A Conquest of Paradise [IC | MT | SEMI-OPEN: READ OOC OP]

by **Batavie** » Sun Oct 01, 2023 1:08 am

A CONQUEST OF PARADISE
A Commonwealth Society Roleplay

OOC | Timeline of Events| The Commonwealth Society | Regional Map

The IC thread for A Conquest of Paradise. You may only post here if you have been added to the ‘Participating Nations’ list in the OOC thread.

Please keep OOC chat to the OOC thread. This thread is for IC posts only.

Official Theme Song of this RP

Context

This roleplay is about the rising tensions between Batavia and West-Swanzi. Batavia is roleplayed by yours truly, whereas West-Swanzi is roleplayed by Britcan.

West-Swanzi is a former colony of Acroticus and historically has had bad relations with Batavia. Its population is mostly made up of Swanzi natives and in descending order former slaves from Batavia and Aderan colonists.

There have been 2 wars between the nations in the past, the First and Second Swanzi Wars. In the First Swanzi War, an area of West-Swanzi inhabited by Batavian settlers revolted against Acroticus and declared independence, eventually ending in a stalemate and de facto independence for the breakaway republic of Kooba.

The Second Swanzi War started when this republic voted to join with Batavie and soldiers of Batavia moved to the new border. They started to clash with Aderan soldiers, starting the war. Batavia was supported by Saint-Auguste and the southern clans of modern-day Demesetelis. Acroticus did not have any official support but during the war, the nation of Marroon supported a slave revolt in the Saint-Augustine colony on Swanzi. This revolt temporarily gave Acroticus the upper hand. The war ended in a Batavian victory, with Kooba becoming part of Batavia.

The country peacefully achieved independence from Acroticus in 1952 and was established as a democratic republic. In 1964 the Socialist Party of West-Swanzi won the national elections and established a communist dictatorship, with the nation becoming a one-party state after the 1968 elections. This dictatorship lasted until 1996 when a military junta couped the communist government. This military junta ruled the country until 1999 when the first multiparty elections in nearly 3 decades were held. In the most recent election, a member of the West-Swanzi United Left, the successor party to the Socialist Party of West-Swanzi, became president. West-Swanzi is considered a very divided and flawed democracy.

by **Batavie** » Sun Oct 01, 2023 1:10 am

Headquarters of the Batavian Intelligence Services
Willem Stad, Batavia
30/9/2023
10:58

A large press corps is in attendance, with journalists from all over the Commonwealth Society anxious to be the first to report on the findings of the Batavian Intelligence Services. The Batavian Intelligence Services thwarted a terrorist attack on the WSAO headquarters during the WSAO Crisis in March of 2023, on the 17th of July 2023 the Batavian Intelligence Services revealed they were investigating whether the government of West-Swanzi was involved in the attack. The results of this investigation will be announced today. While some are sceptical of the investigation’s validity, it is undeniable it will have far-reaching effects.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we’re here today to reveal the findings of our investigation. The project, dubbed Eaglefire, has concluded and we have found conclusive evidence of our findings. As a preface to my remarks, I must say that the Queen has been informed privately and has prepared a political response to our findings. As I am not a political representative, I am not at liberty to discuss her response. The Queen will have a televised speech today at 20:00, which we urge you all to watch.

The terrorists responsible for the attack on the 13th of March 2023 which was duly prevented by our Intelligence apparatus have been under investigation since mid-2021. Their leader, known as Broer, had funding from a then unknown source and we were aware of plans to take further unspecified ‘action’. Most members of the group were also members of the Swanzi-Marxistische Beweging.

By 2022 the group had used their funding to buy a small office from which the attack was planned, by late 2022 all members of the group had been expelled from the SMB after we warned its chairwoman over their potential terrorist ties. We made the decision to inform the SMB chairwoman in order to cut them off from a potential network to recruit more terrorists and find funding. We were aware of the risk of the reason for their expulsion being revealed but thankfully this did not get leaked.

Starting in late-2022 we gained judicial permission for a multitude of surveillance measures and were able to properly map their plans, intentions and means. It was at this time our suspicions of West-Swanzi involvement started to grow. In January of 2023, we tracked members of the terrorist cell to a secret meeting in the jungle near the border with West-Swanzi. We can say that it was at this meeting that the group obtained explosives and illegal weapons with which they planned to carry out their attack.

The men with whom they met have been identified as Omeo Vrijgevochten, Assus Jhaero and Kaiya Vrijman, all citizens of West-Swanzi and with strong ties to the West-Swanzi military.”

The room of journalists falls deadly silent for 3 seconds, with everyone in the room realising this almost certainly means war will break out between the 2 Swanzi nations. After the short silence, camera flashes lit up the room and yelling broke out as the many reporters wanted to get their questions in. Head of Security for the event, Special Agent Mark Fransen, bellowed through the sound system. “Members of the press. Please remain silent until Luitenant-Kolonel Jozef-Hendrik Batavus has finished his remarks.” The room falls silent once more, with none of the journalists willing to risk missing this event.

”We have found the direct order sent to these 3 men, dated 11th of November 2022, by Major Djalu Barambah. We have conclusively proven that members of the West-Swanzi military supported terrorists, who used that support to attempt to blow up the WSAO headquarters. Again, these findings have been shared with the Queen who will give a televised speech at 20:00 tonight. I thank you for your attention and will now be answering questions.”

The press corps erupted, with many different questions being levied against the leader of the Batavian Intelligence Services. He answered them all calmly and dutifully, maintaining and explaining the agency’s position on West-Swanzi's involvement.

Koninklijke Slaapkamer
Paleis Noordeinde
Willem Stad, Batavia
29/9/2023 - 1 day before the press conference
6:22

Queen Wilhelmina had been briefed on the results of the investigation a few days ago. She had been working on a plan for this eventuality, and with the press conference to be held tomorrow morning she felt a growing anxiety. She knew many of her countrymen could die, families torn apart, was it worth it?

She got up out of bed and took a quick shower. She called in her chamber girl to help her get dressed and made her way down to the dining room where her personal chef had prepared her breakfast; toasted buns with eggs, bacon, mayonnaise, salt and pepper with a glass of orange juice and a cup of black coffee.

When she finished breakfast it was already 7:30. She looked at the clock and felt every second tick by, every movement of the hand weighing on her like a rock. She got up and made her way to her office where she picked up the phone and dialled the number of her pastor.

”Hello, this is pastor Peter, how can I be of service your Majesty?”

“Father, I have to see you. Something is weighing on me.”

“Of course, your Majesty, all are welcome in God’s guiding light.”

“I’ll be there in 20 minutes.”

Wilhelmina hung up the phone before the pastor could respond. She made her way downstairs, where an entourage of special agents was ready to transport her to the Saint Nicholas Church. She went there every Sunday at least, and she would often go there for moral advice before important government decisions.

She arrived at the church by 8:00, and pastor Peter was waiting for her on the steps of his church. The entourage arriving at the church on a Friday would cause some commotion among royal watchers online, they would be quick to speculate on her reasons for meeting with her pastor. The pair made their way into the church, retiring to Peter’s offices in the back. Her security personnel set up their usual perimeter.

”Father, I am sure you’ve heard of the attack on the WSAO HQ?”

The pastor nods.

”The investigation has concluded and I was told a few days ago we have confirmation that West-Swanzi officials were involved. We’ve drafted a list of demands we’re going to reveal tomorrow in order to hold those responsible accountable, as justice must be served, but Father, I can’t shake this anxiety. I am certain West-Swanzi will refuse our demands, which will obligate me to declare war and send young men and women…”

Wilhelmina pauses in order to stifle her upcoming tears. Pastor Peter looks at her with consoling eyes, placing his hand on her knee.

”to their death.”

”Your majesty, the responsibility God has given you is not without its burdens. I understand this is a heavy cross to bear. No one wants the death of another on their conscience. Although the bible may preach peace, we can never retreat from our obligation to justice. God has entrusted you with the responsibility of governing Batavia, these difficult decisions are yours to make for a reason. Trust that no matter what happens, it is part of God’s plan for the world. We are merely His pawns in the grand game of chess which is our life. If you have come here today to ask for my blessing in declaring war should it be necessary, you have it Your Majesty. You will always have my blessing to do what is required of you.”

“Thank you, Father, that means a lot. Your advice and wisdom always inspire me. Father, would you please pray for the people of Swanzi tonight? Would you please pray for them, in the hope God may spare them from brutality?”

“Of course Your Majesty, I shall pray for the souls of all who may perish in this forthcoming war. Wilhelmina, if I may, you’re a true daughter of the church and you should have no moral fears. God has entrusted you with this responsibility, He knows you will do the right thing. Rest at ease knowing you are a servant to God’s plan.”

“Thank you, Father, that helped me a lot.”

Wilhelmina stood up and made her way to the chapel, where she got on her knees and prayed. After about 5 minutes she got back up, and went outside. Much had to be done.

Blauwe Kamer
Paleis Noordeinde
Willem Stad, Batavia
30/9/2023
20:00
Televised Remarks

“Fellow Batavians,

As Luitenant-Kolonel Jozef-Hendrik Batavus revealed in his press conference earlier today, it has been definitively proven that members of the West-Swanzi military were involved in the terrorist attack planned to take place on the 13th of March 2023. We have been preparing for this possibility for some time now, and have taken all necessary actions for an exhaustive number of scenarios.

The implication of West-Swanzi officials in this investigation obviously warrants a response. We do not presently believe that the entire government of West-Swanzi is involved in this terrorist movement. We believe a radical faction within West-Swanzi society has taken hold of key parts of their state apparatus.

It is this subversive, anti-Batavian movement with which we take issue. We believe it is this movement that convinced them to allow the International Liberation Organisation into their midst and this movement that led them to accept weapons from communist dictators.

Perhaps, however, this action is indicative of a return to the old state philosophy, once again inspired by Marxist fervour against all that is good and holy in this world. Maybe West-Swanzi learned nothing from three decades of tyranny. We do not believe the West-Swanzi people at large are responsible for this attack, and it would be a true disgrace if they were forced to pay the price of mistakes made by a small subversive group of international terrorists.

That is why today at 17:00 I sent a letter to the president of West-Swanzi, outlining our findings and furnishing him with a list of 6 demands to be complied with. These demands outline what is necessary for Batavia and its people to be safe from terrorism. We have given them until Monday the 9th of October at 17:00 to respond to our demands. I strongly urge the president of West-Swanzi to comply with our demands, as Batavia can not let this crime go unpunished.

Countrymen, these next few days will be pivotal to the future of our nation and that of this continent. It is the solemn duty of every man to stand up for righteousness, the solemn duty of every Christian to stand up for the values instiled in us by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We can not sit idly by while a state goes rogue on our border. We must take action now, to prevent a repeat of mistakes we thought were buried in the last century. Sleep well tonight knowing there are many brave men and women ready to give their lives for your liberty.

Dispereert niet, ontziet uw vijanden niet, want God is met ons.”

Batavian Government Communiqué
To: The Government of West-Swanzi

Honourable President of the Republic of West-Swanzi,

The Batavian Monarchy hereby dully notifies you of the following:

An investigation conducted in relation to a thwarted terrorist attack on the WSAO headquarters on the 13th of March 2023 confirmed that West-Swanzi civilians and military and government personnel were complicit in this attack. The results of this investigation prove that a subversive movement exists within West-Swanzi which aims to undermine the liberty and safety of the Batavian people, state and monarchy.

It is clear from the results of this investigation, that these terrorists received weapons and explosives from West-Swanzi officers and officials, and, finally, that the dispatch of the terrorists and of their weapons to Batavia was arranged and effected under the conduct of West-Swanzi border authorities. It was known to them that these weapons and explosives were to be used in a terrorist attack on Batavian soil.

The results brought out by the investigation no longer permit the Batavian Monarchy to maintain the attitude of patient tolerance, which it has observed for years, toward agitations which aim to vilify the Batavian people, state and monarchy. These agitations come from different factions within West-Swanzi, and the recent news about groups designated as terrorists by numerous governments, including the Batavian and Deme monarchies, makes clear the existence of these agitations. Instead, these findings impose upon the Batavian Monarchy the obligation to put an end to those intrigues, which constitute a standing menace to the peace of Batavia.

In order to attain this end, the Batavian Monarchy finds itself compelled to demand that the West-Swanzi government give official assurance that it will condemn the propaganda directed against the Bataivan people, state and monarchy, that is to say, the whole body of the efforts whose ultimate object it is to undermine the liberty and safety which are enjoyed within Batavia; and that it will obligate itself to suppress with all the means at its command this criminal and terroristic propaganda. In order to give these assurances a character of solemnity, the West-Swanzi government will comply with the following demands:

(1) To accept the collaboration in West-Swanzi of representatives of the Batavian Monarchy for the investigation into and trial of the terrorist movement directed against the Batavian people, state and monarchy;

(2) To take judicial proceedings against accessories to the plot of the 13th of March who are on West-Swanzi territory; delegates of the Batavian Government will take part in the investigation relating thereto;

(3) To proceed without delay with the arrest of Major Djalu Barambah, who is a member of the West-Swanzi military, and of the individuals known as Omeo Vrijgevochten, Assus Jhaero and Kaiya Vrijman as all have been proven to support terrorists on Batavian soil;

(4) To prevent by effective measures the cooperation of the West-Swanzi authorities in the illicit traffic of weapons and explosives across the border;

(5) To expel immediately the International Liberation Organisation, to confiscate all its means of propaganda, and to proceed in the same manner against other organisations and their branches in West-Swanzi which have been designated as terrorist entities;

(6) To notify the Batavian Government without delay of the execution of the measures comprised under the preceding heads. The Batavian Government expects the reply of the West-Swanzi Government at the latest by 17:00 on Monday the 9th of October.

Her Majesty, Wilhelmina Batavus, by the grace of God, Queen of the Batavians, Duchess of Grennen, Duchess of Houten, Countess of Willem stad, Countess of Jutte, Captain-General, Admiral-General and Lieutenant-General

by **Acroticus** » Sun Oct 01, 2023 8:53 pm

Aderan News Network
2:01 PM 10/1/2023

To all of you at home and abroad, welcome back! We are covering some news breaking just this past hour. In a speech today, Praetor Arriston Andros made a statement about the increasing tensions along the Batavian-West-Swanzi border. Speaking from the Press Room in the Charrea Senate Chambers, the Praetor warned Batavia from invading its democratic neighbor, and threatened intervention on behalf of the Aderan Republic. Here is Praetor Andros:

The shot changed to an image of the 89 year-old Praetor, standing at a podium in front of the seal of the Aderan Senate. His hair was all but gone, just a few wisps of white covered the top of his head. His legs were thin and frail, largely hidden behind a large wooden podium that several decades ago he would have towered over. Today, hunched over and shrinking, the podium looked a bit large for him. He held onto the edges of the wooden structure firmly, as if he were using it to hold himself up.

“And I want to address the escalatory actions by the Batavian government on this issue.” His voice was raspy, but his words were sharp. The Praetor who had so dominated Aderan politics for the last several decades was old, but not gone. “We do not believe the Batavian investigation into West-Swanzi to be legitimate, carried out in good faith. It has been clear from the military buildup months prior to yesterday’s announcement that the investigation was never the Batavian end goal. We are in support of a legitimate international investigation to determine the truth of the matter, of which Acroticus is more than willing to be a part. But, to Queen Wilhelmina and the entire Batavian nation I provide the thoughts of an old man who has spent his life representing a free nation: do not think that you can invade a peaceful, democratic country without repercussions. Do not think that the rest of the world will sit idly by while a dictator wipes free peoples off the face of the planet. For even if the rest of the nations we call friends, partners, and allies were to stand down, and allow such an injustice to be carried out, the people of Acroticus could not let it happen.” With this, the Praetor took a deep breath, and then sharply gargled to clear his throat. “Do not invade. Do not invade.”

***

Noxos Naval Base, Rhethos
Aderan States of Acroticus
2:34 PM, 10/1/2023

The city of Rhethos had historically been the center of the Aderan Imparic Fleet, given its deep water port and protective shoal. The naval base became one of the largest in the country during the early 1900s, and had remained a bustling part of the city's life. In the last week however, the bustling had appeared to take a different turn, and ships were loaded up, and prepared to head out. In particular, the Aderan 6th Carrier Group, which had been docked for nearly 3 weeks now to undergo light repairs and refuel after the most recent naval exercises, were being sent off to port in the new LFN nation of New Hull.

Or at least that's what the orders were, and what the manifest said. If the ships needed to travel in international waters through the Creantine, and along the southern coast of Swanzi to reach their destination, then so be it.

by **Saint-Auguste** » Tue Oct 03, 2023 11:08 am

Communiqué du Ministre d'État du Dauphiné de Saint-Auguste

To Her Majesty Queen Wilhelmina of Batavia,

Subject: Concerns and Prayers for Peace Amidst Troubling Times

Your Majesty,

I hope this message finds you and your esteemed nation in good health and spirits. The recent revelation regarding the involvement of West-Swanzi officials in the terrorist plot against the WSAO headquarters has sent shockwaves throughout the international community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Batavia as you navigate this challenging and perilous situation.

I, Jean-Paul Thévenet, Minister of State of Saint-Auguste, feel compelled to extend our heartfelt concern and support during these trying times. Our nation, too, understands the gravity of such circumstances, as I was present at the WSAO crisis meeting in March 2023, which now seems like a distant memory compared to the events that have transpired. It is with great sadness that we witness the escalation of tensions between Batavia and West-Swanzi. The potential for conflict is deeply troubling, and we fervently hope that peaceful resolutions can be achieved. Our diplomatic channels remain open, and we urge all parties involved to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy.

Saint-Auguste has always stood for peace, cooperation, and the preservation of human life above all else. War brings nothing but suffering and despair, and we earnestly implore both Batavia and West-Swanzi to seek peaceful alternatives to resolve this crisis. The people of our nations deserve to live in a world free from the horrors of armed conflict. We, the Government of Saint-Auguste, remain committed to assisting in any capacity that promotes peaceful dialogue, reconciliation, and the protection of innocent lives. Please know that our thoughts are with you, Your Majesty, as you navigate the challenging decisions that lie ahead.

May wisdom and reason prevail in these dark hours, and may the path you choose lead to a brighter and more peaceful future for all.

With heartfelt concern and prayers for peace,

Jean-Paul Thévenet
Minister of State
Dauphiné of Saint-Auguste

by **Kottsuki** » Tue Oct 03, 2023 1:18 pm

Kam Yeon-Hwan, 2020

The Hawyon Post Building,
Kottsuki City

The Hawyon Post Building,
Kottsuki City
12:01 PM

Kam Yeon-Hwan is a very old man. The kind of old that not even the best medical services money can buy could conceal. Although he did ferociously try, Kam Yeon-Hwan was forced early on to realize his age is the one thing he couldn't defeat no matter his cunning or ability.

Like any good and proper Kottsukian, he'd spend every birthday at his office, surrounded by colleagues. His office was pilled up with boxes of presents, big and small, but they were all insignificant to him. What Yeon-Hwan truly appreciated were the personal phone calls. His son and heir apparent was the first to call at around 8PM, right before Yeon-Hwan's birthday breakfast. Sometime during the morning his first and second wife would follow suit, among many relevant business associates, at least the ones that cared enough to call, could they afford secretaries to keep track of such things of course. By then he was already at the office, went through the annual "surprise" party organized by sector managers vying for promotion, and got greeted by a wall of colorful boxes of whatever. He'd sit back in his extravagant office chair, pondering at his legacy while allowing himself a glass of Britcani brandy, aged at his own present age, per personal tradition.

Throughout his long life, Yeon-Hwan has built many things; By the time he was 15, he built a close friendship with the local Governor's son. When he was 22, during the height of the War of secession, he built a prosperous business smuggling refugees out of the country. By 35 the newspaper he built, the Hawyon Post (HP) had already become the most recognizable paper in the country. By 54, he'd help build the power-base of an unproven, but otherwise very prospective politician, one that he knew would be calling him today, on his 73rd birthday.

At exactly 12:01 he'd get a call from the Secretariat of the Council; "Good Morning Mister Kam Yeon-Hwan, the Prime Councilor would like to speak with you."

Kam Yeon-Hwan's relationship with Takemoto Tatsuo can be summarized as a friendship born and upheld by pure convenience, but one that's always been filled with utmost mutual respect. The Prime Councilor greeted Yeon-Hwan and wholeheartedly wished him a happy birthday. They chatted for a bit; it was his longest birthday call by far, however he knew better than to think a busy man such as Takemoto wouldn't be thinking of work in the back of his mind. The tensions in West-Swanzi quickly got brought up; Takemoto was concerned with how Tachibana Group's involvement will affect the Kottsukian image in the region. He wanted to make sure that the Hawyon Post would distance Kottsuki from the conflict, and minimize the role Tachibana Group plays in it.

A week prior, Tachibana Group's PRO invited HP reporters to come to their new installations in Batavia, with a goal of free advertising. Tachibana Group and HP have had this mutually beneficial arrangement for a long while. Even so, Kam Yeon-Hwan fully reassured Takemoto that HP would never do anything to sabotage his government.

The two men exchanged some more pleasantries and discussed a number of other topics before concluding their call. Yeon-Hwan immediately sent the new directives down the chain, careless to the fact his staff already started stockpiling reports from their press-corps on the ground. Oh well, they are not paid to attach themselves to their articles. Besides, what better way to celebrate Yeon-Hwan's birthday than to enact his directives efficiently and without complaints!

by **Bulraton** » Tue Oct 03, 2023 7:16 pm

WSAO Headquarters
Willem Stad, Batavia
30/9/2023
19:50

The conference room at the WSAO headquarters was well-lit, its walls adorned with flags representing every member nation. In one corner the flag of Bulraton stood proudly. Now, the room was mostly occupied by papers, briefcases, and the quiet, monotonous hum of an air conditioner. A tense atmosphere hung in the air. The remaining delegation from Bulraton was buried in work, deeply engrossed in the logistical nightmare of Bulraton's integration into the WSAO. Paul Grant, looking every bit the fresh-faced diplomat, surveyed the room with a sigh, his fingers still moving rapidly over his laptop keyboard. Compared to the staff and resources he had just last week before the Ministry withdrew them, this was a skeleton crew. Next to him, Elsie Reid was on the phone, simultaneously organizing a shipment of Allemerian potatoes while cross-checking a tariff list. Across the table, Logan Bennett, an over-stressed intern from the embassy, was fumbling with the television remote.

Paul adjusted his tie and stood up. "Everyone," he began, "today's agenda is the import and export tariffs, followed by—"

But before he could continue, the television switched to a breaking news broadcast. Logan's head sprung up with the perpetual expression of a deer caught in headlights. He hid the remote, hoping no one would notice. Queen Wilhelmina began her speech. The room fell silent.

Elsie looked on, clearly frustrated. "Honestly, Paul, every time we try to get something done..."

Paul raised a finger to shush her. "Not now, you'll want to hear this."

The delegation listened intently as Queen Wilhelmina detailed the evidence against West Swanzi and listed the demands.

Logan whispered to another official, "Is it just me, or is this whole thing starting to sound like an action movie plot?"

Elsie snorted. "A very dramatic one, at that."

Paul sighed, rubbing his temples. "And I thought things couldn't get any more complicated."

As the Queen finished her address, Logan looked around, even more confused than before. "Um, quick question... Why am I still here? Shouldn't I be, like, back home sipping a mocha or something? I thought it was essential staff only?"

Elsie smirked. "Maybe they thought you'd be useful in the event of a war. You know, distract the enemy with your constant questions."

Logan pouted. "Hey! I've been working hard. I even color-coded these documents!" He held up a stack of papers, each marked with a different colored tab.

Paul leaned back, attempting to lighten the mood. "Elsie, Logan may very well be our secret weapon. We'll just send him to ask every last one of his questions to the Ministry. They'll give in and get us what we need in no time."

Logan huffed. "I'd like to see you answer all these emails and phone calls without messing up once!"

Elsie raised an eyebrow. "You accidentally CC'd the entire staff on that 'urgent bathroom break' email, remember?"

Logan turned bright red. "That was one time!"

Paul, trying to regain some order, cleared his throat. "Alright, team, back to our agenda. Leave the politics to the politicians, I'll prepare a statement later. For now, let's focus on what we're here for."

Logan raised his hand. "So... tariffs?"

Paul nodded. "Yes, Logan. Tariffs."

Elsie chuckled, "Let's hope they're less explosive than international relations right now."

The room laughed, and tension momentarily eased. The delegation continued work throughout the night. The flag in the corner seemed to wave slightly, as if cheering them on.

PUBLIC STATEMENT - OFFICE OF THE AMBASSADOR

The recent events and escalating tensions surrounding Batavia and West Swanzi have deeply concerned not only those directly involved but also the broader international community. It is at times such as these that we are reminded of the fragility of peace and the paramount importance of dialogue, understanding, and cooperation.

Bulraton wishes to voice its deepest hopes for a peaceful resolution and de-escalation of tensions. We fervently urge all parties to engage in constructive dialogue and diplomacy, for it is through understanding and compromise that lasting solutions can be found.

In this light, I wish to reiterate the Archduke's commitment to our constitutional principles of neutrality. While we are deeply empathetic to the concerns and sentiments shared by Her Majesty Wilhelmina, Bulraton cannot and will not participate militarily or politically if tensions escalate into open conflict. Our primary focus remains steadfast: the smooth and efficient integration of Bulraton into the Willem Stad Accords Organisation.

We envision a future where collaborative economic growth, shared prosperity, and mutual respect guide our interactions. We hope that, even in the face of challenges, we can collectively work towards this shared vision for the betterment of all our nations and people. May the values of peace, understanding, and cooperation prevail during these challenging times.

Yours sincerely,

Paul Grant
Allemerian Ambassador to Batavia
Representative of Bulraton to the WSAO

by **Kherkov** » Wed Oct 04, 2023 12:39 pm

Eagle Wharf

Little Gratberg
Kottsuki City
Kottsuki

Little Gratberg is certainly impressive, thought Major Adalwolf Brauer. Not quite as impressive as Gratberg proper, naturally, but it certainly wasn’t a poor imitation. Soldiers patrolled the streets, jackboots clacking on the grey pavement as they marched, pickelhaubes glinting in the mild subtropical sun. Businessmen scurried around in their tailcoats, barking away on smartphones, or tapping screens like they were squishing ants on their tablets. And great glass skyscrapers loomed like monoliths over all the Kherkovians below. Major Brauer smiled. This was to be his last foreign posting for some time, before his recall to the fatherland to assist in the security arrangements for Zohlburg 1500. Almost like I’m home already. Almost.

But there was little time to stop and think. The Major had already reached the docks, one of the ways the island connected to the Kottsukian mainland, allowing for transport of both civilians and goods. The troops guarding the terminal paid him no mind as he scanned his ID chip to pass through the turnstile. Major Brauer was in plain clothes: a somewhat Edwardian or Victorian-style tailcoat suit, matching the business attire of the area. He headed to dock A-4, found a bench, and struck up a cigarette from his silver cigarette case, emblazoned with the dragon’s head logo of the RKB.

As the scheduled arrival came alongside at dock A-4, Brauer stubbed his finished cigarette out in a nearby ashtray, and began to scan the arrivals. Amongst the sea of Kherkovian and Kottsukian businessmen, he searched for a more unique sight, which he soon found. A Batavian - middle-aged, wearing a modern suit with an orange tie.

“Herr de Haan!” Brauer called out, his arm outstretched. While a rare sight, it was not altogether uncommon. Kottsuki has a large Batavian diaspora to this day, and so every now and then a Batavian descendent found themselves on the shores of Little Gratberg.

Jered de Haan was tall, like most with Batavian blood, but the way he hunched made him not much taller than the Kottsukians around him. It was convenient he wasn’t in amongst the Kherkovians, or Brauer likely wouldn’t have spotted him. “Always a pleasure, Herr de Haan. I trust you had a pleasant boat trip?”

The Batavian beamed. “Indeed, Mr Roth, indeed it was! And always a pleasure to see you also. Shall we conduct our business here so we can head for a drink?”

Brauer chuckled at the joke. “Perhaps if Smart Signal are paying? Joking aside, I have booked us a lovely sea-facing meeting room right here on the Wharf.” He motioned for De Haan to follow.

“Delightful, Roth, delightful. One of yours?”

Brauer nodded. “The RKB has a few meeting rooms on the Wharf. Supposed to be for meeting colleagues who are pressed for time, but in reality we all know it’s where you take clients who want to get to the bars as soon as possible.”

The men continued to joke together until they reached the meeting room. Brauer hadn’t lied, it had a beautiful view of Kottsuki City across the water. As soon as the door was shut, however, Brauer pulled the blinds, and all semblance of jovality was replaced with a dark seriousness on the two men’s faces.

“That?” De Haan said, pointing to the camera in the corner of the ceiling.

“One of ours. Don’t worry.” Brauer replied.

De Haan nodded, and took a seat at the empty conference table. “I suppose you’ll be wanting verbal confirmation, then?”

The Major nodded.

“We are – that is, Batavia and Demesetelis – we are prepared to hold up our end of the deal. If you can hold up yours, of course.”

Brauer reached into his pocket and opened the hidden zipper, revealing a keychain of various gadgets that resembled USB sticks. “These authenticators will allow your governments access to a secure channel where we can safely transmit the intelligence. You’ll need to use a red one and a blue one in tandem to access. Encoded instructions are in this… ‘business gift’.” Brauer handed the Batavian the keyring, and a silver cigarette case.

“This all seems in order. And, regarding the deal, at its conclusion, our nations won’t be able to –“

“Publicly support us, of course. Don’t worry. We are aware. Personally, I’m looking forward to see what you’ll say to the world.”

De Haan nodded. “That settles it, then, Roth. I suppose we ought to sit here for a bit longer, if it’s to look like we had a client meeting.”

“Quite,” Brauer replied.

The room fell silent. Neither man had much more to say to the other. Brauer reached into his pocket, and pulled out the other silver case he had.

“Cigarette?”

“Gladly,” came De Haan’s reply. If that’s even his real name, Brauer thought to himself.

After the sparking of lighters, the room fell silent once more, each man staring one thousand yards, punctuated only by the subtle ticking of the meeting room clock.

Posted with the approval of Batavie, Demesetelis, and Kottsuki

by **Britcan** » Sun Oct 08, 2023 1:41 pm

Lion's Bay, West Swanzi

The flags of West Swanzi fluttered in the breeze as people marched through the streets. The anger in the air was palpable, even a week into the demonstrations. Marches had been held every day since the Batavian press conference. Signs decried the Batavians as liars, imperialists, and a colourful range of pejoratives besides. Military recruiting offices were overrun by young men volunteering to fight, while others simply organised themselves into unofficial units in anticipation of war.

In some ways the explosion of patriotic fervour was welcome. West Swanzi had been a divided nation since inception and it seemed the slanderous accusations from the Batavians had united a nation that had been bitterly divided after decades of civil strife. However, the nationalistic mood also meant that conceding to the Batavians could potentially spell disaster. Arresting Major Barambah would cause outrage among the military, while the expulsion of the ILO would outrage the socialists, not to mention West Swanzi's most active backers.

Given the circumstances, it had perhaps been unsurprising that the government of West Swanzi had utilised as much of time afforded as possible. The government had been almost completely silent publicly but had been working energetically behind the scenes. TV broadcasts showed military units mobilising and checkpoints being established on important roads. Though West Swanzi was still hoping to avoid conflict war increasingly seemed like an inevitability.

"The following is a broadcast from President Adamu of West Swanzi." Announced the voice in a mechanical tone.

The logo of WSTV, West Swanzi's national broadcaster, faded and was replaced by a shot of the President Standing behind a simple black podium adorned with the state seal.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining me."

The voice of President of Adamu of came through loud and clear, his tone serious.

"On behalf of the people of West Swanzi I, once again, categorically deny any governmental or military involvement in the plots against Batavia on the 13th of March. My government and I remain disappointed that the Batavian Intelligence Services did not collaborate with the authorities in our nation to investigate their assertions and we believe that the investigations are fatally flawed as a result. Their refusal to consider the evidence in their totally has resulted in claims against our great nation that are defamatory and untrue. We reject the spurious claim that any involvement by West Swanzi has been proven, the individuals accused and their supposed affiliations not having been tried by any court either in West Swanzi, Batavia or indeed anywhere.

It is regretful that the government of Batavia should threaten the peaceful people of West Swanzi based upon so little. Nevertheless, as the leader of a people who value peace it is my duty, despite the extensive Batavian military activity already taking place on the border, to seek the prevention of hostilities by collaborating to the fullest extent.

I therefore invite the Batavian government to, without delay, send representatives to West Swanzi who shall be permitted to take part in our investigations into the 13th of March plot and any legal proceedings that result. To underline our commitment to fair and thorough proceedings West Swanzi will also allow delegations from other Commonwealth Society states to observe the aforementioned investigations and judicial proceedings. In relation to these investigations, Major Djalu Barambah has been confined to barracks by military police and warrants for the arrests of Omeo Vrijgevochten, Assus Jhaero and Kaiya Vrijman have been issued.

To ensure the prevention of any cross-border transference of arms, this morning the military have been deployed to the border and assumed the duty of border security at all crossings. We trust that this heightened level of security will demonstrate that West Swanzi takes the issue of illegal arms smuggling with the upmost seriousness. To aid transparency, delegations from the Commonwealth Society are invited to visit the border checkpoints and observe the thorough conduct of our inspections."

As the broadcast ended the President sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. He hadn't slept properly all week. The statement, he knew, was unlikely to prevent the Batavians from invading. At this stage all he could do was try and prepare and keep the country together. Negotiating with the military to detain the Major had been tough, they were a powerful force in domestic politics and instinctively distrusted the socialist-led government. The agreement to let the military take over border control had killed three birds with one stone, mollifying high command, improving defences, and complying with the Batavian request. However, the balance would be hard to maintain for long.

by **Batavie** » Wed Oct 25, 2023 11:27 am

Paarse Kamer
Paleis Noordeinde
Willem Stad, Batavia
9/10/2023

In Wilhelmina’s meeting room, a group of ministers, generals and her cousin Luitenant-Kolonel Jozef-Hendrik Batavus gathered to discuss the West-Swanzi response to Batavia’s demands.

“Your majesty, they have agreed to practically all demands. Since their only refusal is expelling the International Liberation Organisation it won’t be difficult to justify an invasion. The mere presence of an organisation, that has recently shown its militarist intentions once more and is on our list of terrorist organisations is ample justification for an invasion.” Spoke General Arjen Andervelde

“I have to disagree, Your Majesty, General Andervelde fails to understand that the Commonwealth Society doesn’t generally consider the ILO a terrorist organisation. Most nations don’t care about Marroon and especially Acroticus won’t care that we consider them terrorists. They will simply repeat their actions of the First and Second Swanzi wars by allying with Marroon against our armies.” Said Luitenant-Kolonel Jozef-Hendrik Batavus.

“Luitenant-Kolonel, you can’t seriously expect us not to react to Revolutionary Guard soldiers being present in West-Swanzi? Soldiers of a known terrorist organisation are on our doorstep! We have to intervene or it’s certain another terrorist plot will materialise!” Responded an irritated General Andervelde.

“Of course not General, I understand the need to react to these developments. I am merely expressing the need to exercise caution in formulating our response. It might be more beneficial to respond without that gung-ho attitude. I propose we send representatives, escorted by a large military detachment to ensure their safety. I think the 1st Batavian Rangers would be a good fit, don’t you General?”

Wilhelmina and the general understood what the remark meant, but no one else in the room picked up on the subtle understanding between these three people.

“Gentlemen,” interrupted the Queen, “I believe my dear cousin is right. We can’t outright invade them for not expelling the ILO. We will send our representatives. Their investigation is certain to show us what we already know to be true, which is that their military was involved in this attack. They will be escorted by the 1st Batavian Rangers to ensure their safe arrival and operation. If West-Swanzi proves too unruly for our representatives this merely proves our point and will justify an invasion, pardon, pacification.”

1st Batavian Rangers
Army Base Jericho
Kerm, Batavia
12/10/2023

“Get up you rats, we’ve been ordered to gather our things and ship out to Weber. We’ll be staying at Army Base Babel for the time being. We got some protection assignment, the brass was vague about this one so I am sure we’ll be in for a treat.” Spoke Captain Mark Steenebak.

“Sir, yes sir.” Bellowed the soldiers of the 1st Batavian Rangers division. The unit was considered both the most elite and most controversial part of the Batavian army. The unit is suspected to have ties to the far-right Batavian People’s Union and unverified leaks have repeatedly alleged members of the unit engage in xenophobic humour. They are also rumoured to engage in a hazing ritual involving dropping new recruits in the jungle naked, the Batavian army has never responded to any of these allegations.

The unit was experienced, with the soldiers having been involved in covert operations both domestically and abroad. They trained and cooperated with their Deme counterpart often and this was one of the reasons they were going to be the first to enter West-Swanzi. They didn’t know it yet, but they were to escort representatives of the Batavian Royal Bureau of Investigations, the Batavian Intelligence Services and the Batavian Military Intelligence and Protection Service deep into hostile territory.

1st Batavian Rangers
Army Base Babel
Kerm, Batavia
14/10/2023

The soldiers were doing laps around the base, ensuring they stayed in shape. As is custom, the unit sang its marching song.

“Schoon klaart de dag,
Hoog waait de vlag,
Wie niet dapper is kan bij ons niet staan,
Wie niet durven kan, moet ten onder gaan.
Komt straks de harde strijd,
Wij zijn bereid!

Eens komt het uur,
Gloeiend als vuur,
Dat de vijand grimmig voor ons staat,
En het uur der onzer zege slaat.
Komt straks de harde strijd,
Wij zijn bereid!

Trouw tot de dood,
Bataafs ben ‘k groot,
Als gij morgen valt en ik blijf alleen,
Kameraad, 'k blijf trouw en ik vecht voor twee.
Komt straks de harde strijd,
Wij zijn bereid!”

Right as the soldiers finished their song, General Andervelde arrived at the army base. His driver parked the car next to the barracks. “Keep doing laps maggots! Who knows what the general has in store for us.” Spoke Captain Steenebak, who moved out of formation to make his way to the general. Still sweaty, and annoyed that the general’s arrival was not announced in due time, the captain walked into the barracks and saluted the general.

“At ease captain.” Said the general. “I am here about your assignment.”

“Sir, yes sir.” The captain sat down across the table. The general moved some maps and documents over to the captain for him to read.

“As you can see captain, the area right near that border crossing marked on the map there is indicated to have high militia activity. We want you to escort representatives of the RBI, BIS and BMIPS through that area and ensure their safety. They will be participating in the March 13 investigation in West-Swanzi. They will arrive here in about a week's time, after which the operation will commence.”

The captain looked at the intel and then back at the map, he pointed to a more northern border crossing. “General, with all due respect, why don’t we cross there? It’ll be a longer route to Leeuwenbaai, but your intel suggests the area is much safer.”

The general leaned back in his chair and reached into his pocket. He pulls out a zippo and a piece of paper with something written on it. He hands the captain the paper.

“Understood sir.” The general hands him the zippo and the captain flicks the flint-wheel, igniting the piece of paper.

Oranje Kamer
Paleis Noordeinde
Willem Stad, Batavia
17/10/2023

“Willem!” Former Vice-Chair of the Commonwealth Society Noah Visser barged into the office of the Minister - President, with whom he is on a first-name basis. “Have you heard?”

Minister-President Willem Drees was just putting down his phone and looked up concerned at the young politician. “Yes Noah, I just heard. Tell Emma to convene the damn general staff. We’ll need to act quickly.”

Noah stepped outside, telling Willem’s secretary to call an emergency meeting of the general staff. Schikya had just publicly announced it was going to send weapons, money and most importantly soldiers to West-Swanzi. They were to build numerous military bases on West-Swanzi soil, a fundamental threat to Batavia.

Blauwe Kamer
Paleis Noordeinde
Willem Stad, Batavia
17/10/2023 a few hours later

General Andervelde had gotten a helicopter ride from Army Base Babel and was the last to arrive in the Queen’s office. Gathered there already were the Deme high command, who had been setting up offices in Willem Stad for the last month, and high-ranking military officials from all three Batavian branches. General Andervelde was the Commander Armed Forces, and therefore the highest military official save for the Queen herself. On the big TV screen, a visibly intoxicated Grand Ole Sultan Caane Demesetelis was swirling his whiskey coke.

“General, I trust your helicopter ride was not too bumpy?” Spoke Queen Wilhelmina.

“Of course not Your Majesty. Gentlemen, if I may.” The general walked over to the presentation computer and minimised the video of Caane Demesetelis. He opened a map that he had told his staff to prepare before he boarded the helicopter. “As you can see the Friendship Fleet is in a prime position to blockade any Schikyans from coming near our or West-Swanzi territorial waters.”

The friendship fleet is one of the largest fleets in the Commonwealth Society, combining the firepower of both Batavia and Demesetelis. The fleet has 3 aircraft carriers, 2 from Batavia and one from Demesetelis. The fleet is stationed on Friendship Island, hence the name.

The general continued. “According to the 1953 treaty between our nations, we claim the right to defend international waters around Swanzi from ‘hostile ships’ who threaten our sovereignty and trade. Of course, this was intended to refer to pirates. Given this unique situation, I say we invoke the clause to justify setting up a quarantine of Schikyan ships trying to bring weapons, soldiers or military building materials. They can not guarantee these won’t fall into the hands of terrorists, and it's already been reported that numerous militias have risen up in the weeks since Her Majesty’s speech.”

At this pause in his words, a faint but vigorous sniffing can be heard from the presentation speakers, after a final long sniff the Sultan speaks.

“Andsjer…andsjervelde.” He makes a quick cough and seems to steady himself. General Andervelde maximizes the video feed of the Sultan, who now has a hint of white around one nostril. “They step too far. Sending weaponsh and bombs. To be used against your people? My peo-hic-ple? Ridiculoush. If grandpappy Demesetelis was here theydve…” The Sultan’s hand slams down onto his table and his voice cuts out. He continues to speak unaware he has muted himself.

“Thanks, Grand Ole Sultan, for your…” The general is interrupted by another table slap causing the Sultan’s voice to boom over the speakers.

“No, no, noooo Mr.Funnyname, we will not take it lying down! I have bombs and weapons for them!” His shouting brings his brother, Cassel, to stand behind the Sultan and place a hand on his shoulder.

“Come Caane, return to your office. I can handle this.”

Caane stands and lurches out of frame. His voice trails off as he walks. “Cas, my sword. Yes, yes. You will teach them their lesson.”

Cassel takes the Sultan’s seat.

“My apologies, the Sultan has much on his mind these days, didn’t get much sleep last night.”

“Of course, Grand Scimitar Cassel, I hope his majesty gets the rest he needs. As I was saying, in the 1953 Defence of Swanzi Waters treaty we reserve the right to defend ourselves from hostile ships which threaten our sovereignty and trade, and these very definitely do. Our representatives are set to arrive in Leeuwenbaai on the 24th to engage in the March 13 investigations, and this incident is sure to only heighten tensions.”

Queen Wilhelmina gestured at the general to sit down and started speaking. “Gentleman, it’s clear to me we are on the precipice of war. Schikya declaring it will build military bases on our border is an unprecedented threat to our safety. The presence of the ILO and the Revolutionary Guard is an unprecedented threat to our safety. The active rising up of militias right on our God…” Wilhelmina stopped herself before blaspheming. “Darn border is an unprecedented threat to our safety. I’ll schedule another televised speech for 8 pm tonight. General Andervelde, Grand Scimitar Cassel, send the order to the friendship fleet. We can not let them bring one more gun to their shores.”

Blauwe Kamer
Paleis Noordeinde
Willem Stad, Batavia
17/10/2023 20:00
Televised Remarks

“My fellow Batavians,

This Government, as promised, has maintained the closest surveillance of the Schikyan Military aid to the nation of West-Swanzi. Today, the Schikyan government announced a series of agreements and importantly the construction of military bases on Swanzi soil. The purpose of these bases can be none other than to provide strike capability against the Batavian and Deme peoples.

Upon receiving this information earlier today. I directed that our military readiness be stepped up. And having now confirmed and completed our evaluation of the facts and our decision on a course of action, this Government feels obliged to report this new crisis to you in fullest detail.

This urgent transformation of West-Swanzi into an important strategic base - by the presence of these foreign military assets - constitutes an explicit threat to the peace and security of all Swanzi, in flagrant and deliberate defiance of the international order. This action also contradicts the assurances of West-Swanzi that it would not threaten Batavian security.

The size of this undertaking makes clear that it has been planned for some months. Yet only last month, after I had made clear our demands to ensure safety to the Batavian people, the West-Swanzi Government publicly stated on the 8th of October, and I quote, “Nevertheless, as the leader of a people who value peace it is my duty to seek the prevention of hostilities by collaborating to the fullest extent." That statement was false.

Neither Batavia nor the world community of nations can tolerate deliberate deception and offensive threats on the part of any nation, large or small. We no longer live in a world where only the actual firing of weapons represents a sufficient challenge to a nation's security to constitute maximum peril. Modern missiles and jet fighters are so swift, that any substantially increased possibility of their use or any sudden change in their deployment may well be regarded as a definite threat to peace.

This is not to mention the lack of cooperation on the part of Schikya, in ensuring proper control that their guns do not fall into the hands of terrorist militias, which have taken up arms in undeniable hostility to our free Kingdom. We were not informed of this blatant and obvious threat to our sovereignty. History taught us a clear lesson: aggressive conduct, if allowed to go unchecked and unchallenged ultimately leads to war. This nation is opposed to war. We are also true to our word. Our unswerving objective, therefore, must be to prevent the building of these bases against this or any other country and to secure their withdrawal or elimination from Swanzi.

To halt this offensive buildup, a strict quarantine on all offensive military equipment under shipment to West-Swanzi is being initiated. All ships of any kind bound for West-Swanzi from whatever nation or port will, if found to contain cargoes of offensive weapons, be turned back. This quarantine will be extended, if needed, to other types of cargo and carriers. We are not at this time, however, denying the necessities of life as our nation remains committed to lasting peace and prosperity. The Friendship fleet has been dispatched and will carry out this order.

As a necessary military precaution, I have reinforced our bases on the border with West-Swanzi, evacuated today the dependents of our personnel there, and ordered additional military units to be on a standby alert basis. The sending of Batavian representatives to investigate the March 13 plot will not be halted, and their convoy is set to depart for West-Swanzi on Wednesday, the 24th. We demand that the West-Swanzi government end their military agreement with Schikya, and provide full cooperation in the safe entry of our representatives.

My fellow Batavians: let no one doubt that this is a difficult and dangerous effort on which we have set out. No one can see precisely what course it will take or what costs or casualties will be incurred. Many months of sacrifice and self-discipline lie ahead - months in which our patience and our will will be tested - months in which many threats and denunciations will keep us aware of our dangers. But the greatest danger of all would be to do nothing.

The path we have chosen for the present is full of hazards, as all paths are - but it is the one most consistent with our character and courage as a nation and our commitments around the world. The cost of freedom is always high - and we have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender or submission.

Our goal is not the victory of might, but the vindication of right - not peace at the expense of freedom, but both peace and freedom, here in this continent, and, we hope, around the world. God willing, that goal will be achieved.

Thank you and good night.”

Friendship Fleet
Friendship Island Naval Base
17/10/2023 About 2 hours before the televised address

“Yes General Andervelde, of course General Andervelde, yes sir, alright. We will set course as soon as possible sir.” Admiral Michael de Ruijter didn’t really like General Andervelde, his usual annoyance at a phone call from the general was replaced with concern and determination when the order to ‘quarantine’ West-Swanzi was given.

Admiral de Ruijter was one of the most competent naval commanders Batavia had ever seen, but his anti-establishment attitudes often got him in fights with the top brass. It didn’t matter though, as his competence in battle more than made up for it. His posting as the admiral of the Friendship Fleet made a lot of sense. It put him far away from the army bureaucracy in Willem Stad and gave the most competent commander leadership over the largest fleet.

His Deme counterpart, Farouth Cyntari, had become a trusted friend over the last 2 years of their posting. Michael knew that Grand Scimitar Cassel would have given Farouth the same news he had just gotten, so he made his way to the command centre in, appropriately, the centre of the naval base. He waited only 2 minutes for Farouth, whose office was just a little bit further away than that of Michael.

“As-salaam alaykum comrade.” Said Michael as Farouth entered the room. “Goededag friend” Responded the Deme Admiral. The men had learned much of each other’s language over the course of their friendship.

“Farouth, I propose the following strategy.” Farouth was no longer taken aback by the business-first attitude of the Batavians. “We will split up our fleet in 3 parts, all with 1 of our aircraft carriers. That way aerial support is available to intimidate whatever ship would dare to run our blockade.”

“Quarantine, Michael.” Said Farouth. “And I like this plan, but it presupposes that Acroticus will not intervene. For the Schikyans, mere intimidation should be enough and if it did come to blows they would not stand a chance against even a fraction of our fleet. Should the Aderan decide to assist, however, we’ll be dealing with a serious naval opponent. I propose we keep our aircraft carriers and largest ships here, primed to act if Acroticus intervenes. The corridor between Friendship Island and Demesetelis can be much more lightly defended and aerial support from land on either side can fly over if need be.”

Michael nods. “You’re right Farouth. We’ll be inspecting any ship attempting to enter West-Swanzi so it’s not unthinkable that Acroticus may get involved. Especially if the top hats and turbans in Willem Stad end up issuing an order for our army to enter West-Swanzi.”

The two men got up from the meeting room and went to the active command control room where they would be able to keep an overview of their fleet’s activities. They both sat down behind the command computers and put on a headset, they were plotting courses and making calls to ensure this deployment would go off without a hitch.

1st Batavian Rangers
Army Base Babel
Kerm, Batavia
24/10/2023

10 days after arriving at the base, it was finally time for the 1st Batavian Rangers to make their way to the border crossing. 24 Representatives of the different police and intelligence branches had gathered and were ready to depart for Leeuwenbaai, or Ghuba ya Simba in the local language. The company consisted of a little over a hundred troops, and only some of them were going to be able to join the convoy. The rest had to stay behind.

Captain Steenebak would take point, as he liked to do, and was inspecting his Humvee. His Humvee was equipped with a 50-calibre machine gun which was operated from the backseat of the car, ensuring his soldiers were not in immediate danger in the event of a firefight. The convoy would consist of 5 armed Humvees in front, 3 APCs in the middle which transported the police and intelligence representatives and lastly 5 armed Humvees at the back. The convoy consisted of 46 soldiers, spread out in groups of 4 over the different Humvees and groups of 2 operating the APCs.

The company’s pastor led the soldiers and representatives in a group prayer before they set out to the border crossing. After the prayer was done, Captain Steenebak ordered his soldiers to get into the cars, he opened the front door of his own Humvee and took his spot behind the wheel. He was unusually excited.

The convoy made its way to the border crossing, and Captain Steeneback ordered the convoy to come to a halt. A representative from West-Swanzi came up to the window of the front Humvee and knocked on the window. Captain Steenebak opened the door, closing it again as he exited the vehicle

“What brings you here mister? Tell all your people to ready their passports. I was not informed you would be crossing here today.” Spoke Lieutenant Bayan in his native language.

“Wat zeg je? Ouwe gek. Ik spreek dat apentaaltje van je niet.”

“Ready your passports, sir. Are you the group travelling to Ghuba ya Simba?”

“Ghuba deze ballen in je mond, dit is geen Disney film. We gaan naar Leeuwenbaai.”

The West-Swanzi soldier was confused and irritated, as he did not speak any Dutch. He gestured for Captain Steenebak to follow him into the border crossing’s office.

The Lieutenant walked into the office and as he gestured the captain to take a seat, Captain Steenebak headbutted him. Bayan stumbled, surprised and in shock at the sudden pain in his nose. Other West-Swanzi soldiers looked at the pair, confused and pointed their weapons at the captain when they realised what he had just done. Steenebak ran outside, quickly, before anyone had time to react.

The group of soldiers chased after him and as he opened the door to his Humvee, the first shot was fired. Captain Steenebak grabbed the radio. “Karel, Henk you guys stay with the APCs. The rest, open fire on those fucking wogs.”

The APCs carrying the representatives quickly started reversing and turned around, followed by the Humvees operated by Karel and Henk. The other Humvees had already started shooting. The border guards were not equipped to deal with the armoured vehicles of the 1st Batavian Rangers and were quickly overpowered. In the commotion, Lieutenant Bayan managed to get on his motorcycle and managed to escape certain death.

After the firefight, Captain Steenebak radioed the base and told them he was attacked by the West-Swanzi border guards. He said they had occupied the border post and were waiting for further orders, he also reported on the escape of Lieutenant Bayan. Major Wellen, the commander of army base Babel ordered him to abandon his position and return to base.

Captain Steenebak protested, but the Major was clear. He had to regroup with the rest of his company and orders on how to proceed had to come straight from General Andervelde. Steenebak knew what that would mean.

Blauwe Kamer
Paleis Noordeinde
Willem Stad, Batavia
25/10/2023 05:30
Televised Remarks

“Yesterday, October 24th, 2023, a date which will live in infamy, our representatives were deliberately attacked, unprovoked, and without due regard for the agreements made between our nations, by the military of West-Swanzi.

Batavia was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of West-Swanzi, was still in conversation with its Government and its President looking toward the maintenance of peace in Swanzi. It is clear, however, that any security guarantees made by their government have been lies.

We can not confirm at this time whether the soldiers at this border post were official members of the military or a locally raised militia unit. This means we can not properly explain the motives of this attack. The West-Swanzi government is therefore malicious or incompetent. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. Regardless of whether this attack was executed deliberately by their military or at the individual behest of a rogue military unit, it is clear the president can not live up to the assurances made on the 8th of October.

Their actions since the 30th of September have not shown a willingness to de-escalate. Instead of peacefully cooperating with Batavia, they have only increased efforts to threaten our security. While we positioned ourselves as a party willing to compromise by accepting their refusal to expel the ILO, they accepted more weapons, soldiers and even allowed for the construction of foreign military bases on their soil.

We have been left with no other option to protect Batavia and our people, but for the one that we will be forced to use today. The situation requires us to take decisive and immediate action. The people of Batavia can not peacefully coexist with a rogue state on its border. In accordance with the God-given right to self-defence, I have decided to conduct a special military operation.

There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger. With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people: Dispereert niet, ontziet uw vijanden niet, want God is met ons.”

After Wilhelmina’s address, explosions could be heard all over West-Swanzi. Ballistic missiles were fired at strategic locations from SSM sites and the ships that had been used for the quarantine, artillery was fired at fortified positions along the West-Swanzi border. Batavian troops had been given the order to attack.

Parts of this post were written in collaboration with Demesetelis and West Swanzi

by **Acroticus** » Fri Oct 27, 2023 5:57 am

Aderan Carrier Group 6
Notosia Coast, West-Swanzi
October 17, 2023

The waves crashed against the ARS Anova, the supercarrier in the Aderan 6th Carrier Group. The Anova was actually an older ship, officially entering into service in 1986, the ship had undergone significant upgrades since then and been retrofitted with new technology multiple times. Of course, Senior Captain Zaeri Sepharis always wondered how many upgrades it would take before the ship was entirely new. It was, he supposed, a literal Ship of Theseus.

The ship was moving as fast as Sepharis had ever seen it. And it was for a good reason; the call had come from Therinia that Batavia was moving many ships in an aggressive formation, likely a blockade. West-Swanzi. Indeed, as they traveled closer and closer to the Swanzi coast, they picked up on their radars a number of Batavian movements. Something was certainly going on. And their orders were simple: dock in the port of Escetia on the West-Swanzi island of Notosia. Notosia was a lightly populated island that historically had a higher Aderan population due to its isolation from much of the violence of the revolutions on the Swanzi mainland. It also historically hosted the Aderan fleet, back when the island was part of the Acrotician Empire. The irony of the fleet’s return was not lost on Sepharis and a number of the other crewmates, but the gravity of the current events stopped many from enjoying it.

“Captain,” one of the crew members shouted. “We are receiving a message from the Inteara.” Sepharis nodded. The ARS Inteara was the comms ship that traveled with the carrier group. “They are receiving a message from a Batavian naval vessel.”

“Have them connect us.” With that, the sound blasted over the intercom. The somewhat garbled voices put through a barely intelligible version of Batavian Dutch. “Ordinas!” Sepharis shouted for his translator. The carrier had purposely been sent with a team that spoke the Batavian language, given the likelihood of events unfolding as they had. The young Ordinas ran up to his Captain, almost tripping over himself as he approached.

“Yes sir!” The crew member stood at attention as he listened to the gibberish coming over the intercom.

"Op last van hare Majesteit de Koningin der Batavieren Wilhelmina Batavus, op grond van het Zeeverdrag van 1953, eist de Bataafse Marine toegang tot uw schip om het te inspecteren voor wapens, munities en andere verboden goederen."
*(By order of her Majesty the Queen of the Batavians Wilhelmina Batavus, based on the Sea Treaty of 1953, the Batavian Navy demands access to your ship in order to inspect it for weapons, munitions and other banned goods) *

“By order of their Queen, based on some 1953 treaty they demand the right to search our ships for weapons, munitions and other banned goods.”

“Ah yes,” Sepharis said as a document popped up on a nearby screen, translated in Anasel, the most commonly spoken Aderan dialect. “I see. Well, Ordinas, I guess it's to you to transmit our response. Tell them that we do not recognize Batavia’s authority to search lawful seagoing ships in West-Swanzi’s waters, and that we are under orders to dock at Escetia.” The young translator did his best to return the message, although a typed message was also sent almost simultaneously in Anasel.

A response came over the intercom roughly 60 seconds later.

"De Bataafse Marine geeft u toestemming om naar uw bestemming te varen onder escorte van dit Marinedetachement."
*(The Batavian Navy gives you permission to sail to your destination escorted by this naval detachment)*

“They gave us permission to go to our destination... under escort of their naval detachment.”

The three frigates had gotten closer to the Aderan carrier group but remained at a safe distance. They escorted the fleet all the way to Escetia, after which the small group of frigates slowly disappeared off the radar.

Acroticus Announces League of Free Nations Summit in Response to Batavian Blockade
October 20, 2023

The Secretary-General of the LFN today announced a summit to be held in the Aderan capital of Therinia. Secretary-General Natus Torantos spoke on the steps of the Senate of Charrea, standing beside the Aderan Praetor Arriston Andros. “In recognition of the unjustified blockade of a sovereign nation, an emergency meeting of the League is warranted,” Torantos stated. “We urge caution, and deescalation in the meantime.”

On October 17, the Batavian navy launched a quick blockade, allegedly moving to prevent any foreign weapons from reaching West-Swanzi. The sudden escalation has surprised experts in Adera, and around the world. West-Swanzi is far less wealthy than Batavia, and its navy is not capable of breaking the Batavian blockade.The Aderan government earlier this week put out an announcement requesting that all Acrotician civilians leave West-Swanzi.

The LFN summit at Therinia is scheduled to begin on October 27. The government has already begun hasty preparations for the summit.

Senate of Charrea
Therinia, Acroticus
October 26, 2023

“JAERIUS!” Disa Amaeros, the Consul’s assistant, shouted his name from outside his office. The Consul looked up from his desk. He had been reading a stack of papers containing the most recent updates from the invasion of West-Swanzi. No one in the House of Consuls had slept in the last 48 hours, and it was no different for him.

“What is it, D?” He shouted back, not looking up from his desk.

“THE QUAESTOR’S ON THE PHONE!” Jaerius let out a deep sigh, before grabbing his old-fashioned desk phone.

“Thank you,” he shouted back before smashing the flashing light on the base unit. “Hello?”

“Jaery! I hope you’re surviving over there!” Quaestor of Defense Trypho Atys voice boomed over the phone. “Look I know things are crazy right now, but I need your help.” Atys said, immediately getting down to business.

“Yes, Quaestor, I hope you are doing well yourself! What can I help you with?”

“Well, you know how the Tachibana Group is reportedly working with the Batavian military on the ground?” Jaerius did know that. It was in one of the papers floating around on his desk. “Praetor Andros needs you to reach out to the Kottsuki Ambassador.” Jaerius tried to hide an audible groan. He had to reach out to the Kottsuki Ambassador again? This year was the worst year to be Consul to Kottsuki. He wished he had gotten a consulship for a less controversial country, maybe an ally like Britcan, or Taungne. But alas, he was stuck with the country that he had to constantly work on. To make matters worse, he had not had a good experience with the ambassador a few months ago during the WSAO crisis. Although, this emergency made that crisis seem small in comparison.

“I… will get on the phone now and get him to the Senate. What’s our message for him?” Jaerius asked, already knowing the answer.

“Get Kottsuki soldiers the fuck out of West-Swanzi.”

Batavia Invades West-Swanzi
October 26, 2023

Yesterday, Queen Wilhemina of the Kingdom of the Batavians announced that Batavian forces were engaging in a “special military operation” in West-Swanzi. This in response to an alleged attack on Batavian representatives that occurred on Tuesday. No official information has been released on the number of Batavian dead, and officials from the Aderan Department of Defense have indicated that it appears there were no Batavian casualties. “Without a doubt, this justification is raising some alarm bells,” an anonymous official was quoted as saying.

A statement from the Quaestor of Defense Trypho Atys stated that his department had information suggesting the alleged attack was a false flag, designed by the Batavian government to fabricate cause to go to war. “The Batavian government has deliberately and, if our information is correct, unprovoked, attacked a free and independent nation. We call on all nations that respect national sovereignty under the Commonwealth Charter to denounce this assault, and request that the Batavian government halt their invasion.”

In addition to its statement, the Department of Defense announced that two additional carrier groups had been mobilized, and sent to the theater. The Department has not answered our request for comment.

Parts of this posts were made in conjunction with or approval of Batavie and Kottsuki

by **Kherkov** » Fri Oct 27, 2023 6:37 am

SRMS Eisenkaiser

Cape Brimstone
March of Shorland
The Blazing Aura

“Salute!” came the officer’s command to the sailors formed up along the edges of the flight deck, who sharply saluted out from the Kherkovian ship, a mark of respect to their Auran comrades on the shores of Cape Brimstone.

Generaloberst Count Albert von Tormarck watched the ceremony from the bridge. He spent more time on ships these days than ever before, but he didn’t particularly mind. Von Tormarck had certainly felt comfortable in Shorland as well, as a highly militarised state of the Blazing Aura. Although he certainly suspected the naval officers felt slightly more comfortable given the naval traditions of the March. The Kaiser Valentin-class supercarriers were a sight to behold, a true example of Kherkovian engineering. 100,000 tonnes of Imperial steel - not including the 90 aircraft that called it home – was an impressive sight on the open waves. It was hard to believe that the People’s Empire operated more than a handful of these behemoths, and yet it did – a testament to the inexhaustible Kherkovian war machine. Von Tormarck had the opportunity to lead the Kemaria campaign from the bridge of the Wilhelm der Große. Now, he would lead a new one from the bridge of the Eisenkaiser. Of course, these vessels never travelled alone – always supported by a variety of ships. Today, the Eisenkaiser set sail from Cape Brimstone at the head of a Kherkovian task force – which was set to become a joint Krepost fleet.

The wargames in Sothron had been but a diversion. It had allowed Krepost to amass its forces in a single location as close as possible to West Swanzi. Thanks to the secret deal between the Kherkovian, Batavian, and Deme governments, von Tormarck was privy to useful intelligence on military movements in Swanzi. While the Imperial government was not explicitly given the planned invasion date, they were informed of the date the investigators intended to cross the border. Given that Gratberg knew that Willem Stadt desired war, it wasn’t difficult to connect the dots, and so the fleet was fully ready to leave as soon as the news officially broke that Deme-Batavian troops were attacking.

Cape Brimstone receded into the distance as the fleet sailed further, but it wasn’t the last Shorland would see of Kherkovian ships. Reinforcements would be en route from the fatherland to act as reserves for the ongoing Sothron conflict. Further reinforcements still would be heading directly to reinforce the Eisenkaiser’s task force. Gratberg confirmed that the plan would continue – even after the news about the Aderan fleet in Notosia had been received from Deme-Batavian intelligence. As soon as the task force reported it was 200 klicks from the Notosian isles, a general Krepost statement would be released. Publicly, of course, the fleet would be there to blockade the Notosian isles, and patrol the waters around mainland West Swanzi outside of the Deme-Batavian blockade. While the fleet would be acting as stated in the announcement, the patrol ships would be doing everything they could - short of detentions - to frustrate and slow weapons shipments to West Swanzi. And the locations of such shipments would be secretly reported to the Deme-Batavian Friendship Fleet. Thanks to the Halleonian naval base in Swanzi, the Krepost fleets were well-positioned for resupply and, if necessary, a drawn-out campaign.

Von Tormarck looked out from the bridge toward the horizon. The sun was setting.

##SOTKON##
Aufträge 26-10 | Gen.ob. G. A. v Tormarck | c/c Krepost Command
AUTH1: 0987623 AUTH2: 7649672 | --ENCRYPTED-SECURE--
Initiate Operation Edelstein
SRMS Eisenkaiser on the move
Fair winds and following seas
This is not a drill [w] this is not a drill
Krepost prevails
--##ÜBERTRAGUNG-BEENDEN##--

Krepost Pact Communiqué
Public Announcement

Our alliance has been monitoring the unfolding events in Swanzi with a heavy heart. We wish for a swift end to hostilities and the return of peace across the continent.

Mindful of the tragedy of Kemaria, and the ensuing chaos caused to international shipping lanes, the Pact once again assumes the heavy mantle of guardian. Joint naval assets have been dispatched to the Imparic Sea, in order to defend innocent citizens of the Commonwealth from piracy and terrorism.

The seas around mainland West Swanzi will be patrolled by Krepost vessels, inspecting ships travelling through the area, detaining terrorists and pirates looking to take advantage of the situation. We urge all Commonwealth vessels to cooperate with these investigations to ensure regional security. These patrol ships will comply fully with the Deme-Batavian blockade now in place.

Given the absence of the blockade from the Norosian Isles, and the questionable integrity of the West Swanzi government, the Krepost Pact will be instituting a full blockade of its own around the isles. No ship - civilian or military - will be permitted to enter the blockade area without prior authorisation from Krepost command. Commonwealth ships wishing to leave the isles will be permitted passage out of and away from the blockade area. Krepost forces will do their utmost to aid any vessels carrying innocent citizens fleeing the Norosian Isles.

In the name of the Commonwealth, Krepost Prevails.

Signed,
His Grace Gottfried von Augustbach, Reichskommissar for the Exterior, Grand Admiral of the Reichsvolksmarine, Imperial Duke of Kherkov.

Posted with the approval of Batavie, Demesetelis, and Krepost Pact members

by **The Blazing Aura** » Sun Oct 29, 2023 5:40 pm

CS Jubilate
Task Force Jubilate
Somewhere in the Imparic Ocean

The J-Class Battleships might have been the oldest class of ships in either of the two fleets of the Confederacy, but to underestimate them was to court death Admiral Burke thought from her position on the bridge of the CS Jubilate, one of the four remaining J-Class Battleships in the Southern Fleet. That being said as an Admiral she was aware of the plans Lord-General Heward had for the Southern Fleet and the ten new hulls that had already been laid down for the D-Class Battlecruisers that would be replacing the J-Class Battleships over the next year or two.

The thought of no longer being able to command a Battleship in the Southern Fleet was not one Admiral Burke liked, but she alongside many of her contemparies had come to accept that the Southern Fleet was going to be changing. In the meantime she, like many, had determined to focus on the time she had left with the old Battleships like Jubilate. At the moment Jubilate was the head of a Task Force, alongside both of the Southern Fleet's Duke-Class Amphibious Assault Ships (the CS Kanor and the CS Swesca), and the Destroyer and Frigate escorts for all three of the main ships, heading out to help secure the Krepost Pact's blockade of West Swanzi. It was not a job Admiral Burke would've volunteered for, but she understood it's importance enough not to question the orders that had been sent to her when they had been sent a few days ago, and now she was on the job all that mattered was she did her duty.

by **Kottsuki** » Mon Oct 30, 2023 2:53 pm

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Office of the Consul-General for
Kottsuki

Jaerius Orthrosos,
Aderan Consul-General for Kottsuki

Harukimo Tae-Sul,
Kottsukian Ambassador to the ARA

This post was made in association and with
consent of Acroticus
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Senate of Charrea,
Therinia
6:19 PM

Jaerius massaged his temples with great pressure in anticipation of the Kottsukian Ambassador. So far as the Consul-General for Kottsuki he managed to achieve little in terms of concrete, and even less so in terms of “proactive” results. He felt as if every meeting with Aderan's No.1 Kottsukian guest ended up being more cumbersome than the previous. He’d try to get the Ambassador to relax, try to reel him into small talk, offer him beverages and such. He’s tried being polite, and he’s tried being stern, but all his efforts always came up to giant wastes of breath. The Ambassador would simply deny, delay, or otherwise waste his time with unsatisfactory answers, or in worse cases, no concrete answers at all. This state of things certainly doesn’t make his job position secure, to say the least.

Jaerius' assistant, Disa Amaeros, let the Kottsukian Ambassador inside his elegant office. Jaerius invited him to sit at the couches in front of his desk all the while doing his best keep appearances professional, but in reality not looking forward to their upcoming meeting. “Cinnamon tea, I presume?”

“Yes, that would be great, thank you.”

Gentle silence quickly befell the room. The Ambassador patiently waited for Jaerius to begin the conversation; “So… you and I, we tend to meet quite often, Ambassador. Wouldn’t you say?”

“It appears so, Consul-General.”

“It’s funny, by now you’re more accustomed to the Senate than an average Aderan citizen.”

The ambassador let out a polite chuckle, but otherwise remained silent. Miss Amaeros brought the tea in and served it to the Ambassador.

“I noticed you didn’t bring your bag this time, not expecting a long meeting?”

“Well... If I must admit; unlike the past ...instances in which I’ve been summoned by you, I am not quite sure what this meeting is supposed to be about.”

“Well Mister Ambassador, your boys; Tachibana Group, they’re in Batavia...” he leaned back“...and we know all about the reasons they are stationed there. I'm afraid I must demand something be done about that.”

“I don’t think referring to them as.. “our boys” is a correct formulation in this situation Consul-General, I-”

Jaerius dropped the pleasantries and spoke in a tone just short of disrespecting diplomatic courtesy; “Pardon me for stopping you there but- those are details I do not wish to discuss today with you.” He leaned up from his seat, and patiently made his way towards the towering office window;
“As the Aderan people perceive it, those are *your* boys, and they’re participating in an illegal aggression against *our* cordial neighbor. This is the reality you should consider as granted during the remainder of these negotiations.”

The Ambassador barely let Jaerius finish his sentence before speaking; “In that case I must defer whatever ambitions you wished to achieve by summoning me here today, as negotiations are not a realm we’re willing or able to entertain regarding this topic.”

“Is that so? I was under the impression your side was always enthused to negotiate.” Not that it has ever bore fruit in the past, he discreetly thought to himself.

“Tachibana Security Group is a private enterprise; our government has absolutely no jurisdiction over where or with whom they conduct business, abroad or even domestically.
As long as it’s with due regard to international law of course…” he added as an afterthought. A hopeless attempt to cushion the effects of Jaerius’ thinning patience.

Jaerius leaned on the couch, staring the Kottsukian ambassador straight in the eyes; “You’re not listening to me, Mister Harukimo. All of those claims are presently absolutely irrelevant to me. I’m afraid my government's patience is thinning, and they're going to hold your government responsible for this mercenary company regardless of the results of this meeting.”

The Kottsukian Ambassador repositioned himself; “And just what exactly do you expect us to do?”

“They cannot be allowed to participate in combat tasks. Those are our demands. I believe we show you a lot of understanding considering how little you've given us so far.”

Harukimo put his tea cup down; “Consul-General;
I don’t think you grasp what you’re demanding of me here. First off, you’re asking me to, in the function of my position, agree to an intervention in the operations of a Kottsukian private enterprise, a thought that I can get fired for simply entertaining!
Secondly, even if I did promise you such a thing, the Parliament would never ratify it, and even if they did, it would never pass the council. This is not an issue of business Mister Orthrosos, our country was founded on the principles of separation of state from its citizens' affairs as much as it is feasible, especially when it comes to business.”

“Yes, yes; I know all about it.” Jaerius sat back on the couch, and started speaking in a reconciliatory tone; “Look, we’ve known each other for long enough that there’s no need for us to pretend anything you and I theoretically agree on could pass through your parliament; but are you trying to tell me the Councilorship couldn’t pull some strings and get Tachibana Group to sit this one out, even just this once?”

Harukimo let out a genuine sigh “Under normal circumstances, perhaps there could’ve been room for such compromises, but this is Tachibana Group we’re talking about. A company better armed than our own national military; they often act on their own with little due regard for cooperation, unusually so even by the standards of most powerful corporations. The Prime Councilor, or anyone else for that matter cannot discreetly pressure them into doing anything unfortunately. On top of that this is a huge business opportunity for them, likely leaving absolutely no room for compromise.”

Jaerius finally lost his patience completely, but instead of a barrage of insults, he looked deflated; a staunch contrast to the bleak facade of confidence at the start of their conversation.

“Another pointless meeting it seems… Well, I apologize for wasting your time yet again Ambassador, feel free to finish your tea and leave when you wish.”

Jaerius continued massaging his temples, while the Ambassador noiselessly drank his tea. After a couple of minutes of silence, the Ambassador spoke;

“Perhaps a piece of humble advice, Mister Orthrosos?”

Surprised, but not really excited, Jaerius gestured towards Harukimo “Please, by all means.”

“If your country wants to achieve anything with these companies, it should stop trying to pressure the councilorship into action, and instead go to the companies in question first.
You’re trying to ask a cloud for its rain not to drown your patch of flowers, when the cloud controls neither the direction it goes or the intensity of its rainfall…”

Jaerius thought about the Ambassadors words for a moment; “Heh, if I’m being honest I never figured you for a poet, but then again, I suppose we don’t talk much outside of this office.”

“What do you mean Jaerius? We talk in the Kottsukian consulate plenty!”

The two diplomats laughed and eventually concluded their meeting. As Jaeirus expected, it wasn't a particularly productive conversation, but unexpectedly, it didn’t feel like a waste of time either.

by **Bulraton** » Tue Oct 31, 2023 9:26 pm

THE SOVEREIGN UNION OF BULRATON • MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

October 28th, 2023

Dear Mr. Grant,

In light of the ever-escalating situation in Batavia and West Swanzi and the emerging complexities within the WSAO, you are hereby instructed to fully withdraw your delegation from Batavia with immediate effect. Integration efforts with both Batavia and Demesetelis have been placed on pause until further notice. The situation will be reassessed in due course.

All members of the delegation are to be relocated to the Allemerian embassy in Kottsuki. Upon your arrival in Kottsuki, you are to work directly with Kottsukian officials. The primary objective is to ensure that the WSAO's trade regulations can be applied promptly to trade relations between Kottsuki and Bulraton. It is of paramount importance that our economic efforts with Kottsuki proceed seamlessly. Central leadership is monitoring the situation and the progress of your team closely.

I trust you will receive these instructions with the urgency in which they have been sent.

Stay safe and vigilant.

Valeria Corren,
Minister of Foreign Affairs

WSAO Headquarters
Willem Stad, Batavia
28/10/2023
16:30

Paul peered over his glasses at the conference room he'd confined himself to for the better part of the last three weeks, taking in the grandeur. It seemed like the room was a bit too fancy for his current mood. He sighed and straightened his tie. "Well, team," he said, rubbing his temples, "pack everything up, looks like we're off to Kottsuki.". He let out a quick sigh, "Isn't this just fantastic?".

Elsie glanced at Paul with an amused smirk. "Oh, cheer up, Paul. It's not every day we get to go on a surprise trip. Besides, I hear they've got the best ramen."

Paul looked at her, one eyebrow raised. "You're messing with me right? A possible world war on the horizon, and you're thinking of ramen?"

Elsie shrugged. "It's the small things, Paul."

Logan frantically flipped through his notebook. "But, but, but— I had a detailed analysis of projected petrochemical demand ready for our next meeting with the Demesetelian reps. I spent weeks on it!" His voice cracked a little at the end, and he looked close to tears.

"Oh, Logan," Elsie cooed, patting him on the back, "Welcome to diplomacy. Where everything changes at the drop of a hat, and your analysis means squat."

Paul chuckled. "She's not wrong, Logan. But chin up! I'm sure Kottsuki has use for... whatever it is you've written there."

Logan sighed. "It's just... I had a section on the potential boon to farm yields with the increased supply of fertilizer. I even called in a favor from my friend at the Ministry of Agriculture for it!"

Another official leaned in, "I don’t think Kottsuki has too many petrochemicals, Logan. But they might appreciate the hard work?"

Paul interrupted, "Alright, everyone, gather your things. We need to make this quick. We have a flight to catch."

Elsie, already packing up, asked, "First class?"

Paul groaned. "Of course, Elsie. We're basically fleeing a warzone, but heaven forbid we do it in economy."

Logan glanced up, "Do you think they'll serve ramen on the flight?"

Paul sighed. "Only if we get there on time, Logan."

And with that, the delegation made their hasty exit from the WSAO headquarters to the airport.

Allemerian Embassy
Mansu, Kottsuki
29/10/2023
08:30

Ciaran Boullard, the Allemerian Ambassador to Kottsuki, was seen making his way to the press room at the embassy in Mansu the day after welcoming Paul Grant and his delegation. His composed stature hid a hint of disappointment that those close to him knew had been brewing for some time.

Ciaran's role at the Mansu Economic Forum earlier in the year had made him an important figure in Bulraton's application to the WSAO. Given the chaotic chain of events that had since marked the country's entry into the organization, the weight of responsibility pressed heavily on his shoulders. Preparing to issue a joint public statement with officials from Kottsuki, he hoped to project optimism, even amidst his prevailing uncertainties and disappointment in the recent turn of events.

JOINT STATEMENT ON FOREIGN INTERVENTION IN SWANZI

In light of recent developments in Batavia and West Swanzi, The Sovereign Union of Bulraton and The Free Republic of Kottsuki find it necessary to express deep concern over the recent escalations in the conflict. We strongly condemn the involvement of global powers and urge Batavia and Demesetelis to stand with us in denouncing the involvement of foreign military alliances, especially that of the Krepost Pact, in this conflict.

As dedicated non-aligned members of the Willem Stad Accords Organisation (WSAO), the importance of adhering to the core values of neutrality cannot be overstated. The very essence of the WSAO is predicated on these principles. As such, it is imperative for its members to abstain from aligning or appearing to align with any global faction that may compromise the spirit and intent of the organization.

Out of an abundance of caution, Bulraton has paused efforts with the governments of Batavia and Demesetelis to integrate into the WSAO, and withdrawn the remainder of government staff from Willem Stad. In the interim, focus will be redirected to applying WSAO regulations to trade with Kottsuki.

Though recent events have been disheartening. Both Bulraton and Kottsuki remain confident in a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. We hope for a swift return to normalcy and stability in the region.

Posted with approval from Kottsuki

by **Demesetelis** » Tue Oct 31, 2023 11:13 pm

Undisclosed Launch Platform
Halleon
11/10/2023

“4….3….2….1….Liftoff.”

With a flash of brilliant light, the rocket shuddered towards the heavens, the flag of The Imperium boldly prominent on its detachable boosters.

“Trajectory is steady. Fuel depleting at normal rates. T-3 hours to payload insertion.”

Cadiz Demesetelis turned away from the steadily shrinking plume of smoke tracing the sky. Walking to the opposite railing of the viewing platform, he took out his phone to make a call.

“This is Cadiz, the launch was successful. The final count is 24, one of the mini satellites was dropped during loading.” He lights a cigar and takes a couple of hearty puffs as the other end of the line responds. “Correct, they say it should be about three hours until the payload is inserted. It should take another day or so for the satellites to position properly. Yes. Thank you.”

Placing his phone back into his jacket pocket, Cadiz turned to the Imperial general standing close and offered a cigar, which was respectfully declined. The general took the moment to speak. “You have your trajectories confirmed? Our responsibility ends once the cargo has been offloaded.”

“Yes, it's all been accounted for. Thank you for your assistance.”

“Of course. Our next launch in December has payload space available for purchase, should you need anything further.”

“We’ll keep that in mind.” At that moment the Deme national anthem began to blare from Cadiz’s pocket. “If you’ll excuse me, it's the big man.”

Unity Square
Camel Rider City
Demesetelis
18/10/2023

Office workers returning from a late lunch vied with nannies pushing strollers and food delivery workers on bikes for sidewalk space. Like any typical day, the financial district of Downtown Camel Rider City is bustling with life and activity. Unlike a typical day though, a shrieking siren began to blare from every building and cell phone. All motion stopped as everyone turned their heads towards the sky as a robotic voice blared.

“This is a test of the Ballistic Threat Warning System. In the event you hear the tone, seek shelter immediately. If your location has a basement, shelter there. If you are in a high-rise or a building without a basement, shelter in a central location within the building. Do not leave your shelter until the relief tone is played.”

While the message plays for the masses below, missile defense platforms atop various skyscrapers across the city jump to life. One violently spins 180 degrees to begin tracking a Batavian passenger plane flying overhead. 12 new DMM-3 missiles poised and ready to fire, don’t. The plane’s transponder has identified it as a passenger aircraft. 180 kilometers away, at the Al Jiba Air Base, 10 of 12 airborne targets explode in a fireball.

Al Jiba Air Base
Demesetelis

“We have confirmed kills on each of the three aircraft targets. Confirmed kills of 7 of 9 missile targets. Platform test 143 completed with an 83% intercept rate. Standby platforms across the island are showing successful activation.” The commander turns from his screen to face his team. “Good test men. 83% is high, but only 100% will be acceptable for the safety of our people. Review the data, see if we can figure out what caused our two misses. Seeker team, gather what you can for your work on DMM-4. Dismissed.” With a salute and a stomp, the men file out of the command room.

DMS Deliverance
Creantian Sea
25/10/2023

“We have authorization to commence with operation Sparrow’s Rest. Fire order is confirmed.”

With the simple press of a button, a salvo of 20 tactical guided missiles launched toward their targets on the Swanzi mainland. 5 SAM sites wiped off the map in minutes. Across the continent similar operations commenced, punching holes in the already substandard West-Swanzi air defenses. From both the DMS Carrier Adnan Demesetelis and Batavian airfields, Deme fighter jets are being scrambled to push into West-Swanzi and execute strikes against critical military targets.

Deme-Batavian Joint Communiqué
To: Krepost Pact
CC: Commonwealth Society Member-States

Dear Krepost Pact,

While we sincerely appreciate your devotion to international security, we assure you that the situation in West-Swanzi is under control and urge your fleet to make its way back home. No pirates, criminals, or terrorists are able to make their way into international waters as the quarantine instituted on the 17th of October, pursuant to the 1953 Treaty of the Seas between Demesetelis and Batavia, keeps any ships with hostile intent at bay.

Should the Krepost fleet remain around West-Swanzi against our wishes, we strongly urge for the Krepost fleet to allow civilian and humanitarian vessels through to the Norosian Isles. While we may be in an unfortunate state of conflict, there is no reason for the innocent civilians of West-Swanzi to suffer from the decisions made by their corrupt, communist government.

As such, Demestelis and Batavia have prepared preservable foods, water, and other necessities of life to be dropped near the population centers on the Norosian Isles. We strongly urge the Krepost Pact to not intervene with these aerial cargo drops.

We urge Krepost to exercise caution in regard to the Aderan fleet docked in the Norosian Isles. It would be wholly undesirable for the Commonwealth Society at large if an armed conflict breaks out between the League of Free Nations and the Krepost Pact. We strongly urge all parties to engage in talks on how to avoid a head-on collision between the two navies.

Lastly, we express our deepest regrets that the conflict with West-Swanzi has escalated to this level. We hope that all Krepost Nations and the Commonwealth Society at large see that we had no other choice but to engage in this special military operation, lest the security of our nations were under constant threat of terrorism and foreign interference.

Pacem in terris.

Signed,
Grand Ole Sultan Caane Demesetelis and Queen of the Batavians Wilhelmina Batavus

Written in collaboration with Batavia

by **Saint-Auguste** » Wed Nov 01, 2023 3:21 pm

Hôtel du Ministre des Affaires étrangères
Les Trois-Îlets
Saint-Auguste

"You've got to be fucking pissing me Florentin... they've gone and fucking invaded haven't they, the Batavians... how the fuck are we supposed to act now? Stéphanie is besties with their flipping Queen, and we are supposed to act like it's fine?"

Gabriel Bertillon, the Deputy Foreign Minister, spoke plainly to his Foreign Minister, Florentin Delon. Gabriel was known as the potty mouth of the Foreign Ministry, even by the public. He is the only politician to have sworn on live TV, and he never apologised for it. Gabriel was by far Florentin's senior in age, but lacked the ambition to take a more senior role in the government, preferring to take a back seat role. A Saint-Augustine to the bone, he spoke more with his hands and facial expressions than his lips.

"That's what they're thinking, that's what they're all fucking thinking!" Gabriel threw the papers he was holding up in the air, and they gently floated back down.

"What are they thinking Gabriel?" Florentin replied half laughing, watching the papers fly across the room.

"They are thinking that we are panicking, the media, the public, the cunting lefties, they think we are shitting ourselves over this. But my brother in Christ, Florentin, my dear friend, it's very simple, we do nothing, we put out some bullshit statement about "hey everyone we just want peace and friendship and love and rainbows". West-Swanzi is not in the Commonwealth, not in the LFN, we have no obligations, it's true yes we don't want war, but come on, we can't let this effect our economy." Gabriel ranted like he usually does.

"You're a lunatic mate. But you're probably right. Stéphanie will do the talking though. Our main priority is to evacuate any of our citizens that are in West-Swanzi, if there are any. And warn citizens travelling to the area, including Batavia, but we can't stop our trade routes, we can never stop our trade routes. We will put out a statement in accordance with Jean-Paul." Florentin spoke a bit more seriously than Gabriel, it was a matter that actually required some thought, but Florentin always appreciated Gabriel's wild takes on breaking news.

"You know the Radical Left lot are going to shit all over us in the council today right? I'm just preparing you for what they are going to say." Gabriel mirrored Florentin's seriousness.

The Radical Party of the Left, led by Laurent Hénart, is a left-leaning party in Saint-Auguste, and the second biggest party after the Augustine Union, the party of the current government. Laurent Hénart would certainly slam the government for not acting more to stop the war. Laurent is a part of the new wave of liberalism sweeping over Saint-Auguste, whereas the Augustine Union were still very much Eugènites, followers of the doctrine of the now passed Dauphin Eugène III. Dauphine Stéphanie, while initially mirroring the narratives of the liberal wave in the first years of her reign, has now taken a position of a happy medium between the two parties, maximising her appeal to the public.

"Cheers for that mate, can always count on you. Want to come to this LFN summit by the way?" Florentin said, returning to a causal tone.

"Will there be hookers and coke?" Gabriel said, mimicking the action of sniffing cocaine off his finger.

"You need help." Florentin facepalmed.

...

Beauharnais Palace
Beauharnais Island
Les Trois-Îlets
Saint-Auguste

It’s a cold 21st of October and the phone rings at exactly 17:00. Stéphanie looks at the caller ID “Right on time.” She thought. “Classic Batavians.” She picks up her phone and presses the green button.

“Bonjour Wilhelmina.”

“I always forget you can see who calls you nowadays before you introduce yourself, not that you couldn’t’ve guessed by the timing and the fact I had your secretary put this appointment in your calendar. Anyway, apologies, it’s good to speak to you Stéphanie.”

“Likewise Wilhelmina, I presume you’ll want to get down to business?”

“Yes, yes I do, unfortunately since this whole West-Swanzi mess, I have been unable to make time for our weekly gossip call.”

The two monarchs had become friends in the years since Dauphin Eugène III passing. Saint-Auguste and Batavia had always been close, even to this day the royal houses remain intertwined with Stéphanie’s youngest brother Dominic being married to Wilhelmina’s oldest granddaughter, Catharina. The conflict was certainly causing some difficulties in their friendship.

“It truly is a shame, Wilhelmina, this West-Swanzi business. I truly hope it will all be peacefully resolved soon.”

“I know Stéphanie, I am trying my best to resolve this peacefully. Caane and I speak daily on the issue, heck we might as well move in together. I’ve spoken to him more than Bernhard these past few days.”

“Ah yes, Caane and Bernhard, I still have fond memories of the Wilhelmina-LSD stamps.”

Wilhelmina chuckled on the other end of the line. After the chuckle stopped, she responded.

“Business then, Acroticus has called for an LFN meeting on the West-Swanzi conflict and I was curious about where you stand on the issues at hand.”

“Well, I don’t see any reason for the LFN to get involved since West-Swanzi is not an LFN nation. Though I am sure Acroticus will make pleas. I am not entirely sure where Britcan or the other LFN nations will fall on the issue. I am personally most concerned about the regular people of West-Swanzi, your blockade might hinder potential humanitarian aid.”

“I understand Stéphanie, you know me and the Christian people of Batavia. We will cooperate with any and all humanitarian requests, corridors and other necessities. That’s why we’re not refusing food or any other non-weapon shipments. We’re just worried about guns and soldiers that threaten our sovereignty.”

“Well Wilhelmina, you could have always made your please in the Commonwealth Assembly.”

“That’s fair criticism Stéphanie, I hope you understand that in the heat of the moment, there is little time for diplomatic actions. We had to ensure no Schikyan soldiers or weapons could make it to West-Swanzi.”

“I understand it’s a difficult decision, one I am glad I don’t have to make. I still urge you to expend all diplomatic avenues before you resort to violence. “

“I am doing my best Stéphanie. It’s been tough.”

“I have faith you’ll make the right decisions Wilhelmina.”

Stéphanie hung up the phone, worried about the state of affairs on the continent of Swanzi.

[This section was written by Batavie]

Communiqué du Ministère des Affaires étrangères

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Saint-Auguste

For Immediate Release

Subject: Travel Advisory - West-Swanzi

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saint-Auguste wishes to inform all citizens planning international travel of a current travel advisory pertaining to West-Swanzi. The situation in the region has evolved, and there are potential risks that may affect the safety and well-being of our citizens. In light of recent developments in West-Swanzi, we strongly advise all Saint-Augustine citizens to reconsider any non-essential travel plans to Swanzi until further notice. The situation on the ground is rapidly changing, and it is essential that our citizens exercise caution and prioritise their safety.

For any Saint-Auguste citizens who may currently be in West-Swanzi, we urge you to contact the nearest Saint-Auguste Embassy or Consulate immediately. Our diplomatic missions are here to assist and provide support to our citizens during these challenging times. The safety and well-being of our citizens remain our utmost priority, and we are closely monitoring the situation to provide timely updates and guidance as needed. Please stay informed through official channels and heed any local advisories and regulations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to assess the situation and provide further updates as necessary.

Florentin Delon
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Dauphiné of Saint-Auguste

by **Britcan** » Thu Nov 02, 2023 3:11 pm

Presidential Palace, West Swanzi
25 October 2023

"Five seconds Mr President." Came the voice of an aide. Adamu straightened his tie, there was no need but it was a force of habit.

"Four, three." The final numbers were silently mouthed with accompanying hand gestures.

WSTV logo faded from the camera feed, the shot of Adamu sitting at his desk replacing it.

"Ladies and gentlemen, today I bring you news of the most serious nature.

Yesterday the people of West Swanzi were at peace with the nation of Batavia. West Swanzi agreed to cooperation, despite numerous slanderous accusations against our nation and our people. We did so all in the pursuit of peace.

Yesterday, that peace was violated. Batavian armoured vehicles launched a cowardly and duplicitous attack on one of our border post. An attack that claimed the lives of at least a dozen of our brave soldiers. Footage of this monstrous slaughter was captured by security cameras at the checkpoint and will be released to world so that there can be no doubt as to the underhanded action of the Batavian state.

People of West Swanzi, this attack was an entirely unprovoked act of war against our nation. West Swanzi has always sought peace, but now we have no choice but to fight.

We appeal to the nations of the Commonwealth Society to condemn without delay the Batavian aggression against our innocent and peaceful nation. It has become clear that the slanderous lies spread by Batavia were nothing more than underhanded tactics to obscure their true intent.

There is not doubt in my mind that West Swanzi will stand united against this threat. Batavian aggression will be opposed across the length and breadth of West Swanzi. Our military and indeed every citizen of this nation will resist their foul imperialist ambitions with all our might.

Lion's Bay International Airport, West Swanzi
26 October 2023

Security guards in high-visibility jackets attempted to keep order as the throngs of civilians attempted to book any flight they could out of the country. The crowd was predominantly locals, but travellers from around the world were mixed in. Tourists who had come to see the nation's wildlife, missionaries who had been spreading their faiths a week ago, and suit-wearing executives on business trips were all trying to move their return tickets forwards. The threat of war had, of course, been on the horizon for some time and West Swanzi's fledgling travel industry was much reduced over the past year, but the handful who had dismissed the prospect of war now found themselves in the midst of it.

A long queue had formed in front of the Air Britcan desk, a mixture of Britcani citizens and locals. Someone had seen a rumour on social media that the company would be running additional flights to cope with the surge and the desk staff were struggling to deal with the surge of inquiries. Throughout the terminal building countless people were periodically checking their phones. Most seeking news about flights or contacting loved ones, but many also viewing the trickle of text updates and video clips coming in from the border. Shacky phone camera footage showed newly-formed militia groups chanting slogans while official video announcements from politicians and the military tried to keep order. However, the most viewed clips were those showing the blurry security footage of the Batavian attack at the border, many with captions expressing outrage at the attack and denouncing the Batavians.

Presidential Palace, West Swanzi
2 November 2023

The rooms of the Presidential Palace had been hurriedly converted into an ad-hoc command centre. Digital displays and physical maps adorned nearly every available surface. Since the attack on the border, the military had moved in to fortify both the border and pre-prepared fallback lines. The Batavian forces were undoubtably superior to those of West Swanzi, but the rough terrain, especially in the nation's interior, would make any advance difficult and costly for the invaders.

The war plans, however, were not what occupied the mind of President Adamu at this moment. He was concerned for the unity of his own people. His own faction, the socialist Chama Cha Udugu and its allies had heeded the call to arms. Socialist-aligned militia groups had sprung up in every corner of the nation, ready to fight the invaders with whatever they had. This came with risks of course, his supporters would demand he acquiesce to basically any offer made by the Socialist Bloc in the Commonwealth Society. He was hardly in a position to refuse help in any case though.

Likewise the Watu Wa Mashariki, the descendants of those who had fled Batavian slavery and genocide were also eager to fight their old enemy and would make advances through the already-hostile interior of the island even more difficult for any Batavian forces. The group had marginal power in domestic politics and were not especially inclined to support the government. While not a issue currently, it could prove troublesome in the event of any peace deal. Once they were fighting the Batavians they were unlikely to stop.

The military, however, were more suspect. Though they had obeyed their orders so far, Adamu was all too aware that many in their ranks had never warmed to the leadership of Chama Cha Udugu. The coups and revolutions of the last century had created deep divides between the socialists and the military, and many of Adamu's advisors gave paranoid warnings of back-channel communications between the generals and the Batavians. Still, he hoped that the slaughter of the soldiers at the border would be enough to prevent any treachery. Of course there was also the chance they could seek a different backer. The Kherkovians were now circling like sharks and the promise of their support and weapons would undoubtably be tempting for those who wanted the old junta to return.

Then there was Notosia. The island maintained significantly closer ties to the ARA than the rest of the nation. It had been little surprise that the Aderan fleet had made a beeline for the island, and a force stopping the Batavians from seizing it was not unwelcome. He'd acquiesced to Governor Nazari's request that the fleet be given docking rights at the disused naval base. This came with risks of course, the Aderan population was influential there and the Governor was essentially in their pocket. He had dropped hints that the port should be signed over entirely to their former colonial master. These had been rebuffed, but should the situation deteriorate there was every chance they would welcome the ARA's protection more permanently, regardless of what Adamu though. Losing Notosia, the richest province in the nation, would be a disaster.

Adamu rubbed his temples. This situation could easily spiral into civil strife, but for now the Batavians were a common enemy. He prayed they would remain so.

by **The Blue Sakura** » Fri Nov 03, 2023 9:00 am

030500ANOV23/KURE
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE OF THE IMPERIAL BLUE SAKURAN NAVAL FORCES COMMAND
SUBJECT: NAVAL OPERATIONS NEAR WEST SWANZI

Today at 0300 hours Kure time, the 3rd Blue Sakuran Carrier Group, composed of the BSN Izumo (CV-12), BSN Kumano (CG-30), BSN Kamikaze (DDG-87), BSN Shiranui (DDG-32), BSN Tanikaze (DDG-55) and BSN Niizuki (DDG-92), arrived in the seas around West Swanzi.
The Strike Force, led by Lieutenant ████, will link up with Krepost forces and commence patrol and blockade operations.
"The Blue Sakuran Empire stands with our Krepost allies and will support their efforts to preserve peace and order.", said Admiral Ryouta Miyagi, acting Defense Minister, in a press conference in the early hours of the morning.

by **Viperia** » Fri Nov 03, 2023 4:09 pm

Official Viperian Communication
To: The Krepost Pact Nations (The People's Empire of Kherkov)
CC: Krepost Observer States (The Hellenic League of Kaarland, The Imperium of Halleon, The Empire of The Blue Sakura, The Supreme Confederacy of the Blazing Aura, The Sovereign Military Monastic Orders of Vyiya, The Kingdom of Natorashka)

Comrades,

It appears that once again the hideous face of conflict has returned to our once peaceful region.

It appears, also, that it once again falls to the strength and conviction of the Krepost Pact, members and observers all, to quell this beast.

We simply cannot allow this chaos to fester nor to spread like the plague it is, or threatens to be.

We must strike true, swift and without mercy.

Viperia will spare nothing in reinforcing the blockade and patrols of the West Swanzi region and is prepared to take any action necessary in ensuring peace should the situation escalate.

As always, united we stand strongest.

Let nothing and no-one come between us and our duty.

Krepost prevails.

Signed,
Minister of the Krepost Pact, Mikhail Luvchenko

VNS Stoykiy
Imparic Ocean

No sooner had the Viperian government sent their communique to the Krepost Pact, with similar announcements made to the media and Commonwealth Society at large, than the Viperian fleet began their journey to the isles of West Swanzi. The fleet was already prepared and in position as part of the Krepost war games in Sothron so would soon be joining the blockade and patrols of West Swanzi. All captains had been briefed and given the all clear to use any means necessary in the defence of soon to be Krepost waters.

by **Kherkov** » Mon Nov 27, 2023 1:10 pm

Reichskommissar for the Exterior’s Office

The Kriegerburg
Gratberg
Kherkov

Von Augustbach pored over the various reports on the monitor. It was a busy time for the Exterior, what with the arrangements for Zohlburg 1500, tensions escalating in Notosia, and outright war in Sothron happening concurrently. International politics was a constant ebb and flow, and the Exterior had to be flexible to accommodate this. Von Augustbach had faced challenges before – it was time to face them again.

First, the letter. Von Augustbach had personally drafted a message to be delivered to General Akerele, commander of West Swanzi’s forces stationed in Notosia. During the time of the military junta, Akerele had been somewhat of a rising star – a scrappy little army Captain who had gleefully acted as an instrument of the junta’s oppression. After the fall of the military regime, the socialists had promoted him to General and whisked him away to Notosia, presumably so he would ideally be too out of the way to cause any trouble.

While this did get Akerele out of the socialists’ hair, it was likely that he had redirected his ire to the Aderan-descended local leadership of Notosia. It was a calculated gamble by Gratberg that Akerele and his officers wouldn’t be too enthused about the arrival of the Aderan fleet, and especially the prospect of returning to Aderan rule. Calculated or not, a lot was riding on this message, and thus it was a hand-picked agent of the Military Police’s State Security Bureau that was to physically deliver the message on encrypted USB – with orders to terminate both the USB and himself should he be discovered. Time was of the essence, and so von Augustbach immediately gave orders to commence the operation once he had written the message.

Kherkovian Imperial Communiqué
VERSCHLÜSSELT | KLASSE: STRENG GEHEIM

General Akerele,

I write to you in the knowledge that you will share our despair in what is happening to West Swanzi. Indeed, I am also doing so in the knowledge that you will share our despair in all that has happened since the end of General Magombo’s custodianship.

All manner of terrorist and unpatriotic politician have ravaged a once-proud nation built on strength, order, and security – values which I know you hold dear. There may, perhaps, be little hope for the mainland. However, with your guidance, there could be hope for Notosia.

Rest assured that Kherkov and the Krepost Pact share these values. Our fleets have surrounded the isles not to harm them, but to help them. I enclose instructions to access an encrypted channel on which we can speak further. Together, we may yet put an end to our shared despair – if we act quickly.

Signed,
His Grace Gottfried von Augustbach, Reichskommissar for the Exterior, Grand Admiral of the Reichsvolksmarine, Imperial Duke of Kherkov.

The various international statements swirling around the conflict also required von Augustbach’s attention. There was the matter of the Bulraton-Kottsuki joint statement. Kottsuki was a useful economic partner for Gratberg. Bulraton had been identified as a potential partner in the Sothron crisis. However, with their joint condemnation of Krepost, this was out of the window. The statement was largely an issue for the WSAO, and so was best left ignored, von Augustbach decided. Bulraton and Kottsuki could harp on about neutrality to their heart’s extent. They would only become an issue if they decided to actually do something, which Gratberg had deemed unlikely.

The Deme-Batavian counterpart was the more interesting case. Of course, the Exterior had been expecting a statement of this nature to come out after the Pact blockade. The Swanzi powers’ collaboration with Krepost was not public knowledge, and as far as the international community knew, this was simply another opportunistic play by Krepost. Gratberg’s reply had to be similarly firm to keep up the charade of loggerheads between the two blocs.

Kherkovian Imperial Communiqué
Public Statement to the Deme-Batavian governments

Sultan Caane, Queen Wilhelmina,

Your attempts to halt the spread of terrorism are commendable. However, the practical reality of the situation necessitates our involvement, as evidenced by the failure to institute a full blockade around the entirety of West Swanzi’s coastline - namely their southern territories. For the peace of mind of the international community, Krepost ships shall continue their operations.

The blockade instituted has no desire to prevent the shipment of genuine humanitarian aid for civilians. In order to avoid any unwanted accidents, we strongly urge the Deme-Batavian governments to submit full flight manifests and plans for such actions, and pre-arrange inspection and escort of goods with Krepost Command.

Our government assumes that you misunderstand the Krepost blockade’s intentions toward the Aderan fleet. There is no desire to engage in hostile action against the LFN fleet - only against pirates, terrorists, and agents seeking to spread and escalate violence. The Aderan fleet is free to exit the blockade unhindered. Civilian ships are also free to exit the blockade, subject to inspection from Krepost forces.

The Pact wishes for a swift end to hostilities in the region, and the return of stability, security, and order; the founding tenets of our organisation.

In the name of the Commonwealth, Krepost prevails.

Signed,
His Grace Gottfried von Augustbach, Reichskommissar for the Exterior, Grand Admiral of the Reichsvolksmarine, Imperial Duke of Kherkov.

West Swanzi/Notosia stuff approved by Britcan.

A Conquest of Paradise [IC | MT | SEMI-OPEN: READ OOC OP]

A Conquest of Paradise [IC | MT | SEMI-OPEN: READ OOC OP]

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