general hiding hole, as the streets, still packed with protesters, slowly pushed away from the embassy of chaos.

[The Kingdom of Rhamos]

Tyrian Embassy Seige

The situation on the ground was deteriorating unexpectedly fast.

Unacceptably fast.

The eyes watch the Noir Stealth UCAVs monitors watched tensely as the Phoenixian QRF began to deploy on the scene and began making a series of encypted phone calls.

The two brigades already in Phoenixia have been put on a combat footing. 2 additional brigades already on standby as QRF have been greenlighted for deployment to Phoenixia as the nation seemed to be spiraling out of control. Within hours the first transport ascended into the night sky proceeded by a flight of fighter bombers sent to secure the skies of the city from further terrorist attacks.

The Viceroy of Cerise has issued a condemnation of the cowardly Tyrians and their JLA proxies for launching such a brazen attack on Phoenixias capital. The citizens of Cerise and Rhamos standby the people of Phoenixia in their darkest hour. The full might of the colonies defense force has been directed to help Phoenixia through these troubling times.

Corresponding with this a general mobilization has been issued for the colonies military forces and a SAG has departed Cerise territorial waters for the Phoenixia coast.

[Sjovenia]

Minister Drago Zevnik released a statement earlier today under the authority of Autarch Tennfjord. The statement’s topic was about travel restrictions as tensions have risen in the southern Drejveškan Region. As the flames of the Cousins War dies down, conflict between Tyria, Žeknija, and Phoenixia causes rifts in the local area and puts strains on national relations.

“My fellow Slaveškans, in a world of danger we must be ever vigilant to any looming threat. We as a nation must look out for our brothers and sisters. A figure was once quoted saying...a bomb knows no discrimination...in an effort to keep our citizens safe in these turbulent times, with information provided to me by the Office of State Intelligence, and under the authority of Autarch Tennfjord, I am releasing a statement on travel restrictions...” Minister Zevnik said during his televised statement.

Travel Restrictions

Tyria - All travel banned
NLFN Territories - All travel banned
Žeknija - Travel restricted to essential personnel with orders
Phoenixia - Travel restricted to essential personnel with orders
Green Union - Travel restricted to essential personnel with proper documentation
Stravel - Travel restricted to essential personnel with proper documentation
Rudony - Travel restricted to essential personnel on relief missions only

Travel restrictions do not effect trade at this current time

[Nothern Peoples]

Underminister of Foreign Travel Okisan would release a press conference, informing Federation citizens and residents of a travel restriction at roughly 1030, Stockholm time, in response to the issues happening within Tyria:
"Ulkoministeriö haluaa varoittaa kaikkia Federaation kansalaisia ​​ja vastustaa sitä, että kaikki matkat Tyria ovat kiellettyjä tänä aamuna klo 0932 lähtien ja että kaikki matkustaminen Markion mantereelle on rajoitettava välttämättömiin tai hallituksen henkilökohtaisiin ministerin määräyksellä ulkoministeri Hendrich Olnso. Tyria tilanne on tällä hetkellä väkivaltaa ja kaaosta, ja rauhanomaisen lopputuloksen toivominen on vähäistä. Raporttien mukaan tuntemattomat joukot ovat jo tappaneet useita poliiseja. Toiveemme kohdistuvat hyökkäykseen kiinni jääneisiin siviileihin ja heidän turvallisuuteensa."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs would like to alert all Federation citizens and residents that all travel to Tyria is, as of 0932 this morning, banned, and that all travel to the Markion continent is to be restricted to essential or government personal by order of Minister of Foreign Affairs Hendrich Olnso. As of right now, the situation in Tyria is one of violence and chaos, with few hopes for a peaceful outcome, with reports claiming that several police have already been killed by unknown forces. Our hopes go to the civilians caught within the onslaught, and their safety.

[The JVP]

{Deleted}

[Great Humania]

The Imperial Parliament’s reaction to the attack on the embassy in Phoenixia

As soon as the Imperial Parliament got the news of a recent attack on an embassy in Phoenixia, the opposition instantly blamed the National Assembly Party. The National Assembly Party then blamed them for not taking action against Phoenixia for not protecting the embassy. There was soon an argument brewed in the Imperial Parliament.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs reaction

The Minister of Foreign Affairs was upset about the recent attack, like any other ambassadors he assigned, he felt he was responsible for putting her life in danger. His assistant alerted him that he needed to make a report about the recent attack and send it to the Imperial Parliament on why this happened? He told his assistant that he’ll start working on it, his assistant went back to his desk. The minister paused for a moment to reflect, he then started writing out the report.

The Prince Regent’s Reaction to the attack on the embassy in Phoenixia

As he was watching the news, he was upset about the news of his former classmate being in danger. He knew her for being a kind woman and was willing to sacrifice her time to achieve something that will make the world a better place. He then made a video recording condemning the attack on the embassy, but he was careful on what he was saying due to the fact that he didn’t know who tried to lit the flames of war.


The Ambassador’s Father reaction to the attack on the embassy in Phoenixia

In the midst of the Tyrian Embassy attack, the Duke of Trans-Avakazia, the father of the ambassador, is watching it unfold in front of his eyes. He panicked and called the Imperial Parliament to ask if they could intervene, they say that they’re still trying to decide what to do and how to respond to this attack. He then called the Phoenixian Government to ask to save his daughter, they gave him the same response. The Duke of Trans-Avakazia was angered by the response from the Imperial Parliament, during his anxious moment he decided to try to find a Private Military Company to attempt to rescue his daughter, he made contact with the Vilhallan company and paid the fee. He now waits during these anxious times.

[Nothern Peoples]

LLA Kosto
All hell had broken out on the deck of the LLA Kosto. The Sininen Legioona PMC group that owns the small converted cargo ship had received an emergency contract that far outweighed and outpaid their current one, and were undergoing full preparations for combat operations as their ships bow turned towards the shores of Tyria. Galil rifles saw last minute checks, LAWs saw their confirmation chambers checked for the first time in months, Kite C helicopters went through pre-flight checks, and officers raced to receive and pass out information among the men. The contract they had been handed by an anonymous source to intervene in the "Tyrian situation" had come out to over 6 MILLION Marks, more than a tidy sum for the mercenary group normally stuck doing security and escort operations for barely more than their operating cost. On the bridge CPT Wolfen watched the ocean
"I dont like it. Something feels off with this. Anonymous buyer, to join combat already happening. This isnt something we do. This isnt out specialty. And since when have we had an anonymous buyer? Ever?" He turns, facing the trio of Lieutenants who were in the bridge with him "Check your men and check them well. I want as little widows as possible and were about to drop into a shitshow. Except heavy urban combat against a determined and well armed foe. Dismissed"
The LTs would scurry off, away from the brooding captain. Something didnt feel right, something didnt feel right at all...

[Treko]

Cpl. Stanik Kraykowski
59th Naval Infantry Battalion
Gulf of Drejveska, TIS искупление

---

"Alright, everyone listen up! Bulgarin, if you don't sit down I'll throw you off this fucking heli-carrier," shouted Sgt. Vlaev, his hostile aura, being full directed at Bulgarin who quickly sat down, "Now that I have all of your attention we can begin. We have been tasked by Trekkish Naval Command to conduct an operation to retrieve Ambassador Hrvoj Sorokin and his child. Awhile back, the ambassador's children were kidnapped during their trip to school. Sadly, only one of the children survived the kidnapping and was successfully negotiated back to the Ambassador. Ever since then the Ambassador has been on full lockdown at the Trekkish embassy awaiting extraction,"

After the initial introduction, Sgt. Vlaev moved across the dull gray briefing room to a desk, a wooden desk that was stark contrast to the dull gray room around it. He stared at the laptop for sometime before turning on the projector and bringing up a power-point. There were some groans of annoyance but one look from Sgt. Vlaev and the small minority of complainers went completely silent.

"This is a rather simple operation. We will be going in on three Os-24's Gunships which will be supported by two Os-28's attack helicopters. The goal is to dismount 24 men onto the embassy roof and take up defensive positions within the embassy. The last Os-24 will be extracting the Ambassador and child along with staff members. The Os-28's attack helicopters will be providing overwatch for this operation. Be advised, there are rouge PMC elements with the capital at the moment. They are considered hostile and you will shoot on sight. They have been causing chaos in the capital and I'm sure the Phoenixian government wouldn't mind their removal. That being said, your main objective is the ambassador and his child. Secondary is the PMCs. You will hold the embassy until the flight element has safely delivered the ambassador and his family. Any questions?"

There was an awkward silence before we stood up and began to shuffle out of the briefing room. That being said, I watched as Bulgarin was pulled to the side by Sgt. Vlaev. The poor fool was about to get a second asshole torn into his cheeks. Sgt. Vlaev was a ruthless disciplinarian, but he only expected the best from his men and wasn't afraid to slap your shit in. As the bulkhead door closed behind me, I focused on heading to the armory to requisition additional supplies. Would I get it? Probably not. Those armory fuckers were a pain to deal with and acted like they were God.

[Serderistan]

Out of nowhere, a red alert started going off at EKSG command. "All Üpo units under attack at embassy wreckage! Contact with multiple heavily armed elements! This is not a drill!" Teams three and seven were dispatched in full combat gear to the scene, and closing in the block to make an encirclement. With all the gunfire, it sounded like they were back in Atserna again. As they got out of the truck, they automatically came under fire.

"On our two, on our two, at the basement exit!" the leader of team three, Cpt. Vazili Chernevic called. Team seven was taking the other side of the block and taking just as much fire. They couldn't use grenades for the risk of injuring Tyrian embassy employees or emergency workers. Chernevic radioed, "Tunnel, this is Bastion three-zero, how copy?" No response. He repeated in a more assertive tone, “Tunnel, this is Bastion three-zero, how copy?” Nothing but static. He couldn’t even hear the other team through the radio. “Ay, someone! Run like the fucking wind back to HQ and tell them to get reinforcements!” Volgonov nodded and began running back which the way they came. It didn’t have to take long at all, they were only a half mile from the War Ministry and MCA.

“Misha, what the hell did you run here for?” Colonel Orenov put his hands on his hips.

“Comms are jammed, sir. Vazili sent me as a runner. These are well trained and well equipped soldiers. Unless we get some real heavy cavalry, they’ll hold there all night, or longer.”

“Thank you, Misha. Go tell Vaz I’ll see what I can do.” The colonel saluted, Volgonov returned the salute and began running back to the embassy.

“Alright, what’s the situation?” Chernevic rocked in a new magazine.

“Orenov said he’d do what he could. With the whole garrison sitting around right now, I’m sure he could scrape together something,” Volgonov racked the bolt on his rifle and began returning fire.

They continued fighting like normal for about 20 minutes, no side gained any ground. They still hadn’t identified who the opposing force was, but they had an idea at the very least, seeing the training and equipment of the enemy; these weren’t just Žeknijan militants getting their revenge on the Tyrians.

Tyrian Embassy, Exterior

From the moment that Blacklight 2 started setting up their cordon, every contractor in the platoon knew that things had already gone to shit. Things were always going require some overt action, but Ares would have preferred to go in while using a crowd of angry rioters as cover to mask their breach. Now with them pulling security for the Special Missions Detachment, it was a matter of time before the locals sent in someone to deal with the situation. Little did they know, time had already run out.

"Torch to Blacklight 2-Actual be advised, ISR bird has spotted four ass wagons full of baddies pushing to your location. They've split off and are headed from your three and six. They'll be on you in three minutes."

Blacklight 2-Actual, a former Scout Ranger who went by the handle of Yeti, grimaced at the news. As he pulled up his tablet to see the feed, he swore under his breath. The silhouettes of the incoming vehicles looked like armored trucks, which meant that the Phoenixians either were sending better armed Üpo officers or military.

While he wanted to bring in Switchblades for additional contaiment, he was overruled on the grounds that the client already had a drone loaded for bear in case things got hectic. It didn't seem likely that they were going launch their payload to kill some trucks. For now, it was just a matter of making due with what they had.

"Get a move on Blacklight, we've got company!" Yeti announced as he moved into position, "I want the weapons squad covering the approaches from three to six. Keep them off our asses.'

The Ares Strike Force contractors, made up of members from various special operations and elite light infantry units from the Serderi armed forces, went into action immediately. LAW gunners and gun teams with MG338 Special Purpose Machineguns shifted positions to strong point the opposition's avenue of approach, while the three rifle squads pushed out to covered positions to provide 360 security as best they could do in the cramped urban environment. In the event the weapons squads needed assistance, one or two fireteams could still manuever to support them.

The opposition may not have had a good idea of how the Strike Force Platoon was arrayed in the embassy but it didn't mean they were overconfident. Instead of rushing in with their trucks, the Phoenixian infantrymen dismounted at around 200 meters away from the embassy site before pushing forward. Unfortunately for them, they had no idea that they were facing a peer opponent who could see them thanks to their PVS-31A night vision goggles and drone assets.

"Execute, execute!" Yeti hissed in his radio.

The weapons squads opened, letting loose accurate bursts of .338 Norma at the EKSG assaulters and their vehicles just as they started their advance. The suppressors at the end of the machineguns did little to mask the supersonic crack of the anti-materiel rounds launched at the ambushed Phoenixians. At the same time, LAW gunners fired M72E8s at the EKSG's armored trucks (one rocket per strongpoint) before transitioning to their carbines. Once again, the the night erupted into a cacophony of violence.

"Guns one and two have made contact with the enemy," reported the Weapons Squad leader, "We're keeping them at bay for now. Between drones and my shooters, estimate 15 crows on per element."

Yeti was surprised at the news. He suspected that the locals would try to flood the area with uniforms. Instead, they were trying to encircle the area with almost as many guys as his platoon had. He wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth just yet though. Right now, he halted their advance. Now it was a matter of finishing them.

"Recon elements, Blacklight 2-Actual," Yeti said, "I need to to task drones to keep an eye on the hostile squads. If they try to flank, you're clear to use the Kamikazes to 86 them."

As he finished his message, he was really hoping that the SMD assaulters were having a better time than they were. The sooner they completed their objective, the sooner they could leave.

[Phoenxia]

Out of nowhere, a red alert started going off at EKSG command. "All Üpo units under attack at embassy wreckage! Contact with multiple heavily armed elements! This is not a drill!" Teams three and seven were dispatched in full combat gear to the scene, and closing in the block to make an encirclement. With all the gunfire, it sounded like they were back in Atserna again. As they got out of the truck, they automatically came under fire.

"On our two, on our two, at the basement exit!" the leader of team three, Cpt. Vazili Chernevic called. Team seven was taking the other side of the block and taking just as much fire. They couldn't use grenades for the risk of injuring Tyrian embassy employees or emergency workers. Chernevic radioed, "Tunnel, this is Bastion three-zero, how copy?" No response. He repeated in a more assertive tone, “Tunnel, this is Bastion three-zero, how copy?” Nothing but static. He couldn’t even hear the other team through the radio. “Ay, someone! Run like the fucking wind back to HQ and tell them to get reinforcements!” Volgonov nodded and began running back which the way they came. It didn’t have to take long at all, they were only a half mile from the War Ministry and MCA.

“Misha, what the hell did you run here for?” Colonel Orenov put his hands on his hips.

“Comms are jammed, sir. Vazili sent me as a runner. These are well trained and well equipped soldiers. Unless we get some real heavy cavalry, they’ll hold there all night, or longer.”

“Thank you, Misha. Go tell Vaz I’ll see what I can do.” The colonel saluted, Volgonov returned the salute and began running back to the embassy.

“Alright, what’s the situation?” Chernevic rocked in a new magazine.

“Orenov said he’d do what he could. With the whole garrison sitting around right now, I’m sure he could scrape together something,” Volgonov racked the bolt on his rifle and began returning fire.

They continued fighting like normal for about 20 minutes, no side gained any ground. They still hadn’t identified who the opposing force was, but they had an idea at the very least, seeing the training and equipment of the enemy; these weren’t just Žeknijan militants getting their revenge on the Tyrians.

Tyrian Embassy, Exterior

From the moment that Blacklight 2 started setting up their cordon, every contractor in the platoon knew that things had already gone to shit. Things were always going require some overt action, but Ares would have preferred to go in while using a crowd of angry rioters as cover to mask their breach. Now with them pulling security for the Special Missions Detachment, it was a matter of time before the locals sent in someone to deal with the situation. Little did they know, time had already run out.

"Torch to Blacklight 2-Actual be advised, ISR bird has spotted four ass wagons full of baddies pushing to your location. They've split off and are headed from your three and six. They'll be on you in three minutes."

Blacklight 2-Actual, a former Scout Ranger who went by the handle of Yeti, grimaced at the news. As he pulled up his tablet to see the feed, he swore under his breath. The silhouettes of the incoming vehicles looked like armored trucks, which meant that the Phoenixians either were sending better armed Üpo officers or military.

While he wanted to bring in Switchblades for additional contaiment, he was overruled on the grounds that the client already had a drone loaded for bear in case things got hectic. It didn't seem likely that they were going launch their payload to kill some trucks. For now, it was just a matter of making due with what they had.

"Get a move on Blacklight, we've got company!" Yeti announced as he moved into position, "I want the weapons squad covering the approaches from three to six. Keep them off our asses.'

The Ares Strike Force contractors, made up of members from various special operations and elite light infantry units from the Serderi armed forces, went into action immediately. LAW gunners and gun teams with MG338 Special Purpose Machineguns shifted positions to strong point the opposition's avenue of approach, while the three rifle squads pushed out to covered positions to provide 360 security as best they could do in the cramped urban environment. In the event the weapons squads needed assistance, one or two fireteams could still manuever to support them.

The opposition may not have had a good idea of how the Strike Force Platoon was arrayed in the embassy but it didn't mean they were overconfident. Instead of rushing in with their trucks, the Phoenixian infantrymen dismounted at around 200 meters away from the embassy site before pushing forward. Unfortunately for them, they had no idea that they were facing a peer opponent who could see them thanks to their PVS-31A night vision goggles and drone assets.

"Execute, execute!" Yeti hissed in his radio.

The weapons squads opened, letting loose accurate bursts of .338 Norma at the EKSG assaulters and their vehicles just as they started their advance. The suppressors at the end of the machineguns did little to mask the supersonic crack of the anti-materiel rounds launched at the ambushed Phoenixians. At the same time, LAW gunners fired M72E8s at the EKSG's armored trucks (one rocket per strongpoint) before transitioning to their carbines. Once again, the the night erupted into a cacophony of violence.

"Guns one and two have made contact with the enemy," reported the Weapons Squad leader, "We're keeping them at bay for now. Between drones and my shooters, estimate 15 crows on per element."

Yeti was surprised at the news. He suspected that the locals would try to flood the area with uniforms. Instead, they were trying to encircle the area with almost as many guys as his platoon had. He wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth just yet though. Right now, he halted their advance. Now it was a matter of finishing them.

"Recon elements, Blacklight 2-Actual," Yeti said, "I need to to task drones to keep an eye on the hostile squads. If they try to flank, you're clear to use the Kamikazes to 86 them."

As he finished his message, he was really hoping that the SMD assaulters were having a better time than they were. The sooner they completed their objective, the sooner they could leave.

The rockets slammed into the sides of the APC's. Chernevic winced as the blasts hit, out of the corner of his eye with the light of flame, Jakovi got shot in the head on the other side of the road by one of the MGs. "Fuck it, Misha. Get a 40 mil trained on them. Be quick."

"Alright," Volgonov snapped at Hanssen, the designated grenadier to come over to them, "Alright, Hanssen, get a 40 in your tube and get us some suppressive pressure on em."

With the light of the fire, Chernevic levelled his sights on a combatant who had popped his head out of cover. By no means was he in a situation where he could take the time for marksmanship, but the shot went off as perfect as he could get. He kept his cheek welded to the stock as he witnessed the contractor flop back down.

Hanssen fired his grenade at a machine gun position and ducked into cover. Team seven got the same idea and began firing grenades as well.

The firefight dragged on, Chernevic had just sent Vlasov for an ammo run as they continued the wait for reinforcements. Chernevic looked back, team three had taken four casualties, and from what it looked, team seven had taken a hit as well. He was bewildered that the encircled combatants hadn't run out of ammunition. He knew that they had to make a move. "Misha, get some smokes out! We gotta close in on them!" And so, they threw white smoke canisters and waited for the effect to set in. Team three advanced forward in a uniform fashion to another line of cover.

[The JVP]

Tyrian Embassy, Surrounding buildings

The Contractor had quickly made his way up to the higher floors of the building overlooking the embassy, the EKSG had failed in their first task, they never secured the area, and for that they would pay dearly. But till then the Contractor sat and watched the fire fight take place. Whoever was talking the embassy, clearly had a mission and the Contractor had his mission.

"Lets see... Group there, and there." He said as he shouldered an RPG. "Easy." He said, blowing on his whistle as he broke out the glass on the window, lowered his RPG, sighted the group of EKSG agents, and before he could pull the trigger, a cloud of white smoke began to form.

"Popping smoke I see." He said, flicked on the thermals of the RPG sight, and watched as the heat signatures moved. It was a little hard at first, with the first raging around, but once he picked up on the movements of the EKSG, it became all too easy to track. Once it looked like they found a stopping spot, he pulled the trigger, releasing the projectile, as other rounds from other floors and rooms did the same. He then reloaded and fired again. Every so often he would look back to the other few dudes in the room. "You guys are doing a good job."

[Treko]

Cpl. Stanik Kraykowski
59th Naval Infantry Battalion
Kassau, Phoenxia

---

The interior of the Os-24 was rather quiet despite a squad of 8 sitting in the troop utility compartment. Some would say that the mission was making the soldiers nervous, but a more logical person would point to the fact that Sgt. Vlaev was in this Os-24. His presence just made the men uncomfortable, and so they sat there accepting the stern silence of Sgt. Vlaev. Despte his presence on the helicopter, I regulated myself to just looking outside the window that was only a few inches to the left of me. It offered me far more entertainment than the troop utility compartment. Currently the view on the window was the dark blue waters of the Drejveskan Gulf. With the fleet being this far out, the dark blue waters of the Drejveskan Gulf were rather calm. Occasionally I would catch a glimpse of one of the other Os-24s that was accompanying us on this sortie, but then the hulking gunship would disappear out of sight as it climbed sightly higher. I was thinking of craning my neck to continue watching the hulking Os-24 but I decided against it for I was sure that Sgt. Vlaev was already staring daggers at the back of my head. However, as I turned around to look back at the bland interior of the troop utility compartment, I saw Sgt. Vlaev talking over his comms to command.

"Alright, listen up," shouted Sgt. Vlaev, as he stood up from his seat and grabbed a bar that was bolted into the ceiling of the troop compartment, "Reports are coming in that there is a firefight occurring around the Tyrian embassy currently. Seems like shit is getting pretty heated. That being said, command wants us to continue on with our primary objective. If the Phonexians accept, we may be diverted to help quell unrest near the Tyrian embassy,"

There was a collective groan from all of us which was quickly muted when our eyes met Sgt. Vlaev's eyes. He didn't say anything, just kept staring at us until he saw fit to sit back down in his seat... As we neared, Kassau I could feel that our descent was beginning. Dark black smoke began to greet us as we descended over the city. Sgt. Vlaev merely gave us a nod, and we knew it was time. I grabbed a mag off my plate carrier and locked it into the magwell of TAk-545 before cocking the bolt.

"Let's get out fast, secure the perimeter of the roof, and grab the ambassador," said Sgt. Vlaev, as he clenched his seat as our OS-24, circled the Trekkish embassy before swooping in for a landing. The troop utility compartment ramp quickly dropped and I stormed out of the rear of the Os-24 with TAk-545 raised. My squad mates did the same, and we quickly set up a perimeter on the roof before our OS-24 took off from the roof to allow another OS-24 to land. Another squad quickly disembarked with weapons raised and descended into the inside of the Trekkish embassy. The third and final squad disembarked as well before descending into the embassy with the second squad. This time, however, the third and final Os-24 stayed on the roof until a man and his child were escorted onto the OS-24 along with a few staff members before taking off. In the meantime, the two Os-28s which accompanied us circled the Trekkisk embassy at higher altitude watching for any PMC hostiles.

"Elk 1-7, we're going to enter the embassy and set up a defensive perimeter with Elk 1-1 and Elk 1-2," ordered Sgt. Vlaev, as he watched us, descend into the safety of the embassy before descending himself, "We have to hold out in the embassy until our sortie comes back to pick us up. Those Os-28s will be on call if some PMC dumb fuck wants to try something,"

[Phoenxia]

Cpl. Stanik Kraykowski
59th Naval Infantry Battalion
Kassau, Phoenxia

---

The interior of the Os-24 was rather quiet despite a squad of 8 sitting in the troop utility compartment. Some would say that the mission was making the soldiers nervous, but a more logical person would point to the fact that Sgt. Vlaev was in this Os-24. His presence just made the men uncomfortable, and so they sat there accepting the stern silence of Sgt. Vlaev. Despte his presence on the helicopter, I regulated myself to just looking outside the window that was only a few inches to the left of me. It offered me far more entertainment than the troop utility compartment. Currently the view on the window was the dark blue waters of the Drejveskan Gulf. With the fleet being this far out, the dark blue waters of the Drejveskan Gulf were rather calm. Occasionally I would catch a glimpse of one of the other Os-24s that was accompanying us on this sortie, but then the hulking gunship would disappear out of sight as it climbed sightly higher. I was thinking of craning my neck to continue watching the hulking Os-24 but I decided against it for I was sure that Sgt. Vlaev was already staring daggers at the back of my head. However, as I turned around to look back at the bland interior of the troop utility compartment, I saw Sgt. Vlaev talking over his comms to command.

"Alright, listen up," shouted Sgt. Vlaev, as he stood up from his seat and grabbed a bar that was bolted into the ceiling of the troop compartment, "Reports are coming in that there is a firefight occurring around the Tyrian embassy currently. Seems like shit is getting pretty heated. That being said, command wants us to continue on with our primary objective. If the Phonexians accept, we may be diverted to help quell unrest near the Tyrian embassy,"

There was a collective groan from all of us which was quickly muted when our eyes met Sgt. Vlaev's eyes. He didn't say anything, just kept staring at us until he saw fit to sit back down in his seat... As we neared, Kassau I could feel that our descent was beginning. Dark black smoke began to greet us as we descended over the city. Sgt. Vlaev merely gave us a nod, and we knew it was time. I grabbed a mag off my plate carrier and locked it into the magwell of TAk-545 before cocking the bolt.

"Let's get out fast, secure the perimeter of the roof, and grab the ambassador," said Sgt. Vlaev, as he clenched his seat as our OS-24, circled the Trekkish embassy before swooping in for a landing. The troop utility compartment ramp quickly dropped and I stormed out of the rear of the Os-24 with TAk-545 raised. My squad mates did the same, and we quickly set up a perimeter on the roof before our OS-24 took off from the roof to allow another OS-24 to land. Another squad quickly disembarked with weapons raised and descended into the inside of the Trekkish embassy. The third and final squad disembarked as well before descending into the embassy with the second squad. This time, however, the third and final Os-24 stayed on the roof until a man and his child were escorted onto the OS-24 along with a few staff members before taking off. In the meantime, the two Os-28s which accompanied us circled the Trekkisk embassy at higher altitude watching for any PMC hostiles.

"Elk 1-7, we're going to enter the embassy and set up a defensive perimeter with Elk 1-1 and Elk 1-2," ordered Sgt. Vlaev, as he watched us, descend into the safety of the embassy before descending himself, "We have to hold out in the embassy until our sortie comes back to pick us up. Those Os-28s will be on call if some PMC dumb fuck wants to try something,"

Tyrian Embassy, Surrounding buildings

The Contractor had quickly made his way up to the higher floors of the building overlooking the embassy, the EKSG had failed in their first task, they never secured the area, and for that they would pay dearly. But till then the Contractor sat and watched the fire fight take place. Whoever was talking the embassy, clearly had a mission and the Contractor had his mission.

"Lets see... Group there, and there." He said as he shouldered an RPG. "Easy." He said, blowing on his whistle as he broke out the glass on the window, lowered his RPG, sighted the group of EKSG agents, and before he could pull the trigger, a cloud of white smoke began to form.

"Popping smoke I see." He said, flicked on the thermals of the RPG sight, and watched as the heat signatures moved. It was a little hard at first, with the first raging around, but once he picked up on the movements of the EKSG, it became all too easy to track. Once it looked like they found a stopping spot, he pulled the trigger, releasing the projectile, as other rounds from other floors and rooms did the same. He then reloaded and fired again. Every so often he would look back to the other few dudes in the room. "You guys are doing a good job."

Vlasov had just gotten back with the ammo when out of nowhere, rockets started raining down. "Top floor, top floor! Divert some fire up there before they reload!" Vazili screamed at the top of his lungs as he turned his attention to Vlasov, "You're a godsend, Milo. You get any word on when reinforcements are gonna get here?"

Vlasov passed around extra magazines as he said, "The garrison is held up by traffic, but Orenov called up some Trekkish gunships on the radio. He just said to stay frosty and say your prayers. Fuck me, this is gonna be a long night."

"Misha, you hear that? It's gonna be a long night," Chernevic ducked behind cover and replenished new mags into his webbing.

"Amen, Vaz. Let's give it all we got."

[Serderistan]

OOC: The following post is the result of a conversation on Discord between myself, Rhamos, and Phoenixia.

The rockets slammed into the sides of the APC's. Chernevic winced as the blasts hit, out of the corner of his eye with the light of flame, Jakovi got shot in the head on the other side of the road by one of the MGs. "Fuck it, Misha. Get a 40 mil trained on them. Be quick."

"Alright," Volgonov snapped at Hanssen, the designated grenadier to come over to them, "Alright, Hanssen, get a 40 in your tube and get us some suppressive pressure on em."

With the light of the fire, Chernevic levelled his sights on a combatant who had popped his head out of cover. By no means was he in a situation where he could take the time for marksmanship, but the shot went off as perfect as he could get. He kept his cheek welded to the stock as he witnessed the contractor flop back down.

Hanssen fired his grenade at a machine gun position and ducked into cover. Team seven got the same idea and began firing grenades as well.

The firefight dragged on, Chernevic had just sent Vlasov for an ammo run as they continued the wait for reinforcements. Chernevic looked back, team three had taken four casualties, and from what it looked, team seven had taken a hit as well. He was bewildered that the encircled combatants hadn't run out of ammunition. He knew that they had to make a move. "Misha, get some smokes out! We gotta close in on them!" And so, they threw white smoke canisters and waited for the effect to set in. Team three advanced forward in a uniform fashion to another line of cover.

Tyrian Embassy, Surrounding buildings

The Contractor had quickly made his way up to the higher floors of the building overlooking the embassy, the EKSG had failed in their first task, they never secured the area, and for that they would pay dearly. But till then the Contractor sat and watched the fire fight take place. Whoever was talking the embassy, clearly had a mission and the Contractor had his mission.

"Lets see... Group there, and there." He said as he shouldered an RPG. "Easy." He said, blowing on his whistle as he broke out the glass on the window, lowered his RPG, sighted the group of EKSG agents, and before he could pull the trigger, a cloud of white smoke began to form.

"Popping smoke I see." He said, flicked on the thermals of the RPG sight, and watched as the heat signatures moved. It was a little hard at first, with the first raging around, but once he picked up on the movements of the EKSG, it became all too easy to track. Once it looked like they found a stopping spot, he pulled the trigger, releasing the projectile, as other rounds from other floors and rooms did the same. He then reloaded and fired again. Every so often he would look back to the other few dudes in the room. "You guys are doing a good job."

Tyrian Embassy, External

With contact initiated against the EKSG operators, the Ares Contractors' timeline continued to shrink. While Yeti wanted to get the bonus that the Client was offering, he wasn't going to get his guys schwacked because they were stayed in for too long. The weapons squad leader was already taken on casualties due to the Phoenixians use of grenades. Their advance was halted both by the rifle squads laying down hate with their Recce 9 carbines and LAMGs. With the Phoenixians once again fixed by accurate fire and the welcome arrival of some mystery friend with a lot of RPGs, it was a simply a matter of waiting for the flanking fireteams to finish them off.
Unfortunately, the hits just kept coming.

"Torch, Blacklight 2-Actual. ISR bird had identified a group of helos inbound near your position. Looking like they are headed to the Trekkish embassy but that can change. We'll keep you posted."

"Son of a fuck. We just got here and already the situation is FUBAR," Yeti snarled before keying his radio, "All Blacklight 2 elements, prepare for exfil once Dagger is out. This area is getting too hot."

Once all the squad leaders confimed their new orders, Yeti switched channels to the command net. He was about to give his SMD counterpart an earful but was surprised when his ear piece buzzed with Rebound's voice instead.

"Blacklight 2-Actual, Dagger 1-Actual. We have hands on Advisor. I say again, we have Advisor. Area is too hot to go for other objectives. We are exiting now."

A smile slowly crept on to Yeti's face as he heard the best news of the night. It seemed that things were looking up for the contractors. The smile slightly faded as he heard muffled gunfire coming from the embassy itself. It seemed that things hadn't been all sunshine and roses for the SMD assaulters.

It didn't take long for the SMD troops to rush out of the Embassy's front door. Yeti noted that a few of the operators were limping and one was carrying the body of one of their fallen. The assistant troop commander for Dagger 1 had the motionless body of the Tyrian ambassador slung over his shoulders.

"Is she still alive?" Yeti shouted.

"Yeah, but she's knocked out pretty good," Rebound replied, "Going to have a killer headache."

"Good enough for me. Blacklight elements, landslide, landslide!"

With the magic words uttered by the contractor's platoon commander, the rifle squads and weapons squad began bounding back in an orderly fashion. While they were gassed and fatigued from CQB in the embassy, the added guns from the SMD assaulters was a welcome resource, especially since the contractors were carrying their casualties with them.

While EKSG may have been taken the chance to chase after their quarry but whatever actions they took would be heavily hampered by the contractors decision to drop a pair of kamikaze drones on top of the Phoenixian operators. Focusing on the larger cluster of troops, the loitering munitions closed in on their targets and detonated their directional charges. As it interrupted the EKSG's decision-making cycle, it provided a welcome respite for the contractors.

While their progress was slower than what Yeti and Rebound wanted, the contractors still made good time boarding their vehicles. Due to the haphazard nature of their retreat, the mixed group of vans and SUVs left when they were full instead of any semblance of order. What they lacked in organization, they made up for in speed as the contractors sped away in hasty retreat.

[Telroi]

Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emšanov

The young secretary walked hastily into the Minister’s office, holding a paper file in her one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. “Mr. Rovenski, here is your coffee, and this is an urgent report from the embassy in Kassau. The ambassador is waiting for you on line 3.”
Minister Rovenski thanked his secretary for the coffee and picked up his desk phone.

“This is Minister Rovenski speaking, what is so urgent that it couldn’t wait for lunchtime?” he asked while opening the report. On the other side of the line was the ambassador of Telroi in Phoenixia, on the verge of a panic attack. He described the pillars of smoke coming from the other side of the block, and the police reports on an attack at the Tyrian embassy. The report that Rovenski was reading was compiled from all the police and eye witness reports that were available to the ambassador. He asked the ambassador to get him an assessment for the area affected by the attack as soon as possible and thanked him for notifying him.

Rovenski dialed up to the Telroian Search & Rescue Services, and asked to talk to the person who oversees operations abroad. When he was finally passed over to him, Rovenski caught him up on all the available information and told him to prepare two rescue teams to get to Kassau through the H-5 highway, that on the border between Telroi and Phoenixia turns into the I-9.

Meanwhile, Minister Rovenski contacted the Phoenixian ambassador in Telroi to request permission to send rescue teams into Phoenixian territory, and after a short exchange with their superior in Kassau, they gave the green light.

It took an hour and a half for the Telroian Ambassador to produce an assessment, send it to Minister Rovenski, and for the latter to send it to TSRS HQ, but when it finally reached them the two teams mounted their ambulances and helicopters and went on their way to Kassau.
But when they did arrive, they were not ready for what was waiting for them. The scope of the firefights was much larger than they were expecting from their briefings, and it seemed like attempting any search and rescue mission in this battlefield would be a suicide mission.

So as the ambulances were stuck in the merciless Kassau traffic, the helicopters could only hover around the building, trying to locate any wounded people who manage to escape the kill zone. After almost an hour the ambulances managed to make it through, and the staff inside started picking up wounded civilians and treating them, those who were badly injured were driven to the nearest hospital by ambulance or motorcycle, but the helicopters were still helplessly hovering over the half bombed building.

---

News broadcast in Telroian TV later the same day. Title reads: "Embassy Attack in Kassau"

[Treko]

2nd Lt. Svetozar Bukovski (Sova 806)
881st Air-Assault Battalion
Kassau, Phoenxia

---

The insertion of the 59th Naval Infantry Battalion via the embassy roof had been a success, but more importantly we had secured the Trekkish ambassador and his child. Luckily, we didn't take any fire from the PMCs within Kassau. It seems that most of the fighting was taking place over the Tyrian embassy. When I flew in with the sortie, my co-pilot and I could see multiple faint explosions coming from where the black smoke had been rising from before. The sound of small arms fire, albeit muffled due to the cock pit, could be heard constantly cracking in the air. For a GDU member, it seemed like the Phoenxian government had no control over its own nation whatsoever. Though my own prejudices could be affecting my state of mind on the nation of Phoenxia, but this event certainly wasn't a saving grace. As I flew my hulking beast in formation with the other Os-24s, the radio crackled to life,

"... Sova 806, you are to proceed with Sova 802 and assist Phoenxian forces at the Tyrian embassy. How copy, Sova 806..."

"Atonement, this is Sova 806. I read you loud and clear. Sova 806 will proceed to the Tyrian embassy with Sova 802, over and out," I replied, as steered my Os-24 back towards Kassau, "I hope your trigger fingers itching, Tarasov. Seems like we're going to see some action today,"

"Trigger finger is ready, Bukovski. Get me a good angle and swiss cheese these assholes," replied Tarasov, as he flipped the weapons safety switch, "Kill them all; let God sort them out,"

As we neared the Tyrian embassy, explosions and tracer fire became more intense and sporadic. The situation for the Phoenxian defenders was looking quite grim as they seemed surrounded. That being said, it seemed like a rogue PMC element was already trying to extract from the area the despite having closed the noose around the Phoenxian necks. As I brought the OS-24 in closer and lower, I could see enemy fire coming from buildings parallel to the Tyrian embassy and pepper the defenders. I leveled the Os-24 out and allowed Tarasov to let out a long burst of 30mm auto-cannon into the building parallel of the embassy. 30mm rounds slammed into the building, kicking up dust and debris. After the long burst, I maneuvered my Os-24 out of the way to allow Savo 802 to take me place.

"Savo 802, I will be pursuing the rogue PMC element that that left prior, How copy?" I asked, as I brought the Os-24 higher into the sky to prep for an attack run.

"Copy that, Savo 806," replied the pilot of Savo 806," Will to lend aid to Phoenxian defenders, over,"

"Good luck, Savo 802," I replied, as I tilted the joystick down and began to pursue after the fleeing PMC element. Despite their hasty retreat the PMCs speed was all for nought for the Os-24 slowly descended behind its prey. Tarasov unleashed a burst at the speeding mixsmatched convoy. I couldn't see all of the action due to piloting the beast, but I did catch snippets of Tarasov peppering the ground near around the vehicles.

[Phoenxia]

As the opposing force booked it, Vazili realized that chatter started going through his radio once again. He began a message to HQ, "Colonel, get some boys from the directorate down here. We need this investigated."

Mark's cell phone rang through his dark apartment. He grumbled and picked it up, "What is it?" he yawned, "I'm trying to sleep here, do you know what time it is?"

"Agent Janssen, I can understand your frustration, but we need you at the Tyrian embassy as soon as possible, see you there."

"Wh-," before he could respond, they hung up. "Well then, I guess I know where I'm going," he groaned and cursed under his breath, "should have stayed in the fucking marines," and, "why can't they let a man sleep?"

He was in a daze getting in his car and could barely even remember the drive after the fact because of the pettily blank state of spite and resentment his mind was in. That all changed when he got to Embassy Boulevard, it looked like a literal war zone, nothing that hadn't been seen in Atserna. He spotted Chernevic helping a wounded operator, "Vaz, what the hell happened here?"

"From what I can tell, military contractors. I just need a second opinion and someone authorized to write a report on this. We have some pretty good photos of bodies, equipment, and casings."

"Alright, let me see," Mark moved over to Chernevic as he pulled out his phone that he took pictures on. As they scrolled through the pictures, all Mark could say was, "Yep, from what I can tell, those aren't just terrorists. With the amount of gear they have, they were paid a shit ton to be here. Now, I'm going to need you to tell me exactly what happened, minute by minute," Mark pulled out a pen and notepad.

Vazili began telling his story from the alarm at headquarters to the combatants striking with some sort of airpower and running away.

[The JVP]

Roads out of Embassy row

The firing of the RPGs had quick, and due to already being tapped into the EKSG comm, the Contractor knew of the inbound Trekkish Helo. So he quickly ordered his unit out of the building, and to leave behind their friends.

The roads were still clustered with people trying to leave the area and people trying to get a view of. So it was easy for Echo Flight to blend into the crowd of onlookers, and this is where the Contractor watched as the Trekkish gun ship moved in the AO, and lit up the building they were just in, causing a massive explosion.

"Time to go." The Contractor said, pretty much to no one, as his team left the area, leaving behind a few now dead JLA soldiers.