Transcript of meeting:
(J: Kaiser Hans Jerkov II, L: Graf Johann Lenesov von Königsberg, H: Director of III, Frederick Högel)
J: I suppose that the both of you know what has happened down South.
H: Indeed. Ecosse's been invaded, the Plät's long ben overrun and there's a big mess going on down South.
J: That's right. So, gentlemen, what do you think about it?
H: Maybe it's time. Lenesov, how far's our power projection capabilities?
L: Enough for our nation. Remember our constitution. Going down South is out of the question, even though nations like Agrincourt may need it. We're too far away.
H: Don't we have allied bases?
J: We are not in any alliance per se as of yet. We observe the strict neutrality as dictated by our constitution.
L: And even if that's the case, it'd be too much of a hassle.
H: Alright, so the South's out. What about the North? Surely we can't see Ecosse just fall to those imperialists who call themselves Communist...
L: The constitution... (sighs)
H: Your Highness, do we have enough reason to justify assistance?
J: Well, I suppose we can. Ecosse's a major trade partner of us, and it's also a focus nation for many of our corporations. Plus, it's also home to a vibrant expatriate community.
H: Thank you. Then it may be alright. Lenesov, so is it possible?
L: We'll need a refuel over at the Arctic Islands, but thankfully we've expanded the military base there. It'd be fine, and it's only around 3000km to Ecosse from the Arctic Islands, just like from here to the islands. But is this enough?
H: We have intercepted their declaration of war.
(The Kaiser reads the declaration)
J: That's kind of unthinkable... Brothers against brothers. We as Nords cannot just stand here doing nothing... SERGEANT! Ask for a beer for each of us, please. This is hard to swallow.
L: So, we're going to help them?
J: Aye. Is the 10th ready?
L: Yes, your highness. And I'll go over the terrain to see how they can hold off this attack for now.
H: And by the way, it appears that other nations have already or are going to post responses to assistance. Among them, Neu Engollon, and GHawkins. And it appears that they've both sent us messages, your highness. The Engollonians asking for bases and coordination militarily, and GH asking for some kind of alliance.
J: Lenesov, is Eisengård ready?
L: That'd be the best way then. Open up the military base on the islands for them. It'd be close enough.
H: And us?
L: Hold our fire. We'll coordinate with Neu Engollon first. But I'll notify the 10th first to prepare them in case we have to be deployed.
J: Very well. So we'll open up the base to both of them and then join forces with Neu Engollon. Lenesov, I'm afraid you'll have to be back in service as our main liason. I'll get them to write it up and send to the Grand Council.
L: Yes, your highness. And the other thing - the alliance.
H: Is this a 'no' again? (somewhat in jest)
L: this time, we really need to ensure our neutrality. (stares back at Högel)
H: What about EATA?
L: No. They're too far for help. Besides, it'd be ironic for the Westernmost nation of Astyria to join the Eastern alliance. It's out of the question.
J: That makes sense. Alright. No alliance. We'll reject the offer from ATO then, although we'll still collaborate with them if we want. And so I assume the base would still be open to GH after what we've discussed?
L: That is correct.
H: Excellent. I'm glad that we've got this all settled, I'll get you updated on what my guys back at the III can find.
J: Alright, Högel. And Lenesov, get the IAFR ready. Also, next time, maybe schedule it somewhere else? Like Königsberg?
Classfied Document, the Imperial Realm of Romberg
Re: Cooperation
Encryption: Very High
Dear Marshal Jacques Fernand,
We at the Imperial Realm of Romberg are also very concerned with the recent happenings in Astyria proper. Unfortunately, we lack the power projection capabilities, and hence would not be able to be involved in the conflict in Agrincourt. However, and also taking into account the large volume of trade going on, we are determined to assist the government and people of Nouvel Ecosse in combating the invasion, and hence ensure the stability of the region. The Imperial Armed Forces have been notified of the decision, and the 10th Expeditionary Forces "The Legion" are being organized to send out a military task force in cooperation with your operation. In addition, we are proud to announce that the military base at Eisengård, the Rombergian Arctic Islands shall henceforth be open to your nation and any other allied and friendly nations looking to resupply on their way North to Nouvel Ecosse and combat the invaders. We shall also join your Joint Command structure, and assist in any way that we can.
I sincerely hope that the invaders would be beaten back to their own turf, where they belong, and that peace could be returned to Astyria as soon as possible.
Yours Sincerely,
Kaiser Hans Jerkov II
The Imperial Realm of Romberg
Classfied Document, the Imperial Realm of Romberg
Re: Invitation to Astyrian Treaty Organisation
Encryption: Very High
Dear President Galen Howard,
Like your nation, and undoubtably many others, we are also very concerned with the recent happenings in Astyria. Many years of peace have shattered into a web of lies, conflict and open hostility. In this time and age, it is indeed important for us to find as many allies as possible to maintain the integrity of the government and the nation. As such, we are interested and strongly applaud your initiative in setting up the Astyrian Treaty Organisation. However, and knowing that your organisation would include a military wing designed to protect the interests of its members, we are unable to join the organisation due to the policy of strict neutrality as dictated in the Constitution and pursued by the Imperial Realm of Romberg. As a result, we have no choice but to kindly decline your offer. On the other hand though, and taking into account of the situation, we believe that outside of full membership, there are still opportunities that the Imperial Realm of Romberg can collaborate with ATO on, and as such, even though we would not pursue membership, we are interested in cooperation in areas that the ATO has interests in should our nation also find common ground with the ATO. We hence hope to develop a healthy working relationship with ATO in the future.
And on account of this, with regards to the recent conflicts in Astyria, we are unfortunately unable to take action in the South, since their location exceeds our power projection capabilities. However, the Grand Council and the Kaiser has recently approved a move to prepare for a military deployment in Nouvel Ecosse by the 10th Expeditionary Forces "The Legion", with a task force being organized as this is being written. We hence would hope to cooperate with ATO members who are deploying military forces to Nouvel Ecosse to coordinate our actions, and work efficiently to liberate the nation from imperialist aggression. In addition, the military base at Eisengård, the Rombergian Arctic Islands are hereafter open to all ATO and allied nations for resupply should they require it in their journey towards Nouvel Ecosse. We shall hence contribute our part to ensure the stability and prosperity of the region for many years to come, and hope to work with you to fight back the invasion.
Yours Sincerely,
Kaiser Hans Jerkov II
The Imperial Realm of Romberg
Classfied Document, the Imperial Realm of Romberg
Re: Military Assistance
To: Government of Nouvel Ecosse
Encryption: Very High
Dear Minister Thomas Dietrich & General Stefan Trovoskiy,
We feel extremely sorry that in this time of day, the once-peaceful region of Astyria has to resort to war, and of your nation nonetheless. To this, and in expression of our desire for peace, the government of the Imperial Realm of Romberg hence strongly condemns this reckless act of imperialism by the Yellow Star Republic. The Kaiser hence sends his condolences. But such unwarranted action shall not go unnoticed. Your cry from help has been heard from all corners of the world. As fellow nordic-slavic brothers, we have an obligation to defend against challenges on our people, and the entire Rombergian population shall stand in solidarity with your nation.
We shall hence like to offer our hand in military assistance to your nation in combating the invader threat. It will mainly consist of veteran and experienced soldiers of the 10th Expeditionary Forces "The Legion", a group of well-armed and trained professionals who will serve their duties with utmost loyalty, both to the Kaiser and the nation of Romberg, as well as whoever they are currently fighting for - your government in this case. To add on to the good news, our soldiers are specially trained in mountain and arctic warfare, and are known to be one of the most efficient winter warfare specialists, hence are well-suited to your terrain. Should our offer be accepted, you will see units of the IAFR arrive in your nation to do all they can to assist in your war effort in repelling the invasion. We shall hence also cooperate with any friendly and allied units to further make the military operation an effective one.
Last but not least, as a former Field Marshal of the Imperial Armed Forces of Romberg, I have done a simple survey of your nation's geography, and have found it to be extremely favourable to your cause. At the current moment, I have the following strategy: You may have to consider abandoning the South, and even the capital city of Edinburgh. Perhaps it would be prime time to sent the government North to Hannibal temporarily. But your Keitel mountain range is a superior natural barrier capable of withstanding a direct mountain assault. I hence would advise you to begin a scorched earth retreat towards the mountains, where your units could hold out indefinitely and protect the North for friendly forces to arrive and intervene. Your elite units could then remain in the South to continue harassing the invaders and train the populace for self-defense and guerilla warfare. According to my experience, this course of action may be one that would be successful, and cause the most attrition to the enemy to own losses.
Either way, I sincerely wish you all the best in the war, and rest be assured that your friends in the far Northwest have heard you, and help is on the way.
Yours Sincerely,
Graf Johann Lenesov von Königsberg
Former Field Marshal of the Imperial Armed Forces of Romberg,
Senior Advisor to
Kaiser Hans Jerkov II
The Imperial Realm of Romberg