Superpower Stardom [MT][IC][Semi-Open]

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

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Superpower Stardom

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Who Budgeted That?

***

Even before the Third Mizrad-Maverican war, and the ensuing new order which had settled in Hemithea; there had been Ausitorians planning for superpower politics. For Ausitoria was large and prosperous; and devoted to the cause of liberal interventionism. They had and had always had a burning desire to make a mark for the better on the international scene. And they had a secret plan with which to achieve it: for only liberals could afford all the futuristic plans that had ripened in their committee papers.

That plan had originally came from a collection of rich private individuals and far-sighted civil servants. It was a potent mix: a hushed, varied, and intensely powerful ensemble gathering in thought, mind, and policy around the Royal East Ausitorian Commodities Company’s latest activities. There was cabinet backing. There was the support of all the senior civil servants of the Ministry of Intelligence and Statistics Security Committee. There was a joint working office in the Ministry of War. There was the agreement of the boards of each of the ten largest companies in Ausitoria – if Capital, the foremost retailer, was excluded.

Between them they controlled about four fifths of the nation’s mobile assets, and effectively ran the government, where the civil servants, sworn to secrecy, had penned the seminal introduction to the topic secret report of official recommendation.

And Ausitoria had decided to cast its budget behind the gambit: the quest for profit and prosperity was driving Ausitoria to the stars.

XFLR-6(c)


Pax Prosperitas

By Order

---

From: XFLR-6(c), Space Division, The War Office, Libraria and Ausitoria
To: The Cabinet Policy Intelligence and Security Committee, Libraria and Ausitoria
Encryption: TOP SECRET. CPISC, MISC & XFLR-6(c) ONLY.

---

My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen,

We, the Lord Advisors of the Royal East Ausitorian Commodities Company, in consultation with Drake Inc, Marlow plc, The Royal and General Bank, and Aerosphere; and the MIS and the Space division in the War Office; would like to submit to the cabinet our secret estimate that, now that our Empire is larger; it is worth the investment risk to start building permanent bases beyond our own atmosphere. The cost would run to about 1.4 trillion bukmarks for the private sector and half again for the War Office to create three starship fleets (one in close earth orbit, one based on the moon, and one in the asteroid belts); which includes money to maintain operations for a decade. This is not a sum to spend lightly, and it must be underlined that this is at the instigation of our finest profit-making companies.

There are already more than a thousand Ausitorian satellites in orbit, mostly owned or operated by the companies consulted; and the space sector is already among the fastest growing economic sectors, averaging 14% growth. Recent advances made by our subsidiaries in the area of HTOL (Horizontal Take-off & Landing) space shuttles has already shown that within the year we shall be in the position to put satellites into low orbit at less than a fifth of present costs, lowering telecommunications costs still further; but this technology also opens the way to further advances maintaining these satellites by refuelling from the moon; which would reduce fuelling costs and result in profit. Later in time, putting high-altitude satellites into orbit from the moon would reduce the cost of pushing them through the atmosphere and out of our gravitational well. These profits would run to at least 5 million per satellite launched hereafter, with profit estimates suggesting 5 billion in savings per year from our nation alone. If a few regional markets can be cornered profits should run towards 50-100 billion per year.

The second source of profit could be from directly mining materials. There are trillions in expensive metals in asteroids – so much that the metals might be considerably devalued. However they do have a base value, particularly in electronics, so assuming a 50% fall in the price of gold, the profit of bringing back 10 tons would be about 200 million; and the money invested would be sufficient to allow this to be done several times a day to the tune of an annual profit of about 200 billion. (The amount imported over a decade would only be equal to about the amount currently owned by Ausitorian citizens, i.e. perhaps a hundredth of all Gold around the world, but other companies might also join the scramble).

These provide 12-15% annual returns, which is profitable even given the risks associated with bringing proven technologies to the market. This is also before other possible sources of money are considered. Besides the enormous R&D stimulus, general educational stimulus, and patriotic bonus; building such factories on the moon would allow advances in materials processing feasible only in a zero-gravity environment which could perhaps provide great long term profit. In addition the expense of further space exploration could be considerably reduced by building and launching the rockets from the moon: a third of our own space budget for a start (half a trillion bukmarks in the next decade). And finally, control of space, and the ability to deny it to our enemies; might in decades to come lay the foundation for a space-based Empire.

It has been suggested by the MIS that implementation of such space-sector activities and defenses be carried out hurriedly and secretly, to attempt to establish a lead over other nations, many of which maintain orbital weapons platforms; but few of which are seriously looking beyond LEO. Official documents should refer to plans to build a scientific unstaffed base on the moon and a new network of communications satellites within the year. A joint working committee should be able to construct sufficient fleets in that time, although the building of the machines will make our real intentions obvious within nine months, when our initial platforms should be launched.

And now, a mere seven months of hushed frenetic activity later, the day had come. Across the turquoise bay from the booming city of Rajing the Prime Minister had snipped the silver scissors in the extravagently decorated tropical launch space centre. The champagne was of the very best sort, and there was a lot of it. For there would be not one but three launches today.

The last ship to be launched, His Imperial Majesty's Spaceship Venturer, would be a conventional heavy-lift rocket, with a conventional series of boosters, a designated command tower for Ausitoria's first moon base, inflatable habitat modules, and four select astronauts. This spaceship had been constructed publicly 'for unmanned exploration of the outer solar system', and had been a useful smokescreen for all the secret activity around the other two ships: the hundred-meter HMSS Audacious and HMACSS Vanguard. And it was those two ships that would be remembered; for they had the distinction of being the first designated flagships for the Earth and Moon fleets, and the first Ausitorian warships to slip the bounds of Earth's atmosphere.

It was the Audacious went first, making a most appalling racket, pushing itself towards an orbit of 300 km, with plenty of fuel spare for maneouvering. And then, when it was out of sight, the Vanguard lumbered into space behind it, heading that terrible distance to geostrationary orbit.

Each warship had a crew of twelve, which was considered the smallest reasonable number for psycological reasons. They had a spinning rope for catching escorts with centrifugal 'gravity'. They had an unusually large number of manouvering engines. And then they looked quite different: they were short and squat and with stubby wings and inner modules that contained droids, and missiles, and could even provide some slight maneouvering ability in the event that they came down to Earth unexpectedly.
But as the Venturer, the last to fly, succesfully trundled towards the stars, absolutely nobody in Ausitoria had any immediate intention of being brought back down to earth, literally or metaphorically. Plenty of nations were in space, but profitability rather changed the game. For this was no white elephant they were pursuing: it was the Goose that layed the golden eggs. Who else, in months to come, would play catch-up?

But for now, Ausitoria, once more utterly confident in its supremacy, issued a press statement concerning their old enemy Firmador. For they were in power, and not about to brook any opposition.

By Order

---

A Joint Auso-Fallenrun Declaration to the World

In view of the continuing expenses of anti-piracy operations in Firmador, particularly while we continue to defend the free world in Heilanor, we have decided to claim, immediately, all islands hitherto under the control of Firmador, so as to ensure the safe navigation of all ships in the neighbouring seas.

[The New Lowlands]

It was usually the Lowlandians who found themselves in the midst of an illegal land-grab with only the flimsiest of pretexts to back themselves up. Johannes Derooi mus on this as he sat quietly, waiting in the red-carpeted, beige-walled Stadtholder's office under the soft beam of a yellow chandelier. From Hesia to Valenlant, the ex-colony had expanded its grip on its neighbours until even the old name for the chain of islands had gone forgotten, wiped away by the title of its conquerors; the Lowlandian Archipelago.

Derooi studied the old map on the far side of the Stadtholder's oblong office intently. It showed the United Provinces, but not as anyone without a historical inclination might recognise them; the old empires of Hesia and Kuist were still displayed prominently as independent states, and even Negara, bordered by a dotted line, was marked as having some autonomy.

The Ausitorian seizure of the Firmadorean isles- unlike the Lowlandan annexation of all of its immediate neighbours- had been highly conspicuous. Even the External Security Service, ISIS' domestic counterpart, had taken note. As the New Lowlands was in the fortunate position of having some small measure of international status, this meant trouble for Ausitoria.

Derooi smiled quietly as the Stadtholder cruised into the room, taking her seat opposite him and pretending to ignore him for a while as she shuffled a few papers about.

"I presume you've heard about the launch?" Derooi inquired simply, after a minute passed in silence.

"Yes," Maria Veldt answered. "I have."

"And what will our response be, Stadtholder?"

Veldt raised her head, observing Derooi with her steely eyes.

"The usual, director. You're dismissed."

Derooi nodded, and rose to work.

To say that ISIS helped the New Lowlands play catch-up would be a gross underestimation of both the agency's and the country's abilities. The Neêrlanders did not play at catch-up; to them it was an art, and part and parcel of their nation.

To Johannes Derooi, it was a profession.

---

Official Communiqué - Officiële Verklaring
Der Verenigde Provinciën der Nieuwe Neêrlanden

An Open Letter to the Librarian-Ausitorian Foreign Secretary,
Richard Palmerston
CC the Federal Council of Fallenrun

Dear Sirs,

The recent declaration made by your respective governments has drawn the attention- and I must add, ire- of many of us here in the Lowlandian Government and the wider international community. The seizure of territory rightfully belonging to the Republic of Firmador under the pretext of 'anti-piracy operations' is, in the mind of our Government, nothing more than a shady cover for an illegal land-grab which has no place in the annals of the modern world.

Besides the fact that it constitutes an act of war against Firmador as well as a severe breach of international law, it also makes no sense as an anti-piracy move, as we are assured by our own experts in the field, especially when Lowlandian anti-piracy operations are ongoing in the surrounding area. We must therefore demand that Libraria-Ausitoria and Fallenrun both withdraw their illegal claims to the region, lest we be forced to consider greater measures to be taken.

Respectfully,

Maria Veldt,

Stadtholder and Grand Pensionary of the United Provinces

[Nerod Empire]

Isop, Imperial District
Imperial Palace
Emperor's Office

Don Pedrokus Nerod sat behind his desk smoking a big cigar. A song was playing on a stereo, it was Kangaroo Court, and it was just starting.
The Emperor of the GNNE reviewed some documents while listening to the music. Prince Valaran, a Councillor of the Imperial Cabinet, was standing next to him, waiting for his Emperor's opinion.

Two minutes passed, and in the middle of the song the door swung open abruptly. A PDC Agent entered the room, followed by J. Edgar Hoover, the Executive Secretary of Defense; and Franklin Wish, the Executive Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
-Emperor.- the Agent said.- The Secretaries need to speak to you, in private.
The Emperor stood up and stopped the music with a small remote. Then he approached Prince Valaran and shook his hand.- Thanks for the reports, Valaran. Tell our people on the Space Program that they're doing a good job. I'll probably go on a visit to the most important facilities during the next month. Tell Mr. Smith to send me a report on his special assignment and send this reports to the Aurora Committee.
-Yes, sir.- Valaran bowed to the Emperor and left next to the Agent.
Pedrokus shook the Secretaries hands after they bowed and sat again behind his desk.- What is it, gentleman? I see that you are a bit nervous, and you are the Cabinet Members that usually keep their cool in front of me.
The Secretaries looked each other. Then Secretary Wish approached the Emperor and handend him a folder with two different papers. The first was the Joint Auso-Fallenrun Declaration, the second one was the Official Communiqué/Open Letter from the United Provinces.
Pedrokus read each document many times before saying anything.- What the fuck were this guys thinking?!
The Secretaries trembled, they knew the Emperor was getting angry.
-What do you want us to do, sir?- asked the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
-I want you to write a similar Communiqué to the one from the United Provinces, and I want us to side with them.
-But...
-I don't care if we are closer to Ausitoria and Fallenrun! They messed up and I won't join them this time!- the Emperor stood up while yelling.- We've been called warmongers, monsters, fascists and many other things during history! And I have been trying to fix that. We've also made bad things during my reign, but I won't follow them this time. Not this time, and not for this stupidity.
-Alright, sir.
-I also want you to communicate with Firmador's government.- the Emperor looked to Edgar, an old friend.- Mr Hoover, I want you to send two fleets to the nearby international waters and to keep an eye on them.
-Yes, sir.
-On your way out ask my Agent 10 set up a meeting with the Aurora Committee. Thanks for coming.- the Emperor sat down.- You are dismissed.

*two hours later*

Official Communiqué
An Open Letter to the nations of Libraria and Ausitoria & Fallenrun.

To: Foreign Secretary of the above mentioned nations
From: Franklin Wish, Executive Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

My dear colleagues,

The recent acts of your nations have shaken the Great New Nerodian Empire and have made us wonder who we are partnering with. Our nations are currently engaged in an "approach process" and most of our governors think of you as our allies. However, your last acts have really made us wonder who you really are and what your real intentions are.
We believe that the illegal land-grab you are conducting must be stopped. That's why we are sending two standard Nerodian (a) fleets to the nearby international waters to make sure that you give those islands back, we are not doing this to harm you, but to bring justice.
The Emperor himself is concerned about this wrongdoing and would like you to back down and give these islands back.
If you do not comply you will force us to take further measures to bring justice to Firmador and to the region.

Respectfully,

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

The Ausitorian government, in either a display of infinite wisdom or of remarkable bureaucracy, had a prepared answer ready. Much of the work of Government was about preparing for things that didn't happen: floods, panicky stock markets, revolutions, and the like. But, being a bureaucracy, which most of the world assumed meant slow, they had the perfect opportunity to pretend to be stunningly inefficient.

For the government of Ausitoria was, unusually, rather less interested in what its fellow-region mates had to say than before, when it had been a constant struggle to unite the capitalists to open up trade. And now, a base off the southern coast of Firmador would be dammed useful for naval operations; whatever some Lowlandian 'experts' said, and so, after launching the minor invasion required (10 soldiers per square kilometer) from the adjacent fleets that had for some time been gathered in the Maverica/Firmador theatre; they sat back to wait for a couple of hours...

HMS DIAMOND ROCK, an hour ago

So this was the famous island over which the diplomats were already quarrelling, thought the Marshal Monterre, as he considered it from the landing craft that was drawing in to some isolated and undefended beach. (Better safe than sorry). Population: 8 million. Size: a little under 2,000 square miles. Number of potential military airbases: 10. Number of carriers that would replace: 40. Number of enemy forces: less than 100, because, just as had been the case in south-eastern Heilanor, a propaganda aircraft had promised everybody on the island $2,000 per quarter for the next five years; and even the Firmadorians had enough television sets for those watching the news to have become rather envious at seeing all that money being parachuted out of strategic bombers for dissemination amongst the locals in Heilanor...

It helped, also, that the Ausitorians were landing in overwhelming force. The landing strengths, of more than 50,000 men, had been broadcast; and the civilian authorities, who had been worrying incessantly about warlordism, had been informed of the details, and knew exactly when and where to side with the Ausitorians and ensure a smooth continuation of government. Ausitorian spies and special forces were already rounding up potential troublemakers, although there would undoubtedly be some diehards who would have to see the might of the Ausitorian navy first. They would probably take to the mountains, and perhaps try to blow up the railways and highways; although hopefully they would find little support from a liberated population.

And then the real business of governing was ready to go: towns and ports were being planned, stock exchanges were being planned, parks were being planned, hospitals, schools, and universities were being planned... and of course, government buildings and polling stations for elections in 6 months were being planned.

Because Ausitoria, unlike many countries, preferred to spend money on giving people a reason to live, instead of spending money on bullets to kill them, and the rapid takeover was assured.

And now that the hours had passed and the isle had already been taken, and just as the Nerodian message was arriving; the reply was sent.

Pax Prosperitas

By Order

---

An Open Clarification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Libraria and Ausitoria

We would like to start by assuring all parties that our interest in the islands in question is purely in terms of international security and in providing humanitarian assistance to the islanders concerned.

Our forces have landed upon the island that will henceforth be known in naval circles as 'HMS Diamond Rock'. We are unaware of whether the New Lowlandian experts have studied the island closely; but if they had studied it as closely as our experts then they would have observed that it is possible to build no less than 40 runways upon the island; which would allow us to re-allocate no less than 40 carriers to other waters, representing a long-term cost saving on the order of $1 trillion per year, which we shall use to further international security in other waters. Since at present there are 36 Ausitorian carriers on convoy business within 2000 km of Firmador (including Helicopter Carriers) it should be obvious to all concerned that by denying this island as a piracy base and in turn basing aircraft on this island; our subsequent naval reallocations can achieve further cost savings (and indeed greater efficiency) in the continuing siege of the evil Empress Lara in North Heilanor.

In addition, the improved security and consequent reduced necessity of economically inefficient convoys should lower trade costs and reduce insurance premiums throughout Eastern Hemithea - for we not only protect Ausitorian shipping, but all Panessos Senate shipping, since our interest is in global prosperity.

Furthermore, given that Firmador is is no position to maintain the security of their coasts, or even their people; we are providing the citizens therein with significant investments to return them shortly to prosperity: for prosperity brings peace and peace brings prosperity.

In conclusion, we would like to assure all parties that our interest is purely in terms of international security and in providing humanitarian assistance to the islanders; and to this end all signatories of the Chattakang Treaty are invited to set up naval and airbases on our island so that they too can join our maritime patrols to guaranty the security of the Eosian Ocean and the Meditehrhean Sea.

We would also be delighted to invite international observers and humanitarian aid agencies to assist in ensuring that the islanders gain from the experience.

We have the honour to remain,
Dame Orpolov,
Permanent Undersecretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
The Imperial Commonwealth of Libraria and Ausitoria

Edit: Spelling, spelling!

[Fallenrun]

Imperial Member State of Imperialis
Federal Capital of Nova Imperialis
Ninth level

Arkus Wolffe sat in his office in the underground "city" of Nova Imperialis. He was reading the message from The New Lowlands. He immediately broke off into hysterical laughter.
"They still think Firmador is a functional state!" He blurted out in his fit of laughter. "Do they seriously think that Frimador which collapsed so very recently into a land if war lords and pirate gangs is a state?! Seriously?!" An aide burst into the room.
"Is everything all right sir?!" The aide said with alarm.
"Yes." Arkus faced returned to completly serious. "It's just that The New Lowlands think Firmador is functional state capable of sorting out it's own problems."
"Ah. They may cause some complications to the plan to restore order to Fimrador."
"Yes, they most definitely will."
"Do you want me to call the council up for a video conference?"
"Yes please. Oh, and some tea."

Three hours later (during which the GNNE open telegram arrived).

"So we have decided on our course of action to the claims made by GNNE and TNL ja?" Said Arkus Wolffe with the same bored, dull tone as the other seven people in the call.
A chorus of Yes's in a couple of languages followed.
"Gut. Then we shall get to work. The troops should be landing by now on the islands." Arkus ended the call.
"More tea dammit! I'm falling asleep here!" Arkus yelled at the top of his lungs at the aide outside. As if course that was the only way for getting said aides attention through the thick padded door or the office.
"Sir, I don't think it is safe to drink that much tea in three hours." The aide stared at the pile of about twenty empty mugs on Arkus' desk.
"Fine get some coke or something..."
Sir, it's the caffeine I'm worried about and with the amount in your system I'm surprised you haven't gone delirious about talking snow leopards or something..."
"Haha sure! Talking snow leopards funny! Haha!" Arkus' eyes darted to and from the snow leopard watching in the corner so fast it was barely noticeable. The snow leopard was his "pet".
"Fine get me some, I dunno, um... That chocolate milkshake that is apparently healthy for you. You know the one that has been the only item advertised on TV for the last week?"
"Fine sir. I doubt I could really get you to something caffeine free but I guess this will do..."
Arkus then got typing on yet another telegram to another nation. He had made five today. Boredom was setting in, fast. So obviously, he sent a cute picture of a kitten as well. With no explanation of course.

Encryption Level: Ridiculously Ridonkulously High
From: The Imperial Council of the Imperial Federation
To: Emperor Pedrokus Nerod
Subject: Diplomatic Stuff

Guten Tag from the ever dull weathered Imperial heartlands. It has come to our attention that you disapprove of our actions in the Firmador Isles. However we are willing to put try to resolve these issues diplomatically. The Isle we are planning on taking we plan to instate a local civilian government.
At the moment the large garrison that was stationed there has gone full warlord on the place and the naval contingent has been involved in some piracy. We believe their naval contingent to be accountable for two freighters disappearances. While you may think we are not doing this in the Islanders best interests, we are. If the island then joins the Imperial Federation and would just love the GNNE if they came to help them.
However if we do not resolve this issue it may throw a spanner into the works of the GNNE possibly joining the IF as a full member state with a seat on the council. However we cannot compromise on the situation on the Isles. If they are under friendly control all piracy will stop in the area due to local bases and patrols. These two islands will most likely be used as staging bases for any attempt at restoring order to Fimrador proper.
These Isles strategic importance in the area for anti piracy is second to none.
You can send all the observers etc you want if you want more proof. Just send them tomorrow or the day after. We still have 50,000 or so troops to clear out.

P.S Don't ask why the encryption has such a silly name. The MOI keeps it's computer "geeks" working most of the time. They don't get out much or so we've heard. Apparently they have a swimming pool and stuff down there. So we guess they are fine.
Also don't ask why we added the kitten. We were bored.

Sincerely,
The Federal Council

Then Arkus took a drink of this new milkshake. "This tastes, somehow not as bad as I thought it would be. I though it would be like diet coke bad but no its more like slightly overdone toast bad..." Not surprisingly the snow leopard left immediately after Arkus said this. Moron's gone crazy it thought. Or did it? Could it think? Maybe.

The newly named "Sea Gem" island

The 150,000 marines were, quite literally, storming the beaches. The ones furthest away from the enemy garrison of course. By the time the garrisons reacted a full mechanised assault across the island quickly crushed any resistance mounted by the garrison. Of whom 1,569 were killed in combat. 93 Imperial casualties were suffered. The garrisons leaders were in custody by the time the 34 thousandth marine steeped onto the Isle. The naval contingent had been captured out at see by a mere twenty frigates who came from all directions into their radar range and called for their surrender. Three frigates had stuck with the warlord that was once the commander of the garrison on the Island. They were all captured without bloodshed. All this transpired in seven hours. The Imperial Marines and Navy didn't screw around.

[Nerod Empire]

Isop, Imperial District
Aurora Committee HQ
Special Meeting Room

The room was big and spacious. It housed many furniture.
There were some sofas on a side of the room, with a coffee table in front of them. The Emperor sat in one of the sofas, 3 other people were with him. Two noblemen from the Imperial Government and J. Edgar Hoover. They were also part of the Aurora Committee.
The meeting had ended a while ago and the rest of the members were gone.
The 4 remaining Nerodians (d) drank coffee and talked about life when an Agent entered the room with a folder.
-A telegram for the Emperor.
-Thanks, Agent 10.- the Emperor grabbed the folder and walked to the big table they used for the meeting. He sat there and read Fallenrun's TG.- Just as we anticipated, Fallenrun's reaching out. They say this whole situation may be a problem in the IF joining process.
-But they never consulted us before invading those islands.- said Prince Christopher
-They don't see it as invading.- the Emperor responded.
-We should try to use this whole situation as leverage in the negotiations. Let's try to get more than one seat in the Council.- Archduke Lem suggested.- And we should join them in this whole thing, we want to be in the Imperial Federation, or at least that's what we've decided. We should start going in the same direction as them. Maybe even go back to our old imperialistic days.
-Make the Empire powerful again.- the Prince said.
-Maybe you are right, old friends. I'll write a response.

Special Telegram for The Imperial Council of the Imperial Federation

To: Arkus Wolffe (for his eyes only)
From: Don Pedrokus Nerod, Emperor of the Great New Nerodian Empire

My dear friend,

I just read your TG. I shared the main idea with 3 of the members of the Aurora Committee and they agree that we should change our strategy and help you out.
We also discussed this on a meeting, we anticipated your answer and we agreed on something. We will change our plans this time and help you out. we are sending a couple of fleets to the islands and we are reallocating 2 other fleets to the surrounding area.
We've decided to negotiate with you. We currently have two options:
1- Joining you and Ausitoria on this "aid mission". If you want us to do this we would like half of your island, to be in the Imperial Federation and to have 2 seats in it's Council.
2- We go and help Firmador recover what is rightfully his.

Sincerely yours,

[The Soodean Imperium]

Fifth Tier of the Palace of State
City of Su'Cheng, The Soodean Imperium

A man in a decorated white uniform raced up the final hillside gardens of the sprawling governmental complex, his polished black boots clattering over the stone steps. A cool breeze blew through the collected plants beneath an overcast sky, but even in his lightweight uniform the Naval officer did not feel the chills that followed every gust. His mind, so often careful and calculating, was now focused completely and entirely on a single matter, and that single matter drove him to continue dashing up the slope toward the highest building in the Palace of State. A pair of guards moved forward as though to stop him, but upon seeing the runner's face, they immediately stopped and presented arms in a bewildered fashion. Running so disruptively through the Fifth Tier could be grounds for arrest or chastisement, but one does not simply arrest and chastise the highest-ranking commander in the ISN.

Upon reaching the final gateway, High Admiral Tsur placed a firm hand on each handle and drove the heavy double doors open in a single movement, stepping firmly into the building and bellowing down the main hall at the top of his voice. "What godforsaken accursed idiot here was responsible for keeping vital information from me? Heaven have mercy on him, for I shall not!"

One of the Palace aides stepped forward, raising her hands in a panicked gesture. "Lower your voice, sir. This is a-"

" 'Lower your voice!?' Do you have any idea what in this lawless devil-driven world is going on? Or are you telling me that in your blasted infinite wisdom you decided that the High Admiral of the Imperial Soodean Navy might not be interested in knowing that there's an entire damned invasion fleet executing offensive actions right off of our coastline?"

"Yes, that is exactly what we are telling you." The new voice was calm and level, drifting by from the pillared atrium at the center of the room. High Admiral Tsur froze in his tracks, still staring with maddened eyes at the Palace aide beside him. He did not need to look at the speaker to recognize the face which matched that calm, level voice. Already, he could see it in his mind - the high cheekbones, narrow chin, and delicately trimmed moustache which gazed down placidly from so many posters and monuments.

Moving with the slow caution of a spooked animal, Tsur turned his head and looked to the center of the atrium, seeing a tall, thin figure seated beside a wooden folding table. From his neatly ironed black uniform to the officer's cap perched on his brow, he was the living image of the man who had led the coup against the Menghe Regime, only his graying hair and frail hands betraying the many years which had passed since then. There he was, indeed - the Nation's Head of State and Government, its Leader and Founder, a symbol of austere generosity - Supreme Emperor Su Dou himself.

Gripped by instinct, Tsur stood at attention and bowed stiffly, gazing up at the Emperor's gold-edged boots from beneath the brim of his cap. He had seen Su Dou at countless official meetings, and spoken to him face-to-face on several occasions, but his surprise appearance here flooded the High Admiral's once-hot veins with a cold sense of shame. There was, indeed, some truth to what they said about the commanding demeanor of this man who led the hearts and minds of a people.

"My apologies for disturbing you, Your Majesty... I was under the impression that you would be... elsewhere engaged at this moment. Please, forgive my outburst."

"There is no need; it is necessary, on some occasions, to speak frankly." Su Dou replied, before turning to the aide in the corner. "Ami. Bring us tea, if you would. Our guest has come a long way, and is probably in need of refreshment."

As the Palace aide saluted and ran off to a side hall, Su Dou looked at Tsur and gestured toward an empty chair beside his table. "Come, High Admiral, and take a seat. I must apologize for my own lack of preparation; I expected you would come, but I didn't expect you would come so soon."

"Pardon my tone, but this is no time for formalities, Your Majesty. The Ausitorians are already carving a foothold in our throats, and it won't be long before-"

"Before? I have read the reports with my own eyes, High Admiral, and meditated on them in detail. My decision to withhold the information was a conscious one."

Tsur started to protest, but caught himself before the first word could leave his mouth. He was having trouble meeting the Emperor's gaze; the man's eyes were calm and relaxed, but he could feel them digging into his mind as though searching for truths. Trying to regain his composure, he opened his mouth to speak again. "But... why? Surely you understand how severe the threat is. Our nation's very existence rests on it. Dare I say it, your own life rests on it. Didn't it cross your mind that I might need to know these things? That I can't do my job unless-"

"High Admiral Tsur, it was not lightly that I entrusted you with the command and development of our nation's naval capabilities," the Emperor calmly interrupted. "And so far, your progress has not been a disappointment. In your 2004 Preliminary Report on the Nation’s Strategic Goals, you correctly identified expanding control over the Meditethrhean Sea as the key to forestalling any outside invasion force. So did your predecessor, and his predecessor before him, right back to the DPR, the Dai Tonghe, and the Greater Menghe Republic. With Oaledonia as our ally, and Libraria-Ausitoria growing more assertive, the center of gravity has shifted to the Meditethrhean-Eosian Strait, a fact you have highlighted time and time again for the last six years. What I fear, and not groundlessly so, is that the Ausitorians have come to the same conclusion.”

“What do you mean, what you fear?” Tsur rebuked, trembling with anger. “Must I remind you that foreign warships are pouring in astonishing numbers through the exact same strategic choke point you discuss so abstractly? That foreign troops are probably stepping onto Firmadorian beaches at this very moment? They are looking down at us from atop the guillotine platform, and you expect us to pass our days in meaningless formalities?”

The Emperor lowered his own gaze as though hurt, but a small smile still rested on his narrow lips. After a few seconds, he looked up again, but this time his eyes fell on Ami, who was crossing the Atrium with a small tea service. Bowing timidly, the Palace aide set the tray upon the wooden folding table between the two men, and strode quickly out of the room. After she left, Su Dou looked back at his guest, then gestured to the teapot and twin cups between them. "I don't suppose you would mind pouring us tea, High Admiral?"

Scarcely able to hide his frustration, Tsur opened his mouth as though to protest, but once again he found the Emperor's calm and curious gaze forbidding. Still seething with anger, he picked up the ornate teapot, but as he raised it over his cup he heard the lid rattle against the body. He tightened his grip, but the rattling only grew louder - his entire arm, he realized, was shaking with anger. At last, a spurt of tea poured from the spout, missing the cup and spilling onto the table. Taken aback, the High Admiral nearly dropped the teapot, and glanced up at the Emperor in an apologetic move of instinct before remembering the cause of his anger.

Yet Su Dou simply gazed back at him, a satisfied expression resting on his angled features. "This is a lesson you would do well to remember in life, my subordinate and friend." Reaching out calmly, he took the teapot from the surprised Naval commander. "It is a very natural course of action, a very human one, to react to a sudden threat with a powerful mix of fear and anger. This was at one time a vital evolutionary response - 'Fight or Flight.' But there is a constant danger in trying to execute delicate actions while possessed by forceful emotion. For humans, you see, are interesting beings blessed by a unique power of reason; truly evolved humans must be defined by their ability to suppress these base reactions, and react in a rational and logical manner." As he spoke, he slowly lowered the teapot and poured with elegant precision, filling first his guest's cup, then his own.

High Admiral Tsur sat back, feeling the Emperor’s words sink in even as some argumentative corner of his mind tried to dismiss them. But in spite of his own stubbornness, Tsur began to see that there was indeed more to this man’s thought process than meaningless formalities. After a long pause, he leaned forward again and spoke. “What, then, do you propose?”

The Emperor smiled, this time showing the pride of a man satisfied with a student’s performance. Just as soon as it had appeared, however, this smile gave way to a more serious expression. “What I propose, High Admiral, is that we attempt to determine what our most rational and logical response should be.”

Third Tier of the Palace of State: the Soodean Politburo
City of Su’Cheng, The Soodean Imperium

Frustrated murmurs rumbled through the formal semi-circular Politburo assembly hall, punctuated on occasion by angry outbursts. The delegates, normally formal and composed, stood all about the room in a state of disarray. The growing division between the Hawk and Sparrow factions had sparked arguments on many prior occasions, but never like this. And rightly so – the stakes of this particular debate were unusually high.

“Order! Order!” the chairman called out from his podium, rapping on the wooden stand with a gavel. “This is quite enough base argument for one day!”

“Order?” Sub-Marshal Haektan asked. “How can we have order when a fully-fledged invasion force is setting up an offensive staging point within a few hundred kilometers of our border?”

“You’re making a mountain of a molehill, Marshal. The Ausitorians have said it themselves – this is an anti-piracy operation, something that we all stand to benefit from if it succeeds.”

Haektan turned to face his questioner, raising an eyebrow in mock disdain. “In what world does anti-piracy work require ten fully sized military airfields? If completed, such a base will allow Libraria-Ausitoria to deploy multiple wings of strategic bombers right off our coast. From that position, they can hit any target within our country, from Szantiag right out to Beigang.”

“Which they won’t do unless they have a motive,” another delegate groaned. “The Ausitorians are a reasonable people. If we attempt to pursue a solution through diplomatic means, rather than rushing so quickly and foolishly to arms-“

“The Ausitorians are an ambitious and imperialistic people,” interrupted Danme Zaoyu, the Director of Production. “Behind their level-headed demeanor, they are always plotting new ways to extend their control over the region. If we place our focus on diplomatic appeasement, how long will it be until that barren little island is bristling with ICBMs?”

Director Mei Yuetjiang quickly stood up and leaned forward, knocking her chair onto the floor with a clatter. “However distant that day may be, militarists like you will only bring it closer with that kind of rhetoric! Mobilization on the scale you suggest will sabotage any chance of a lasting peace with Libraria-Ausitoria!”

“You speak as though there ever was a chance of a lasting peace,” Marshal Belgorov growled. “The Ausitorians view the entire world as lying within their sphere of influence. A confrontation was inevitable from the beginning, and unless we decisively beat them back and discipline their forces, they will continue to reach further toward our coast.”

“Close your mouth, Viktor!” Director Yuetjiang shouted. “If you had your way, our proud nation would have pursued nuclear rearmament!”

“And now look at where we are without it!” Belgorov cut back.

“You would both do well to mind your words.” Director Ling spoke in a level but wavering tone. “Two decades ago, the Soodean movement was about the construction of a peaceful and harmonious society, one where the country’s common resources will be devoted to benefiting the greater good of the People. Yet I fear that in these last ten years, the need to defend our original vision has been subsumed by the promotion of military values for their own sake.”

One side of the room began to applaud the Director’s statement, but on the Hawks’ side of the room, General Yoluch was quick to prepare a response. “Idealism like yours is temptingly optimistic, and while I wish that I could embrace it, I cannot help but believe that it is at odds with reality. The regrettable truth is that one must be a Realist in order to fully understand the range of challenges that accompany our building of Socialism in a Capitalist-dominated world.”

“Your words seem frighteningly similar to the slogans the Democratic People’s Republic recited to justify the oppressive policies of the 1980s,” Director Yuetjiang said. “Or do you militarists secretly yearn for a world where the People are nothing more than agents who execute the goals of the State?”

Angry shouts echoed through the cavernous room again, until Director Zaoyu took command again. “Better yet to ask whether you pacifists secretly yearn for a future where peasant children starve out in Chiungshuan while selfish nobles grow fat in Tian’im, and where the old values of generous self-discipline are drowned out by decadent, hedonistic commodity fetishism. I have worked hard to build up our nation, and mark my words: I will die before I see my People bow like animals to the whims of-.”

“Hold on now,” Ling interrupted. “How do we even know that they’re here to make us bow? Do we even have evidence of a threat? Remember that the waters off of Firmador are indeed filled with pirates, to the point that our own Navy put forth proposals for actions not unlike these. If we take up arms now, we may provoke a war that was never necessary.”

“Never necessary!?” Marshal Belgorov scoffed. “Need I remind you that these are the same Ausitorians who have intervened abroad all across the region to promote their economic interests? The same Fallenruns whose leaders radiate imperial aggression? The motive is there, the capability is there! The crime cannot be far off!”

“Enough!” a new voice roared at the main entrance. “Empty proclamations of threats that do not yet exist will do nothing to resolve our problems.”

A veil of silence rolled gradually over the collected delegates as hundreds of pairs of eyes turned to the tall, black-clad figure striding to the center of the room. Ignoring their stares, Emperor Su Dou ascended the stairs to the central desk and stood over his seat, pausing to glance over his papers before turning his iron gaze to the disordered crowd that stood around him. After looking back and forth with an expression of dismay, he began to speak.

“The problem we face, Citizen-Delegates, is a complex one, and it would be foolish to expect anything but a complex solution. It is my hope that we can remove or ameliorate the threat of local expansionism without a dangerous resort to force. As such, I have contacted the Bureau of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs, and requested that they contact Fallenrun and Libraria-Ausitoria, as well as the other powers in the region, in order to reach a solution which comes in line with the judicial and normative powers of international law.”

As Su Dou finished his sentence, the delegates on the Left section of the room began to applaud, relieved that a decision had been made on their side. Those on the Right began to grumble silently; while the conservative Hawks were reluctant to question the Emperor’s judgment, it was clear that they were deeply bothered by this decision. Yet, as the noise began to rise again, Su Dou motioned swiftly with one hand and the room grew quiet again.

“Despite my hope, however, I fear that there is a good chance our diplomatic appeals will fall on closed ears. The Nerod Empire and the New Lowlands, both of whom hold considerable sway within the Capitalist Alliance, have both submitted letters calling for a cessation of hostilities, and neither Fallenrun nor Libraria-Ausitoria made any effort to slow their advances in the time that followed. We cannot allow a similar fate to befall ourselves. As such, I have personally ordered the mobilization of forces in the Southwestern Military District, and the relocation of air, sea, and ground assets into the Southwestern theatre of operations.”

The murmured protests which followed the previous statement were easily outdone by the outcry that rose from the official chambers now. Yet even as the old arguments began to boil over again, another motion from Su Dou’s hand silenced the delegates.

“This is a very delicate situation, Citizen-Comrades, and if we are to survive it we must all stand together until the very end. The coming days may bring peace; they may bring war. But whatever they bring, we must face the challenge as a united people, not a divided one. Only by pooling our strength, only by acting as one, can we hope to emerge from this tumultuous storm."

Open Letter to the Governments of Fallenrun and Libraria-and-Ausitoria,
Dispatched From the Office of the Supreme Emperor, Su Dou

To Cooperate with the Righteous Against the Forces of Darkness

Esteemed Leaders and Administrators,

It is not frequently that I make personal appeals to the politicians of foreign lands; but given the magnitude of what has happened in the last few weeks, I find that I must make an exception. Given my nation’s proximity to the ungoverned lands of Firmador, I understand full well the challenge posed by pirates and smugglers in the area. Even so, I cannot see how such a challenge justifies the unilateral annexation and colonization of another country’s sovereign territory. Firmador may have fallen into a state of anarchy, but the danger posed by militants in small boats is in no way proportional to the scale of the forces your governments have deployed in the area.

Naturally, I recognize that our nations all share an interest in keeping the waters of the Meditethrhean Sea safe and navigable. I am happily open to any suggestions at a legal and ethical resolution to the present dilemma which threatens not only the proud people of Firmador, but also the citizens and governments of the neighboring States. Even so, I must re-iterate that I cannot tolerate the present campaign of annexation, to speak nothing of its future implications. If you wish to better contain piracy in the Meditethrhean Sea, I am willing to accept material aid for the Soodean Maritime Border Forces, which are currently working hard to keep the local sea lanes clear and, by virtue of the location of their ports of call, are in an excellent position to extend their operations further. Under the proper conditions, I am even willing to begin negotiations on permitting naval vessels of Libraria-Ausitoria and Fallenrun to operate out of Soodean ports in the Southwest. But if you continue to build up your military presences, and do not soon take steps to remove forces in violation of Firmadorean territorial sovereignty, I am afraid that I will be left with no option but to treat your current military operations an act of imperialist aggression against Firmador and its beleaguered people.

Submitted for your consideration,
--Supreme Emperor Su Dou
The Soodean Imperium

Confidential Letter to Stadtholder Maria Veldt,
Stadtholder and Grand Pensionary of the United Provinces of the New Lowlands

To Cooperate with the Righteous Against the Forces of Darkness

Honored Stadtholder,

We have noticed your announcement regarding the recent annexation of the Firmadorean islands, and would like to issue a statement of our sympathy. It is truly reassuring to see that there are still some in this world who are guided by the virtues of justice rather than the vices of greed.

In addition to this, however, I must express my concern that there could be more at stake here than a violation of international law. Based on CMC’s assessment of Ausitorian troop movements in the region, and a review of publicly released information in Ausitorian diplomatic proclamations, we have reason to believe that the scale of the invasion force, as well as the number and concentration of military airbases on “Diamond Rock,” suggests that the Ausitorians may have ambitions reaching beyond anti-piracy.

Specifically, we are deeply concerned that they may be planning to use “Diamond Rock” as a stepping-stone for an annexation of mainland Firmador or a forward strategic-attack staging point to gain leverage over the Soodean Imperium. While as of yet we have no concrete evidence to support either of these suspicions, we must humbly ask that you recall the memory of our common struggle in Themiclesia and stand with us if this crisis continues to escalate.

I await your reply,
--Wen Hong, Director of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs
The Soodean Imperium

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

The Foreign Secretary's Office, The Spring Palace, Alexandrino

"Memo from RHTP to CPISC: If we ever annex anywhere again, we should try to at least get secret approval from friendly neighbouring countries."

Thus began the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the turquoise Foreign Secretary, as he automatically scribbled a memo detailing what would inevitably acquire the Ausitorian civil service shorthand of the 'Newag Standard'. For as far as the Foreign Secretary was concerned, the island; named 'New Wagonwater' in honour of the Naybran financial capital; was Ausitorian. There was a city of 25 million people being planned on the west side of the island. And the Soodean Imperium was right about one thing: it was very strategical important.

The Foreign Secretary closed his eyes, conjuring up an image. In the Doge's Palace in Marlylebetia, a mere six hundred leagues hence, there was an old painting on one wall. It showed the sea from the view of Alexandrino: on the left, the great mountains of Koios rising from the ocean, followed by Lendol and then Eirtac; on the right, the craggy rocks of New Altafen and New Kanta and then the vast peninsulas of Angloyucatan and the rocky chain to Lourenne, all sprouting tectonic fire as far as Rhea. In the far left, almost on the horizon, was Tethys, with La Comun Firmen and Da Meng marked in spidery handwriting above them. And above, with the merest smudge on the horizon, where Elina was located, was simply, Here be Dragons.

The Foreign Secretary knew perfectly well that the whimsical map was a textbook example in demonstrating the importance of maritime chokepoints, for despite what the Ausitorian admirals liked to think, the land was the limit. The west Meditehrhean choke-point was absolutely vital to any potential Ausitorian ambitions in Eastern Tethys, for otherwise the Ausitorians would have to go there via Mislau and the North Pole or their base in Zaldakki.

And at the opposite end of the sea, on the east Meditehrhean chokepoint, was New Oaledonia, with all their siege mentality nonsense: insistently refusing to trade, demandingly pushing forth into space: probably the nation closest to the dishonour of being Ausitorian public enemy number 2.

But what did the Soodean Imperium see, the Foreign Secretary said to himself? And, knowing the answer, he winced: HMS Diamond Rock immediately before them; the closest advance yet in a continuous channel of ocean stretching down from the Ausitorian capital on the horizon; with the waters running grey with Ausitorian ships: an unstoppable battering ram of maritime trade and soft power backed by warships and hard power. No wonder they were scared.

Then, with a beeping vibration that stirred him from his thoughts, a memo came to him from his office.
Recommend assurances regarding military presence, and willingness to negotiate.

Fine, he replied. Hopefully they would be able to tolerate that, or they were in for some hair-raising diplomacy... the Soodean Imperium had apparently been left with very little room to maneouver in. And Ausitoria didn't want to maneouver.

That was how wars started, he told himself ruefully, as the office checked with all the other seventeen people who could change the letter.

They didn't.

Pax Prosperitas

By Order

---

From: Sir Henry Taylor, Prime Minister, the United Realms of Libraria and Ausitoria
To: His Imperial Majesty Su Dou, Supreme Emeror of the Soodean Imperium
Encryption: None, publicly available

---

Your Imperial Majesty,

We would like to thank you for communicating your fears with our government. Given that your nation is less than six hundred kilometers from the city of New Wagonwater, we certainly intend to allay your concerns, and look forward to negotiations. What for us is a small concentration of force far away is clearly not so from your point of view, and you are correct that no further concentration of forces in HMS Diamond Rock is neccessary.

Therefore, as a sign of the immense respect we have for your nation's government and the goodwill we have for the whole world; we would be delighted to invite international observers to observe that we shall obey the following self-imposed limits:
1. Unless the city of New Wagonland is threatened, we will only maintain a garrison of at most 8,000 soldiers.
2. We will never hold or base nuclear weapons on the island.
3. Unless attacked there, we undertake never to base any bombers on HMS Diamond Rock.
4. Unless attacked there, we shall operate at most 2000 fighter aircraft from the island; and up to 1000 other aircraft of any type. This number will be necessary to patrol approximately four million square kilometers of Ocean around Firmador.
5. We shall inform you of any ships based and operating from HMS Diamond Rock.
These limits will not limit Naybra, which has accepted our offer to operate an enclave from the island.

Regarding your unfounded charges that we have illegally occupied and annexed the territories contrary to the wishes of Firmador and the inhabitants, the government of the island in question has seceded from Firmador and decided to join the Imperial Commonwealth Federation. The island has the right to self-determination, and when Firmador once more has a central government, we shall hold an internationally observed referendum to see if they wish to reverse their earlier decision. The islanders have chosen to be Ausitorian, and they shall be Ausitorian for as long as they want to be so.
And since Firmador has no central government, we believe that Firmador is effectively terra nullius, and thus there is no legal dilemma. We would insist that any partition of mainland Firmador had the agreement of all neighbouring powers: and we have no intention to start any such plans ourself. Only yesterday a nameless somebody in my government said to me 'Yuck! Why would anyone want mainland Firmador?'

As to what Fallenrun intends to do off western Firmador, we are not privy.

Regarding happier matters, we would be delighted to investigate the possibility of operating naval vessels from your ports in the same manner that you are already entitled to use our own. We intend to work closely with the Soodean Maritime Border Forces to completely surround Firmador, and as a sign of the extraordinary esteem we hold for the Soodean Imperium, we would be happy to consider placing all of our naval forces in the area under the sensitive command of your Admirals.

We have no desire to turn our friends into our enemies, and look forward to working in close co-operation with your government over Firmador.

I have the honour to remain,
Sir Henry Taylor,
Prime Minister of the United Realms of Libraria and Ausitoria

[Rhinocera]

Crete, the Capitol of Rhinocera

Supreme Consul Tiberius was sitting at his desk, reading over the morning paper "Rhinoceran Daily". It was one of the few things that he didn't allow to be stomped out of his routine by the demands of running a country. Tiberius strongly believed that if a man didn't have at least one thing he could expect each day, they would be driven mad. The "Rhinoceran Daily" was his reliable and predictable habit, and unless their was an emergency, from 8:00 AM to 8:45 AM, he was not to be disturbed while he read the paper. As he sat and read his daily paper, there was a knock on his door. "Enter" said Tiberius, in a clearly agitated voice. He was clearly not pleased with this interruption, after all, it impeded his reading of the paper, which was like throwing sanity to the wind.

General Ragnar stood outside of Tiberius' office, glaring at the young intelligence officer who had arrived, insisting that she speak to Tiberius immediately. In response to her insistence, Ragnar had asked her if she enjoyed cold weather, which she, rather confused by the question, answered with "No Sir". He then went on to explain that if this interruption wasn't of dire importance, such as the delivery of a cure to age, she would likely find herself stationed at a research post in the North Pole, until she was able to find a living Tyrannosaurus Rex, which upon finding she would be sent to Antarctica to find a Brontosaurus. She replied by handing Ragnar the file that she claimed was of the upmost importance. After skimming through it, he handed it back to her and said "follow me". Now, they were standing outside the Supreme Consul's office. "Enter" was all they heard.

As General Ragnar and the Intelligence Officer, Lieutenant Sahara, entered the room, Tiberius placed his paper on his desk and spoke. "What do you need. Surely, it's important to warrant interrupting me now. Do I ever knock on your door when your reading your morning paper, Ragnar?" Tiberius and Ragnar were old friends, and spoke as such, with little formality when it wasn't absolutely necessary. Ragnar was the senior military official in the country, and arguably the second or third most powerful man in the country, behind Tiberius himself and Lesser Consul Augustus, although some considered him even more powerful then Augustus. "No, you don't, but you also know that I don't read papers. Perhaps you should ask if you knock on my door at 8 in the morning, which you do, alot" responded Ragnar. All the while, Sahara had remained standing (Ragnar had sat in the only other chair at the desk), nervous about the whole situation. "Ok, Lieutenant" remarked Tiberius, noticing her Lieutenant's bars on her soldier. "What intelligence did you deem so important to fetch me at this ungodly hour". She handed Tiberius the file, which contained a report on a nation that most Rhinocerans knew very little about. Libraria and Ausitoria had briefly been involved in the Pongolian civil war, which Rhinocera had committed much of it's meager (at the time) resources to in an effort to assist the rightful government of Pongolia. Apparently, Libraria and Ausitoria, had annexed series of Islands, which had formerly belonging to the now defunct government of Firmador. Also of interest, was the report stated that a primary reason for this annexation was an effort to combat the area's rampant piracy issues. The piracy posed a problem for Rhinocera. This was because Rhinocera had been engaging in negotiations with Libraria and Ausitoria to create an economic treaty, which would bolster trade between the nations. Upon reading further into the report, Tiberius discerned that several of Libraira and Ausitoria's neighbors didn't take to kindly to this and were protesting the area's militarization. Tiberius looked up at Sahara and spoke in a serious, but appreciative tone. "Thank you Sahara, you made a good call bringing this to me. I have put much effort into establishing ties with this country, and this development could have major implications towards those efforts. Colonel, I'm assigning you to the dedicated monitoring of this situation. The General will ensure you have the proper resources at your disposal, and you will return here as soon as everything is in place. You are dismissed."

Lieutenant Sahara was confused, overwhelmed by the situation. moments ago she was a Lieutenant on a minor intelligence post, suddenly she was being ordered to report directly to the Empire of Rhinocera's leader. She was also confused as to why Tiberius had referred to her a colonel, she was a Lieutenant and he was a military man, there was no way he had confused the too. However, everything made sense when Ragnar handed her a piece of paper, giving her the authorization to assume control of the 34th intelligence battalion, and promoting her to the rank of Colonel. A moment ago, she was a fresh Lieutenant, essentially running errands, now she was one of the top ranking females in the entire Rhinoceran military. She snapped a salute and left the room, to begin her new duties.

After she left, Ragnar and Tiberius began to talk about how to proceed with the situation. after a 30 minute conversation, they had decided on a solution. Tiberius began to type a message, while Ragnar made the necessary arrangements.

Encryption: Standard
To Sir Henry Taylor, Prime Minister of the United Realms of Libraria and Ausitoria

It has come to the attention of the Empire of Rhinocera that your nation has recently annexed a series of islands, formerly belonging to the now defunct state of Firmador, under the justification of rampant piracy in the area. It has also come to our attention that several other nations have taken to this less than pleasantly. It is with this in mind, that I would like to make a proposal.
As you likely are aware of, our nations have spent a good amount of effort in establishing an official economic treaty, which would allow the boosting of our inter-national trade between our great nations. Now, in the past, other foreign factors have prevented this through untimely occurences. However, I see this as a golden opportunity for our nations to resume such efforts. My proposal for a new treaty consists of the following points.

Rhinoceran-Ausitorian Economic Security Agreement
Proposition

In an effort to establish further economic ties between the nations of Rhinocera and Libraria-Ausitoria, the following shall be considered.
1) Trade between Rhinocera and Libraria-Ausitoria be rendered tax exempt by both nations.
2) The piracy that occurs in proximity to HMS Diamond Rock is to be designated a priority issue, by both nations, in order to lessen the risk of trade that passes through the area, which is the vast majority of Rhinoceran-Librarian and Ausitorian trade.
3) Rhinocera will place a reasonable force in Libraria-Ausitorian territory, stationed on a base which is to be constructed on the island known as HMS Diamond Rock, for the purpose of both ensuring the security of merchant vessels in the area by combating piracy, and providing a neutral security presence which would assist in alleviating the concern of perceived Librarian-Ausitorian aggression in regards to their annexation of the island, which has created a sense of anxiety amongst Rhinoceran merchants in regards to the area's stability.
4) Rhinoceran personnel at said base are not to exceed the limit of 20,000 men and women at any time, aside from the civilian personnel temporarily assigned for construction.

This proposal is simply the basis of what we hope to become a mutually beneficial economic relationship between our nations. If you wish to create further additions, or modifications, I implore you to do so. I hope we may successfully forge an agreement in these newest efforts.

- Supreme Consul Tiberius, Leader of Rhinocera

[Fallenrun]

Imperial Member State of Imperialis
Federal Capital of Nova Imperialis
Ninth level

Arkus read the Soodean message and the Nerodian message. He would reply to them but as his aide reminded him, he had some business to attend to at Area 9. He transferred some quick notes on the reply that should be sent and the TGS themselves to a different office. Said office belonged to another council member, James Bashford. Member if the Bashford family which owned the Imperial Arms Company which he was a possible heir.
He was the Consul of Drakia, the home of the largest number of manufacturies in the entire IF. Most of said manufacturies were owned by the Bashford Imperial Arms Company. Making all manner of things, guns, bullets, tanks, planes, ships, coffee machines, phones, waffle makers...

Imperial Member State of Drakia
State Capital of Rotensdale
Government House
Floor -7

James Bashford was incredibly bored. He was so bored that he was playing minesweeper on his computer. Then the notification for a new message from a fellow Consul went off with its annoying high pitched bleeping. Which caused him to misclick and lose the game.
"Dammit! I swear I will kill whoever sent that mess - oh..." He had read the sender, Arkus Wolffe, the only man James couldn't beat with a sword. Or anything else really. James sighed and put his thoughts of murder back onto the mental shelf they belonged on in his mind.

"What a lazy twat!" James yelled after reading the message and its attachments. "Ok, I am definitely gunna kill Arkus."

Encryption Level: High as a hippie mountaineer
From: The Imperial Council of the Imperial Federation
To: Emperor Pedrokus Nerod
Subject: Diplomatic Stuff

We have read your response and have decided that the southern half of the island shall be yours. Make it an "independent" nation that joins the IF and you have your second seat on the council. We will retain administration of the whole island until your people get to the island. Funny thing is we finally found out what it's actual name is. Madris. The island didn't even have a Wikipedia page or anything.

We await your reply.

Sincerely,
The Federal Council

Island of Madris
The marines were having a fun time dealing with the hundreds of rape, murder, arson etc allegations levelled at many of the garrison by the locals. It seemed about 18 000 of the garrison tried to plunder the island at their general's turned warlord's request. The rest if the garrison seemed pretty clean of any charges or crimes and 3867 were let go on the first day of trialling. They had their weapons taken away of course. They found the remains of several freighters that had disappeared in the area. They had been plundered if all valuables and the crew housed in miserable conditions. The entire local government had been executed for not obeying the warlord. The IF threw a new one into place made from as many respectable locals as possible.
The Imperial troops had sent up courthouses around the island to trial the prisoners at the King of Vampirus/High Admiral/Imperial Consul Hiiro Masuda's order. He lead the task force taking the island. He was buried in paper work and reports from said courthouses.
Generally the Imperial Troops were seen as liberators. Hard to be worse than murderers and rapists right? Especially if you are neither. Well you could argue that all soldiers are murderers but that is for another time.

[The Soodean Imperium]

Second Tier of the Palace of State
City of Su’Cheng, The Soodean Imperium

High Admiral Tsur walked down the polished stone steps, breathing in the cold, fresh night air. It was later than he had thought, and the darkened windows which lay below him suggested that the visitors’ buildings in the tier outside had already closed. Looking back, he didn’t find that surprising; meeting after meeting had stretched far beyond schedule. The discussions weren’t as heated as they had been a few days ago, of course, but the underlying sense of concern was still just as present. Trying to push the thought of work out of his head, the High Admiral waved to a chauffeur, who saluted in return and ducked into one of the staff cars.

“Mind if I join you?” somebody behind him asked. Tsur turned around and recognized the new arrival in the dim glow of the streetlights.

“Supreme Commander Kyodan. You look… tired.”

“I am,” Kyodan replied, rubbing the sides of his head in frustration. “It’s just one crisis after another these days, isn’t it?”

Tsur grumbled in agreement, but didn’t speak. As the staff car pulled to a stop in front of him, he climbed into the back, followed by the Supreme Commander. A few seconds of silence passed between them; the driver, glancing back, shrugged and rolled up the dividing glass.

“Do you trust the Ausitorians?” Kyodan asked as the engine hummed to life and the car lurched forward.

Tsur wryly adjusted the brim of his cap. “I trust that they’re not planning anything at the present,” he answered, placing particular emphasis on the last three words. “It’s the future that worries me.”

“The future?”

The High Admiral sighed. “If the annexing parties had responded with hasty escalation, the rest of the process would have been predictable. Instead, the Ausitorians at least have asked for appeasement. This can have two chief implications.”

“ ‘Either they legitimately aren’t interested in aggression,’ ” Kyodan recited, recalling the many presentations he had sat through hours ago.

“…Or they are putting long-term interests ahead of short-term ones,” Tsur finished. “And that’s what troubles me. Libraria-Ausitoria has some of the best-trained naval strategists in the region, and some of the loftiest naval ambitions.”

Kyodan nodded, then looked out the window at the empty streets and faint lights of the city. “Go on,” he murmured.

“At first, I thought they were trying to establish a stepping-stone by force, but the more I see of this, the more I suspect I underestimated them. The massed bribery we saw from the outset should have warned me; but the diplomatic approach is what’s pushed me over. Whoever ordered the taking of that island, they’re interested in keeping it well into the long run.”

“Do you have credible evidence that they want to set up a permanent check on our power?”

“Do you have credible evidence that they don’t?” Tsur asked back. “Even if it’s not being used for offense today, a permanent staging ground in the Meditethrhean will allow the Ausitorians to gradually expand their presence in the area. And when a future crisis arises – at this point, I think it’s safe to say it’s a matter not of ‘if,’ but ‘when’ – they will still have the capability to break their current promises and expand the garrison for landings or strategic attacks.”

“If we mass our own forces within counter-strike distance, they will only draw more carriers into the area. And then we will need to mass more forces,” Kyodan noted, closing his eyes and leaning back in his seat. “Defense is vital, Tsur, but if we stay on this path we risk creating a dangerous security dilemma.”

The High Admiral leaned back as well, running a calloused hand over his face. “I take it you are familiar with the game of Chon’ryu,¹ Supreme Commander? Picture this as a game of Chon’ryu. We can trust them but leave ourselves vulnerable; we can strike outright but create an unfavorable confrontation; or we can keep an eye on their pieces while we maneuver our own to adapt. All my proposition amounts to, Supreme Commander, is following the third route.”

“Don’t tell me this is the same proposition I think you’re referring to, Tsur.”

“It’s the very same.”

The Supreme Commander sighed in near-exasperation, tilting his head back against the top of the seat. After a few seconds of silence, he then leaned forward, keeping his voice level and low. “I hate to play the role of the skeptic, Tsur, especially when it comes to the national defense. But what you propose is far too dangerous for my liking. This situation is uncertain enough as it is, and I’m not sure we can afford to throw more uncertainty into the mix.”

“But the Ausitorians fear uncertainty more, Kyodan, and that’s what makes this choice our best option. The optimal conditions for ‘Plan Blue’ may never be met, but this is the closest they’re ever going to be.”

Kyodan slowly shook his head, not sure whether to feel anger or awe at his subordinate's words. “By whose recommendation was it, again, that you ended up in your present post?”

“By your own recommendation, Supreme Commander.”

“Then I’ll speak frankly, Tsur. Avid militarist though I may be, I’m not sure I have complete faith in this proposition of yours. I already trust that you’ve chosen a solid backing in theory, that you’ve covered all the details, that you’ve left room for contingencies. But I still feel reluctant to embrace what you’ve suggested. Tell me, honestly now: Are you pressing for this plan because you think it is best for our national defense? Or because you wish to fulfill your personal ambitions?”

The High Admiral smirked, then let out an idle chuckle. “Perhaps I’m pressing for it because I think it’s best for the Firmadorean people.”

“Don’t joke with me, High Admiral,” Kyodan said, his tone level and firm. The Supreme Commander’s gaze was unmistakably serious. He could be light-hearted from time to time, but when matters became grave enough, he spared no time for light-hearted matters.

Tsur’s smile grew colder and fainter, but it remained in place. He ran a hand over his face again, wiping off the space below his eyes. These long nights of work were taking their toll. “I am pressing for this plan, Supreme Commander, because I see a lot to lose on one side and a lot to gain on the other. There is nothing more to it than that.”

Staging ground of the 344^th Mechanized Regiment
Argentsant Province, Near Border with Firmador, The Soodean Imperium

Sea birds circled in the pale orange sky, their sharp calls ringing out in the late-afternoon air. A cool Meditethrhean breeze was blowing in from the coast, stirring the leaves on the trees and rustling in the tall grasses. In the town nearby, the farmers were coming in from the fields while the sellers closed down their shops, some heading straight to their plain but cozy homes while others paused to stroll in quiet groups down the sunlit streets and alleyways. In the hills and patchy forests out beyond the fields, the wildlife began to settle down as well, as though the tranquility of a near-tropical paradise were a universal feeling among living beings.

None of this seemed like paradise to Captain Kempo Rezin as he jumped down from the top of his parked IFV, his boots sinking a few centimeters into the upturned earth. The train ride down from Lucheng had been cramped enough, but the final leg of the trip from the station to the staging ground had been outright unbearable. Still very much in need of sleep, his command team had traveled at least a hundred kilometers in the back of the armored vehicle, kept awake by the rumbling engine and the stench of the exhaust. Battalion command had at least been kind enough to let them ride with the backup roof hatches open, which offered a welcome reprise from the suffocating Southwestern heat but didn’t do much to help with the lack of sleep.

As he stretched his cramped muscles with relief, Rezin looked around at his surroundings, examining the staging ground that would be his home until a more permanent facility could be set up. An uneven row of BMP-2s sat to the side of his parking area, which had already been churned up by the passing of so many tracks. The weather had been relatively dry lately, which at least kept the upturned dirt from turning into shin-deep mud, but the humidity was almost as bad as the stink of diesel fumes. Even in his lightweight field uniform, he was beginning to feel stuffy, and he knew full well that he would be drenched with sweat after tomorrow’s group exercise and manual labor.

Looking further out through the patchy trees, Rezin saw a growing field of tents, roofs of green patterned cloth being hoisted into position by teams of soldiers. A pang of disappointment fell into his stomach as he realized that he would soon have to start about the same task for his command team, and then proceed to inspect the rest of his Company’s tents after that. At the very least, he decided, the orange-colored sky suggested that darkness would soon arrive, bringing with it a much-needed rest for all but the poor souls in the night watch.

“Looks like we’re finally here, eh, Kyaptan,²?” asked Company Sergeant Baoshuan, a thick-set veteran of twenty-five years.

“I just hope we don’t have to stay much longer,” Rezin replied, still looking out at his new camp. The mosquitoes were probably a real menace.

“We’ll stay here as long as our Party tells us to,” Political Officer Changsad chimed in, preparing to leap from atop the vehicle but thinking better of it and descending slowly down the side. As he lowered himself onto the ground, he took extra care to make sure that his polished boots didn’t sink too far into the mud.

“Well, it’s not as though we had a choice in the first place,” Baoshuan muttered, glancing upward and adjusting the straps on his combat kit. “Say, what’s that you’re carrying?”

“This?” Changsad asked, gesturing to a tied-up stack of papers he was trying to retrieve from the top of the vehicle. “It’s just a gift for the Company troops, to keep them aware of the situation and help them to, ah, settle in here.”

With his usual tired expression, Baoshuan walked over, pulled the package down from the BMP’s roof, and undid the twine on top. “ ‘Further Evidence of Capitalist-Imperialist Power Abuses in Firmador?’ What is this, are you handing out Trubakist³?”

“The men will grow restless in this climate; it is my duty as the Company Political Officer to keep their minds focused on the importance of the task at hand,” Changsad answered with an air of importance.

“Enough of this,” Captain Rezin said, interrupting before the Il-Sarzhant could reply. “Baoshuan, you find the Battalion Command Post and let them know that the Third Company is reporting in. Changsad, pack the newspapers up and hand them out tomorrow morning when the men are fresh. Everyone else, get our parking space tidied up and have the tent ready for my return. I’m going to take a walk around the perimeter.”

---

1. Chon’ryu (Black Dragon): a traditional board-and-tile game from Tu Province in which players feign loyalty to their opponents, either teaming up against a third party or betraying one another when the opportunity arises.

2. Kyaptan (Captain): a rank in the Soodean Army, equivalent to OF-2 and usually serving as the leader of a Company (in this case, a Mechanized Infantry Company). See this image for details.

3. Trubakist (Trumpeter): the second most widely-published newspaper in the Soodean Imperium, known for highly nationalistic reporting that borders on open propaganda.

Open Letter to Sir Henry Taylor, Prime Minister of the United Realms of Libraria and Ausitoria,
Written by the Director of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs on Behalf of the Supreme Emperor, Su Dou

To Cooperate with the Righteous Against the Forces of Darkness

Esteemed Minister,

We are most pleased to see that you have chosen to offer concessions and work toward a peaceful solution, rather than dismissing our pleas outright or escalating for the sole sake of escalation. Such actions show that you are motivated by reason rather than emotion, and we do not speak lightly when we say that this is a quality which our world most certainly needs. We are also pleased by the nature of the self-imposed limits you have laid out, and, with the exception of the numbers stated in Item 6, find them all reasonable.

Even so, there is a drawback to these self-imposed limits - namely, that they are self-imposed. Given Libraria-Ausitoria's past record of active force projection, and its ideological differences with our Statist-Socialist government, we still note that there is nothing preventing your forces from using the island as an offensive staging ground if the political climate changes. Furthermore, it should be noted that these concessions, while humbling from a military perspective, still do not change the fact that your forces are involved in the annexation and occupation of foreign territory. The island's secession, even had it not been achieved through open bribery of the local population, remains as illegal as a Firmadorean annexation of Ausitorian land. All of this is to speak nothing of the dangerous precedent created when the region's purported upholder of law and order so flagrantly violates international norms.

We understand, of course, that compliance with international norms can be onerous at times, especially when it runs counter to the State's security interests. Therefore, as a show of good will, we are willing to move forward with our offer to cooperate with Ausitorian counter-piracy operations. While the Maritime Border Forces' initial proposal would have been limited to lightly armed patrol vessels, we have decided to allow the docking of all types of combat vessels in port facilities at the Southwestern cities of Szantiag, Cheng-Emil, and Fai. In addition, we are now open to negotiation on the limited basing of light strike and maritime patrol aircraft at Soodean airbases. In both cases, we will not permit the basing of troop transports, as these could only be abused for further annexation; we will, however, permit the basing of ammunition transports, as we do not have stockpiles of shells or missiles compatible with Ausitorian platforms. We hope that this gesture will serve as an example of the progress that can be achieved without a resort to barbaric annexation.

From:
--Mirina Hop'hua, Director of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs
The Soodean Imperium

[Naybra]

Weeks after the Naybra City Peace Conference successfully brokered an end to the recent conflict between Mizrad and Maverica, tensions have re-escalated in southern Tethys. Libraria-Ausitoria and the Imperial Federation, through the associate state of Fallenrun, annexed a series of islands formerly belonging to the Republic of Firmador. Following an official declaration containing a single, though concise sentence, the two islands, renamed HMS Diamond Rock and Madris, were swiftly seized by the two powers under justification of rampant piracy in the area.

Nations from around the region have come out largely against the actions taken by Libraria-Ausitoria and the Imperial Federation.

In an open letter denouncing the affair, the New Lowlands referred to the annexation as “nothing more than a shady cover for an illegal land-grab which has no place in the annals of the modern world.” The letter went on to warn that greater measures would be taken if Firmador’s sovereignty was to continued to be breached.

Both the GNNE and the The Soodean Imperium have also come out against annexation, with the Nerod Empire deploying two carrier groups to monitor the situation developing in the Meditethrhean Sea and the Soodean Imperium mobilizing Soodean border forces to protect the integrity of the Imperium’s and it’s neighbor’s land borders and shores.

In the hours following the open declaration, Ausitorian maritime forces 50,000 men strong landed on the beaches of Diamond Rock, meeting little resistance and working with remaining local law enforcement to ensure a smooth continuation of power. Libraria-Ausitoria has already begun building ports, parks, schools, and government buildings for the 30 million islanders, planning a city for 60 million people (including some expected refugees) called ‘New Wagonwater’ after the Naybran Financial Capital. The Imperial Commonwealth recently announced polling stations were planned for elections to be held for the island in six months.

The annexation of Madris underwent a less peaceful transition to that of Diamond Rock. Resembling more of an invasion then a select anti-piracy campaign, 150,000 Imperial Federation marines stormed the beaches, combating a renegade garrison of over 1,000 men. Sea Gem, the callsign of Madris during the conquest, was completely occupied by the IF seven hours later.

Federation forces took on an early and active role in controlling crime and delegating authority. A local government was established as a replacement to the previous governing council, which was disbanded under the overthrown general. The Imperial Federation reported the arrest of over 18,000 individuals on accounts of arson, ransacking, murder, and rape. Of the reported individuals, 3,867 were released after the first day of trials.

In an open clarification from the Imperial Commonwealth, Dame Orpolov, the permanent Undersecretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reassured the international community that the annexation was designed “purely in terms of international security and in providing humanitarian assistance to the islanders concerned.” The clarification also cited the economic benefits the improved security would have in lowering trade costs and reducing insurance premiums throughout the Tethys continent.

An unofficial spokesperson from the Ausitorian Foreign Office told Gallagher reporters that the Ausitorian Government was determined to take and keep the islands, although they would seek to address concerns raised by neighbouring governments and limiting military deployments to the island. The spokesperson also confirmed that other nations would be allowed to use the island as a naval base, stating that the Naybran government had already accepted an enclave; and unconfirmed reports suggest that Fallenrun and the Nerodian Empire will be reaching a similar agreement.

The clarification also called into question the integrity of the crumbling Firmador government, openly stating that “[...] given that Firmador is [in] no position to maintain the security of their coasts, or even their people; we are providing the citizens therein with significant investments to return them shortly to prosperity.”

With the collapse of the Firmador government during the Mizrad-Maverica conflict, the national government has split into different regional authorities. Loose control has been reinstated in the central province, but large numbers of defective military rule the borderlands of the country with unchallenged authority; and there are fears in many governments that the annexations could be the beginning of a general partition of Firmador.

In the neighboring territory of the Soodean Imperium several refugee camps have been set up to accept displaced citizens. Divisions of light infantry have been assigned to aid the border patrol in stopping the flow of illegal immigrants, but the influx from both the land and sea has nonetheless proved to be a problem for authorities. One of the most recent turns of violence on the borders was the 463 incident, which left two dead after a Type 71 Soodean Maritime Border Force attempted to intercept a suspicious small vessel 20 kilometers from the coast.

The Panessos Senate scheduled a meeting concerning the annexation of Firmador to be held by the start of next week. The Panessos Ministry of Internal Affairs has begun preparations for a humanitarian mission to Firmador. Peacekeepers and international observers are reported to be tasked with monitoring the actions of all parties concerned.

We will continue to follow this story as the situation develops. Until then, the eyes of the region continue to focus on Tethys.

---

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

The message was received, the Ausitorian government duly pondered it, for far longer this time than any previous time, and the Prime Minister, who had heard the news in the midst of a big political party, now awoke with a worried frown on his face.

Why, precisely, was the Soodean Imperium surrendering a show of goodwill, a bargaining counter, so early? Why were they sticking to their sovereigntist argument that made it so much harder for the Imperium to annex Firmador, when everybody in Ausitoria assumed that Firmador would probably be partitioned forthwith?

The Prime Minister pulled on his dressing gown and slippers and wondered down the stairs of the Spring Palace to the Foreign Policy Planning office. It was not something that he had done before, although he had heard legends of the Foreign Secretary doing it in the dark days before Ausitorian supremacy, and he contemplated on the miserable state of Ausitorian foreign affairs, that, with their strength so distracted across the world, they had been met with so much resistance in Tethys. Possibly there was something in the saying that there should only be one crisis at a time.

The Prime Minister entered the appropriate briefing room – which seemed to be the luxurious one where the Cabinet usually sat – which was the scene of a hushed but furious argument between the Foreign Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister.

“We don’t want to start a war-“ said Richard, the Foreign Secretary. He had once been considered the hawk, but was being rather outdone by the Deputy Prime Minister, who the Prime Minister had selected to be a little more determined against the Foreign Secretary. Although-

“We don’t want to be caught with our trousers down,” said Victoria, the Deputy Prime Minister, a comment which seemed to cause an unusual level of mirth. The Foreign Secretary rolled his eyes and alighted them on the Prime Minister.

“Ah, this is indeed an honour. Crumpets?” he asked, seizing the opportunity for a distraction and offering the Prime Minister a plateful.
“Tea?” offered the cabinet butler.

The Prime Minister accepted both, and, after a bite and a sip, spoke.
“What’s the argument?”

“Well, Maverica might be planning to invade Firmador,” said Victoria, “and that means that we need to step forth and dictate the limits of the actions, and organize a general partition of Firmador.”

“Which would leave us open to accusations of high-handedness,” replied the Foreign Secretary, butting in. “We have torn down the public network of sovereignty for the sake of a single base; yes, a base that forms the last keystone in our dominance over Hemithea; but still, the cost in terms of regional tensions is far more than expected. There are plenty of other superpowers to worry about and we cannot single-handedly initiate a settlement of our own choosing. Even if we do not abjectly apologize and scurry back with our tail between our legs, we must pretend to be slightly more humble until someone begs us to resume the leadership podium.”

“Weren't you in favour of the annexation?” asked the Prime Minister, as he considered the arguments over what to do given this new factor.

“Yes, but I was expecting more sense and less patriotism from foreign quarters,” explained the Foreign Secretary rapidly, “and I continue to expect more sense to come; so there is no need for us to be precipitate and premature.”

“The way you do things it’ll be too late,” replied the Deputy Prime Minister.

“Now, have I ever been too late?” replied the Foreign Secretary as he turned a stern eye on several tittering civil servants.

“Well certainly it sounds like the matter decides the Rhinoceran question,” said the Prime Minister, trying to intervene before things got out of hand.

“Indeed, with Maverica and the Soodean Imperium both planning something, reinforcements are obvious, even if sent by people we don’t exactly see eye to eye with, so we didn't wake you up,” said his deputy. Of course, thought the Prime Minister grumpily – his nightmares had already been thought of and dealt with without him. Why did he bother?

“I suppose so,” the Foreign Secretary was saying. “But slippery slopes of border revisions could lead us into a trap of our own devising. Victoria has yet to learn caution,” he complained to the Prime Minister.

“Caution! Hmph! The only way to avoid accidents is to avoid breathing,” replied Victoria. “We must run Hemithea and stop it from falling into chaos, not let it run us. Where’s your energy gone?”

“Fluidity is not the best way to stop the slide, as you may learn,” countered the Foreign Secretary impressively. “We will not, I repeat not, announce any plans to partition Firmador until we have more diplomatic support!”

“Don’t I get a say?” asked the Prime Minister, slightly worried by the authoritative stance the Foreign Secretary was taking while he was in the room, although also uncertain of what he would say anyway, and simultaneously worried about the continued tittering of civil servants.

“I suppose Richard is right, now that he has compromised with my position,” interrupted Victoria. “I shall assist him to hurry him up. Although I suppose Firmador can wait until the morning.”

“I suppose so,” agreed the Prime Minister, pleased to find something to agree with.

“Well, I’ll be at work in my office,” declared the Foreign Secretary to Victoria, exiting by one of the innumerable doors that littered the palace with the words ‘Prime Minister’.
And the Prime Minister sighed, bade Victoria and the now-recovering civil servants goodnight, and stomped back upstairs again, remembering half-way up that they hadn't asked for his opinion.

And now there were two of them. Bother.

Pax Prosperitas

By Order

---

From: Sir Henry Taylor, Prime Minister, the United Realms of Libraria and Ausitoria
To: Supreme Consul Tiberius, Leader of Rhinocera
Encryption: Top Secret and Confidential

---

Your Imperial Majesty,

Thank you very much for your kind message. Your nation's support would be invaluable, and we should certainly follow-up the discussions between our governments with diplomatic support and solid ties between our nations. Therefore, after much deliberation, we would like to propose the following four-stage implementation of your proposition:

1. No prejudicial taxes shall be placed between Rhinocera and Ausitoria by either government.
2. Joint anti-piracy operations shall commence from HMS Diamond Rock under the Ausitorian Admiral in command there.
3. Rhinocera shall be leased a base on HMS Diamond Rock for twenty years.
4. Rhinoceran personnel at the base shall not exceed 20,000 men, excluding civilian contractors.

I have the honour to remain, etc.,
Sir Henry Taylor,
Prime Minister, the United Realms of Libraria and Ausitoria

[The New Lowlands]

Stadtholder's Palace, Batavia Special Capital Territory, The New Lowlands

The Stadtholder's Palace was one of the few buildings in Batavia to be graced by an external garden; from the tall windows of one of the North Wing's meeting rooms, there was a splendid view of it. A sea of emerald grass, bordered on all visible sides by tall, dark hedgerows (and concealed beyond that, green steel fences) and decorated with a traditional Tilpashimi garden pagoda, beside the extensive pond. It was a symbol of affluence typical to the colonial-era Old Town, lovingly kept by a permanent staff of gardeners whose prime honor it was to work in such a place.

Stadtholder Veldt had never much cared for it, but the Officer of Defence, Ida Yusgiantoro, had always enjoyed his visits to the Palace as a result of it. They sat opposite each other now, on the narrow side of a long dining table, the Stadtholder in her usual business suit, glancing through one of her innumerable manila folder while the dark-skinned Negaran man gazed past her into the green expanse in his dark green uniform. There were a few other functionaries at the table, but as always the two people of the most import in the room dominated the conversation.

Veldt reached into her pocket and produced a packet of cigarettes, opening it and sticking one in her teeth to light it in a single smooth motion. Her winkled face was drawn into its usual tight grimace, a look somewhere between annoyance and disappointment. It was almost motherly, in a horrible kind of way. Ida spoke;

"I'm not a betting man, madam, and yet I'm willing to wager that you're about to ask me to do something which I'm unwilling to commit."

Veldt's grimace remained unchanged, but she directed it at Ida instead of the air above the table. "I have orders for you, yes," she declared. "An expeditionary force needs to be made ready for Diamond Rock."

Ida blinked slightly, but his composure remained otherwise unchanged. He smiled confidently. "I certainly hope you don't intend to draw us into a war, madam," he responded, his tone smooth and courteous. "Frankly, we're only three quarters ready for such a conflict."

"I have no intention of starting any war either, Yusgiantoro, but the Ausitorians seem insistent on blundering into one." She drew a long puff, blowing the smoke out through her nose and reclining in her chair slowly. "And I have no intention of giving an inch to those crumpet-munching bastards."

"Are you familiar with the parable of the hasty tiger?" He began, still smiling. "Those who rush-"

"-to taste blood will bloody themselves, yes," she interrupted him icily, giving him a glare somewhat resembling molten iron. "Believe it or not, I know all of the Takhyuli, and I'd appreciate if you didn't try to patronize me again, Officer. This country means more to me than a means to an end, believe it or not." Ida swallowed his protest, closing his lips and maintaining his smile.

She leaned forward, crushing her cigarette in a ceramic ashtray, but her eyes stayed trained on him. "You are familiar with the madman doctrine?"

"Of course," Ida replied softly. "Although I don't see what relevance it bears to our situation. You hardly have a history of being emotional."

"That's not to say no condition can develop, especially if reported by the press." Veldt reclined again, letting his gaze drift onto the folder in front of her. "This Diamante business is a mediocre strategic loss, but the Ausitorians don't know what we think of it."

"Madam Stadtholder, what you're suggesting would certainly preclude your re-election," Ida remarked, a slight frown crossing his features. She only shrugged in response.

"I have my ways and means, Officer, to ensure it does not mean the end of my government." She glanced at him once more. "But you shall have to do as I say."

---

Official Communiqué - Officiële Verklaring
Der Verenigde Provinciën der Nieuwe Neêrlanden

An Open Letter to the Librarian-Ausitorian Foreign Undersecretary,
Dame Orpolov

Dear Madam,

In response to your recent declaration, I should wish to clarify a few matters for the purposes not only of the foreign ministries of the world, but also for the Libraria-Ausitorian Government.

In view of the fact that Libraria-Ausitoria has suggested that it intends to construct 40 runways on Isla Diamante (its proper Firmadorean name) and additionally continue to operate the selfsame 40 carriers which it has used in the "protection" of Panessos Senate shipping, we must raise the question of what cost-savings the Ausitorian navy claims to make, as if it continues to operate those same carriers (incurring the continuing operational costs of those ships) and expands its presence on the ground in what is and remains Firmadorean land, and continues to pay bribes to Diamante's population as promised, Ausitoria will have to pay more than if it simply maintained the status quo.

In addition, in view of the fact that the naval presence of Lara Heilanor's forces can at worst be called questionable and at best nonexistent, we are not willing to accept the excuse that Ausitoria somehow needs to free up more naval units for wars of imperialism abroad. Had Ausitoria perhaps negotiated with the international community over fleet basing for convoys or pursued a legal course of action, or even called on the United Provinces to increase security operations in the area in response to an Ausitorian pullout, we would have replied more positively, but at present Ausitoria is overwhelmingly, obviously in the wrong and we must set a time limit of no later than forty-eight hours before we implement actions against this illegal perpetration.

Respectfully,

Maria Veldt,

Stadtholder and Grand Pensionary of the United Provinces

---

Official Communiqué - Officiële Verklaring
Der Verenigde Provinciën der Nieuwe Neêrlanden

To the Soodean Director of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs,
Wen Hong

Dear Sir,

We are pleased to see that we share your concerns on this issue, but are afraid that we have no evidence or experience with which to allay any of your concerns. The ongoing Ausitorian seizure of Isla Diamante represents another part of a longstanding pattern of diplomatic aggression backed by force projection which they have, historically, used to attempt to seize the initiative and force nations they consider to be within their sphere of influence (i.e. all of them) to surrender to 'free trade'- economic concessions towards the United Realms. Naturally, we have no interest in seeing one of our closest allies be forced into such an unfortunate situation.

As it is undoubtedly clear to your own administration, there are four routes we can take- separately or in combination- to approach the issue, the first being the diplomatic option of attempting to have Libraria-Ausitoria remove their forces voluntarily at our urging. This has been attempted, and owing to Libraria-Ausitoria's pattern of diplomatic messages, we see no reason to believe that it will be responded to any further than the self-imposed limits that have been described.

The second option includes economic sanctions. Libraria-Ausitoria is dependent on cheap foreign labour and resources to supply its domestic population, as a result of economic overdependence on the services sector. As a result of Ausitoria's general tendency not to trade with what it terms "oppressive" non-democracies, we feel that raising taxes and tarriffs on exports of simple manufactured goods towards Ausitoria will make a great difference in their attitude towards Meditethrhean diplomacy.

The third option involves the armament and assistance of dissenters on Isla Diamante, and furthermore the reconstruction, in fantasy or de facto, of the Firmadorean state. The simplest of the two would be to arm, train, and assist dissidents covertly, but for a more long-term solution to any problems regarding Firmador, we must consider the possibility of intervention in the country, with international assistance or otherwise.

The fourth option is directly engaging in military action against Libraria-Ausitoria, an option which we must consider as a last resort. We must also keep in mind, however, that the longer Librarian-Ausitorian forces remain entrenched on Isla Diamante, the stronger their position will be.

It is our intention to commit to economic sanctions in the next 48 hours, should further diplomatic efforts fail to achieve effect. If we further coordinate our response, we should be able to resolve this crisis in our favour.

Respectfully,

Maria Veldt,

Stadtholder and Grand Pensionary of the United Provinces

---

Cornelyshaven Naval Arsenal, Cornelyshaven, Cornelyslant

It took about thirty minutes for the naval elements of Task Force "Tussenkomst" to be assigned, and a number of hours for them to assemble at the designated rally points across the north of Tilpashim. It took a little longer than that number of hours for the elements of the Foreign Legion assisting them to be roused, armed, and prepared for the operation before being brought to the naval arsenals where the ships of "Tussenkomst" were being kept. By the following sunrise, most of the elements of the expeditionary force had been put into place; the fleet movements and dockings would undoubtedly be visible to anyone maintaining cursory strategic intelligence.

That was the point, although the commander didn't know it.

General Raaf Huygens was tired; it was early in the morning, and he and his staff had already been busy for two hours going over the briefing, reviewing what geographical and socio-political circumstances they knew to be the case on Isla Diamante, as well as the resources he had available. It wasn't a particularly pleasant picture; the bad news was that domestic opposition to Libraria-Ausitoria had remained fairly quiet, either lying in wait or being suppressed. Libraria-Ausitoria's current presence on the island numbered in excess of 40,000 men, and an unknown tally of armored vehicles, a fact that had been established by strategic reconnaissance both of Diamante itself and the transports approaching and surrounding it. The locations of the enemy forces as distributed across the island were as yet unclear, and Naybra's forces had not been accounted for.

They had some time left, of course; two days at minimum, or so he had been told, more likely to roll on into several weeks. Usually, the extensive planning made by the Lowlandian General Staff culminated into nothing, and Huygens took some comfort in that as the old general sat quietly in the darkly modern desk-chair. Of course, there were always those few maddening exceptions, and it was for those that he was paid to prepare.

A war against Ausitoria meant a war against Hemithea's dominant power, one which had thus far proven far more navally capable than the United Provinces. It also meant what would undoubtedly be a long, major war between two nuclear powers. Huygens sighed, his tired brown eyes drifting to a portrait on the wall. Invariably, if he refused to carry out any major orders, it would mean his replacement. He certainly wished the same couldn't be said for the Ausitorian command.

[Rhinocera]

Crete, the Capital of Rhinocera

General Ragnar sat inside the R.I.M.C headquarters, along with several other key members of the Rhinoceran Military chain of command and other key political figures. The topic of this meeting, was the assembly of a Rhinoceran task force that was to be based off of the Ausitorian Island, HMS Diamond Rock. The individuals assembled included General Ragnar himself, Admiral Fenrir, Vice Admiral Brakken, Major General Crassus, Lieutenant General Carter, Lieutenant General Zeus, and Lesser Consul Augustus. Colonel Sahara also sat in the room, but in the presence of the higher ranking individuals she held as much sway in the conversation as an ant would in their own demise.

General Ragnar spoke first. "I have been informed that the Ausitorian Government has authorized the Rhinoceran leasing of a military base on HMS Diamond Rock. As you all know, HMS Diamond Rock is a very strategically important island to the Ausitorians for several reasons. First, the island is a chokepoint into the region and a tremendous amount of trade passes through it's influence. Second, it is located in a very particular area, an area so particular that many of Ausitoria's neighboring nations have not taken to kindly to their occupation of the island. This concerns us, because the Supreme Consul has decided that an excellent way of boosting Rhinoceran-Ausitorian relations would be to establish an agreement with Ausitoria that involves the stationing of Rhinoceran forces on the island for the purpose of carrying out anti piracy operations. As you are also aware of, the Consul wishes for us to expedite the formation of this task force, as to keep from leaving the Ausitorians from having to wait. Now, if you could, please present your recommendations for the task force, as you were ordered to consider the possibilities prior to this meeting".

The next man to rise was Admiral Fenrir, who then began to speak. "General, for Anti Piracy duties, our taskforce will require a naval presence, due to the nature of Anti Piracy operations. The backbone of the naval taskforce, should therefore consist of the Sabre Class Littoral Frigate. The Sabre Class is well suited for Littoral operations, and capable of both engaging a threat independently and operating Helicopters, which would be the a required capability for the intended operations. On a more limited scale of deployment, our newly acquired Flight 1 Ranger class destroyers will also be of use in the situation, capable of everything that the Sabre is, but on a larger scale. While against pirates, the Ranger could be considered overdoing it quite a bit, it is also our second smallest surface vessel and is, as you already know general, a more efficient allocation of resources than assigning a larger Retaliation, Templar, or even a Sea Lion class Destroyer. I also recommend the assigning of several Crusader Helicopter Destroyers to the area, for they carry a much greater helicopter capacity than their counterparts. Also to be considered, is the deployment of a carrier to the region, although the necessity of such a large vessel is up for discussion. Of course, we will be deploying a substantial amount of aerial assets to the area, in the form of helicopters, AWACS craft, and other such craft that a carrier could potentially increase their sphere of influence." Ragnar nodded and motioned for Fenrir to take a seat, after which Vice Admiral Brakken stood up.

Vice Admiral Brakken had his own, very distinct opinions on how such a task force should be organized, he intended on voicing them. "General Ragnar, while I agree that the Sabre Class is the premier anti piracy vessel in the Rhinoceran navy, I believe that the Sea Lion is of greater use than the Ranger. It's greater radar array would allow for a far greater surveillance area than that of the Ranger, which I believe more than compensates for the greater size of the Sea Lion. It is under this reasoning, that I propose we deploy the Sea Lion in place of the Ranger. On another note, I recommend the deployment of all 4 Nimitz Class Supercarriers in Rhinoceran command, to serve as the taskforce flagships, as they are invaluable tools of aerial projection."

General Ragnar considered both of the admirals opinions. "Admiral Fenrir, Vice Admiral Brakken, as the two most senior naval officials in the country, I am leaving the two of you to discuss and submit a single unified proposal on what our naval commitment to the situation should be. Thank you, now please begin. Now, Major General Crassus, Lieutenant General Carter, Lieutenant General Zeus, please put forth your recommendation for the Rhinoceran ground garrison that is to be deployed."

Lieutenant General Carter stood and began to speak. "General, we have come to a consensus on what we believe the proper deployments would suffice and have detailed so in this report, which you can review at your convenience sir." He handed Ragnar the report and continued to stand at attention. "Thank you Generals, I will review the report immediately upon the conclusion of this meeting. As for you, Admirals, report directly to me as soon as you complete your report. And Colonel, do you have anything to add to this discussion before I conclude it?" said Ragnar. "Yes sir, I have been informed by intelligence services that the nations which oppose Ausitoria's occupation of the territory in question are as follows in this report. That is all, Sir." reported Colonel Sahara. "Thank you Colonel. You are all dismissed."

2 Hours Later
Ragnar sat at his desk compiling a report to send to the Ausitorian's, in regards to the planned Rhinoceran deployment on Diamond Rock. If everything went on schedule, which it appeared to be doing, the task force would depart 48 hours and would arrive in 120 hours.

To Sir Henry Taylor, Prime Minister of the United Realms of Libraria and Ausitoria
Encryption: Top Secret/Confidential

Esteemed Prime Minister, the Empire of Rhinocera is prepared to accept the terms as you have stated them in your response. With your final confirmation, the Empire of Rhinocera will place these 4 stages into effect immediately. Ausitorian entities will no longer face prejudicial taxation from Rhinoceran authorities, and we will dispatch the Rhinoceran task force to HMS Diamond Rock. Attached to this message is the official composition of the Task Force, as it will arrive. On behalf of Supreme Consul Tiberius, may Rhinocera and Ausitoria usher in a new state of diplomatic prosperity between our nations.

1 x Templar Class Destroyer (R.I.N Seahorse)
2 x Sea Lion Class Destroyers
6 x Crusader Class Helicopter Destroyers
6 x Ranger Class Destroyers
20 x Sabre Class Littoral Frigates
32 x E-53 AngleHawk AWACS craft
32 x S-53 Sharkhawk Anti Submarine Warfare craft
32 x KC-53 Cherubim Mid Air Refueling Tanker
32 x C-53 Arkangel Cargo Aircaft
20 x MC-53 Seraph Special Forces Assault Aircaft
20 x HAC-53 Harpy Eagle Gunship
20 x ERC-53 Mephisto Electronic Warfare Aircaft
60 x F-35C Lightning II JSF
260 x AUV-50 Dragon Utility Helicopters
3rd Airborne Battalion
17th, 23rd Infantry Battalions
3rd Marine Battalion
34th Intelligence Battalion
Sufficient Logistical Support Personnel
Temporary Construction Personnel

- General Ragnar, on behalf of Supreme Consul Tiberius

[Naybra]

Naybra City, Naybra
The Presidential Estate, Briefing Room
5:58 p.m. | 17:58

I apologize for my delayed post but some RL things have been keeping me from this. I replaced my previous placeholder with the Gallagher Post article in the interests of continuing the RP around my delay. I tried a new style of addressing foreign nations through a national broadcast, so consider these statements equivalent to that of an Official Open Communique. Thank you for your understanding. Feedback is welcomed and requested on our RMB. I am only a novice, so your advice is appreciated.

“Are you ready sir?” the gentle voice of Janey Evire, the Presidential Estate Press Secretary asked President Ron Harrison, as they finalized the opening statements to his press meeting. In two minutes, the President Harrison was set to address both the public and the press in one of the Estate’s daily Press Briefings. Usually, this was a trivial task handled by Harrison’s appointed Secretary, but in this case, and in many cases where the situation was at a scale as it was now, this minor duty turned into a burden fulfilled by the President himself.

The press was one of the things that made the Naybra nation. Since it’s independence almost 60 years ago, “freedom of the press” was one of the keystone freedoms of Naybra’s Fundamental Freedoms of Human and Citizen, the Western Isles version of a Bill of Rights. It was the tradition of the typical Naybran family to watch the evening news together as a family. In a poll conducted by the World Assembly of the most Politically Apathetic in the region, Naybra was ranked last, making it the nation with the highest percent of its population interested in governmental affairs.

This did not make things easy, as running a nation was hard enough as it is. The media “watchdogs,” as they were known around the capital, often criticized the government for its actions, and even more frequently, its inactions.

And that was why he was here today. Running close to his scheduled dinner with a foreign diplomat, he was to lead the Daily Briefing for coverage on the Nightly News. It had been a full day since the media demanded action from the executive concerning the affairs of the region, and it was finally time that Ron gave them what they wanted.

“Yes Janey, I don’t think I can mess up anymore than I did in our last run,” President Harrison replied humorously, referencing his fumbles in their last round of practice.

The Press Secretary snickered, placing her hand on the President’s shoulder. “You’ll do fine. Now go get ‘em,” turning him around and pushing him jokingly towards the double doors which led to the Estate Briefing Room. President Harrison stopped himself before the doors, fixing his dark suit and adjusting his orange tie, giving a quick glance in the mirror that was set up just for this purpose. He wore no cosmetics, letting his tanned skin present its natural color. At nearly 66 years of age, he was one of the oldest presidents of Naybra, and he definitely showed it. His beard portrayed a wise, father-like appearance. His grey hair was neatly trimmed, and his head was neatly combed.

Taking a deep breath, President Harrison pushed open the doors and stepped into the room. The eyes of the journalist all directed their attention to him. A delayed second later, the flash and click of the cameras began, a neverending barrage that both the President and the Press Secretary had grown accustomed too.

President Harrison, walked towards the empty podium, which stood on an elevated stand, laying his opening statement down on the empty surface. The seal of the President was present on the wooden stand and the flag of the Presidential Office and the Western Isles of Naybra were displayed on his either side.

Ron Harrison cleared his throat as the commotion of the camera’s continued in the crowd. Press Secretary Evire stood offstage as the President made his solo announcements.

“Good afternoon,” the President began, addressing both the 30 journalist and cameramen in the room and the millions of viewers at home and abroad. “I’d like to say a few words on three prominent issues the executive office has been facing and then answer a few of the questions you may have if time permits. First, to address the domestic issue that we are facing at home, the subject on immigration. Over the past few month, Naybra has seen an influx of foreign immigrant seeking entrance on the shores of our great nation. Most of these people originate from the conflicted areas Hermania, as well as those of Euryphaessa and Tethys.

It’s important to recognize two things. First, many of these immigrants have entered our borders through the legitimate process, and we appreciate the actions of these people, who help showcase the strength and efficiency of our processing system. Second, some immigrants come without documentation of past citizenship or residency. It is because of this that increase strain has been put on border forces and coast guard in situating these men and women, and apprehending those that try to bypass the process. Over the past week, I have met with the Governor’s of the Isles of Joigny, Pilo, and Amiens, and was assured that we have sufficient facilities to house and process these immigrants through the just and legal ways.

I have met with the Ministry of the Interior and the heads of the Immigration and Naturalization Service and have directed the agency to allow the immigration process to continue unchanged, and to report any recommendations for the improvement of our immigration process. I ask for the help of Parliament to re examine the topic of immigration reform, and form a bi-partisan between the Coalitions to handle the changing landscape.”

President Harrison paused, collecting his thoughts and glancing at his notes before continuing on.

“Moving onto the next topic, the subject of interspace travel and exploration has dominated recent popular culture, and once again, we see an interest in the aerospace field. For the past decade, Naybra has been improving its satellite and land-based facilities in the interest of advancements into space. Recently, the Naybran National Aerospace Agency (NNAA), under the Ministry of Science and Technology, has proposed a new project for the further exploration and advancement into the final frontier through the collaboration of private and public space organizations. Our allies in Ausitoria, who have too been improving their space agencies, have pledged support of Naybran efforts to further ourselves astronomically and have offered assistance. In the efforts to progress this initiative, the Director of the NNAA has answered to Parliamentary hearings and I hope for the full support of the Parliament in passing this initiative.”

Short but simple, this was simply a filler and an allusion to what was to come. The initiative proposed by the NNAA not only focused on the advancement of technology for public and civilian functionality, but also on the military applications. In this modern area, and as a nation that shared no land borders, one of the major threats Naybra faced was intercontinental missile. A defense network based both on the land and in the skies could insure the domestic interest of the Western Isles were protected, especially with the help of a neighboring ally. President Harrison was planning to meet with the Joint Chiefs of Staff concerning this topic by the end of the week.

“Now for the final, and probably more interesting discussion on the situation in Firmador. Three days ago, the Auso-Fallenrun Declaration was announced, annexing the Firmadorian islands in the name of combating the rampant piracy in the area. These measures have been seen throughout the region as an act of aggression against the Tethys nation, with many condemning the actions. Piracy in the area has been increasing since the cease of the Mizrad-Maverica conflict which brought the nation into this state several weeks ago. The actions of pirates and saboteurs in the area have put a strain on international trade and Naybran trade passing through the Meditethrhean Sea. As a nation ourselves who faces the issue of maritime piracy in our domestic affairs, it is easy for us to relate to the forces leading the anti-piracy operations. I have met with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as the National Security Council, and we both agreed that though it is necessary to address this issue, we must focus our efforts into restoring a legitimate Firmadorian government. As such, while the Western Isles does not fully approve of the annexation, especially the hostile actions taken by the Imperial Federation, we have agreed to operate out of a portion of the Ausitorian controlled island of Diamond Rock, to assist southern Tethys in combating and aiding the efforts in the anti-piracy operations, and to provide nations with our expertise in handling such maritime matters, while also pushing for the reinstatement of a stable Firmadorian republic to transition these powers and duties back to. The Western Isles will work with the governments of the parties concerned to address the issue of the annexation. We have been working with our delegation in the Panessos Senate, and hope to bring the situation to a close in a peaceful and diplomatic process, with an end goal of restoring Firmadorian stability, self-governance, and restoring the nation’s national sovereignty.”

Ron gave a quick glance at his watch, it was 6:15, on the dot. Perfect timing for his opening statements, but also, the planned time he needed to leave.

“Unfortunately, due to time, I myself cannot field any of your questions, however, I’m sure our Presidential Estate Press Secretary Ms. Janey Evire will be more than happy to respond to your inquires in my absence. Thank you.”

With that, President Harrison turned away from the podium and stepped down off the stage as Ms. Evire took his place. With the camera’s continuing to flash, he pushed open the doors and they closed behind him, as the Press Secretary began.

“Mr. Kronin, let’s begin with you.”

[The Lendol Archipelago]

From: Elijah Dorzuul, Vuunthreck of The Lendol Archipelago
To: Sir Henry Taylor, Prime Minister, The United Realms of Libraria and Ausitoria
Encryption: High

---

Prime Minister, We would like to support your current endeavours, be it financial, which I doubt, diplomatic or military. Your annexing Island Diamante will not go down well within the international community, I do not doubt your intentions but many do, many people in power, The New Lowlands, they will act against you and will desperately try to prevent the "land grab" as they eloquently put it from going forward. I know that most are against this but I ask you to avoid war until it is the absolute last resort. I am sure you know this already but I must ensure my people's safety. You are a busy man as am I. I shall await your reply.

Forgive but Never Forget
Elijah Dorzuul
Vuunthreck Of The Lendol Archipelago

[Nerod Empire]

3 days ago
Isop, Imperial District
Aurora Committee HQ
Special Meeting Room

The big mahogany table was crowded. The extended Committee was in the middle of a session, they were discussing the last events and the reactions of every nation. They had also discussed wether to join the IF or not.
A PDC Agent entered the room holding a folder. He gave it to Archduke Lem, the Speaker of the Aurora Committee. The Agent left the room.
-The Imperial Federation responded.- Lem said.- They will give us the southern half of the island and they say we can make it into an "independent" nation and get another seat council with it. The thing is we may not even join the IF.

After some more discussion the extended committee decided to seize control of the southern half of the island with the forces that were already in the surroundings.

2 days ago
Island of Madris

The 2 Nerodian (a) taskforces sent to the surroundings had disembarked the previous day and were getting control from their Fallenrunian colleagues.
25,000 Nerodian (a) Marines were on the ground.
An Alfa group was on the way to the zone. This group escorted some transport ships that would disembark their troops on Madris.

Yesterday
Island of Madris

The Nerodian reinforcements arrived during the afternoon, bringing another 20,000 Marines.
Most of the southern half of the island was already under Nerodian (a) control.

Present day
Senate Chambers
Great Chamber

The Chamber was enourmous. The GNNE had the, probably, biggest legislature. With 3000 Senators.
There were huge screen in the walls and the chamber had an amphitheater shape. The Council was in the center of the room.
The Secretary of Order banged his hammer trying to get silence. When the Senators stopped discussing the Senate President James June stood up.
-There has already been too much discussion!- the President stated.- We will go into voting stage right now!
More shouting and banging o the hammer.
-Please use your touch screens to vote on wether to join the Imperial Federation or not, thank you very much.- the Secretary of Order said.


The vote was called five minutes later. It was official, the GNNE was not joining into the IF.

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

---

Article from the New Alexandrian Courante online version; 10th Seperia, 2014, Assorted Ausitorian Standard Time
Subsidiary of the ABC

---

"Are we on brink of war?" Ask commentators.

Who will control Hemithea?

The Ausitorian ideal that nations can and should intervene freely, summed up by the Responsibility to Protect doctrine and strongly upheld by the Ausitorian Foreign Secretary Baron Richard ‘Pumice-stone’ Terefort, continues to divide Hemithea as the Wagwater diplomatic crisis threatens to spiral out of control. With stock markets jittery and polls suggesting that the Liberal Free Traders would lose their majority in the upcoming elections; their internationalist consensus, maintained since before the industrial revolution, has been under intense fire. Domestic and international critics on both the left and the right, and purportedly within the party, are coming out to snipe against a government respectively accused of ‘riding roughshod over disadvantaged foreigners and engaging in dubious dictatorial imperialist land-grabs’, ‘entangling limited Ausitorian strength, money, and futures’, and ‘closing the doors on international consensus and opening the doors to international anarchy’.

The Foreign Office has adamantly defended the operation on legal, humanitarian, and security grounds as the War Office prepares to release a white paper for yet another ‘largest Ausitorian naval expansion in history’. However, the Prime Minister, distancing himself from his Foreign Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister, is reported by some to have been the prime mover in the earlier decision by the government to allay Soodean fears and insisting upon ensuring an international consensus before ‘getting stuck in’, with suggestions supposedly circulating for the islands to be transferred to the control of an international council, possibly the Senate, raising hopes that Ausitorian hegemony is something where, in the words of think-tank Wielding Hyperpower, ‘Foreign nations can pick and choose which bits of the Ausitorian hegemony are acceptable’. However, the Ausitorian government has so far refused to discuss the matter with what is now considered ‘such an unwieldy Senate’.

An unofficial spokesperson for the Foreign Secretary suggested to reporters that it was important that foreign nations saw the Ausitorian view: having always been a collection of trading states that reduce their own boundaries to ceremonial concepts and have completely pooled their sovereignty, the Ausitorian government sees nothing wrong with interfering in foreign countries in the three founding interests of liberalism, capitalism, and democracy, saying that “as far as the Foreign Office is concerned, sovereignty is a matter of convenience, not a wall to hide behind”, and adding that the Ausitorian government was absolutely determined that it was in the right and would be on the right side of history books. However, he also stated that the Ausitorian government was aware that there was a limit to how much interference would be considered permissible by foreign states; and also aware that in the sovereigntist vs. internationalist confusion it had left open the dangerous possibility of multiple nations unilaterally laying claim to mainland Firmador.

In spite of the circling complaints, particularly after the announcement that various Ausitorian allies will also be using the disputed island as a base, the prevailing belief amongst businessmen is that although major war will be averted, the principle fear is of harm to international business. The Head of the Chattakang Bank, Sir Harvey Fitzan, told reporters that “although Ausitoria is a modern dynamic economy in itself, producing everything and consuming slightly more, we are hardly immune to sanctions any more than any other nations are.”

While foreign nations continue to weigh in their views on the diplomatic crisis, the Foreign Secretary is widely expected to make a comprehensive defence of Ausitorian foreign policy later this evening to the Houses of Parliament, by which time the islanders will have been handed out Ausitorian passports.

In the meantime, the question of what to do about the on-going humanitarian crisis in mainland Firmador remains, with the Naybran Senate Minister widely expected to make a general announcement on marshalling continued interim humanitarian assistance.

The Spring Palace, New Alexandria
Late Evening

“Rhinocera, Nerod, Fallenrun, Naybra, and now the Lendol Archipelago back us.”

So said the Deputy Prime Minister as she stalked into the Prime Minister’s office.

Victoria had unnervingly predicted the antics of a Prime Minister desperately concerned by a temporary fall in the polls and nearly as concerned by the fault-lines within the party. He had been fiddling around since yesterday, confidentially blabbering to reporters about ‘international consensus’, ‘democracy’, and ‘self-determination’ and leaking everything that might show him to be the man steering the nation down the path of consensus. For the Prime Minister, like many people, liked to be liked; and being called a barbarian was probably the most effective insult that the Soodean Imperium had thrown at his government.

But now, with Maverica on the move and The New Lowlands making threats with time limits, this was not the time for introspection, and indeed, there had not even been enough time to work up the international consensus for what Ausitoria was planning. And so the Prime Minister, looking up from the evening newspapers, sighed, and spoke his pre-planned words.

“Let us go forth to the house then. Let us be one with the globe.”

And so Ausitoria thrust forth with its great gambit: to redefine sovereignty altogether.

Houses of Parliament, New Alexandria
17 minutes later.
“Order. The Foreign Secretary, Richard Terefort.”

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker; and thank you for organizing this late-evening session. Time is unfortunately of the essence: we have an international consensus to make; and I would like to thank all of those in the domestic and international community who have proffered their opinions before the court of public opinion.

I have come before you all, and indeed before all the peoples of the universe, to explain Ausitorian Foreign Policy with particular reference to our operations in Firmador. For there are many principles at stake, and the door will never be closed for us to change our future.

Our operations, annexing the island already invariably known as Wagwater, have called into question Ausitoria’s position in Hemithea, and indeed in the world. We are not and shall never be unresponsive to international opinion. We have a responsibility and a duty to lead the world fairly, consulting with all the major powers. We shall be setting up an international council from amongst interested Senate members to discuss in detail how to ensure a smooth reformation of law and order in Firmador and assuage the developing humanitarian crisis.

However, while to some extent national sovereignty is a useful level to work from, fixed as it is between the communities of people we know and the global community of people who we share the universe with, it must never be considered the sole international interest, and it is the international interest that we shall defend.

For the international interest is our interest. The success of international peace and prosperity is our purpose. When the world is filled with miserable despotic hell-holes of war and exploitation, we weep with the world: Ausitoria is failing. When the world is filled with happy and prosperous people, peacefully pursuing their dreams, we laugh with the world: Ausitoria is victorious. That is what we are here for.

And it is, compellingly and conclusively, in the international interest that we have intervened.

First, Firmador has collapsed into lawless anarchy and their people are impoverished and desire and deserve international support to restore law, order, and prosperity; and indeed it would be barbarically callous not to intervene.

Second, basing anti-piracy operations on the islands in question will allow significant cost savings while our ships are assigned to other duties, in particular patrolling Sondria; and the bases will be useful for many nations maintaining international security.

Thirdly and finally, the islands will be largely self-governing and will have the complete right to self-determination.

We believe that this triple standard: humanitarian intervention, compelling interest in maintaining international security, and self-determination should be the gold standard by which land seizures should be judged, permitted, undertaken, and encouraged by the international community.

This triple gold standard is a blueprint: a blueprint that should be remembered for underpinning a golden age of liberal interventions. The international community has a common responsibility to protect the peace and prosperity of all people, without fear or favour. Ausitoria has a responsibility of protect the peace and prosperity of all people, without fear or favour: Ausitoria is not only for the Ausitorians. It has never been. Ausitoria is for everyone.

Ausitoria is an invention of the mind, a wholly fictitious idea brought into being by the single-minded determination of those lucky enough to enjoy allegiance with it. It is a symbol of civilization that stands as a beacon in the dark, and it is a symbol for all the world to enjoy.

And let it ever be thus! If Ausitoria is going to govern the world for everybody, I say let Ausitoria belong to everybody. We will be introducing legislation for a third advisory chamber in our Parliament: an International Congress, with members elected by all the free voters of the world.

Many nations have tales of vast Empires of antiquity, pushing back the barbarians until they in turn were overwhelmed. At their height, their citizens roamed the earth, free from oppression and indignity: their proudest boast was their citizenship: Civis Romanus sum. At present, an Ausitorian subject, in whatever land he may be, can be equally confident that the watchful eye and the strong arm of Ausitoria will protect him from injustice and wrong.

And now and henceforth, forever and ever, let the proudest boast be our international citizenship, free for all to enjoy.”

[Foreign Secretary sits to tumultuous applause.]

Pax Prosperitas

By Order

---

From: Sir Henry Taylor, Prime Minister, the United Realms of Libraria and Ausitoria
To: General Ragnar, Rhinocera
Encryption: Top Secret and Confidential

---

Dear Sir,

Thank you for your support: we are putting the agreement into immediate effect. Your anti-piracy force will be highly valuable, and we look forward to a future of close co-operation between our two countries.

Yours sincerely,
Sir Henry Taylor,
Prime Minister of the United Realms of Libraria and Ausitoria

Pax Prosperitas

By Order

---

From: Sir Henry Taylor, Prime Minister, the United Realms of Libraria and Ausitoria
To: Elijah Dorzuul, Vuunthreck of The Lendol Archipelago
Encryption: Top Secret and Confidential

---

Dear Sir,

Thank you for your support and for expressing your concerns. We wish to avoid war, but unfortunately our enemies may not. Therefore to maintain the peace what we particularly need is support for an international consensus on the two critical questions facing us: first, in general, when is it appropriate to intervene in foreign countries, and second, what, if anything, should the international community do about Firmador?

Yours sincerely,
Sir Henry Taylor,
Prime Minister of the United Realms of Libraria and Ausitoria

New Alexandria
Later that evening

Flash Alert from the Watch Office to CPISC: Lowlandian task force observed gathering by satellite at 10 minutes after dawn local time. Further analysis to follow.

Edits: Spelling, grammar, word choice.

[Rhinocera]

To Sir Henry Taylor, Prime Minister, the United Realms of Libraria and Ausitoria
Encryption: Top Secret/Confidential

We are glad that you have decided to see this effort through. As type this message, our task force is being assembled at our docks. The task force, designated Task Force Diamond, will likely arrive within 4 days. We also look forward to close cooperation between our two great nations.

- General Ragnar

In Athens, the home of Rhinoceran Imperial Naval Command (R.I.N.C)

Major General Crassus stood on the Bridge of the R.I.N Seahorse, the flagship of the Rhinoceran Anti Piracy Task Force, officially known as Task Force Diamond, prepared to depart. It had taken 48 hours to complete it's assembly, which had began as soon as Ragnar approved of it's composition, nearly a day before Ausitoria's final confirmation that everything was in order. Now, Crassus checked to make sure everything was in order. After the last ship reported everything was present, they began to set sail for HMS Diamond Rock. These pirates wouldn't know what hit them, that Crassus was sure of. However, he wasn't entirely pleased to be the man selected for the job.

At first, Crassus had assumed that a naval officer would be selected for the job, saying that the operation was primarily a naval one. However, he had been in for a suprise. Colonel Sahara had suggested, in her infinite wisdom, that an officer who had been present at the Pongol situation be sent. That ruled out Admiral Fenrir and Vice Admiral Brakken. However, Crassus had suggested that they send a senior Captain, which she had responded by stating that in the interest projecting a strong national image, the officer would have to be of higher rank, at least an Admiral or General. Now, that had narrowed it down to a select list. The potential candidates for the command were General Ragnar himself, Lieutenant General Carter, Lieutenant General Zeus, and Major General Crassus. Crassus had recommended Carter for the job, for while technically Carter outranked him, he unofficially held more authority than Carter. The only reason he hadn't become a Lieutenant General was because he had turned down the promotion, as to keep command at the Corps Level. Of course Ragnar couldn't be the man sent, for he was the Supreme Commander of the Rhinoceran Imperial Military, Zeus couldn't be sent because he was preoccupied with other tasks, but Crassus couldn't think of a reason Carter couldn't go. After all, Carter specialized in unconventional warfare (assymetrical, Guerilla, intellignece gathering, things along those lines. Not wmds.) However, Sahara recommended that Crassus be selected, for he had the most experience and was familiar with the land unit's being deployed. Ragnar, of course, agreed and sent Crassus.

Meanwhile, Colonel Sahara stood on the bridge of the R.I.N Sea Leopard, a Sea Lion Class Destroyer, and thought about her task. She had assumed that Tiberius had intended for her to act as Ausitoria's liason to him, not his Liason to them. She had been wrong. Normally, she would be consulting with her superior officer and requestin orders, but Crassus had put her on this ships specifically so she would be out of his way. She didn't need a Phd in phsychology to tell he was irritated for her recommending he go on this assignment. She also knew that he was one of the less "reserved" officers in the Army and had recommended him percisely for that reason. He would be the most likely individual to aggressively root out piracy, instead of defending against acts as they happened. Oh well, she thought. Guess I'm stuck with him, better get used to it.

[Nerod Empire]

2 days later
Island of Madris - Nerodian (a) Half

The Nerodian (a) soldiers had been working during the last couple of days. They were digging in and setting up some defenses around their half of the island, just in case.
During the last days some other soldiers had arrived, getting the total number of Nerodian (a) military personnel to 90,000.
The old corrupt government had been brought down and was in custody, waiting for a Nerodian (a) trial. For the moment Major General Augusts was in charge of the island, which was temporarily under martial law.

One of the most important issues they had already resolved was the borderline between the Fallenrunian half and the Nerodian (a) one. A fence was being built and the passage for natives was allowed but controlled.

Ciudad Medusa - Government Building
General Augusts had rearranged the government building into the HQ of his whole operation. He had the old Governor's office and smoked a big cigar as he paced around the room.
Colonel Whittier was also in the room, he sat at a comfy chair staring at his superior.
"I think we are done here, sir. May I leave?"
"Not yet, Colonel" the Major General stared at his second in charge. "Morale's good, but it could always be better."
"What are you thinking of?"
"I think we should have a parade. Here and on the rest of the cities of our half of the island. I'm sure we could improve morale a bit and we could also impress the locals."
"It's a good idea. Should I start the process?"
"Yes, Colonel. I want this parade in a week or so. You are dismissed."

IAC (Imperial Aircraft Carrier) Terra Nova - Bridge

Lower Half Rear Admiral Max was the CO of the Terra Nova. He sat in his command chair staring at his bridge officers working. Everything was running smoothly.
"How are the AEWs doing?" the Rear Admiral asked to no one in particular.
"Pretty good, sir. We have two birds in the air watching the surroundings." a 2nd Rank Lieutenant Answered. But he knew what he's CO wanted. "We've got no weird activity on the zone, sir. Just the Ausitorians and Fallenrunians. And some small boats. Nothing to be worried about."
"Perfect. I think I'll go and take a nap.Captain Kauz, you have the conn."

[The Soodean Imperium]

Central Military Command Bunker
City of Su’Cheng, The Soodean Imperium

Supreme Commander Kyodan walked briskly along the dark hallway, shuddering slightly in the cold, filtered air. Most stretches of the Su’Cheng tunnels were walled by bare, reinforced concrete and lit by fluorescent lights, giving them a starkly industrial feeling that Kyodan found ugly but at least familiarly comforting. Through some elegant flight of fancy, however, the designers had chosen to line the innermost stretches of the bunker complex with curved steel plates, and to light them with dim, blue-green panels. It wasn’t for nothing that the regular staff referred to these areas as “the spaceship.”

The vacuum of space was hardly on the Supreme Commander’s mind as he continued to stride ahead, trying to suppress the thought of how many tons of rock must be pressing down on the reinforced tunnel walls. The CMC Bunker was one of several facilities which ran far and deep under the roots of Mount Ourei, shielded from ground-penetrating bombs by two hundred meters of earth and stone. But this extra layer of safety didn’t do much to reassure Kyodan, who had never felt comfortable in these dimly lit depths. The stomach-churning elevator descent, the claustrophobic stretches of underground halls, and now the feeling that he was lost in some science-fiction movie set. The ‘90s had been an ambitious time for the young Soodean regime, certainly, but the Supreme Commander wished the tunnel architects had chosen something a little more mundane.

Dismissing his bothered thoughts yet again, Kyodan dragged himself back to the present and saw that he was nearing the end of the hall. In a swift and familiar motion, he pulled the identification card from his belt and ran it over the security plate beside the polished double doors, only to see the control panel flash yellow. A gripping pressure of irritation stabbed at his temples; he swiped the card again, but to no avail. The elevated DEFCON level normally brought about a tightening of clearance for lower-level officials, but a Supreme Commander had free passage through all but a few areas of the facility. As he readied his card a third time, he noticed a line of new instructions on the keypad, and for a moment he felt ready to punch the screen in frustration. Instead, he leaned forward until his nose was only a few millimeters from the wall, and tried to resist rolling his eyes as a glimmer of light swept over his pupils. Leave it to those self-obsessed morons to use a bloody retinal scanner as emergency protocol, he thought to himself as the double doors slid open and revealed the Central Military Command Room.

If the rest of the hallways had exhibited a “spaceship” feel, then the CMCR took the connection above and beyond. The large floor was dominated by a table screen showing the Southwestern Strategic Zone and the northern areas of Firmador; a larger version of the same screen was mounted high on the far wall, with smaller displays on the other walls showing magnified areas of interest. Kyodan shuddered at the thought of how much money must have gone into the construction of these fanciful electronics during a time when front-line forces were still using equipment several decades old. Certainly, all these polished walls and glowing screens couldn’t have bought more than a fighter jet or two, but the Supreme Commander didn’t care much for superfluity. Plain, minimal simplicity – that was a truly beautiful virtue.

Several of the two dozen or so high-ranking officers in the room turned to salute the new arrival, but given the pressure they had been under for the last few days, their motions were a tad sluggish. On a formal occasion Kyodan would have had little patience for half-hearted salutes, but right now, he took it as a sign that the others were under as much pressure as he was. And if there was one thing the Supreme Commander took pride in, it was the knowledge that his subordinates were ready to work day and night to ensure that every last detail of the plan fell into place.

“Status report,” he called out, heading to the front of the room. “How is the mobilization coming along? Are we still keeping up with our deadlines?”

“Mobilization is proceeding at a rapid pace, sir,” General Karong of the Fifth Army reported. “The Fourth and Eighth Armies along the border with Firmador were being kept at 90% readiness before this crisis started, and the gaps are just about full. Reserve personnel are being flown in to fill the remaining manpower gaps, and stored equipment is being allocated to its formations. Additional divisions are also being brought into the area by rail, to support the spreading of forces after Phase A of the offensive is complete.”

“I don’t want to hear that there’s a ‘rapid pace,’ I want to hear whether the deadlines are being met,” Kyodan replied.

Marshal Mishi stepped forward before Karong could speak. “Projections for moving in the additional divisions appear to have been overly optimistic, Dai-Guntsou. Train schedules have been running at the upper safety limits of transit density, and it still looks like we could need up to 36 additional hours to deliver all the necessary freight.”

“Then tell the railroad planners to cross over those upper limits. If the Second Group of Armies isn’t already in following position when Phase A completes, our flanks and rear will be left exposed during Phase B. Anything else?”

“Nothing more, Dai-Guntsou. While there are reports of small-scale unit delays and supply misallocations, overall mobilization of the Southwestern Strategic Zone appears to have surpassed some of our initial estimates. All evidence suggests that all elements of the Fifth and Sixth Armies will be in their planned positions within the next two days.”

“Excellent. What about the aviation elements?”

Major-General Fulun stepped forward here, glad to speak at last. “The new circumstances of the Firmadorian military have required a change of targets, but my staff have already finished planning the new schedule of strikes. In the opening stages of the operation, the Air Corps of the Fourth and Eighth Armies will execute coordinated strikes with the support of the Southwest Strategic Zone’s Air Army. Special priority will be given to destroying any aircraft still parked on the ground, and cratering all airfields more than 100 kilometers from the border. We will also attempt to identify and suppress their remaining long-range air defenses in two initial corridors, opening up high-altitude routes of access to the Firmadorean hinterland.”

One of the Army officers took advantage of the Major-General’s pause to ask a question. “That’s an awfully deep corridor to force, Fulun. Wouldn’t it be easier to bypass the Northeastern Area altogether?”

“It’s been considered, General, but the risks are too great. The Navy’s Carrier and Amphibious Battlegroups will be able to provide air support to the far Northeast and Southwest sectors of the advance, but any flights over the area around Isla Diamante will leave the pilots and planes at great risk if the Ausitorians decide to commence hostilities. We’ve already taken enough precautions to defend against an Ausitorian aerial incursion. As for the landward bypass, Aerial SIGINT in the Northeast Strategic Zone has picked up evidence of major Maverican troop movements near the border, which means that for the time being we cannot assume Maverica will be cooperative.”

“Shoht,” the same Army officer swore. “You don’t think we’ll be pressed into all three War Scenarios at once, do you?”

“It’s a possibility that I’ve considered many times,” Supreme Commander Kyodan mused. “And, as severe as it may be, it’s a possibility I cannot dismiss. Everything will be dependent on the speed with which the Army can secure Firmador’s southeast coastline. If we can do that, we just might pose a chance of regaining immediate control over the Meditethrhean Theatre. What happens after that is up to chance.”

“And that’s where the efforts of the Army’s sub-branches enter into the equation,” High General Kenzei added. “With the relocation of the 214th Division from the Northern Strategic Zone, we now have two fully reinforced Airborne Divisions and all their associated assets on station in the Southwestern Strategic Zone, in addition to the three Airborne Brigades already in the area. Two Combat Special Forces brigades have also been activated. Once air superiority is secured – something that shouldn’t take long given the fragmented status of the Firmadorean military – these elements will be deployed into the enemy’s strategic rear, where they will attempt to meet up with sympathetic combatant groups, secure control of intact airfields, and further compromise the enemy’s command and control infrastructure.”

High Admiral Tsur stepped ahead now, not ready to be outdone. “Further support will be provided by the ISN. Six Amphibious Battle Groups are already in transit to the east coast, where they will land near the old Capital and Warlord “Umber.” Conventional opposition for this force is expected to be much lower, as the areas are under warlord control and the six landed Brigades will have support from Naval Aviation. Nonetheless, these two maneuvers hold vital strategic value for our long-term plans: securing the old Capital, opening a naval supply link for the Republica del Sud movement, and establishing an initial foothold across the strait from Isla Diamante.”

A brief silence followed, and a few intrigued glances flicked back and forth in the pale light of the screens. It wasn’t that the officers were surprised by this news; all had read the reports beforehand. Indeed, it was because they had read the reports that they suspected what was soon coming.

At last, after seeing that nobody else was willing to step forward, General Karong cleared his throat and turned to face Tsur. “With all due respect, High Admiral, I am concerned at the risk that this part of the operation will involve. This path of approach will require us to move our ships through the midst of the patrolling Ausitorian fleets, and to maintain a supply line that wraps through their collective battlespace. If they decide to attack us, the damage to our fleets will be catastrophic.”

“I would even take this a step further,” added a new voice: that of Aviation Major-General Ulmadar. “Honored Supreme Commander, I am willing to carry out my orders once they are given, but I must raise again the possibility of directing our ordered strike against Isla Diamante itself.”

Tsur scoffed. “This is fool’s talk, Ulmadar, and you know it.”

“It’s no more foolish than what you’re proposing, High Admiral. The longer we leave them there, the deeper they’ll dig in. This could be our one last chance to strike the decisive blow. I make my appeal one last time, Supreme Commander: Focus the attack on Isla Diamante. Fighters, bombers, ballistic missiles, everything we can muster. Deploy the airborne and air-assault troops onto the island as the smoke clears, and land the Marine Infantry to support them. The assault will be costly, but it will cost us far fewer lives than this invasion of Firmador.”

Karong directed his gaze to Ulmadar now, irritation apparent in his eyes. “Surely you see that’s only the initial phase of the attack, Major-General. Keeping our grip on that battered foothold against all the Ausitorian naval assets already in the area will be an impossible battle.”

“It will be no different than if we had invaded Firmador,” Ulmahad insisted. “Except that this way, they won’t have island airbases to bolster their strength. This way, we will hold the initiative.”

“Enough,” Tsur called out, right as General Karong was about to speak. “Major-General, you’re playing a good game by our own rules. But we aren’t playing against ourselves here. We’re playing against a different opponent, one with different strategies, methods, and priorities – a different strategic culture.”

“What does that have to do with this situation?” Ulmadar asked in exasperation.

“It has everything to do with it,” Tsur replied. “The Ausitorians are a proud and powerful nation, but also a cautious one. With revenues and expenses hanging delicately in the balance, they will not commit to war as readily as other powers might. This hesitation, however noble it may seem, will allow us to maneuver into a position from which we can offset their advantages in economic power and quality of equipment.”

Supreme Commander Kyodan nodded in solemn agreement. “Think back to the legend of Chihu Dai. An attack on Isla Diamante would awaken the sleeping bear; but an attack through Firmador will allow us to enter the back door of the cave and place our Hukenjiang safely at its throat.”

“And strike at it then?” Lao asked.

High Admiral Tsur shook his head. “Nay. If this operation succeeds, Isla Diamante will be more valuable to us in Ausitorian hands than in our own.”

“But if it fails, Isla Diamante will become an even more troublesome thorn in our side,” General Karong noted, taking a step closer to the High Admiral. “I’ve seen the Major-General’s calculations myself. If we are to eliminate the remaining anti-air and aviation assets in Firmador, maintain air superiority, and strike ground targets in pace with the Army’s advance, we will need as many sorties as we can get. The same is true if we choose to attack Isla Diamante and the surrounding fleets. If your predictions prove wrong, and the Ausitorians attack our flank, we may not have the air power to maintain superiority in both operations at once.”

“That is a necessary risk, General. The dangers of failing to counterbalance this change in the status quo are dire.”

“I should hope so, for if we fail, the consequences will be more dire still,” Supreme Commander Kyodan said. “High Admiral, it was with trust in your judgment that I organized this operation. For the last ten years, you have studied the Ausitorian threat and overseen the reorganization of a navy ready to carry out ‘War Plan Red.’ Do you trust your judgment of the Ausitorians’ war-readiness with your career?”

High Admiral Tsur took a step back, closing his eyes and lowering his head slightly into his hand. After a second, he looked up, turning his gaze to the observers’ booth overlooking the room. There, a dark shape cast against the light, stood the silhouette of Emperor Su Dou. Tsur let his mind drift back to that day, to the words of advice the Emperor had given him. In affairs of war and state, reckless risk is the path to collapse. But calculated risk is the path to success. Turning back to face Kyodan, High Admiral Tsur delivered his answer.

“Supreme Commander, I trust my judgment with my life.”

Open Letter to Sir Henry Taylor, Prime Minister of the United Realms of Libraria and Ausitoria,
Written by the Director of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs on Behalf of the Supreme Emperor, Su Dou

To Cooperate with the Righteous Against the Forces of Darkness

To: Esteemed Minister,

We are deeply offended by your refusal to reply to our diplomatic offer put forth some days past. Our Emperor, Su Dou, has taken this as a personal affront to his dignity as a head of state and government. Instead, you went before the press and released a statement to the effect that sovereignty is nullified when the world interest is not in line with the Ausitorian interest. We are not blind; we see clearly that your definition of intervention can be loosely interpreted to justify the removal of threats to Ausitorian security, the promotion of economic liberalization, and the backing up of armed secessionist movements. Our bureau has taken these remarks, and your lack of a letter of reply, as a signal that Ausitoria remains unwilling to make concessions on the placement of offensive bases on Firmadorean soil.

In response to this silence, and to the recent approval of a Rhinoceran military base on Isla Diamante, the Soodean Bureau of International Trade has officially enacted a 10% increase in the base price of any goods to be exported to Libraria-Ausitoria. A further 5% increase has been applied to agricultural products, mined raw materials, textiles, and assembly of electronic goods.

Yet even as we impose these penalties, we wish to keep one foot in the doorway of negotiations. As such, we will continue to purchase Ausitorian exports, and will not revoke the work visas of Soodean migrant laborers in Libraria and Ausitoria. We also promise that our current export restrictions will be ameliorated or lifted if Libraria-Ausitoria immediately rescinds its approval of a Rhinoceran military base on Isla Diamante and sets forth a timetable for the withdrawal of offensive fighter and strike aircraft from the island. We also re-iterate our willingness to support the temporary basing of Ausitorian ships and planes in Soodean ports and airfields, and the willingness of the ISN and the Maritime Border Forces to cooperate on anti-piracy operations in order to keep the Meditethrhean Sea safe for all involved parties.

From:
--Wen Hong, Director of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs
The Soodean Imperium

Confidential Letter to Stadtholder Maria Veldt,
Stadtholder and Grand Pensionary of the United Provinces of the New Lowlands

To Cooperate with the Righteous Against the Forces of Darkness

To: Honored Stadtholder,

We are pleased to hear that you are answering our calls for aid. We are becoming increasingly concerned by the aggressive rhetoric emanating from Libraria and Ausitoria, and in particular the recent insistence that “the world’s interests are Ausitoria’s interests.” Many in our government are growing concerned that the Ausitorians are deliberately setting the precedent for measures to pressure our government into economic liberalization with the goal of improving world (Ausitorian) prosperity.

Due to the sensitive nature of this situation, and the danger that even with current security measures this letter may fall into the wrong hands, we cannot disclose any detailed information on our current plans until their initial stages are set into motion. We can, however, state that we intend to respond in a manner consistent with your second and third proposals, and that we plan to do so in very short notice.

In order that we can make sure these actions are consistent with Lowlandian and OCST guidelines, we are willing to dispatch a diplomatic representative to your capital in short notice to negotiate on future military measures for the protection of the Meditethrhean Sea States, and all other states of the Eastern Hemisphere, from Libraria and Ausitoria’s sphere of influence.

From:
--Wen Hong, Director of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs
The Soodean Imperium

“Patriotic Crowds Demonstrate Collective Will of the Soodean People”
Radio Report by “Trubakist” National News Station

Honorable viewers! the first host called out, her tone wavering with conviction. Today, our top story concerns the outpouring of national solidarity against continuing Ausitorian aggression! This morning, tens of thousands of our people gathered in Hongrong square to demonstrate the patriotic honor of Kap’hua province. Waving aloft the banners of the Soodean Imperium, the protesters chanted slogans of national independence, and made it clear to the world that an imperialist presence in the Meng Ma¹ will not be tolerated. Such national devotion is not isolated to Shorong City, however; a chain of sympathetic protests soon spread throughout the rest of the country, from major cities to small villages and towns.

This resounding show of national fervor should serve as a stark warning to the Imperialist running-dogs who believe that their sphere of influence encompasses the world, and that the world’s interests are the same as theirs, a second, male voice added. With their voices and their banners, our protesters made it clear that the Soodean People wish with one heart and one mind for forceful vengeance. At the height of several of the most passionate protests, the flags of Fallenrun, Nerod, Rhinocera, and Libraria-Ausitoria were dragged through the mud and burned, a controversial move that signals the People’s defiance.

The first host now resumed speaking. National officials have denied playing any role in instigating these protests, which were organized spontaneously across the country by local communal councils. Indeed, multiple squads of guards wearing the uniforms of the Civil Security Force were placed in a safety perimeter around the Ausitorian Embassy in Su’Cheng, to forestall any attempts to damage the building or bring harm to its occupants. Local officials, however, have come out in support of the popular movement, and in several cities factories and workplaces were closed down early so that the workers could join the crowds outside. We take you now to Hongrong square, where our reporter on the ground is speaking with the protesters in person…

“What are you listening to?” First Lieutenant Yamazaki asked. “Is that… is that Trubakist?”

“Yes,” Lieutenant Michap answered with a groan, turning down the dial on the radio set. He was a stocky, broad-shouldered man, his chin peppered with rough stubble. “I don’t suppose you’d let me get back to it? I’m not too keen on losing track of the news.”

“If it’s news you want, you’re better off with Informatsiya.” The First Lieutenant spoke in an airy and distant tone, his gaze wandering around the slightly disordered off-duty room.

“ Informatsiya’s concessionist nonsense,” Michap snorted. “Everything they say is watered down so foreigners don’t get upset. If anything, they’re the one’s spouting propaganda.”

Yamazaki rolled his eyes, making no show of hiding his exasperation. “You can tell yourself these things all you want, but it doesn’t change the truth. Then again, why should I be talking? It’s not my fault that illiterate peasants out of Ronghae Province watch Trubakist and take it at face value.”

The Lieutenant grimaced, then slowly rose to his feet, a vein twitching in his forehead. “You speak awfully high-and-mighty for a banker’s son out of Kap’hua.”

“An economic planner’s son - not that you’d know the difference.”

“Banker, planner – either way, you’re money-minded. Just like the Ausitorians. And money-minded people don’t stand half a chance against men who know how to fight.”

“See, this is why soldiers shouldn’t get lost in propaganda,” Yamazaki snapped, turning off the radio. “If you fly into battle thinking like that, you’ll be shot out of the sky in an instant.”

“So says the defeatist who’d turn tail the first chance he gets.”

“It takes a great deal of courage for a pilot of Soodean Military Aviation to show such lack of discipline,” Yamazaki sneered as he stepped closer to Michap.

“You’d better show some discipline yourself,” Michap warned, taking a step closer himself. “I bet the Major will have your hide when he hears you were slandering our State.”

As he spoke, a third figure approached the doorway. “The Major would like to know why he is being used as a tool of threat, Lieutenant.”

“Major Reisu!” Michap nearly lost his balance as he spun around and snapped to his attention. “First Lieutenant Yamazaki was making undisciplined comments about our State, Sir!”

Reisu walked toward the two pilots, his motions slow and restrained. With a dull, inscrutable expression in his eyes, he looked over Yamazaki, then Michap, his gaze resting for a moment on the latter’s wrinkled relief shirt. As soon as he finished, his eyes flicked up and locked with Michap’s. “What is the meaning of Discipline, Lieutenant?”

“Discipline means… um… placing one’s trust in the authority of the Emperor… and executing orders in an organized-”

“Wrong,” Reisu interrupted. A few seconds of silence passed, in which neither of the two lower officers dared to move. Gradually, Reisu raised a finger as though to touch to his chin; then, after a brief hesitation, he reversed the motion and rested his hand on the hilt of his sword. “Discipline is not a word to be thrown around lightly, Lieutenant. Discipline is a mentality, a mode of thought, defined by a readiness to forgo one’s own interests for the benefit of the greater good. All disciplined actions trace back to this line of thought. If you’re going to talk in military terms, Lieutenant, you should remember what those terms mean.” Then, with a sweeping motion, Reisu turned around and walked out of the room, leaving his two subordinates in stunned silence.

“Like it’s my fault,” Michap muttered to himself, raising his voice so that it would still be audible. “If the Ausitorians weren’t so selfish, we wouldn’t be talking in military terms.”

As he strode away down the hall, Major Reisu muttered a response to himself, his voice barely a whisper. “If humankind weren’t so selfish, would we have a need for military terms at all?”

1: Meng Ma (lit. Southern Ocean): Traditional Soodean term for the Meditethrhean Sea.

[The New Lowlands]

Door Bevel
van
De Regering der Verenigde Provinciën



By Order
of
The Government of the United Provinces

In accordance with recent geopolitical events, the legislature of the United Provinces has hereby approved the following sanctions and security measures to be placed, effective within 24 hours, to remain in force for the following six months pending further developments, e.g. the Ausitorian government coming to their senses.

ON COMMERCE & INDUSTRY:

• An increase in export tarriffs on machine parts, iron, copper, nickel, steel, electronics and other industrial products with a final destination of either Libraria-Ausitoria, Fallenrun, or Nerod to the tune of 10%.
• An increase in import tariffs on automobiles, electronics, fruit, vegetables, and publications sourced from Fallenrun, Libraria-Ausitoria, and Nerod to the tune of 15%.
• All ongoing arms and munitions sales to Libraria-Ausitoria, Fallenrun, and Nerod are hereby frozen until the end of these sanctions; the same parties are barred from inquiring or beginning new transactions for arms.
• The United Provinces is hereby suspending its involvement in the GeK-140 programme. Our Ausitorian partners are to be denied further access to Lowlandian government documents regarding the project until further notice.
• Operations of the following Ausitorian firms in the United Provinces will be subject to government review in light of potential strategic threats to the United Provinces. They are asked to co-operate with investigation by the Security & Intelligence Service.
  
  • Commonwealth Supersonics
  • SeaScape
  • Chattakang Shipping ltd
  • The Royal East Ausitorian Commodoties co.
  • The Royal & General plc.
  • Marlow plc.
  • Drake inc.
  • Valenx-Rajing Electronics
  • Amraja Automobiles
  • Commonwealth Chemicals
  • Ausitorian Airways

ON TRAVEL:

• All non-resident Librarian-Ausitorian (incl. East Ausitorian citizens,) Fallenrunnish, and Nerodian citizens in the provinces of Hesia-Outer Islands (Hesia-Buitenlanten,) East Hesia (Oost-Hesia,) Osselant, Den Reik, Norvalenlant-Kuist, and Gallico are hereby asked to displace themselves from the aforementioned provinces.
• All members of foreign military organisations not attached to ambassadorial service originating from the aforementioned states and currently present in the New Lowlands are asked to leave the United Provinces within the following week. Acommodations may be made with the co-operation of your respective consulates and the Office of External Affairs.
• All Lowlandian citizens non-resident to the aforementioned countries and currently present therein are hereby asked to return to the United Provinces. The Office of External affairs strongly discourages unnecessary travel to these states due to safety concerns.
• Docking rights for large military vessels (Displacement > 5,000 t) belonging to the aforementioned nations are to be waived for vessels not currently present in Lowlandian ports. All military vessels who fall within these restrictions and are currently located in Lowlandian ports are required to conclude their business and leave within four days.
• The following individuals are to be considered undesirables and as a result they have been barred from travelling into or through the territory, airspace, or territorial waters of the United Provinces. All assets they hold within the country will be frozen.
  
  • Alexander Whittingnet (Monarch)
  • Henry Taylor (Prime Minister)
  • Richard Palmerston (Foreign Minister)
  • Pedrokus Nerod (Monarch)
  • Argus Fitzpelvitch (Defense Secretary)
  • Alice Fitzwhit (Intelligence Secretary)
  • All members of Fallenrun's Federal Council
  • Xall Ash'Yun (Chief of the Nerodian Cabinet)

[Idzequitch]

Quinnsborough, Eloquest
1200 Patrick Place.
Residence of Zacharias Quinn

Grand Zique Zacharias Quinn sat behind a desk in his living room, mindlessly sipping at a cup of tea. The living room was presentable, but modest. Quinn thought excessive possessions were distasteful. He was startled from his reverie by three successive chimes, his doorbell.

"Enter," he called.

He watched, as through the door ran a man who was normally very handsome, but today, his hair was tousled, and his face was as red as the bricks that lined the outside of Quinn's house. Quinn groaned inwardly upon seeing the man. It was twenty-two year old Andrew Arguez, the youngest son of King Paul.

"Have you heard of the trouble that is mounting in Firmador?" Andrew asked.

Quinn sighed. "Yes, I am kept well apprised of all foreign events. I promise you, Sir Andrew, your father can rest assured that I will handle the situation with caution and prudence."

Andrew seemed flustered. "How did you . . . How long have . . . Never you mind. If you have this knowledge, then I presume you have a plan? Shall we move the military into position?"

"Patience, young Andrew." Quinn allowed himself a smile, as Andrew frowned at the deprecating response. "Only a fool rushes headlong into conflict. There is a time for action, and even a time for reaction, but there is also something to be said for tact."

"Father will at least wish to know which side of the conflict you plan to take."

"The Ziques will have to vote on it, of course, young Andrew. But there is little doubt in my mind that this is nothing less than a land grab on the part of Ausitoria and Fallenrun, despite whatever good intentions they may plead. I do not believe it will be difficult to convince the other Ziques of this fact." Quinn returned to his cup of tea. "For now though, we must wait. We'll not show our hand just yet."

"I understand, Zacharias." Andrew smirked at his improper use of Quinn's first name. "Will there be anything else, sir?" The last word sounded almost like an insult.

Quinn sighed again. "He certainly is an impetuous lad, isn't he?" he thought. Andrew had already started for the door.

"Actually, yes, there is."

Andrew came to a hesitant halt. "What would that be?"

"Instruct Minister Kaplan to ready the troops for combat. Just in case."

Andrew finally smiled. "Yes, sir!"

Quinn sighed again.

Three Days Later

An Official Message
An Open Letter to Ausitorian Foreign Secretary Richard Palmerston and the Federal Council of Fallenrun

Dear Sirs,

It has come to our attention that you have taken possession of portions of the land of Firmador, to be used for your own purposes. We must formally protest this course of action. We believe that your actions are nothing more than an illegal seizure of land, and we see no evidence to cause us to believe otherwise. Be assured, that if you do not end your occupation of Firmador, we are ready and willing to take action against you, be it militarily, or more subtle methods.We sincerely hope, however, that it will not come to this, and that there will be a peaceful resolution to this unfortunate situation.

Respectfully,
Plutorius Tambor
Ampa Arum
Catruna Benson
Fisher Coples,
Ziques (Senators) of Idzequitch.

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

Alexandria, Ausitoria

"Damned fools!" said the Foreign Secretary to his in-tray as he sunk back into his red leather seat and contemplated the tracery on the ceiling.

Why was it that those fools in foreign capitals decided that ending trade was the best alternative to avoiding war? If they had no trade with Ausitoria, they lost their best bargaining counter; the only reason why Ausitoria acknowledged their sovereignty beyond real-politik.

Automatic retaliatory rules had been promulgated centuries before, and he knew that even now they would be coming into effect. The Ausitorian government would collect the same taxes that the Soodean government would collect; and for agricultural products, mined raw materials, textiles, and assembly of electronic goods the ensuing 30% surcharge would make imports entirely uneconomical and all such trade would rapidly cease. It was a blessing that Ausitoria was so well connected with international markets that alternative arrangements were already in place...

But it was still infuriating, would still cause considerable losses to Ausitorians who had done nothing wrong, and, as he contemplated the plot unfold with a silent fear of that terrible Lowlandian task force perhaps gathering for war with those dastardly imbeciles in Idzequitch, he leapt up out of his chair with a defiant snarl, furiously pacing up and down the magnificent carpet that floored his office.

When a country stopped trading with Ausitoria; Ausitoria had two options without recourse to war:
1. Evade the restrictions by using other countries.
2. Punish the country involved by stopping it from trading by legal arrangements with allies.
Both of which would require his office to dust off a great number of contingency plans, even assuming that those idiots did not seriously intend to start a war.

Bother those dratted Soodeans! Did they think they owned the seas? It would be a terribly sullen breakfast committee, and the sun was shining so nicely in the morning air...

---

To: Wen Hong, Director of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs, The Soodean Imperium
From: Prime Minister Sir Henry Taylor
Encryption: None, Publicly Available

---

Dear Sirs,

We would like to humbly submit our apology for the confusion regarding our reply to your recent diplomatic communication. In accordance with Ausitoria's Freedom of Information policy, it is usual and customary for our government to make replies to open communications by way of equally open public communications.

With the greatest respect; you would appear to have missed the point of our reply: if there is a difference between Ausitorian interests and World interests, we intend to align Ausitorian interests with World interests, instead of the other way round. This is regarded by Ausitorians as sensible economic policy. Your suspician is greatly unwarranted, deeply unfair; and perhaps worst of all, unwise.

No doubt you are aware that automatic retaliatory tarrifs have been placed: it is probable that trade will slow to a trickle and you will have lost your best bargaining chip, not to mention relatively difficult-to-replace consumers for your produce and products for your consumers. We have already made concessions regarding the placing of offensive weapons upon Wagwater Isle; but given your apparent hostility to our nation we have regretfully been forced to suspend the first limit (on the number of troops). This is a temporary measure; and if trade is restored to its former state we will be delighted to withdraw the forces affected. If it is not, we shall consider removing some of the other self-imposed limitations; and considering various other measures to express our severe displeasure.

As for your threats, please note that migrant visas have not been required for skilled workers who wish to work in Ausitoria and that all political refugees and persons made stateless within Ausitoria are automatically entitled to an Ausitorian passport and Ausitorian welfare. Please also note that a general cancellation of trade would result in our withdrawing our embassy and suspending our assistance for any of your persons on the high seas; including suspending joint anti-piracy measures in the Meditehrhean seas.

I have the honour to remain, etc.
His Grace Sir Richard
Foreign Secretary,
The Imperial Commonwealth of Libraria and Ausitoria

---

To: The Ziques of Idzequitch.
From: Foreign Secretary Lord Richard Palmerston, MP
Encryption: None, Publicly Available

---

Your Excellencies,

We would like to assure you that our seizure of a pirate base that constituted terra nullis after the collapse of Firmador's government and sovereignty in response to the growing humanitarian crisis (as reported by the Ghallager Post) and deadly pirate raids (as reported by the Informatsiya) has been carried out with the best of intentions, and the islanders affected have full rights, including self-determination, as you yourselves are welcome to send observers to determine for yourselves. As proud internationalists we will not stand idly by in the face of a starving and piratical anarchy: we have a duty to protect people, even when they happen to be foreign.

We have no idea of why anybody is making such a fuss over an island so small that hardy anybody knows what it used to be called; and least of all why anybody is threatening to make a war that would have to be fought at sea against the supreme naval power of the region.

I have the great honour to remain, etc.
His Grace Sir Richard
Foreign Secretary,
The Imperial Commonwealth of Libraria and Ausitoria

Wagwater Island/HMS Diamond Rock
What was once called Firmador and what is now called Ausitoria

Four days was a long time in politics and quite long enough for building work to have started across Wagwater island. However it was not really long enough to have got as far as Ausitorian military strategists were now suddenly demanding; and the Ausitorian carriers nearby sailing away from the island had been forced into a U-turn to improve the island's defence. In the absence of sufficient runways to manage the preferred 6,000 aircraft; in the event of an invasion, it would fall on that most neglected of Ausitorian branches to defend this new far-flung outpost: the army. Or at least, a twentieth of it, if they could fit them on an island barely fifty miles across...

They were flying in every fifteen seconds to a runway somewhere on the island: a decidedly busy time for the air traffic controllers, who were also having to worry about the continued civilian flights as construction started with the city of Newag. Construction had not got very far: low-level houses take time, medium-rise apartments take longer, and the skyscrapers had not been started: and the builders were still building the buildings they would be living in while they built. Brigades would have to sleep in tents by night and construct their own barracks, bunkers, command posts and emplacements by day. Suburban rail networks existed on paper only, the concrete was still drying on roads, tunnels had barely started to scratch the mountains, the bridges, hospitals and embankments had barely got beyond the foundations; and trying to arrange emergency fuel dumps and generators in the midst of the troop surge and the millions of refugees crossing over from mainland Firmador hardly made life any easier.

And then there was the worry that it would all be for nought: for although the island was more than fifty kilometers from the coast of Firmador, in a world where missiles with a two hundred kilometer range were commonplace, even Ausitorian missile defence systems would not be able to stop all of the missiles that a conquering Soodean Imperium might launch against the small island.

There were however people who intended to do something about that. If the enemy might get too close to what was designed as a civilian centre; the answer would be to move the enemy further back; and for that sort of purpose a nice cunning aggressive commander like Crassus would be quite at home.

However, they were also trying to avoid starting a war in the first place. And for that, the Ausitorian civil servants studying Crassus' dossier had to wonder whether Crassus should go home instead...

To: Major Gen. Crassus and Colonel Sahara, The Rhinoceran Fleet
From: Fleet Admiral Antony Holstar and Marshal Frederick Monterre, HMS Diamond Rock

---

Dear Sir and Madam,

We would be delighted to meet you and your headquarters at the earliest possible opportunity onboard HMS Diamond Rock (directions attached), Runway 27c to discuss the worsening political weather-forecast. For practical purposes we would suggest that our headquarters be adjacent thereafter. Please do tell us when you expect to arrive.

Best wishes and regards,
Viscount Sir Antony Holstar, Fleet Admiral, Commander, HMS Diamond
His Lordship Frederick Monterre, Marshal, HMS Diamond