A Banana War [Dead]

[Mareyland]

OOC: This RP is officially declared DEAD - please do not post any further on this thread

The year is 1907.

The Republic of Honduragua spent most of the 19th century in turmoil. After the assassination of General Jose Olivaro, El Libertador, the newly-independent country was thrown into chaos. A succession of strongmen took power and lost it just as quickly. Banditry was rampant across the countryside. But in the 1870s, General Victor Durando finally brought peace and stability to Honduragua. His handpicked successor, Jose Avellanos, has promised to bring economic prosperity to his people.

To make Honduragua a prosperous nation, President Avellanos turned to foreign investors. Wealthy men and nations poured in money and resources to develop the Honduraguan economy. They laid down railroads, excavated silver and copper mines, erected lumber mills, and established plantations for the cultivation of coffee, bananas, and other cash crops. This influx of capital made some in Honduragua very wealthy. But for every man enriched by the foreigners, ten men were driven off their lands to make way for banana groves, or forced to labor in mines for a pittance wage. And the foreigners took the great share of the wealth for themselves.

President Avellanos asked for patience and understanding. The task of developing an economy was not a simple one. But patience had run out. Now he faces an uprising aimed at toppling his government and fundamentally altering the relationship between Honduragua and its foreign investors.

The rebellion is a two-headed hydra: on the coast, General Juan Murillo - known as the “Tiger of Tecala” for his role in harshly suppressing an uprising in the city of that name - has mobilized his loyal troops in rebellion against Avellanos. Murillo and his army have taken control of Tecala and they are advancing on Sulaco, the largest port city in the country and its primary point of exit for export goods. To the west, in the mountainous hinterlands, General Pedro Montero has raised his banner in opposition as well. While Murillo is a nationalist who simply seeks to end foreign domination of Honduragua’s economy, Montero is a liberal stalwart. He and his allies seek to not merely depose Avellanos, but to restructure the country’s political and social institutions. Montero’s troops are marching from their base in the city of Balio, heading for the capital city of Olivaro.

President Avellanos has requested foreign assistance, especially from those nations with existing investments in Honduragua. The Republic of Mareyland, the largest single investor in the country, has already announced its intentions to dispatch warships and soldiers to Honduragua, to protect Mareyland interests and nationals and help uphold the legitimate government of the nation.

OOC: For more information on Honduragua, see this factbook.

[Soveiniesberg]

saving this thread for later

[Nationalist Northumbria]

Alvin Ashleigh offers Northumbrian assistance.

[The United States of Ibica]

Executive Residence
Willmington

President Theodore Barr took in the information from his advisors as they brief him on the escalating situation in Honduragua. With the heavy involvement of Ibican magnates in their economy, the situation cannot be ignored. But can he justify sending in troops to help the government. What's more, there's an election coming up, he has to be careful. The collapse of Ibican investments in the country would hurt our economy at a time that the politics of his situation couldn't support. And the optics of it. Send young Ibicans to die abroad for what many will see as economic reasons. Or abandon an ally and allow fledgling democracy to fall. No matter what he does one of those lines will be used against him in debates next year.

He turned to the Secretary of Defense across the table, "I'm going to allow you to send a few ships, and put together a Marine battlegroup together. This is to protect Ibican and friendly foreigners only. I'm going to ask Congress for permission to get more involved. Do you think Honduragua can hold out without help?"

Secretary Henderson let out a long sigh before sitting back out to answer the question. "Without any help, no. There are other nations assisting. The question isn't really can Avellanos hold out. It's how much damage can this insurrection cause before its put down."

Barr nodded and looked to the Secretary of State, "Mark, I want you to reach out to Mareyland, see if we can coordinate support. Reach out to Avellanos as well and see what their military is going to need most."

Immediately following the above meeting, Secretary Henderson gave directions to the Navy and Marine Corp. The navy will deploy 2 (Non Dreadnaught) Elizabeth Class Battleships and 4 Norton Class Destroyers, and the Marine Corps will gather a small battle group to deploy along with them. Their primary objective will be to protect civilian traffic to and from Sulaco, and gather intelligence to inform further involvement in the conflict. Half the ships are to deploy immediately, the other three waiting to escort the Marine Transport once they have been prepared.

• Ibican Navy
  
  • INS Cuyoga Battleship
  • INS St. Clarke Battleship
  • INS Chadwick Destroyer
  • INS Evered Destroyer
  • INS Tracy Destroyer
  • INS Jarvis Destroyer
• Ibican Marine Corp
  
  • "Battle Group Honduragua (4200 Marines)
    
    • Hq Battalion
    • 8th Infantry Battalion
    • 12th Infantry Battalion
    • 24th Infantry Battalion
    • 21st Support Battalion
    • 15th Logistics Battalion

To: President Avellanos
From: Secretary of State Mark Reynolds

Mr. President,

We have been made aware of how the situation has begun to escalate, and given our recent growth in ties, we feel obligated to offer assistance. We are preparing to deploy a small force to help protect Sulaco and the civilian traffic through its port. We are willing to offer more support, and would like to know what and where you need assistance, whether it be monetary, supplies, or manpower. We have been happy to see a new democracy growing, and are committed to seeing that continue.

Sincerely
Mark Reynolds
Secretary of State
The United States of Ibica

[Mareyland]

For reference, this is the railroad map of Honduragua:

The lines in red are railroads built by the Honduragua Company of The United States of Ibica
The lines in orange are the railroads built by the National Rail and Road Corporation of Bakaviaa
The lines in green are the railroads built by the York Company of Auxington

Barr nodded and looked to the Secretary of State, "Mark, I want you to reach out to Mareyland, see if we can coordinate support. Reach out to Avellanos as well and see what their military is going to need most."

Hillsborough
Capital of Mareyland

President Alfred MacAlister and his Cabinet had assembled to discuss the situation in Honduragua. The small tropical republic had been of no concern to the people or governments of Mareyland until the turn of the century, when it had become a place for investment and profit. In a short period of time, wealthy Mareylanders had poured money into the country, and reaped a handsome reward in return. Now that wealth was threatened by revolution. The nationalists under General Murillo spoke openly of nationalizing railroads and other infrastructure that had been built through foreign investment, while the liberals under General Montero promised land reform that would dismantle the large plantations that provided Mareylanders with cheap bananas and coffee.

President MacAlister and his government could not permit the rebels to succeed in toppling Jose Avellanos. At the same time, they also could not permit other nations to supplant Mareyland’s influence in Honduragua. Mareyland had to lead the intervention.

“We already have some forces in Sulaco,” the Secretary of War explained. “The cruiser Dauntless was in Sulaco harbor when news of the rebellion arrived. The captain put his Marines and as many armed sailors as he could ashore, to defend foreign nationals. Several hundred additional Marines are on their way from Guarma, and then more are deploying from the mainland.”

The island of Guarma was Mareyland’s lone colony, a tropical island that had been taken from Maldonia - the same Old World empire that had once ruled Honduragua - after a short war in the 1890s. The remainder of Marines marked for deployment to Honduragua would have to come from mainland Mareyland, and thus take longer.

“We have also received a communication from the Ibican ambassador,” the Secretary of Foreign Affairs announced. “They are planning to intervene to protect their investments, which are considerable. They want to coordinate with us.”

“Hmmph.” President MacAlister stroked his chin. “Well, better they work with us than against us. Let them know we’re open to cooperation - but let’s keep a close eye on them, got it? Don’t want them trying to pull this whole thing out from under us.”

To: Secretary of State Mark Reynolds
From: Secretary of Foreign Affairs James Prescott

Sir,

I have received your message regarding the possibility of cooperation regarding the situation in Honduragua. While we believe that Honduragua falls firmly within Mareyland’s sphere of influence, we are willing to work with you to restore order and protect foreign nationals. Please refer any communications about military affairs to the War Department, and Secretary of War Thomas Harrison.

Yours,
James Prescott
Secretary of Foreign Affairs
Republic of Mareyland

[Zaambate Te Ahaa]

A Brief Summation of the Legend of Saint Cassius, and the history of San Cassio from 1903-1907 ~

Saint Cassius was likely Egyptian, but conflicting reports suggest he may have been Spanish or Aháàng, if he lived, but all accounts say that he lived in the late 10th and early 11th century C.E. In this time, King Richard's armies ravaged Africa and the Saracens raced to meet them. Aháà, for a while, was safely out of their way, and paid tribute to Saladin by arms and gold in secret, for his armies were nearer. The Catholics learned of this, however, and turnes their blades to Aháà, but at this time the Muslims also turned against Aháà, because it was found mercenaries from the islands were pledging to Richard's cause, and the Muslims thought they were betrayed. Now the northern islands of Zaambate Té Aháà were a theater that the two armies hopped to get to one another, and Aháà, who they felt slighted them.

Saint Cassius, whos real name may have been Casio or Kesion, or Kasion, and today is calles Kasion-the-Deliverer, commanded a boat into the waters off an island called Jiram then, and Christmas Island now, and moved inbetween Richard and Saladin's fleets as a sheep in between two hoards of wolves. With prayer he willed the waves to prevent their clashing, it is said, and with the diplomacy for which Aháà was known he turned their fleets away from Aháà, saving all the islands from the fires of the Crusades at their hottest. Later he became the Master Cleric of the Temple of Aháà, and after he died a Great Spirit, centuries later being dubbed the patron saint of Aháà.

It is in his spirit that the San Cassio expedition thought itself the successors, taming the hostile lands of the world with diplomacy and goodwill, and that was mostly their intention; where their true intent conflicts, we will discuss shortly. Now, in our story, we come to the year 1903, when president Avellano of Honduragua sent out his message seeking investment in the nation of Honduragua, and when that message found itself in the court of Nkolé Ombâseyo I, who was in his 43rd year as the crowned lord of Aháà, the elderly leader needed little convincing in the opportunity. He was a calm and reserved king, and though he knew he wanted to invest he decided he would delegate such ideas to the Temple, who seemed equally as eager, and the various guilds who also took interest. Into their capable hands passed what was becoming the San Cassio Expedition, and the Recruiters' Guild wasted no time in sending the message.

Volunteers were so plentiful that many were turned away for fear the Honduraguans would think it an invasion force, and yet the benefactors were quite specific about their desires. Farmers, miners, and lumberjacks would make up the primary expedition, and also called were the woodsmen of the southern jungles, to hunt, track, and guide them. 15 Clerics were among these ranks as well, to establish a temple proper in that land, and the greatest requirement for the San Cassio Expedition was that each person (or, one person per family, as many brought along children and spouse as well) speak Spanish competently, or at least a Spanish-Maxatanga pidgin fluently. The military provided two ships for the little under 200 settlers, and on an eve of much jubilation and well wishing, they departed from the Sighing Coast, coasted through the Indian Ocean to the Meditteranean, and from there (after a brief stop near Gibraltar) began their journey across the long ocean proper. I am happy to say, they found fish when needed, and good health for all their journey to Sulaco.

It was in Sulaco that two important families lost their heart, the Nenebane and the Xubanu, who were respected merchant families who purchased property in the safet and prosperity of Sulaco, where they came to be known as tragic but charitable families. The loss made there was made up for however, in Honduraguans and other foreigners who were recruited by the goodwill of the Aháàng, and their promises of adventure and wealth. In each city they came to on their way to Olivaro, they wre shunned by many as job stealers for their work on the railroads, but others too welcomed them, including other foreign investors who saw this charity work as free labor. They would lose the last of their faint hearted in Olivaro, and around 110 of the original settlers remained, bolstered by the host they gathered along the way.

It was in Olivaro that they met Ramon Alcarez, their provisional governor, and from that moment forward they called him "hero Alcarez" and gave him many praises. As he led them on their final leg of their journey, they had to pay Arumbaya to guide them when their own woodsmen or Alcarez could not, and they paid them overmuch in an attempt to recruit them for the settlement. Sparingly, this all worked, but did not prevent their final venture from being the saddest leg, as disease and predation took a few of the well loved in the party. They followed a migrating flock of flamingos at the last, and these flamingos delivered them to a destination that they decided was the most optimal for their settlement. That day, the lumberjacks and farmers began committing to clearing and preparing the land, and the woodsmen set out hunting, and in two months time all was so well constructed that a banquet was held in the honor of San Cassio, which now was a permanent settlement with standing, permanent structures.

In the years to follow, San Cassio grew and was prosperous for itself, but noy necessarily others. Sp profitable was it to itself, that it established 7 outposts radiating outwards into the surrounding country with a mine to their west in the mountains (which they paid the native Bibaro to guard, and to overlook in their raids), two farms to the east and north and two mills in proximity to those farms, a vast plantation in the north (which was owned by the family Manewanahe, who grew tobacco so abundantly in the first and all the years after that it quickly became said they had an alliance with native spirits, and therefor to them were differed matters of spiritual questioning, and were otherwise very influential in the point that they attempted to form a new Merchants' Guild in Honduragua), and a small shanty town to the northeast, to be a respite between Olivaro and San Cassio.

In these four years they made arrangements that were profitable to them, and the Arumbaya and the Bibaro; they gifted their excess to these peoples often, and welcomed them willingly into their gates and accepted them as citizens and were eager and generous in trade agreements so as to stay native wrath (though they were not without conflict). The clerics served the Temple, and the Temple, perhaps the largest benefactor in the venture, had ulterior motives as Avellanos contemporaries feared, but not quite the ones they had feared. The clerics took the time to learn the languages of the Bibaro and the Arumbaya and to document them, and they began the process of syncretizing their native beliefs into the Temple of Great Unity's canon, that the worships
of their gods was present in San Cassio, making them more likely to assimilate.

The Temple of Greater Unity's second goal was less innocuous. In all their works, the environmental laws of old Aháà were observed which actually yielded little output, to ensure thebeautyand sustenance of the land. This was why they were so eager to occupy lands in all three regions of Honduragua, and they made great pains to assure that profits never exceeded care. Ramon Alcarez was quite amenable to this, as he had no desires to contradict the clerics and the Manewanahe who supported them. He was usually amenable to the wishes of the settlers, and if it weren't for the heaps of praise they threw onto him one would think they were self sufficient, or that Alcarez would be but another clerk. Their praise made him complacent, and as long as enough goods got back to Olivaro and the rest of Honduragua to be profitable, which it did, he found no reason to deny their wishes. Even more profitable, however, were the goods being shipped to Aháà, and in those years Zaambate Té Ahá saw th best returns anyone saw outside of San Cassio itself. So popular became the tobacco from Honduragua, that in Aháà, "a Sã Kesion" was popular slang for a cigarette by 1906, and today the word "Sã" can mean 'Saint', 'cross/crucifix', or 'cigar/cigarette' based on the context, leading often to confusion and frustration for those who crave nicotine in the proximity of temples and churches.

And now, in 1907...

Multi-ethnic, self sufficient, and the gateway between the wilds and civilization, San Cassio is now in an unfavorable position. More goods are being paid to the Bibaro in an attempt to recruit them asspies in the mountains, paying them to track the movements of Montero and his forces for advanced warning of the coming enemies, though in truth there were whispers of Montero being righteous in cause. The letters appraising Nkolé Warhegel, the successor upon the passing of Ombâseyo the First in 1905, of the situation were liberal with fear, and news that if Sulaco should fall that the gravy train to Aháà would be put on hold indefinitely. Ombâseyo the First was patient and wise, but Warhegel was young, with hot blood, and so a message of his own he sent to Avellanos.

"Keep in mind the investments of my predecessor, for it is his ghost will have unrest if San Cassio should be broken from our bosom," his letter read in part. "I pray of you twice: first that you tell me what it is that you are doing to protect my investments in Honduragua, and of those like me? Secondly, that you understand that based upon your answer, it may come to the regrettable conclusion that Aháâ will need to beoe militarily involved in Honduraguan affairs. I fear not this, as it would be my responsibility to protect all those in San Cassio, and all those you have brought to your land by promises of bounty. Your promise you may have fulfilled, but mine I shall as well if I am not with haste assured that the situation is within your controlling. I look forward to hearing from you very shortly, friend Avellanos."

Ramon had stopped responding to the Nkolé shortly after Ombâseyo died, and Warhegel stopped writing to Ramon shortly after that. He had come to have a hotline of sorts directly with Avellanos, and many steaming letters piled there with all of Warhegel's worries and complaints. This one was labeled "urgent, of national importance", however, and Warhegel would send anothe hot on its heels if he did not hear back very, very soon, but with a company of riflemen to assure its poignant delivery.

[Mareyland]

OOC: replies from the Avellanos government will come in my next post

Sulaco
Major Port in Honduragua

The city was vibrating with panic. The bustling port city was the gateway to and from Honduragua - it was the primary port of entry and exit for goods and people. It had the largest population of foreign nationals, and that added another layer of fear. General Juan Murillo was known as the “Tiger of Tecala” for good reason. When a rebellion had erupted in the slums around the smaller secondary port city, Murillo had led his soldiers in to put it down with brutal force. Hundreds had died. Now he had taken control of that same city in a rebellion of his own. Rumors swirled through Sulaco - people said that Murillo was marching on the city and intended to kill every foreigner his army could find.

Those rumors were especially alarming to Samuel Beechworth, captain of the Mareyland warship R.M.S. Dauntless. The armored cruiser had been “showing the flag” in Sulaco harbor. Such visits from Mareyland warships had become more common in recent years, especially as foreign investment from nations other than Mareyland had picked up. Now, Captain Beechworth was in the midst of a chaotic situation. The mayor of the city had begged him to place Sulaco under his protection, believing that this might convince Murillo to avoid attacking or besieging the city.

Beechworth had a small number of Marines and a slightly larger number of armed sailor “bluejackets” at his disposal. It was not enough to actually defend the city. But he knew more Marines were coming. So he gave the order. Marines and bluejackets spilled off the gangplank of the Dauntless and onto the streets. Most of the troops were sent to patrol the consulates and hotels in the quarter of the city where most foreigners lived.

[Bakaviaa]

To: President Avellanos

Mr. President,

The Government of the Republic of Bakaviaa apologizes for the lack of immediate assistance. The thought of leftist and liberal ideas like socialism still leave bad tastes on the mouths of all Bakaviaans. For that reason the Bakaviaan government and people see the significance of a free and democratic state like Honduragua. Effective immediately, the leader of Bakaviaa has authorized the deployment of the Royal Bakaviaan Navy and Bakaviaan Army under the command of Admiral Kinsaw Jones and General Gray Dickson.

The list of aids you will receive are,

• BNS Ailey Battleship
• BNS Viaana Battleship
• Serandoa Destroyer
• (Prototype) BNS Raj Dreadnought
  
• 17th Infantry Battalion
• 18th Infantry Battalion
• 19th Infantry Battalion
• 25th Support Battalion
• 24th Logistics Battalion

The leader of Bakaviaa refuses to catapult his nation into an aggression alone. For that reason, Honduragua will receive aid from the military of Bakaviaa as a defense force around the harbor city of Sulaco. The various foreign powers intervening in Honduragua will have to work together to launch an aggression. The brave soldiers of Bakaviaa are more than pawns to be used mindlessly. Any large losses due to careless thinking will result in absolute consequences on those responsible.

The Government of Bakaviaa sends their regards. Godspeed.

[Mareyland]

Olivaro
Capital of Honduragua

President Jose Avellanos thundered defiance at the rebels from the capital city. In a speech before a crowd of cheering supporters, he pledged to fight, “with every last breath, with every ounce of my strength, and with every weapon at my disposal!” General Murillo was a traitor and a fool, he told the crowd. He would see Honduraguans cast back into a pre-industrial state, simply to satisfy his own pathetic insecurities. But General Montero was worse, he cautioned. He was the head of an evil snake that sought to destroy the social order. Cardinal Gustavo Serrano, the highest-ranking official of the Catholic Church in Honduragua, added his own fiery condemnation of Montero and his liberal allies.

In private, however, the situation provoked more concern. The two heads of the rebel hydra threatened to bite at him from either side. The National Guard was only a little removed from being a collection of militias and bandits who had “gone respectable” by siding with Victor Durando’s campaign of national unification and pacification. It remained divided by faction and localism - hence the ease with which the two traitor generals had swayed the men around them to their cause. While the loyalist forces outnumbered either of the two rebel armies, to concentrate against one would leave nothing to stop the advance of the other. At least both sides were equally poorly armed; the Guard had very little in the way of heavy weapons or artillery.

“We must concentrate against Montero,” one advisor insisted to El Presidente. “He presents the more immediate threat. His troops are marching from Balio directly towards the capital.”

“But he can only move so quickly through the foothills and the jungle,” another advisor countered. “Murillo threatens Sulaco, and our lifeline to the world. If he cuts us off from foreign aid…”

“The Mareylanders have already landed troops at Sulaco,” the first man reminded the second. “And we have other offers of aid, from the Ibicanos. They can hold off Murillo.”

“I agree,” President Avellanos said. “Send the larger force to the west, to counter Montero. He represents the greater political threat as well. We must tear up the liberals, branch and root, or they will continue to plot against us. Now show me the message from Ibica.”

To: Secretary Reynolds
From: President Jose Avellanos

Sir,

I would welcome the assistance of your forces in suppressing these lawless rebels, and ensuring security for your investments here in Honduragua.

My nation’s military is small, and underequipped to fight such a battle. We need modern weapons, and men to instruct my soldiers in their use. In addition, an army marches on its stomach, and my army must now march in two directions at once. This war will be expensive, and my government will require financial assistance to keep our loyal soldiers paid.

Signed,

Jose Avellanos
President of the Republic of Honduragua

The next message was from San Cassio, the Ahaang settlement in the southwest. President Avellanos had received many letters from the “Nkole,” the word that they used to mean “leader.” Many of them were little more than lists of grievances and worries, and the President paid them little mind. Major Ramon Alcazar was supposed to be the one handling such trivial matters, not the President of the Republic!

Jose Avellanos scanned this latest missive. Of course, Warhegel wanted reassurances that his little community would be kept safe from the rebels. As if the rebels had any reason to march all the way down there! But such fears were spreading all over the country now - everyone seemed to think they were at the top of the rebels’ list of targets. He could calm Warhegel’s nerves without expending significant resources.

To the Nkole Warhegel

Friend,

The concern you show for the safety of your people is to be commended. I understand you are worried for your community. Allow me to reassure you that I am doing everything within my power to end this uprising as quickly as possible.

To further assuage your fears, I offer the following: first, Major Alcazar is hereby promoted to the rank of Colonel, effective immediately. Second, I will dispatch a second company of soldiers to protect San Cassio from the depredations of the rebels and any banditry on the part of the Bibaro. Third, I hereby authorize you to raise a force of militia, numbering up to 300 men, for the defense of your community. You may appoint officers up the rank of Captain, and they will work alongside the soldiers under Colonel Alcazar to ensure the safety of San Cassio.

Yours,
Jose Avellanos
President of the Republic of Honduragua

The final message was from Bakaviaa. Alongside the Ibicans, they were one of the largest investors in Honduragua besides Mareyland. Like the Ibicans, they were concerned mostly with protecting their own people, at least for the moment. President Avellanos suspected that once their forces had arrived in the country, he could get them to do more than sit around protecting Sulaco. Indeed, his best hope for ending this rebellion was to use the foreign troops to crush Murillo and Montero’s rebel armies.

To: The Government of Bakaviaa
From: President Jose Avellanos

Gentlemen,

I would welcome the assistance of your forces in suppressing these lawless rebels, and ensuring security for your investments here in Honduragua.

I have sent word to the mayor of Sulaco, informing him of your intentions to land and defend the city against the depredations of General Murillo. I have also passed your message along to representatives from the governments of Mareyland and Ibica, who have also offered my government military support.

Signed,

Jose Avellanos
President of the Republic of Honduragua

[Zaambate Te Ahaa]

Sânkot', The Royal Chamber

Warhegel laughed, but nothing was funny. He'd had his wits end with Alcazar, and now Avellanos ws trying to give him the run around too? Did he not understand how much Warhegel had to prove? Warhegel (née Tulio de Bon) was the first Nkolé to come from the Höhenzoller-Xuigebo line (yes, those Höhenzollern's, whom a centuries long alliance with the Spanish had brought to the country) and felt entitled to much more than the previous Nkolé had wrought. Warhegel knew that Ombâseyo was loved by the people, but he thought him a fool, and a pushover to Alcazar and Avellanos, his complacency weakness while the fire in Warhegel's breast was, obviously, strength.

"Very good. Send a message to Alcazar, tell him he has been promoted for all the good work hr has done keeping his thumbs beneath him. Tell him to build a militia, see if he even opens it up!"

"Colonel..." The translator began, their fingers moving fast as they typed. "Militia... Three hundred..."

"Strike that." Announced Warhegel. "As many militants as are willing to defend San Cassio will be allowed to do so. The whims of Avellanos are no more than suggestions to me when the lives of the mBaháàï are in balance."

"Nkolé, blessed and wise, who's sword is blessed by Odin, who causes the widows to wail," the translator spoke with caution. "Does that not seem openly hostile?"

"Maybe it will encourage regular replies. But don't bother with another to Avellanos. He is so good at figuring things out for himself, maybe he should lead my men in combat." He laughed again,d the translator did not. "Sã." He commanded, and as if on cue a large, Honduraguan cigar found its way into his eager, pulse-driven palm.

Sulaco, and the Outskirts of

The Nenebane and the Xubanu were tragic families, as i have said, and the tragedy of Sulaco was also theirs even after all their own woes had accumulated. Regarding the Xubanu, they came over the sea 13 in number, but six of them perished in that first year, shortly after the San Casso Expeition left Sulaco, of a particularly nasty influenza. Five more died in 1905, one being lost at sea, another in the wilds of the Mosquito Coast, and the remaining three died of, again, influenza. Djara Xubanu, the older brother of one Keneu'ta Xubanu, died in 1906 after losing a duel with Kadar Nenebane, now incarcerated. Djara chose their father's sword for the occasion, and Kadar chose a Turkish made pistol, and from then on Keneu'ta Xubanu lived quiet and lonely, eating little and sleeping often.

After that, he took to calling himself Xu (pronounced keh-soo) after his ancestors, and his perished family, and he stopped writing to the Xubanu who still lived in Aháà, and his other relations, as he wanted them to think he were dead as well, and he worked for his food in ways that may have been unconventional. Wherever allowed, Xu would set up a blanket and surround himself with the things he made of the wood his brother brought him in the days before he died, usually fetishes of various Catholic saints and abstract wood carvings, and he'd sit there and play the flute that he made from the same wood until he had gotten his share of money, ran out of items he brought, or someone became annoyed and hastled him away. To the soldiers of Mareyland, who were often passing himn(and often ignoring him), he offered discounts, and took requests for tunes on his flute; Xu's face and woodwork had reached renown, but his story and his name were often compacted just to "Xu, who seeks to eat."

The Nenebane were busy mourning the loss of Kadar, and the only one of them who ever bought from Xu was the first cause of the Nenebane's troubles; their patriarch, Tahito, was a cleric of the 16th Order of St. Cassius, and was a doomsayer. He told the Xubanu they were doomed if they remained a party of 13, he told the San Cassio Expedition they would go on without their cleric for Sulaco was the true holy land of Honduragua, and he had predicted the rebellion two weeks in advance. And he bought Xu's carvings of Cassius, and always paid him twice for it, for he felt terrible for the tragedy his third son had caused for Xu.

His first son was Pamedare, a strong and proud man who had been quite young on his first military mission, as a volunteer in Shimono many decades ago, and now was a man of honor. His second son, Sesidu, was not as bold, and considerably younger. "When the rebels come", Sesidu started at dinner one night. "It will take more than blue jackets and pitiable Honduraguan marines to repel them. Would it be better to side with the socialist and plead for mercy from him, to save us from the coming Tiger? They wish us dead, and would have no mercy on us."

"It will take warriors, and warriors live here." Pademare stated as a fact, never looking up. "I have made arrangements with father's blessings that the women and young are to be evacuated to Maguadora, and from there straight to San Theodoros. If Sulaco falls, they will receive word, and relocate to San Cassio. They will leave in the morning, and then all who remain in this household will enlist to fight." Sesidu looked at his older brother with bewilderment. "If Mareyland will not fight alongside an old man, I'm sure Honduragua will be less discerning." The rest of the meal was eaten in silence, and in the morning the womenfolk and the children of the Nenebane departed by horse and carriage onto the road to Maguadora.

When they camped that night, they were joined, shockingly, by three men from Aháà, coming from San Cassio to Sulaco. They told the three travelers that Sulaco would soon be under siege, and they were politely informed that that was the point, and that the travellers would make haste for the gates before the morning sun so as to not be caught outside. These three were a woodsman, Ioru-the-Blade, who was the driver and guard for the other two, Kemetenito Boripuri, an artist and a cleric, and Basá Tedo, a scientist, and eagerly they gave their purpose.

In the Aháàng tradition of Palindromic literature (two books written within one book, with one being written right-left, and the other left-right, until the ends of both books met in the center of their shared body), Kemeténito was working on The Legends, Spirits, and Folk Observances of Modern Honduragua & A Concise Record of the Languages and Societal Peculiarities of The Arumbaya and Bibaro Peoples, and had made very good progress in the four years since he started. Basá, more simply, was researching the remedies that the Arumbaya and Bibaro used to treat the dreaded illnesses that plagued San Cassio (and coincidentally the Xubanu) and came to Sulaco with Keme and Ioru to speak share his findings with any foreign authorities that may have interest in his findings. Ioru was homesick, and wanted a boat back to Aháà, and offered his rifle in exchange for a seat in the coach.

The fleeing Nenebane called them fools and wished them well, and before sunrise the trio and the Nenebane all prayed together, and had early breakfast, and Keme, Basá, and Ioru were off. By the noon of the day, they arrived at the gates of Sulaco, and called out a "Faxala hòna, hola", in case there were any guards to stop them. Ioru kept his rifle in full view in case there were, and slowed the carriage to a non-threatening pace.

There were many Aháàng in and around Sulaco that day! And not one of them cared at all for Warhegel, or knew any of his designs.

San Cassio

If the message reached Alcarez, no one else in San Cassio gave a damn, because they didn't particularly care about Warhegel or his wishes either, but his deception would take root all the same, because San Cassio was actually run by the Manewanahe and the collection of Clerics they purchased, and they got the message, and that was enough. Even in Aháà, the Manewanahe wouldn't have cared, because Warhegel had only given them permission to do what they were already in the work of anyhow. Often they all met at the Manewanahe plantation, and it was decided three facts long before this letter had arrived, and primarily it was that they were going to exact their right as mBaháàï to raise a militia, though originally their Hero ("general" and "colonel" mean nothing to the Aháàng) was to be a young gardener and warrior of the Manewanahe named Jericho-the-Rose, with his cousing Pade as the sole Champion.

Alcarez, they decided after the letter, was to be their Hero (who coordinated the militia, even at a detriment to himself), and on this they were insistent (because Warhegel said so, and this was all they cared for that he said) no matter what he would say. In San Cassio, their word was law. On thr Manewanahe plantation they grew the choicest fruits of Honduragua, both legal and illegal, and the economy would grind to a halt if the patriarch willed it. Jericho and Pade were made the Champions (frontline warriors who were specialized to adapt in the fray) and they set to raising a militia as large as they pleased. By the time the marines arrived, almost all in San Cassio had been swayed by Jericho's delightful face and words, and by the way his spear glistened in the sun, and 820 men and women had raised up arms and committed to the militia with hunting rifles, spears and swords, and seldom something miltary grade. At the arrival of the marines, they would be shocked to find the mighty force already training in the town square and outlying wilds, and that Alcarez, whether he wanted to be or not, was pointed to as their leader.

[Mareyland]

Sulaco

The armored cruiser R.M.S. Calafia arrived in Sulaco harbor, carrying an additional 400 Marines and bluejackets. That brought the total number of soldiers and sailors from Mareyland in the city up to 500. They had a handful of machine guns, and no heavy artillery except for the guns of the warships sitting at anchor in the harbor. Their Honduraguan allies, whom the Marines largely disdained and disregarded, numbered around 500 men. The garrison had been larger, but many had shed their uniforms and deserted - either to join Murillo’s rebels, or simply to avoid the risk of death at the hands of his rebel army.

It was not an especially impressive military force on paper. The only consolation for the Marine commander, Major Cornelius Palmer, was that his enemy was likely not any better equipped. He simply had to hold the city until additional reinforcements arrived, both from Mareyland and from other foreign powers. The Mareyland consul in the city, Henry Northland, informed Major Palmer that several other nations with investments in the country had offered to contribute military forces to suppress this rebellion.

The arrival of more Marines from Mareyland seemed to calm the mood of the city somewhat. The elites of the city were certain that Murillo would not dare attack Sulaco while it was under foreign protection. The beautiful daughter of President Avellanos, the tall and sophisticated Antonia, held a reception at the City Hall, where the Mareyland flag now flew underneath the flag of Honduragua. She flitted and flirted among the gathered guests - the government officials and National Guard officers, the foreign investors and their local mistresses, and of course the Marine and Navy officers from Mareyland.

“This ‘Tiger’ has a growl worse than his bite, I think,” she told Major Palmer. “My father never trusted him, you know. That was why he was sent to Tecala, instead of somewhere more important.”

San Cassio

Major - no, now it was Colonel - Ramon Alcazar reclined in his chair and took a long drag on the cigar, then blew a puff of smoke up towards the ceiling. A promotion! This rebellion was proving to be quite the beneficial situation for him. Now he would earn more money, which would make his demanding wife back in Olivaro very happy. She had complained about his assignment, because it meant she would have no one to boss around in their home besides the put-upon servants, who Alcazar had so strained his finances to hire for her. Well, now she was many miles away, and she could be off spending his money however she wanted. He would console himself with the company of his mistress, an Ahaang woman from a family who was willing to accept the arrangement for the preferential treatment it brought. Yes, Alcazar would happily remain here in San Cassio for as long as El Presidente required.

His only concern was the arrival of this second company of soldiers. He did not know who Avellanos would send to reinforce him, and that could cause problems if his new subordinate was the ambitious or especially active type. But the problems facing San Cassio were minor - besides soothing the occasional flare-up of bad blood between different Bibaro villages, an act which usually required simply distributing a few barrels of rum and letting the drink knock the simple tribesmen into a stupor, his men had nothing more to handle than the occasional act of rustling, theft, or brawling.

If anyone asked Colonel Alcazar if he was concerned about the rebellion, he laughed and shook his head. “We are far from these rebels,” he would say. “Their quarrel is with Presidente Avellanos, not with the Ahaang. They will not bother themselves to march all the way down here to cause any trouble.”

The message from President Avellanos had mentioned authorizing the Ahaang to form their own militia. This pleased Alcazar greatly, for it meant he could offload even more of the mundane policing work onto them, and save himself the trouble of dealing with every little incident. He informed the leaders of San Cassio that, while he remained commander of all forces in San Cassio, militia and National Guard, he “trusted in the ability and loyalty of the people of San Cassio” and would let them handle the assembling of their new militia. When one of his officers informed him that he had seen many more than the allotted three hundred people drilling with weapons, Alcazar brushed it off.

But in the hills of the Cordillera, trouble was brewing. General Pedro Montero, focused on advancing towards Olivaro and unseating Avellanos, had sent one of his subordinates south to muster the strength of the tribesmen. Montero himself was part Bibaro, and his name had a power among the people of the mountains. Captain Juan Sedonia arrived with a convoy of weapons and supplies, calling on the Bibaro to rise up and strike. Soon, in a mirror of the Ahaang mustering, a small army of Bibaro began to assemble and arm themselves. Their target was the symbol of Avellanos’s imposition on their lands: the settlements of San Cassio.