Black Seeds Of Vengeance [The Great Crusade, Part 1]

[Automagfreek]

Gholgoth had created great commotion and uncertainty with the announcement of its intent to re-assert itself as an international powerhouse, and the promise to bring about a New World Order had brought about great concern for some... but for others, the declaration was but empty words. Many had assumed that Gholgoth had fallen from grace and had disappeared from the world stage, which could not have been further from the truth, for the Goths had never left; they discreetly went about their business while the world turned a blind eye. The Freekish Empire had invaded The Grand World Order, The Parthians had embarked on several conquests and had conquered many, The Kraven Corporation was expanding its number of servant states, and the few slavers inside Gholgoth had created quite a stir abroad. But for some, these actions were unworthy of notice... but soon all would be made to see.

One entity in particular had stirred Gothic rage to the boiling point, the Communist Party of Sharfghotten. As Sentinels from around the Empire readied themselves for deployment, a brief statement was issued from the Great Hall which would officially launch what many inside Gholgoth were referring to as 'The Great Crusade'.

~From the desk of Lord Vladius Dreadfire, Imperial Warlord of The Freekish Empire~

In the days since the Gothic announcement to the world of our intentions, we have seen a mixed bag of responses from across the globe. There are many who express interest or concern, and there are some who choose another path, that of belligerence. The infidels of Sharfghotten have said many a boastful word, proclaiming Gholgoth to be dead and nothing more than a decaying relic of a time long since passed, but soon they shall see the error of their arrogance. At his very moment, millions from across the Empire and millions more from across almighty Gholgoth prepare themselves for the greatest Crusade of our time, to bring about real change and usher in a New World Order.

In order to accomplish this, there must be not doubt as to the strength and capacity of Gholgoth. Therefore we shall make an example of the Communist heathens of Sharfghotten and those foolish enough to flock to their defense, an example which will set the precedent for the Great Crusade when it is formally launched. Wotan, the God of War, demands blood and retribution, and on this day he shall have plenty. The Sharfghotten scum would do well to ready their defenses and summon forth their armies, though attempting to resist the unstoppable Gothic juggernaut is ultimately a futile effort.

So now, we urge those who doubt the power of our regional alliance to sit and watch, for we shall grant you but a taste of what is to come in the near future. Should any seek to defy us further and aid the Communists, then their blood shall be spilled until it rains down from the skies.

Gholgoth is coming.

[Ralkovia]

Wherein we find ourselves in the cross roads between the disastrous calm of peace or the glorious chaos of war, we the Grand and Glorious Empire of Ralkovia hereby declare a crusade against the Communist nation of Sharfghotten. Your vehement arrogance, the one that is about to doom you and your people, can be remedied only through humility. So we offer you a single chance to take hold of our mercy, this offer is simple your immediate and unconditional surrender. This surrender will guarantee your people long, healthy, prosperous lives under Gholgoth. Or you can choose to fight to defend your words and end up the world's largest ash tray. It is upon your shoulders, that you make a choice to watch billions of your peoples lives be extinguished before you too find yourself crushed.

[Kulverint]

Friansza Milverki hereby supports Ralkovia, but wishes to ask that it removes the reference to communism, as communism has nothing to do with this, simply the stupidity and arrogance of the Gholgoth, using their large nation sizes as an excuse to be idiotic in their actions.

[Gibet]

Gibet agrees with the words spoke by Ralkovia. We were saved by them and their words of wisdom. If you do the same, your nation will prosper under the rule of the Gholgoth. Otherwise, you are doomed. We took the option to be a protectorate of Ralkovia and that is what kept us aliv. We would not be here today if not for Ralkovia. Gibet intends to help the Gholgoth return to its old seat of power at the head of the world. We believe they are detined to help the world prosper. Heed their words and make the right choice.

[Automagfreek]

Kulverint has precisely 12 hours to retract its statement and issue an immediate apology to the Gothic Lords, or else it too shall face Gothic wrath. We have made it clear that we will show through force that we mean business, and yet your government is foolish enough to openly insult us? Be certain of this, little ones, that none shall be spared should your defiance continue. We do not suffer the likes of inbred swine who think not before speaking blasphemies to the great Kings of Old, and should the government of Kulverint refuse to apply common sense and save themselves from utter ruin, they too shall be put to the sword.

No further warning nor instruction shall be given. The clock is now ticking.

Minister Hartman
-AMF Ministry of Foreign Affairs-

[Kulverint]

Kulverint has precisely 12 hours to retract its statement and issue an immediate apology to the Gothic Lords, or else it too shall face Gothic wrath. We have made it clear that we will show through force that we mean business, and yet your government is foolish enough to openly insult us? Be certain of this, little ones, that none shall be spared should your defiance continue. We do not suffer the likes of inbred swine who think not before speaking blasphemies to the great Kings of Old, and should the government of Kulverint refuse to apply common sense and save themselves from utter ruin, they too shall be put to the sword.

No further warning nor instruction shall be given. The clock is now ticking.

Minister Hartman
-AMF Ministry of Foreign Affairs-

You cannot deny this, you have a mass of arrogance which you are using in an imperialistic way.

Any actions taken by you will be noted by COMINTERN, the Vladivostok Alliance and many others.

[Kulverint]

For now we retract both statements, but rest assured that this is not over.

[Brewdomia]

Transmission From The Nexus

The machines of war move again, my friends. Steel, sweat, and human blood mixed together to form this great creation. Sharfgotten. Relics are we? Decaying? Is that what they call us? Such foolishness. The citizens of Sharfgotten will remember this. We will make sure of it. The Nexus and it's gothic brethren slice through international waters as I write this communique. Sharfgotten, my friends, you will burn. Your cities, in centuries, will be remnants of the destruction Gholgoth bought upon your nation. When dried blood stains the streets you will remember this. When rotting corpses litter the nation you will remember this. When your soldiers are trampled under the mighty gothic tanks, you will remember this. Sharfgotten. Spare the agony. Submit. There is no need to take your nation down a self-righteous path of destruction. You will not survive.

[Automagfreek]

We are glad to see that the heathens of Kulverint have seen the light, however their continued defiance in stating that "this isn't over" does not satisfy us and suggest that their withdrawal of their statements was not sincere. We do not fear such entities as COMINTERN or Vladivostok, though we trust them to be more sensible than your government when dealing with international superpowers. The Freekish Empire believes that they do not wish to inflict unnecessary suffering upon themselves, and thus any support you are hoping to drum up will in all likelihood not be there. And if said support were there, it would not intimidate us in the slightest. Sooner or later, Kulverint will realize just who it is dealing with.

If Kulverint is sincere in stating that "this is not over", then we will see if they feel the same way after Gholgoth decimates the nation of Sharfghotten. For now, sit back and watch, soon the killing shall begin. You will hear no further responses from the Freekish Empire until the campaign against the Sharfs is finished, however should your belligerence resurface before then you will be seeing our ships on the horizon.

Minister Hartman
-AMF Ministry of Foreign Affairs-

[Izistan]

Statement from the Marxist-Leninist representatives of the REVCOM.

The revisionist, Dengist, neo-fascist state of Sharfghotten now faces destruction at the hands of capitalist forces. The Marxist-Leninist representatives hereby call upon the proletariat of Sharfghotten to rise up and dismantle the corporatist farce that masquerades as a workers democracy, and institute a true socialist society.

As for the revisionist forces of the COMITERN – your promises are as hollow as the Liaoist propaganda from your Confucianist master. You offer no more hope to the global proletariat then do the “liberal” states of Haven. It would be best to consider whether your “allies” are as socialist as they make themselves out to be.

In time the so-called “New World Order” will be brought to heel by the forces of historical inevitability. The fear mongers and propaganda would have you believe that they are invincible. In the end, they shall face the same fate as do all Imperialists – as did the rule of the Directorate and Zedlacher – revolution. The oppressed will throw off their shackles and beat ploughshares into swords. The oppressors will cower before the merciless justice of the exploited masses, united under the red banner of the Communist Party.

For the record, the M-L's are a minority faction in the REVCOM consisting of a few intelligentsia in Battleford. Fun to use though.

[Kulverint]

Kulverint recognises all threats as real and severe.

What we meant by it "not being over" was that we disapprove with the seeming lack of trying for a diplomatic solution, and we hope that you can see sense and talk rather than kill.

[Sharfghotten]

Engelsburg, CPS headquarters

General Kees' hand trembled as he threw another glass of whiskey into his mouth. He wiped his face with his wrist, smearing spirit against the once-immaculate 5* general's suit. Spread across his desk were ultimatums of surrender, from not only the Freeks, but other Knights of Gholgoth.

Kees wiped his tear-stained eyes. Why, why, oh God why, did he pull off the coup? He should have been happy as Minister of Defence. He threw another glass of whiskey down his throat, futiley hoping to drown his terrors in a sea of single malt.

The troops were mobilized. Massive conscription was sucking every available body he had into the armed forces. But would it be enough to fend off the behemoth that he, in a supreme act of folly, had roused from its slumber? Surrender was certainly not an option. For one, he could not feasibly cancel the enormous logistical activity he had just undertaken. Neither could he be seen by his people as a coward.

There was only one thing he could do. He had been doing it since he was a young boy.

Bullshit.

Statement from the CPS

Communist Party of Sharfghotten

The Communist Party of Sharfghotten, and by extention the Union of Sharf Socialist Republics, finds the belligerent actions of Gholgoth nothing short of abhorrent. Who are these rabid dogs who believe they have the power to police the world?

The USSS implores those nations of the world that stand for freedom, self-determination, and those many rights that we have earned as free human beings, to stand with the USSS in our battle against the resurgent tyrants of Gholgoth. United, we may stand.

[Gibet]

IN KRAKOW CENTER, KRAKOW, GIBET
DER FUERHER'S SPEECH
12:30 PM EST

"Today, our friends in the Gholgoth started their crusade to re-in-state their old empire. Their armies are now at the gates of Sharfghotten and are demanding surrender! We will open hostilities towards the world in hopes of helping this empire prosper! Many nations have called them Devils! Well, I say they are Angels! Angels sent by God to fix this world and allow for peace through-out the land! The rest of the world will try to stop us and the Gholgoth but, our forces are strong and our cause is just! We will triumph! Long live Gibet! Long live Ralkovia! And long live the Gholgoth!" The Fuerher finished his speech as thousands cheered. His speeches were short but, they helped the morale and spirit in hard times. He walked towards the Riechstag building behind him. He had to get to a Military Meeting.

UNDER THE RIECHSTAG
IN DER FUERHER'S BUNKER
12:39 PM EST

"We will start here. We will take them by surprise and secure their bridges and roadways so's to prevent any emmediate retalliation. The 1st S.S. will move in here to link up with the 2nd S.S. Panzer Division. Luftwaffe air-raids will supress the enemy in their strongest points while the Werhmacht will attack at their flanks of their capital. We shall not fail." The General was finished speaking. He looked at all the faces in the room. Some of them had fear in their eyes, others gazed back into his Blue eyes. They spoke not a word.

"I agree with your plan, Herr Sturmgiest but, what about their allies?" Schlesser (Der Fuerher) asked him while he gazed at the large map of Sharfghotten. He looked at the incredible detail. He could see every nook and crany in the major cities.

"They will be busy dealing with the Gholgoth. I am sure there will be victory." He said in return. The light shined against his face and it showed a scar across his right eye.

"Does anyone else have any questions or, are we all in approval of his plan?" Schlesser asked as he looked at each man and woman in front of him. There was no responce. "Verywell then, Sturmgiest, you have our approval. God speed." Schlesser said as he turned to leave. He had a sort of spring in his step, despite the fact that he was about to send thousands to fight and die for the Fatherland.

[Sharfghotten]

OOC: Map of sharfghotten

[Vjiay]

“So, we’re stuck between lunatic, self-righteous, jingoistic fucktards, bent on claiming the world for their own through extermination, and some weed smoking socialists who seem determined to ensure their own destruction?”

“Uh...pretty much, sir.”

The Prime Minister threw down the black folder in disgust. It was filled with recorded communiqués from the aforementioned forces, numerous words of hate spouted out of immature, probably mentally ill leaders, seemingly determined to find out which of them has the biggest cock through the murder of billions.
He leant back on the chair, his tired face apparently already greying despite his relative youth.

“We can’t openly fight or oppose them, they’ll have more in their logistics corps’ than we have in our armies.” He was talking to himself now, the foreign minister that stood on the other side of the table swayed awkwardly, unsure of what to say.
“We have to strike a balance...we can’t be seen to be endorsing Gholgoth’s actions, but we can’t go to war, not yet anyway.”
He leant forward again, rubbing his faded blue eyes that seemed to be getting heavier by the minute.
“We must take Alan’s advice,” he searched the papers for a possible plan of action suggested by his defence minister, “I’ll authorise themobilisation of approximately ten percent of our military.” He reached over to the red phone, “We have to be prepared to defend ourselves and our allies,” he carried on, now dialling in the number of his defence minister, the foreign minister still unsure as to whether he should be in the room, “But we can’t afford to incite an immediate attack from Gholgoth. I shall prepare a statement to be sent to the nations of Gholgoth.”





The government of Vjiay finds the sudden escalation of this dire situation disturbing indeed. Nought but human suffering will come from your self-righteous ‘great crusade’, we no longer live in an era where such phrases are required and such an aggressive name is cringe worthy and embarrassing at best.
Your actions will destroy greater parts of this planet. Anything you ‘conquer’ will be nothing more than dust and ash, where will this end?When the earth, and by extension you are destroyed?

Once again, Vjiay and indeed the world urges all involved nations to back down, for the good of yourselves.

Signed,
Prime Minister of Vjiay,
Issac Gidley.

[Solyhniya]

We are glad to see that the heathens of Kulverint have seen the light, however their continued defiance in stating that "this isn't over" does not satisfy us and suggest that their withdrawal of their statements was not sincere. We do not fear such entities as COMINTERN or Vladivostok, though we trust them to be more sensible than your government when dealing with international superpowers. The Freekish Empire believes that they do not wish to inflict unnecessary suffering upon themselves, and thus any support you are hoping to drum up will in all likelihood not be there. And if said support were there, it would not intimidate us in the slightest. Sooner or later, Kulverint will realize just who it is dealing with.

If Kulverint is sincere in stating that "this is not over", then we will see if they feel the same way after Gholgoth decimates the nation of Sharfghotten. For now, sit back and watch, soon the killing shall begin. You will hear no further responses from the Freekish Empire until the campaign against the Sharfs is finished, however should your belligerence resurface before then you will be seeing our ships on the horizon.

Minister Hartman
-AMF Ministry of Foreign Affairs-

Don't second guess the Vladivostok Alliance. Do not tell us what we can and cannot do or what we will do: this is entirely based on how you behave towards Kulverint. Maintain peace, and the VA will have no place in this dispute. Take hostile action against a VA member and you will be met with the greatest resistance force you could ever fear to see.

KRS

[Tahar Joblis]

Kulverint has precisely 12 hours to retract its statement and issue an immediate apology to the Gothic Lords, or else it too shall face Gothic wrath. We have made it clear that we will show through force that we mean business, and yet your government is foolish enough to openly insult us? Be certain of this, little ones, that none shall be spared should your defiance continue. We do not suffer the likes of inbred swine who think not before speaking blasphemies to the great Kings of Old, and should the government of Kulverint refuse to apply common sense and save themselves from utter ruin, they too shall be put to the sword.

No further warning nor instruction shall be given. The clock is now ticking.

Minister Hartman
-AMF Ministry of Foreign Affairs-

Minister Hartman has precisely twelve hours to issue a deep and sincere apology to Kulverint for his ignorant theocratic babble and grandiose threats. The consequences of doing so will involve severe mockery.

A series of pamphlets excoriating Hartman's lack of manners within diplomatic correspondence has already been drawn up, and a four-man motor torpedo boat has already moved to anticipatorially intercept Gothic aggression. To the captains of any Gholgothic military ships, we implore you surrender promptly to Brevet Warrant Officer Jonathan Pettico upon making radio contact. Failure to do so may lead to many unnecessary deaths, which would be regrettable.

Additionally, Freeki traffic has been banned from Tahar Joblissan airspace and waters. The Diplomatic Corps of Tahar Joblis strongly discourages the tactic of appeasement by third parties. Are we to again partition Poland and the lowlands?

[Seattile]

In the office of Seattile president Travis. The head of Seattile intelligence rushs through the door of the President's office and Salutes the president.
"Sir we found out some disturbing news, it seems that the Gothic nations fight the same enemies we do."
"Who are these enemies,"
"Communist sir, and I think It would be best if we recall our forces and help the Goths."
"Great, I'm cot between two hard places. Ether we fight nations that outnumber us and fight alongside the commies or we fight alongside the Gothic nations and fight the commies."
"Remember sir during your running for office you promised that Seattile would fight the communist scum. Isn't that what you said."
"I know I said that but I never thought that a region that I only heard rumors of would be launching a full scale world war
"So what are we going to do sir."
"Call off the the feelt, they are not to attack any Gothic ships. Instead they are going to attack communist ships and invade their lands and the communist won't be called red because of their flag or views,"
"Good one sir I will let General Henderson know."
"Good I will inform the people."

Minutes later outside the Presidential Palace.
"My fellow citizens I will inform you that Goths and Seattileins share a common enemy the Communist! And as they say the enemy of my enemy is my friend. I have seen the error of my ways Seattile will now launch military operations against the commie scum. Seattile will now give its undieing support to the Goths" Cheers are heard thoughout the citizens listening to the president speak and hoping not to have to worry about being destroyed by the Goth's larger army.

[Gibet]

KORRELLIA SQUARE, KRAKOW, GIBET
4:51 PM EST

The Fuerher, Rudolph Schlesser, stood before a crowd of thousands who had shown-up to hear his speech over the present situation in Sharfghotten. They began to get edgy as they had already been there for thirty minutes. Finally, Schlesser walked up the steps to the podium. He situated himslef behind the podium and wiped the sweat off of his forehead. He looked at the crowd and then, briefly at the notes in front of him.
He took a deep breath.

"Citizens and Soldiers of Gibet! We have met an enemy who is in defiance of the Gholgoth and her allies. We will not stand for this. The Gholgoth is an empire destined to rule the Earth! We are allied with them and are destined to help them reach that goal! I ask this of you, are you prepared to sacrifice the lives of the men and women you love? Their sacrifices will be for the greater good! Never before has such an opportunity to change the world for the better!" He paused to look back at his notes before continuing.
"The world is on the edge of complete anihalation at the hands of these so called "Democracies" that force their way of governing onto others! Imagine! The world the way it used to be! A better world! A world of peace and prosperity! That is what the Gholgoth will do! They will save us! So, I ask of you, the citizens of Gibet, will you fight?!" He held his hand up in a fist and and his Blue eyes gazed across the crowd and saw each of the faces, though only briefly. He smiled at the large ammount of replys: "Sieg Heil! Sieg Heil!" He loved it. He smiled, and for a brief moment was swallowed whole by the volume of the voices in the square. He wiped more sweat off his forehead before continuing.

"To the soldiers whom are about to shed their blood for us and for the Gholgoth! I tell you this, do not count days! Do not count miles! Count only the number of the enemy you have killed! Our cause is just and our armies strong! They will not stop us! We will succeed! Where a Gibetan Soldier sets foot, there he stays! I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty, and skill in combat! Your enemy is well trained! They are well-equiped! They will fight savagely! You will not fail! You can beat them! We are on your side! God is on your side! Never retreat! Only push! Push forward into the enemy hordes! Throw them back! Back into the pits from which they came! Death to the Sharfghotten people!" He said as he once again held his fist up in the air. He re-joiced at the even louder "Sieg Heil! Seig Hiel!" from his soldiers. they were only a few of the thousand more that were awaiting the order to strike.

[Hamilay]

Four days ago

Alessandro's was one of the most popular coffee places in northcentral Sayenna, and even at mid-morning on a weekday when the vast majority of Hamilayans were busying themselves in their offices it was doing a lively business. There were businessmen discussing the stock market over their newspapers, young couples who'd managed to time breaks from work to meet each other here and some of the politicians, civil servants, journalists and soldiers who filled the Government District simply taking a break from their schedules over the shop's locally famous fruit tarts.

One man, clad in the nondescript black business suit practically a uniform for urban Hamilayans - certainly there were a sea of these suits in this coffee shop and passing by on the pavement - was not particularly interested in his flat white coffee or his custard tart with pears and strawberries. Apart from the odd pause to stir his cooling coffee mug, he sat on a sidewalk table cradling a slip of paper.

Robert,

It would be good if we could meet for a chat. Alessandro's, corner of Autumn and Republic, 11am Tuesday. Don't be late.

c.b.

Not a note of any particular interest, perhaps something someone might pass to an old friend or even a lover for a discreet meeting. Which was what made it strange, at least to any outside observer who happened to read the note and observe the participants. Robert Hall, a Field Marshal of the Hamilayan Army and one of the members of the National Council, was somewhat too old and had a somewhat unlikely personality to be passing lovers' notes around.

A black Van Luxemburg-built sedan with government plates pulled out of the heavy traffic and stopped on the side of the street. Hall couldn't see the occupants through the tinted windows, but he knew the car was for him. He got up, opened the door and entered. A few patrons watched him leave, but they were more puzzled and irritated about the untouched coffee and fruit tart on the table.

"I'm glad you could come," said a woman's voice as he entered.

"Catherine. It's been a little while," said Hall, keeping his voice neutral. "Is Marshal Sokolov here?"

The woman gave a start as he said this and Hall considered that may not have been the best thing to say. It was a small prod to keep her off balance, a bit unsettled, keep the initiative, by disclosing something he shouldn't know, but she may not need his help to be unsettled. He hadn't noticed it before, but he realised her voice was somewhat brittle and wavering, fearful even, barely keeping it together. Catherine Bright was not known to be a fearful woman, which began to unsettle him somewhat. He had known she was taking time off her work and the Deputy Director had unofficially stepped into her duties...

"Sokolov... I thought it was best not to include him. Could be useful, but he sympathises too much with the hard-liner fucks, and he's an idiot to boot." With the profanity the brittleness in her voice disappeared for a moment, and Hall leaned back in the leather seat of the sedan, which began to move off down the road. "Robert, we both get the reports from the National Council, you know I do at any rate. This Gothic adventure of Novikov's... it can't be allowed to continue. I know you support the 'insular solution', so hear me out. I helped you oust the President to help those kids you order about. We can't let Novikov send a million Hamilayan boys and girls off to die for some nothing nation nobody's ever heard of, which is just what's about to happen."

"Really. What do you propose?" said Hall, concealing his surprise. It was very unusual of Bright to spill the beans, so to speak, so early. No bullshitting around, which he approved of, but either she was really starting to lose it or this was some sort of very clever trick on someone's behalf.

"We got rid of one president, we can get rid of another."

The car sped off down the avenue.



Present day

"Well, we've all seen the latest reports, ladies and gentlemen. Marshal Ritter, I await your recommendations," said the President-for-Life diplomatically.

"On advice and intel from our Freekish allies and others, one corps. I will detach the units from 4th Army and they will be en route to Sharfghotten in a matter of days, assuming cooperation from the Navy." Grand Admiral Eller rolled his eyes but said nothing. "Further - or lesser - committments may be made as the strategic situation is clarified. At the moment, myself and my colleagues recommend one three-division corps as the ideal force composition we can deploy easily at such short notice."

"We will see how the Sharfghotten situation develops over the next few days. As you all know, though, this business will most likely not stop with Sharfghotten. Ladies and gentlemen, Hamilay stands on the edge of history, facing what could possibly become the largest war we have ever fought. I feel backing down is not an option. I have been led to be aware that you all agree." Nods from around the conference table. "Good. There are many reasons - you probably all have different ones - but we must do what is expected of us. For the whole of our careers we have laboured to do what is expected of Hamilayans and for what is expected of Hamilay itself. We will not fail at this crucial moment. I assume you have authorised local commanders to begin a general mobilisation and begin calling up the reserves as per my request. What force can the Federal Republic expect to muster?"

"Four of the A-group field armies are at full readiness at the moment and we currently have the assets - as I have been informed - to support one of those field armies on an overseas deployment, but this number will increase very soon. I expect to have all A-group divisions at full readiness and begin raising B-group reserve troops by the end of the month. Our projected strength in the event of full-scale war will be two hundred and fifty divisions or so."

President Novikov nodded. "Navy?"

"Assuming our neighbours aren't sleeping on the job, the Republic's coast is fairly safe. About forty of our fleet carriers and their associated vessels can be released for foreign duty. With the naval situation across the world these days being in the order of absurd numbers of hundreds of capital ships we won't have the numbers to strike out on our own. Our priority will be to mass our available ships to support the Army overseas and perhaps land some useful blows in concert with our allies."

"Very well. Chancellor?"

"The home front is secure. I have the greatest confidence that the Hamilayan people will support us in this mighty endeavour. The standard measures in the event of war are ready to be activated. My subordinates will see to it that civilian readiness matches the readiness of our armed forces."

"Good," said the President shortly. "Now, back to Sharfghotten. Ritter, tell us your plans."

"Well, as I said, one corps of 4th Army. Fifteenth. Three divisions, 9th Armoured, 22nd Infantry, 28th Infantry. 7th Air Cavalry plus associated independent units have also been gathered up. I understand the Air Force is providing 13th Air Army and plenty of heavies. We will trust in our allies to make landfall, with the navy supporting landings and guarding the sea lanes, as I understand. The aircav can force a landing on its own if absolutely necessary. After that, we will work in close concert with allied forces on the ground before making any decisions. We need more intel. We may also find it expedient to subordinate our expeditionary force to Freekish command under certain circumstances. That is all I have for the moment. Colonel-General Simon is in charge of the whole operation."

"The operation name?" asked another of the Marshals.

Somewhere in the innards of the Ministry of Defence, a man had been preparing for this very question some days ago. There is a man in the Ministry whose job it is to look over the computer-generated lists of endless names spat out and pick good-sounding ones, then send them off to a committee of officers for approval. The Hamilayan military was enough bloated with high-ranking officers that there were general officers with nothing better to do than sit on a committee picking names for operations. Even with this rigorous process, some were cliched and some bordered on the absurd.

"Unusual Sunrise. It seemed appropriate."

Nobody commented on the name put forward by Ritter. Most of the men and women at table were fortunately more level-headed than the officers on the committee who were wont to worry about such things.

"Very well. Unusual Sunrise has presidential approval. Are we all agreed that this shall commence immediately?"

There was a chorus of agreement and nods from around the table. Catherine Bright, who had remained silent so far, watched them with a growing fear. Many in the international community thought the Goths were crazed fanatics - the communications which had passed across this table so many times in the past few days had shown that - but here she could see how long they were. These men and women were not crazed fanatics in the slightest. They were calculating, rational, dedicated people - that's why they were here, and she had worked with some of them for the whole of her adult life. Most of all, they were Hamilayans. And these rational people, most of them not ideologues - following the Hamilayan tradition of political apathy even in politics - were comfortable with a course of action that would lead to the death of thousands, perhaps millions of Hamilayans and countless more foreigners. Because they thought it would be expedient for the Republic.

The thought chilled her to the bone. It was time to act. She stood up, pressing some buttons on her PDA as she did so.

"With due respect, Mr President, I do not agree."

A wave of irritation and confusion swept across the Presidential Palace conference room, followed by surprise as a group of Palace guards walked in, weapons drawn.

"Hamilay must look to where she has always looked since time immemorial; her own borders, her own people. What is this for? Glory? Power? Fame? There will be none of these things to be gained for us in this Gothic crusade. We will not win this war; Gholgoth will win. The Freeks will win, the Endorsians will win. The only victory we will come home with is a million Hamilayan sons and daughters in body bags. We ousted the previous President for the good of the Republic, so we could concentrate on the well-being of the Republic. I am sorry I have to do it again."

President-for-Life Novikov stood up to speak at the same time Bright motioned to the soldiers. They turned to look at the President, but didn't move, and that was when she began to sense something was wrong.

"Well spoken, Director, but you are wrong in one respect. This crusade is not for glory, power, or for fame. It is for Order. Order and duty. It gives me no pleasure to send the sons and daughters of Hamilay to die in foreign lands. But it must be done. Not for any material gain, but for what makes us Hamilayan. We do what is expected of us," repeated the President forcefully. "And I am sorry you cannot see that. I must consider this a confession of high treason to the Republic, and by the powers invested in me by this office I order your arrest."

The fear latent in Bright's heart began to reach boiling point. Somehow she sensed this would be futile, but she said it anyway. "It ends here, Mr President. Take him away."

The guards turned away from the President-for-Life and walked towards her.

"Hands behind your head, ma'am. No sudden moves."

Bright stared in horror, and slowly turned to look at Hall, sitting at the other end of the table.

"My condolences, Catherine," he said with a sad smile.

"You son of a bitch," she snarled, drawing her sidearm in one swift motion and pointing it at the President's head. The others at the table, who until now had mostly just been staring in shock, were galvanised into action, standing up, overturning chairs, some diving under the table and others making moves to draw their own weapons they were entitled to carry as Hamilayan generals. The soldiers with carbines pointed at Bright tightened their fingers on the triggers.

The President-for-Life stood impassively. Bright thought she noticed an aura of smugness around his face, and it filled her with rage. She pulled the trigger, and as a ghost of a smile began to appear around the President-for-Life's mouth, somehow she finally knew.

Click.

"Get her out of here," said Novikov, and the soldiers moved to comply. "Chancellor, I will need your recommendation for a new Director at the earliest convenience."

The door closed, Director of Federal Intelligence Catherine Bright's sobs still echoing from down the corridor.

"With that out of the way, I believe we are all in agreement for Operation... Unusual Sunrise. I assume you all have better things to do with your commands and units than discussing bureaucracy with myself. Good luck, everyone."

[The Master M]

The Most Serene Republic of the Master M

Security Clearance: Heavily Encrypted
Encryption Level: 2048 bit

To: The Communist Party of Sharfghotten
From: Josef Martins, elected leader of the Master M

RE:Declaration of War

---

It fills me with regret that our two nations should meet for the first time under circumstances such as these. Perhaps if things were different, we could have got off on friendlier terms, even perhaps emulating to the status of allies; in another life perhaps, but not this day. Not this day.

One thing that does not fill me with regret is this declaration. Your party, your people and your nation as a whole have embarked upon a path that can only lead to complete and utter destruction. You were warned repeatedly by several of my compatriots and fellow Gothic Lords, but blindly you refused to see reason. If the ignorant cannot see reason, it is the duty of the strong to force them to see it. As a result, your nation will be consumed by the fiendish hellfire that Gholgoth will unleash; you shall be made an example of, an example to show the world that we Goths remain strong behind our solitude.

Henceforth, the Most Serene Republic of the Master M declares that a state of war exists between itself and the United socialist State of Sharfghotten.

Signed,
Josef Martins MP, Minister of the Most Serene Republic of the Master M

[Ekraysia]

[OOC: Sorry I couldn't come up with something better, but time presses]

A Bunker, Outside Shan Cheng
The Federal Territory, Ekraysia


"It has, as they say, begun. Ladies and gentlemen, do sit down"

Clearing his throat after that, Prime Minister James Cheong sat down first. This would be the second time he's had to convene a grand military meeting such as this. Around him was the entire cabinet, looking frankly rather intimidated by the presence of no less than forty admirals and generals of the internal force, strategic force, army, navy and air force. Many were evidently a little nervous, but none said anything. This was a high-context society. This was unecessary, for the unchallenging stares given across the room could analyse that. To Cheong's right, bin Hashim, minister of defence, sat not in a suit like much of the cabinet, but in a five-star Ekraysian Defence Forces Supreme Command uniform. It suited the young man well, giving him further authority. As if that were needed. He'd proven himself already - the last time such a meeting had to be convened, and the consequences of it. He began first - that at least had changed.

"You all know why we're here. That is, you should have been informed by your seniors, or you should have informed those under your command. Regardless, you are all here. Let it be known general mobilisation for all units is underway, tiers one and two to active and tier three to tier one equivalent. In short, we are mobilising all our reserves, and with that bringing the EDF to full strength. As of four hours ago, a state of war exists between Gholgoth as a whole, and the nation of Sharfghotten"

There were no murmurs. That, too, was not necessary.

"The reason we are here is to discuss military strategy, after which shall come diplomacy and such. When we have won the war. Until then, EDF forces will be deployed with immediate effect to assist the Gothic war machine. The crusade is underway. With immediate effect also, more specifically, the 3rd Army in Linbei state are slated for deployment, minus their two Internal Force divisions which will be replaced enroute by two marines armoured divisions based with the 44th Army in Taohua. From Shenzhou, we are deploying the 9th Army which as you know is our current rotation main rapid reaction force, and from Yinxi the 1st Army, including the Ekrayan division which shall be our operational spearhead. Within this composite army group are numerous guards units, as well as an airborne corps and three corps' worth of marines. Deploying them shall be the 2nd, 4th, 5th and 12th fleets. That is the general plan. We shall not be operating alone, but rather in support of our allies. There's not much more I can say, except to inform you to inform the public. Those of you who wish specifics, please speak with Field-Marshal Leang. As of yesterday..."

---

FEDERATION OF EKRAYSIA
Diplomatic Transmission



To: Peoples of Sharfghotten [OPEN MESSAGE]
From: Prime Minister James Cheong

Sirs and/or Madams,

I regret to pass onto you the following statement. While few diplomatic or economic relations have been shared with your people, and as such it is regretful I should begin them this way, I must inform you all that as a result of the actions of your leader, General Kees, and the hostile intentions therein, a state of open war from now exists between Ekraysia and yourselves.

Due to the denial of Gothic authority and the threats of hostilities thereafter towards us, we have no choice but to resort immediately to military action to be undertaken by the Ekraysian Defence Forces in pursuit of the security of ourselves, our allies who you threaten and the security from hostility of Gholgoth as a whole. Unless Sharfghotten can give some assurance of our security and remove their threat from us, this state of open war shall become permanent. Be warned that the Ekraysian military is mobilising in order to assist in operations to show the world that we shall not stand uprisings to our power, doubts to our might, threats to our people. And so I must lastly remind you again that we will be deploying forces to defend ourselves from this blight and you will be crushed unless you give an open and unconditional surrender within the next 24 hours.

[Seattile]

to: nations of Goulgoth
from: President Travis

The Republic of Seattile will only attack communist nations and certain nations that aren't on good terms with Seattile before this war. While we don't support your tactic of complete destruction of nations that fight your huge armies and lose. We will still fight Sharfgotton with the full might of our armies.


Many miles off the coast of Sharfgotton. Aboard the Seattile flagship Wellington.
"Sir the fighter squadrons are ready for deployment,"
"Good tell them they are not to attack civilian targets and they can take off when ready."
"Okay General, but what about our special forces. What do you want them to do,"
"Have them be loaded up into our cargo planes and parachute behind enemy lines and capture any Communist leader and commanders. And make them make peace with Goulgoth and stop being communist if they refuse, send them to Goulgoth and see what happens."
"Ok sir."
"One more thing load the marines onto their landing ships and sercure a beach head. Also have our ships bombard any shoreline defences. Our aircraft will provide air support for our landing force and special forces," "I will inform them, sir,"
"Good, that will be all". The officer then walks out of the room and picks up a phone used to communicate with soldiers on the frontlines or on a different ship.

[Kulverint]

...we will only attack communist nations...

Why?

Is it only because we are communist?

Kulverint is very peaceful, and does not have a problem with capitalist nations, but it does have a problem with capitalist nations that attack communist nations just because they are communist. Especially when they are smaller than us. You have been warned.

OOC: I am not going to get involved in this main conflict now, but this could develop into a smaller conflict.

[Tahar Joblis]

to: nations of Goulgoth
from: President Travis

The Republic of Seattile will only attack communist nations and certain nations that aren't on good terms with Seattile before this war.

Tahar Joblis roundly condemns the capitalist pig-dogs of Seattile for their imperialistic and overly aggressive ways.