1923: Extremely Alternate History (IC)

by **The Emerald Dragon** » Tue Jun 03, 2014 2:16 pm

(Image)
Free State of the Golden New Guinean Sun| The Great Tale of Sun State

January 25th, 1923

"Intervention"

Pacific Ocean, Miles away from Aotearoa

The ships, Villaparaiso, Valparaiso and Valladolid, named after the three capitals of the country, stood as the oldest and most experienced ships of the Sun State's navy. They were accompanied by three smaller ships, the Esmeralda, Plata, and Oro Prieto.

(Image)

They were all headed one direction, and had the same orders. What are they? To enforce New Guinean supremacy over the Pacific. The Maori State's actions in Aoustrailea were not seen well by the administration of New Guinea, in fact it was seen as a threat. A weak state like the Maori one is no real threat, however, fear of an other strong state in Pacific, and upsetting New Guinea's sphere of influence, had caused for the government to take the imitative and stop the Maoris from continuing. The Sun State wasn't really invading the Maori State, but it was enforcing its dominance over them, Aoustrailea was to remain under New Guinean influence.
The ships had departed Puerto Novea, last week and now the crew aboard the ships spotted the Maori State. It was a primitive land, less developed then the interior of New Guinea, nonetheless it housed fierce warriors and a population of four million. The ships weren't just heading to any location, they were to the main port of the country, in Auckland(Whatever it's called). They village was becoming more noticeable, and the backwardness of the island could be seen in a greater scale. As the ships neared, they prepared for combat, ready to enforce, New Guinea's will over the backwards Maori State.

Villaparaiso

"Señor, una carta ha llegado desde el Vaticano"
A letter had arrived from the Vatican and into the hands of New Guinea's Premier. The letter was a surprise to the Premier and it grew even more surprising, once the content of the letter was reviled. New Guinea had never received a letter from the Vatican, and for them to invite them to a meeting in Pisa, with the other major Catholic powers, was a once in a life time opportunity for the Sun State. It was clear that the Sun was beginning to shine over New Guinea and it surely was beginning to be acknowledged as a rising power. Premier Pereira, begin drafting his letter, while thinking about the ships, whom by now should be nearing the Maori State.

[align=center]Official Telegram from the Free State of the Golden New Guinean Sun.

To: Whom ever may concern in the government of the Maori State of Aotearoa.

With great disregard, we sent you this letter. Your recent military campaign in the dark continent has brought us to condemn your actions, due to the oppression of the native Aborigines and unjust expansion of the Maori State. For this we have sent our navy in order to have you reconsider and call back your actions in the continent of the Aborigines. You have two weeks before, the Sun State takes further action in the matter.

Signed
- Juan Pereira, Premier of the Free State of the Golden New Guinean Sun

Official Telegram from the Free State of the Golden New Guinean Sun.

To: Whom ever may concern in the government of the Apostolic See of the Vatican

With great honor, we answer your letter. We will gladly attended the meeting of Pisa.

Signed
- Juan Pereira, Premier of the Free State of the Golden New Guinean Sun

Dear, Juan Pereira

Aboriginals are not oppressed within the colony of Klakie, as do you have ANY idea being partially European* how close us Maoris were to extinction at the hands of the White man? No, so don't start spouting lies and deceit when your ancestors profited off lies and deceit at the hands of your ancestors. Aboriginals are regarded as equals, as they have been in this corner of the world for over 60,000 years, compared to around 800 years for the Maori of New Zealand.

Aboriginals are still within tribes, like us, however we only have invaded Eastern Australia. As that is the only sufficient part required, Aboriginals are free to live and work within the settlement at Klakie, or maybe an ignorant like yourself should go there and see the Aboriginal's rights for yourself?

Signed, Hone Haimona, High Chief of Aotearoa

*Based on in character views

by **The Emerald Dragon** » Tue Jun 03, 2014 2:18 pm

(Image)
Free State of the Golden New Guinean Sun| The Great Tale of Sun State

January 25th, 1923

"Intervention"

Pacific Ocean, Miles away from Aotearoa

The ships, Villaparaiso, Valparaiso and Valladolid, named after the three capitals of the country, stood as the oldest and most experienced ships of the Sun State's navy. They were accompanied by three smaller ships, the Esmeralda, Plata, and Oro Prieto.

(Image)

They were all headed one direction, and had the same orders. What are they? To enforce New Guinean supremacy over the Pacific. The Maori State's actions in Aoustrailea were not seen well by the administration of New Guinea, in fact it was seen as a threat. A weak state like the Maori one is no real threat, however, fear of an other strong state in Pacific, and upsetting New Guinea's sphere of influence, had caused for the government to take the imitative and stop the Maoris from continuing. The Sun State wasn't really invading the Maori State, but it was enforcing its dominance over them, Aoustrailea was to remain under New Guinean influence.
The ships had departed Puerto Novea, last week and now the crew aboard the ships spotted the Maori State. It was a primitive land, less developed then the interior of New Guinea, nonetheless it housed fierce warriors and a population of four million. The ships weren't just heading to any location, they were to the main port of the country, in Auckland(Whatever it's called). They village was becoming more noticeable, and the backwardness of the island could be seen in a greater scale. As the ships neared, they prepared for combat, ready to enforce, New Guinea's will over the backwards Maori State.

Villaparaiso

"Señor, una carta ha llegado desde el Vaticano"
A letter had arrived from the Vatican and into the hands of New Guinea's Premier. The letter was a surprise to the Premier and it grew even more surprising, once the content of the letter was reviled. New Guinea had never received a letter from the Vatican, and for them to invite them to a meeting in Pisa, with the other major Catholic powers, was a once in a life time opportunity for the Sun State. It was clear that the Sun was beginning to shine over New Guinea and it surely was beginning to be acknowledged as a rising power. Premier Pereira, begin drafting his letter, while thinking about the ships, whom by now should be nearing the Maori State.

[align=center]Official Telegram from the Free State of the Golden New Guinean Sun.

To: Whom ever may concern in the government of the Maori State of Aotearoa.

With great disregard, we sent you this letter. Your recent military campaign in the dark continent has brought us to condemn your actions, due to the oppression of the native Aborigines and unjust expansion of the Maori State. For this we have sent our navy in order to have you reconsider and call back your actions in the continent of the Aborigines. You have two weeks before, the Sun State takes further action in the matter.

Signed
- Juan Pereira, Premier of the Free State of the Golden New Guinean Sun

Official Telegram from the Free State of the Golden New Guinean Sun.

To: Whom ever may concern in the government of the Apostolic See of the Vatican

With great honor, we answer your letter. We will gladly attended the meeting of Pisa.

Signed
- Juan Pereira, Premier of the Free State of the Golden New Guinean Sun

Dear, Juan Pereira

Aboriginals are not oppressed within the colony of Klakie, as do you have ANY idea being partially European* how close us Maoris were to extinction at the hands of the White man? No, so don't start spouting lies and deceit when your ancestors profited off lies and deceit at the hands of your ancestors. Aboriginals are regarded as equals, as they have been in this corner of the world for over 60,000 years, compared to around 800 years for the Maori of New Zealand.

Aboriginals are still within tribes, like us, however we only have invaded Eastern Australia. As that is the only sufficient part required, Aboriginals are free to live and work within the settlement at Klakie, or maybe an ignorant like yourself should go there and see the Aboriginal's rights for yourself?

Signed, Hone Haimona, High Chief of Aotearoa

*Based on in character views

by **Kryskov** » Tue Jun 03, 2014 3:29 pm

The Republic of Carpathia
Part 1: The Times Are Changing

Pochitana Naval Showcase
Pochitana (Sevastopol), Province of Crimea

Indeed, times had changed. And Prime Minister Miron Gorski knew this as he felt the cool air flow across his face. He had embarked on the RCS Conqueror, the newest capital ship and the pride of the Carpathian Navy. Her big, 13.5 inch guns could shoot up into the skyline, like some distant skyscraper looming upon the horizon. The casemates housed smaller, 4-inch guns that could be helpful in short-range bombardment or deterring small warships. There was a long-range AA gun, though probably the most effective anti-aircraft weapon was the 50 Caliber Pesti Machine Guns that used a longer barrel round in order to stretch the range of the weapon.

ASDIC and new radio instruments had shown that this ship, the first to be completed in its class of three ships, was to be the new flagship in a way, replacing the nearly decade old ships that preceded it. The quarters and lesser important parts of the ship had yet to be completed, but the ship still was a glorious achievement for the Carpathian people. Perhaps this would bring glory.

Furthermore, sitting in the drydocks, to be christened and released today, was the RCS Albatross, which was to be the first, though small, carrier of the Carpathian fleet. It could only carry around 15 planes, but that was 15 more than any ship could carry. And to have a small island at sea would be most advantageous.

As Gorski left the Conqueror, he prepared himself for the christening. Although the statesman himself did not agree with this rather large buildup- for Carpathia was a neutral nation- he was proud that no other nation could say they had changed so much in a century. As Mrs. Gorski prepared the champagne bottle, with her husband by her side, she look at the crowd, and then to the premier as a smile split his face.

"I hereby christen this ship the Albatross. May God bless this ship and all those that sail upon her." And then the white foam erupted on the bow of the ship as it began its service. These sea trials would likely be supplemented by construction and various flights before the ship would enter service.

Carpatho-Holstein Border

As the emigrants flooded in, it became more and more clear that security and action had to be taken. As such, the Military High Command ordered the mobilization of an infantry regiment to deal with resituationing of those who had left the country.

Indeed, the new border with Holstein brought much good. At least a middleman was cut out, and trade could go on a bit cheaper. Carpathia had little interested in being in international affairs, but perhaps it could test the waters a little bit.

by **The Emerald Dragon** » Tue Jun 03, 2014 4:38 pm

Conchabira wrote:Cathair na Ceiltaech
Isle of Mann
UKC

Prime minister Conchabir angrily strolled down the marble causeway that led to his office. Conchabir was deeply troubled and frustrated by some recent events of this year. He was enraged after he heard of a Papal Bull, in other words a gathering of the Catholic nations, that even tough his nation was nearly 70%Catholic the UKC was not invited to Pisa. He instructed an aide to remind him in an hour or two to construct a letter to be addressed to the Pope.

The other matter was the brutal Brittanian conquest of lower Burgundia that recently had taken place and shocked all of the UKC. He ordered an increase of guards on the Brittanion borders and to increase defenses on the borders. He also ordered the movement of the fourth infantry division from its station in the Kongo to the border along Wales. Along the borders trenches were dug, sandbags filled, machine gun and artillery emplacements dug and troops mobilized. Conchabir has instructed general Liam Gallagher to direct several training exercises including a training operation of the Kings Airborne Infantry which jump out of Zeppelins and glide to the earth with parachutes equipped in their backpacks. Conchabir then arranged two telegrams

From: Prime minister Conchabir MacMurchadha
To: His Holy Father, Pope of the Christian world
Encryption: Low

Your dear holiness, It is I your loyal servant. I am alarmed by the fact that many Catholic nations were invited to a Papal Bull however my country was exempted. With your Holy permission I would like to send King Mihaul the Eighth as a delegate to Pisa.
Sincerely, Prime Minister MacMurchadha

To:All European and North American nations
From: The United Kingdom of Celts
Encryption: none

To all major nations of the world, recently the Brittanian empire has brutally conquered, occupied, and oppressed the nation of Lower Burgundia with no suitable reason to invade and afterwards the President was shot by the Brittanians commander. The Brittanians have done this before and will continue to conquer and oppress unless we stop them now. I suggest that we create a anti-Brittania coalition to limit and possibly end their further spread. Any nation that would be interested in joining the coalition I invite you to the summit in Cathair na Ceilteach to discuss our future plans.
-Prime Minister MacMurchadha

To, The Government Offices Of The United Kingdom Of Celts
Encryption: High

We'd be happy to visit, as we wish to see what could be done. Admittedly we've got no qualms with the Brittanian Empire, as a Dutchman discovered us years back. It was also Dutch colonists who tried to set up a Calvinist colony on our shores. We're currently creating a colony in Western Australia, incoporating Maori and Aboriginal citizens.

Signed, Hone Haimona, High Chief of Aotearoa

by **Senkaku** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 7:22 am

អាណាចក្រខ្មែរ
Anachakr Khmer

Guangzhou
The Royal Palace

"I must say, the Nipponese are taking this all very seriously. Normal cross-border reconnaissance flights and border observation posts have indicated that they're moving troops up along the border and bracing for an attack. Intelligence briefings also point towards Nipponese buildup and it appears they're preparing for a full-scale defense of Manchuria."
"I saw their new carrier is done."
"Yes, and two have been dispatched to Formosa as part of this nationwide flinch."
"Are they really? How did we find that out?"
"The airship KK-14 spotted them- it was probably them, or two other Japanese capital ships- steaming past Okinawa, on a heading for Taipei."
"The Anachakr does not have any carriers, First Minister."
"We do have a testing craft, but no, sire, we do not."
"Why does the Anachakr lack carriers, if the Nipponese now possess three?"
"Because, sire, as you are aware, we have focused much of our energies on construction of submarines and small crafts capable of carrying torpedoes and those new radio-guided rockets. We are capable of building carriers, but Supreme Command has not seen fit to use the Anachakr's resources for their construction."
"If the Nipponese have them, so shall we. The ships that were laid down a few weeks ago, those two battleships in the Xiamen Yards..."
"Yes, lord?"
"Have them converted to carriers, and order the Armaments Ministry to begin development of a suitable aircraft for them."
The First Minister blinked slightly under the Chakravartin's cool, unflinching gaze, then bowed. "Yes, sire."
"And you mentioned radio-guided rockets?"
"Yes, sire. Fairly primitive, but I feel they have potential from the demonstration I saw."
"Why was I not informed of this? And why, if they are not yet fully operational, are we building ships to carry them?"
"We are not yet undertaking construction, but resources have been set aside, as Admiral Pracha is extremely excited about them. And you were not informed, sire, because you were in Sittwe talking with General Yaowarat, having flown there without informing me or anyone involved in the missile tests, while the demonstration was in Hong Kong, and because it was a fairly minor affair the likes of which occur all over the empire on a daily basis," the First Minister said coolly.
Jayavarman raised an eyebrow. "Fair enough. I wish to be shown one of these weapons as soon as you can get one on hand."
"Very well. There is also the matter of several reports from MSS counterintelligence ministers from Taiyuan and Fanyang, as well as MFI reports and a memo directly from the Royal Intelligence Committee, written in conjunction with the People's Intelligence Commissariat."
The chakravartin frowned. "I am not familiar with them, but this sounds quite serious. What are their contents?"
"First from the RIC and the People's Hall. They are merely calling our attention to the MSS and MFI reports, and adding that through their own resources, they believe the persons involved in the MSS/MFI reports are crossing over to Khmer China through the port at Longkou, via small speedboats or fishing craft."
"And from the Ministries of State Security and Foreign Intelligence..."
"The MSS reports opening cases on several suspicious underground political groups with have unusual and alarming ideologies that they see very rarely- aligned towards Chinese nationalism. They have also spotted several undocumented persons who, based on photos and fingerprint tests, do not correspond to either our citizen database or the extensive criminal database the MSS has set up."
"And the MFI?"
"The MFI report adds on to the MSS report. They claim that they have identified a few of these unknown persons as Japanese intelligence personnel, and that they have launched their own- quiet- investigation into what appear to be covert operations against the Anachakr in Northern China by Nipponese government personnel."
"I assume they are conducting standard counterintelligence operations?"
"No, sire. When they obtain enough evidence, they will not expose these men as Nipponese spies. They will simply be arrested, tried, and executed under their false identities, and if the Nipponese complain, they'll expose themselves."
"So we're telling them to fuck off or we'll kill their spies."
"And all those involved with them, yes."

Later that day
Hong Kong Harbor
HMS Chokchy

The Chokchy, or Triumphant, was one of the Royal Navy's largest, most modern ships, a battleship equipped with twelve 16-inch cannon, ten rapid-fire 5-inch cannon, and a number of 20 to 40mm antiair cannons, plus a few machine guns. She was stationed in Hong Kong, and thus, whenever the Chakravartin wished to go for a short cruise, the Chokchy had been outfitted with a lavish cabin for his comfort. The bridge, though also heavily armored, had also been decorated and made much more comfortable than an ordinary battleship's command post.
However, today the armored shutters were fully open, and the Chakravartin stood at the railing with binoculars, looking at the distant ships on the horizon. They were old, rusted Navy cruisers, decommissioned five years ago, and had been headed for a Shenzhen scrapyard before the First Minister had the Shenzhen Hall requisition them.
The Chakravartin turned slightly, looking at the small, odd-looking ship puttering past the Chokchy. She looked like a cross between a destroyer and a torpedo boat- moving slowly, though she was obviously a fast ship. Part of her superstructure appeared to have been demolished to make room for several tubes she now mounted towards her stern. He then quickly watched the ship on the horizon again.

A voice crackled over the short-range fleet radio speaker, and was immediately put on the intercom by an attentive young lieutenant.
"Chokchy will fire in three, two, one... fire."
One of the huge battleship's 16-inchers vomited smoke and flame, shaking the ship with its force and filling the air with an acrid scent of cordite. The Chakravartin didn't need the binoculars to see the massive plume of water erupt a hundred meters astern of the cruiser to the south.
"Fire at will, Chokchy."
There was another world-shaking boom- the next gun to the right fired. This time a plume of water erupted off to bow, rocking the distant ship like a toy boat or a sampan in a typhoon. Then the third gun in the turret went off- and Chokchy's fine gunners scored a direct hit. The superstructure of the cruiser was mostly gone, destroyed by the armor-piercing shell, full of high explosives. There was a fourth blast from the closer turret, and the Chakravartin's eyebrows climbed as the cruiser's bow crumpled and the ship began to heel towards her ruined end. The fifth and sixth shells were fired in quick succession, and reduced the old ship to scrap metal, with the sixth shell intentionally landing just short and its underwater shockwave smashing the elderly hull in. The cruiser took less than two minutes to sink.
"Chakravartin, we will be firing one of our three missiles in ten seconds." The captain of the other vessel didn't bother with a countdown, but the Chakravartin counted in his head.
He was off by a second, and nearly missed the hiss and plume of smoke and fire as the rocket lifted from its tube and shot towards the surviving cruiser. He watched its flight- slightly slower than that of the battleship's shells- avidly, but frowned. The rocket appeared to be curving, and was going to miss.
He put the binoculars down, and everyone saw as the smoke trail shifted and the rocket dove down into the cruiser. The Chakravartin picked up his binoculars just in time to see it strike the waterline of the ship's port side and explode, blowing a gaping hole in it. The cruiser immediately heeled over and began to sink.
Jayavarman XVII nodded, impressed. "I can see why Admiral Pracha is excited about these things."

Official Communiqué of the Anachakr Khmer

To: First Citizen Motoori of the State of Nippon
From: First Minister Pheakdai Kailang Sukchai
Subject: Your message

The State of Nippon has recently brought some concerns about Khmer military exercises forward and leveled unfair accusations against the Anachakr, especially regarding our Bengal campaign, which was intended to free the people of West Bengal from unjust and even downright evil governments. I regard, then, the label of "blatant expansionism", as a slander against the Anachakr- even if unintentional- and seek to enlighten the State of Nippon on the events that have so recently concerned them, so that all may be at peace and further insulting statements will not follow.
As we have and will continue to say, our military exercises in Northern China are routine and standard operations which are non-aggressive and should not be any reason for the State of Nippon to fear. While I understand Nippon does value its Manchurian territories, please rest assured that a few exercises by the Royal Army and the Royal Air Force should be considered normal and not acts of aggression or "confrontationist actions." I hope I have set your mind at rest regarding these exercises, it was not anticipated that Nippon would react so vehemently to them. Most have completed, but those that were scheduled to continue have been immediately cancelled.
On the subject of the Bengali Princely Confederation, which has now been fully absorbed into the Anachakr, I feel that putting their atrocities into words would make this letter highly inappropriate material not fit for international communiqués. The princes and maharajas of Bengal abused their people and their power, and I say good riddance to them. Several have fled to India, and we intend to open negotiations with the Indian government to seek their extradition, so they can be tried in Bengal for crimes against humanity and a number of other charges. The remainder are already on trial.
While I do understand Nippon's anxiety for her territories to a point, the Chakravartin wishes me to convey that he feels the State of Nippon is being slightly unreasonable and perhaps overly anxious upon these subjects. However, in the aim of preserving good relations and harmony in the Far East, he has instructed our forces in Northern China to cease their exercises. We also have instructed the Ministry of State Security to increase operations in this region to ensure no further incidents occur that Nippon may take objection to. Despite Nippon's over-anxiousness, we do wish to preserve peace as much as possible and hope Nippon will join us in these efforts.

I also hope for harmonious discourse and action between our two states, and wish to invite a Nipponese party to Shanghai, in three weeks, for a conference on the matter of further international cooperation on geopolitical, domestic, and military subjects.

Yours,

Pheakdai Kailang Sukchai
First Minister of the Anachakr Khmer

Post Summary

Public:
-the two battleships laid down (in my first post) have been converted to carriers, and will, upon completion, each be capable of carrying 112 aircraft and even refueling Khmer airships at sea.
-two new battleships have been laid down at the Qingdao Yards.
-Continuing Khmer exercises in Northern China have been cancelled due to Nipponese objections.

Secret:
-The Armaments Ministry has begun work on carrier aircraft.
-The Armaments Ministry has also had several successful test of radio-guided rockets, which so far only provide line-of-sight attack, but are working on using airships or airplanes to control-ship launched missiles and strike at over-the-horizon targets, and perhaps even chaining guidance aircraft together so that the missiles can have longer range.
-The Ministry of State Security has begun special counterintelligence operations against Japanese agents in Northern China.

by **The Emerald Dragon** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 9:51 am

Klakie, Australia

100 Aboriginal migrants entered the settlement, looking for food and shelter. They'd soon receive it, as around 600 more houses had been built. They'd be assigned a tent, like the Maoris, with no difference between them. Small scales farming settlements had been set up, but these wouldn't produce food for a while. In the mean time, food would be imported from other nations, Australia would hopefully become a population hub in the region.

by **Sveltlana** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 1:12 pm

DIE TETRARCHIE VON HOLSTEIN

THE TETRARCHY OF HOLSTEIN

A MISSIVE FROM HOLSTEIN

Being a closed letter to the estimable Prime Minister Miron Gorski, of the Republic of Carpathia.

Most excellent sir,

It is with pleasure that we inform that we would like to strike additional trade and commerce deals with your great nation. Trade and commerce is one of the most profitable sources of revenue for many of our peoples, and the easing of such a task will bring our both nations and their peoples great sources of revenue.

With the development of the automobile and the internal combustion engine, there has been an exponentially growing need of unrefined petrol in Holstein. Through your nation, it would be easier to import these valuable products from the near and far orients. Likewise, your great nation must surely have needs of refined products from either the upper Saxonies, the Britains, or the Scandinavias, commerce which would be eased in deal.

Because of the aforementioned benefits of such a treatise, I would kindly ask that you consider our proposal.

May there be peace, prosperity, and prowess in your great nation.

The Tetrarchs of Holstein

A MISSIVE FROM HOLSTEIN

Being a closed letter to the estimable Prime Minister MacMurchadha , of the United Kingdom of Celts.

Most excellent sir,

We fear our answer must be a no, as we do not have enough evidence against the Britons to form a coalition against them. Nevertheless, and while we do not immediately wish to declare or wage war against Britannia, be knowledgeable that we would participate in the defense of your nation were the nation of Britannia to invade unprovoked, given this latest incident regarding the Lower Burgundies.

Nevertheless, we hope that the Britons may see to it to halt their plans for future expansion, if any, which is probably not the case. I believe you have little to fear, sir, as the Britons would not risk waging war against the might of your nation. Furthermore, an unprovoked invasion upon your lands would be a catalyst for the anger of the rest of the European powers, which is something that any sensible nation would wish to avoid.

May there be peace, prosperity, and prowess in your great nation.

The Tetrarchs of Holstein

VIENNA - JANUARY 29, 1923

The Austrian flag flew patriotically over the streets of Vienna as the ethnic German populace was finally allowed autonomy from the State of Holstein, thanks to a most generous decree by the munificent Tetrarchs. The streets were filled with celebrating people, and the entire country sang and danced together. It had taken nearly a decade — dealing with the rather conservative Tetrarchs, and the unruly and quarrelsome College of the Excellent to reach a conclusion. In fact, the decision had only come from the increasingly liberal Third Tetrarch, who had by some devilry or artifice convinced the other three to allow the German people autonomy.

"What shall we call ourselves? What shall be our hymn? Which shall be our standard?" These questions filled the minds of the Germans, who were anxious to begin building their country. Before all of this, however, great mugs of beer were shared with friends and a great parade rolled along, on which were colorful men blowing trumpets. Now an entire marching band filled the streets, marching at the tone of the old "Auf Unser Fahne," but now to local and state music.

How would the country be built? Which arms would selflessly rise, unlike the Atlas of old, to carry the world of starting a functional nation? For the meantime, the Holstish forces remained keeping order to a respectable level in the newly formed state, as the excess of alcohol would cause some of the locals to go out of control. However, they were largely restrained, and there resulted no unfortunate events out of the fortunate celebrations that had erupted in the nation.

A TENNIS COURT IN ÖSTERFELD - JANUARY 30, 1923

"This is madness!" cried the College member as he slammed his hand into the table. The rest of those present nodded in agreement. "What next? Will the Jutes be allowed independence? Will the Saxons be allowed independence? Will our colonists ask for independence? Condemn!" he did the same action once more. "I condemn the action of the Tetrarchs! I heartily do so! It only splinters Holstein, weakens her! Weakens! An action of the weak!"

"Sir, temper" calmly said another. "Everything in its time."

About seventy members of the College of the Excellent were present at the secret meeting in the closed Tennis Court. They had attended because they were all in mutual disagreement over the Tetrarchs' granting the Germans of southern Holstein and the Balkans autonomy. It was counted among their beliefs that such a move would only weaken the Holstish Empire.

"These last measures of the Tetrarchs have been too forceful — too rash, and too foolish! What next? A war incursion into the Indias? Government-funded education for all? All-inclusive pleasure trips to the Brandenburg for all citizens? Handing the African natives — ha ha! — our unconditional surrender?"

At this statement, everyone within the large court burst into unrestricted laughter, cackling much like a group of hens. The roar of their laughter was stifled by the concrete walls of the tennis court, which meant that passer-bys were unaware of the secret conspiracy that was taking place within the building.

"It is time." Said another, who appeared to be one of the most introverted among those present. As such, his word always carried special importance"The Tetrarchs have too much power, do we not agree?"

"Yes" was the reply, more like a whisper than a single, solid voice.

"I tell you what we shall become," continued another. "We shall be the ones that control the nation. A hundred and twenty voices are, by all standards, better than four!"

"Amen, brother!" laughed another. "Amen!" cried them all.

"But where to begin — we cannot expect the other members of the College to assist us in this conspiracy!"

"They will not — " began the first in a hushed but determined voice. "But the people will."

by **Caltarania** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 2:34 pm

Britannian Empire | Imperium Britannicum

Traditores Trans Murum

Eboracum, Britannia Inferior

"And so, my fellow Britannians, I speak to you with knowledge that the traitors beyond the wall seek the absolute destruction of not only our nation, but everyone within it! The only way we can stop these traitorous scum is to enlist in the armed forces of this great empire! We must sacrifice our lives for the overall superiority of Britannia! All Hail Britannia!" The crowd in the square repeated the phrase. "All Hail Britannia!" they chanted, believing that their nation was truly at threat by the so called 'traitors beyond the wall'. The nickname refers to the United Kingdom of the Celts, and draws itself from the fact that the UKC was founded by similar people as Britannia. Britannia had always viewed the lands of these traitors as rightfully hers, however she had no reason or want to invade them. Until now of course. The Celts are more than happy to rat out Britannia in it's invasion, it seems, so they are now a nuisance. One which would be easily swept under the carpet, all in due time. Britannian forces had not yet been entirely collected, however at the moment there was still a vast military presence. In the city of Loidis, to the west of Eboracum, was stationed Third, Forth, Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Legions, each comprising of five infantry phalanx, two cavalry phalanx, one engineer phalanx and two artillery phalanx. In the border town of Drumfres there is the Emperor's Own Legion which consists of 4,443 men in total, and five phalanx, one of which consists of a mere 443 men, however they are handpicked for their skill in combat. The Emperor's Own consists of two infantry phalanx, one cavalry and one artillery, along with the 'special force' phalanx. The First, Second and Fifth Legions, previously in Burgundia Inferior, are currently en route to Redonensis, near the border with Parva Britannia, or 'Brittany'. The Second, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Eighth Reserve Legions will keep the order in Gallia - specifically Burgundia Inferior - with the First, Third, Seventh, Ninth and Tenth Reserve Legions keeping order in Britannia proper and advancing if necessary. The other Reserve Legions are currently being prepared to aid in the assault.

Meanwhile, in Londinium, Cæs Tiberius Iceni Draco prepared to move to the front lines with his advisory and personal troops in order to lead the charge into the United Kingdom of the Celts. While peace reigned for the traitors at the moment, it would soon disappear. As Tiberius grabbed his overcoat and Roman-styled sword, he muttered under his breath. "The traitors will fall. All Hail Britannia."

by **Garwall** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 3:02 pm

Inside the National Assembly
City of New Hanover
Vereint Brasilianische Reiche
February 13th, 1923

Chapter I: New Beginnings

The gavel's thump resounded throughout the hall, calling for the end of the legislative day. Ministers stood from their seats, gathered their assorted things, and began to shuffle towards the door and out into the afternoon heat of New Hanover. Nearly ten minutes later, the heart of the Brasilianische Reiche was cold and empty, void of all life save for the mice... And two lone legislators. They spoke a dialect of German not much seen in the public life of Brazil, but reserved for the more prestigious elements of the Südrasse, or southern race of Austrians.

"Seventy years of glory, and three centuries more of fortune before that, and yet these ignorant Affen continue to destroy everything this state has stood for," Minister Joseph Haas said, sitting down in his chair. He rubbed his forehead slowly with his left hand, an expression of malice dominating his face.
"There is hope yet," his friend said, stepping closer. "Twenty-three percent still opposed the measure, a sizable pool of support--most of them are still Old Guard as well."

Haas shook his head. "All that means is that seventy-seven supported it," he spat, knocking a stack of papers from the desk onto the floor. The top sheet drifted towards the ornate carpet, landing face up. Large, bold letters at the top spelled out "AN ACT TO EXPAND RACIAL EQUALITY". The other man bent down, picking up the papers slowly and placing them on a separate desk.
"You think too severely, Haas," he began, withdrawing a pipe and a matchbook from his coat pocket. "The masses are easily swayed, and you must remember the Dreigliedrigen," he spoke as he struck a match. The red bulb exploded to life, as the man placed the pipe between his lips and passed the flame back and forth over the thick dark patch of tobacco tucked in neatly. He puffed several clouds of smoke into the air before continuing. "We are the administrators, and we control the flow of information. The Old Guard only allows democracy so much breathing room. We know when to act."
Haas looked up from the table, a grimace still on his face. "And when would that be, when they give Negroes the vote?"

The man paused, taking a long drag from the mouth of the pipe. He allowed the smoke to dribble from his mouth slowly, before exhaling the rest magnanimously. He withdrew the pipe from his mouth, and turned his head towards the Minister. "Soon." The man turned, and strode towards the front of the chambers. He grabbed a large bag from the desk labeled "Hans Gutenberg, Prime Minister", and headed for the exit.

Somewhere in Aztec Guiana
The Golden Expedition
February 15th, 1923

"Pass me the whiskey, won't you?" called one soldier as he hefted a Model 1888 Mauser rifle over his shoulder, sitting atop a large number of sacks full with supplies. Another soldier, carrying a machete and with a revolver strapped to his side, muttered under his breath as he offered the bottle to the rifleman. "I'd rather you not, Francis," the man began, "You have a tendency to drink more than you can handle and I want my fucking rifleman to be able to shoot straight if any of these damn mask-wearing parasites come at us."

Francis waved his hands dismissively, before grabbing the bottle and sucking down a good portion of it. He capped it, tossing it back to the machete man, and coughed generously. "Speak for yourself, I'm a great shot drunk," he said, standing up shakily on the wagon as it moved through the dense jungle. He raised his rifle to his shoulder, aiming for a low-hanging fruit. Before he could pull the trigger, the blunt edge of the machete crashed into his calf, bringing the man down back to the wagon with a yelp. The four other soldiers piled on the wagon were in an uproar, sharing with glee in the man's pain.

The expedition, dubbed the "Golden Expedition" for its goal of creating new frontiers for the German people, was a boisterous bunch: over 600 people, many of them soldiers, piled on over fifty wagons full of supplies. For years, German loggers have forayed into these parts to harvest logs royalty-free, to avoid paying the government its dues for harvesting on government land. This expedition, funded by one of the biggest logging companies in German Brazil, had the goal of founding a permanent outpost for loggers to use as a base to begin logging larger parts of territory outside of Brazilian jurisdiction, to bring in larger profits. Whether or not the Aztec natives would tolerate their presence has yet to be seen.

by **Chiata** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 5:29 pm

About a month ago, Eisa Atiyeh had enacted his plans of rising to power. On day, in the evening when it was cool out, Eisa gathered his "family" of 500 people.

"My sisters and brothers, mothers and fathers, aunts and uncles, grandparents and great grandparents. For to long we have toiled under the hot sun to simply live and exist. To long have we endlessly gone around in a circle across this desert wasteland. Something has to change!"

"What are you suggesting?" questioned Muhib Moghadam, a member of the nomadic group. "Are you saying that we should abandon our traditions that we have kept for thousands of years? Forget what brought us together? What brought us security in a troubled world! The only thing that has kept our civilization from being swept away is our isolation. If you take away that, there's no telling what will happen to us!"

"No, comrade Muhib, no," retorted Eisa. "What I envision is a strong Nomadica. This doesn't mean we have to abandon our way of life. I never even suggested that. You put those words in my mouth! It is my idea to actually set up a governmental system and establish contact with the outside world. There may be untold advancements that could help us make our own great nation."

Then an old man stepped up to the discussion who was named Samman Almasi. "For three generations I have been part of this circle you speak of. I have married three times, outlived all my wives, reared eighteen children, watched ten of them die, and have seen thirty-two grand kids. All of this, I was in this "useless" circle. That is all I have known, all I hope to know, and all I want to know. I was born in this desert, lived in this desert, and I'm gunna die in this desert! From dust I was created and to dust I shall return. I want my dust to be in this sand. All of our ancestors have lived and died in this desert. All of their dust has been mixed into the sand, we walk upon their very life force. We live among our ancestors here. Why change this?"

Eisa replied, "comrades, you do not seem to get my point. I do not plan to change our way of life. I just want to organize it in a manner so that we can get help... er.. support from a friendly neighbor. There, I have presented my point." Eisa drew a long line in front of the crowd of 500. "The decision is yours. Cross this line and you will fallow me to the eastern desert where we can set up a government. You will enjoy unknown luxuries and will never be hungry again. If you stay on your side of the line, you will continue the relentless toil and the endless circle." Eisa then turned around and walked a couple of paces. "If you wish, comrades, fallow me."

At first, no one moved a muscle. Eisa still didn't look at the crowd. Then, a group of brave men crossed the line. "For Nomadica!" they cried. Soon more fallowed with nationalists cries and crossing the line. However, after standing there for an hour, only 113 people had crossed the line. By now the sun had set and the moon was rising.

"Very well," whispered Eisa with clear frustration. Shacking his anger aside, he shouted, "fallow me, comrades! Fallow me to glory! Glory for the State of the Rub' al Khali!" With that, the group walked through the desert, with the moon glistening on their backs. They dared not to look back.

by **Kazirstan** » Wed Jun 04, 2014 6:02 pm

The Byzantine Federative Socialist Republic

Byzantinae Foederatae Rei Publicae Socialisticae

Βυζαντινή Ομοσπονδιακής Σοσιαλιστικής Δημοκρατίας

Castra Ancyra, Ancyra
Byzantine Federative Socialist Republic

Head of State Pulcheria Anthemius sifts through mountains of paperwork in his office in the Castra Ancyra, an ancient Citadel built by the old empire. Most of the papers are reports from the Governors of the northern provinces (Armeniam, Georgia and Paeninsulae Nigrum) concerning the frequent armed uprisings by the local Christians. Most of them are asking for more soldiers, more police, and more funding. New legislation was just passed that puts the northern provinces under marshal law, allows the local governors to carry out public executions and sends 1300 soldiers to quell the uprisings.

Aside from the obvious problems in the north, things have been going well since the revolution. It has been 8 short years since the abolition of the imperial monarchy, and Byzantium has been almost completely industrialized, and infrastructure has been improved tenfold. Government approval is high, especially since the implementation of the Free Healthcare system, the first of its kind in the world. Modernization of the military is underway.

by **Conchabira** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 7:25 am

OOC: all weapons and vehicles mentioned will be given their real names or the names tgat they are based off of

Fort Glencoe
Scottish highlands, UKC
March 19, 1923

Conchabir drove in an armored car up to the guarded gate of the desolate Fort Glencoe. Built in 1902 during the socialist revolution (1900-1905) to house captured socialist leaders and test experimental weapons. Knowledge of its existence is limited to high ranking government officials and its personnel of the army's special forces, the Laochra. Conchabir got out of the, was saluted by the soldiers at the gate then entered the compound. He was immediately greeted by General Liam Gallagher and General Kevin McClanahan along with the CEO's of Campbell fire arms, Moran Auto-mobile company, Le Maux industries and several other smaller companies were present. They all had gathered today at a desolate military base in Scotland to evaluate new weapons and vehicles for the military.

After nearly a day of trials and evaluations several new weapons and vehicles were accepted for the front lines and production would begin immediately. The new weapons were the Campbell model 1922 automatic rifle ( MP18-rl gun ), the the campbell model 1923 light machine gun (madsen gun-rl gun), the Le Maux semi-automatic rifle (mondragon-rl gun), the model 1920 automatic rifle (m1918 BAR), and lastly the model 1921 flame thrower which cam in two variants, one that was larger and mounted in the trenches and a smaller model that was operated by a two man team.

The new vehicles and other new devices that were accepted and immediately put into production. There was the Moran model 1922 heavy tank ( FCM Char 2C), the model F3 "sword" (Junkers model 7) and a new type of poison gas supplied by the same company that manufactured the flame throwers, phosgene which is 85% more deadly than the previous mustard gas.

The complete weaponry of a UKC soldier included

Infantry: M1908 pistol (PO8 luger), M1905 bolt-action rifle (1898 gewher)/ Le Maux semi automatic rifle (mondragon), M1915 grenade (model 24 grenade), trench club or Model 1902 trench knife (trench spike)

Submachine gunner : Campbell M1922 automatic rifle (MP18), M1908 pistol, M1915 grenade, trench club or M1902 trench knife

Light Machine gunner: M1923 light machine gun (Madsen gun), M1908 pistol, M1915 grenade, trench club or M1902 trench knife

Automatic rifleman: M1920 automatic rifle (1918 BAR), M1908 pistol, M1915 grenade, trench club or M1902 trench knife

Heavy machine gunner: M1917 heavy machine gun (MG08), M1908 pistol, M1915 grenade, trench club or M1902 trench knife

Flamethrower unit: M1921 flamethrower, M1908 pistol, trench club or trench knife

The military groupings were:

Patrol:20
Platoon:100
Regiment:1,000
Division: 10,000

Current planes equipped by the UKC:

Fighters: F3 Sword (Junkers model 7), F2 ( Fokker model 7 )
Bombers: B6 (Zeppelin-Staaken model 6), various zeppelins

Tanks/Armored cars:
"Dreadnought" armored car, "Land Ship" model 1917 light tank (FT-17), Moran M1922 Heavy tank (FCM Char 2C)

With that Conchabir returned to Cathair na Ceilteach late that night and went to bed. He got up at about 5:00 to prepare another letter regarding the Anti-Brittanian coalition and prepare the drafting of 50,000 men from the UKC and 25,000 from the Kongo. The troops from the Kongo would be stationed along the border with Brittania and Brittany while the other 100,000 troops would be dispersed in the following order 20,000 to Scotland, 20,000 to Wales and 10,000 to Ireland and the Isle of Mann. He then composed another letter about the Anti-Brittanian coalition.

To:All nations of the world
From: Prime minister MacMurchadha of the UKC
Encryption: none

To all peoples of this earth I send you this vital telegram. Recently the Oppressive Despotic Empire of Brittania has brutally conquered yet another country, the innocent and neutral Republic of Lower Burgundia. It invaded Burgundia without any proper reason and without being provoked and after invading Burgundia the president was brutally murdered by a Brittanian officer. Now they threaten anyone who speaks out against their tyrannical rule. Now they are on the verge of invading us. They are threat not only to their neighbors but all of Europe and if we do not stop them soon they will threaten the security of the world. To quell this Brittanian threat I again propose the creation of an anti-Brittanian alliance/coalition and invite anyone interested in joining the coalition to come to Cathair na Ceilteach.
-Sincerely Prime Minister Macmurchadha

Conchabir then as he read over the letter and grasped the seriousness of the situation he also decided to mobilize the navy moving 1/3 of the navy's 170 submarines to patrol the English channel another 1/3 would patrol the bay of Biscay and the entrance to the Mediterranean and the UKC's two aircraft carriers would patrol the Irish sea. The traditional navy made up of battle ships, cruisers and destroyers that numbered 203 ships, 52 would patrol the trade routes going from the Kongo to the UKC while another 50 ships along with the remaining 1/3 of the submarines would patrol the north sea. The remaining 102 ships would be divided in half, 51 in the Irish sea and 51 in the channel. He also ordered for an additional 15,000 men to be drafted into the navy to fully crew the currently half-manned ships. With the exhausted Conchabir fell asleep at his desk with a pen still in his hand.

by **Gibberan** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 8:49 am

by **Conchabira** » Thu Jun 05, 2014 3:52 pm

Cathair na Ceilteach
Isle of Mann, UKC
March 20, 1923

Conchabir had decided to take a day of resting after the 19th as he had hardly slept on the 18th. He had slept in and went to his favorite Cafe in West Cathair na Ceilteach and had breakfast. There he thought for nearly an hour about his nations great and triumphal past. The Celts had withstood the Romans, the Franks, the Saxons and the Norse. They had held strong and steadfast against the Britannians and had overcome the devastating Socialist revolution of 1900-1905 that set the country back in a state of reconstruction for 10 years. Remembering the Socialist revolt jogged his memory of his time as an infantry-man for the three last years of the war. He was determined to not be the first prime minister in over three hundred years to lose a war.

On the twentieth Conchabir got back to work and addressed the responses to his proposal to form an Anti-Britannian coalition. He quickly got to work typing up three letters on the typewriter to telegrammed to the Maori and Holstisch

To: the Maori and Holtisch governments
From:Prime Minister MacMurchadha
Encryption: High

I personally invite all of you to Cathair na Ceiltaech to discuss plans to deal with Britannia. I have received letters from the Holtisch and Maori governments and personally invite you to our capital, Cathair na Ceilteach. I suggest that you come to Cathair na Ceiltaech in secret as Britannia and the UKC are in the verge of war.

-PM MacMurchadha

With that Conchabir slowly rose out of his chair and headed to his favorite cafe to get a cup of coffee.

Scottish border
March 19th, 1923

Mean while on the Scottish front General Liam Gallagher walked along the defenses inspecting the trenches. Liam had been stationed to be the head of the defense of the Scottish border while McClanahan was on the Welsh border and General Luanda, straight from the Kongo was on the Breton border.

Liam observed as soldiers filled sandbags and set up barbed wire and more heavily fortifying the trenches. He observed as a mortar team set up their mortar and positioned to hit the nearest road. Most soldiers however currently engaged them selves in game of cards and drinking coffee. The Laochra, the UKC special forces were busy digging escape trenches to another system of trenches roughly 1/4 of a kilometer away. Reports from a scouting Zeppelin had identified a large group of Britannian soldiers residing in the town of Dumfrees, just a stones throw from the border. If the Britannians attacked, Liam would be ready.

by **Lingang** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 12:05 pm

RESERVED FOR THE KINGDOM OF HELLAN

by **Sabara** » Fri Jun 06, 2014 1:11 pm

Capital District, Gujia City
Guilin Prefecture
Longguo Province, Shenguo

Crabapple blossoms were coming out in full force over the ancient Capital of Shenguo. They covered the various huotong style neighborhoods (a tradition brought from Khmer China) in a pink canopy, and lined the wide boulevards of Gujia's grandoise central administration. It was such a time of beauty in the nation, that the Roman Philosopher who traveled to Shenguo in 1918 famously remarked that "The trembling of the blossoms.. fills the people with joy unlike any other season." As you journeyed into the suburbs of the city, the number of crabapple trees began to diminish, replaced with numerous slums and seedy side-alleys. Even though the economy had grown by leaps and bounds, many still remained in poverty - it was a huge problem that faced the struggling nation who had just thrown of decades of apartheid oppression.

The Prime Minister himself was one who had lived under the old system. He was half Chinese, half Native - christened a 'ba'gua', or foreign devil, by many of the pure Khmer/Chinese in Gujia. When the apartheid government collapsed in 1915, he found himself embroiled in a chaotic mess - a new administration desperately trying to manage re-integrating those who were originally segregated.

-wip-

by **Brissia** » Sun Jun 08, 2014 6:31 pm

March 20, 1923

Nearly two months had passed since the Holstish Tetrarchs, after almost a decade of arguing, squabbling, and what was called 'debating' in the Holstish College, had finally rewarded the Germans by giving them a nation that they could call their own: the Greater Archduchy of Austria.

After a week of partying and stereotypical German behavior, such as hosting sausage tests and beer drinking contests, actions for which Austria was instantaneously criticized for by conservative and nationalistic papers in Holstein, Archduke Otto von Habsburg, along with the Imperial Diet and the Congress of Lords, undertook the major task of writing an insane amount of bills, legalizations, and laws, receiving and signing Holstish papers to confirm their wish to secede, and establishing a stable government.

This daunting task was made shorter by the Congresses and Diets shameless copying and plagiarizing of international documents, other nation's constitutions, and the bills of far of states. However, these actions were all worth it, as the Austrian government had done a tremendous amount of work in those two short months: the Wölfe von Österreich and the 'German Idiots' were renamed the Königliche Österreichische Armee and the Königliche Österreichische Luftwaffe, respectively, the Krone was established as the Austrian currency while the Imperial Reserve was created to control it, the nation's flags, symbols, and images were created, and almost all signs in the nation had been translated from Holstish to German, to name a few accomplishments.

There was now only one issue which was left to solve. The Holstish forces, seemingly ignoring the presence of the Reichspolizei, remained in the Greater Archduchy. Although no incidents had happened as of yet, a clash between the Austrian enforcement agency and the Holstinian soldiers was bound to happen. Thus, Otto von Habsburg decided to address his first diplomatic letter to the Tetrarch's to request the removal of the aforementioned troops from his imperial realm.

To the Honorable and Stoic Tetrarchs of Holstein,

Before I impart the message of my letter to you, I must thank all four of you for granting me and my people the ability to run our own nation, even though the process of granting them such an ability took almost a decade. I hope that, even though many Holstish conservatives may see your decision as weak or idiotic, our nations will become allies, and, perhaps, friends, and that I, along with my sons and grandsons, will prove those conservatives wrong.

Now, for business. As you probably know, my nation has spent the last two months creating an efficient way to govern Austria and it's people, and I do believe that I and my colleagues have succeeded. We now have an operational system which can enforce the law, control a functioning military, and answer to the needs of our people. Therefore, I do believe that those homesick Holstish soldiers still stationed in my fair realm no longer have a need to be there, and I ask you to have them exit the borders of Austria, as is my right. I apologize if my request sounds forceful, or, God help me, rude.

Signed,
His Imperial Majesty, Grand Archduke Otto von Habsburg, Archduke of the Crownlands, King of Liechtenstein and Bavaria, Regent of Hungary and Slovakia, Protector of the Germanic People, and Bearer of the Habsburg Name.

by **Chiata** » Sun Jun 08, 2014 7:13 pm

For two weeks, Eisa Atiyeh led his group of people to the east. Along the way, they met two more of the four total families in Nomadica. By the time Eisa and his followers reached their destination, they had a population of 400. However, the nationalists were still in the minority as the other 1,600 nomads still went about their daily lives, probably caring nothing for whoever "ruled" them.

Eisa chose the spot to settle because it had a large water source. The area was close enough to the Gulf to have a nice breeze that kept the place cool enough during the noon hours. The water source was large, probably fed by a subterranean river, and was of course made up of fresh water. Because of the consistent water, grass and trees had grown around the water, forming a large desert oasis. Deciding this as a good place to stay, Eisa named the area Civitas, meaning City in Latin, and ordered his group to set up camp.

After the tent city had been constructed, Eisa gathered his followers. "My comrades, we have braved a long desert journey in search of a home land. We have separated from our very own families to search for a greater Nomadica. Now we stand here, at Civitas, which I do now proclaim to be the first city of Nomadica, the capital of the State of the Rub' al Khali. Here, instead of endless sand, is rich earth ripe for planting. Instead of moving aimlessly about the desert to eat cactus greens, we will be able to cultivate crops and settle in this area of Civitas. Here, we will be cooled in the midday hours as a breeze comes in from the Gulf. Here, we will make our country great." The crowd applauded loudly with enthusiasm.

Eisa continued, "I have gathered you, comrades, here to make Nomadica great. I have started this movement that will undoubtedly change history. Therefor, I find it fitting and proper to declare myself Magni Ducis, the Great Leader of Nomadica." Eisa held his breath. He wasn't sure how the crowd would respond. Slowly, a smile grew onto his face as the crowd continued to clap and whistle. "Thankyou, comrades, Thankyou," he shouted above the crowd. "Thankyou for your loyalty to the true Nomadica, thankyou to your loyalty to your ideals, and thankyou most of all for your loyalty to me." Eisa gestured for the crowd to calm down. "Would Nabih Abadi, Tarif Terges, and Usama Asker please step up here to me." Afraid and cought off gaurd, the group of men cautiously went up to their Magni Ducis. "Do not fear," explained Eisa, "for I will not harm any of my comrades. These three men, Nabih, Tarif, and Usama were the first three to step across the line I made in front of my own family. Without their courage to except the great future for Nomadica, I doubt any of us would be standing at this great place today. Therefor, it is my privilege to bestow upon them ranks of honor for their first acts of enormous generosity. To Nabih Abadi, I name you Major, or the leader of the army. To Tarif Terges, I name you Ministrum, or the Foreign Minister. Lastly, to Usama Asker, I name you Minister Negotiorum Internorum, MNI for short, which means Minister of Internal Affairs. Give a hand to these men!" The crowd grew louder and continued to clap for several minutes until the meeting was disbanded.

Later that evening a letter somehow came in to Civitas from the nation called the UKC. Since the newly promoted Tarif Terges was the Ministrum, he was given the message. After a short conference with Eisa, Tarif penned a response and handed it to the messenger that had sent it.

To: Prime minister MacMurchadha of the UKC
From: Ministrum Tarif Terges of the State of the Rub' al Khali
Encryption: Medium

I am sorry to hear of the atrocities committed by the nation of Brittania. Nomadica would be very interested in joining this coalition you speak of. We would provide our political support and ideas on the issues at hand. In exchange, the UKC could supply us with lumber, farming equipment, and firearms. As of now, our nation is poorly developed and need the help of a friendly nation like yours. I dearly hope we can reach an agreement.

Signed,
Ministrum Taruf Terges

by **Kazirstan** » Sun Jun 08, 2014 7:56 pm

The Byzantine Federative Socialist Republic

Byzantinae Foederatae Rei Publicae Socialisticae

Βυζαντινή Ομοσπονδιακής Σοσιαλιστικής Δημοκρατίας

Greetings Magni Ducis Atiyeh of the State of Rub' al Khali.
I, Pulcheria Anthemius, would like to congratulate you on the founding of the State of Rub' al Khali.

As your neighbor to the north-west, we would like to establish relations with your new state. Also, we would be willing to provide economic support to your fledgling nation in exchange for your hand in friendship and co-operation.

We hope you will consider our offer.

Sincerely Yours, Pulcheria Anthemius, Head of State of the Byzantine Federative Socialist Republic

.

by **Sveltlana** » Tue Jun 10, 2014 5:33 am

A MISSIVE FROM HOLSTEIN

Being a closed letter to the estimable Duke Otto of Habsburg.

Most excellent sir,

It is with delight that we express our feeling of mutual friendship, and declare our wish for an alliance to form out of our two closely linked states. Sharing a common history, and your nation sprouting and flourishing from mine, this will be no hard task. Furthermore, an alliance will ensure the protection of our two great nations against the other, expansionist European nations. If you consent to this as well, we would be delighted to strike a deal of alliance, and mutual protection, and other agreements, notably in the field of economics.

And of your request for the withdrawal of the Holstish troops, and your belief that such a request may be rude: Au contraire, my good sir. Your request is most acceptable, realistic and, undoubtedly, conscious of the welfare of your nation. However, we are not yet convinced that the police and armed forces of your newly-established Duchy are effective at their respectable and complicated job. As your paternal nation and precursor, we feel it is our duty — as it has been for uncountable centuries — to be ascertained of the safety of our southern friend, and the order of her society, before withdrawing our protective force from the Austrias.

A good day to you, sir.

The Tetrarchs of Holstein

by **Senkaku** » Tue Jun 10, 2014 2:13 pm

អាណាចក្រខ្មែរ
Anachakr Khmer

Guangzhou
The Royal Palace

Jayavarman XVII raised an eyebrow at the fast-copied dispatch from the Foreign Ministry.
"First Minister, what exactly is this?"
Pheakdai came over and glanced at the heading. "A short briefing, sire, on the appearance of the State of Rub al-Khali. An interesting and, for now, fairly trivial matter."
"Have we received a response from the Japanese?"
"No, and I wouldn't expect one for a little longer."
"I suppose not. How are we going to handle the Arabs?"
"I was thinking proposing an alliance and perhaps taking over one or two of the coastal sultanates, giving us a foothold in Arabia. It would be a fairly minor affair, a thousand men and a few ships, and some advisers for them. However, geopolitically it would be enormous, allowing us to bypass India and gain a foothold in the Middle East. I've instructed the Blue Lotus Court to do further research on the area, and they've found some interesting things out about the territory."
"Such as?"
"Well, besides being the seat of Islam, Arabia also pinches off the Red Sea. Control of the Bab-el-Mandeb, thusly, would negate the influence of the Suez Canal and allow us to extract taxes from passing ships, of which there are many. Additionally, several explorers and scientists, though no prominent ones, have made vague and largely reports about the possible presence of oil, in large quantities perhaps, in the Arabian desert."
The chakravartin glanced up at him from the briefing, and the First Minister continued, pulling out a document- a royal permission slip, essentially, for funding for a military expedition.
"I don't need to remind your highness of the Anachakr's relative lack of easily accessible oil, besides our small fields in northwestern China and the few small platforms in the South China Sea. Even if the oil rumors are false or exaggerated, however, Arabia would be a very valuable addition to the Anachakr's territories and would be of immense geopolitical importance."
"Very well. It is ambitious, but I will approve of it. You will seize this Bab-el-Mandeb, and as much of the coastline as you feel is necessary, for the Empire and enter an alliance with the Arabs. Where is my thrice-damned seal?"

Official Communiqué of the Anachakr Khmer

To: Magni Ducis Eisa Atiyeh of the State of Rub' al-Khali
From: First Minister Pheakdai Kailang Sukchai
Subject: Mutual interests

Comrade, I extend you greetings and warm wishes from the Anachakr Khmer. We have recently received word of the founding of your own illustrious state, and wish to offer hearty congratulations on its successful founding. The Anachakr wishes to extend a helping hand to your new bastion of stability in an otherwise-unsettled Arabia, and we believe that the State of Rub' al-Khali shares many things in common with our empire, despite vast cultural and geographical distances. I am also convinced that we have a common goal- the establishment of order in Arabia and a strong, modern government that can be respected by the world, such as yours has the potential to be.
The Anachakr, in recognition of the great potential Rub' al-Khali holds, wishes to extend all support that can be given to your fledgling desert state, in the hope that it can flourish into a strong, modern nation, like a blooming desert after a short deluge. We can offer advisers, engineers, heavy machinery, telegram and vehicle infrastructure, aircraft, money in copious amounts, and anything else you may require. We hope that the Anachakr can begin a strong and joyous partnership with the State of Rub' al-Khali and help it on its quest to bring order to a lawless but still-mighty realm.

Yours,

Pheakdai Kailang Sukchai
First Minister of the Anachakr Khmer

The First Minister smiled as the telegram was sent. A special courier airplane, flying out of Dhaka, would take the telegram to Tanjore, where it would refuel before flying to Hormuz. At Hormuz, it would delivered to another plane, which would fly it all the way to a small oasis near Civitas that had a suitable flat strip of land. Waiting for it there would be two Khmer intelligence operatives, with camels, who spoke the native language, who would ride it all the way out to Civitas.
The First Minister did not envy the pilots or the two camel-men. He immediately moved on to other things, though- for instance, he had fibbed a bit to his chakravartin. He was not only sending around a thousand men- rather, more than seven thousand soldiers would embark from Yangon along with a sizable escort. Several airships would accompany them, refueling in India, and once they had stormed Hormuz, he had instructed nearly a hundred aircraft to move out to join them. It would cost four times what he'd suggested it might to the chakravartin- not that Jayavarman would bother checking. He was too interested in his temple-building and his missiles and his landships.
Pheakdai Kailang Sukchai smiled, feeling the odd breed of happiness only a first minister who had deceived his chakravartin for the good of the empire he guided could.

Post Summary

Public:
-The Khmer have (quietly and with little publicity) reached out to the State of Rub' al-Khali, offering to make huge amounts of resources available to them, including (it was implied) military aerial resources to help bring the other tribes of the area into the fold.
-The Khmer have begun arresting several Chinese members of the political cells started by Japanese spies and putting them on highly publicized trials.
-Construction of a new Temple of Rama, in the Angkor Brasaeat, has begun.

Secret:
-A small Khmer fleet has set out from Yangon, bound for the Bab-el-Mandeb.
-Missile testing continues with a good deal of success.
-The MSS is closing in on Japanese agents in Northern China.
-The development of Khmer carrier aircraft has run into several hitches, and the Armaments Ministry has considered using the MFI to steal Japanese plans, though this has not been executed yet.

by **Kazirstan** » Tue Jun 10, 2014 6:00 pm

The Byzantine Federative Socialist Republic

Byzantinae Foederatae Rei Publicae Socialisticae

Βυζαντινή Ομοσπονδιακής Σοσιαλιστικής Δημοκρατίας

Castra Ancyra, Ancyra

Pulcheria Anthemius sat in his office, shuffling through mountains of paperwork as usual. Though now, with the northern rebellions sufficiently quelled, the papers now mainly concerned other issues, particularly Rub' al Khali and the "colonization" of Djibouti. A representative in Civitus, Demetrios Palaiologos, was given a copy of a communique from Anachakr Khmer by Magni Ducis Atiyeh. He looked over it, sufficiently confused. It seemed almost... dubious. He had read it over a dozen times, as his advisors had done as well, and they came to the conclusion that it was a fancy way of saying "We're going to bribe you into putting your economy under our control", or something of the like. Presumably this was for the extraction of oil, as Anchakr had limited supplies of it and there was evidence that a large amount of oil was present in Arabia. This worried Anthemius deeply, the last thing they needed was a large Asian empire having influence in Arabia.

This prospect spurred forth the plans for the "colonization" of Djibouti, which had been in the pipes for months now. The word "colonization" was used to mask the true intentions of the plan, which were to increase Byzantine influence in the Red Sea, and to have a strategically important naval base in the Indian ocean. Knowledge that Anchakr planned to influence an Arabian state was just the push the plan needed to get it through Central Committee.

The next day

The CC meeting was adjourned, and it was official. 3000 volunteer colonists, along with a sizeable military force were to set sail for Djibouti before the end of the week. Djibouti, according to intelligence, was under the control of a local warlord by the name of Ismaïl. The local militia was primitive at best, few, if any firearms were available to the locals.
"This shouldn't be too hard" Anthemius thought to himself happily as he left Castra Ancyra.

Summary:

The Byzantine Government has learned that Anachakr Khmer is attempting to gain influence in Rub' al Khali.

A force of 1200 Byzantine Soldiers, with 20 armoured trucks and 7 heavy tanks, launches from the port of Suez in the Red Sea, along with 3000 colonists. Currently en-route to Djibouti.

Armaturam Magnis IV (Heavy Armour Mk. 4)

by **Chiata** » Wed Jun 11, 2014 8:39 am

Administration Tents: Civitas, Nomadica-

Things have gotten very busy for Tarif Terges ever since Nomadica(informal name) had burst onto the international scene. Already, a few days after sending his letter to the UKC, Tarif had received two more messages from different countries around the world. However, they were both addressed to Eisa Atiyeh. "Magni Ducis," called tarif, "there are two letters from other nations regarding international relations."

"Hmm... very good," said Eisa. Eisa red through the letters and then handed them to Tarif so he could read them too. "I'm glad to see that a fellow socialist country want to enter in an alliance with us," said Eisa. "However, I'm surprised a country in the far east wants to help us. What business do they have here? At least the Byzantines are actually near us."

"Before you discount them, sir," replied Tarif, "Anachakr Khmer's offer was quite substantial and could boost our economic and military strength considerably. I suggest we accept both of their offers."

"I suppose you are right, Tarif, reply which ever way you see fit to the letters. After all, you are the Ministrum."

"Thankyou Magni Ducis," said Tarif as he left the Magni Ducis Tent. On his way to the Ministrum Tent, the messenger from Byzantine asked whom the other letter was from. "The message is from Anachakr Khmer, a nation in the far east. You may read it if you like," replied Tarif. After that, Tarif went to his desk, got his pen and ink and began to right out a response to the letters.

To: The Byzantine Federative Socialist Republic
From: Ministrum Tarif Terges of the State of the Rub' al Khali
Encryption: Medium

Hello comrades and fellow socialists. I am Ministrum Tarif Terges, or the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Your letter was addressed to Magni Ducis Atiyeh, but since I handle foreign affairs I will respond to your query. I am pleased to say that Nomadica would gladly enter in an alliance with you. We would gladly except lumber, building supplies, and farm equipment from your nation. In return, we would give you our political support in the region.

Signed,
Ministrum Tarif Terges

To: First Minister Pheakdai Kailang Sukchai
From: Ministrum Tarif Terges of the State if the Rub' al Khali.
Encryption: Medium

Hello, comrade. I am Ministrum Tarif Terges speaking on behalf of Magni Ducis Eisa Atiyeh. I am glad that your nation, despite being so far away, has interests in the development of Nomadica. We have received a similar offer from the Byzantines and thus will ask for different resources from them. For your part, we wish for you to bring military supplies such as rifles and light machine guns. Also, if you are willing, we would appreciate if you could bring plane and engineers that could teach how to fly and make airfields. In return, we would extend our friendship to your nation and our political support in the area.

Signed,
Ministrum Tarif Terges

Tarif walked out of his tent and handed the letters to their respective messengers. As he handed the leaders to them, the two messengers eyed each other suspiciously. However, Tarif soon forgot about the incident.

Civitas, Nomadica-

As Minister of Internal Affairs, Usama Asker had a large job cut out for him. First, he has sent messenger and diplomats to the families in Nomadica that were still out in the desert. As of yet, no new people had come. Also, Usama had sent diplomats to the neighboring tribes to try to convince them to join Nomadica. However, all of them had refused. With dissapointments aside, Usama still had work to do. He had assigned 30 of the men to begin to dig irrigation canals that would stem out of the small lake. These would be used to farm and make Civitas' population sustainable. The rest of the men not in the army, or around 70, were given the task of extracting rock from the nearby mountains. This rock would be used to make brick and mortar, which could in turn be used for making housed and roads. As this was taking place, Usama had assigned the women and children to forage for food along the lake to feed the 400 in the area. Also, fish had been found in the lake and were being netted for further sustenance. However, Usama urged the fishermen not to over fish the lake. So far, everything was going fine, but resources would be needed from other countries to build up Nomadica's infrastructure.

Camp Abadi, Nomadica-

Camp Abadi was located on the outskirts of Civitas and was the only military instillation in all of Nomadica. The army in itself was quite pitiful and number only 100 men armed with curved swords. However, they were among the only people in the world that actually knew how to survive in the Empty Quarter and thus could take on a larger army. At the head of the army was Nabih Abadi, Major of the Army. Sadly, Nabih was rather self-centered and named the army camp after himself. To go further, he appointed a man by the name of Mu'nis Ganem to be the Captain of the forces and lead them into battle. In contrast, Nabih would stay behind and not participate in actual combat.

The Nomadica Army had a very basic structure. A Fireteam consisted of four Privates and was led by a Corporal. Two Fireteams would combine and form a Squad which was led by a Sergeant (total 11 soldiers). 3 Squads would make a Platoon and be commanded by a Lieutenant (total 34). Lastly, three Platoons would make a Company, which was led by a Captain (total 103). To put it all together by rank, in A Company, the only Company, there were 72 Privates, 18 Corporals, 9 Sergeants, 3 Lieutenants, and one Captain. That is how big the Nomadica Army was at that point, only 103 soldiers poorly armed. Clearly, they need foreign help.

Hypothetically, next up would be a Regiment would have 10 Companies, commanded by a Colonel (total 1,031). Then a Division containing 10 Regiments would be commanded by a Lieutenant General (total 10,311). Next, 5 Division would combine into an Army Corps and be commanded by a Major General (total 51,556). 4 Corps could combine into an Army (i.e. 3rd Army or 6th Army) and be commanded by a General (total 205,225). Lastly, the General of the Army would command all of the Army, regardless of how many Armies there were. However, an Army this large is extremely improbable considering Nomadica's current population.

by **Senkaku** » Wed Jun 11, 2014 10:29 am

OOC: Kazirstan, since I already dispatched an expedition towards the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, I'd been going to have my men arrive first. They won't take nearly all of Djibouti, just the area around Khor Angar, which is probably under a different warlord. They'll mostly be focused on Yemen.

អាណាចក្រខ្មែរ
Anachakr Khmer

Shenzhen
The Blue Lotus Court

The Blue Lotus Court, several miles from the imperial capital in Guangzhou, was perhaps just as lovely a palace as the chakravartin's, though it housed many more people and was actually slightly larger.
The Blue Lotus Court was the civil service's palace, where high-ranking civil servants lived, the centerpoint of the entire bureaucracy. It housed thousands of mandarins, and a portion of the Anachakr's gigantic records library. Additionally, it also housed the main building for the National Congress, the highest-ranking People's Hall, and the various Speakers elected into lived within the Court's vast complex. Even high-ranking military officers lived here and made the Blue Lotus Court their headquarters.

It was also where most of the actual decisions that governed the empire were made. The chakravartin did make many important decisions, but here, the minutia of bureaucracy and popular decisions that kept the Anachakr running like clockwork happened. Here, also, the highest-ranking governors and magistrates and officials and military officers could meet and conspire and plan, for some of the momentous changes that occasionally shook the Anachakr.
The Blue Lotus Court could, if it had justification, even overthrow the chakravartin. It had happened before, many times, when the emperor was squandering the nation's wealth or making poor policy decisions.
In accordance with the tremendous influence it had in Khmer politics, then, the Blue Lotus Court was gigantic. The central building towered fifteen stories, while outlying compounds stretched for around a mile square. The only complexes comparable to it were perhaps the Guangzhou and Angkor Brasaeats, the two largest temple complexes in the world.

It would be here (so as not to trouble the exalted chakravartin with foreign policy minutia that was surely beneath him), then, that much of the new Arabian Situation, as it was being delicately called in classified official reports, would be handled.

Pheakdai Kailang Sukchai was sitting in his office, reading through several of these reports. He'd heard that the Byzantines had somehow intercepted news of their communiqué to the Arabs- and had then ordered that all official reports and files to do with the ongoing situation were to be classified as top secret. No further leaks of information would trickle out of the Anachakr about their plans for the essential conquest of Arabia.
He sent two communiqués, one of which would first be sent as a coded radiogram to an MFI post in Sana'a, which would then be printed out and sent by first truck and then small craft to Socotra, where the Khmer airships accompanying the fleet had stopped to refuel. One of these airships, after bombing forts around the Bab-el-Mandeb in preparation for the landings, would then deliver it directly to Civitas. The airship captain, through an interpreter, would then offer to place his ship and his men at the State of Rub' al-Khali's disposal.

Official Communiqué of the Anachakr Khmer

To: Magni Ducis Eisa Atiyeh
From: First Minister Pheakdai Kailang Sukchai
Subject: International cooperation

Comrade, I hope you were not alarmed by our method of delivery, but airships seemed faster than dispatching camel-riders for a two-day ride through sand and blistering heat. I would be overjoyed to allow the Armaments Ministry and the Treasury to release all the supplies you have requested and a large number of personnel to help advise you and your people on the construction of airfields and the use of aircraft. I've no doubt they would be of great facility to anyone living in the Rub' al-Khali. Even now, men and supplies are being mustered for another expedition to Rub' al-Khali, to help your people bring themselves triumphantly into the modern era.

Please be advised, we've run into some trouble with the warlords who control the Bab-el-Mandeb strait between Djibouti and the Arabian Peninsula, so unfortunately I can't loan you more airships at present, as they'll be busy dealing with said warlords. Once they're finished, though, all of our Middle Eastern assets will be completely at your disposal.

As always, a pleasure,

Pheakdai Kailang Sukchai
First Minister of the Anachakr Khmer

Official Communiqué of the Anachakr Khmer

To: Head of State Pulcheria Anthemius
From: First Minister Pheakdai Kailang Sukchai
Subject: Arabia

It has recently been brought to the Anachakr's attention that the Byzantine Federative Socialist Republic has also been pursuing trade and further contact with the newborn State of Rub' al-Khali, as has the Anachakr. This obviously brings into question, I'm sure for you as much as myself, the question of: what is the other fellow's motive for this? It also makes both of our newfound interests and deployments in Arabia suddenly seem threatening or competing. In the interest of smooth relations and mutual understanding, I propose a meeting between the two of us, perhaps in Khor Angar or Djibouti, as it would appear that these two cities are about to be liberated from their medieval warlord tyrants by the Anachakr and your illustrious republic, respectively. I hope that such a meeting would allow us both to set our minds at ease about recent goings-on that would otherwise seem troubling in the extreme.
I can arrive within forty-eight hours.

Yours,

Pheakdai Kailang Sukchai
First Minister of the Anachakr Khmer

Bab-el-Mandeb Strait

It was early morning in the Bab-elMandeb, as the forces of two empires converged on the Red Sea's choke point. The Anachakr's ships, having been dispatched well before the embarkment of the Byzantine colonization fleet, arrived first, and steamed straight past the Byzantines' final destination in Djibouti- on direct radio orders from Supreme Command in Guangzhou.
The Khmer fleet had moved well to the north, and was near Khor Angar when it began its engagement. The airships had bombed towns and forts of both sides of the narrow strait and on the island in the middle quite heavily, just about an hour previously, and while one now was heading at full speed on a heading for Civitas, the others were strafing, releasing rockets, and generally harassing the few defenders who held their positions against them- for few had ever seen an airship in this part of the world, much less been attacked by them.
The Khmer ships did not have to do much- they launched a few cursory shells, but no significant barrages. The landings at Khor Angar were barely even supported, and the Khmer troops- a mere five hundred men- took the town without a shot. Troops at Ras Siyan beach did not even see defensive positions- no men had even been there to stop them. After all, why would a warlord send his soldiers out into the desert for an invasion he didn't even know about? Perim Island was a little tougher- an outpost of men, sent by the warlord who ruled the city of Aden, fought fiercely, if ineffectively, against the Khmer from their little fort, and on the little mini-peninsula that juts out from Arabia, soldiers of Aden also fought fiercely. The Khmer suffered fifty dead, and around a hundred wounded, almost entirely against the soldiers on Perim, as those on the Arabian side quickly retreated, as they lacked cover from aerial attacks.
The Bab-el-Mandeb strait now was under the flag of the Anachakr, though Djibouti and all the inland towns were still controlled by several warlords, including Ismaïl. Nearly a thousand Khmer soldiers, along with two supply ships, a cruiser, and a destroyer, remained, as the rest of the fleet turned around and began steaming for Aden.
An outline was traced in the harsh, dry dirt of Perim Island, and a radiogram sent back to Guangzhou.

Post Summary

Public:
-the dispatch and arrival of the Khmer Aden Expedition (sorry, I got my geography confused: Hormuz is in the Persian Gulf :oops:

) has been declassified, though not highly publicized.
-The Aden Expedition has arrived, and avoided Djibouti (as it was learned the Byzantines were heading there, though the reasoning behind this avoidance was kept secret). However, they did seize the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, which pinches off the Red Sea, and the remainder of the fleet is around a day out of the city of Aden.
-A second, entirely civilian expedition, with supplies and advisers, is being prepared in Yangon, and will soon sail for Aden. Once there, they will send advisers and aircraft, as well as munitions, to the State of Rub' al-Khali, and send supplies to the Khmer soldiers stationed on the Bab-el-Mandeb and Aden, and the surrounding area.

Secret:
-While the Byzantine leader may choose to release it, the Khmer have not released details of the First Minister's request for a meeting with his counterpart.
-The First Minister has left Guangzhou by airship and will refuel only once, in Chittagong, where he will stop to receive the other leader's response. If yes, he will continue to Aden and then by boat to wherever the meeting is to be held, if no, he will return.
-The Armaments Ministry has had a huge breakthrough with their guided missiles- they've figured out a way to chain guidance aircraft.
-Plans have been made to begin constructing a large fort on Perim Island, though construction has not yet begun.

by **Kazirstan** » Wed Jun 11, 2014 1:02 pm

The Byzantine Federative Socialist Republic

Byzantinae Foederatae Rei Publicae Socialisticae

Βυζαντινή Ομοσπονδιακής Σοσιαλιστικής Δημοκρατίας

Khor Angar, Djibouti

The Byzantine expeditionary force had arrived, and what they found upon landing was not a small town filled with shacks, but a burning crater, that once may have been a village. The Khmer flag flew from the steeple of a church, the highest remaining point in Khor Angar. There were Khmer soldiers in the distance, pointing and running toward the Byzantines, guns raised. The Commanding Officer, Kentarch (colonel) Alexios Leskaris stepped forward to greet the oncoming soldiers. The Khmer troops approached, and the one who looked to be in charge stepped forward. Unfortunately, Leskaris only spoke Greek and Latin, and the officer spoke only Low Khmer, making communication nearly impossible. After about 10 minutes of ridiculous hand gestures, both of the officers went to contact their superiors.
"Get me through to Legate Caelius, immediately!" Leskaris hollered into the tank-mounted radio.
"R-right away kentarch!" stuttered the slightly startled operator.
Moments later, the Legate was on the line. "Yes, Kentarch Leskaris?" he asked, slightly worried that something had gone wrong with the landing.
"The Khmer are here sir!" he blurted into the radio "here, in Khor Angar."
"What? Are you sure?"
"Yes sir, the Khmer flag is flying and their are soldiers all over town." The Legate put down the phone and yelled something to his secretary that Leskaris couldn't make out.
"We thought if those damned chinks would be anywhere it would be in Arabia." grumbled the Legate.
"What are your orders sir?"
Caelius was silent for a moment, and then said "Get an interpreter on the line, figure out what they want, why their here, and then report back to me"
"Yes sir"
After nearly an hour of Leskaris and the Khmer officer trading off the tank radio, he learned that the Khmer were here to seize the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, and had no plans to advance further inland. Leskaris reported back to Legate Caelius, who ordered him proceed with the mission as planned. He returned to his troops to find them sitting around, exchanging dirty looks with the Khmer troops. "mount up! we're proceeding as planned."
The soldiers looked thoroughly confused but not in the least bit objective. The last thing any of them wanted to do was pack up and sail home on those crowded, stuffy ships.
The force advanced past the Khmer troops, encountering no resistance until they reached the outskirts of Djibouti city, when several men with rifles emerged from the brush and began shooting at the advancing tanks and infantry. One soldier was shot in the leg before the men were mowed down by the tank's machine guns. After the botched ambush, the men were more alert as they entered the city. There were no more casualties, and the soldiers entered warlord Ismaïl's palace, shooting the guards and attempting to place Ismaïl under arrest. Instead of complying, he pulled a revolver and shot one of the soldiers in the head, before being shot down himself. The force proceeded to mop up resistance for 3 days, careful to avoid any more run-ins with the Khmer. By then Djibouti and the surrounding towns and cities, accept Khor Angar, were firmly under Byzantine control.

1923: Extremely Alternate History (IC)

February 17th, 1923

1923: Extremely Alternate History (IC)

March 25th, 1923

March 30th, 1923

Who is online