Caught In The Web: Astyrian Conflict & Intrigue (IC/Closed)

[Aurora Confederacy]

Territorial waters of the Aurora Confederacy,
just off the volcano of Mount Halvaar

Depth 200m

ACNS Spartan cruised serenely through the waters of the Aurora Confederacy, then slowly the sonar showed up a geological feature known as the Halvaric trench, a huge scar that leads up to the foot of Mount Halvaar, this geological feature is the result of tectonic activity and indeed is very active with tremors and rockslides on a frequent basis. The sonar operator looks at Meritxell
"Captain, the trench Ma'am" he says

Meritxell stands up from her seat and makes her way over to the chart table
"speed twenty kilometers, and slide ourselves into the trench, keep ten meters from under us and ease us around, make a turn to zero two nine degrees"

The helmsman repeated the order back to Metitxell and adjusted the yoke angle accordingly, tipping the submarine down slightly and rolling the sub to starboard, then slowly the leviathan of the deep began to turn, and the sub slowly slipped into the trench, to those on the surface, the sub is now skimming the surrounding geology trying to "evade" local ASW aircraft which are currently on a heightened state of alert thanks to the YSR, and Meritxell is giving them something to train on and at the same time, her own skills are being put to the test as she tries to evade them.

On board the sub, especially in the command bridge, there is an air of tension as the sub is slowly making its way around to the north of Nouvel Ecosse, placing its cruise missiles in striking range of YSR should the YSR try to expand its sphere of influence westwards.

[Empire of Symphonia]

Imperial Palace of Relum
Symphony, Metropolis of Symphony
Metropolitan Symphonia

"Is this it?" asked a minister in a hushed voice as the doors opened, "Are the Aquitaynians really going ahead with the plan?"
"I think so," replied another," And the Empress isn't objecting at all. It seems like we are really going to go with the plan."

Another set of doors opened as the pair walked into an indoor garden of the imperial palace. Sunlight filtered through the ceiling windows as the soft sound of running water was heard in the background, along with the songs of a few songbirds as they flitted in the blooming trees and flowers. The center of the room was dominated by a deep reflective pool, of which all the streams fed into and where the empress was holding the latest council meeting on the center island pavilion. Even from the perspective of the average official, the scene was ironic. A place of peace was being used to plan and conduct a war.

As the two ministers boarded a gondola that took them to the center island, the raised voices could be heard between two parties, echoing over the water. One of the officials cocked his head, in an effort to hear the argument that was taking place, which became clear as the gondola neared the island.

"Shimurazaki-san, your plan is absolutely ludicrous," snapped Defense Minister Peter Klein," If we were to bow to the demands of the Confederacy, this entire mission will be rendered moot. The Aquitaynians are clearly counting on us to back their move in Isla Feri, and backing out now will only make them lose trust in us. We even have the backing of the Imperial Senate, and all that remains is a vote of approval from the Congress and we can deploy general forces."

As the two ministers stepped up into the pavilion, they could see a massive map of Isla Feri and the surrounding countries. Lines connecting Aquitayne with Symphonia showed the supply routes that the UK sister state had with the Province of the Cape on the southern end of the island. Figures representing the Symphonian naval blockade on the western half of the island marked to the extent of which the UK as a whole had prepared for this operation. It was nearly an occupation force, to which some cynics who closely followed the military's public information noted could may well be preparing to set up a colonial government on the island.

The UK intervention was already well underway. The Northern Expedition had easily seized control of the two smaller northern islands along with a strip of coastline that had been relatively uninhabited. The Southern Expedition locked up the peninsula and a part of the coastline starting along the border of the Province of the Cape. Resistance was minimal in those areas, as intelligence had expected. The pirates and rebels that formed in the aftermath of the collapse of the ISE had been smart to avoid the overwhelming firepower of the Symphonian navy as the first UK amphibious ships landed on the coastline, and most of the rocky coves and coastal towns were easily placed under the control of UK transitional control. The few hostile encounters were quickly finished off, and for the most part, bloodshed was minimal.

The problem now was how to advance inland. That the so-called sovereignty of Prudensia and Pangus were considered jokes in the courts of the UK states was an indication of the expectation of low resistance from the inhabitants. The problem was the Heraldic and paramilitary groups that had caused the collapse of the ISE. The UK Ministry of Information was investigating rumors of foreign support for the rebels, the latest link was a connection with the ongoing conflict Terre des Gaulles and potentially the Yellow Star Republic. There was no doubt that some groups had seized control of advanced weaponry left behind as the Spartanian state crumbled, and this was what worried the UK military commanders. While the UK could produce the needed equipment, the possibility of foreign suppliers to the rebels or the rebel's knowledge on how to build more weapons was an issue that was dividing the Symphonian cabinet.

"Your Majesty, the Honorable Defense Minister believes that punitive military strike against major cities and towns across Prudenisa and Pangus will be the best way to drive the enemy into submission," explained the IR Minster," That is frankly a stupid course of action, one that will cause outcry across the region."

"Of course it will, but this is the proven way that we employed against terrorists during the D'harconian infestation," Peter replied," The people may suffer, but all this should go away once the administration is installed."

The argument raged on, until the two arriving minister cleared their throats loudly. The pavilion fell silent as the two newcomer bowed to the empress, seated on the far end of the table.

"Your Majesty, the 7th Fleet reports that the expeditionary forces have finished securing their positions. The military is awaiting the next set of orders."

Empress Seondeok sighed as she hunched forward in her chair. Glancing at the map and lingering on the name "The Blackhelm Confederacy", she turned back towards her cabinet.

"Tell the military to fortify their positions and await for further orders. We have a foreign policy issue to finish off."

The United Kingdom of Aquitayne and Symphonia
Sister State of the Asian Federation of Nations
Office of Her Imperial Majesty Seondeok vi Kiramashi-Reich
Head of State of the United Kingdom
Ministry of International Relations
500 Republica Avenue, Shimura District
West Genevira, Hitachi Province, Symphonia

---

Publication "Notice", to the Blackhelm Confederacy;

---

Her Majesty's Government is understands the risks in undertaking major humanitarian interventionist action. The United Kingdom is doing its best to ensure stability in the region by bringing back stable government and overthrowing the current form of anarchy that lies over the Insula Fera. Given the current threat by the terrorist group known as the Heralds and along with other groups, the use of punitive military force may be required to eliminate the pockets of vigorous resistance against peacekeeping forces.

Following the fall of the Imperial Spartanian Empire, UK intelligence expects that major portions of the former ISE arsenal and reserve equipment have disappeared. Discounting looting by civilians for self-defense, the high probability that portions of these weapons systems falling into the hands of terrorists and anarchic groups is the primary concern of the expeditionary forces on the island right now. The quick elimination of these weapons and the prevention of more being appropriated by terrorists is the top goal of the UK intervention, as the unregulated movement of these weapons places our nations along with other nearby states at high risk of attack.

The death of civilians at the hands of the enemy is an unfortunate occurrence that the UK cannot guarantee to prevent. Under our control however, a UK transitional body will ensure to expropriate those persons who wish to return to their home nations in order to escape the prevailing violence occurring on Insula Fera. Their protection is a partial responsibility of the Symphonian armed forces in the region, as is the rescue at the hands of Aquitaynian and general UK units.

We ask that the Blackhelm Confederacy refrain misunderstanding the situation further and cease its military deployments along the Southern Ocean.

[Dungeyland]

The Office of the First Lord
On Behalf of Her Majesty the Queen
The Dangish Empire

Dear: Mr. Samuel Reich, the United Kingdom
BCC: The Chancellor of the Blackhelm Confederacy
From: The Lord Scylla, the First Lord of the Treasury of the Dangish Empire.

The Dangish Empire believes in the peace and security of the region of Astyria and indeed the world.

It is this principle which fundamentally guides the foreign policy of our Empire, and which we believe justifies our strong opposition to a United Kingdom invasion of the territories of the former Imperial Spartanian Empire. The official policy of Her Majesty's Government is that no state is to be permitted to use military force to attempt to shift the equilibrium balance of power in the region. This doctrine puts Imperial policy in direct opposition to United Kingdom policy. I have requested the approval of the Lords Temporal and Delegato and the Commons in Parliament united for the Crown to use all means necessary to protect the right to self-determination of former ISE citizens.

It is my regret to inform you that unless all forces belonging to the United Kingdom are withdrawn from the former Imperial Spartanian Empire by 00:00 on Friday, March 28th 2014, that a state of war will exist between the Dangish Empire and the United Kingdom of Aquitaynia and Symphonia. Such a state would be a great disappointment to the Crown. Her Majesty herself commented on the strength of Imperial-UK ties over the summer, but even she is disappointed with the warmongering attitudes of the United Kingdom.

Her Majesty's Government has also been informed of the high frequency of Blackhelm Confederate citizens residing within the former Imperial Spartanian Empire. In addition to the relatively high frequency of Varrockian, and therefore Imperial, citizens residing within the Empire, an attack in which their safety and security is threatened may be considered an attack on the Empire and Confederacy themselves. This would invoke the mutual protection clause of the East Astyrian Treaty, and would force a wider conflict. This is something the Empire, and hopefully your United Kingdom too, hopes to avoid.

Yours sincerely,

The Lord Scylla

---

Port Astyn
Approximately 50 kilometres northwest of Raed
Northern coast of Varrockia

General Thomas walked through the naval base with a long unseen sense of urgency, carrying a tea-stained letter in his hand with a grip indicating utter trepidation. It was sent directly by the First Lord of the Treasury, the Lord Scylla. The instructions were crystal. The Royal Navy in Varrockia was to mobilise in preparation to confront the United Kingdom.

[Empire of Symphonia]

The United Kingdom of Aquitayne and Symphonia
Sister State of the Asian Federation of Nations
Office of Her Imperial Majesty Seondeok vi Kiramashi-Reich
Head of State of the United Kingdom
Ministry of International Relations
500 Republica Avenue, Shimura District
West Genevira, Hitachi Province, Symphonia

---

Publication "Notice", to the Dangish Empire;

---

Her Majesty's Government is surprised regarding the latest reaction from our counterparts in the Dangish Empire. While both of our leaders believe in a stable and peaceful Astyria, it is a pleasant shock to realize that the Dangish Empire does not support the United Kingdom's intervention in Insula Fera.

The collapse of the Imperial Spartanian Empire little more than half a year ago came as a complete surprise to the United Kingdom. While we were both ideological opponents, our analysts did not expect the collapse of a well-structured and powerful state. It was not the intention of the United Kingdom to create chaos on Insula Fera, of which currently is occurring under forces carrying the banner of anarchy and barbarism. The terrorist group which brought about the collapse of the Spartanian state, the Heralds, have been subject to a great deal of discussion ever since the disappearance of Spartania, which most conversations point to fear and apprehension on the part of the states just across the waters separating Insula Fera and the rest of the region.

Already, satellite imagery indicates evidence of mass murder and widespread destruction of property, and communications with the island, barring the Province of the Cape,
have been close to impossible. Please be reminded that even during the cold war years between the UK and the ISE, there were numerous business links between the UK and the ISE. We have lost these valuable connections along with countless citizens who remain unaccounted for. It is only logical that an expedition to rescue our citizens and put an end to the violence and bloodshed occurring in the failed states of Prudensia and Pangus be put into action.

The current UK expeditionary forces seek to complete this objective in a timely manner that also safeguards the lives of all foreign and native residents. The unfortunate part is that with the current threat coming from the possibility of Spartanian arms falling into the hands of insurgents and terrorists, the UK military cannot easily flush out potential enemies and disable them. Therefore, the use of conventional military tactics is not out of the question, which unfortunately puts all persons at risk of harm. The high incidence of Imperial and Confederate citizens living in the former ISE has been noted and taken into account by the UK Armed Forces. Any attack and maneuver is not deliberately targeting the citizens of any nation save for those who side with the Heralds and other paramilitary organizations. Humanitarian measures and contingencies have already been put into place at the order of the Aquitaynian government and His Majesty, King Samuel Reich and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

It is therefore alarming and to much consternation in both Telora and West Genevira that the forces of the Dangish Empire and the Blackhelm Confederacy are mobilizing against the United Kingdom. Until further notice and consultation between our respective governments, the United Kingdom cannot at this time respond to your ultimatum that we withdraw from Insula Fera, of which the present possibility is quite low. In addition, to claim that the UK intervention in the island threatens to upset the balance of power in the Astyria is a completely preposterous and unfounded. The United Kingdom remains politically neutral in the East-West divide of the region and seeks to only ensure its own political and economic independence from either side. A course of action by the United Kingdom is therefore an act of self-defense, and in the case of intervention in Insula Fera, also a operation of counter-terrorism and the fostering of stability on that island.

To thus include the entirety of the East Astyrian Treaty Organization is therefore an aggressive action on the part of that organization to not only prevent the conducting of humanitarian intervention, but also in the implication of considering the failed successor states of the ISE and unincorporated portions of Insula Fera as integral parts of the Dangish Empire and the Blackhelm Confederacy, and thus the East Astyrian Treaty Organization.

We thus advise your Government to kindly reconsider its stance towards this operation and cease any possible mobilization measures against the United Kingdom or any of its affiliated territories.

With Regards,
Adaminghir Singh,
Prime Minister of the Asian Federation of Nations and the Empire of Symphonia

[Blackhelm Confederacy]

To: Prime Minister Adaminhir Singh CC: The Lord Scylla, Samuel Reich Subject:Insula Fera Operations From: Senator Cornelius Pureheart Dear Prime Minister, The recent escalation of events concerning the Insula Fera threaten to shatter the relative peace on the Mare Ferum and pose the risk of a greater conflict than any had anticipated. While we side firmly behind our brothers in the Dangish Empire, and support their call for a withdrawal of the forces of the UK from the theater, we also understand that there are also citizens of the United Kingdom lost with in the borders of the former Spartanian Empire. To this end, I propose a solution. I ask that the armed forces of the United Kingdom allow observers from both the Blackhelm Confederacy, the Dangish Empire, and any other states that feel they have an interest in the conflict, to watch over the situation and ensure that the mission is truly being undertaken for the benefit and safety of the people on the Insula Fera, and not as an attempt at a land grab. Our observers will assist in the establishing of a neutral government, devoid of any strings to either parties of the United Kingdom, and will help to ensure that the transition of power goes as smoothly and easily as is possible. Should this request for the installation of both diplomatic and military observers be denied, then the Blackhelm Confederacy has no choice but to recognize the action undertaken on the Insula Fera as nothing more than a land grab and an expansionist move with no other goal than to expand the borders and strength of the United Kingdom, and we will stand by our brother nations to find a method to adequately resolve the situation. Sincerely, Cornelius Pureheart, Head of Senate The Incorporated States of the Blackhelm Confederacy

[Dungeyland]

The Office of the First Lord
On Behalf of Her Majesty the Queen
The Dangish Empire

Dear: Mr. Samuel Reich, the United Kingdom
BCC: The Chancellor of the Blackhelm Confederacy
From: The Lord Scylla, the First Lord of the Treasury of the Dangish Empire.

The fundamental doctrine which guides Imperial foreign policy is clear: peace and prosperity. To these ends, the Empire acts and chooses not to act. Her Majesty's Government believes that humanitarianism is fundamentally a good thing in achieving these aims, and it is therefore untenable to seek to restrict its practice.

Nevertheless, Her Majesty's Government is of the view that United Kingdom intervention in Insula Fera would not fully be humanitarian in nature. Our beliefs are not intended to be disrespectful to the United Kingdom; the Crown is simply aware of historical animosity between the United Kingdom and the former Imperial Spartanian Empire and does believe that an international presence is required to guarantee the security of the residents therein.

Her Majesty's Government therefore concurs with the view of Mr. Pureheart. We do, however, intend to implement this view with a greater level of severity than our Confederate counterparts. Members of Her Majesty's Armed Forces have already begun their travels to the territories currently occupied in the former Imperial Spartanian Empire. They are under strict orders not to use force unless force is used against them or the indigenous population.

The Admiralty has also deployed HMS Quentin, HMS Valencia and HMS Aspire to the sites of the various United Kingdom expeditions. Again, these ships are under orders not to engage with United Kingdom military personnel except in self-defence or in defence of local merchants. The Royal Air Force will furthermore be operating a no-fly zone for armed aircraft over the Stretta-Pangus sea.

It is important to the Crown that an orderly transition to civilian self-determination occurs in Insula Fera. This transition must not affect the status quo balance of power in the region. To these ends, the Dangish Empire would expect all arms requisitioned from the Imperial Spartanian Army to be disposed of in an internationally acceptable manner. A civilian government, with free and fair elections, is to be expected by November. When a military government is established over the territory, the government is to include representatives from the Dangish Empire, the Blackhelm Confederacy and the local population.

Her Majesty's Government would like to take this opportunity to amend our earlier ultimatum. We shall not require the immediate withdrawal of United Kingdom military personnel. However, we do require the agreement of the United Kingdom government to the aforementioned points towards the establishment of a fair and free society in Insula Fera. Furthermore, any attack on Imperial military personnel, who have already left for Insula Fera, will be considered an attack on the Dangish Empire and the East Astyrian Treaty Organisation.

Wishing you are well,

Yours sincerely,

The Baron of Viney, Humphrey Scylla, 4th creation.
The First Lord of the Treasury

[Aquitayne]

Kamunek us Guneyha Eirar us Aquitayne a Symphonia
Sister State of the Constitutional Monarchy of Aquitayne
Office of His Majesty the King Samuel Reich
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Magistrate of Foreign Affairs
2019 Peirmus Strat, Magistrate District
Telora, Aifur Proveince, Aquitayne

---

The Lord Scylla, the First Lord of the Treasury of the Dangish Empire, In response;

---

Lord Scylla,

Let me be clear in the message that we have given to the international community, as it seems Her Majesty and her government have failed to realize these messages.

The United Kingdom has not only acted in the interests of the sovereignty, safety, and preservation of life in the former Imperial Spartanian Empire, it has also been the only nation to do so. It saddens His Majesty that your government would believe the United Kingdom would needlessly endanger the lives of innocent people, and furthermore go to great lengths to bring order to a chaotic situation where Her Majesty believes our efforts are, "not fully be humanitarian in nature".

The United Kingdom has been the only international body to act on the disappearance of the Imperial Spartanian Empire. Past conflicts with the aforementioned state have, and are, completely irrelevant. It would be foolish to hold qualm with a state which no longer exists; the people are no less to blame for their government than a government is to their people. His Majesty firmly believes in a world view, and holds no prejudice, anger, or contempt toward any persons of Imperial, Dangish, Confederate or otherwise, descent.

The imposition of Dangish military resources to the United Kingdom Joint Military Operational Theater is disrespectful and an insult to His Majesty, His court, the men and women of the Aquitaynian Armed Services, and the citizenry of Aquitayne. The belief of Her Majesty that her military may roam where it pleases and when it pleases, even when it interferes with an ongoing military operation by a sovereign state, is one which we beseech her to revisit. Understand: The violation of the autonomy of our armed services is one which will not be tolerated in the future. The Eastern Astyrian Trade Organisation may believe it has the ability to trot where it may, but such trotting would very much break the delicate ice beneath our feet. Her Majesty is warned henceforth: do not believe your government or its armed services may interfere with the operations of the United Kingdom, as she should be fully aware we act only for the peace and prosperity of the region.

That being said, the various branches of the armed services of the United Kingdom have been told of the arrival of Dangish resources to the Mican Straight, as well as the no-fly-zone being erected over the Strettan-Pangus Sea; however, we would like clarification on the dimensions of that NFZ as it may interfere with ongoing operational planning.

The requests of the Blackhelm Confederacy and the Dangish Empire on the implementation of their respective citizenry in the process of Pangus and Prudensia's self-determination will be met without qualm, as the United Kingdom is more than happy to allow the international community to view and participate in the process which will guide the future of the northern regions of Insula Fera.

However, the Dangish demand that free and open elections be held no later than November cannot be upheld. We, as of yet, do not know the severity of the Heraldan insurgency nor the resources the former Spartanian soldiers have at their disposal nor their orders, and we will not have that information until we have resources in the respective territories. We are expecting high resistance from the Heraldan insurgents, and variable resistance from former Spartanian troops; likewise, we expect the insurgency to be well-armed as they very likely have seized many Sparatanian weapons.

Free, fair and open elections will be held when the various participating bodies of the operation deem it is safe for the citizenry of Pangus and Prudensia to do so in a manner in which their vote will not be swayed by insurgents nor political rivals who would use force to gain power. When such conditions will be met is unknown, and will remain unknown for quite some time.

Obviously, the United Kingdom does not want these weapons falling into the hands of terrorists, nor do we want them accessible to black market traders. The armed services of the United Kingdom have been ordered to destroy all weapon caches found as well as any Spartanian and Heraldan weaponry that is seized over the course of this campaign.

Regards,

Prime Minister James Zaeir

[Empire of Symphonia]

Imperial Palace of Relum
Symphony, Metropolis of Symphony,
Metropolitan Symphonia

The sun was setting in the skies of Symphony, as first of the glittering night lights started to flicker in the coming twilight. Had it not been more the ferocious winds that were blowing through the Imperial Capital, one could be enjoying the many distractions that the evening city had to offer. For the more refined classes, a stroll and dinner in St. Irene's Square would have been an excellent choice. Nonetheless, the cold something that many Symphonites were not willing to brave again. This was especially true for a certain family, as the four of them strode through one of the many balcony corridors along the side of the imperial palace. A crowd of ministers and lesser government officials surrounded the family as a series of doors opened to allow the group access to warmer parts of the complex.

"Your Majesty, regarding the recent issues with the Dangish Empire and the Confederacy," the IR Minister asked," How exactly should we proceed with the situation? The Dangish government has already expressed its displeasure and that there are reports of Dangish units within the Exclusion Zone. The Confederacy has even gone as far as to demand that outside observers be allowed into the area."

Empress Seondeok closed her eyes and sighed irritably, and her husband Emperor Jacob was quick to notice the waves of annoyance washing off the exhausted woman. And it was probably best to get a hold of the situation before one's woman snapped, especially when said lady had an unfortunate habit of overreacting when under stress.

"Andrew, its probably best that you leave the situation alone for now," the emperor replied," The empress is flustered already since the Imperial Senate almost caused a diplomatic incident by holding a vote on annexing Insula Fera outright. It took of a lot of teethpulling in the Congress and from individual nobles to overturn the vote. I heard that even members of the LDP were calling for war."

The elderly minister nodded, quickly glancing to the empress apologetically before leading his entourage elsewhere as the group entered the Hall of Celestial Unity, in other words the private residence of the imperial family. The two wayward princes, who had run ahead during the conversation, slowly walked back, grimacing as the wind blew through the open doors. 2nd Prince Ryou tugged on the hand of his older brother Crown Prince Akatsuki, who struggled to maintain a degree of elegance as he was harshly pulled along.

"Mother, what was Uncle Andrew just talking about?" asked the six year old prince," Are the neighbors being annoying again?"

Akatsuki snorted and covered his mouth to cover a snigger at the innocent way his brother had asked the question. Jacob frowned at his oldest son's reaction, but Seondeok cracked a smirk as she bent down to pick up Ryou. The family seated themselves on the dinning table as the first of the plates started being brought out.

"Aka, that was very rude of you earlier to laugh like that," Jacob reprimanded," Your mother works very hard to manage the AFN's foreign affairs. Especially at a time like this, its no laughing matter."

"I apologize, Father," the prince replied as he took a sip of water," But I don't recall it being appropriate to say that the Dangish Empire and the Confederates as being our neighbors. Considering that they were threatening war on us."

The sounds of clinking filled the room as the family began dinner. Outside the wind began howling as the next late winter storm approached.

"Well Aka," the empress replied," What do you think? Considering that you're acting all mighty, what do you think we should be doing?"

The brunet shrugged as he fed a slice of tomato into Ryou's mouth, snickering as the younger boy struggled to keep the oversized slice on his mouth.

"I don't know, but it seems like Uncle Sam knows what he's doing," he said," If it were me, we'd allow the Dangish and Confederates to keep their observers and all that, but those military units really ought to go elsewhere. Like uncle said, sending those forces is really an insult that we shouldn't tolerate. The problem is that if we militarily challenged the Dangish and the Confederates, the lines of supply and the frontlines would be too stretched apart and too close to the Home Islands for comfort. With the supply route from Aquitayne running within striking range of Varrokian air bases, isolating the UK states would be too easy. So for now, just let Aquitayne lead the front. The Kazoku still are underestimating the other strength of other Astyrian states."

Jacob gaped at his son as Seondeok burst out laughing. Akatsuki looked bewildered at his parents and then huffed when he realized what had happened.

"Yeah, yeah," he mumbled as the last of the salad disappeared from his plate," I play too many strategy games, I get it."

The empress continued laughing as Jacob hustled over to help Ryou finish his dinner. It was going to be an interesting talk with Samuel tonight.

[Riysa]

Amerit al-Quwat al-Musalahat, Riysa

The Amerit was busy, busier than usual - things had been happening, both at the nearby Casegene-Agrincourt front, and much farther, by the YSR, to say nothing of what the government of Aquitayne had just forwarded to the Riysian Ministry of Defense.

"As the Za'im of Riysa and the highest-ranked officer present, I hearby declare the 23rd Crisis Meeting in effect. The items on the agenda are as follows. Firstly, we'll be covering the extremely pressing issue that is the reason why we convened a crisis meeting. I'm talking about the ultimatum the kingdom of Aquitayne forwarded to us. Then, involvement in the YSR-PA conflict, which it appears everyone is joining on. Finally, we need to discuss the Casegene-Agrincourt war; its reached new heights. Before we start, any questions?" The Za'im gave a quick look around the room. "Seeing as there is none, Marshal-General Haddad, would you care to read?"

"Certainly." Haddad quickly read over the Dangish ultimatum and the United Kingdom responses. "As it stands, it is very serious, and holds the potential for block war between the ATO and EATA. Aquitayne is a major ally of ours, so its likely we'd be pulled into this conflict if it does occur. For the time being, we're safe, as the UK has agreed to their conditions, but the message won't score them any politeness points, and we don't know if the Dangish Empire will push for more or not."

The Za'im spoke up. "al-Raha wouldn't be able to escape the fallout even if mainland Riysa is located far away; with this in mind, we've already been sending some forces. I want to hear your opinions on what course we should take."

The next several hours were spent debating the topics. It took time, but plans were finalized. For the YSR, they'd have a surprise coming their way, especially as Riysa hadn't declared war yet...


Supercarrier SmBR Saddam al-Tikriti, Naval Expeditionary Force YSR

"Sidi, the fleet is now appearing on radar."
"Very good." The commodore (Amid) in charge of the detachment replied to a junior officer. The detachment was a small force, mainly intended as self-defense, allowing the carrier to get in striking range of several YSR airbases and cities and hit them where they were vulnerable. They were also the vanguard, clearing out a safe path for several cargo transports, carrying a full air force expeditionary force plus sappers, to Ecosse, lending support there.

The IMA and IMJ - Riysian Military Intelligence and Air Force Intelligence Directorates - had ran a massive satellite imaging and datamining campaign to identify feasible airbases, which took a while - he'd just received the list complete with the images, roughly a day into sailing. The plan was to work with the fleet from the Blackhelm Confederacy, which had briefly skirmished with the YSR 2nd Fleet but had to pull back due to the threat of airstrikes. The presence of the Saddam al-Tikriti should help change that balance. "Prepare to send the following message to the fleet."

From: SmBR Saddam al-Tikriti, Riysian Navy
Naval Expeditionary Force YSR
To:Carrier Group London, Navy of the Blackhelm Confederacy
Encryption: High

This is the Riysian carrier Saddam al-Tikriti. We're here to provide support. Request a quick chat to discuss plan of action.

Leirmak Naval Station, Aquitayne

Liwa' Fahd Abdul-Aziz of the Fedayeen 7th Division straightened out his sweater as he walked down the path. The 7th was one of the preliminary forces sent to al-Raha, but instead of landing there, it had been diverted to Leirmak, an Aquitaynian port leased as a transit hub by the Riysian Navy. The updated orders he received told him to go talk with a Grand Field Marshal Meir, who's headquarters were in the building he was standing in front of. It took him only a couple minutes to locate what he assumed to be the Grand Field Marshal, sitting behind a mound of paperwork.

"Liwa' Fahd Abdul-Aziz, 7th Division Fedayeen, Riysian Joint Ground Forces, reporting in." Abdul-Aziz saluted. Field Marshal Meir looked up from the sprawling mountains of paperwork and intelligence reports that cluttered his desk, looking over the Liwa' as he stood before him. Standing from his seat Meir saluted the commander, extending his hand once the formalities had finished. "Grand Field Marshal Meir, Commander of Northern Tier, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Abdul-Aziz firmly shook the Marshal's hand. "The pleasure is mine, Marshal Meir. My orders were to report here, after we suddenly shifted from being deployed to al-Raha. I believe the orders mentioned that we were wanted for a possible conflict?"

The General nodded, motioning for Abdul-Aziz to have a seat. "Yes, that is correct. We are very fortunate to have the abilities of your command and subordinates as a resource, as I'm afraid we will be waging what seems to be the conventional warfare of this century, even though the tacticians don't quite agree."

Abdul-Aziz adjusted his brown beret and dusted off his sweater before sitting down - it was something of a habit of his. "I'm happy to hear that our skills are needed. As you've probably been told and found out, the Fedayeen are trained as light infantry and guerrilla warfare special operations specialists, so I assume we're needed to fight a against light or irregular forces?"

Meir nodded and pulled out a small oaken pipe which had belonged to his grandfather decades before, and had carried him through his entire life before he passed away at the ripe age of 97. Meir gestured the pipe to his counterpart, "Do you mind if I smoke?" Abdul-Aziz shrugged. "I'm used to it; I don't mind. Is it a family heirloom, by chance?"

Meir nodded fondly as he lit the tobacco inside the pipe, puckering the end as he inhaled deeply. "That it is, my friend. It belonged to my grandfather. He bought it off a salesman he tricked to thinking he was old enough to buy it." Meir laughed softy, imagining the conversation. "He gave it to me as a commissioning gift, it's one of my most cherished items. Meir closed his eyes briefly, before opening them once more and returning to why this much younger man was sitting at his desk. "To answer your previous question, Mr.Aziz, the short answer is maybe. There are a lot of shifting cards moving around this table and we don't know where they will be when the dust settles. Your primary goal, as of right now, is to wage general guerrilla warfare against Heraldan insurgents and find, capture, and destroy - depending on circumstance - any Heraldan weapons caches and Spartanian equipment which they have taken. If, on the off-chance that the EATA gets involved, your mission will change entirely."

Abdul-Aziz nodded at Meir's story. "A lot of history, that's wonderful. Alright, that can be done - guerrillas fighting guerrillas, eh? Sounds like a good fight; what information do we have about the insurgents?"

"We expect them to be highly trained and well armed. They are comprised of ex-Pangeian and ex-Prudensian military personnel who were ousted when the Spartanians seized the island a little over a year ago." Turning to a more serious tone, Meir engaged Aziz in a tone which no longer had the pleasantries of their meeting. "I will warn you, Mr.Aziz, that these insurgents will not be an easy adversary, and they will be a challenge and a danger for even your best fighters."

The Liwa nodded with a serious look on his face, and started to drift off as he started making calculations and hypotheses about the insurgents in his head. "Ex-military, so I assume special forces in the mix and definite training and experience...equipment is Spartanian in origin, primarily light arms I presume." He snapped back to reality. "We'll take them, and pray that we come out on top. What kind of support do they have? Just technicals and light mortars? Or more?"

"Well, the Spartanian equipment is unknown. They most likely have seized much of it by now, which could mean rifles to heavy tanks - we simply don't know. Their main armaments were imported from a still unknown source, but we believe they came from Terres de Gaules, which doesn't tell us much. I would expect vehicles from off road trucks to APC's." Meir took in a breath. "Hopefully, we should have your division deployed in a week, depending on whatever insertion method you prefer. Just let us know right before you deploy, okay?"

"Can-do." Seeing as the meeting was over, Abdul-Aziz stood up, saluted, and then shook Meir's hand. "A pleasure to meet; please do stop by our barracks before we deploy, we've got the best bloody coffee in the local area." He said with a smile as he walked out.

[Dungeyland]

The Office of the First Lord
On Behalf of Her Majesty the Queen
The Dangish Empire

Dear: Mr. Samuel Reich, the United Kingdom
BCC: The Chancellor of the Blackhelm Confederacy
From: The Lord Scylla, the First Lord of the Treasury of the Dangish Empire.

Please allow me to be very clear about the perception of the United Kingdom's military operations in Insula Fera in the international community. These military operations are considered to be illegal. It is well known that the United Kingdom has historical feuds with the territories of the former Imperial Spartanian Empire, and that it considers Insula Fera to be within its sphere of influence. It is well known that the Senate in Symphonia attempted to pass a bill to annex the region.

The Crown has been very clear. Her Majesty's Government has no designs on Insula Fera other than to protect its future as a free, sovereign and prosperous nation. If those are truly the aims of the United Kingdom, we would expect no less than full cooperation in the administration of Insula Fera. The Dangish Empire will naturally conduct its affairs within the region with full cooperation, and representatives of Her Majesty's Government shall meet representatives of the United Kingdom government as equals.

At any given time, the full capacity of the Royal Navy is directed towards the maintenance of the freedom of the high seas. The Crown has the capacity to limit navigation of the high seas and thus plunge the world into severe economic hardship; it is the goodwill of Her Majesty's Government, in addition to our fundamental belief in peace and prosperity through liberty, which keeps the Royal Navy guaranteeing the security of any trading vessel in the high seas. It is therefore ludicrous to question the commitment of the Dangish Empire to the freedom of movement and trade.

The no-fly zone operating over the Strettan-Pangus Sea will operate on the latitudinal points from the northernmost point on Stretta to the southernmost point on Stretta, but will only cover water (i.e., neither Stretta nor Pangus will be affected). An additional 15 kilometre exclusion zone will exist in all directions from the centre of the no-fly zone, within which flights will be permitted, but radar will be subject to warnings of the imminent no-fly zone from the Royal Air Force.

The United Kingdom incursion into Insula Fera is, on the contrary, an expression of the perceived right of the United Kingdom military to exhibit its power anywhere it pleases. The deployment of Imperial military personnel rather demonstrates the belief of the Dangish Empire that no sovereign state may unilaterally enforce its will on the people of another, and that the Dangish Empire must uphold that belief in order to protect the rights of the people of Astyria. In accordance with the Osbourne Doctrine, the Crown reserves the right to use any and all available force to protect the freedoms of the people of Astyria. The United Kingdom is welcome to join us in protecting these freedoms.

I have requested the Secretary of State for War and the Lord High Admiral to update Her Majesty's Government on the progress of United Kingdom offensives against insurgency in the region, and on the feasibility of plebiscites. In practice, Her Majesty's Armed Forces will act to support both civilians and the United Kingdom military, depending on whom is deemed to be threatened. Please note that Her Majesty's Government will not tolerate undue delay regarding the plebiscite, not that we expect any undue delay.

Hoping you are well,

Yours sincerely,

The Baron of Viney, Humphrey Scylla, 4th creation.
The First Lord of the Treasury

[Blackhelm Confederacy]

Marci Evangeliste
Blackhelm Confederacy

The base here had gotten quite a bit of action in the recent days as the turmoil around the region continued to escalate. Today, the Koni class frigates Resolute and Catalyst were now preparing to link up with their Dangish brothers, escorting in one hundred and eighty members of the 33rd Company, 8th Infantry Division. These men would set out to serve as peacekeepers on the not too far off Insula Fera, to ensure that the mission from the United Kingdom did not escalate to a land grab. Along with them were thirty observers who were to link up with Aquitaynian and Symphonian forces and the ground and over see operations from their perspective.

The men of the 33rd Company would be supported, albeit covertly, by the several hundred CIS agents already on the ground in the area, making the Confederate presence a bit stronger than it would appear on paper. They were not expecting any real firefights from the United Kingdom, and indeed they hoped there wouldn't be, but they were all being drilled on contingency plans in case things reached that point. They hoped, and sort of relied on there being more Dangish troops for them to get support from if things got sticky.

Meanwhile, bombers were now taking off from the runways, setting towards Symphonian air space. The massive Tu-95 bombers housed at the hangers on the island began passing just slightly into Symphonian territory, buzzing the foreigners boundaries and probing their defenses, seeing just what kind of responses could be expected from their Asiatic neighbors .

Paradise City
Blackhelm Confederacy

Chancellor Eaglebrand once again was heard over the public radio stations, giving his once a week speeches to the people of the Confederacy and to any foreign countries bored enough to listen to Confederate public radio. He cleared his throat, and began.

There was a time, many years ago, when I found myself walking down the streets of Bristol, in Agrincourt. I was a young man then, and had decided to spend some time abroad, to experience life outside of our borders for a bit. While there, I walked down the streets every single day to find men, several of them well over three hundred pounds, crying poverty, proclaiming that they cannot pay their bills yet manage to feed an appetite that can quell the pain of some villages in our nation. I heard several times, as people stuffed their faces with various fried foods and stuffed all manner of terrible things into themselves, these people complain about how their healthcare, health care that they received without charge, was taking more time than they deemed satisfactory to return their test results. Each night, and indeed even at times during the day, I would watch as individuals would receive checks for doing nothing more than staying at home, and walk to their nearest drug dealer for a fix, shooting themselves up and continuing to be a drain upon society.

This is what the West holds. Obesity, ungratefulness, and drug abuse. These are just a few, small samplings of the horrors I have seen, but they serve to highlight just how decrepit of a system exists in these places, a system in which the productive are punished, given a great tax burden and made to watch as that which they have worked so hard for is stripped away, and those whom do nothing, those who sit at home, those who contribute nothing, are rewarded. This is entirely against the natural order of the planet, allowing the weak to survive while the strong die out, continually shrinking into lower and lower classes until they are no more.

It seems that these socialist and pseudo-communist nations that have come into being have to learn this simple truth time and again by their own experience. They under took to be revolutionary , to attempt the already failed socialist experiment in their own lands, and found themselves in the shoes of all those who tried and failed before them—they are now forced to draw the conclusions which every revolutionary and socialist must draw.

Each and every one of these nations claims to be a democracy. Democracy is the rule of the majority. As long as the will of the majority was not clear, as long as it is possible to make it out to be unclear, at least with a grain of plausibility, the people are offered a counter- bourgeois socialist government disguised as “democratic.” But this delay could not last long. It is only a matter of time before the majority, both the middle and upper classes but the middle class in particular, come to see what is becoming of them, as each passing generation no longer does better than the one before them. Once parents watch as their children struggle to get jobs, watch as their funds are siphoned off to pay for some criminal to be “rehabilitated”, it is then that the spark of the revolution is ignited in their hearts.

How, then, can anyone continue to support the transfer of all power in the state to a central government, a government which does literally everything, including feed and clothe its people? Such support means nothing but renouncing democracy! It means no more no less than imposing on the people a government which admittedly can neither come into being nor hold its ground democratically, as a result of truly free, truly popular elections.

I once again implore the people of the west to see their governments for what they are, a government for the lowest denominator, a group of people who support those who should have naturally been driven out of the evolutionary chain, and rise up to cast them off, and join the brotherhood of nations that seek only the betterment and advancement of mankind!

And with that, regularly scheduled program resumed.

[Dungeyland]

The House of Commons of the Dangish Empire
The Green Palace, Avantmare,
New London

The Foreign Secretary was a slim, olive-skinned man with carefully groomed stubble and thick bags under his eyes. Tiredness evident in his posture as he sat on the worn, green leather of the Commons, he was motioned to stand by the Speaker as the Shadow Foreign Secretary sat down.

"Thank you Mrs Speaker for putting an end to the Right Honourable Gentleman's most admirably lengthy speech. I now intend to speak on what I believe to be an altogether more pressing matter. Namely, the concern of Her Majesty's Government for the safety and security of the civilian population in Pangus and Prudensia. Her Majesty's Government has secured an agreement from the United Kingdom government, who are pressing ahead with plans to liberate, in the words of their Prime Minister, the archipelago.

The Admiralty and the Ministry of War have been working in close cooperation with the Foreign and Colonial Office to coordinate all operations within the archipelago. I can confirm that three divisions of the army are en route to Insula Fera, along with three battleships and an aircraft carrier. The no-fly zone requested by Her Majesty's Government has been agreed upon, and the Royal Air Force has already begun enforcing it. The agreement secured with the United Kingdom ensures that the Army, the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy will be able to operate within the archipelago to ensure the safety and security of the local population and prevent any attempt at annexation. United Kingdom forces will not engage Imperial forces, and Imperial forces will not engage United Kingdom forces. Indeed, Imperial forces have offered to assist United Kingdom forces if attacked by insurgents.

The agreement with the United Kingdom goes further. It does not set a formal deadline on a plebiscite to determine the future of Insula Fera. This is unsatisfactory to Her Majesty's Government, but we recognise the difficulties in managing insurgencies and the Crown is willing to grant the United Kingdom significant leeway in this regard. It has been made clear to the Prime Minister that the Dangish Empire intends on upholding the right of the local population to self-determination, and that obstructionist practices will not be tolerated.

My worry, Mrs Speaker, is that the situation will escalate. With Dangish interests in Terra Azure now largely settled, but with war continuing to rage in the north with regards to the Yellow Star Republic, Her Majesty's Government is interested primarily in consolidating the significant gains seen in pan-Astyrian relations. The Crown is a signatory to the East Astyrian Treaty, as agreed by both Houses of Parliament. We are a key ally to the Blackhelm Confederacy, with whom we share significant business and trade links.

Nevertheless, the Foreign & Colonial Office has been hard at work at improving relations with the states of the Astyrian Treaty Organisation and indeed non-aligned sovereign states. As part of our commitment to peace and prosperity, we seek to avoid an east-west war as a matter of urgency. I intend to speak with the leaders of the Astyrian Treaty Organisation to request information regarding the possibility of Imperial entry into such an organisation.

I also wish to announce to the House that, Mrs Speaker, I have spoken with my Right Honourable Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer. In his recent budget, he announced reductions in import duties. I can confirm today that Her Majesty's Government has agreed that these reductions in import duties will apply to all states in Astyria. Duties with regards to ViZion will be abolished completely. It is, however, believed that the Crown Competition Commission's investigation into ViZionian anti-trust practices are beneficial to consumers and should continue. This is a unilateral move, and although we hope to see a similar action from foreign governments, we do not expect one. This government hopes to keep moving towards an integrated market throughout Astyria. Thank you, Mrs Speaker."

The Foreign Secretary did not sit down again, but rather walked swiftly and briskly out of the nearly empty House. The members sitting for the Liberals cheered as the Conservatives jeered.

[Riysa]

Declaration of the Formation of the Tel al-Riyah Pact

---

The Constitutional Monarchy of Aquitayne, the Fascistic Arab Republic of Riysa, and the Protectorate of Cadenza, from here on to be referred to as "signatories", believe in the cooperation and neutrality of Astyria and therefore have come together in friendship and honor to ratify this treaty. Let it be known to the nations of the world that the Constitutional Monarchy of Aquitayne and the Fascistic Republic of Riysa pledge henceforth to commit themselves to the peace, prosperity and well-being of one another.

Clause I)

It is the belief of the signatories that the neutrality of Astyrian nations is being removed by the polarization of the two economic and military blocs of the Eastern Astyrian Trade Organisation (EATA) and the Astyrian Trade Organisation (ATO). These two entities are increasingly pulling the region apart, and as such the signatories agree henceforth to ensure their neutrality in the region and to stop all active pursuance of membership to either body indefinitely.

Clause II)

The signatories of this document also believe that it is in the best interests of both parties to begin tariff-free trade in a manner befitting of both signatories. To this end, the signatories agree to devote naval assets to ensure the safety of this trade from pirates, terrorists and any other entity pursuant to Clause IV of this document.

Clause III)

The signatories of this document hereby mutually agree to hand over persons who, having been charged with or convicted of the following acts, committed within the jurisdiction of one of the contracting parties, shall seek asylum or be found within the territories of the other: Provided that the actions perpetrated have criminal origin and evidence supporting the breaking of law, that would justify his or her apprehension and commitment for trial if the crime has been committed, include the following:

• Murder, comprehending assassination, parricide, infanticide, and poisoning; attempt to commit murder, manslaughter, when voluntary.
• Arson
• Robbery; defined to be the act of ferociously taking items from another person
• Forgery, or the utterance of forged papers; the forgery or falsification of papers of official acts of Governments, of public authorities, or any variant thereof
• The counterfeiting, falsifying or altering of money, whether coin, paper or electronic
• Embezzlement
• Fraud or breach of trust by a bailee, banker, agent, trustee, or other person acting in a fiduciary capacity, or director or officer or member of a company
• Perjury; subornation of perjury
• Rape; abduction; kidnapping
• Criminal acts committed at sea; Piracy, revolt, wrongfully sinking or damaging a vessel at sea or attempting to do so, assault on board a ship on the high seas (Pursuant to Clause II, IV)

Clause IV)

The respective sovereign nations of whom are signatories to this document agree to mutual defense of sovereignty, whether internal or external in nature, barring the use of Weapons of Mass Destruction. The defense of the receiver and the resources allocated by the non-engaged party must be proportional to the conflict being waged; that the insurance of a wider and more devastating conflict be avoided is paramount. Likewise, the non-engaged party must be capable of allocating such resources in a manner which will not hamper their own ability to detect, deter and eliminate threats to their national security.


His Majesty the King, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom,


Za'im of Riysa and Commander-in-Chief of the Riysian Armed Forces,
Tawfiq al-Hiwari

Beriq of Cadenza, Kerep Khadeg,
Adrahil Kamënus

[Empire of Symphonia]

25 km outside UK military base
Kotami Peninsula, UK Southern Security Zone
Insula Fera

"Is this all right?" asked one of the men," We're alone in the wilderness, with only a couple of pistols and rifles to protect us. How the hell are we supposed to know if there are terrorists here or not?"

The party of five made their way up a forested hill overlooking the UK base. From this vantage point, one could see the entire base. Constructed by mainly Symphonian forces, the base looked more like a fortified city rather than a camp. A metal wall marked the outer perimeter, with watchtowers set on regular intervals. Shelters and buildings were being constructed, and already the first makings of paved roads and an airport were underway. The base hugged the coast, where amphibious docks that were firmly attached to the land allowed supply ships to reach daily from Symphonia proper.

Of course, the entire Kotami Peninsula had been secured within the first days of the arrival of the UK forces. There were a few towns and overall, the incoming situation was stable. Either the overwhelming display of power put on by the Symphonian forces had unnerved the locales or that they welcomed the UK's arrival was still unknown. For the most part, aside from closing off the peninsula by setting fortified checkpoints on the northern neck, the military command had tried its best to avoid interfering in local affairs. Humanitarian supplies from Aquitayne and the Cape Province were still being ferried in through the base harbor, to be distributed to the local residents when the push inland began.

Of course, the pressure from political forces back in the Homeland were pressing for some sort of outlet in allowing investment in the region. The Singh Ministry, with private support from the Empress and the Emperor, had acted vigorously to squelch such thinking in both the Imperial Senate and the Federation Congress. The political infighting resulted in the ministry allowing limited investment and development in the security zone. The plan was supported by members of the military, who believed that a hearts-and-minds campaign would ease tension and opposition from the natives.

"How about here?" asked another man in an olive green jacket," I think it might be fine to set it down here. Alex, go with Robert and keep watch. Richard and I will mark our location."

A couple grunts of agreement followed. The men separated, one of them holding an anemometer as a machine recorded the wind speed. Suddenly, a shout was heard as sudden gunfire echoed over the hilltop. The man named Alex pulled out his pistol and fired blindly into the trees. A bullet came back and struck him in the torso, and he doubled over and rolled down before hitting a tree trunk. Alex and Robert, who trained their rifles in the direction of gunfire, screamed in pain and fell over as a spray of bullets was emptied into their bodies. The last man standing who held the wind instrument, stumbled back as he looked frantically around. The sound of running feet came over to his ears as an angry shout from multiple people was followed by a savage blow to the head.

A bliss of darkness soon came over as shield against the pain.

Dokdo Air Force Base
Outside Dedango City, Seiju Province
Republic of Cheonsa

"Sir, I think you should see this," an officer said in accented Korean," There is something bumping on the edges of the radar in the south."

Lieutenant Colonel Han Cheon-bal looked up from his desk computer, his eyebrows furrowing slightly as the other man waved a sheet of paper from the door of his private office. Sighing, the middle-aged man stood up and walked over to take the slip of paper, noting that original sender had been haphazard in furiously typing down the message before sending off to military headquarters. Taking a glance over the message, the officer's eyes widened slightly before he folded the paper in half.

"Get me the communications to the Uahan Station immediately," he shot at another officer, who noted the quick change in mood and rushed off to establish a secure connection. Han entered his office and locked the door behind him, before the desk phone rang.

"This is Lieutenant Colonel Han Cheon-bal, senior commander at Dokdo Air Force Base," he said as he picked up the receiver," This better some real shit you got otherwise-"

"I'm sorry sir," came a frantic voice," But its true, we have tagged readings of Confederate bombers in the Southern Ocean jumping in and out of our territorial waters. We don't have any reports from the Kurokawa Fleet and I can't seem to get through to them."

Han heard all he needed to hear as he shut down his receiver. Within minutes a squadron of five Mitsubishi F-2As were scrambled from the base and raced southward to visually confirm the intrusion.

Their orders were clear: Tell the Confederates to respect AFN and UK airspace or risk the consequences of violating sovereignty.

Hall of Supreme Harmony
West Genevira, Hitachi Province
Metropolitan Symphonia

"Is this true, what I'm hearing?" Jacob asked as murmurs filled the room," The Confederates have aircraft just outside our territory?"

"According to the Cheonsan military, they have radar and visual contact with a group of large, strategic bombers buzzing the outer limits of AFN airspace," replied Defense Minister Peter Klein," The Cheonsans have 5 fighters keeping on contact with them and warning to get out of AFN airspace. The Kurokawa Fleet which is patrolling the Southern Ocean also reported radar contact with the Confederate aircraft, though I doubt the Cheonsans know about it yet."

The Symphonian emperor sighed and massaged the bridge of his nose. This was second major incident of the day. Already, the media was screaming about the deaths of three citizens who had travelled to the UK Security Zone to survey the terrain. One additional person was missing, and the wind power company that had sent them was under intense pressure from the government to apologize and compensate the families of the dead. And now here, there were reports of foreign forces massing outside the borders of the exclusion zone and the proper boundaries of the AFN itself.

"Where is the Her Majesty?" asked the defense minister as the duo entered the Senate Chamber," Without her influence, the Kazoku are going to run rampant on this news. Especially with the conservative media outlets implying that the Confederates and the Dangish are on the verge of neutralizing the overseas military and blockading Symphonia."

And there was the other major problem, the propensity of the Homeland to react with abandon when met with a challenge. There were times when such reactions were necessary, such as the riots that started the Seong-Kiramashi Conflict and caused the collapse of the Seong Shogunate. The media was an indispensable part of society considering its wide ranging influence. But in this case, its wild accusations of war were completely unnecessary. If anything, it was another unwelcome obstacle to Symphonia's unstated desire to establish a zone of influence along the adjunct coastlines of Insula Fera. With a booming population and exhausted resources, the current ministry was seeking some sort of solution without having to enact some kind of unnecessary law that was bound to never pass the Imperial Senate anyway.

Speaking of which, the blasted body today was filled with an almost dark and deadly aura as the emperor stepped onto the dais. If there was any word to describe the hereditary Kazoku that made up the ancient body, it was deceitful. The 350 members of the Imperial Senate all came from noble lineages, some stretching back to the Ascension Throne Symphonica itself. They were all descendants of the various lords and princes that divided Symphonia and whom were only united by force by the Kiramashi during the Warring States Period. Some never forgot ancient tradition and they were the lords of the largest and richest domains in the Empire proper, hence allowing them a great deal of power and influence over the lesser nobility and those provinces that nominally answered directly to the Imperial Family itself.

If Jacob could remember correctly, he was pretty sure that they only served the Kiramashi so long that they believed the Imperial Family could properly lead the nation. After all, the Numenor and Seong clans that attempted to topple the Kiramashi also originated from this class, and it was they who came to the conclusion that democratic reform in Symphonia was an insult to the Kazoku.

If such radical conservatism had been vanquished by Seondeok during the Conflict, Jacob was pretty sure that there were those who still adhered to the old ways sitting right in front of him. If the vote to declare war had passed the Imperial Senate and the Congress, then it wouldn’t be the first time that Symphonia went to war to honorably recover from a perceived insult. After all, the Castigonian Conflict had been a byproduct of this sort of tradition, and Symphonia had lost to the Blackhelm Confederacy in that war.
The doors to the overhead balconies opened, and a stream of both domestic and international reporters and cameramen entered the upper level, their noise providing a twisted sense comfort to the emperor as more than a few dozen icy glares were directed his way from below.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,” Jacob began as the lights darkened,” Greetings to the Honorable Elders of the Imperial Senate.”

“It has come to my intention, that as Emperor of Symphonia and of the Asian Federation of Nations, and as Head of State of the United Kingdom, that the recent crisis regarding the future of Insula Fera has escalated beyond the ability of the AFN to control. It is to my regret to inform you, that the murder of three Hienese citizens and disappearance of one of their number is true. On behalf of the Imperial Family and the people of the AFN, I apologize sincerely and give our deepest condolences towards the families of the dead and missing.”

[applause]

“In regard to the escalation of tensions in the region, this incident is only part of a series of incidents that have pushed not only the AFN, but also the UK and the wider region of Astyria, into a deep freeze that only makes the East-West separation chronically worse. The message from the Confederate Chancellor Eaglebrand this afternoon is only a taste of what the East Astyrian Trade Organization views towards the AFN and the United Kingdom in general.”

“It is both deplorable and saddeningly ignorant of the customs and traditions of the peoples that make the AFN and the UK, and as your humble servant, I must faithfully reject such a notion. It conveys a sense of superiority, one which is infuriating in the eyes of this body and towards the people of the United Kingdom as a whole. Instances such as limiting the ability of our men and women in the armed forces from carrying out their duty to preserve peace and harmony in our region, to be put aptly. To therefore disregard and oppose such actions and intentions is honorable in itself.”

[applause and with some cheers from the Senate]

“However, as Emperor, it is also my duty to warn the people and this body the consequences of blindly following tradition. While insulting as it may seem for the Ministry to allow foreign interference in UK policy, and even more so when military force is threatened, I must remind you that war is destructive and has only got more so. The Great Asian War against GEIJD wrecked the West Coast of the Empire. The Conflict saw two of our cities nuked and millions of lives lost. Has this body forgotten, the pain and humiliation that the people of Cheonsa suffered when Commisarian forces sacked Hylton?”

“The Imperial House rejects and will continue to reject calls for war. However, Her Majesty and I have come to the agreement with the Singh Ministry that further insults soon cannot be tolerated. Should the Her Majesty’s Government in the Dangish Empire and the government of the Blackhelm Confederacy continue to push for ever tighter and stringent demands from the United Kingdom, I can only say that negotiations will only get harder to be definite. His Majesty, King Samuel Reich of Aquitayne and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has already made it clear that further instances of interference cannot be tolerated, and Symphonia will only back his statements further.”

“As of now, I shall report that United Kingdom forces are almost ready to begin pushing inland away from the coastal bases in the south. The liberation of Prudensia and Pangus will commence as soon as the final deployments arrive. The arrival of Dangish and Confederate delegations and forces has been acknowledged and accepted by both the Aquitaynian and AFN militaries, as well as the acknowledgment of no-fly zone over the Pangus-Stretta Sea.”

“However, in response to security threats regarding the safety and sovereignty of the AFN itself, it is also my duty to inform this body and the general public that the Ministry has declared a state of maximum alert for the entire AFN. As of now, all active forces have been ordered to deploy to forward positions to safeguard out national sovereignty. An investigation to find out the murderers of those Hienese citizens killed in Insula Fera has also already commenced.”

“Thank you for your attention and good night.”

[GHawkins]

Operations Room #1,
GHawkins Fleet Headquarters,
GHawkins City

President Galen Howard had his left hand against his forehead, using his index finger to scratch his nose bridge slightly but continuously. He was leaning on the conference table, his elbow on the white oak table, one which had a shiny and polished look. To everyone in the room, Howard could have been thinking, he could have been mad, he could have been tired. Or perhaps even a mix of all the three.

The normally white lights were currently off, replaced by the red emergency lighting. The massive electronic wall, where normally several different screens were visible that displayed news sources, electronic maps and deployment plans, was completely black, shut off. Even the flat computers embedded into the table were retracted and the screens black. It looked like something out of a movie, the commander in chief having to make the hard decision whether or not to strike back at the enemy after a pre-emptive assault on the nation.

Those present in the room were the GHawkins Joint Chiefs of Staff. Besides that, the GH Army was represented by one three-star Lieutenant General and three two-star Major Generals. Wearing the Navy uniform were one Admiral, a Vice Admiral and two Rear Admirals. The Air Force was present in the form of one four-star General and two one-star Wing Commanders. These men commanded military formations within all branches of the GHawkins Military and they were currently assembled here.

No one said a word, as they all looked at the President or simply stared at the wall in front of them. The only thing audible was everyone's breathing and the ventilators in the ceilings, keeping the air in circulation. Someone coughed a bit, but that was the only thing at most. It would appear tension was running high in the room, as the crucial time for a decision was rapidly approaching.

Then, suddenly, the large lights flashed before coming back to life in their full brightness, the red lights switching off. The electronic screens in the room flickered, before coming back to life. It looked like the whole room breathed at once in relief. But nobody said a thing, as President Howard was still scratching his nose bridge in the same fashion he had in the last two minutes.

A moment later, a Petty Officer entered the room, holding a towel as he speed walked over to where Howard was sitting.

"I.." Howard started, still not having looked up, "I am truly sorry.."
"Not a problem mister President, it can happen to the best.." the Chief of Naval Operations offered.

Howard put his now-mostly-empty glass upright again just as the Petty Officer reached him and used the towel to dry the table, and the computer that Howard had accidentally spilled his water over. That was the thing that had caused a circuit breaker to apply, to prevent a short cut to the whole room. He had wanted to reach for it but, while reading from the computer screen, tipped the glass over by mistake.

"Thank you" he said as the Petty Officer left again. He directed himself to the rest of the table again.
"Again, my sincere apologies. I will refrain from even touching any liquid for the rest of the briefing"
"At least we now know that we have to do something about this wiring sir, to not have this happen during a combat situation" the Chief of Staff of the Army said.

"Well, General, please do continue with the briefing once... everything is set again" Howard motioned, still a bit ashamed about having shut down the briefing single-handedly. He did remark to himself that he was probably the only President to have ever done that. But hey, just human remember?

"Thank you mister President" the Chief of Staff of the Army said, as he motioned to the big screen again. It by now displayed a big map of Astyria.
"As I was about to say.." the Chief said, as he tapped a button on the keyboard, causing a blue freighter symbol to appear south of the Seraphic Empire, "The 4th Task Force along with the ad-hoc 1st Transport group, consisting of seven Algol cargo ships, the fastest we have, is one day out from their LZ in Agrincourt. They encountered some pretty bad weather enroute, resulting in a delay as they had to detour around the storm-front, to spare the cargo ships a beating. METSAT shows calm weather for the rest of the journey, so they should be able to gain some lost time. Depending on their exact time of arrival, and the speed at which the Agrincourtians are able to assist us, the 4th Airborne should be combat ready within five to ten hours after disembarkation. They will present the first forces we deploy in Operation Noble Vanguard. We've also deployed the 1st Battlefield Network Brigade and the 1st Sustainment Brigade along with them, to prepare the logistics for when the rest of the force arrives."
President Howard had been making some notes here and there, while listening with attention to the General.
"How long will it take to complete Vanguard completely?" Howard asked.
"We are afraid that it'll take a while. At least another week before the last ships can get underway. We are fortunate Sealift Command had just completed a major refit round on a lot of their ships or we'd be caught with our pants down. Otherwise, we'd only have sixty-seven percent of our transport capacity available, unlike the eighty-one percent we are pushing now."
"That's a good thing then" Howard concluded.

"This morning, about.. six hours ago, the second convoy left port and met with the GHS Athena, one of our carriers, who would escort them on their journey. However, we should expect an immediate delay in deployment as that storm the 4th had to avoid is now directly on the course of the Athena convoy."
The general pressed another button and an aircraft carrier symbol appeared on the map, just south of GHawkins. It also produced a hurricane icon, which was placed directly south of Costa de Ouro.
"As this is an even larger convoy than the one currently shipping the 4th Airborne, the delay will most likely be even more substantial. Sixteen Roll-on/Roll-Off ships of various classes and four container ships, loaded with most of the V Corps aren't fast, at all. That makes for the biggest convoy we've ever assembled in the modern age, with these ships in these conditions."
Howard briefly bit on the edge of his pen.
"But it's doable, right General?"
"It's a logistical nightmare sir, I can't deny that" the reply was, "But I have nothing but absolute faith that if one nation on this world is capable of pulling it off... It's us."
Howard seemed satisfied with that reply.

They continued the briefing for fifteen minutes on the Agrincourt-Casegene subject.
"Then before the finish the matter sir, I'd like to bring up something that might be of great military and political importance" the Chief of Staff stated, the screen now displaying a lot of icons and data, this far into the briefing, "It is as of yet unconfirmed. However, Commander Lee of the 6th Space Operations Squadron, will explain what he has for you. Commander"
One of the wing commanders stood up, slightly nodding.
"Mister President. The 6th SOS operates the satellite constellation known as the Defence Support Program. Our objective is to operate a multitude of reconnaissance satellites and combine the data in an effort to get a clear picture of places where we have no eyes on the ground" Commander Lee introduced his unit.
"I am aware of the DSP Commander," Howard said, "What do you have for me?"

Lee pressed several buttons on the touchpad in front of him. On the main screen, a large, ultra high quality picture of a desert air base appeared. The sands around the base were bright in colour and there was a slight glint over the tarmac runway. All clear indications that this was a picture taken during daylight. The tarmac showed signs of use, as the rubber marks were easily identifiable, as were the taxiways and several hangars. But besides that, everything looked shiny new, like the base was erected only months ago. The only thing missing were any aircraft on the runways or on the parking spots.

"This is an airbase near Casegene's northern border. I wish I could name it, but HUMINT has as of yet been unable to identify this base or what unit is stationed to it. We only found it after the declaration of war and it is under speculation that it was hastily constructed either just before the initial invasion of the Noble Kingdom, or just after. It was a low priority, since we never spotted anything of interest on the field and there were more pressing matters to attend to. That was.. until a week ago."
Howard leans forward onto the table, his elbows planted on it as he interlocks his fingers, studying the picture.
"I assume you're going to show me something very interesting?" Howard asked. Lee simply nodded, as he pressed another button.

The bright desert picture disappeared and was replaced by a black-grayish picture. This time, the sand was represented by absolute black, darkness. It was clear this picture was taken by night, the shine taken off everything. Though interestingly, there were several beams of light shining around the airport, first at random it would appear.
"What am I looking at Commander?"
"You are looking at possible covert insertion of materiel into that said airport. Possibly bigger stuff." Lee said, as he pressed another button, the screen switching to a low-light version of the previous picture. It was very pixely and wasn't as clear, not by miles, as any of the previous pictures. But they got the job done. Visible now, though blurry, were a handful of single-engined planes on the taxi-ways, with another plane of the same make on the runway, either touching down, taking off or flying over it. All of them looked like they were on the move, nothing more was apparent.
"Pardon my layman comment, but why is this so interesting Commander? To me, this just looks like regular troop movement."
"It would appear like that mister President. However, it's the timing of the activity that worried us" Lee said.
"Precisely sir, "the Chief of Naval Operations, an Admiral, interjected, "Two days before these pictures were taken, the Office of Naval Intelligence confirmed a counter-espionage report that someone had commissioned an intelligence report of our navy. Wright and Apollo Global Intelligence was commissioned for this and they did deliver their report. We were unable to get our hands on the actual report, but we do know who ordered and received it."
Howard glanced at the admiral, clearly waiting for him to continue. When the admiral did not, Howard motioned him to go on.
"Admiral, please."
"The Blackhelm Confederacy sir" the Admiral said after the incentive.

Howard simply sat back in his chair, looking at the screen as he let out a deep sigh.
"Someone tell me it's April fools today" he said, having moved his hands behind his head.
The room remained quiet.
"Well godsdamnit. Do those retards really jump at every opportunity to harass us in every way possible, no matter where on this godforsaken Earth we are?!" Howard suddenly barked.
The room still remained silent, not wanting to be the target of Howard's annoyance.
"Are you really telling me.." Howard started, as he stood up from his chair, walked around the table and when reaching the big screen, pointing at the picture, "That this is the Blackhelm Confederacy deploying something or someone into a country we're at war with, in support of a nation that is currently conducting an unprovoked, though marginally effective, invasion upon one of our allies?"
"It's a possibility it's the Blackhelm Confederacy sir. There is currently no solid evidence suggesting that this is the work of the Confederacy, only indirect." Commander Lee said.
"I want to know who sent those planes, what they transported and where they are now. And I want measures taken that, next time whoever it is tries to insert units into that country, they are blown out of the sky. That do-able gentlemen?" Howard turned to face the table.
"We might have to involve other countries in that" the Chairman said.
"Do it."

Great Ocean,
T-AKR 117

To call the mobilization organized would be too much of an honour. It was utter chaos. I wouldn't be surprised if, when we arrived, we found out we had left someone or something important behind. Command decided the highest priority would be to get to Agrincourt ASAP. I don't know how I managed to get my platoon on board, but we're all there. Some of the men are seasick already and we've not even been underway for three days, on a journey that would take another week at least, with bad weather ahead of us. I guess I'm fortunate enough that my father was a skipper and I developed sea legs at an early age. Should have been navy for all I know. Those guys at least know how to make you feel safe, despite sitting on I don't know how many tons of vehicles, fuel, munitions and I-don't-even-want-to-know what. It's impressive how they managed all this without colliding. Ships, as far as you can see. The position of the transport we're on has us near the centre of the formation. When I was on deck today, no matter which way I looked, I saw ships flying the GHawkins flag. Forty-three of them, but the most impressive of them all was the just massive carrier to our port. You've never felt the kind of safety you get when you're surrounded by what might very well be the most powerful navy in Astyria.

First Lieutenant Anthony Wolf, 2nd Platoon, A Company, 38th Armoured Infantry Battalion, 13th Armoured Infantry Brigade

The tension between the commanders of A Company was nothing but increasing. Six lieutenants, sitting around the table, just staring at each other, rocking as the ship moved with the waves it was cutting through. The cabin was empty besides them.

All squinting at each other, as the lieutenant of the Headquarters Company cut the five straws, at different lengths. He did this painfully slow, as everyone watched him, then each other, then back at him. Until all straws were cut at different lengths. The HQ lieutenant took them all in hand and jiggled them around in his hands, out of view, to make sure nobody remembered which straw was which length. The HQ lieutenant was out of the game, as the purpose of this was never relevant to his company. Which was why he had volunteered to be the arbiter for this.

"Alright, don't show the straws until everyone has one" the HQ lieutenant said, as he stretched out his arms, holding the straws out from his closed palm, each at equal length. It was the length inside the palm, that would make the difference.

The lieutenant of 1st Platoon drew the first straw, concealing it in his hand. Next was 2nd platoon Lt, then 3rd, 4th and eventually the engineers platoon Lt. All looked at each other, none displaying any emotion on their faces while the ship shook as it dropped from the top of a wave and all of the men bending along with the motion.

"Alright gentlemen.. Display your hands" the HQ Lieutenant said ceremoniously.
All at the same time, the lieutenants placed the straw on the table in front of them for everyone to show.

The Lieutenant in 4th platoon had drawn the longest, followed by 1st, then 3rd, then engineers. 2nd platoon was out of luck, having drawn the shortest straw.

Lieutenant Anthony Wolf picked up the straw and held it infront of his face, looking at its length.
"Godsdamnit" he said dryly.
Suddenly, the mood that had appeared so serious just moments before, lifted as all others but Wolf burst into laughter.
"For frak's sake!" Wolf said, throwing the straw back on the table. Lieutenant Danny Hobson, 1st Platoon, slapped him on his back.
"Better luck next time brother!" he said, still laughing like the others.
"Who's frakking idea was this even?" Wolf said, as he sat back in the chair, bracing himself for another beating from a wave.
"Major said we should fight over who's unit has the reporter embedded to it. I'd say we decided as true gentlemen" the HQ lieutenant said, as he gathered the straws and tossed them in the nearest trash bin.
"Short of getting ammo from the lockers and having a five-way duel on deck. But I doubt that would have done anyone any good" 3rd platoon Lt commented.
"Shooting you guys doesn't seem all that bad now" Wolf simply said, laughing along with everyone else.

Five minutes later, Wolf stood on deck, looking out over the sea and the enormous GHawkins convoy bound for Agrincourt. He was soon after joined by one of his sergeants.
"Leftenant" the Sergeant said, as he leaned on the railing next to Wolf, who replied with a nod.
"Sergeant"
"I guess we're really going then" the Sergeant said, as he turned his back into the wind to light his cigar. The Sergeant was about ten years older than Wolf, but had passed up on several promotions and because of that, was still Sergeant. A man of the field, he called himself, not a paperpusher.
"Yep.. We're going.. We're going alright.." Wolf said, his voice loud to make himself audible above the wind, "Excited?"
"If you've served as long as I have, you aught to know better. Spirit amongst the lads is high though. They're really itchin' for a fight."
"That's a good thing at least. Worst is to go into a war without the motivation to win it" Wolf said, as the Sergeant blew out a thick cloud of smoke, which quickly disappeared in the wind.
"Nothing as bad for morale as not wanting to fight, yet having to fight" the Sergeant said, tossing the cigar over the railing after having taken only a few draws. Wolf watches the small, glowing cigar go down, before looking up.
"What'd you do that for?" he asked. The Sergeant shrugged.
"Didn't taste right. I'm superstitious on stuff like that."

Just then, they heard a growing roar. Both of the men looked up, towards the sky, as they saw two F/A-18F of the 15th Strike Squadron fly in formation, thundering over their ship. They had already passed by the time the roar grew to full strength, before subsiding again.

Wolf had decided he had enough of the wind on deck and elected to go read something in his bunk. He walked down the steps, narrowly dodging all other army and navy personnel on board the transport, before reaching his platoon's section, which is pretty cramped. The music thundered.
Hey, it's like deja-vu!
A suicidal maniac with nothing to lose!
So, wait.. It's the exception to the rule,
Every one of us is expendable!
BOOM-LAY, BOOM-LAY, BOOM

Wolf just shook his head, as he passed the soldiers, singing at the top of their throats.
So I hope you recognize,
I'm on the front line, don't worry I'll be fine,
The story is just beginning!
I say goodbye to my weakness, so long to the regret,
And now I know that I'm alive!

Yeah, spirits are high he thought. Spirits are sure as hell high.

Enroute to LeClerc International,
Paritte, Terre des Gauls,
GH Army UC-35A

Palermo shovelled the nasi goreng with curry into his mouth with the spoon, like he hadn't eaten in three days. He had decided to take a quick nap after the Citation took off from GHC International, but had actually managed to fall into a coma-like sleep. They were now fifteen minutes out from LeClerc and Palermo didn't want to have his stomach grumble while facing his colleagues in Gaul. Luckily for him, the GH Army did provide good food on her planes.

Palermo had taken a team of 4 with him. Special Agent William Jolly, a CTU negotiator, Special Agents John Burke and Terry Meyer, the "muscle" who would assist in the take-down of the terrorist on the airport and Tatsumi Oyama, the team's own little tech wizard. The "little" bit wasn't an exaggeration, as she wasn't any taller than 1.48m.

"Alright," Palermo said, still munching on the nasi, his hand covering his mouth, "What's the latest from the homefront?"
Oyama tossed him a tablet, which he caught just barely.
"Could have warned me!" he said, making sure his plate was table on his lap.
"Shouldn't have slept the entire flight" she returned, smiling innocently. Palermo just shrugged as he unlocked the tablet.
"Given the short time, it's surprising what our local contacts were able to turn up regarding the terrorist" Meyer said, while Palermo continued eating while reading.
"The ticket said the seat was reserved for one Axmed Zadaf. Our subject boarded the plane under that identity. The images we got from Marqueville, CCTV, indicate otherwise, "Burke said, "Facial recognition lit our subject up. His real name is Omar Bin-Azzil. Known to sympathize with the ALA in Kamalbia. We have no idea how he got through inspection at Marqueville, both at the border and the airport. At this moment, there's no indication him getting on was a set up. Sheer luck it seems."
"Motive?" Palermo asked, after swallowing the rice, looking up to Jolly.
"Appears he used to live in Hafunayo, the now by-GHawkins-recognized capital of Kamalbia. Orphaned in 1992, during the late stages of Renewed Hope. Our informants said that some people knew the Bin-Azzil family. Their home was destroyed by a stray artillery shell or bomb, Omar being the only survivor. Sad thing is, it was most likely one of our shells that hit them in the first place. We hit so much stuff we weren't supposed to hit during that operation it was basically the entire reason for the modern-day BattleNet to be created" the oldest man on the team said.
"Great, so we basically created this terrorist with nothing to lose and a most likely unstoppable quest for revenge upon the country who bombed his family?"
"Yep" the unanimous and simultaneous response was.
"More good news I should be aware of?" Palermo asked, as he handed back the tablet to Oyama.
"Your wife called while you were sleeping sir. She asked when you were getting home to mow the lawn" Oyama said as she took the tablet, quick to duck half a second later as a pillow originating from Palermo flew by her head.

Twenty minutes later, they were on the ground and greeted by the BGSI and after some quick introductions, they dispersed. Palermo, Oyama went along with Chief Agent Deverell and his team, while Burke, Jolly and Meyer dispersed over the airport to assist the BSGI teams during their assault (and Jolly for the possible stand-off negotiations).

Palermo stood next to the SUV, within sight of the airport, watching several planes come and go. Chief Agent Deverell joined him, standing next to him while they both looked toward the airport which was soon to be the scene of a possible drama or heroic rescue.
"So, I wanted to check one last time before we hit zero hour here, is there anything else you can tell me that you learned from your source? I just want to be as prepared as possible, Special Agent Palermo. I feel like we're missing something..." Deverell said, in heavily accented English. Palermo had already judged him as a good guy, loyal to the badge and to his men.
"The source that informed us of this attempted hijacking or bombing was found dead this morning. We estimate he was killed within one hour of sending us the data. His wife was found dead with him, so the ALA most likely found out he was a snitch. We knew he took a big chance to get us this data and sadly, he sacrificed everything for it.. More than could be asked of him."
Palermo adjusted his jacket, under which he was wearing a bulletproof vest, the stamped letters "GSA" on the back hidden by the black jacket.
"The subject on the plane has nothing to lose, so we should be careful on the approach. Desperate needs lead to desperate deeds. We found out his family was killed in 1992, he was the only survivor" Palermo continued. Deverell simply nodded, listening.
"What does bug me however, is why the ALA didn't call off this strike if they knew the target would be compromised. It's almost as if they are too stupid to realize we know about their plan and like they wouldn't know we'd do everything in our power to prevent it from happening."
A lot of time to ponder there was not, as their radio sounded.
"I guess we'll find out soon enough" Deverell said in his accent, as both men walked towards their vehicles again.

The airplane had approached was on the final approach pattern. Its landing gears were already down and it was cleared for landing. The game was on now. Several thousand miles away, in a dark hole deep in the Kamalbian desert, someone was treating it like a game. Watching, anticipating. And ready to play by the pre-written script.

[Dungeyland]

The immaculately dressed man who sat on a stool at Remi's bar in downtown Corvus was, as far as his friends and family knew, a mere diplomat for the Dangish High Commission in Pangus. In reality, of course, his role in the machinery of Imperial foreign policy was far greater. Under the codename Honey, was an operative for the Imperial Research and Analysis Institute, or IRI ("eerie"). Honey was a seasoned intelligence analyst, with Pangus being his fourth foreign posting. Nevertheless, Honey was not in the good books of the IRI. After the Ecosse debacle, Honey had been sent to what was thought to be a quiet, dull location where he could do no wrong.

It proved not to be the case, for in the weeks following Honey's transfer to the leafy warm city of Corvus, an international crisis seemed to engulf what became the former Imperial Spartanian Empire. Whilst Her Majesty's Government chose not to acknowledge the sovereignty of any state over Pangus in the ensuing anarchy, the Research and Analysis Institute was adamantly sceptical about the United Kingdom of Aquitayne and Symphonia's designs on the province. Honey's orders were particularly hazy: he was to ensure the failure of any UK attempt on the self-determination of Pangus, but was not to allow any impression of Dangish sabotage in humanitarian operations to emerge.

Next to Honey sat a middle-aged black lady, whose very nature seemed docile and amicable. In reality, she was a junior secretary in the Department for War, and was responsible for liaison with the Imperial Forces Pangus Command (IPCom). IPCom was to be headquartered 60 miles west of Corvus, strategically close to the port of Pentado, from which swift operations would ensue to take control of Corvus and its airfields. IPCom was due to begin its peacekeeping operations in the coming days. The plans were as yet provisional, but the country was to be split into five quintants: north, east, south, west and Corvus. Each quintant was to receive one brigade, composed primarily of infantry. The Royal Marines had already conducted operations to secure the naval base in Pentado, and troop movements were imminent.

The secretary made things clear to Honey.

"Eerie's role in this operation is quintessentially minimalist. Scylla [the First Lord] has made it perfectly clear to Burns [the War Secretary] that the role of Her Majesty's Armed Forces is to maintain the peace, and ensure that no attempt is made by the UK to annex the region. I'm not saying that human intelligence is not required for such a task, but its uses are quite limited as opposed to if this were an offensive operation. I don't desire to bore you, as you've certainly done this before, but Checan [the Field Marshal in charge of IPCom] would like you to ensure the Imperial advance from Pentado to Corvus is successful and that Corvus' airfields come under Imperial military control."

"Ms Script, this mission will bring me into conflict with both the Aquitaynians and the Symphonians. Existing intelligence suggests the Symphonians intend to secure the Corvus airfields. I haven't consulted with TAC [Treasonable Activities Committee of HM Armed Forces] yet, but the military must be prepared to move quickly. There's only so much I can delay without compromising your other core directive. Any obvious sign of Imperial... meddling, if you like, would trigger war with the UK. The Aquitaynians, at least, have made it clear they do not wish for their policies to be interfered with again."

"Mr Honey. You have been given a task, and that task is not to question the integrity of Imperial foreign and defence policy."

Just like that, she walked out.

---

Imperial forces had met little resistance since landing at the all but deserted Pentado Naval Base. The base had until the end of last year been a key component of Imperial Spartania's nascent naval policy, but the collapse of the Spartanian government had precluded any defence to the Royal Marines seizure of the base. The base's defences were summarily inadequate. There were tears in the barbed wire fencing and the base was full not of sailors and soldiers, but of loosely organised rebels. The first thing the Captain was asked as he met with a gang leader to discuss the situation was whether he supported the remnants of the Spartanian government.

Suffice to say, the rebels were easily displaced from the base. Most of them were mutinying military personnel. They were well armed, but it seemed they weren't interested in fighting a force that declared it had no interest in the former Spartanian government. The base itself was in disrepair, as if renovators had disassembled what worked but not had time to reassemble, but the technicians who had accompanied the marines were able to restart the electricity and gas supply. Mobile internet access too was quickly possible. Within hours of the Royal Marines' takeover of the base, the first brigade had arrived, carried by HMS Blossom.

Troop movements were intended to be swift and uncompromising. The brigade was under orders to move as quickly as possible towards Corvus, and to seize its airfields. Under no circumstances were they to harm anybody who did not harm them.

[Aquitayne]

"You're serious?"
"I'm afraid I am, Sir."
"They're really going in? Right now?"
"Initial reports state they've already seized the port."
"Well, I guess we'd better hop to it then."
"That would seem like the logical choice, Sir."
"Shut up, kid. There's no logic in war."

Central Command Headquarters
Telora, Aquitayne
1756 GMT

Inside Central Command's Headquarters all of the personnel were scrambling to gather the information needed on what exactly the current situation in Pangus was and just how late to the party the United Kingdom was. Ashley Scott, a junior analyst, had been the one who had detected the large Dangish troop deployments to the western coast of Pangus, and once she had given the satellite photos of Dangish forces capturing the port, and then the initial detection of internet connection coming from the island, it was only a matter of time before the place erupted.

The various departments of CENTCOM's intelligence division were scrambling to find out just how many Dangish troops were already on the ground. It had been no secret that, when the Dangish military had been informed of the basics of the Aquitaynian strike plan, there had been severe levels of tension. Not only had the Dangish reported an increase in the amount of troops by more than 200%, they now had also jeopardized the integrity of the entire operation by jumping the gun and leaving the UK to its own devices in figuring out just what in the fuck was going on. It was a mistake the General Staff would make them pay for.

Ashley was sitting at her desk, being fed mountains of raw data that she had to sift through to draft a rough situation report for the General Staff waiting upstairs. It was from this SITREP that the next decision would be made, and Ashley was feeling the pressure. Normally, under good conditions, she had more than enough time to find all the good and bad information, verify it, and give the upper echelons exactly what they wanted and needed. This time around, she was scrambling just to figure out what exactly she had sitting on her desk.

Just as Ashley was getting through the data regarding the satellite photos of the Dangish incursion, her desk phone rang. Annoyed, she debated ignoring it and focusing back on her workload, but she knew it was probably someone in the office that needed her. Picking up the phone angrily, she answered, "What?"

"Ashley, it's David. We need you upstairs."

"U-Upstairs?"

"Yes, and with the report. As-is."

"David, it's not even nearly close to being done and-"

She was cut off by her superior's now less-than-friendly tone. "Damnit Ashley just get the fuck up here and brief them on what's not in there yourself."

Ashley was stunned at his sudden change of mood, and tried to respond but was greeted with the loud click of the other line. Stunned, and quickly gathering her things, and a rough draft of the report, she slowly made her way towards the staircase to where undoubtedly the General Staff were waiting. She looked around as she walked through the room of chaos: there were papers lying on the floor, people hunched over their desks with their face in their hands trying to cope with the stress, and others just trying to get it done. She hadn't realized how bad this had gotten, and she knew all of them were the way they were because they were gathering the information she needed to do her job. Was it her fault?

Shaking her head, Ashley dispelled those thoughts from her head, knowing they were only there because she was nervous about briefing the generals. She had never been on the second floor before, nevertheless briefed anyone on anything. She was just the ghost writer who got to see her reports play out on international news - and to be quite honest, she did indeed love that.

Walking up the stairs slowly and cautiously, Ashley was lead inside the upper floor and hastily moved into a large room, where she was met by no less than ten high ranking military officials, one of which she immediately recognized as Grand Field Marshal of the Army Halvor Hummel. He was a tall and stocky man with an intimidating glare, and as a veteran, someone who she'd never imagined being in the same room as. Looking at David, Ashley could see that he was waiting for her to begin, and then she realized so was everyone else.

Coughing slightly, clearing her throat, Ashley set aside her inhibitions and began to pass out the situation reports. "G-Gentleman... what you have there is a very, very rough draft of a situation report. It contains the current known information on the Dangish incursion into Pangus and their current status as of twenty minutes ago."

Suddenly, a voice came up from her audience. "And what is that status, Ms...?"

"Scott, Sir. And their status is improving, quite rapidly. Initial reports show internet signals coming from the port and from that it obviously implies they have some source of electricity, probably from imported generators. As of now, we estimate that at least the first of five Brigades has already landed at the port from the aircraft carrier HMS Blossom."

"And how many men is that, Ms.Scott?"

"Roughly three-thousand-five-hundred, Sir."

"Do we know their objective? Just exactly why they've jumped the gun and left us uninformed as to their movements?"

"Well, Sir, it's because of page 46." She watched as almost simultaneously, everyone in the room flipped to page 46 of her report. "Somehow, probably by a mole in the Symphonian Defense Department, the Dangish found out about the Symphonian plans to seize the airfield in Corvus, to which end the Dangish military community went into a frenzy and began their deployment immediately."

"So you're telling me this is all because of an airfield?"

"Yes, Sir. It is. While the Symphonians are completed with preparing the invasion of Prudenesia, our forces are likewise ready to begin operations immediately. The only thing they were waiting for was your orders after receiving a still uncompleted intelligence report on the severity of gang warfare within Pangus."

Field Marshal Hummel interjected here, obviously curious, "Ms.Scott, what would you say our most viable course of action is at the moment, as you've seen the raw data?"

Ashley swallowed. She was being asked by the most powerful military mind in the United Kingdom what she thought needed to happen. She was more shocked than humbled. "W-Well, Sir...I would say an immediate WARNO needs to be issued and the forces should be put on standby immediately, with orders to deploy within the hour to begin operations. The thing is, Sir, that the Dangish can't get to Corvus before us. They need to import the troops and equipment from their ships, we're already there. If you go to page 57, you can see a map of our current positions and planned movement:

We're already in position, Sir, and we're more than ready to advance."

Nodding slowly, Field Marshal Hummel debated the information he had been given. Slowly and methodically turning to his aid, he said the fateful words that would kick off the greatest military operation the Aquitaynian military had undertaken in the last two decades. "Send the WARNO, I want everyone moving within the hour."

Joint Military Post Kotami,
Kotami Peninsula, UK Southern Security Zone
1810 GMT

Reports from the field were still coming in, with HUMINT sources stationed around the coast of Pangus still giving detailed information on the progress of Dangish troop deployment to the country. They were all mostly still consolidated within the port, but as more troops kept arriving, battalions would slowly arch out into the surrounding industrial area to secure a larger zone for the incoming brigades.

It was a classic landing, and one which had gone largely unopposed. No one had reported any exchange of gunfire, which was probably a good thing. Field Marshal Lyam Wright, Commanding Officer of IV Corps, was reviewing the tactical maps that he had been given from CENTCOM. The 1st Kommandosow Brigade had been transferred to IV Corps operational jurisdiction as per the necessity of the operations, and would be returned should they leave the AO any time soon. For now, however, this was solely a IV Corps operation, alongside the Aquitaynian First Fleet.

A young and notoriously eccentric Private jogged over to Wright's desk, saluting sharply. He was the communications operator,the one who sent, received, and validated all communications coming from any chain of command across the United Kingdom. Saluting back unceremoniously, Wright took the paper from the young man and opened it, reading its contents carefully.

WARNO

1. Situation: Dangish military forces have begun insertion into the territory of Pangus without informing Central Command, Metropolitan Command, Colonial Command, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of the Interior, the Prime Minister of Aquitayne and the United Kingdom, as well as any Symphonian counterpart thereof.

2. Mission: You are hereby ordered to begin Operation New Dawn in support of humanitarian assistance to the people of Pangus and Prudenesia within the hour. Symphonian High Command is likewise being alerted to this WARNO and orders.
Who: United Kingdom forces
What: Beginning of Operation New Dawn
When: Within the hour
Where: Operational Zones of Pangus and Prudenesia
Why: Humanitarian Operations

3. General Instructions:
Chain of Command:
Commander, 5th Infantry Division, Colonel Ionus Portus
Commander, IV Corps, Field Marshal Liam Wright
Commander, Colonial Command, Senior Field Marshal Nura Mann
Commander, Central Command, Grand Field Marshal of the Army Halvor Hummel

4. Movement Orders
5TH INFANTRY DIVISION to move directly to Corvus, ignore all targets of opportunity and tertiary objectives, with:
12TH ARMORED INFANTRY BRIGADE, 13TH ARMORED INFANTRY BRIGADE, 15TH ARMY AVIATION BRIGADE
DETACH: 12TH MECHANIZED BRIGADE; SECURE TOWN OF BISEGNA
20TH KOMMANDOSOW BRIGADE to begin air assault operations on the airfield southwest of Borsoi and proceed once secured to the pacification of the village
120TH LIGHT INFANTRY BRIGADE to move at once to the town of Bagnolo and secure major thoroughfares as well as the populace and viable topographical areas
1ST KOMMANDOSOW BRIGADE to begin air assault operations on the airfield northwest of Dovadola, and once secured to the securing of the village itself, as well as the blockage of all major thoroughfares

5. SOP
All units are expected to adhere to traditional Standard Operating Procedures in accordance with standard Rules of Engagement unless otherwise authorized from COLCOM/CENTCOM.

Sent: 1800 GMT
Authorization: ZTN29108NWERHS291755SHAURNLTAIPZ

Smiling to himself, Wright new the fun had only just begun. He quickly ordered the Private back to his desk, and informed him to relay that message to all units on the Pangeian border. Soon things would heat up, and now he needed to prepare his men for the beginning of a war.

1st Kommandosow Brigade,
Skies above Pangus,
1856 GMT

The 1st and 2nd Air Assault Battalions were making the first jump into Pangus, and for many of them it was their first real combat jump. The atmosphere inside the rumbling C-130 aircraft. It, among the other five making the trip, was carrying 92 Kommandosow, as well as a few pallets of equipment and one C-130 of vehicles. The Kommandosow were the most highly trained paratroopers within eastern Astyria, and it was now that they would prove their mettle.

Sergeant Kain was going to be the fifth one to jump out of the aircraft, and as such was going to be one of the first to hit the ground. Satellite reports showed that there would be minimal contact once they hit the ground, but given the radicalism within the country you could never be sure. Nevertheless, as he was preparing for the jump of a lifetime, other battalions and regiments were making their push into the country as well, securing their objectives just as he was about to.

Slowly the back door of the aircraft was opened, and once everyone's gear had been triple checked, all eyes were on the red light. It was the keeper of the key, their ticket to the ground, and once it turned green --

Before he knew it, Kain was out of the plane and falling towards the ground with speed. Too much speed. Turning his head, he could see he was passing the people who had jumped before him, and his altimeter was showing rapid descent - it clicked. Rapidly reaching for his emergency cord, he gripped it and pulled on it as hard as he could, instantly feeling a rough pull back upward as the parachute deployed.

Now, he had only seconds to react as he saw the air field come into view. It was largely deserted, but he was definitely going to be the first one on the ground - and he was going to get there hard. As he braced for impact, he limbered his legs and hit the ground rolling, just as he had been taught in jump school. When he had come to a halt, he immediately got up and took of his chute, raising his rifle to scan the immediate vicinity. As his fellow Kommandosow dropped in all around him, he could see men in military fatigues taking up positions on the western area of the air strip.

He had been briefed that former Spartanian military personnel were still present in the nation alongside former mercenaries, but alongside that many Pangeians were proud gun-owners, and with the stockpiles of military munitions largely going unaccounted for, this threat - however small - was very real.

Immediately he took a smoke grenade from his vest and pulled the pin, hurling the small canister at least fifty meters before it began filling the bright day with a green mist. Dashing across the open runway of the airfield, he and a few other men began taking up firing positions across the hangars from who they were assuming were combatants. Kain motioned to the man next to him to move positions to a more suitable firing position that would give them an advantage over whoever was hiding from them.

Dashing across open ground, Kain roughly slammed into the side of a small watchtower, most likely used in bad weather conditions to guide small aircraft to the runway. Slinging his rifle across his back, Kain began climbing the metal ladder that lead up to the top. He was rather exposed here, but the tower wasn't extremely tall, and he climbed it easily and somehow without notice.

Peering through his scope, he could depict about twenty individuals all with weapons. If action wasn't taken soon, this would turn into a bloodbath. Over the radio, Kain informed his superiors. "Alpha actual, this is Bravo 4-3, I have confirmed visual on two-zero tangos armed, bearing two-five-four at one hundred meters from hangar 2, how copy?"

A cackle came back. "Roger that 4-3, hold position - do not engage unless fired upon. Alpha Actual out."

Kain trained his gun on one of the individuals, slowly sliding the safety off. Suddenly, he saw one of the men duck behind cover, and just as quickly he had multiple firearms trained on his position. Kain instinctively ducked behind cover, and just as he did, he could hear and feel the pinging of bullets all around him. Immediately, he came back through the radio, "Alpha actual this is Bravo 4-3! I am being engaged I repeat I am being engaged!"

"Roger that 4-3, all units, airfield is now designated hostile, engage and destroy all targets. Actual out."

Kain swiftly turned his torso and rose onto his knee, resting the barrel of his rifle on the rail of the room, training his sites on the torso of a middle-aged looking man. Slowing his heartbeat, Kain pulled the trigger three times in rapid succession, seeing his target slump over onto the ground. He could see friendlies beginning to flank the other side of the tangos position and as such Kain took a deep breath.

This was war, he thought.

[Dungeyland]

The Office of the First Lord
On Behalf of Her Majesty the Queen
The Dangish Empire

Dear: Mr. Samuel Reich, the United Kingdom
BCC: The Chancellor of the Blackhelm Confederacy
From: The Lord Scylla, the First Lord of the Treasury of the Dangish Empire.

It is my duty as the First Lord and representative of the Crown to inform you that the Dangish Empire has begun military operations in Pangus. We are aware that the United Kingdom has begun military operations too, and hope that humanitarian support can be successfully delivered by the four nations of Aquitayne, Symphonia, the Blackhelm Confederacy and the Dangish Empire.

Hoping you are well,

Yours sincerely,

The Baron of Viney, Humphrey Scylla, 4th creation.
The First Lord of the Treasury

[Dungeyland]

The brigade was making swift progress. Led by Field Marshal Hubert Checan, the 3rd Varrockian Brigade had immediately moved north, where they entered their first checkpoint of Orsetta. The city was a mess. Even more irritatingly to Checan, the city was openly hostile. Orsetta, or Pangeian City, was very much a warzone between the Heralds and the former Spartanian government. Both sides did not seem pleased to see Dangish troop movements. Personally, Checan agreed with UK policy. However, he was a military man and followed orders. Instead of firing to kill the rebel groups, the Brigade merely used evasive fire to avoid casualties before moving out onto the abandoned Orsetta-Corvus Highway.

The Orsetta-Corvus highway was a great vein from western to eastern Pangus. In its heyday, it held a volume of almost a million cars per day, mostly holidaymakers from the agricultural east hoping to enjoy the sea in the west. Since the fall of the Spartanian government, however, the anarchy had largely ended the ability to enjoy a holiday and the motorway was used almost completely for military movements by either the rebels or the remnant government forces. In and of itself, however, it provided the Dangish forces with an advantage the UK did not possess. The infrastructure was still in good condition, and the Brigade was able to move at speeds that simply weren't possible for the Aquitaynians and Symphonians arriving from the south.

Checan was keenly aware of the race that was now underway. TAC had intelligence to suggest Aquitaynian troop movements had already begun. Any military strategist worth his salt could tell that the Aquitaynians would have issued a WARNO by now, and that the WARNO would pit the United Kingdom against the Empire. This was not what the Imperial government had hoped to achieve, but it was nevertheless clear that IPcom had no choice but to ensure it acted as swiftly and as successfully as was possible. Imperial supply lines were being stretched to the limit. A battalion of the Royal Parachute Regiment was being deployed with supply packages which, whilst somewhat insufficient, kept the Brigade moving. Meanwhile, all IPcom plans had been accelerated ahead of schedule.

The truck was bumpy, and Checan did not enjoy this part of most missions. His junior, a blonde woman, whose name contained "oxford" at some point, seemed to be loving it, however. Her phone buzzed.

"Marshal, we've received word that the final brigade has landed. The 5th Brigade of Quessex has at least nominally secured Orsetta, well - a base of operations has been established, and is awaiting support from the Confederates for counter-insurgency purposes," she duly reported.

"Excellent news, Corporal... Oxford. Our supply lines seem to be fine, we shall almost certainly get to Corvus first. Have you got an update on air support?"

"Yessir. The RAF believe air parity currently exists over Pangus. The Aquitaynians are currently in accord with the RAF no-fly zone. The Chief of the Air Staff does not believe he has sufficient resources to establish perfect air supremacy over the theatre, but it expects air superiority to be possible should Her Majesty's Government choose to establish such. At the very least, no forces have attempted to engage the parachutists."

"They always preach and they preach about how in this century, it's air supremacy which wins wars. They never deliver though, Oxford. The shrewd fact, Oxford, is that it's men and women like you and I who have to fight on the ground to secure victories, not wishy washy pilots. Have we got an estimated time of arrival for Corvus?"

"Yes. We're moving at 85 miles per hour. We expect to arrive in Corvus by the early hours of the sixth. Then, we have to decide how we're going to get to the airfields. We could either go round Corvus, and thus avoid any insurgents within, or we could push through. Pushing through would be quicker, presuming a welcoming insurgency, but might be more casualty intensive. Going round Corvus might be logistically difficult."

"Well, Oxford, one thing you'll learn is that if we can move fast, so can our supply lines. A brigade will immediately be at work both on guaranteeing our supply lines by ensuring Dangish control of this highway and others, whilst another will be at work on Corvus. Obviously, there will be some time when we only occupy the airfields and not the city proper. The city does seem relatively safe, though."

[Kamalbia]

Undisclosed location,
ALA base,
Kamalbian Desert

The temperature had dropped below zero. Ironic for a place that's known for nothing but sand, heat and being devoid of liquids. But night had fallen over the Kamalbian desert and the cloudless sky, which had caused the desert floor to warm up during the day, now did nothing to prevent radiating that heat back.

The ALA guards of the base had donned thicker clothing over their normal desert outfits. The rags and scarves they wore over their head during the day to protect them from getting a sunstroke were now being worn to protect their ears and noses from the cold. Their breaths were visible through the fabric, condensed into small clouds of vapour.

What was called an ALA base, looked nothing like it. A handful of mud huts, some two stories high, all surrounded by clay walls that at some points were decaying and displayed wear and tear from the occasional sand storm. It looked like a normal settlement for people who had ventured forth into the desert and had found the means to survive. Central to the compound was a small water well, which was most likely the reason people had chosen to settle there. The buildings were constructed in a valley between sand dunes.

Everything looked like it was harbouring shepherds, not the extremists that it was actually harbouring. When the ALA had come, they had rounded up all inhabitants and given them the choice; Work for the ALA or face the consequences. Only several villagers chose to work for the ALA. The rest were summarily executed and buried somewhere in the dunes. The ALA had instructed the villagers that did work for them to some construction project in the village. Once completed, those that hadn't died during the hard work under conditions that could easily be described as slavery, were executed as well. The ALA was very thorough when it came to protecting their secrets.

Now, the ALA had fortified the settlement into a base. Hidden from view were several DShK heavy-machine gun nests and conveniently constructed sniper holes in the sides of buildings. But beyond that, nothing to reveal its true purpose.

There were several ALA guards on the roofs, watching into the darkness of the night, looking for anything out of place. A few lonesome patrols walked around the compound to prevent any kind of infiltration, as far as that was possible to prevent in the darkness of night. There were far more patrols and men out tonight than usual during this time of day. A visit was expected. The cold was a pain to the eyes of many yet they still had to look into the darkness.

Then the noise reached them. Engines. Beams of light appeared at the edge of the dunes and made their way over them, moving down after scaling the top. The rearmost light lid up the front two light sources, revealing them to be big black SUV's, of the type that would be driven by a nation's secret service. The three vehicles were driving straight for the compound. AKs were readied, HMGs secretly prepared to unleash their 600 round per minute death, all tracking the vehicles.

They drove right into the compound, their windows tinted so that no one was able to see the interior. The vehicles stopped right into the centre of the compound. Eyes watching them, though no weapons raised not to provoke the visitors.

For a moment, nothing happened. Then, all of a sudden, nearly all doors of the three SUVs opened and men jumped out. They were wearing strange, robot like goggles in front of their eyes, with only one eye at the other end, emitting a little bit of green light. They were wearing load bearing equipment, filled with magazines for their G36 rifles. The security team, they appeared to all be at least 1.90m tall and built like tanks, aimed outwards, obviously waiting what the ALA would do.

Some of the younger ALA members moved about a bit nervously. They had been strictly ordered to not even think about raising their rifle, as this show of force was expected. None of them did though.

At this point, someone emerged from one of the huts and walked over towards the central SUV. He wore what appeared to be some old, dusty military uniform. One of the ALA's leaders. He was stopped by some of the security men before he reached the SUV and quickly patted down. When satisfied the man didn't have anything on him, they allowed him through to the central SUV. The door was opened for him and the man entered.

Several minutes, nothing happened. The ALA troopers just watched the SUVs and their security detail, the security detail stared down the ALA troopers with their creepy one-eyed goggles.

The door of the SUV opened again and the ALA leader emerged. On the other side of the SUV, the door opened as well. A tall man, looking quite slender, stepped out. He was wearing a completely black suit, with tie. One that would be worn by a CEO or political representative. The man's hair was grey and his face revealed he was a man of age, at least 50. He said something to his security detail, though none of the ALA was able to hear what exactly was said. The security man just nodded and made a hand signal towards another member of his team, before accompanying the man in suit after the ALA leader. The three disappeared into the hut, leaving the rest of the ALA and the team at a stand-off.

Inside the hut, the ALA leader moved straight to the back of the building and removed a rug from the floor, revealing something that looked like a large crate, in a hole in the ground. The ALA man tapped the top of the wooden crate, three times in a rhythm. From the inside, one could hear locks were being disengaged.

A moment later, the top of the crate opened, revealing an ALA trooper inside of it. Behind him though, was not the bottom of a crate, but a lid hole with a latter going down into it.
"After you" the ALA leader said, as he motioned down the stairs of the hole. The man in suit simply looked from behind his sunglasses towards him.
"Why don't you go first" the security man said, revealing his accent, which was one originating from the Blackhelm Confederacy.
"Okay, okay" the ALA leader said, as he started down the stairs.

Following this, the leader, the man in suit and the security man went down the stairs, into the hole. Or rather than a hole, it was the ALA's elaborate tunnel base. The tunnels were just high enough for the ALA troopers, Kamalbians being a shorter people than their neighbours. The man in suit did have to duck a little as to not bump his head. The security man, being built like a tank, did experience the most hinder in here. The trio walked through the tunnels. They were getting deeper into the complex. They passed several side-corridors, leading to other segments of the base. If one were to walk down those tunnels, one would find living quarters, armouries, workshops and even a (to Kamalbian standards) fully functional hospital.

After some turns, the trio reached a rather large excavated area. Several monitors lined the wall, some computers and beamers. A very improvised command centre, that's what it looked like. Nonetheless, quite an achievement considering the limited resources of the ALA. Possession of very cheap, expendable labour that you don't have to keep around after they finished their construction work, might have something to do with that.

They entered the command centre, where several ALA associates were working on the computers. There was a central TV screen positioned in front of a table and several folding-chairs. The trio moved towards it, where the ALA leader motioned them to sit down.

"Please, be seated. I am sure you will be pleased what you are going to see, I can almost guarantee it" the ALA leader said, not hiding his excitement.
The man in suit took a seat in one of the folding chairs, glancing towards the ALA leader. He reached for and took off his sunglasses, for the first time since he had arrived. He stared directly at the ALA leader, with his almost unnatural green eyes.
"You know I am not the one you should please" the man simply said, sternly and without any trace of accent. The man in suit reached towards his jacket and pulled out a small tablet or oversized phone.
"I assume arrangements have been made to have a connection here" the man in suit said, not looking up from the phone.
"Yes, of course, of course" the ALA leader said.

The leader turned on the TV, while the man in suit made a call to someone.
"Sir. We have arrived and we're about to see the operation" the man in suit spoke into the phone. Something was said, to which the man nodded.
By now, the TV was calibrated to the right channel. Visible on the TV was footage obviously filmed with a low quality camera, by someone who couldn't quite hold his or her hand steady. The camera was pointed from an elevated position, most likely a building, and displayed an airport, the control tower and terminal clearly visible.
"What you will see-.." the ALA leader started, but he was cut off by the man in suit.
"We know what we will see" he said sharply, still on the phone, "Just deliver as we expect you to."

[Nation of Polarus]

To: Samuel Reich, Prime Minister of the Constitutional Monarchy of Aquitayne, Za'im Tawfiq al-Hiwari
From: Nassim Zakiyah, President of the Republic of Polarus

---

Good day Mr. Prime Minister, Mr. Za'im,

I hope this letter finds you well. As you well know, the recent tensions between the East Astyrian Treaty Alliance and the member states of the United Kingdom have been a cause for unease throughout the eastern portion of this region, and can devolve into great turmoil unless mediated effectively. In order to ensure that things run as smoothly as possible, I ask your permission to send over a delegation to observe the matters taking place in your area of operations. You have my word, these men are not military men, but instead I have personally handpicked prominent sheikhs from some of my most loyal tribes, men who are fluent in the languages spoken by the nations involved, be it Vik'rus, Spartanian, or other, and a handful of his staff and assistants. If it will reassure you, we would welcome Aquitaynian or Riysan observers to our own deployment to the Insula Fera, which is preparing for deployment as we speak.

Sincerely,

President Nassim Zakiyah

As the letter was being sent, yet another contingent of Polarussian troops were being prepared to arrive in a hot zone. Three hundred soldiers were preparing to board a group of Be-200 amphibious aircraft, four in total, the entire stock held by the Polarussian air force, to make their way towards the recently captured naval base in the EATA section of the island. These men, part of the 1st Independent Infantry Brigade, were to assist in the peace keeping and security duties that would inevitable become needed on the island since it had descended into anarchy.

Within a few short hours, the Polarussian troops would be firmly planted on the Insula Fera, and their final contribution to the EATA would be complete.

[Blackhelm Confederacy]

Port Blacksand,
Terre Azure

With the area around the city seemingly secure, and the allied troops all beginning to arrive in force, the Confederacy entered into its next phase of operations. With Port Blacksand completely encircled, and checkpoints set up to allow civilians to flee, messages began being broadcast into the city urging civilians to leave. Chemical warfare treatment specialists were on hand at all checkpoints, anticipating a second round of gas attacks, especially against the fleeing civilians as the Azuran government had done previously, and triage centers were established behind the cordon to evacuate those who fell victim to the poison gas to, to hopefully render immediate and life saving treatment.

Large columns of BTR-70's and their supporting infantry, along with their TAURUS drones, were lining up along all of the highways and roads that lead into the city as well. It was quite clear to all involved that the operation was to begin at any time, but just when exactly would be a mystery until the last second.

Overhead, drones began circling the area, identifying potential strongpoints in the enemy defenses and painting power plants and large groups of hostile soldiers for immediate strikes. Any Azuran armor or artillery positions were relayed back to the fleet and knocked out without hesitation, while power plants were reserved for just around dusk. Right before the night began to settle in, Confederate drones began to unload missiles into the electrical sources for the city, as coalition soldiers on the ground went about severing phone and power lines from outside. Additionally, radio transmissions from within Port Blacksand were blocked to the best abilities of the the Confederate military, leaving the Azuran capital a virtual island, stranded onto itself.

As night fell on the first day of real, full EATA operations, the fleet too would join in, sporadically lighting up the darkness as the guns of the ships assembled opened up, targeting any signs of enemy movement within the city, or any indications that the enemy army was preparing to break the siege from the outside.

Captured Former Naval Base
Insula Fera

The Confederate contingent pulled into the newly seized naval base and set out to make friends with their Dangish allies in the area. The man in charge of the Confederate mission, Centurion Julius Greenwall, was the first to disembark and make his way into the Dangish camp, hoping that there would already be barracks and perhaps a joint command center already up and running. He was aware that the Polarussians were not too far behind, and it would be nice if there was already a place for his men to get to and claim their bunks before things got too crowded. At the same time, the pair of frigates that had escorted the men had pulled alongside the piers once used to house Spartanian warships, and their crews spilled forth, anxious to stretch their feet and get some good food on dry land for a bit. Many joked about what Dangish cuisine was all about, and they hoped their new hosts would be willing to share.

Meanwhile, CIS operatives elsewhere, especially in the areas just around the UK mission zone, began passing out little cards, no bigger than a business card, with a picture on them. They hoped that this would give the population just a bit of an aversion to working with the Aquitaynian/Symphonian/Riysan armies, and would bring the population into the EATA camp. The first to be handed out would target the Symphonians, and hopefully serve to build distrust and resentment towards their troops.

[Aurora Confederacy]

ACNS SPARTAN

Cruising now down the eastern coast of the Aurora Confederacy, the sub was still in friendly waters so Meritxell, rather than cruise deep looked at the helm "Helm take us to zero fifty meters please"

"Fifty Meters aye" he said, then slowly pulled back on the subs control column, this would put the sub in a position to stalk any unwanted vessels that may stray into Auroran waters whilst the sub is in the area, news of the recent commando raid by YSR commandos (OOC: featured in the BURG RP as they were after the Glislandian Royals), their support ship may be still hanging around waiting for a return and such a target may come under the target of opportunity rules, especially if it was involved in the carrying out of a potentially hostile ask, and Meritxell won't be asking questions.

She picks up the intercom "Torpedo room, load all tubes please, keep them dry though at the moment until we come across something" she says
"Aye captain" came the reply, a destinctly male voice, Meritxell, captain of the ACNS Spartan is the only female aboard the ship, not just the only female officer, but the only female, PERIOD, and Spartan is her boat, and right now its cruising Auroran waters, keeping its speed down to keep its noise down, almost as if its hunting something, or some one.

[Nouvel Ecosse]

Months ago a representative of Romberg had suggested to the Nouvel Ecosse Government that they should evacuate the capital city of Edinburgh. The Government had ignored the idea, thoroughly dismissing it. What they hadn't expected was that the Nouvel Ecosse public would simply follow and operate those plans by themselves.

The rich had abandoned the city and surrounding countryside first, running to their holiday homes in the hills outside of Hannibal and their summer houses in Martell. From the border with Platteisen Adler to the Hochlands to Walrus Harbour to Edinburgh, an area of maybe one sixth of Nouvel Ecosse, start to see a mass migration occur. Nobody really noticed the disappearance of the rich; Nouvel Ecosse is a very socialist state and the uber-rich are very few in number. But when the Government announced that they would now be working from the new intermittent capital city of Hannibal, panic set in. Companies with headquarters in Edinburgh were the first to disappear, relocating to Endeavour, the new economic powerhouse of Ecosse. Alhambra Cinemas moved a large amount of their office workforce from the city, as did Attico's Drinkeries, Trembolet Betting Agents and Forsyth Investments. The day Forsyth Investments announced their relocation was the day the real height of the trouble reared its face. Forsyth, through its subsidaries, was one of the largest private sector employers in the country, and their announcement caused the public to almost riot outside the small stock exchange in Edinburgh.

The middle classes were next, selling up their homes to the Government on the cheap and moving to other areas of the country, many unable to afford to the sudden cost of moving and being forced to live in small camps that the Government operated, many sharing cabins with up to two other families. The working classes were unable to leave their towns and cities in the South-East, although apart from the threat of invasion and bombing they lived in relative comfort, with the Government making sure to have supplies reaching the cities where the army could then disperse them.

For the first time since the sixties, the Army had begun actively recruiting, setting up a campaign to sign up young men in their twenties and thirties. The response had been good, almost too good, with many of those displaced men realising this was their best bet of a good wage and getting their homes back to their control. The sudden influx of men, who were trained in the North-West as far away as possible from the actual fighting, was a strain on resources, but the Government knew it was a good idea.

EDINBURGH
NOUVEL ECOSSE

It was five o'clock, what would have been defined as 'rush-hour'. Yet the streets were almost deserted, a few people in track-suits and jeans parading up the pavements past the utterly empty roads. The market, where bread, milk and other foodstuffs could be collected, was round the corner, and would be shutting up in an hour for the night. There were a few soldiers on the street, members of the 1st Infantry Division now stationed at Techinn Army Barracks and in the city itself, where empty housing could be found all over the place, but they tended to mind their own business.

The Underground was still operational, although on a much reduced service at only one train every forty minutes on the Memorial Line. Before they were every three minutes around this time, and it was sometimes impossible to squeeze onto them they were that packed. Now was different.

Lou Oligny had worked in a local cinema before the war began. Not exciting, he knew, but it was something. The management, who had all left not long after the real suits over in the offices had left, had tried to keep the cinema operational for as long as possible. But with no public, and the public you do have with little money, it was a lost cause. He still went in to work on a Saturday night, when the cinema showed some of their backlog to some of the servicemen. He didn't get paid much though for it.

He was getting desperate. There was no chance of him getting a new job in this place. There was seemingly only one option.

A recruitment poster was blazoned across the opposite building.

[Empire of Symphonia]

Office of Secret Intelligence
Ministry of Information, City of Skyview, Totomi Province
Metropolitan Symphonia

"And so this is the latest Intel that our field officers can retrieve?" Peter asked," You're saying that the weapons that killed the civilians in the Security Zone are from Terre des Gaulles?"

OSI Director Chung Man-won nodded gravely, indicating the map on his desk. Around him, the defense minister Peter Klein and the Prime Minister Adaminghir Singh looked on. Red lines were drawnnon the map, indicating various shipment points.

"Not necessarily. From our intelligence, the Heralds and the Prudensian Resistance received material backing from multiple sources," he stated," In various shipments and under various names, we suspect a large number of weapons were sent through TDG ports and processed through numerous points, including the Trellinese Trophy Ports, the ports in Stretta, and including our Port of Symphony. This operation was carefully planned and had been going on for months before the attacks on the ISE. The terrorists needed to get heavy firepower to be able to knock down the ISE within minutes and speed up chaos, as well as avoid the gaze of government agencies that would prove a hindrance before that operation."

"We aren't sure whether the Gaullic government is conspiring with the rebels as they have been officially neutral and our formal calls have been met with denial," Chung continued," We don't have reliable sources in TDG either and with relations with the Dangish Empire faltering, we won't be able to easily keep tabs on that part of the world anytime soon."

"And we also already know that the Heralds and the Prudensians have control of ISE arsenals, " Peter muttered, "Damn, this may be harder than we initially estimated, if they have that kind of firepower, and insertion may be harder to conduct."

"There is also more," Watanabe continued,"We are investigating rumors of an attack on AFN soil itself, as the Prudensians know that we are preparing to send forces into their country. This may be an act of retaliation, as we suspect that the EATA is trying to undermine our efforts in Insula Fera. We already have reports of Dangish and Confederate forces pulling into Pangus and it won't be long before they start stirring up some form of agitation."

With this word, Adaminghir perked up.

"Man-won, what exactly do you mean by an attack on the AFN?" he asked rapidly, " Is this on the same extent of what happened in the ISE? Is there any indication that the Gaelic government is actively supporting the terrorists?"

"We aren't sure at this time, Your Excellency," replied the director, " We are investigating several suspicious groups, chiefly among them a suspected front company called Moreau Industries. Upon record, they tranship a lot of goods from from the Trellinese ports into the Port of Symphony before being sent to Nouveau Avignon in Prudensia. However, in the past few months before the terrorist attacks, Moreau increased its tonnage being sent into ISE ports with official record being a greater demand of exotic fruit in the ISE. This does not correspond with known ISE government reports. In addition recently in the past few months, they began hiring foreign private security contractors at their offices and holdings in the Metropolis and calls to their headquarters in Hamasaka were redirected to smaller offices in Marqueville. Thus so far, our operatives cannot seem to find the link between Gaul and the Feran insurrectionists."

"Is there anything else that we need to know about?" asked Peter as both men stood up," The AFN proper is at full alert for any sign of attack and I highly doubt that at this time, anyone would be attempting anything."

"We estimate that roughly 7000 Prudensians have gathered in response to your not-so-subtle intervention. In addition, because of agitation from what I suspect are EATA agents, the people living within the Southern Security Zone have begun to view us unfavorably, despite our humanitarian and economic efforts to win over the local populace," the director said as he showed the other two men the door," This kind of interference is quite troubling and annoying, but I suspect that you have a plan for that, neh?"

AFS Fukuoka
Lazurian Squadron, Outside Port of Nouveau Avignon, Prudensia
Insula Fera
1700 hr EST Symphonica Time

"Sir, the Aquitaynians have sent us a WARNO concerning that Operation New Dawn is in effect," stated the comms officer," CENTCOM has informed us that the Northern Army must act now."

Fleet Commander Mun Kai-xin narrowed his eyes and nodded silently, watching the faint outline of the town of Nouveau Avignon in the distance. The local electrical stations must not have been working because the settlement showed no signs of electrical light for the entire week of UK observation. No doubt, there were Prudensian forces that were laying in wait, as torchlights and the faint glow of floodlights occasionally broke through the night.

The arrival of the Dangish forces prior to notification to the Aquitaynian government had left the United Kingdom no choice but to accept the circumstances. the arrival of the Dangish forces in Pangus, however, was a major concern as the military had been planning a joint strike on Corvus to seize the airfields there. With major bases and infrastructure controlled, eventual military action could be quickly and directly supplied from Symphonia proper, without the need for the supply chain to extend through the Security zone by land and air drop. Hence, the Dangish action was a concern in the military.The military had been outraged when the Ministry of Information, receiving the Dangish message that EATA forces were being deployed, had informed that chain of command that the message had arrived after the Dangish forces had already established themselves in Pangus. With the situation quickly escalating, the Symphonian military knew that it needed to take control of the situation before the balance of power tipped in favor of the EATA. Shortly after the WARNO was received, the military prepared a response that would be able to send a message to the EATA that Symphonia was very prepared to use its full military potential to bring out a quick end to the campaign.

The Lazurian Squadron was concerned with keeping open the UK supply lines from the Province of the Cape and Hienkoku. As a result, it was often the first military force to receive messages from Strategic Command back in the Homeland, and the most recent message would be one that would most likely set a new tone for the war.

For the past few weeks, Symphonia had been preparing diligently for the assault and many soldiers and equipment had been prepared along the borders of the Security Zone.

Mun looked down at the message before relaying to the UK chain of command.

Her Imperial Majesty's Armed Forces - Ministry of Defense of the Asian Federation of Nations

1. Related Receivers -

AFN Chain of Command in Fort Tratismara, Command offices of the United Kingdom Joint Operations theatre and Aquitaynian counterparts thereof

2. Situation -

Noting the increased presence of EATA forces, the Ministry of Information believes that foreign involvement will encourage native paramilitaries to oppose UK operations and thereby harm UK personnel. Reports of propaganda opposing UK and specifically AFN operations have surfaced, particularly in Prudensia and may cause conflict with citizens there. Connections to EATA agents are unknown but suspected. Local paramilitaries may be armed with advanced weaponry supplies from captured ISE arsenals as well as potential foreign suppliers. MoI investigation underway regarding potential donors. In addition, the potential loss of vital infrastructure to EATO forces may force logistics issues until recommended construction and infrastructure upgrades are complete. Operation New Dawn regarding Pangus has been put into action, and forces are reporting sporadic resistance and opposition from native paramilitaries.

3. AFN Strategic Command Decision -

Commence Operation Rising Sun regarding AFN forces that have been designated as part of Prudensia front forces. Use of paratroopers and aircraft authorized to seize control of Prudensia National Highway running from Nouveau Avignon to Trina. Baker Air Force Base and Avignon Airport are priority targets, as is the port of Nouveau Avignon. Aircraft based in Hienkoku and the Security Zone are authorized to ignore Dangish No-Fly Zone and proceeded to provide air cover to Aquitaynian units nearing Corvus as to facilitate rapid capture of the air fields there. Secondary support from the Lazurian naval squadron recommended if heavy resistance is founded in Nouveau Avignon.

Use of 7th Fleet to blockade Mican Strait if continued EATA buildup threatens UK operation viability suggested, though explicitly on orders of MinDef or PM.

4. Movement Orders -

Washington-class missile battleship AFS Fukuoka to deploy to Avignon harbor and provide cover fire for land based and amphibious forces
2nd HIENKOKU AIRBORNE and 5th ARMOUR BATTELION authorized to proceed from adjunct coast and pincer strike Noveau Avignon in coordination with TASK FORCE 7 SPECIAL FORCES proceeding from Lazurian Squadron
16th ARMOURED BATTELION, 9th ARMOURED BATTELION, 8th CHEONSA BRIGADE, and 54th BATTELION pincer strike Baker-Paodelerat metropolitan area, priority targets are the Baker Tunnel section of the Prudensian National Highway and Baker Air force Base
11th, 12th, and 15th AIRBORNE SPECIAL FORCES land in Trina and seize vital government buildings and infrastructure
5 Eurocopter Tiger to be granted for Aquitaynian use in Pangus Operations

AFN Battlemap for Operation Rising Sun and Operation New Dawn

Prudensia Operational Theatre
Insula Fera

Symphonian forces responded immediately to the SC Missive, and orders to roll out were sent out within minutes of receiving the message. Symphonian forces were arrayed in three major attack groups, that would strike and quickly move to occupy the major urban areas of Prudensia. Task Force Sud consisted of forces from the navy and the army, surrounding Nouveau Avignon within several hours of deploying from the border of the security zone. The port and the airport were seized with no resistance, though AFN forces were careful to openly avoid going through the center of the city and avoid sniper fire from surrounding buildings and remained on the outskirts. Nouveau Avignon, however, was comparably easy when compared to the resistance found in the other Prudensian centers.

Thanks in part to propaganda efforts by unknown agents, the Prudensian rebel forces under the PASR had large numbers of soldiers equipped with captured weapons. They had fortified the city centers of Baker and Paodelerat, and AFN reconnaissance noted several heavy artillery and SAMs, as well as a good number of captured tanks and armored trucks. Symphonian forces likewise found verified accounts of the destruction of property at the hands of the rebels. Large sections of the suburbs had been leveled in order to prevent the approaching AFN forces from acquiring cover, as well as due to earlier possible acts of vandalism and crime. By evening, the air base and tunnel were under the control of the AFN forces, and the military prepared for a siege of both settlements until terms could be reached.

The AFN forces that landed in Trina faced the toughest opposition from the PASR, as soon as they landed, they came under fire from rooftop and street window gunmen. Seven AFN soldiers were wounded in the initial gunfight for the government district and twenty were wounded. Air support from accompanying attack helicopters forced the rebels to pull out of the government district, allowing the special forces to establish a base within the city.

Civilian causalities and the marks of warfare were everywhere. Symphonian military officials noted signs of looting and rioting in Nouveau Avignon, particularly where Spartanian businesses and homes had looked like they had been bombed and torched. Cleanup efforts in the city discovered bodies hidden in alleyways and within the sewers, and total body count of causalities had reached 500 dead and another reported 3000 missing civilians after officials consulted with city records.

By the end of the first day, only the southern half of the country was in AFN hands, with rebel enclaves in Baker and Paodelerat. The entire northern half of the country, designated as north of the Glaoban mountain range, remained outside UK control, except for the UK enclave in the government district of Trina, which was expected to come under siege soon.