Italian Independence War (IC)

[Caribbean Confederation]

Bari, Apulia, Southern Italy
05:30, 7 March 2021

---

"Go home?" Lt. Colonel Clarke muttered aboard the chopper en route from Cuba, "What do they even mean 'go home'? Do they just not understand what's happening here?". Landing onto surface was done twofold, through both helicopters and landing craft, carrying company-type marine units to the beach. Tens of helicopters, transport choppers and LCACs, backed by light combat helicopters and the two ships' ordnances, the two edges of the city's perimeters -the two 'ends' of SS16, so to speak, going through the city- made their way towards the city. Within an hour after the ships' arrival, the first companies had landed, and they were quick to secure a perimeter making it easier for the fellow units to follow them. Fighting was sparse at first, though the further into the urban sprawl of the metropolitan city they went, the harder fighting would be. That was when the UAVs -the modern soldier's answer to 'close air support'- came in.

If he had a larger force under his command -at least some naval or real aerial support-, he'd probably find a better strategy than 'storm the beach and hope for the best', but at this stage Clarke's hands were tied. All depended on how the situation at Gibraltar went.

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

ORP Visby - Gibraltar
Bruinneall wasn't going to have all the fun for herself, I was sure of that. Me and my two sisters, as well as an old friend, were steaming through the straits, AShMs be damned!

A large fleet was assembled at the mouth of Gibraltar; destroyers, frigates, and submarines of the Commonwealth and other nations of the world, and alongside the Jadwiga of Poland, me, Hood, Gdansk, and Rota would be the centerpiece of it. Rota was an old ship, sure; she hadn't seen action for a while. But she learned quickly, bless her heart and currently had enough sea sparrows and Harpoons to blot out the sun. So did we, for that matter; and as I gazed across the strait with my radar, I started sending cruise-missiles inland, striking at the anti-ship missile batteries stationed within. Soon we would brute-force our way into the Mediterranean, and kick the Muslims out of Europe.

---

ORP Kielece
Bruinneall would hear a ping on her radio; the Kielece had evidently finally broken radio silence. It was still steaming a hundred nautical miles to the south, and would move to rendezvous with it soon ahead of the main Prussian-Polish fleet.

---

Do not be afraid child. The voice of Demere Abebe whispered. They’re are people watching and waiting to find and rescue you. They are good people. They look like the heroes of Earth. They will help you. Mother Africa will live. She and Mother Aprica hold a special bond that transcends time. The voice disappeared back into nothing.

Nadia Vasilev Or by her code name The Queen in Blue looked out the window of the Seniat consulate in Elchlin. She was summoned by Svetlana Pavlovsky to meet here. Nadia and Svetlana were witches. “Good you arrived.” Svetlana said. “Why I am here?” Nadia said. “Insaanistan.” Svetlana said. “And? What about it?” Nadia said. “They have the Sultana. They will kill her if she stays much longer. You must rescue her.” Svetlana explained. “Why is she so important to you?” Nadia asked. “She is one of us and she is powerful. We believe that when the time comes for the coven to elect a new chancellor we believe and even Nicholas Muller believes that she could be his replacement. We need her survival.” Svetlana said. “My bet is on Konrad Dekker to be honest.” Nadia said. “Will you do this?” Svetlana asked. “Fine very well. Will it be solo or is someone helping me?” Nadia asked. “Yes, Jason Carter. He will help you.” Svetlana said. “Alright where do I go now?” Nadia asked. “Muslimbol, he is there. Mark will brief him on the situation.” Svetlana said she disappeared. On the desk there was a briefcase with everything Nadia needed to know about the mission.

Sewers of Rome
Suddenly, both the Sultana and Demere Abebe would hear a voice- more like several voices, really.

Oi, oi. Stan, is this on?
Yeah, think so, Annemarie. HIT IT!

jooo bidin, jooo bidin, jooo bidin, jooo bidin this message from mohammed kalakeen full face of kurdistan for youu jooo bidin. you go check up in the docter; you have 2 yeal. your live is 2 yeal. 2 yeal from now, from today too 2 yeal o 1 yeal and 6 month o 2 yeal. you life. after this one you pass aweh. you go check up in the docter, this message from mohammed kalakeen full face of kurdistan. you do, do you good job for da usa for da 50 staet in 2 yeal. you do pull down iran for us, we want our kurdistan can-... new country no more iran no more iraq no more tourkey no more suri, full face of kurdistan; we give you'

The message would continue to repeat, with what sounded like faint, raucous laughter and inebriated Polish swearing occasionally in the background.

---

The relative quiet stillness of the Apulian countryside was a welcome thing to the remaining Mujahidin ad-Din. The 12 that survived the initial landing were hiding in an abandoned farm, inconspicuous and far beyond the limits of the city of Ostuni. The group had travelled long throughout the night, evading however much sight as they could and eliminating any threat that might’ve given away their presence. Only a couple of witnesses had to be silenced, and any evidence they left was quickly dealt with or hidden as best they could manage in the short time they had to reach someplace safe.

The 12 fighters spoke to each other in hushed voices. Their words were solely Arabic, early Egyptian Arabic in particular due to all of them being natives to al-Qāhira (Cairo). Some were curled in corners, cleaning and sharpening their scimitars. Others were counting and recounting their arrows. And the rest were keeping watch, peeking out from torn curtains or hastily made covers to conceal the barn’s current occupants.

The sound belonging to one of the strange, metal carts that were prevalent in this world caught their attention. One of the scouts ushered over their leader, whom peaked outside to see the pickup truck parked outside. "Who are they?" was the leader asked by one of her archers, who was preparing her spear in the event of a fight.
She took another look at the men now stood outside. They evidently weren’t with the blasphemers, from what she could tell. The white flag caught her eye. Even as isolated as she once was from the rest of the world, having never left her home of Misr, she knew this was a sign of peace - even to the Europeans.

"They’re friendly," she answered to her comrades’ unspoken question. With this affirmation, they calmed somewhat, and the leader revealed herself to the SWA insurgents. She was a bronze skinned type, strikingly Mediterranean even with her brown eyes and brown hair, and scales that reminded one of Roman clay pottery in colour with simple geometric patterns running along the lengthy serpentine body. She was clothed in a black garment that hid her armour, made to help protect against arrows and swords, though not much use against bullets. On her head was a hijab, and a lowered face covering was below her chin. Her comrades appeared from behind her, all of them similar yet varied in scale pattern and colour, and all certainly Arab or at least Eastern Mediterranean in their race. They appeared willing to talk.

One of the insurgents switched to Arabic; modern arabic, but it would work, hopefully.
"We are the men of Italy. We have heard of your deeds; we seek your aid in freeing ourselves from the yoke of the Muslim."

[The Jamesian Republic]

Another news broadcast from JTN:

An announcer says: Direct from our newsroom in Capitol City in color it is the JTN Evening News With Kent Mulligan.

“Good evening, the war in Italy continues. Multiple factions have begun a fight to the death to control the peninsula. To make matters worse The Sultana of Insaanistan, Nura Khan has gone missing. So far no actions from any nation on Gaia have taken military actions however President Lewis has announced that supplies will be given to the Insaani’s. He also denounced the actions of the Maoist faction in Italy. In Tulo Muslim protests continue. Their goal is to convince the Tuloan Parliament to send soldiers into Italy. However no actions have been taken. The reason they want soldiers in Italy is due to the fact that Muslims along with Arabs and Africans living in Italy have been roundup and killed by the Maoist faction. Led by a man known only as Mario. Similar protests happened in countries in Middle Orientum. In Nahdad a prayer vigil is being held for Nura’s safe return.” Kent explained.
The news went on to something else.

---

Jason arrived at the palace. Two guards asked him what he was doing. He hypnotized them to let him through. They did as they were commanded. Jason walked to the front door and knocked on them.

[The Jamesian Republic]

Sewers of Rome
Suddenly, both the Sultana and Demere Abebe would hear a voice- more like several voices, really.

Oi, oi. Stan, is this on?
Yeah, think so, Annemarie. HIT IT!

jooo bidin, jooo bidin, jooo bidin, jooo bidin this message from mohammed kalakeen full face of kurdistan for youu jooo bidin. you go check up in the docter; you have 2 yeal. your live is 2 yeal. 2 yeal from now, from today too 2 yeal o 1 yeal and 6 month o 2 yeal. you life. after this one you pass aweh. you go check up in the docter, this message from mohammed kalakeen full face of kurdistan. you do, do you good job for da usa for da 50 staet in 2 yeal. you do pull down iran for us, we want our kurdistan can-... new country no more iran no more iraq no more tourkey no more suri, full face of kurdistan; we give you'

The message would continue to repeat, with what sounded like faint, raucous laughter and inebriated Polish swearing occasionally in the background.
Demere Abebe is in another timeline communicating with Nura through his mind.
Who are you? Why do you want the girl? What does Biden have to do with this? Demere telepathically said.

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

The message would continue to repeat, with what sounded like faint, raucous laughter and inebriated Polish swearing occasionally in the background.
Demere Abebe is in another timeline communicating with Nura through his mind.
Who are you? Why do you want the girl? What does Biden have to do with this? Demere telepathically said.

The message halted, before a new voice spoke.
This is Major Annemarie Hoheim von Hohenfall of the 1st Thaumaturgical Warfare Regimental Combat Group. The self-styled Sultana Nura will be transported to a neutral country for trial regarding her crimes against peace and the Italian nation. Do not interfere or we will move in.

[New Antarcticania]

"History has shown there are no invincible armies."
-Joseph Stalin

the strait of Gibaltar
"They instructed us to do WHAT?"

"Its orders from command, sir"

The mouth of the rear admiral released a brief sigh as a turned his attention back to the officer on the bridge

"Set transmission to all channels, on my mark"

Beep!
the admiral grabbed the microphone, cleared his throat, and began to speak
"This is the flagship Stalingrad of the Antartican Defense fleet to all Coalition warships on patrol in the strait of Gibraltar, Do you copy this transmission?, out."

[South Reinkalistan]

Naval Base Pasha Lima
People's Socialist Republic of Albania

---

«Are you ready to kick the shit out of some imperialist bastards?»

«This is literally my job, comrade! Do not worry, it will be done.»

---

The TSD Proletarian Retribution Carrier Group had for years lingered in the Reinkalistani-owned base (leased generously by Comrade Ilir Hoxha, whose regime had been propped up by the P.F.R. for a while now, providing the latter a greatly appreciated foothold in Europe), occasionally performing exercises as a show of force towards the imperialist powers positioned nearby. Generally, its existence served as a grim reminder to some that the Reinkalistani Communist Party and its influence spread far beyond its position in the South Atlantic.

Now, it had been assigned as part of a general expeditionary force against the imperialists in Insaanistan. Assembled into an impromptu coalition - where the P.F.R. had most certainly found unlikely "allies", both old and new - this force had a set of objectives: the liberation of Italy and Spain, the expansion of revolutionary influence in the Mediterranean, and the submission of Insaanistan to the whims of the coalition. The closest interests were currently in helping out the Confederate forces in the sea. A reactionary class-dictatorship to be sure, but a reactionary class-dictatorship with guns and warships pointed at another reactionary class-dictatorship. And there was nothing like sponsoring a fight between imperialist scum, so the P.F.R. went along with it.

The Caribbeans would get what they deserved eventually. For now, the job was simple. Sail down, hit the Insaani bastards with enough missiles to make the poor sods in the budget department weep, and deploy the Red Army to say hello. Liberate Italy, then move south. That was the plan.

Reinkalistan itself hadn't actually declared war on Insaanistan. That was because the Exterior Commissariat had never really recognised it as a sovereign state - the Insaanis being the rabidly imperialist agitators that they were - and as such felt free to remove the terrorists illegally occupying the Italian peninsula who seemed to be pledging allegiance to the bandit entity of "Insaanistan". The destination was currently the city of Bari, where the Confederates needed a bit of help. A brief hop across the Adriatic, and the Reinkalistani assistance would most certainly hit the nail in the coffin for the city's defenses.

Or at least, that was the plan. If anything untoward occurred, it could always be blamed on the Confederates. From the Albanian waters - a mysterious state in and of itself - emerged the boats of the even more mysterious People's Federation, preparing for "Operation Gryffin". Italy would be free, if the P.F.R. had anything to say about it.

[Al-Musafakun]

The relative quiet stillness of the Apulian countryside was a welcome thing to the remaining Mujahidin ad-Din. The 12 that survived the initial landing were hiding in an abandoned farm, inconspicuous and far beyond the limits of the city of Ostuni. The group had travelled long throughout the night, evading however much sight as they could and eliminating any threat that might’ve given away their presence. Only a couple of witnesses had to be silenced, and any evidence they left was quickly dealt with or hidden as best they could manage in the short time they had to reach someplace safe.

The 12 fighters spoke to each other in hushed voices. Their words were solely Arabic, early Egyptian Arabic in particular due to all of them being natives to al-Qāhira (Cairo). Some were curled in corners, cleaning and sharpening their scimitars. Others were counting and recounting their arrows. And the rest were keeping watch, peeking out from torn curtains or hastily made covers to conceal the barn’s current occupants.

The sound belonging to one of the strange, metal carts that were prevalent in this world caught their attention. One of the scouts ushered over their leader, whom peaked outside to see the pickup truck parked outside. "Who are they?" was the leader asked by one of her archers, who was preparing her spear in the event of a fight.
She took another look at the men now stood outside. They evidently weren’t with the blasphemers, from what she could tell. The white flag caught her eye. Even as isolated as she once was from the rest of the world, having never left her home of Misr, she knew this was a sign of peace - even to the Europeans.

"They’re friendly," she answered to her comrades’ unspoken question. With this affirmation, they calmed somewhat, and the leader revealed herself to the SWA insurgents. She was a bronze skinned type, strikingly Mediterranean even with her brown eyes and brown hair, and scales that reminded one of Roman clay pottery in colour with simple geometric patterns running along the lengthy serpentine body. She was clothed in a black garment that hid her armour, made to help protect against arrows and swords, though not much use against bullets. On her head was a hijab, and a lowered face covering was below her chin. Her comrades appeared from behind her, all of them similar yet varied in scale pattern and colour, and all certainly Arab or at least Eastern Mediterranean in their race. They appeared willing to talk.

One of the insurgents switched to Arabic; modern arabic, but it would work, hopefully.
"We are the men of Italy. We have heard of your deeds; we seek your aid in freeing ourselves from the yoke of the Muslim."

Some of the mujahidin behind their leader, Šājia bint Ilīzābīṯ, breathed sighs of relief. They had been suspicious of the Italians the moment the truck had arrived outside the barn that acted as their current camp. Hearing this, they all relaxed fully and turned to keeping an eye on the horizons and surrounding countryside.

Their āmira, their commander, looked over the Italians before her and seemed relieved at what she had heard. She'd seen the corpses of those who charged into that village some nights ago, and the fact they found none alive from that assault made her be more careful than she would’ve expected she’d need to be. She nor any of her comrades had encountered such weapons as they had, and having some of these Italians with such weapons would ease any worries she had about further combat.

"I am surprised knowledge has spread so quickly. I would’ve thought the blasphemers would be more tenacious, but evidently it seems their laziness is matched only by their blasphemy. We will help you." Šājira told them, then turning her head to assert this command to the rest of the group. She wasn’t questioned.

[Insaanistan]

The message would continue to repeat, with what sounded like faint, raucous laughter and inebriated Polish swearing occasionally in the background.
Demere Abebe is in another timeline communicating with Nura through his mind.
Who are you? Why do you want the girl? What does Biden have to do with this? Demere telepathically said.

The message halted, before a new voice spoke.
This is Major Annemarie Hoheim von Hohenfall of the 1st Thaumaturgical Warfare Regimental Combat Group. The self-styled Sultana Nura will be transported to a neutral country for trial regarding her crimes against peace and the Italian nation. Do not interfere or we will move in.

Not sure how agreeing to a referendum is a crime against peace, but okay, mate.

[The Jamesian Republic]

The message would continue to repeat, with what sounded like faint, raucous laughter and inebriated Polish swearing occasionally in the background.
Demere Abebe is in another timeline communicating with Nura through his mind.
Who are you? Why do you want the girl? What does Biden have to do with this? Demere telepathically said.

The message halted, before a new voice spoke.
This is Major Annemarie Hoheim von Hohenfall of the 1st Thaumaturgical Warfare Regimental Combat Group. The self-styled Sultana Nura will be transported to a neutral country for trial regarding her crimes against peace and the Italian nation. Do not interfere or we will move in.

Fools! She will live. I know what you will do you will convict her and then she will die. We need her alive. You cannot find me. There is another way to end this. We will rescue her before you get to her. Demere said.

OOC: Can Insaanistan respond to my news post and Jason arriving at the palace.

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

The message halted, before a new voice spoke.
This is Major Annemarie Hoheim von Hohenfall of the 1st Thaumaturgical Warfare Regimental Combat Group. The self-styled Sultana Nura will be transported to a neutral country for trial regarding her crimes against peace and the Italian nation. Do not interfere or we will move in.

Fools! She will live. I know what you will do you will convict her and then she will die. We need her alive. You cannot find me. There is another way to end this. We will rescue her before you get to her. Demere said.

She is not going to die. We do not kill pregnant women; unlike her kind, we are not barbarians. And watch me, t*lepath.

[The Jamesian Republic]

Fools! She will live. I know what you will do you will convict her and then she will die. We need her alive. You cannot find me. There is another way to end this. We will rescue her before you get to her. Demere said.

She is not going to die. We do not kill pregnant women; unlike her kind, we are not barbarians. And watch me, t*lepath.

We will still have her. We help her escape. Demere said.

---

Nadia arrived in Muslimbol waiting for Jason. Mark would brief him and he and Jason will rescue Nura, but how soon will they be able to do the mission. The coven needs her or at least Svetlana says they need her. However she promised to give Nadia a large sum of cash. Hopefully it will all work out.

[Insaanistan]

Fools! She will live. I know what you will do you will convict her and then she will die. We need her alive. You cannot find me. There is another way to end this. We will rescue her before you get to her. Demere said.

She is not going to die. We do not kill pregnant women; unlike her kind, we are not barbarians. And watch me, t*lepath.

Nura began to tense.
What did you just say?

[Insaanistan]

(Image)

Another news broadcast from JTN:

An announcer says: Direct from our newsroom in Capitol City in color it is the JTN Evening News With Kent Mulligan.

“Good evening, the war in Italy continues. Multiple factions have begun a fight to the death to control the peninsula. To make matters worse The Sultana of Insaanistan, Nura Khan has gone missing. So far no actions from any nation on Gaia have taken military actions however President Lewis has announced that supplies will be given to the Insaani’s. He also denounced the actions of the Maoist faction in Italy. In Tulo Muslim protests continue. Their goal is to convince the Tuloan Parliament to send soldiers into Italy. However no actions have been taken. The reason they want soldiers in Italy is due to the fact that Muslims along with Arabs and Africans living in Italy have been roundup and killed by the Maoist faction. Led by a man known only as Mario. Similar protests happened in countries in Middle Orientum. In Nahdad a prayer vigil is being held for Nura’s safe return.” Kent explained.
The news went on to something else.

---

Jason arrived at the palace. Two guards asked him what he was doing. He hypnotized them to let him through. They did as they were commanded. Jason walked to the front door and knocked on them.

Soraya opened the doors.
“Who are you?”

[Langenia]

FROM: MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE
TO: ALL ASSETS AT STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR

LEAVE AREA AND PERMIT PRUSSIAN-POLISH AND AND CARIBBEAN FLEETS TO MOVE THROUGH. BE CAREFUL NOT TO ALERT INSAANI NAVY. CONTACT OFFICERS OF AFOREMENTIONED FLEETS AND INFORM THEM OF LANGENIAN DISENGAGEMENT AND THEIR OPPORTUNITY.

---

As the Prussian-Polish and Caribbean fleets prepared to force their way through the Strait, they would suddenly notice that some areas were devoid of warships. What did this mean? There was a free passage into the Mediterranean, right there in front of their eyes. The Langenian ships supposed to be guarding certain areas of the strait in support of the Insaanis were no longer there, opening up the opportunity to pass through without any battle. The Prussian-Polish and Caribbean officers would receive a message from their Langenian counterparts.

FROM: SURFACE BATTLE GROUP 2, LANGENIAN NATIONAL NAVY
TO: CARIBBEAN FLEET, PRUSSIAN-POLISH FLEET

OUR UNITS HAVE MOVE OUT OF STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR LEAVING LOOPHOLES IN THE BLOCKADE THAT CAN BE EXPLOITED IN ORDER FOR YOUR SHIPS TO MOVE THROUGH AND LIBERATE ITALY FROM THE GRASP OF ITS COLONIZERS. WE SUGGEST YOU MOVE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND ATTEMPT TO AVOID ALERTING THE INSAANI NAVY. GOOD LUCK.

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Berkant Veidhlín of the Tribe of Kildare.
Sewers beneath Rome.
Our little group neared the exit - thank God. From there, we would be extracted and, if I remembered the plan correctly, I would be brought to Pola. There, we would contact Fortham and organize support for the SWA, with whatever we could give them.
I was of the opinion, that a free and independent Italy would be a step into the right direction for the region.
If not, well... redemption was not a concept known to Selkie-Pagans.
I had half a mind to suggest taking care of Nura (I had been Ambassador of the Free Lands to Kyrenaia for a time, and believe me, Nura was not a Sultana, she was a girl playing dress-up) by whacking her over the head until she was unconscious, but the comment of Mariana was way better.
I grinned.
Liliane giggled.
We had no idea about the telepathic communication going on, but I was sure, that there would be options to convince her to not do that. I knew of her 'powers' and appropriate countermeasures would be taken.
Until then, she was bound, gagged and led with us.
And for now, the SWA would have to take care of her until I had organized everything with my superiors.
Those would be fun calls.

The group would emerge from the sewers, some distance from Rome, to find a line of men awaiting them, lead by a tense-looking strawberry-blonde. "Flash!" she called.
"Nate!" Hillshire responded, without hesitation.
"Jollibee." came the reply. She sized up the Selkie-delegation. "Look here, sitrep's changed. I don't know how the hell they're contacting her, but we need to move her, now. She'll have to leave with us-"
She noticed the Selkie-diplomats. "Who are these people?" she asked.
"Ambassadors from the Free Lands, Major von Hohenfall." Mariana replied.

The woman, apparently a Major, weighed her options.
"Right. You're in the middle of some magic bullshit going on so I'll cut to the chase. We're taking her off your hands now; there's a Pave Low swinging by soon to get us out of here and onto the ORP Kielece, from which we'll then offload her onto another ship. Good luck."

"Major-" Hillshire started to object, before Annemarie held up her hand. "Hillshire, Giuseppe, you are both great people and great allies, but, unless you want to deal with reality anchor bullshit and my boys blowing people up from the inside I suggest you hand her over NOW. You'll get your turn at browbeating her once she's on a ship."

"Fine." Giuseppe groused. "Take her."

He pushed Nura towards the commandos, after which one immediately slammed the stock of his rifle into the back of her head, knocking her out. Soon the helicopter would arrive and she would be thrown into a brig on the ORP Kielece; well away from any agents the Jamesians could send.

[The Jamesian Republic]

(Image)

Another news broadcast from JTN:

An announcer says: Direct from our newsroom in Capitol City in color it is the JTN Evening News With Kent Mulligan.

“Good evening, the war in Italy continues. Multiple factions have begun a fight to the death to control the peninsula. To make matters worse The Sultana of Insaanistan, Nura Khan has gone missing. So far no actions from any nation on Gaia have taken military actions however President Lewis has announced that supplies will be given to the Insaani’s. He also denounced the actions of the Maoist faction in Italy. In Tulo Muslim protests continue. Their goal is to convince the Tuloan Parliament to send soldiers into Italy. However no actions have been taken. The reason they want soldiers in Italy is due to the fact that Muslims along with Arabs and Africans living in Italy have been roundup and killed by the Maoist faction. Led by a man known only as Mario. Similar protests happened in countries in Middle Orientum. In Nahdad a prayer vigil is being held for Nura’s safe return.” Kent explained.
The news went on to something else.

---

Jason arrived at the palace. Two guards asked him what he was doing. He hypnotized them to let him through. They did as they were commanded. Jason walked to the front door and knocked on them.

Soraya opened the doors.
“Who are you?”

OOC: By now The Jamesian Republic and The United States opened diplomatic relations This also meant by extension they opened relations with Earth so They should have met.

IC: “I am Jason Carter. We met previously during the opening of relations between The Jamesian Republic and the United States. I just wanted to visit since I was in town and with everything going on I think you need a visitor.” Jason said.

[The Jamesian Republic]

Berkant Veidhlín of the Tribe of Kildare.
Sewers beneath Rome.
Our little group neared the exit - thank God. From there, we would be extracted and, if I remembered the plan correctly, I would be brought to Pola. There, we would contact Fortham and organize support for the SWA, with whatever we could give them.
I was of the opinion, that a free and independent Italy would be a step into the right direction for the region.
If not, well... redemption was not a concept known to Selkie-Pagans.
I had half a mind to suggest taking care of Nura (I had been Ambassador of the Free Lands to Kyrenaia for a time, and believe me, Nura was not a Sultana, she was a girl playing dress-up) by whacking her over the head until she was unconscious, but the comment of Mariana was way better.
I grinned.
Liliane giggled.
We had no idea about the telepathic communication going on, but I was sure, that there would be options to convince her to not do that. I knew of her 'powers' and appropriate countermeasures would be taken.
Until then, she was bound, gagged and led with us.
And for now, the SWA would have to take care of her until I had organized everything with my superiors.
Those would be fun calls.

The group would emerge from the sewers, some distance from Rome, to find a line of men awaiting them, lead by a tense-looking strawberry-blonde. "Flash!" she called.
"Nate!" Hillshire responded, without hesitation.
"Jollibee." came the reply. She sized up the Selkie-delegation. "Look here, sitrep's changed. I don't know how the hell they're contacting her, but we need to move her, now. She'll have to leave with us-"
She noticed the Selkie-diplomats. "Who are these people?" she asked.
"Ambassadors from the Free Lands, Major von Hohenfall." Mariana replied.

The woman, apparently a Major, weighed her options.
"Right. You're in the middle of some magic bullshit going on so I'll cut to the chase. We're taking her off your hands now; there's a Pave Low swinging by soon to get us out of here and onto the ORP Kielece, from which we'll then offload her onto another ship. Good luck."

"Major-" Hillshire started to object, before Annemarie held up her hand. "Hillshire, Giuseppe, you are both great people and great allies, but, unless you want to deal with reality anchor bullshit and my boys blowing people up from the inside I suggest you hand her over NOW. You'll get your turn at browbeating her once she's on a ship."

"Fine." Giuseppe groused. "Take her."

He pushed Nura towards the commandos, after which one immediately slammed the stock of his rifle into the back of her head, knocking her out. Soon the helicopter would arrive and she would be thrown into a brig on the ORP Kielece; well away from any agents the Jamesians could send.

Nadia the Polish have her. You are on your own now. Jason Carter can’t help you. Svetlana said. Teleport to Rome and stop the truck. “Alright fine. I am going.” Nadia said aloud. Nadia teleported to Rome.

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Nadia the Polish have her. You are on your own now. Jason Carter can’t help you. Svetlana said. Teleport to Rome and stop the truck. “Alright fine. I am going.” Nadia said aloud. Nadia teleported to Rome.

OOC: Voided due to teleportation. Weren't you supposed to be neutral to begin with?

[New Antarcticania]

"You have to be shitting me, godamm millitary intelligence"

"What do we do now, Sir?"

".........screw it, we cant stall the offensive any longer, Order the battlefleet to push through the strait, and I'll try agian"

"Yes, sir!"
A sailor rushes to the signal post, and hands a envelope to the Signals officer, A couple minutes later, the Entire Antartican fleet is moving through the gibaltar strait, while the Rear admiral is sending another transmission

"This is the Antartican flagship Stalingrad to any Langleian, Polish-prussian, or Caribbean vessel in the Gibaltar strait, please respond if you hear this transmission, out"

[The Jamesian Republic]

Nadia the Polish have her. You are on your own now. Jason Carter can’t help you. Svetlana said. Teleport to Rome and stop the truck. “Alright fine. I am going.” Nadia said aloud. Nadia teleported to Rome.

OOC: Voided due to teleportation. Weren't you supposed to be neutral to begin with?

Yes but it isn’t the Jamesian Government it is a Coven who is doing this. I will change it to where she now has to rethink her plan.

[Insaanistan]

Soraya opened the doors.
“Who are you?”

OOC: By now The Jamesian Republic and The United States opened diplomatic relations This also meant by extension they opened relations with Earth so They should have met.

IC: “I am Jason Carter. We met previously during the opening of relations between The Jamesian Republic and the United States. I just wanted to visit since I was in town and with everything going on I think you need a visitor.” Jason said.

“Ah. Thank you. Come in, please.”

[The Jamesian Republic]

OOC: By now The Jamesian Republic and The United States opened diplomatic relations This also meant by extension they opened relations with Earth so They should have met.

IC: “I am Jason Carter. We met previously during the opening of relations between The Jamesian Republic and the United States. I just wanted to visit since I was in town and with everything going on I think you need a visitor.” Jason said.

“Ah. Thank you. Come in, please.”

“Thank you.” Jason said. Jason took off his bomber pilots jacket and went into the living room.

[Gongsi]

Sankêuyong, Federal Republic of Gongsi

The National Assembly, already in session to debate the extent of support that Gongsi should provide in Italy, exploded into chaos as news of the war begins filtering in. The Social Democrats who held majority refused to change their position and are committed to remaining neutral. However, an opposition composed of a strange alliance between the Islamic Socialists and the Christian Democrats demanded sending expeditionary forces to aid Insaanistan, outraged at the perceived expansion of European hegemony. The bickering continued for hours, but a recess was called when a Christian Democrat representative leapt up and assaulted one of the Social Democrats. Until the issue was resolved, Gongsi would continue to be locked into its previously determined course.

Meanwhile, President Cheng Kianho paced his office nervously. What was once a simple diplomatic mission, aimed at easing tensions with the Islamic Socialists in Gongsi, had now exploded. Soldier were embarking on ships and preparing to enter a warzone halfway across the world, some of which would inevitably return in body bags. At best Gongsi would help a few civilians in Italy, at worst it would find itself at war with a majority of Europe. Barely able to stand against the military of Indonesia, there was no doubt in Cheng's mind that the European powers would see Gongsi destroyed in some way or another if it came to war. And, no matter which way things went, Gongsi's domestic issues were only going to get worse.

"Mr. President?" Cheng's secretary called from the doorway. "General Zu wants confirmation that this will be a strictly humanitarian mission. How should I respond?"

Cheng took a deep breath. "Tell him that he is correct, but the National Assembly may yet decide otherwise."

"Of course, sir."

There was no going back now. The die had been cast, and Cheng did not like his odds.

---

GNS Hoitun, Civitavecchia Port of Rome

Gongsian sailors, who had only recently disembarked for leave, were now scrambling back to the Hoitun. Those already aboard rushed about, ensuring the ship's CIWS was operational and closing hatches that had been opened for inspection. Missiles were being loaded and marines were arming themselves in case of boarders. Diplomat Iên Limsung had been escorted back to his quarters, no longer able to carry out his mission in Italy. All the while, Admiral Yi prepared for the worse.

"What's the status on our receiver?"

"Techs say it's still bugged," the communications officer answered. "They say it could be days before they get it working again."

"We don't have days!" Admiral Yi shouted, slamming his fist onto the desk. "If they can't get it up before we weigh anchor then you're going out there with semaphore flags until it's done! We can't risk running into another ship without being able to communicate. Now get them moving!"

"Yes, sir!"

Admiral Yi rubbed his temples, stopping only to pop a painkiller capsule into his mouth. By his reasoning, they should have at least until Gibraltar falls to evacuate the Mediterranean. So long as Gongsi wasn't at war with Insaanistan, that is. Otherwise it would be one hell of a fight to break through the Suez.

---

Merchant Vessel Hong Muanhe, 12 Miles from Suez

Khaitjah nervously rapped her fingers along the ship's guardrail. Word had reached her that the conflict in Italy had escalated into an all-out war against Insaanistan, something she had not been anticipating. The GSI would no longer be going up against Maoist rebels, but a majority of Europe's military might. Worse, any aid Khatijah had hoped to receive from Insaanistan would likely be next to non-existent.

"How much longer to Suez?" she asked the captain.

"Shouldn't be much more," he replied. "In fact, we should be entering the Suez Canal Authority zone in a few minutes."

Time was running out for Khatijah to make a decision. She either needed to sneak into Italy unassisted or officially side with Insaanistan. Neither option was looking great at the moment. The volunteers aboard her ship and several others were a mixed bag, some having held a gun for the first time only days before their departure from Gongsi. Underequipped, inexperienced, and outsized, there was little hope for the GSI volunteers if they had to take a well equipped enemy head-on.

There wasn't even a guarantee Insaanistan would take their offer well. They had only recently dealt with a communist uprising, and while the GSI shared in the common brotherhood of Islam with them, the GSI was also socialist. Would the Insaani's see them as yet more communist terrorists? Only time would tell.

"Suez Canal Authority? This is the merchant vessel Hong Muanhe requesting access through the canal. Sending our ship's manifest now. Our purpose? We...uh..."

Khatijah pushed the captain out of the way, taking the radio from him. "Suez Canal Authority, this is Khatijah Ahmad of the Gerakan Sosialis Islam. We are here to lend our support in this conflict. Please, let us get in contact with whoever is in charge of Insaani military operations so that we can assist where needed, insya Allah."

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

OOC: Gongsi out here with quality posts. Based.