The Good, the Bad, The Weird (CLOSED)

[Phoenxia]

The Creation of the Jelenik Liberation Army

A secret meeting has been held between the multiple jelenik faction leaders and the Imperial Military Council. During this meeting, one commander said that his faction is the true army of Kuäk, an argument has been ignited between the faction leaders, and the Imperial Military Council’s representative yelled at the commanders in order to stop the argument. He quoted that if you guys stop fighting then there will be no army of Kuäk. The conversation continued between the commanders, they all agreed on one thing, Phoenixia is the main foe, not each other.

After the meeting a video was recorded with the commanders of all the jelenik factions.
They have put away their differences and joined together as a coalition under the name the Jelenik Liberation Army. The reason for this formation is the denied of political freedom, which is evident by the arrest of PIJ members, the preemptive decision to protect the rights of the Jelenik people, and to defend the Jelenik culture from the “foreign occupiers” of their land.

3010, Ministry Road
Kassau, Wetsche, 27560
From: War Ministry, Third Directorate
Addressed To: The Rhamosian Colonial Office of Regional Affairs
Encryption: TOP SECRET
Priority: EXTREME

To whom it may concern at the Colonial Office of Regional affairs, there has been a massive finding of intelligence. Tyrian representatives have been seen meeting with known Jelenik terrorists. Not wanting to start a war, we are reaching out to you, a neutral power to diffuse any chance Tyria has at destabilizing Phoenixia.

A video has surfaced of a meeting between prominent members of J16, Jav Ketourka, and Ijevan Merte with an identified Tyrian diplomat, all of which have an impressive record of terror and war crimes.

In our hour of desperation, we call on you, -Colonel Alan Trentsev

[The Kingdom of Rhamos]

The Viceroy of Eau Cerise, with the backing of the Crown Colonies patron First Princess Ottille Alicidie Tinsley Du Neidestatt,and by extension the Rhamosian Crown has denounced, in the most unflattering terms, Tyrians blatant aggression against Phoenixia. The statement further goes on to state the Phoenixia has the full support of the Cerisian colonial administration in these trying times and that Cerise ask that fellow Drejveskan and Markion nations would join them in condemning this attack on the sovereignty of a free nation.
-----------------

Rhamosian District, Kassau, Phoenixia

Task Force Snap-Dragon

Duke Red's team was furiously burning the midnight as they scrambled to reorganize their operation and pivot to this new development. The Duke himself was his usual stoic bastion of calm in this atmosphere of organized chaos as he sipped his coffee at his desk. Beside him his Secretary was handing out orders with authority as she carried out his guidance.

Analyst, tech jockeys, and other individuals worked to compile a multitude RUMINT, SIGNIT, HUMINT, and ELINT from all over the AO in to compile it down into useful and actionable info.

Strike packages were being organized, command loops and chains were identified and discerned, as well as possible supply routes and likely courses of actions. As soon as something concrete was formed it was pushed out to the multitude of field teams already operating within the country.

Regional Affairs was thankfully already in the loop thanks to the Phoenixian message as was preparing assets and equipment for forward deployment to Phoenixia though these were kept small in order to retain secrecy. They would be piecemealed into the country over the coming days and weeks to avoid raising suspicion.

Similar operations to the one occurring in Phoenixia were also taking place in the surrounding countries in order to identify of the Tyrians would be attempting to make similar moves there in order to further destabilize the area.

The name of the game now was to get ahead of the curve in order to head anything off before it could escalate into a regional kerfuffle.

Talented individuals were sought, whose expertise favored the situation as well as their deniable nature made them ideal for the operations the Duke had in mind. Aels was full of PMCs cashing in the plethora of veterans from the regions many foreign wars and it would be ashame for them all to go to waste for naught.

[The JVP]

Undisclosed Phoenixian Air Base

Under the guise of standard night training. Air lifters from the local Air Base, took to the skies, flying over and around the Phoenixia, performing standard operations, such as fighter avoiding, combat take off's, and combat landings. The last task was deploying chaff over the cities, as part of the training but also to give the citizens below a show. Then the planes lined up for a touch and go drill, to where they would land on the runway, accelerate and then take off again.

So as the planes landed and took off, a few of them stayed on the ground and headed to a maintenance hangar, stating issues with their flips.

Once inside the hanger, the rear ramp opened, as a stream of JVP Knights flooded out the back.

"Alright gents. Get your fucking gear, and line up over there." Yelled a large giant of a man, his voice booming throughout the hanger. "Our hosts were nice enough to fly us in, so we should get a move on.

"Knight Marco." Came a soft, yet stern voice, from the side of the large man.

Marco turned to see a man a foot shorter than him. He wore an odd outfit, as Marco noticed the button suspenders that held his pants up a little to high, as his socks showed. Plus his large overcoat was a patchwork of colors. But the thing that really caught his eye was the wooden mask that covered the man's hold face, only leaving his reddish dreadlocks free.

"Ah. The Contractor." Marco began, slipping in may the Queen protect you. "Did not expect to see you here, but i figured you would be in the area." Marco waved off one of his knights that was asking about something he did not have time to hear.

"Yes, Knight Marco." the man began, also adding in and may she protect you. "I take it you also got the summon from Eckko? Your squad can not be activated without you."

"The Queen called me here." Marco stated. "Knight duties, before the flight. "Plus we just came back from a mission out of the region. They are due a month off." Marco said, looking into the eye slits of the mask.

"You are right, Knight Marko." The Contractor looked away as the hanger doors opened to allow in a second jet. "This would be my flight." He said, as he watched the rear ramp open, and a group of 50 plus men and walked down, each in the local fashions of Phoenixia, and each carrying rucksacks.

"You guys move fast." Marko said, scanning the group. "I see you activated Charlie squad."

"Alpha, Charlie, Delta, Gamma, and Zulu just came off of RnR. But no fly boys. The client needs ground assets." The Contractor said, as he looked over the group himself.

"I don't see Theta." Marko more asked then stated. "They never go on RnR."

"On another mission, Knight Marco." He handed the Knight a newspaper. "Stay up on the current events in Phoenixia. I hear the Queen is in country." He said, as he walked away from the knight.

Marco read the headline. "Two senators gunned down by Tyrian backed group" Marco sighed, knowing what evil had been unleashed on this nation, and now he only wanted to re-board that plan, fly back home, bed his wife and eat her home cooking. "Gods." Marko said, placing his hand over the cord to his side, that split into five smaller cords, each holding a single colored hard glass bead. He moved the Purple and Red ones aside and held onto them. "Brakasis, please protect your faithful children." began his prayer. "May our foes fine their targets hard to hit, and our targets easy to slay." He finished his prayer, and felt a rush of power flow into his body. "BRAKASIS PROTECTS." He yelled, as he moved over to his awaiting Knights.


Around Phoenixia (a joint post between Phoenixia and JVP)

The speech from the king, though short, was powerful in it’s own. His speech was played on repeat on national news, and supporters of the crown repeated them to each other.

Online forums talking about speak, and calls for the King to retake the nation, and lead it back to glory, has begun treading on popular social apps.

Flags around the nations were lowered to half staff, as a state funeral for the two senators, was planned. The King stated that he would lead the procession. When asked about attempts on his life, the king had this to say.

“Let the cowards strike me, cause it means my people can still live.” His Son, the Crown Prince Friedek, has stated that he will join his father.

In the polls, the approval ratings of Jans Malekski and other Ünetsche politicians have skyrocketed, with them expected to gain six to nine seats in the upcoming election.

All around the small nation, people took to the streets, holding up signs of the two fallen senate members, and singing the royal anthem of Phoenixia, calling for the return of the crown.

In the Rhamosian and JVP districts, people waved flags of the JVP and Rhamos, alongside the flag of Phoenixia. As returning soldiers took to the streets with them, calling for an end to the Tyria backed politicians, calling them cowards and traitors to their nation.

“Tyrian blood money has seen two of our most beloved senators die. Now our brave king puts his life on the line to stop the killings.” stated a Soldier being interviewed by local reporters. “Long live the Phoenixia, and long live the KING.” He yelled, as shouts of LONG LIVE THE KING, rang out from the large crowd of mourners.

[Great Humania]

The chaos has led agents that had families to slip into Markionian Tyria through the Tyrian-Phoenixian border. Office 6 of the Directorate of Influence and Foreign Intervention, an elite covert operations room, plans out the attack on one of the headquarters of the National Legion of Phoenixia(Legionne Nazonale de Phonixeja), a nationalist political party that originated from Phoenixia. The plans were simple, to create an infighting between the political parties in Phoenixia. They’ll ploy a terrorist attack on the National Legion’s headquarters and spread out evidence that the Phoenixian socialist has done the attack without tracing it to the Tyrian Directorate of Influence and Foreign Intervention.

2 agents that are of Arcadian descent were chosen to do this attack. The agents were given fake Phoenixian identity cards and party membership id. A suitcase with a hidden phoenixian smg, a coffee mug explosive device , and reproduced Phoenixian sidearms.

[Serderistan]

Ares GDS Compound, Rhamosian District, Phoenixia

While the big wigs at Corporate knew that their newest venture in Markion would be a hectic environment, but Ares Global Defense Services had barely begun their operations in Phoenixia when opposition had escalating things. With the formation of the Tyrian sponsored Jelenik Liberation Army, what was supposed to be a highly kinetic "FID" mission was quickly becoming a more open hybrid conflict. Of course, the numerous conflicts on the Aelian continent had taught the PMC to be prepared for snags and stack capabilities.


For their briefing, leadership elements from both the Special Missions Detachment and the Strike Force were present. The VTC was secure but the mixed Serderi/TCN force was expecting to be going up against a near peer force, so things were kept short.

"So Tyria isn't even trying to hide at this point. Is the client going to allow us to bring in the conventional boys with this?" Asked one of the SMD team leads, a lanky but fit Serderi.

"Unlikely. Even if they did, it would be to act as a regional QRF for their forces in the event things escalate," the Project Manager, an older gentleman with graying hair and reading glasses replied, "For now, the client has tasked some of their assets to support us and act as back up. We may need it, with the way things are going."

"Despite the changing circumstances, our purpose has not changed. We will continue to provide support to the client and host nation. However, our mandate has expanded. We are now authorized to conduct cross border raids. That mission falls to the Strike Force. They've also sent us target packages to execute."

The Strike Force commander, a muscular and severe looking former Legionnaire, smiled as he heard it was his time to play.

"Good. It's about damn time."
-----------------

Several hours later
Kassau, Phoenixia

So far, the night had been uneventful in the unassuming Kassau neighborhood. Despite the recent terrorist bombing, this part of the city has been relatively untouched. That lucky streak would end tonight. The first shots fired in this war would come from Ares lethal surrogates.

The SMD troop moved purposely, seemingly acting like they belonged though with some haste. They were unhindered by the darkness, thanks to their PVS-31 night vision goggles. Their MPR-64CM3 carbines, "generously" provided to them by the client, were held low and mostly out of view.

"Target building spotted," the lead assaulter whispered, "No sentries outside."

"Copy," replied the assault team leader before switching to troop comms, "electronic countermeasures up. Going internal."

As the support team set their security, the assault element rushed as they closed the distance with their carbines up. With his haligan bar, the breacher forced the entrance open, allowing the assaulters to flow in. With ECM active, a variety of electronics that the Tyrian agents could have used for security were jammed. By the time they could react, the assaulters were already on them. Suppressed coughs of gunfire echoed in the house as the Ares contractors tore through the hapless Tyrians.

"Sector clear, negative PUCs. Conducting SSE."

The assaulters were hasty with their search for intel. Electronics went into faraday bags and anything with writing was snatched. To add to the camouflage, the building was sufficiently trashed to look more like a B&E.

Within minutes, the assaulters were moving with their treasure trove of intel, the security team close by. Throughout Kassau, other SMD troops were executing raids on safehouses of "illegal"Tyrian agents and facilitators (who were compromised by the interrogation of Vadym and other information from the client). Tonight, was the night of the long knives.

[The JVP]

Jelenik Liberation Army compound, in the Free Jelenik zone.

The Contractor sat on top of his truck. A black, BATT APX. A gift from the Knights, he was told. It did not really bother him much, a truck was a truck.

"Is everything in place?" He asked. Looking down to one of the squad members.

"Roger that. Speakers are up, and the feed is ready.

"Perfect." He said, quickly switch his wood mask, which had a neutral face, to one that sported a wicked smile. the switch so quick, that his squad member did not even notice. "Get in, I'll press play."

He squad member loaded in, and The Contractor slide off the truck, hit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qI-95cTMeLM&list=PLZy6PN2Cy22-nBa1Qs0hIkGDjJ6U2GE5-&index=1

on the small device next to the speakers, and jumped into the truck.

The speakers gave off a low thump. 'Thump, thump, thump,' The Contractor keyed his comms. "On my mark." Searchlights on the compound walls lit up and began to scan the area. 'Thump thump thump, dhump, dhump' then the snare started playing. "Ready...." The Bass drum was hit, and the Contractor yelled "NOW" into his mic, and that's when the big guns started to fire off.

Beyond the horizon, shells from the SPG's moved in under the overnight, began to strike the compound, after the first volley, the Contractor spoke over the net again. "Make it spicy baby." He said, before the force of his truck breaking through the tree lines, forced him back into his seat. The roof gunner quickly began opening fire, as JLA forces started to regain their bearings. This would not last long, as other trucks similar to one The Contractor was in, rushed the compound, some firing .50 cals from the roof, others lubing grenades, from their M9's, over the compound walls, or at the walls themselves, creating a whole for the trucks to rush through.

The Contractors route was not so lucky, and they still had a wall in front of them. "Ram it." He yelled, as he braced for the impact, as the large truck smashed through the wall, and kept on going. his roof gunner having ducked back into the safety of the truck beforehand.

Once inside he scanned the scene before him. That opening strike had done some real damage, and most of the JLA forces inside were putting out fires, or dragging friends from destroyed buildings.

"Too easy." He said, grabbing the Phoenixian issued rifle. "Remember. Keep it tight." He said, as he pushed his way out of the truck, raised his weapon, and let out three bursts. Each round finding their target in a nicely grouped circle. He bent low, as the rest of his squad, fanned out, killing anyone in the compound that was not them.

"Contractor, Contractor. This is Delta squad. Over." Chirped the mic hanging from his right shoulder.

"A little busy here, Delta." He said, taking another three JLA members.

"Copy that. Just wanting to say all clear here. The opened shoots killed everyone. Caught them sleeping."

"Wonderful, Delta." The contractor said. "Regroup and go after secondary targets. we'll link up once we are done here."

"Copy that. Delta out."

Under his wooden mask, the Contractor laughed. Echo flight was tasked with hitting two JLA outposts, and one was already taken out before the dust cleared. It was a real shame. The Tyrians supplied them, but they did not train them. Most of these dudes were green, so green, dogs could not even see them.

"Push forward, I want a hot bath." He yelled, waving his arm forward, as his squad made quick work of any JLA member, still trying to put up a fight.

Half an hour later, The Contract sat on top of his truck again, looking over a group of JLA POW's, his neutral face mask back on.

"Lucky for you, you lived through the night. Can't say the same for your other friends." He laughed. Your ride should be here soon, cause I ain't your babysitter." And as if on queue, a trailer truck pulled up and few Phoenixia soldiers jumped out.

"ALL RIGHT ECHO." He yelled. "LOAD UP. We have other missions tonight."

[Connori Pilgrims]

Major Phoenixian Airport

A pair of marked transports with standard and completely innocuous markings belonging to the "civilian" registered Tropicopian Flyways arrived not long after the Rhamosian Viceroy of Eau Cerise made his denouncement of Tyria. Upon landing, they were directed to an unmarked hangar, chosen for its inconspicuousness amongst other civil facilities.

There, waiting for the transports, was a Rhamosian in plainclothes. It was a standard stipulation to have a liaison especially in virgin lands, even as the passengers, well the officers and the few educated NCOs anyway, eagerly digested as much info as they could about the ongoing disputes between Phoenixia, Tyria and the Jelenik groups. The majority of the personnel, hardy and grizzled, cared little though, which ultimately was fine enough. PMC Faith LLC, one of the more infamous private military contractors in Aels... was never ever hired for political savvy or precise applications of force and restraint.

The Rhamosian quickly directed the officers of the group to a back room while the other men settled. They were not a large group, no more than four "teams" of twenty men each. While some brought just their personal gear and arms, which were a curious mix of both shiny first-class gear and crud crap one could find in the third world, one of the four teams were bringing in modest-sized unmarked containers of varying shapes, including some that, to an observer, may look like liquid/gas tanks.

In the back room, one of the officers, a man only known as Snek, spoke with the Rhamosian handler.

"Kept you waiting huh?" Snek said, smoking a cigar. "We came as requested. Now, of course, we could just get to work right away, but, per company policy, I have to ask if you have specific "marks" you'd like us to work on first?"

[Great Humania]

Directorate of Influence and Foreign Intervention

The directorate is busy as usual, looking at information on multiple countries and leading interventions in neighboring countries. A woman is carrying a file to one of the directorates office, this file is about the recent events that are happening in Phoenixia. She brings this file to Office 6(information classified). The team begins to discuss what to do next, this took several minutes before they agreed on a final decision.

A message to the PIJ
From the Directorate of Influence and Foreign Intervention
Encryption: High


Condemn these terrorists to have possible increased support by locals hit by these terrorists. Halt all assassination and attacks to improve image, try to present yourself as you were to side with the local Jeleniks and Phoenixians. Condemn Tyria as well to hide connects to Tyria. Simple orders to follow. You will receive money tomorrow in cash, hide it carefully.

[The Kingdom of Rhamos]

Skies above Phoenixia

The twin prop plane lazily circled the sky above the rebel province, listing lazily into another left hand turn. At first glance it appeared to be a normal civilian aircraft that is until one noticed the myriad of odd protrusions, buldges, and antenna adorning its white fuselage. This craft was a specially converted model designed for covert ELINT/SIGNIT gathering operations.

This craft and several like it spread out across the country were the Dukes eyes and ears as he orchestrated the chaos and destruction of this long night.

At the moment this one was acting as a flying cell tower, soaking in the cell and radio signals below and utilizing programs to identify messages belonging to Jelenik militia members while the rest where sent to roomful of analyst back on the ground to sift through for anything the computers might have missed.

It was this information that the majority of the new targets and strike packages were being identified and made with.
-------
Airport Aircraft Hangar, Phoenixia

The plain clothed spook eyed the containers questioningly as they were brought inside. Faith was known not to fuck around but even he was wondering exactly how far they would push the envelope.

None the less when Snek approached him and lit his cigar, the agent took out a pack of cigarettes and lit his own in kind.

"Saving the best for last I suppose." He joked before producing forth a couple of flash drives along with some vanilla folders stuffed with documents and photos.

"The flash drives contain dispositions, estimated strengths, and known force structure of the JLA. Hard copies are the known leadership, their known locations as of an hour ago, known contacts and -affiliates-. Leadership first" He motioned behind him to the four small civilian helicopters and several local pick up trucks.

"Try not to scratch the paint, they're rentals."
He inhaled on the cancer stick for moment before a thought crossed his mind.

"Remember, you're here for deniablity, the international community sticking their noses in here is not the goal." He thumbed over at what looked like gas containers. "If thats what I think it is I trust you'll be smart about it and not start an incident. If this inconveniences you in anyway we will naturally compensate you for it of course."
-----------
Around Phoenixia

CISAT teams have begun moving on the extended network of the JLA with brutal efficiency and swiftness. They were targeting known financers, smugglers, laundering sites, suppliers, and the rest of the support network that kept the organization running.

UNDC teams moved into blocking positions around the province along major MSRs and known smuggling routes to interdict anyone trying to flee.

The nights mission had transformed into a full on decapitation strike and when the sun finally rose the JLA would cease to exist as an effective organization.

[The Kingdom of Rhamos]

Kassau, Phoenixia

The musty air of the old factory lingered in the nostrils and in the minds of all those that set foot in it. A constant reminder of the fate the country had steered itself towards before the JVP and Rhamosian intervention.

It was here in this dingy hulk of failed economics that a man now hid from chaos of the long night. How he had been found in his apartment he was not sure but he had managed to escape all the same into the city, hopefully losing his pursuer.

The man took in a deep breath of air and felt the mold laiden gust fill his lungs causing him to cough and sputter in disgust. He would have to hide hear only for an hour or so before making his way to border and hopefully into Tyria.

Pulling out his cellphone he quickly scanned through several news releases and confirmed his fears. Phoenixia or someone was attacking Tyrian and JLA related targets all over the nation in the middle of the night. Reports of gunfire both suppressed and otherwise, explosions, unidentified rotary and fixed wing aircraft, and mystery soldiers everywhere.

This was madness! How could all of this just happened so suddenly?! Thousands of thoughts swirled in his head before creaking of a door echoing through the halls snapped him out of inner monolog. He quickly put the phone away as he scanned his surroundings.

Someone was in the building with him! The echo of footsteps made it hard to tell the direction but at least he knew they were there. A sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach slowly filled him with feeling of abject terror and panic.

His pulse quickened and his heart raced as he started looking for ways to escape this new threat. He shakily made his way towards the door trying to muffle his own foot steps to not give himself away like his assailant had. Heading through several adjoining rooms and a hallway he realized that the footsteps had died down and he breathed a breath he didn't know he was holding in relief until suddenly it sounded like the footsteps were coming from the room in front of him.

Horrified he blundered backwards over a desk and fled back the way he had came before jetting down a different hallway. Once again he had thought himself out of danger before hearing the familar footsteps again in front of him.

What in gods name was this madness!

He tried several different routes of escape each with the same result before finally he himself was lost in the maze like interior of the buildings administrative area. He crawled underneath a dusty cobweb covered desk and tried to slow his hyperventilation. The quietness of room rushed in on him and he was alone with his own heavy breathing in the darkness, a fact that only made it seem worse for the man.

And then he heard it, that dreadful sound that had been haunting him through out the building, those damn footsteps! they echoed throughout the room and even in his own eardrums. Each step was like hammer pounding on his sanity and he was cornered like an animal!

As suddenly as they appeared the footsteps disappeared again after coming so near only to vanish. A mixture of feelings all welled up in chest all at once; panic, desperation, anxiety, fear, and anger all at once. They stirred to together and finally the man couldn't take it anymore.

"Who are you!? What do you want from me!? If you're one of those government assassins you have the wrong man! Please! I haven't done anything wrong!" His voice echoed and reverberated along the walls before disappearing into the silence just like the footsteps had. All the man could hear again was his own ragged breath as nothing moved in response to his plea.

The deafening silence seemed to last forever before finally heard it. A smooth talking voice that clearly belong to a foreigner.

"Deary me, a government assassin! What childish fantasy, why would believe in such things?" The man could tell that the voice was clearly mocking him in its sarcastic shocked tone.


"Government assassins, spies, hit squads what a fantastic fairytale to scare the kiddies to sleep at night. I'm but a humble travel looking for my lost dog. Have you seen her?"

The man was slowly cralwing along the floor as slow and deliberately as he could manage in his state of mind. He couldn't tell where the voice was coming from but he knew had to get as far away from there as fast as he could. He couldn't hear any footsteps and as he looked around he didn't see anyone either.

He eventually made his way over to a side and summoning all his courage readied himself to sprint through it and away from this madness. Grabbing the door and swinging it open he was frozen in place when he was greeted by the sight of a large wolfish looking dog.

The man froze in place in terror expecting to be attacked but the animal made no move. It took a moment for the man to regain control of his body and he slowly backed away from the creature. Step by step he carefully backed away never taking his eyes off of it before bumping into something distinctly alive and human.

The man yelled on reflex and spun around to face his hunter falling on his back in the process, stairing up at a man wearing a large coat with slicked back blonde hair and sporting a rather mocking smile. "There you are Arma! And I see you found us a new friend!"

The man sputtered and stammered before finally managing to blurt out a coherent sentence. "I'm a Phoenixian citizen not some damn Tyrian, I have rights dammit!"

The mocking smile faded on Karl's face was replaced by exasperation as he shook his head. "Oh deary me that's quite the problem then. You see, all this wondering traveller business has made Arma very hungry."

Karl shrugged before proceeding while the man crawled desperatelybackwards from him towards a wall with a large window looking out over the loading docks.

"But by all means you are more than welcome to explain to her that you have rights." He chuckled at his own joke as he walked towards the man who was now backed against the glass.

"Please I can't die here I have a family!!"

Karl stopped in front of the man and seemed to consider his words until an idea struck him. "Well if you can't die here then you can go die outside."

Before the man could even realize what the words meant Karl had reared back and spartan kicked him through the glass and several stories down to the ground below.

[Serderistan]

Jelenik Province

The contractors of Echo Flight weren't the only PMCs in Jelenik doing work. While the Special Missions Detachment was in Kassau rooting out the Tyrian's network, the Strike Force's mission required a longer trek into potentially hostile territory. As such, they were moving with heavier ordnance; MG338 Medium Machineguns, Switchblade Kamikaze drones, and aerial overwatch from their patrons.

While Echo Flight assault force hit their targets with artillery and a vehicular assault, the thick vegetation and forested terrain where the Strike Force platoon was operating was less permissive for vehicles, even for the rugged Land Cruisers. They also created a more visible signature, which could in turn, alert the opposition to their presence. As such, they had to patrol to the target on foot from the Vehicle Drop Off (VDO). Whoever had advised the JLA on setting up this particular cantonment area was smart, but not smart enough.

"Strike 1, halt," muttered the Platoon Leader, a veteran of the Serderi Scout Rangers. He motioned for his UAV driver to follow him for the leader's recon while the rest of the platoon would hold security at ORP.

With their assaulter's ghillie hoods, the duo moved like ghosts to their destination, the crest of a hill overlooking their objective. Using a spotting scope, he surveyed the clearing for signs of activity. Despite their attempts to camouflage, the former Ranger spotted several patrols in and around their objective. Consultation with his UAV driver confirmed his observations and showed him more, such as a larger compound thanks to the sensors of the platoon's micro-drones and of the Papillion Noir UCAV belonging to their clients.

"All elements, Torch. I repeat, Torch" the PL rasped before switching channels on his radio, "Rampart, this is Blacklight 1-Actual, we have eyes on NAI 1. We have squatters. Sending grid "

"Copy Blacklight 1-Actual. Proceed."

The contractors moved into firing positions as the Platoon Leader rattled off the coordinates to the enemy cantonment area, keeping their IR lasers off as there was concern that the JLA might have NVGs. Once they were set in a L-shaped formation, the attack began. Delivering the Close Air Support 9-line, the PL directed the Rhamosian UCAV to launch a Spike-ER missile at the target compound. Simultaneously, the UAV driver keyed in a command to several camouflaged Switchblade launch tubes left at the VDO. The loitering munitions soaring in the night sky before being guided to their targets. The Spike missile beat the smaller kamikaze drones to the target, demolishing the building as Switchblade drones come down on outlying targets; the shaped charges tearing hapless militiamen apart.

Without hesitation, the contractors open fire. The softer cracks of the contractor's suppressed BR21 carbines and Knights Armaments Assault Machineguns are drowned out by the cacophony of the Weapon's Squad's MG338s. Due to the enhanced situational awareness provided by the UAVs and the initial leaders recon, the Strike Force was able to find their targets. The JLA safe haven was turned into a killing field.

As the barrage drew on, the PL suddenly switched channels back to the platoon net. "Cease fire," he barked.

The gunfire slowly died down, as the contractors looked down at the kill zone for signs of life. As the UAVs swept over the area and the contractors saw no movement, it became clear that either they killed everyone or that any survivors were staying still to stay alive.

"All elements, curtain call. We're out of here."

The Ares contractors fell back, returning to a patrol formation as they regrouped. While the PL would call in another Spike ER strike on the area to ensure that there were no Jelenik survivors, the platoon was no longer concerned about the area they turned into scorched earth. Right now, they were more focused on getting out of dodge. The night was still young and who knew if higher wanted the platoon to hit more targets.

[The JVP]

Jelenik Liberation Army Southern HQ, in the Free Jelenik zone.

The Contractor ducked behind a burned out JLA truck, as rounds pinged off his cover. This site must have been a large JLA outpost, cause it seemed like they had kicked the hornets nest. "Delta, how is your side looking." He asked into his mic, popping up long enough to take down two JLA rebels, before returning to his cover.

"Not so hot. They are launching RPG's at us. I have two dead, and Zulu has moved to the flanks, but man, it's very spicy right now."

"Copy that Delta. Eggs are a little too spicy. Let me make a call." He flipped his comms over to the fire net. "P.Mark 1, P.Mark. This is Contract. Fire mission, fire mission, fire mission."

"This is P.Mark one. Send it."

The Contractor pulled out his data pad, and marked his location, then marked the locations of Delta. He figured the JLA would be in a few general locations. "PM 06832 44683."

"06832 44683. Copy."

"Roger. three volleys, hold for a fourth." The Contractor said, before hunkering down. The whistling of rounds overhead, told him that the first of the volleys were inbound, then impact and rumbling, let him know that the rounds had hit. After two more rounds of rumbling, The Contract poked his head up from his cover and scanned the compound.

"Delta, all clear on your end?"

"Roger that. Seems the ground and pound work."

"Perfect." The Contractor said, before a round zipped past his head, sending him ducking for cover. "Seems like we have a live one. All units fall back. We don't need to take them alive, so why rush in." He waited for the replies from his units, before switching back to the Fires net.

"Hey. We're just going to take this grid off the map. ready the 6 packs. I want all batteries, full fire, to make it rain." He said, as he waved his own squad back outside of the operation zone.

"Copy that. Cracking open a few cold ones with the boys. Over."

"Negative on that. light the skies and crack the whole case, we are partying tonight." He looked at his watch. "Stagger the effect, give me 10 minutes of fireworks." He replied, settling in on a good spot to watch the show.

"Copy that, make it rain, and light up the skies, and party it up."

The Contractor quickly switched out his mask, for that sported a surprised look, as he heard the booms from the cannons, as Lum rounds were fired, and lit up the skies over the compound. He pulled out a pair of Binocs, and scanned the compound. "Seems they had some bunkers made from T barriers and flat slabs. "Smart." He said, before getting on the mic. "I got my girl here, and she wants the show. Send it baby." It only took a few secs before long streaks of light arched through the night, before dipping down and impacting the compound.

For the next ten minutes, the Contractor watched as rockets hit bunkers, killing everyone hiding inside. Those that rushed out at the last minute, were not safe, as missiles opened up over head, and released small bomblets that exploded on the ground around them. He even watched as a round hit his old hiding spot. "Spooky." He said, still scanning the compound for any movement.

After five minutes, the whole of the compound was leveled, and a few minutes later the ground was beginning to cave in. Tunnels, most likely. After the full ten minutes, the last of the rounds hit, and then the night grew quiet.

"Light the skies for me." The Contractor spoke over the net. and a few secs later new lum rounds hung in the air. Looking through his Binoculars again, he scanned what was left of the compound. Now a blasted out area of land. "All clear. Check on your wounded." The Contractor, motioned for his unit to pull back to the rear. This area was done, nothing else alive was down there, then he heard it. What sounded like gun fire from the wasteland. "Hey." He began on his comms. "This was the last mission of the night. Let's not bring anything back." He said, as his unit continued on their way out of the AO.

"Roger that." Came the reply over the fire net, before the MLRS, and guns, began to fire again. He knew what he heard was most likely some ammo being set off by the fires burning in the compound, but he was tired, and this seemed like a better idea.


Kassau, Phoenixia

Marko lined up outside the door. He held up his fist, to stop his squad, before motioning for his breach man to break down the door. It only took one powerful hit from the ram, to send the door flying, as Marko rushed the room, scanning, and taking out anyone that turned to him.

This mission was part of the larger strike on the JLA, and his knights were tasked with taking out Cells within the city. The call came after a message from the large JLA leadership was sent to the cell, setting up a hit on the High Queen, who was in town for a state visit. A motion secretly pushed through the senate and OKed by the King, allowed Vivi's knights to operate in the city, with a detachment of Phoenixian Marines. All across the city, other smash jobs were being done, as JLA cells felt the general wrath of the Knights and Marines.

Marko, having cleared the first room, motioned for his family to split and clear the large house. He had just entered a side room, when two JLA members jumped out at him holding knives. He got his weapon up in time to block the attacks, and using his brute strength, pushed the two off one. One slammed in the wall and fell to the ground as the other, having just stumbled back, rushed Marko, lips crawled into a snarl.

Marko let his weapon fall to his side, his sling keeping it attached to him, but allowing his hands to work free. "OH, you want some." Marko said. "COME GET SOME." He yelled, as he throw his large might fist at the mans head, the Kevlar knuckles on his fist, connecting with the mans face, cracking the facial plate, as the force of the blow, along with the forward movement of the JLA member, cause Marko's fist to get stuck deep in the mans, now caved in skull. He pulled the man's head off his fist, and looked to the other JLA member, now getting up from the floor.

"Your next fucker." Marko said, as he rushed the man, swinging his other large fist into the man's chest, hearing a large crack as his rib cage broke, and the JLA member flew back hitting the wall again, sliding down it, dead.

"Fuckers." Marko said, shaking the skull fragments from his hand and wiping the blood off on a first guys shirt. "Room cleared, '' He said, as he looked to the Marine that had joined him in the room.

"What?" He said, speaking his best Markion Common. "Wife would have killed me if I died over here." The Phoenixian Marine laughed, and moved back to the main room. Marko joined them a second later, and spotted the Marine talking to the other two Marines that joined his family on this raid.

The Phoenixia was mimicking putting his fist through his head, and pointed to Markion. The Other two looked at Marko and spoke. "The Hulk." They all laughed, as Marko rolled his eyes and briefed his Family, getting the all clear.

"The EKSG should be here to collect their intel. We'll roll out, and hit secondary targets." Marko said, motioning for the whole group to fall back. The night was still young. He knew the battles were waging in other areas of the nation, but his fight was here.

Apartment in downtown Kassau

Renata watched the twins, sitting at her table, legs kicking as they ate some cake. Eyes wide with joy. The two had been called back, with the rampaging up of other operations. Seemed Echo flight was brought in, and her quick meeting with The Contract. Let her know it was big. He really did not say anything, but he only engaged her physically, if he had a big mission, and they made it pretty hot and heavy earlier today.

She sighed, as she looked over the new notice from the client. "So the timetable has been pushed up." She said, joining the Twins at the table. "Hey you two."

"Hey Big sister Renata." Sofie said, holding out a spoonful of her ice cream, for her brother to eat.
"Yeah. Hey Big Sister Renata." Rudi, mimicked as he ate the spoonful, and then offered his sister a spoonful of his ice cream.

"You two are so cute." Renata smiled, petting them both on the head. "I have a mission for you tomorrow. The Client wants to get this over with." She looked at the two, and put a piece of paper on the table.

"Already." Rudi protested. "But we still want to have more fun."

"Yeah, more fun, more fun." Sofie pouted, kicking her feet under the table. "He was last on the list."

"Well, now he is next." She looked at the two, now with cheeks puffed out and pouting at her. "Look. If you two do a good job, then Big Brother Tomasz will come and play with you. He said he'll even take a nap with you." She watched as Sofie and Rudi eyes grew wide. She had no idea why the twins had this big crush on Tomasz, but it made it very easy to get them to do their job.

"Really?" Sofie, beamed. "I have a lot of fun toys we can play with. I'll even let him play with my favorite toy." She smiled, scooping another spoonful of ice cream into her mouth, some of it dripping down the corners and onto her chin.

Rudi, the good brother he was, moved over close to her and licked the ice cream off her face, as she giggled.

"Maybe we can feed Big Brother Tomasz some Ice Cream..." Her eyes somehow grew wider. "Or he can feed us his Ice Cream."

Renata narrowed her eyes and pursed her lips. Her mind going crazy with the ideas of what feeding them his ice cream could mean. She figured she would take that up with Tomasz another day, and moved the topic back to the mission.

"You will need to be at this location, and you will take three shoots. First is the target, the other two most go wild. No one else is to be killed but the target. Got it?" She looked at Rudi and then at Sofie, who had that look in their eyes, like they understood, but also wanted to go on a rampage. "Big Brother Tomasz will not play with you, if you go on another rampage. You got me?" At this the two snapped to attention, and nodded their heads.

"Good. Now finish up your ice cream, and go take a bath. It's almost bedtime." She watched the two finish up their Ice Cream, and then head to her bathroom to shower. She shook her head, and moved to her computer, before placing a call on her burner phone. She reached the client, and told them the plan was ago.

[Phoenxia]

The Senate floor was silent and eerily quiet with the prospect of another full blown war starting in the south. Of course, none of the populace knew of the Tyrian meetings except for the soldiers getting put back on rotation and the War Ministry. A decision had to be made.

The Economy was moving forward faster and faster with foreign investment piling in. There was no shortage of jobs for conscripts coming home on discharge.

The king was making more and more public appearances, "to empower the people of Phoenixia when the government won't, in this time of great tragedy." Many are now awaiting the king's Kiënsturban address to signal the start of the yuletide season.

[Connori Pilgrims]

Major Airport in Phoenixia
Unmarked hangar

"Yeah." Snek said before taking a long puff of the cigar. It was a rare Connori brand of fine cigar made from prime tobacco from the United Provinces' Mindanao plantations. "We prefer to have all our tools handy. But dont worry, we'll make it so the do gooders will have a hard time making a choice."

He threw the small stub of the cigar down then stomped it.

"Lets do this."

Random village in Jelenik Province, Sometime Later

About a day after their arrival, one of the Faith kill squads had made their first move, targeting a relatively low level JLA cell. It wasnt really even much of a cell, just a local militia HQ with a couple of guys doing propaganda work in a couple of unkempt buildings typical of what one would call "decaying suburbia."

Having a clear line of sight, two of the kill squad's shooters, big burly Heavy Guy esque Puropans, levied a pair of very-heavy RPO rockets, firing them into the JLA's buildings. Penetrating the floors where the JLA were suspected, massive explosions flashed and broke every window in those floors as well as killed anything inside.

Before disappearing off, the kill team fired off a final pair of RPOs into the buildings' first floors, damaging them further enough to start collapses.

[The Kingdom of Rhamos]

Kassau, Phoenixia

The morning sunrise finally crested its first lazy orange rays putting an end to what many thought was the longest night of their lives. Not that the days dawning meant operations had stopped but simply that the scale had become more narrowed and focused.

The JLAs wings borne upon their dreams of freedom had been clipped before they had even had the chance to get off the ground.

Various buildings amongst the cities and encampments throughout the country side were now little more than rubble and bloody smears of their previous occupants. Sirens filled the once placid air as emergency services struggled to get the nights mess under control drowned out by the occasional sound of chopper blades and a distant explosion.

Quite the scene to be greeted by for the small countries inhabitants as the news hurried to explain just what had happened. This was of course an extremely slanted take on the events though as various "donors" made sure sufficient cash was available to line pockets.

Stories played continuously of the heroic effort of the Rhamosian and JVP security forces to save the country from the Tyrians grasp.

Those news agencies that failed to fall in line found their services cut off and videos immediately taken off line. Notable Phoenixian social media sites were also subjected to the same treatment with some being out right DDOSed.

Duke Red inhaled the sweet smoke leaden morning air as he strolled down the side walk of the noticeably untouched Rhamosian district. His usual fixture of his Secretary in tow a short distance behind was obviously there as well. Even without a night of sleep he seemed visually unaffected as he sipped on his morning coffee absent-mindly.

He had come to the entrance of the district to find out the nature of the disturbance that was currently holding up traffic there. A formality really, he had already known long before hand what was happening. Like a cat gazing upon a mouse entering its domain, he had come to inspect this newcomer himself..

A fiery young reporter was in the process of a loud verbal dispute with the plain clothes security guards who were rather vexed by the whole situation. The commotion was dominating the morning air with shouts and swears.

As the Duke neared he could hear her loudly demanding the return of her camera and other devices, protesting loudly about the nature of their fascism. However, the Duke was in no hurry to see the situation remedied just yet as he approached.

"Gentlemen, gentlemen what seems to be the nature of the problem here?" He chuckled as the reporter used the distraction to swipe the camera back from the man several times her size.

The man made to respond but was immediately cut off for his troubles. "I'll tell you the problem here! These thugs were trying to confiscate my camera equipment!"

"Ah an investigative reporter, one of the most noblest of professions. And what may I ask do you seek to investigate in our humble neighborhood young miss?" He gestured towards the rising smoke plumes on the horizon. "Surely your story is out there is it not?"

This question of course had already been answered for Red long before the woman had even hopped on a flight to Phoenixia. He merely wanted to hear the cover story she had worked up for herself.

The reporter didn't even bother to look up at him as she was busy intricately checking over her equipment for any damage. "I'm doing a report on Rhamosian businesses and their entrance into the Phoenixian market."

The quip elicited a growing a warm smile from the Duke. She had said the whole thing without missing a beat and rather convincingly at that.

"I'm sure you won't mind then miss if I ask to see your paperwork? Proceeders and all that I'm sure you understand?"

The reporter stopped her inspection to eye the Duke suspiciously out of the corner of her view. "....but of course I do...misterrr?"

"Dorian Marche, the very same of Edrina." The Duke as well was very well versed in the subtleties of lying.

The reporter continued to cast a suspicious look his way as she fumbled through the various contents of her bag until she produced forth her credentials. "A Marche huh? Long way from Aels aren't you?"

The Duke handed his coffee off to his assistant before taking the paper from the reporter and examining it with an odd level of scrutiny. The seconds ticked by in what seemed like an agonizing age before the smile returned to the Dukes face and he handed it back to her.

"Everything appears to be in order here mademoiselle, I apologize profusely for any inconveniences these fine men here might have incurred against you." He motioned around him like a maestro with grandeur.

"One can never be to careful in these troubling times we

He give her a small wink that made her shutter for reasons she couldn't understand why. Something about it struck her as sinister but she brushed it off; flashing the guards the dirtiest look she could muster she hurried away into the morning foot traffic.

Adilaide and Red watched her disappear before they continued on their morning walk. Silence prevailed between the two of them for a brief moment as she typed furiously on the burner phone and he savored his sip of coffee before Adilaide spoke up finally.

"Was that really the smartest thing to do?" The level of annoyance with the situation had crept into her tone as she moved pieces around to counter this recent development.

The Duke however paid her tone no mind as he inhaled deeply of the coffees smell before taking another sip.

"Our dearest freundin is like this exquisite Turkish coffee here Adilaide. To the average purveyor, the presence of the coffee grounds in the drink is an unwelcomed intrusion into their mundane existence." He emphasized his point with another sip.

"But to the connoisseur, they are a necessary impurity to ensure the legitimacy of the final product."

[The JVP]

Kassau, Phoenixia

The events of the long night had not affected the twins and anyway. They slept like babies that night, cuddled up next to Big Renata, and they had waffles for breakfast. Before leaving the apartment, they were told that a gift was waiting for them at the job site, and the two quickly made their way there, making sure to avoid all cameras and taking back alleys as much as they could. Which was seeming to grow harder, as most of the main streets were being blocked off by local police. This day, even after the long night of strikes on, the national funeral for the two senators Kjel Fjordmann and Gustev Schlakniy, was still set to be held. Security was beefed up because of the long night, and also because King Artur was to lead the Funeral Procession.

This did not matter to the twins, they had run this route to their job sight a few weeks ago, and knew all the in and outs. So once they made it to the large building that overlooked the route, they were surprised to see the cops that were to look over this sight had been taken out and left in a corner.

"This is a boring present." Sofie said looking at the dead cops. "Boo." She said, puffing out her cheeks.

Rudi scanned the room, and looked at a chest. He walked over and opened it up. Inside was a man gagged and stuffed in there, with a note. "JLA?" Rudi looked at the guy and then at the note. "Sis this is our present. The trigger man." He kicked over the box, as the man rolled out and looked at them.

"Oh Yippee." Sofie jumped for joy as she rushed over and held the man's head in her hands, looking into his eyes. "Can I play with him know?" Said said before remembering that she did not bring her favorite toy.

"No sis. We have a job to do. Plus we need to save for fun when Bog Bro Tomasz comes to play with us tonight." He dropped the bag he was carrying and started to pull out some parts.

"You are right." Sofie said, also dropping her bag, and pulling out parts. "It's why I shaved last night. I want to be ready to play with Big Bro." She beamed with joy as the twins began to assemble the rifle.

After about 10 minutes of looking over and making sure everything was in working order, the two moved to the window and looked at it. The streets below were packed with people lining the streets, and the first of the police cars began to cruise down the road, signaling the start of the funeral procession.

"Oh. It's time sis." Rudi said, handing his sister the rifle, and dragging the JLA member closer. "You are the star of our show." He said, trying a Jelenik national flag around the man's neck, and strapping a vest around him. "Here hold this." Rudi said, giving the man a trigger device that was linked to the vest.

Sofie, now staging next to the window, watched her brother as he got the man ready. "Three pulls, then we push him out, big bomb and we leave." She looked at the rifle in her hand. "Easy,'' she told herself as the crowds below grew louder, a sign that the target was getting close. Sofie took three quick breaths, stabilized herself, brought the butt of the weapon to her shoulder, placed her cheek on the stock and looked through the scope.

"Random first, two rounds, then the target." Rudi said. As he sister scanned the crowd, before zeroing in on a random woman. She pulled the trigger and the round exited the weapon and a few seconds later stuck the women in her left eye. Sofie loaded the second round and fired it wildly, before loading her third round, and leveling her sights on her true target, King Artur Friedek Mausen.

On the Ground

Artur, having heard the first two shots, was now looking around to see if anyone was hit. He looked to his son Friedek, who was now rushing towards him. He gave his son a smile as he heard a third shot. He watched as a large gash appeared on the side of his son's neck, and then Artur's right eye went dark, then all was darkness.

Up in the building

"Crap. I think I killed the son also." Sofie said, as she walked over to the man, and placed the rifle in his hand. "Sorry." She said as she helped her brother kick the man out of the window.

"It's fine. You killed the king. That's all." The two rushed out of the building, as a large explosion rocked the streets below.

Apartment in downtown Kassau

It did not take the twins long to get back to Renata's apartment. Most of the cops guarding the streets had rushed to the explosion, hoping to save anyone they could. Once back, the smiled at big Sister Renata, who was watching the news.

"Good job you two." She said, waving them over. "Big Brother already called and said he'll be over later to night." She watched their smiles grow wide, as she turned back to the news. It seemed the cops got to the building faster than she had expected, and found all the JLA memo's and plans on how to take out the king. They also found the gun used to kill the officers assigned to patrol that building.

The Death of the King was being called an Assassination attempt by the JLA. But with their leadership destroyed, there was no one from their side that was alive to take the blame. News on his son Friedek was not as grim, but he was in a coma after being rushed to the ER. Reports on the blasted stated that only the JLA terrorist was killed, but hundreds had been injured in the blast.

The only other death reported was a local woman name Larianna.

For the rest of the day, the news ran only two stories. The long night, and the death of the King.

[Phoenxia]

Kassau, Phoenixia

The events of the long night had not affected the twins and anyway. They slept like babies that night, cuddled up next to Big Renata, and they had waffles for breakfast. Before leaving the apartment, they were told that a gift was waiting for them at the job site, and the two quickly made their way there, making sure to avoid all cameras and taking back alleys as much as they could. Which was seeming to grow harder, as most of the main streets were being blocked off by local police. This day, even after the long night of strikes on, the national funeral for the two senators Kjel Fjordmann and Gustev Schlakniy, was still set to be held. Security was beefed up because of the long night, and also because King Artur was to lead the Funeral Procession.

This did not matter to the twins, they had run this route to their job sight a few weeks ago, and knew all the in and outs. So once they made it to the large building that overlooked the route, they were surprised to see the cops that were to look over this sight had been taken out and left in a corner.

"This is a boring present." Sofie said looking at the dead cops. "Boo." She said, puffing out her cheeks.

Rudi scanned the room, and looked at a chest. He walked over and opened it up. Inside was a man gagged and stuffed in there, with a note. "JLA?" Rudi looked at the guy and then at the note. "Sis this is our present. The trigger man." He kicked over the box, as the man rolled out and looked at them.

"Oh Yippee." Sofie jumped for joy as she rushed over and held the man's head in her hands, looking into his eyes. "Can I play with him know?" Said said before remembering that she did not bring her favorite toy.

"No sis. We have a job to do. Plus we need to save for fun when Bog Bro Tomasz comes to play with us tonight." He dropped the bag he was carrying and started to pull out some parts.

"You are right." Sofie said, also dropping her bag, and pulling out parts. "It's why I shaved last night. I want to be ready to play with Big Bro." She beamed with joy as the twins began to assemble the rifle.

After about 10 minutes of looking over and making sure everything was in working order, the two moved to the window and looked at it. The streets below were packed with people lining the streets, and the first of the police cars began to cruise down the road, signaling the start of the funeral procession.

"Oh. It's time sis." Rudi said, handing his sister the rifle, and dragging the JLA member closer. "You are the star of our show." He said, trying a Jelenik national flag around the man's neck, and strapping a vest around him. "Here hold this." Rudi said, giving the man a trigger device that was linked to the vest.

Sofie, now staging next to the window, watched her brother as he got the man ready. "Three pulls, then we push him out, big bomb and we leave." She looked at the rifle in her hand. "Easy,'' she told herself as the crowds below grew louder, a sign that the target was getting close. Sofie took three quick breaths, stabilized herself, brought the butt of the weapon to her shoulder, placed her cheek on the stock and looked through the scope.

"Random first, two rounds, then the target." Rudi said. As he sister scanned the crowd, before zeroing in on a random woman. She pulled the trigger and the round exited the weapon and a few seconds later stuck the women in her left eye. Sofie loaded the second round and fired it wildly, before loading her third round, and leveling her sights on her true target, King Artur Friedek Mausen.

On the Ground

Artur, having heard the first two shots, was now looking around to see if anyone was hit. He looked to his son Friedek, who was now rushing towards him. He gave his son a smile as he heard a third shot. He watched as a large gash appeared on the side of his son's neck, and then Artur's right eye went dark, then all was darkness.

Up in the building

"Crap. I think I killed the son also." Sofie said, as she walked over to the man, and placed the rifle in his hand. "Sorry." She said as she helped her brother kick the man out of the window.

"It's fine. You killed the king. That's all." The two rushed out of the building, as a large explosion rocked the streets below.

Apartment in downtown Kassau

It did not take the twins long to get back to Renata's apartment. Most of the cops guarding the streets had rushed to the explosion, hoping to save anyone they could. Once back, the smiled at big Sister Renata, who was watching the news.

"Good job you two." She said, waving them over. "Big Brother already called and said he'll be over later to night." She watched their smiles grow wide, as she turned back to the news. It seemed the cops got to the building faster than she had expected, and found all the JLA memo's and plans on how to take out the king. They also found the gun used to kill the officers assigned to patrol that building.

The Death of the King was being called an Assassination attempt by the JLA. But with their leadership destroyed, there was no one from their side that was alive to take the blame. News on his son Friedek was not as grim, but he was in a coma after being rushed to the ER. Reports on the blasted stated that only the JLA terrorist was killed, but hundreds had been injured in the blast.

The only other death reported was a local woman name Larianna.

For the rest of the day, the news ran only two stories. The long night, and the death of the King.

Etschelena

The detachment of Royal Marine Guards rushed to her and got her into the limousine. "Oh my god... Oh my god. I want out of this country, I don't want to be queen, I don't want to be killed," she began hyperventilating. Throughout the drive out of the square, the guards were doing their best to calm her, but to no avail.

When they got to the palace, she sprinted up to her mother who was waiting on the drive, "Oh, thank the lord you're safe. Are you okay?" Avosha's eyes were watering, she had already received the news. Her husband of more than 40 years was dead.

"No mama, I'm not okay. I just want to leave this godforsaken country," she wrapped her arms around her mother and began sobbing into her shoulder as if she had transformed back into that innocent little girl she once was.

"No, be strong. I know you're strong, Etschelena. Friedek will pull through this, in the chance that he doesn't, I need to to be as strong as you can be. Being queen is a sacred thing, and you need to own up to that possibility."

So, even as she watched her lifeless brother in the ICU, she kept telling herself 'I can do it,' but another, more subconscious voice was telling her 'I can't.'

Zani

More and more papers were getting piled on his desk, and he was trying his hardest to keep it from cluttering, until he heard a blast from outside. He jumped up from his chair and sprinted down the hall, along with several EKSG soldiers strapping on their rigs as they ran. When he got down, he noticed that the market in Imperial Square along with the funeral procession were ravaged. EMTs were rushing to where it looked like the royal motorcade was.

He continued to move to the market to see if he could help anyone. He spotted a woman on the ground, as he got closer, he realized it was Larianna. She was just getting supplies for dinner because he wasn't working late that night, caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. "Larianna!" he ran and picked her head up in her arms.

She was deader than a doornail, there wasn't any hope. Her eyes were blank, a familiar sight for Zani, but nonetheless chilling. He closed her eyes before her body went stiff. Just then, Mark ran in into the corner of his eye.

"Holy shit, dude. I'm sorry for your loss," Mark put his hand on Zani's shoulder.

"I'm gonna kill these fuckers, mark. They killed my one joy in life. Tell the director I'm going home early."

[Uribill]

KISI HQ, Uribill Kesser

The KISI officer who was assigned as the lead handler for the agency’s current operations in Phoenixia had quite the surprise when he learned of King Artur’s death. And when he heard that he is to expect a visit from the queen herself his stress levels only rose. As far as the queen is concerned, this is his fault for not ensuring the safety of the king of Phoenixia, one of the main goals of the KISI as an organization.

And well, he was right about how the queen viewed the situation. When the queen arrived at the HQ she immediately requested his presence in the meeting room, together with all of his staff that oversaw the operations in Phoenixia.

The handler was about to greet the queen with the customary “your majesty”, but she abrupted him. “Agent Krellski, did you hear of the recent going-ons in Phoenixia?”
“Uhh, well, yes, your majesty”, he stuttered. “And where exactly were your agents when the attack happened?” Eleniya asked him. Krellski sweated nervously. “They were investigating Tyrian benefactors in a different location.” Eleniya nodded slowly, “And why weren’t they assigned to the royal event, to ensure the safety of the Mausens?”
“Because I believed in the capabilities of Phoenixian intelligence to do so themselves-”

“Well, clearly that assumption was wrong!” Eleniya knocked her fist on the table. “Your job, as an agent of the Krelveyi Instituciyá, is to ensure the safety of your monarch, and of monarchs of interest, which the Mausens so happen to be of very high interest!”
Krellski tried to collect his thoughts, and stuttered “But-”, but Eleniya interrupted him again: “No. Fucking. But! You are demoted from your position as handler of this operation. Now get out of my fucking line of sight.”

After taking a deep breath, and seeing agent Krellski get up and exit the room, she asked one of the agents in the room to call in the director of the HQ. The director came in, greeted Eleniya with “your majesty”, and asked what he could do for her. “Assign a new handler to the agents we have in Phoenixia, order them to lay low and prepare for the possibility of escorting the royal family out of the country. Make sure we have a safe house ready for them. Also,this time don’t put your trust in the Phoenixians’ capabilities, and make sure for yourself that Artur’s funeral goes without incident.”

“Yes, your majesty,” the director responded and left the room.

[Serderistan]

Ares GDS Compound, Rhamosian District, Phoenixia

With much of the JLA having been turned into worm food by the hodge podge of PMCs hired by Rhamos and the JVP, the operational tempo for the Ares contractors had become more lenient since the night began. Now, the immediate focus was on hunting stragglers and Tyrian agents in country. However, the majority of the nation seemed distracted by the brazen assassination of the King. Where most saw it as a crisis, the Serderi PMC saw an opportunity.

With the SMD and Strike Force elements either recovering or getting their slay on, only the Project Manager was left to conduct a status update with Corporate back in the homeland. While things were mostly positive, there were still questions regarding recent events.

"So with the JLA largely dismantled and our targeting of the Tyrian's network, how were they able to assassinate the Phoenixian King?" mused Grigori Anders, one of Ares execs, "Seems a bit too much of a leap in their capabilities."

"Two possibilities sir," answered the PM, "First, there is a chance that the JLA prepositioned an fighter to kill the monarch as a way to start their rebellion. The other is that someone else did it."

The look of brief confusion on Ander's face quickly morphed into one of surprise as he realized what the PM was implying.

"Wait, do you mean that-"

The Manager quickly held out his hand, interrupting his superior, "Whoever was responsible for the King's death, our job is to make our Rhamosian friends happy. So what happens to Phoenixian nobility matters little unless the Duke is concerned. From what I can gather, he isn't. So by extension, I'm not either."

Anders mulled over the information, a bit uncomfortable with the cloak and dagger games that his employees were playing. Eventually, he sighed and dropped the topic. "So right now, the client wants us to focus more on Tyrian OID agents that we may have missed last night. They're offering additional bounties for us, so this is priority number one. However knowing you, you have something else in mind."

The Project Manager shrugged, "Yes and no. Our contractors are continuing their hunt for public enemy number one. However, I believe it would be worthwhile to reach out to the host nation to offer our services in a limited manner. We already have some contacts with EKSG and Third Directorate. I'm sure they would be interested in receiving additional training so they can prevent future assassinations."

Mr. Anders whistled, impressed by the audacity of his man on the ground. "You sure have some balls. I'm tentatively approving this. I'll reach out to the client to ensure that there's no conflict of interest while you get in touch with the locals' security services."

Before the meeting could adjourn, Anders was distracted by an alert popping on his desktop. As he read it, his eyes grew wide in shock.

"Belay that. The client has a new job for us. Major bonuses but we may need both the SMD and Strike Force for this. I'm sending you the details now."

As soon as the Program Manager read the encrypted message, his expression mirrored his boss'. "Sweet Jesus."

Area around Tyrian Embassy, Phoenixia

With the assassination of King Artur and a steady build of Anti-Tyrian feeling, there was a sea of humanity surrounding the Tyrian Embassy. So far, the crowd's hostility was in the form of signs demanding justice for the dead and various angry chants. However, that could end soon. It was likely that the embassy's guard force could feel the building rage of the mob. All it would take to set off the powder keg was an errant spark.

There were others who had an interest in the embassy other than righteous retribution. While they were keeping a somewhat healthy distances, several pairs of Ares GDS contractors were in plain clothes, conducting reconnaissance of the embassy. While the order from the client was a surprise, the Special Missions Detachment was somewhat glad for the change of mission. What they weren't happy about was the scale. The Duke's intelligence package was quite thorough but it only told half the story. Hence the need for reconnaissance that was being filtered to the more kinetic elements.

While the Duke was providing a lot of support for the mission (to include ELINT/SIGNIT, UAS, and even a QRF), some of the contractors still felt a sense of foreboding, especially since the SMD and a Strike Force Platoon were being tasked with this job. Though the latter would be acting as an additional QRF and a potential blocking force, this many assets meant that this could be a very hectic mission. While they were still a ways off from go-time, each contractor for the SMD assault force was kitted up and ready to roll from their staging areas. After all, it was better to be prepared to act than get caught with their pants down when Murphy came around.

[Treko]

Radosław Kozlik
ТВСД Group- Olga
Kassau, Phoenxia, Tyrian Embassy

---

I looked over the edge of the high-rise building and down at the Tyrian embassy below. A small smile appeared across my face, but it quickly disappeared as the rest of my team came through the roof access door carrying large black pelican cases. Without hesitating, I walked over and began to assist my team with the laborious task of bringing the cases onto the roof. After spending half an hour bringing up several cases, I knelt before one of the black pelican cases that had as a single red dot on it. I undid the locks and flipped the top of the case open. Inside, on top of several drones, sat an M.U.D. module. Once again a smile crept across my face as I looked back at my squad and handed the M.U.D. to Malak before pulling out a few of the drones. They were standard issue Trekkish drones, however, these beauties had any and all identifying marks removed.

"Malak, start getting these drones uplinked to the M.U.D. and make sure the signal is encrypted," I ordered before turning to Kogut and Balla, "What about the RPGs? Are they set up and ready to go?"

"They are set up and ready to go, Kozlik," replied Kogut as he walked over to the edge of the high-rise, "Hotel with the red roof. We bought a room with cash and made sure it had height advantage on the embassy. Balla managed to Jury-rig a metal contraption for the RPGs. They're aimed and can be fired remotely with a remote,"

Balla took a remote out of his pocket and flashed it before putting it back into his pocket, "Don't worry, Kozlik, I made sure the firing mechanism works,"

I wanted to say something critiquing Balla's abilities but I left the thought behind in my mind, "Perfect, now help me unload the rest of the drones and set up the silent mortars,"

Balla and Kogut gave a quick nod before they walked over and began to assist me in unloading the drones. In total there was only about 50 drones. I was hoping for a larger amount of drones for this operation, but this would be more than enough to get the job done. After we unpacked the drones we lined them up perfectly on the roof in rows of ten before we unpacked the silent mortar and ranged it. With our height advantage it would be easy to drop round after round onto the roof of the Tyrian embassy. As it became evident that everything was set up and ready to go, I turned towards Malak and gave a nod. With confirmation, I turned towards Balla, "Let's put your RPGs to the test,"

Balla pulled out the remote and lead us to the edge of the high-rise roof before he clicked the button on the remote. Without delay, 4 RPG warheads screamed out of the hotel window and flew across the road before slamming into the front of the Tyrian embassy. A large plume of smoke and fire erupted from the location the warheads had hit. I gave a nod of approval to Balla as I turned to Kogut and gave another nod to start the mortar attack. Kogut grabbed one of the fin-stabilized rounds and dropped it down into the silent mortar. Instead of a deafening blast, all that was heard was an unfamiliar "Thump," followed by an explosion on the top of the Tyrian embassy roof. Mortar round after the mortar round fell onto the roof of the Tyrian embassy, I gave one final nod to Malak who smiled with glee. As I watched the bombardment continue, I heard the propellers begin to spin to life on drones. The drone swarm rose off the roof before it quickly descended down the high-rise in spiral motion. I watched as the drone swarm slammed into the front entrance of the embassy, causing multiple explosions. Malak let out a snicker before he pulled the drones out from the front entrance before guiding them back into the embassy via the holes made by the warheads and mortar rounds. Explosion after explosion erupted within the embassy.

"Use the rest of the mortar rounds, then burn all the equipment on the roof," I ordered as I lit up a cigarette and watched Kogut drop the rest of the rounds before starting to light the equipment on fire, "Let's get out of here. Those burning slavers will keep the local police occupied for awhile,"

[Phoenxia]

As Prince Friedek lay in the ICU, and his father lay in the morgue, many crises were facing Phoenixia. The continued wave of terror by the JLA, and seemingly random acts of violence taking place on the countryside. This was truly the judgement day of Phoenixia, and only one person could ever come out on top of this growing pile of bodies.

The attack on the Tyrian Embassy had killed has yielded no survivors who hadn't been evacuated and at least 25 bystanders. The Üpo has set up a perimeter around the area for emergency personnel to search for missing persons. Commissioner Mannstein has repeatedly said that everything is okay, and that everyone will remain safe. Unrest among the populace is rampant, and every man and woman is becoming increasingly impatient with the bureaucracy instated by the Republic.

Demonstrators, angered by the lack of government ability to stop the attacks, have begun protesting the republic in favor of reviving full monarchic power. Signs brandished with phrases like, "Save Friedek, Save Phoenixia," and, "God, King, and Country," have flooded the streets. Jans Maleksi has said he will do everything in his power to keep all Phoenixians safe, no matter the cost.

[The JVP]

Kassau, Phoenxia. Local news

"This is Hilde Cast, of PBC. Terror gripes Phoenixia, after the assassin of King Artur. His Son, the Crown prince Friedek, is still in critical condition, and has been put into a medical coma. Chaos rages in the streets, as crowds outside the Tyrian Embassy, rushed for cover, as bombs and IEDs were thrown at the embassy walls and gates. Reports of Tyrian embassy guards firing on the crowd have not yet been confirmed."

"In other news, with the King dead, and his son in a coma. The Regency of the nation now falls to the King's eldest daughter, Princess Heir Etschelena Heliana Mausen. But is she really the right choice?"

the anchor turns to another camera, before being her next story.

"Texts, Pictures, and very not safe for work images, have surfaced of the Princess, and they do not paint a great picture for our future Queen."

"Text messages between the Princess and one Ulrik Mikaelssen of Emerstaria." She then began to read the contents of the text.

"Hey. Great time last night. Ulrik wrote. Etschelena follows with a heart eye emoji, before replying with Very Enjoyable for me. But we probably woke up Friedek. Ulrik followed that up with. He did seem pissed this morning. You are loud. The princess followed with a gasp emoji before texting. Fuck him anyways. Never lets me have fun. Ulrik reply with. Haha. I guess. See you tonight bae. bae standing for, Before All Else."

Hilde then looked deep into the camera. "Etschelena then sent a nude selfie to Ulrik. Folks, we blurred the image, but we can confirm that it is indeed the Princess." The image was shown on the screen, with a blur around the Princesses body, but showing her giving a duck face smile to the phone camera.

"After that the two showed a group of risky emoji's before Ulrik told the princess to. not wake your brother this time. with the Princess responding with just K."

Hilde put down the papers in front of her. "Folks these are not the only texts being leaked. Some to perverted to show you here. But messages from the Princess to this Ulrik, has shown her calling this nation a Hell hole and wanting to leave it for Emerstaria. Other reports from palace staff have talked about the multiple male boyfriends she has brought to her room, to perform sexual favors. Images of the Princess heir, performing these acts have surfaced, and a few videos."

"It's unknown who leaked these texts and videos. But all the information being compiled onto a site called Sloots.px, with a download ticker showing that the contents have been downloaded over 5 million times as of this reporting. The banner of the site states. Is this the next Queen of Phoenixia? . Calls on the streets have called for the skipping of the Princess for her sister Greta Madelein Mausen."

The broadcast was cut short, as an on the field reporter was put on screen, he was wearing a military helmet and vest, and was waving his hands around, as gunshots could be heard in the background.

"I'm Sorry Hilde, but we are live on the scene as Army units engage a JLA safe house, and as you ca.." The man ducked as s large explosion rocked an APC that was moving forward, sending the armoured best onto its side.

"Holy shit. did you catch that." The man said, asking his cameraman. "It's a war zone here." He said, falling to the ground from the shock wave of a tank firing near him, as Phoenixian soldiers rushed to the flipped APC to save their brothers."

[The Kingdom of Rhamos]

Rhamosian District, Kassau, Phoenixia

The building was eerily quiet save for the occasional sound of a distant television loudly playing reports of the spreading chaos and anti-Tyrian/pro-monarchy riots taking shape in the capital streets. The nation had thoroughly been thrown into complete disarray as sporadic fire fights from continued raids continued to dot the countryside threatening to tip it further over the brink.

Such was the handy work of Duke Red.

The man sat back in his chair entirely wrapped up in his own ponderings and musings on the situation as he lazily sipped coffee and relaxed. The Rhamosian district was safely wrapped in a blanket of unmarked and sometimes unseen security assuring he would not be disturbed from his thoughts. Even his erstwhile secretary who normally filled the air around him with the sounds of typing as she carried out his every whim and command was unusually quiet as well.

She wasn’t even monitoring reports either for that matter. Instead she curiously eyed her boss with morbid curiosity which only seemed to grow the more the distant reports faintly reached her ears.

“It was you wasn’t it.” Not a question but a statement, she was normally privy to every secret machination and going on, but not this time. Not that it mattered, the second it had happened she had already known what had happened.

The Duke for his part continued to stare off into the distant setting sun and distant plumes of smoke and fire as he answered. “My dearest Adelaide, that sounds suspiciously like you are questioning my judgement? Or perhaps I am being overly sensitive no?”

He had turned now to fix her with a rather cold stare, one she was all to used to seeing directed at other people. But to have those eyes set on her in such a manner had sent a chill down her spine for a moment but she was all too familiar with the man’s mind games and she would not fall for them now.

“No, I want to know why I was not informed of this decision. I-”

He cut her off abruptly though his tone and expression had changed drastically to that of overt joy again.
“Then if you will allow me the opportunity to explain the complex series of events which has taken place today. And I trust that you will withhold any premature judgement until I finish, yes?”

Adelaide nodded but she bothered not verbally responding, the Duke would have continued regardless.

“When you first entered my employment, I had found you broken and discarded on the side of the road
like an old music box, once a prized position, now not but a passing memory. Yet here you are, taking part in the greatest orchestra the RICIA has ever conducted playing music the likes of which this tiny country has ever witnessed.”

He extended out a hand and made motions like he was directing a piece from a symphony.

“When a maestro conducts piece, he does not concern the trumpets with the tribulations of the woodwinds nor does he weigh down the baritones with notes of the bass. No my dear he keeps them separate and distinct for each has their own part to contribute to the whole.”

He paused for a moment and silence enveloped the pair again as she mulled over his words.

“Today a man was killed, a king no less. Unto god himself is such a man beholden to the crown he wears. Shining like the sun, a beacon for the unwashed masses to find solidarity and guidance.”

His hand twisted and flowed through the air as he spoke still adding in punctuation and emphasis as he spoke. “But the Phoenixians have grown tired of the sun, blinded by its rays into ungrateful complacency.” His tone was slowly edging into a cold predatory nature as he continued to speak adding a layer of tension to the room that only matched the gaze he still held her in.

“So, I extinguished the flames of that sun and made god himself weep, blocking out the sky with the rain. And like wayward children the Phoenixians will realize what it is that they lost only after it has been taken from them. They will yearn for that sun again, beg for it back, demand it. And it is we, my dearest Adelaide, who will give it back to them.”

He had finished his monologue and Adelaide dare not speak lest she provoked him further. Instead she sat in silence as the man took a sip of his coffee and simply allowed the atmosphere to dissipate before he turned to her again in his normal jovial mood.

“Now my dear I do believe we have some frayed ends of this tale to wrap up.”

[Great Humania]

The Embassy Attack

"It was a calm time for the embassy, it's not busy as it once was due to the recent incidents that took place. The staff can see the protester outside yelling God! King! And Country! They can only hope that things will get better soon, but they didn’t expect to take a turn for the worst"

Commander Izak: Madam Ambassador

Ambassador Irene: Evening commander

Commander Izak: I see that you’re deeply saddened about the whole mess

Ambassador Irene: I wish I could gather enough courage to face (name of the dictator/prime minister) and tell him to stop with this whole mess.

Commander Izak: Unfortunately most of us can’t but I’ll pray for you that you can help fix this madness

Ambassador Irene: Thanks commander I hope that-

"Commander Izak grabs Ambassador Irene out of her chair and shove her into the hallway, an explosion rocks the embassy, alerting the staff and the Imperial Ambassador Guard"

Lieutenant Alban Azar, Imperial Ambassador Guard: Hoki! Hoki! Call Imperial Guard Command to let them know that we’re under attack!

"Lt Azar rushed though the embassy to order the evacuation of the staff"

Sergeant Iyon: WHERE IS THE AMBASSADOR? WHERE IS AMBASSADOR IRENE?!


Senior Private Baraz Ova: I got her but she got knocked out by the shockwave

Sergeant Iyon: Okay Okay, wait where's the commander

Unknown Imperial Ambassador Guard in the background: the commander got minced man, oh shit, oh shit.

Lieutenant Alban Azar, Imperial Ambassador Guard: Fuck! Everybody! Get the rest of the staff and-


"A mortar shell has gone through a window landed near the doorway where Lieutenant Alban Azar was standing, he was thrown to a wall and has lost a leg."


Lieutenant Alban Azar, Imperial Ambassador Guard: aw shit… (high ping in his ears and regaining consciousness)

Random Imperial Ambassador Guard: Bring him over here (he takes out his belt and uses it as a improvised tourniquet)

Random Imperial Ambassador Guard: Help me bring him to the basement!

"The mortar hitted the armory where the ammo also was located, the heat from the fire starts an ammo cook off in the armory which makes it sounds like the Ambassadors guard were shooting indiscriminately"

"Piles of debris started to fall down on the entrance of the basement, blocking the only exit. They waited for Imperial Guard Command to try to rescue them"

[Serderistan]

The attack on the Tyrian Embassy had killed has yielded no survivors who hadn't been evacuated and at least 25 bystanders. The Üpo has set up a perimeter around the area for emergency personnel to search for missing persons. Commissioner Mannstein has repeatedly said that everything is okay, and that everyone will remain safe. Unrest among the populace is rampant, and every man and woman is becoming increasingly impatient with the bureaucracy instated by the Republic.

Demonstrators, angered by the lack of government ability to stop the attacks, have begun protesting the republic in favor of reviving full monarchic power. Signs brandished with phrases like, "Save Friedek, Save Phoenixia," and, "God, King, and Country," have flooded the streets. Jans Maleksi has said he will do everything in his power to keep all Phoenixians safe, no matter the cost.

The Embassy Attack

"It was a calm time for the embassy, it's not busy as it once was due to the recent incidents that took place. The staff can see the protester outside yelling God! King! And Country! They can only hope that things will get better soon, but they didn’t expect to take a turn for the worst"

Commander Izak: Madam Ambassador

Ambassador Irene: Evening commander

Commander Izak: I see that you’re deeply saddened about the whole mess

Ambassador Irene: I wish I could gather enough courage to face (name of the dictator/prime minister) and tell him to stop with this whole mess.

Commander Izak: Unfortunately most of us can’t but I’ll pray for you that you can help fix this madness

Ambassador Irene: Thanks commander I hope that-

"Commander Izak grabs Ambassador Irene out of her chair and shove her into the hallway, an explosion rocks the embassy, alerting the staff and the Imperial Ambassador Guard"

Lieutenant Alban Azar, Imperial Ambassador Guard: Hoki! Hoki! Call Imperial Guard Command to let them know that we’re under attack!

"Lt Azar rushed though the embassy to order the evacuation of the staff"

Sergeant Iyon: WHERE IS THE AMBASSADOR? WHERE IS AMBASSADOR IRENE?!


Senior Private Baraz Ova: I got her but she got knocked out by the shockwave

Sergeant Iyon: Okay Okay, wait where's the commander

Unknown Imperial Ambassador Guard in the background: the commander got minced man, oh shit, oh shit.

Lieutenant Alban Azar, Imperial Ambassador Guard: Fuck! Everybody! Get the rest of the staff and-


"A mortar shell has gone through a window landed near the doorway where Lieutenant Alban Azar was standing, he was thrown to a wall and has lost a leg."


Lieutenant Alban Azar, Imperial Ambassador Guard: aw shit… (high ping in his ears and regaining consciousness)

Random Imperial Ambassador Guard: Bring him over here (he takes out his belt and uses it as a improvised tourniquet)

Random Imperial Ambassador Guard: Help me bring him to the basement!

"The mortar hitted the armory where the ammo also was located, the heat from the fire starts an ammo cook off in the armory which makes it sounds like the Ambassadors guard were shooting indiscriminately"

"Piles of debris started to fall down on the entrance of the basement, blocking the only exit. They waited for Imperial Guard Command to try to rescue them"

Ares Covert Staging Area, 1.5km from Target

As was often the case, it is the smallest decisions that usually end up being the most important in the long run. For the Ares Ground Force Commander, that decision came when the Papillion Noir UCAV flying overhead got visual of the Trekkish operators on the rooftop along with their ordnance.

"What the hell...goddamn party crashers," muttered the Commander before grabbing his radio, "All elements, Barricade."

With the operators already kitted up and ready to roll, the SMD's SUVs started up and rushed toward the objective. With th The Strike Force element, being far more numerous and heavily armed, were set up further away and would need additional time to reach the embassy. The forward reconnaissance contractors in the vicinity of the target changed their focus from scouting to setting up pre-selected overwatch positions. The operation was starting and Ares was being forced to play catch-up.

The Ground Force Commander was about to order the Noir UCAV drivers to turn the Trekkish saboteurs into red mist when he realized the consequences of doing so. If he ordered a Spike ER missile to hit the building, then the result would likely be the same or worse than if he left them alone; compromise and escalation.

"Shaker, this is Torch, mark the two unknowns on the roof. All other elements, you are free to engage POI 1 and 2 if they get in your way but don't hunt them."

As the words left his mouth, the UAV feed showed the Trekkish begin their attack. He watched silently as rockets, mortars, and drones ripped through the building as well as a good number of the protesters and embassy's guard force. He secretly hoped that his guys did cross paths with the two attackers. They might have softened up the target but now everyone in the area was on high alert. While the electronic warfare guys were flooding the local law enforcement and emergency service lines with false reports of other crises, there was sure to be a local response at the embassy.

Later, Area around the Tyrian Embassy

In the wake of the bombardment, chaos and bedlam reigned supreme around the Tyrian Embassy. For the vast majority of the protesters, the rocketing broke their patriotic resolve and made them run for their lives. A rare few took the opportunity to get in a few hits for their late king by throwing rocks and the erstwhile molotov or firework at the now burning embassy. Their chances of revenge were swiftly cut short by the timely arrival of the Phoenixian Üpo, who wasted no time detaining and incapacitating the troublemakers. The Papillion Noir UCAV and Ares' own quadrotor drones took in the scene, giving the incoming contractors better situational awareness.

"Torch, this is Dagger 1-Actual. At LCC. Be advised, we have eyes on local PD setting up a cordon. Estimated distance, 200 meters out from target," rasped one of the Troop leaders, "Any changes to ROE?"

"Dagger 1-Actual, Torch. Negative. ROE is the same. Be advised, Blacklight 2 is enroute. ETA, five mikes."

Dagger 1-Actual grunted in approval. While he had mixed feelings, he was glad that higher wasn't having cold feet when it came to the job. All military aged males were fair game. He just hoped that the Strike Force would arrive sooner.

"All Dagger elements, dismount," said the Troop leader, "Follow this route."

Using both information from the overwatch elements and UAV recon, the troop leader led his unit (with the other two Troops not far behind) toward a perceived weak point in the Üpo cordon. While much of law enforcement's tasks were focused on evacuation and getting civilians away, there were still areas where the üpo were dealing with miscreants. It allowed the SMD operators to move in and pick their targets without much notice.

Once they were set, it was time for the PMC's opening move. Spotting what seemed to be a command point for the police, the overwatch elements went to work. The first thing they did was turn on their jammers and electronic counter measures to prevent the locals from calling for help. Secondly, they started guiding in their own drones. Indistinguishable from the recon quadrotors, a quintet of drones quietly descended toward pre-designated targets, one of which was the Üpo CP. Once they were closed in on their targets, the directional charges embedded in them detonated. Overpressure, frag, and steel ball bearings ripped through hapless victims just as the Ares Operators opened fire.

Caught unawares, a barrage of suppressed gunfire from Recce 9 carbines and modified LAMG machineguns tore through cop and rioter alike. As the 110 grain rounda ripped the defenders apart, their killers advanced on the embassy, carefully giving both wounded and fallen alike dead checks to the head. As the three assault troops made a hole in the Phoenixian cordon, the true assault on the embassy had begun.