The Season Turns (Telegram for Entry please)

[New Edom]

Epitaph on an Army of Mercenaries



These, in the day when heaven was falling,

The hour when earth's foundations fled,

Followed their mercenary calling,

And took their wages, and are dead.



Their shoulders held the sky suspended;

They stood, and earth's foundations stay;

What God abandoned, these defended,

And saved the sum of things for pay.



A.E. Housman

The Monarchist Cause

Silver River Air Force Base

The use of Hutanjian air assets was agreed--Taramemnon's units would remain in reserve. Highway 1 and Highway 221 were the main roads to be secured by the Hutanjians to establish control of access to Fineberg and to the International Airport there. Terrain light rolling farm country, certain areas designated marshy. A number of smaller villages with lightly armed local law enforcement, and outlying communities; bordering the zone south of Highway 221 was a large factory district which included an automotive parts factory dedicated to LAIX Armaments, as well as a steel processing plant southwest of that and only 5 km from each a gas turbine power plant, which was being guarded by a company of Marine Infantry, D Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Regiment of Marine Infantry under command of Captain Shadrach Shobal.

"Captain Shobal is to demonstrate his loyalty or be relieved of duty," Colonel Estrade explained in the operational orders.

Expected opposition might be other 9th Marine Infantry units, which were mechanized, equipped with M20 Hamsher APCs armed with 25mm chain guns and coaxial 7.62L machineguns, some armed with TOW II missile launchers or 120mm mortars. "If artillery is there it is most likely going to be additional mortar units wielded by infantry, AT-4 anti-tank weapons, and possibly King Shepherd ADA. 105mm towed howitzers are also a possibility, but the regiment has no assigned 155mm howitzers, towed or self propelled."

"At last intel check the 24th Lancers have not deployed from Military District of Fineberg, but intelligence contacts reveal that their reluctance to act is largely because they are not quite sure who is in charge yet. Their officers are confused, not so much in slavish obedience to Augrim. Unless they are on a direct attack run against you, prefer that this air cavalry unit be persuaded to be loyal.

"Be advised: local civilians around Fineberg's loyalty is not yet established. Informants and agents of the rebels are a possibility as are ETC militias which in the past deployed out into the countryside to scatter and act as insurgents, so watch your roads and watch your ambush points."

The 18th Light Mounted Infantry under Colonel Abishai Hagar was under orders to seize the Military District of Fineberg and control the Air Force Base and command centers there. They would set out mounted in helicopters for that purpose and would advance swiftly ahead of all other forces involved.

A unit of the 10th Military Police Regiment with supporting logistics units would also support the advance. Colonel Hagar was the designated Senior Ranking Officer for the purposes of the operation.

The forces gathering munitions, fuel, food, batteries, ammunition, and vehicle pools preparing movements, satellite map updates linked up, signals confirmed, began to prepare to advance on Fineberg.

The Cabinet

The appointed cabinet's messages flashed back and forth. The Adiran letter raised the main question: who really WAS the Head of State? The Heir had been named Acting Head of State--but a number of foreign diplomats had never recognized that. Did that matter? Did Jocasta had the right to appoint people or not?

The Queen, it was believed by some of her adherents, like Prince Elijah, was said to have 'her ups and downs' but was merely taking a rest. The Heir had never been intended to take over for her.

Ups and downs? came the reply of the Heir's adherents. Ups and downs? Her Majesty was according to the psychiatric report to be drinking to inebriation, to be subject to intense physical discomfort, had digestive and eating disorders.

"It is beyond question," said Nemone Jarris, one of the Ministry of Health officials, "That Her Majesty is someone beloved to the nation, but that her health is not good and her state of mind not capable of handling affairs of state. Therefore there is to my way of thinking no reason to not believe that the Heir is the appropriate and current head of state. The appointments made are entirely constitutional, of qualified public officials who are devoted to the service of the state."

"It is therefore asked," said Dr. Aphek in a solemn radio address, "If the Minister of Defense will cooperate with the government as presented by the Heir..."

Deputy Minister of Culture Marcus Cotta, having refused to accept his appointment, was struck from the cabinet list according.

This, in the hour following the demonstrations, had thousands still on the streets of Fineberg, and denunciations of the Heir's government. Crowds in the thousands gathered to block off the streets around Betharan Palace, singing Psalm 63 and denouncing the Heir usurpation.

"I call upon all in authority to be calm, to consider what you do, and to leave pride aside for the sake of wisdom," urged Prince Eljiah Shalmaneser in a public address from Padan-Aran.

Count Lalery

Thomas Lalery enjoyed dealing with whores from other nations. In the present case, what he wanted was to very much be the expansive foreign gentleman with interesting accent. He wanted a young woman of good education from a nation used to egalitarianism who nevertheless was in a position where she sold her lovely body for money. Ideally where she took a certain pride in it, imagined she twisted men around her finger. He wanted to buy her drinks, gamble with her at his side. Lalery was good at math and chances, and liked games like Jedoria Hold "Em and Blackjack, where he could calculate the odds and yet risk them. He drank much yet seemed to only be roused and alerted by it; he might have a dash of coke but only be sparkling with enthusiasm, though he avoided the stuff. He preferred hard liquor and lots of it. Vodka had followed the cognac tonight, hot pepper vodka. He was amused if the woman had girly drinks, amused if she had man drinks. It all amused him.

However once they were up in his room, he, under the pretense of being a bit kinky, insisted on stripping to skin, stroking hands through hair, even inspecting ears and teeth in a pretense of sensuality. He was, again, amused if the girl objected to being treated like a horse, would slap a flank and vow, "I am very fond of horses, pretty mare. Now, hands and knees, face lowered, on the bed, let's see what you have for me."

While he enjoyed rousing women, he enjoyed doing it in a way that was earthy and unromantic, visceral and animal. He was eager for it, hard and rough, and needed only a little time, a bit of massaging, to be ready for another round. His strength was great, his fierceness barely below the surface, and while his rewards could be generous, he demanded every inch of service possible. An old fashioned Baran man, he also never permitted a woman to be on top.

[New Edom]

Gloria Regis

‘Another Epitaph on an Army of Mercenaries’

It is a God-damned lie to say that these
Saved, or knew, anything worth any man’s pride.
They were professional murderers and they took
Their blood money and their impious risks and died.
In spite of all their kind some elements of worth
With difficulty persist here and there on earth.

Hugh McDiarmid

Carrier Group Teman

The New Edomite fleet doctrine was that the ships fought as a formation, defenses interlocking to provide a vast shield hundreds of kilometers from edge to edge. Each vessel’s crew had to drill and report to a common standard. Radar, radio nets, patrol aircraft, lookouts, electronic sensors and intelligence estimates fed to a spider’s web of data that as with the spider’s web conveyed information to the force ready to unleash within. Commander Hortensius stationed their ships to make best use of weapons and sensors. The force anti air warfare coordinator controlled the combined air defense, as antisubmarine warfare did below the waves. The outer edge of the shield was submarines below, carrier launched interceptors above. Then came long range missiles, point defense missiles and last, gunfire.


Calm soft spoken orders were being given all over the CICs of the ships in the formation. Most of the officers, chiefs and petty officers were at least highly experienced if not combat veterans. But every combat was a test of their endurance and craft, this one no less. They could not afford to underestimate any enemy, not when they were like ancient sages of old hearing only of the outside world through messengers. Radar and Sonar officers, headphones on, sitting at their terminals, were sweating, aware that the CROMWELL II system in part depended on his own work to function here. Prayers were said--to God or Goddess--some as mere reflexes among some of the dedicated Marxists--in the hopes that it would not come to conflict.

Designated hostiles were confirmed through CROMWELL II. Ranges and bearings confirmed by drones, satellite, their own detection systems. Forward directors reported target acquisition. The commanders on each vessel had been given instructions that unless direct orders came from Hortensius herself that no attacks were to be initiated.

On the Pijil Class vessels, clamshell doors were open, missiles ready to rise to to aim. However Hortensius replied tersely in the affirmative to the last message that they received. A message had already been sent on to the cityof Sixington...

Sixington

Livia Barberian couldn't believe it--so close, and yet again...a scent of foreigners interferring. What did they get out of it? Of course, it was simple: Patriarchy.

But all she could do was wait for the recognition. Wait for the Shrailleeni government to actually reply to them. To avoid fretting she listened to a report from local civil service that apparently the Palace of the Governor had been vacated. She felt almost wary of moving in, canvassing opinions about what her comrades felt about that.

More importantly, two companies of Marine Infantry and armed sailors combined had moved into the city and established a perimeter guard around it, and were added to the city's defense forces, under a naval officer, Lieutenant Creel, a sturdy young woman who apparently was an amphibious landing force commander.

Livia was relieved to see them, but she also said rather firmly in a new note to the governments she had contacted before: "We need a response now please. We have an Ossorian task force very close to our waters. We have intelligence of hostile Monarchist forces on the mainland moving against any who oppose them. We must have assurance of foreign support; we prefer peaceful means of resolution of this matter. Please respond!"

[New Edom]

A Nation in Protest

Fineberg

Near Crozier District, women packaged up the food they had prepared to take it to their communities that were camped at Assumption Park near Victory Square. The food--pita sandwiches, bread, vegetables, pickles, bottled water, fruit, falafel, was to distribute to marchers and demonstrators.

Among the crowds of protestors, journalists, and City Militia, they moved, handing out the food in an organized way. This had happened many times in the past, many of the crowd's leaders were veterans.

Tim Stanton was impressed by the orderliness of the crowd, and pointed this out to Olsen and the rest of the ANBC crew. While the Guardsmen had classified the City Militia as threatening militants, they vowed that they had only rushed to the scene of the confrontation to protect people. The impasse remained; armed patrols, APCs and mounted Guardsmen still moved around Betharan Palace. Protests and names of the victims of the beatings were being plastered up on improvised banners, but no one was making a move; the city Militia were concerned to keep order and follow their orders. However some of them were angry.

"It's not right," said a young man, shaking his head, leaning his AK against a bare hip. "These people were only protesting, not rioting."

"How dare the Heir's advisers call our government traitors and mutineers!" A young woman painted with Free Congress colours snapped.

"All we want is to guarantee our rights we've fought for," said an older man, shaking his head as he lowered a bottle of water from his lips.

Nass

The factory, all 697,000 square feet of it, employed nearly 4,500 people per shift. It had been sold by Designwerks, and produced aluminum. Everything in this foundry had been created to achieve the optimal balance of environmental responsibility, worker comfort, and productivity. From the use of computer-controlled smelting and robotic casting machines to refined electrolysis processes which use forty percent less toxic solvents (by volume) than a more traditional aluminum foundry, it was, in the words of its designers, a perfect facility for a developed or a developing industrial base.

Outside the factory, standing on a rail loading platform, were torches blazing aromatic grey smoke over a largely naked crowd of ETC followers, was the Prophet, Samuel Under. He held a torch in his hand, and he beckoned to someone. It was a woman--and by her tan lines, her expensive jewelry she was still removing, people could see that it was the female public relations officer for the factory.

A murmur of surprise from those near who had also recently walked through the defiant lines of factory security, for she was a foreign acting woman from S. Bara, who was as urban Baran as you could get, aping foreign ways. Now she was stripped as any pious person.

Without hesitation, the once proud woman knelt, displaying her paler tan lined bottom and exposed woman parts, even the most private rosette, to the congregation and kissed the Prophet's feet, weeping in penitence. Then she rose up and with smiling face and tears shining on her eyes, took her torch.

The torches glowed like camp fires of an army seen from a distance, even with city lights. Their smoke and scent filled the air, as marchers moved through Nass. In defiance, others protested, threw insults, demanded that they get out of the way. They did not actually prevent people from going to work--they were however a massive nuisance, and many felt an urge to join them. By nightfall, the aluminum factory had been forced to shut down.

There was no formally expressed intent to shut down industry--no protest, no demands, nothing---merely that prayer and fasting be prioritized. The Prophet and his Most Holy Elders, who were spreading throughout Teman and Lookinghaven Provinces and into parts of Bara, namely Harbourtown, and Sterry in Haran--made it very clear that they merely wanted prayer and fasting, praise and meditation. Hospitals, law enforcement and other essential services were encouraged strongly to keep running, holy dispensations given to those who were in such office.

[Tericio]

ignore

[Novitera]

San Crispiano, State of Jita, Novitera
Dynasty Hotel


There was a nerve center in the hotel. A place with dozens of monitors that peeped into every corner of the hotel save for people's rooms. Men flipped through the different feeds looking for troublemakers. Normally the only problem was somebody passed out or a belligerent drunk. Their duty was to keep the casino a friendly, safe atmosphere and free of cheaters. Those with slight of hand who could switch the dice with a loaded pair or introduce a card not in the deck. An extremely rare occurrence but those they did catch deterred the rest. In one corner, Travis a camera operator was flipping through past recordings. Fast forwarding and only stopping at the highlights.

A gentleman in a dress shirt and bowtie stood behind Travis watching the feeds. Something about the man made the Travis nervous at first. But his cheerfulness and warm smiles put his anxiety at ease. All Travis knew about him was that the head of staff had ordered he see to all the gentleman's requests and speak of it no further. They watched Lalery drinking copiously on the casino grounds with Harvey, Miles and Parker. The gentleman chuckled at some of the displays of severe inebriation from Miles.

"Erase all of that and move on." The gentleman said which Travis did right away.

"They split up at the gaming floor here. Then this Lalery fellow takes the VIP elevator up with this woman. That's them at the top floor...and then...they go into his room. All I got for you." Said Travis.

"Put a copy of that part in this flash drive then erase it. Thanks Travis." The gentleman said to him. Travis did as he was told and handed the flash drive over. Next thing he knew the gentleman pulled out a few hundred dollar bills from his left pocket and offered it. "For your discretion." Travis took it reluctantly and was rewarded with a pat on the shoulder. The gentleman left without another word.

At 6 am in the morning the gaming floor was still going albeit less patrons. It was a testament to their resilience to still be out here at this hour after a long night of debauchery. The gentleman took the elevator alone to one of the lower floors of the hotel, the gentleman walked leisurely through the empty hall. There were numerous guest rooms for the less wealthy customers. He passed the room he was suppose to knock and went all the way to the end where the hall turned with the edge of the building. He checked down the corridor to make sure no one was present then doubled back. The gentleman knocked three times, paused, then another two. Within seconds the door opened and he entered.

"You completed your task I assume?" Parker asked after he closed the door and locked it.

"I did." The gentleman replied and set the flash drive down on the counter.

"You've been tanning I see." Parker observed.

"Tanning bed twice a week for the past three weeks. Got rid of my tan lines and changed my hairstyle. Thanks for noticing." He said with clearly feigned pride.

"Good. You'll blend right in. I want you in New Edom by the end of this week." Stated Parker. The humor lost on him.

The gentleman sighed. "Very well. A bit more R and R would have been nice after Azurlavai but I don't want to get soft do I?" The gentleman posed rhetorically.

"No. No you don't Seymour." Parker replied indifferently.

Seymour left Parker's room after an hour. Taking a quick glance into the hallway first to see it was empty. Another solitary ride down elevator and to the gaming floor. The circumstances of his leaving the hotel was as uneventful as he came in.

[Novitera]

San Crispiano, State of Jita, Novitera
Dynasty Hotel


There were many cocktail bars inside the Dynasty. In the early morning ours after their night out, Harvey and Parker met up at one to share a cup of coffee. Parker was surprisingly impeccably dressed for the meeting. He ordered an ice water. Harvey was somewhat irritated at the man's poise. He himself had a pounding headache and was dressed only casual. The waitress brought their drinks. Parker took the plastic straw out of his and set it aside. They sipped at their beverages silently for a few moments.

"I'll try and get more out of him today. I think he will agree to be our ticket." Harvey said, breaking the silence.

"It will be difficult for him to be accepted by the more conservative and disadvantaged New Edomites. The man has a history. That's where we come in." Parker replied while stroking the glass on his silver plated watch. He had only taken one tiny sip of his water and now ignored it.

Harvey took a gulp of his coffee and folded up the copy of the Gallows Street Journal he was reading. "That does not entirely work to our disadvantage. I prefer the amoral types. Did you see the way he was with that escort? The man is feral."

"Beasts can be tamed." Parker spoke dismissively.

"This beast is not a mindless creature. I hope you aren't overestimating your guile Parker." Harvey jabbed at him.

"I overestimate nothing." Parker retorted nonchalantly, unaware of Harvey's mockery.

For being a very intelligent man, a lot was lost on Parker. Things like humor, sarcasm, innuendo and puns. Perhaps Parker did understand and just pretended not to. He understood deception and power well enough. Harvey supposed that was why Parker brought him around. Their alliance was satisfactory for now but Harvey knew the "adviser" would one day have to be dealt with.

"Did you hear? The heir was evacuated." Harvey asked.

"Yes. Unfortunate. It would have been better if the mob feasted on her corpse." Parker replied callously.

Harvey raised an eyebrow. "Agreed. The evacuation makes the monarchy look weak."

Parker saw that the condensation from the glass was dripping on the table. The waitress had forgotten to bring them coasters. He lifted it up, wiped the table with his napkin and set the glass back down on it. He then went to rearranging his silverware into the proper order. "I meant that removing her from the picture would have been a more favorable outcome. Not that we can't orchestrate it ourselves."

"Jocasta is in a Shalumite base." Harvey said, unable to agree to offing a young girl (for now). He drained the rest of the coffee and set the cup down with a dribble of liquid running down the side. That was on purpose because he knew Parker would be fixated on the imperfection. It made him giggle inside.

"Not to worry. I foresee her more competent family members taking the reigns eventually and a symbolic weakness is not necessarily an actual one." Parker said while staring at Harvey's mug. He broke his gaze and looked at Harvey intensely. "We must make progress today."

"Agreed." Harvey said.

[New Edom]

The Estate Clinic
Padan-Aran Estate

Mara, wearing just her checkered work shirt, low boots, and a couple of hair pins, stood leaning on a rail fence, on which were draped her jeans and panties, watching her horses idling. Evinrude, the black, seemed to be almost showing off, tossing his big head and black mane, the star on his brow flashing almost, tail high, breaking into a trot, then slowing. Mara smiled a little. The breeze caught her shirt and lifted it a little, showing the smooth curve of olive skinned rounded female body. Spotty greedily approached looking for a treat; Zephyr glanced over and ambled towards her too.

Nearby the paddock was a meadow of green soft grass, a few mossy green rocks, smooth much worn sun kissed polished granite benches, and shade bestowing willow and cedars. It was a pleasant day, warm enough that there was no need of clothing for those who eschewed it. Mara had stowed a basket of fruit, bread, cheese and bottled drinks there, a few meters away from where she stood. There arranging a picnic throw rug was Doctor Amyris Rezanic, who was still wearing nothing as she did since she had arrived in New Edom, and she watched Mara carefreely tend to her beautiful horses. She was reminded once of her cousin who had his own horse in Clan Dempshere, and she had remembered it was a handsome chestnut brown horse with a diamond of white upon his nose. She had called it ‘North Star’, as the diamond always reminded her of the late night sparks of gold in the shroud of night. The doctor was at ill ease due to the happenings in the less stable areas of New Edom, but she swore to stay with the Queen, and stay she would. By going against the orders of her mother, and in turn her clan, she had been cast out. This meant as a lost cat, she had no place to return to, nor did she feel any sense of fealty to the Seeleländian monarch who may as well have been a foreigner to her.

Thus in the comfortable shade, the doctor set a comfortable place to sit, one which was close enough to see the distant meadow, with its beautiful scent of wildflowers, and soft grasses, and get a full view of the lively horses who were happily trotting about as they moved. The doctor carefully wiped away her hands with a soft handkerchief as she waited for Mara to approach, and she looked over at the pretty black horse with her soft green eyes seeming to light up with a gleam of happiness, her lashes fluttering as she was attempting not to blush, recalling that the first time she tried to ride a horse of any kind, she was almost tossed off the giant creature, and thus she was afraid of making a fool of herself, even if it had been years since then. She set up a few spreads as she ensured there was no disturbed greenery, which would imply ants, and she made sure it was comfortable. As she sat and leaned a bit to her side, placing her palm upon the ground, she gestured to the queen with a single motion, her palm turned downward, and her fingers drawn toward her chest as she then extended her hand, a gesture inviting the Queen to Amyris’s company.

“Hello, Doctor,” said Mara. “What do you think of my babies, eh?” as she glanced over her shoulder, petting the velvety dark nose of Zephyr a last time before heading over to join her on the bench.

“As beautiful as I have always thought such marvelous creatures. I remember once seeing a wild one back where I used to live on the Western Islands. It was so peculiar because they appeared to be no more tame than a deer, and yet when one marvels upon them they are still no less magnificent. Deer as well, have their charm, don’t they?” Amyris said warmly as she sat beside the Queen with a warm smile, her soft warm honeyed skin still not darkening from the sun as of yet. “When did you first ride?”

“When I was five is when i first remember,” Mara said with a smile. “I rode with Papa first, but then later I had a little pony that I had to have a bit of help riding. I’ve been riding since I was small. Would you like some lemonade or fizzy water? I think we have plain and lemon here...yes we do...a bit redundant, sorry…”

“Oh you need not apologize to me, Your Majesty, it would be a pleasure and a delight to have either. I do like Lemon, however. I confess I am quite a fan.” Amyris said as she prepared cups and readied the drinks carefully. “I wished to ask you an important question, as I note that you have been able to sleep lately much easier without the alcohol now that you have gotten on a steady regimen of the medication, but has your stomach settled with the new medicine as well?” Amyris asked as she offered the glass to the Queen carefully with her hand gently holding the glass.

“Easier...not...perfectly or always,” said Mara, “But it is a little less hellish, thanks to you…” she took the glass and sipped, nodding to the therapist.

“Hmm, I had considered perhaps it was a sudden dietary change, because I did note your diet while we arrived did not seem to be suitable for your full nutrition. What is your normal diet, and do you have much control over what you eat?” Amyris asked as she took a note, seeing that she was at least getting food, but she had a hunch something more hid behind her struggles with food.

“I have this dietician, this masseuse, this nurse, this that and the other and whatever, and they are all tell me how much green, how much yellow, how much orange should be on my plate,” said Mara, smiling, drawing one supple strong bare leg up so that one foot was on the bench. “But I had a normal shit today,” she said with a sly look at her. “That helped. Everyone wants to hear about the Queen’s bowels lately. I cannot tell you how much I love that, only I do not have Precious’ pride and joy in the act. Yet it was such a relief I truly gave thanks unto the Lord for the movement I had made.” she laughed shortly.

Amyris chuckled along with Mara as she smiled then in concern, “Everyone is happy to see you are feeling better, but the reason I ask is because I have a sense that there’s more to it than perhaps just letting out a good bit of much needed bowels.” Amyris said as she removed her pen and notebook from her bag. “What are your normal eating habits when not pressured to eat in a specific way? How many meals do you have per day, and how much of each food group do you usually eat?”

“Two,” said Mara promptly. “I know I should be eating three, but you know what? I’m eating more than one every other day. Look at my tummy…” she pulled up her shirt and showed that she had nothing resembling the little soft swell that a healthy young Baran woman or wife normally had. “I’m getting skinny.” she let her shift fall. “But it’s better. I had a banana, a pita with hummus and an apple this afternoon, I ate lunch if you can believe it.”

“I believe you, for certain. So you say you are getting skinny, and you said you should be eating three square meals a day. So if you were your ideal weight, ideal size, what do you think you would be?” Amyris wrote down a note, and she looked over at Mara carefully.

Mara shrugged, looking away. “I think I should be bones in the ground. But I’m holding off from that. Let us suffice it to say that i’m alive and accepting it for now. Actually, though, I need to ask you some questions, Doctor Rezanic,” Mara said, a bit warily, looking at her with large grave eyes, struggling not to give the tell tale sign of biting her lip.

“Of course my dear Queen, please ask away.” The doctor said setting her notebook aside for a moment and giving Mara her undivided attention.

“Well...I’ve been hearing some rumours about my husband,” said Mara. “I...well I don’t blame him I guess, he is a Ghant, they get really randy and stuff...he didn’t offend you when he was here did he?” she asked quickly, glancing at her.

“He… has not learned of boundaries yet. He will yet learn.”Amyris said with her eyes lowered. “I believe he is used to having control over any of the lowborn women that he wishes. In the land I came from it was common for the Emperor and the Empress to have many concubines or various lovers with whom they would issue dalliances at their beck and command. To refuse was a terrible faux pas, unless like me, you were born Merovani. We are more restrained than others, thus I… reacted like any girl in my position would. It was a bit of a shock.”

Mara opened her mouth in a surprised O. Then her brow furrowed and she said staring at her, “Did...something happen? With Michael and...you?”

“I didn’t let it get that far, but I was very surprised. A step was taken, but no further than a step, as my resistance was met with… confusion? Shame? I don’t know. Whatever it was, he allowed me to withdraw and I was not punished. Of course should I deserve punishment for it, I will accept.” Amyris shrugged. “I have not yet learned of the ways of Ghantish Royalty, but I know Edomite Royalty adheres to the Gospels, and thus I was surprised to see his… indiscretion.”

Mara took her hand gently. “I cry thee mercy,” she said, her eyes sad. “If you say it was no harm, then fine...but you are no concubine or bed maid, so I’m offended both for you and for me. The idiot. Well...Ghants see nudity as sexual.” she shook her head. “And I hear he’s been hanging around Jocata a lot. Ugh. His romanticism is so..poisonous. Right now I just can’t stand him. The idea of being around him makes my skin crawl...it’s weird...when we were just two young people getting married, I wanted to make love to him, to show him that I would be a good caring wife, now the thought of him being in my bed makes me ill.”

“I could imagine this would make you feel unease, as I did find it… oddly lecherous for someone who is around women a lot of the time, and undressed women at that. But for your relationship to cause you to feel emotional and literal disgust is something that does not bode well for your future interests. As well in which way does he view Jocasta? Is he not rather a lot older than she, and he her brother in law as well? That would be most irregular for such...’indiscretions’ to come about. It seems he may very well need counseling as well, but due to my safety and interests, I imagine Doctor Weinstein will have to make due, or at least accompany me while such thing happen. It would still give me pause, I feel.” Amyris admitted. “But as it is something I am not generally free to admit, I have kept silent upon any acts that may or may not have occurred, but as is common in my practice, such an act is enough to terminate a contract on his part. He is no longer my patient, so anything further said or done shall be reportable.”

Mara pursed her lips. “I see. So much for love,” she said a bit bitterly. “I mean...I’ve been having a crisis, and he just...runs off and runs around like a randy dog. So much for all his fine words. Well…” she spat on the ground and made a gesture. “So much for him,” she leaned her head against her leg that was drawn up on the bench. “Oh God...it’s my sins coming to roost, you know.”

“It is likely a cultural misunderstanding of what ‘love’ means on his part. There are about six different kinds of love I can fathom from what I have studied and what I have experienced. This is of course, focusing solely on the romantic love, of which is fairly complex. There is the feeling of bodily attraction, one that is cultivated by matching physical ideals and types, and one that is powered by lust and attraction. This I feel, is the kind of love that your husband has. There is then another kind of love, one bound by a loving friendship that has with it a long-term connection built upon by common interests and bonds. This is the kind that most people from my land are familiar with, then there is pragmatic love, which is one that is love based on particular mutually beneficial needs being met between two people. This is, I suspect, the kind of love that you expected from your husband to begin with?”

“yes...I think you are right…” Mara sighed. “God...I can’t believe he HIT on you. Oh my GOSH. What a jerk! Well you know what? I have a tough decision to make and I’d like your help in making it, Doctor.” she said looking at her sadly and shyly.

“Of course, my Dear Queen, do tell me what you desire, and I shall build your confidence enough to be able to do as you will.” Amyris said warmly as she nodded her head, approving of her very strong sense of purpose. “I shall support your decision.”

Mara took a deep breath. “I am afraid...of sleep, of everything. But I am even more afraid that if I go to Soledad that I will be seen as abandoning my people. I think that my sister Jocata is being used as a puppet by my mother and her little cabal. I’m afraid that people don’t really know what she’s capable of. But what I’m contemplating is awful.” she looked away, tears shimmering in her eyes. “My father suffered lack of sleep you know, when the 2nd Civil War started. I feel that I have to tell Elijah that he must defend my position no matter what Jocasta says, and trust him to lead my government. And...do my work with my medical team, because even talking like this makes me want to scream...scream scream…” she began to hug herself. “I don’t want to even think about it, but…” she suddenly began to weep. “I don’t don’t know what else to do...but I can’t think what else to do. If i go to Soledad, it will be it. Jocasta will be right, I’ll be crazy. Even if I am, I can’t go. Do you see?” she said, looking at Amyris, her eyes streaming tears down her face.

“I see why you are afraid, My Queen, and because of this I shall not leave your side, and I will stay as you desire here in your lands as needed. We will be well.” She said as she felt her resistance cracking and she gently wiped away Mara’s tear with a brush of her thumb, and gave her a gentle hug. “We’ll get everything in order here first, make your country solidly loyal and try to reign in your mother and Jocasta as needed, and then when the time comes, we shall take you to the Soledad Isles, and it will be a retreat as worthy as any reward could be. Look forward to it for now, for to call it a paradisical place would be to underwrite its real glory.” Amyris said still hugging the girl warmly. “It is something to look forward to, and this way you can feel there is something positive, something bright to earn for standing your ground, for allowing yourself the power to hold your own.”

Mara whispered, “I wish I could spend the day being cuddled by you. Sometimes that’s all I want...to close my eyes and be held. Like I am a little girl again..thank you so much,” she murmured, nestling against Amyris a little, her face wetting her shoulder.

“I will still be here whenever you need me, and if being held is all you need to get through a tough day, I am here as you need.” Amyris smiled as she brushed Mara’s hair with her hand, gently. “We will find a way to save your mother from her own ambitions, and your sister from being your mother’s pawn, but this will require strength, and for this strength to be realized you will need rest, and proper nutrition, and you will need to portray the image of being strong, even if at times you feel weak. Courage is, after all, the ability to stand and face adversity even if the risks and fears are great. For this, you will need great courage, and it will feel as if you are standing alone, but recall everyone you love who supports you is behind you one hundred percent. If I needed to face down an angry mob with nothing but a ladies’ umbrella, I have one in my office. So help me, they’ll have a fight on their hands!” Amyris said with a girlish grin as she imitated a swashbuckler with an umbrella, and she gestured to the horses. “They will certainly feel the pain along with me. They’re very intuitive about emotions.”

Mara giggled through her tears and leaned back,and sniffed, reaching for a napkin to blow her nose discreetly on. “Thank you Doctor...thank you so much...I feel...so supported with you, like it’s okay for me to be suffering, so hard to admit to myself, damn it...but thank you. I feel I have a little strength, enough to tell people what i need and want right now.” she fell silent as she heard of the horses and looked at them. “That song I sang the other day. It’s kind of bullshit. Like...Jocasta, Mama, Lalery...they’re so strong. I’m so weak. But...I know the right thing. Elijah and Enoch will fight for me.” she looked at Rezanic. “And you. And Weinstein and the others. Those who love me.”

“We will, and for this I am happy to take my hits where they come, and I’m sure everyone else is proud to do the same. Let’s take a moment to remember what you want for your Kingdom. If you could have the best possible end for your Kingdom, one that you would feel great accomplishment for achieving, what goal would that be?” Amyris asked as she did note that she did seem to feel at ease despite the danger. She was free to be herself, perhaps in this way it was the same kind of liberating feeling for Mara to be permitted to be herself as she needed.

Mara closed her eyes again. “Yes…” said Mara. “It feels like…I’m…floating down through the clouds

Memories come rushing up to meet me now. In the space between the heavens
and in the corner of some foreign field I had a dream.

“Good bye, Perrin. Good by Papa.” Mara’s face twisted with grief. “He has silver in his hair…no it’s all silver and grey. And I hold his hand in the rain. We walk arm in arm, and an umbrella held by me, in my hand. And I see you Papa…and you ask me the same…now that you’re Queen, honeybaby, what will you want for the Kingdom?

“And I say, for my people…a place to stay…not tents, not refugee centers…but a home for everyone. Enough to eat Like enough that everyone has enough that if a neighbor dropped by they can share and it won’t put them out…

“And, in my country old heroes shuffle safely down the street…” she could bare speak for weeping, “Because they get old. Where you can speak out loud about your doubts and fears.” She clenched her fists as she kept talking, her eyes shut tightly.

“And what's more no-one ever disappears; you never hear their standard issue kicking in your door. You can relax on both sides of the tracks, and maniacs don't blow holes in bandsmen by remote control And everyone has recourse to the law And no-one kills the children anymore. And no one kills the children anymore.”

“Inspiring words, my Queen. Now with a vision, there needs to be what we call S.M.A.R.T plans.” Amyris said spelling out the letters one by one. “Which is to say simple, measurable, achievable, reliable, and time-oriented plans. To get one step-by-step closer to your plans, you will be able to work out what you wish done one step at a time, and you will feel your achievements. Your confidence will be authentic, and you will feel what it means to be really proud of your own actions. Then, the anxiety from any shortcomings you imagine will vanish. Won’t that be a rush of great feelings of positivity?” Amyris asked rhetorically. “So to meet your dream, let us think of one S.M.A.R.T goal. So, what is something that is simple, something you can measure, something that is achievable, and something reliable, and how much time will it take to get this goal accomplished?” Amyris asked.

Mara sighed. “I must look like a hag. I don’t know, Doctor. I just know that I can start by appointing Elijah to establish a peace, if he can. Try to get him to get people to influence Jocata to step aside, assume her proper role supporting me, not interfering and letting people with old dreams influence her to do whatever weird stuff they’re trying to do. Then...I can think about the rest tomorrow. You go so fast, you have all this stuff in your head. I’m just making this stuff up.”

“Let’s put it on paper” Amyris said as she removed a notebook paper. “It helps your thoughts organize themselves clearer. You said you intend to speak to Elijah after appointing him. When shall you appoint him to do this?” The doctor asked as she wrote the first goal, and she wrote Specific “So how will you specifically go about appointing him? Shall you go forth before the masses and declare that Elijah is in charge of negotiating a peace, shall you ask him to do it discreetly?”

Mara blew her nose again and said, “I’ll just say, “Elijah, go fix this stuff,”, you know?” she shrugged. “That’s what you do, you know. You don’t sit there with a bunch of papers. You say “I want this done” and you delegate it.”

“Do you think he will be ready to carry out this sort of situation or will he need more details on the movements and actions of your mother first? As well, do you think your mother is willing to listen to reason if it comes from Elijah?” The lady asked, as she brushed aside her long sweeping bangs from her face. “If this is the case, what is the exact message you would like to tell Jocasta and your mother? Imagine for a moment it was you taking the time to confront them both, what would you want to say to them?”

Mara bit her lip. “Here’s the thing...you know...when it happens...it might get violent you know. That’s how ti goes. Important people quarrel, little people die and lose their homes.” she glumly looked out at the horses. “But that’s probably what it will come to. Then when...if...he wins...then we talk. And this is how it will be. They, if I win...kneel and beg forgiveness, and I send them to convents, and I ride into Fineberg.” she looked at her. “What do you think this is? Some kind of motivational exercise? This shit is about to get real, Doctor.” she stood up with a bitter little smile. “Sure you stiil want to stay? I won’t begrudge your departure.”

“I am here, and as I said, I will stand with you by life or death. My life and professional skills are at your disposal. Do not hesitate to use my skills where I am needed.” The doctor said with a nod of her head. “I know what is to come, thus I am helping you come to terms with what will be a difficult and terrible situation by not forcing you to hide your feelings for it. You can express any feeling you wish, and then examine the thought that brings this feeling about. It’ll be an exercise. Whenever you feel an emotion that is powerful, good or bad, I want you to write what it is, to write what situation you are in, without judgement, just describe it. Then you write what thoughts are blossoming from this situation, the emotion, and the thoughts coming together. Then we’ll get to the next stage, which we will talk about in your next session. It will go over what we will do when troublesome emotions arise, and I’ll show you how to work out and cope with these feelings in order to give you a sense of real control over your own life. It’ll also give yourself a sense of understanding about your own thoughts and emotions, about how they intertwine.”

After Mara had thanked her and left, she didn’t bother to put the rest of her clothing back on; she just went walking around the estate, thinking. The work Rezanic and Weinstein wanted her to do was exhausting. It was like going back to school again. But it occurred to her...in her exasperation...she was feeling again. When she lay down on the grass to look at the clouds, she felt things. The tickle of an annoying ant on her bare leg, the sun hitting her eyes and making her squint as it broke through a nimbus cloud formation; breeze pleasantly stirring her hair. She closed her eyes a moment. Now and then...just now and then...a peaceful moment found her.

And yes, she'd do the damned goals list. Oh my gosh. She would.

[Hutanjia]

SILVER RIVER AFB
BARA PROVINCE, NEW EDOM

Colonel Hudagku, Captain Roendorf and the NCO stood by as they received all the information from General Unwerth and Colonel Estrade. Getting some quick clarifications, they were out the door as soon as possible, after proper salutes. Climbing into the GAZ Tigr to head back to their section of the base, the Sergeant drove while the Colonel was furiously using his encrypted phone connected to the RCT command net, to talk to the XO.
He was sure to stage deployment of their forces in a logical order. The Major was sure to pass along all the orders promptly to the appropriate officers as he took them from his commander.

First, three of their LIRCAS Sergeant aircraft were prepared to head up over their operational area. The light prop flyers got clearance from the Silver River tower to take off. One would take Highway 1, one would have the sector of Highway 221, and the third would fly between the two highways, as well as its fellow planes that would follow along those major routes into Fineberg. Having flown the area before during training operations, the HRAF pilots were familiar with the terrain and the corridors over it, but confusion still lingered. Their modular armaments were switched out for the full recon packages, leaving them defenseless, but for their speed and maneuverability. They would fly to their furthest ceiling and run reconnaisance on what lay between the base and the capital using the latest optical and spectrum scanning technology.

Normally, they would be supplemented by the sparse few UAVs in the HRA arsenal, but they hadn't been included in their load out from Nevorn. It was a glaring oversight that Hudagku hoped to correct with their next resupply, assuming there would be one. The LIRCAS planes did everything a UAV could do and sometimes more, so they weren't exactly blind.

Next to be launched were half the Super Etendards of the 12th CAS Squadron. Six of the light multi-role fighters would be airborne in order to come to the rescue of the Sergeants, should anyone challenge them. They flew in three plane flights, used to operating in the tight triad units in order to harass ground units, their usual prey. Before they in turn went up in the sky, they were downloaded with what IFF codes were available for friendly and possibly not so friendly units, both in New Edom and around the region. The remaining six Super Etendards would be readied to relieve the first patrols.

Lastly, A flight of five AH-90 gunships from the 12th were also fueled up, downloaded with the relevant info, and sent aloft, in order that if Edomite rebel forces had a hold of AA mobile batteries, SAMs or MANPADS, they would be dealt with swiftly, with the Sergeant flyers vectoring in the gunship hit squads.

All of the pilots were given the quickest of briefings that New Edom was liable to be attacked, not necessarily from outside her borders...but from within. The ground units also received similar briefs.

What units they might have once considered friendly upon first entering the nation for military exercises, could very likely take them out, should they drop their guard. It was a sobering brief. It was finally setting in to the units of the RCT that they were potentially surrounded by unknown hostile forces in what had been considered a safe, allied nation. Still, part of their orders were to not fire unless fired upon, should the rebel units decide to turn back to the Monarchist side.

Meanwhile, the vehicles of the 1st Battalion of the 28th Mechanized were all fueled and loaded up for their trip along the highways and surrounding area in order to interdict any enemy rebel concentrations. A few IFVs had AT mounted in order to deal with enemy armor that slipped through the gunship screen. They would deploy out at points where they could stay hidden from immediate view of the two highways and close quickly to cut off the throughfares. They would be deployed in small groups, teamed with some of the Ranger groups, some of who would also be equipped with MANPADs and portable AT launchers.

The rest of the Regimental Combat Team: medics, engineers, military police and logistical personnel, would all be heading out as well, to establish a FOB closer towards Fineburg from the Air Force Base. Some of the Ranger teams would be held in reserve, in order to be rushed to whichever spot flared up in their sector, courtesy of the UH-100 transport choppers.

The combat units were loaded up with supplies from the Edomite quartermasters on base. Likewise, their rifles and arms, mostly Arcanum Arms supplied, were compatible for the most part with what the New Edom military still used. One item that was part of their load out that didn't match Edomite issue was their machetes, honed razor sharp. It was doubtful that they would ever be in such a close quarters situation to use them, but if so, they certainly could with brutal, intimidating effect.

Within two hours, and with some ahead preparation, having already been on alert and been in pre-mob stage, the bulk of the forward combat elements of the 1st Expeditionary Hutanjian RCT were in motion and seeking new positions further to the west and slightly south, to disrupt any enemy plans. They would await orders from the Monarchist command, under General Unwerth, as well as filtered down from their own CO. Unless they were engaged by hostile forces immediately, then it would be game on.

Within four hours, Silver River Air Force base had so few Hutanjians on it, that it was if they had never been there at all.

[Hittanryan]

To: The Office Her Royal Majesty Queen Mara I
CC: Vice Admiral Prince Elijah Shalmaneser, acting Minister of Defense
Commander Prince Enoch Tubal-Cain, Royal Master of Offices
From: Ambassador David Redstone
Subject: Negotiations
Encryption: Hand-delivered by diplomatic courier, eyes-only to Prince Enoch Tubal-Cain

Based on events so far, it is the Republic's intention to support Her Majesty Queen Mara I as the lawful head of state. We intend to support the negotiations headed by Vice Admiral Elijah Shalmaneser in the interests of preserving peace in New Edom. There are concerns that the Heir's behavior if left unchecked will destabilize New Edom, which in turn may destabilize South Acheron as a whole.

It is my government's view that it is solely Her Majesty's decision who is to act in her stead in the event of illness or incapacitation. Therefore, if such a representative is not acting in accordance with Her Majesty's wishes, then it is entirely within Her Majesty's power to dismiss him or her from that role.

Adiron also intends to support those in Fineberg calling for elections. Adding the Queen's support to that of the civil service and public opinion will greatly strengthen our position and help alleviate the recent tensions in our view. Furthermore, the Heir's appointments were expressly meant to be temporary during a time of national emergency, which should be emphasized. Supporting elections will demonstrate Her Majesty's commitment to the people of New Edom in the eyes of the international community.

We intend to make these positions known publicly and bring other powers into the fold, but before we do we sought to contact Her Majesty's household directly to make our intentions known, establish a regular point of contact, and seek Her Majesty's approval. Although we hope for the best, we further understand how volatile the situation in New Edom is right now. We are prepared to defend the positions of Her Majesty and pro-democracy movements if needs be.

Sincerely,
David Redstone
Ambassador to New Edom

To: David Redstone, Ambassador to New Edom from the Republic of Adiron
From: Vice-Admiral Prince Elijah Shalmaneser, Acting Minister of Defense
Subject: Diplomacy
Encryption: Passed on through Ministry of Defense Courier in Sealed Pouch

---

Dear Mr. Ambassador,

Thank you for your letter. Your support is appreciated. You will be among the first foreigners informed when negotiations begin. I will carry out my instructions as usual to the best of my ability.

I have the honour to be
Vice-Admiral Prince Elijah Shalmaneser
Acting Minister of Defense

[Hittanryan]

ANS Aldrich
Naval Base Helios, Draconia

"You ever wonder why we're here?" Ensign Mengel asked as they walked the deck of the ANS Aldrich.

"It's one of life's great mysteries isn't it? Are we the product of some cosmic coincidence or is there really a god, watching everything. You know, with a plan for us and stuff. I don't know man, but it keeps me up at night," Scott replied.

Mengel stared at Scott with a bewildered expression. There was a pause that felt like eternity before he finally replied. "What? I mean why are we here, in Draconia?"

"Oh, I...uh..."

"What was all that stuff about god?"

"Nothing."

"You...wanna talk about it?"

Scott was suddenly saved by the 1MC. "Make all preparations for getting underway. Set special sea and anchor detail." The two sailors looked at each other, deciding they were better off forgetting about the conversation they just had.

Within the hour, just offshore, the UAV carriers ANS Ulusoy and ANS Fox were launching flights of Buzzards to act as the fleet's pickets. The Aldrich, meanwhile, had managed to lift an AWACS onto the deck. The drone of the aircraft's engines had gone on for some time until they increased in pitch and volume, the propellers accelerating as it remained perched on the flight deck. As a Raven was taxiing into position, the plane jolted forward, propelled by both its engines and the cable hooked to its undercarriage.

The fleet's frigates were preparing ASW helicopters with sonobuoys and torpedoes, as well as their own towed arrays. The fleet's two attack submarines were getting a head start, moving to the northern edge of the fleet. They would move slowly, making use of mapped natural terrain features to conceal themselves and listen for activity using passive sonar.

Sitting on the bridge of the Aldrich was Admiral Henriksen, sipping a cup of tea, the newspaper folded and set on a chair nearby. Occasionally one of the crew would bring something up. Most of the time Ford, his Operations Officer, would handle it. When the ESTG put to sail, it would try not to draw attention to itself. In fact it would be listening more than anything. The AWACS would be flying on passive radar, the subs on passive sonar. The UCAV pickets wouldn't stray too far, and the CAP wouldn't be any larger than normal. Henriksen was attempting to "sail casual." Routine maneuvers, nothing for anyone to worry about.

The fleet's heading for now would be due west of Draconia for nearly 1500 kilometers. From there they would swing northwest giving the Edomite EEZ a wide berth, then loiter in international waters on an exercise, if anyone asked. The closest they would come to Edomite waters would be over 600 klicks from Gloria Regis, which Henriksen had been told was facing an open rebellion against the governor. That was just an added bonus to the possibility of hostilities breaking out on the mainland.

Henriksen had politely decided not to ask if he would simply return home once again in spite of an escalation, like last time.

[Cacerta]

HMS Isara Trento (BB-EE-007), 3rd Amphibious Strike Fleet
Approximately 100nm South-Southwest Outside the New Edomite EEZ
The replenishment ships of the Cacertian Royal Fleet Auxiliary always seemed quite small in comparison to the warships of the Royal Navy, but were no less significant in the operation of Cacerta's massive fleets at sea. The CRFA kept the Navy -- especially on long-term deployments -- supplied with food and fuel to keep them going without having to put in to port. The two fleets were moving next to each other at a snail's pace with the cranes of the replenishment ships stretched over across the ocean lowering crates of food and barrels of fuel. Despite their delays moving through the Straits of Nalaya, the 3rd Amphibious Fleet had made it to the rendezvous point on time having increased speed at the first opportunity.

Once the resupply process had been completed, the hard part would begin. Now that the fleet was in position, the Grand Admiral had ordered them into a general hold. Jessica had been told -- through a secure channel -- that news coming out of the Allied States was dire. The Queen had yet to make her final decision on their next course of action for reasons Elettra felt she could not share. Until they received new orders, they were to conduct anti-pirating and warfare exercises.

The Rear Admiral and her executive officer -- Fredo Veneziano -- were standing in the mostly empty bridge, overseeing the resupply and sharing a pot of tea. The ocean was relatively calm, small waves lapping up against the sides of their ships before disappearing into their wake. The sky above was a bright blue, dotted by numerous clouds that signified good weather. "Do you think it could possibly come to a Civil War, Admiral?"

Jessica let out a small sigh, "It's not unlikely, there are so many factions with all kinds of conflicting agendas in New Edom. It would be foolish not to prepare for war. The question right now, I believe, is what side we'll be taking when the war begins." She did not disclose that it had been the Grand Admiral who had said such. "Right now it's just us, more or less because we're just testing the waters. Tomorrow, it could very well be more."

There was a pause in their conversation as Jessica contacted her quartermaster to confirm that their stores had been filled and then redirected the resupply ship to the next vessel in her fleet.

"Alright, Fredo, let's begin." The Admiral contacted the other ships, informing them that the Isara was beginning an exercise against a general attack and to disregard her movements until the exercise was finished. She grabbed the ship-wide intercom before hitting the alarm, "We are under attack. Enemy vessels sighted port-side! This is a drill."

There was an organized clamor as the crew quickly rushed to their action stations. The ship's massive turrets began to traverse to face the fictional assailants approaching from their port. Inside, the gun crews went through the motions of loading the guns before quickly reporting that the weapons had been armed. Jessica checked her wrist-watch and made a small nod, Good. Fast and efficient, like they should be.

[Hittanryan]

To: Lady Aerona Goldrick, First Lord of the Admiralty
From: Ambassador Dennis Miller
Subject: Gloria Regis
Encryption: Moderate

Our consulate in Gloria Regis has received a message concerning an Ossorian military deployment. They have asked that we inquire as to the presence of an Ossorian fleet under Fleet Admiral Máirín Adair near the EEZ. However, we do not have all of the details, and we are not going to jump to conclusions without contacting you. Have these ships entered the EEZ surrounding Gloria Regis? If they haven't, what is their heading? What is their current mission, if you can disclose that information?

Sincerely,
Ambassador Miller

To: Livia Barbarina
From: Consul Singleton
Subject: Mediation
Encryption: Delivered in sealed pouch by diplomatic courier

We are attempting to contact the Ossorians while forming a mediation strategy with respect to your situation. It is fully our intention to pursue a diplomatic solution, including with the Governor and other elements on the mainland.

Have the Ossorians actually entered the EEZ or are they simply approaching it? What is their heading? Are they moving towards the island?

The news of military movements on the mainland is highly disturbing, however. If true, it implies New Edom may be on the brink of a new civil war. What evidence do you have of this?

Sincerely,
Consul Singleton

To: Undersecretary of Defense Colleen Fish
From: Ambassador Redstone
Subject: Transmission
Encryption: Delivered in sealed pouch by diplomatic courier

A disturbing transmission has been received from Sixington. Carrier Group Teman claims it has intelligence of monarchist military movements. Does this match your own intelligence?

Redstone

[The Shrailleeni Empire]

Shrailleeni Stage 4 Task Force
Approaching Sea of Mallia

The waters of the sea were cool and fair as the Shrailleeni James Lawrence-class carrier plowed through their waves like a nuclear-powered mountain. Far ahead, but still in sight, was the much small silhouette of their forward escorting frigate, the shape of a cruiser far to starboard and the last frigate trailing behind. Together, the four ships formed a very rudimentary formation, ludicrously ineffective by any standard, and yet that was precisely the point.

Fleet Matriarch Haydreth Mariyena loved the sea, and hated everything else. She was a veteran from before the military reforms, a grizzled old woman whose wrinkled features gave her the texture of stiff bark rather than any softness. That she had continued to be promoted after all these years was a mystery to all but those who knew her best, and they were a rare few. Her open contempt for modern technology and tactics belied a ruthless pragmatist, a paradox that her crew referred to as "suffering." "Fleet Matriarch Haydreth suffers" they had said in the Bratoslovoukian War when the Fleet Matriarch led a stirring assault on the enemy while loudly pining for the days of broadsides.

"We should have more ships," she was growling as she paced the bridge. She was more often found on the bridge than not, leaving the CIC to her most trusted officers. "A Fleet Matriarch's place is on the bridge," she had barked when even politely questioned.

"Our flanks aren't secure, and we don't even have the start of the shield thing."

"Three-tiered integrated defense system," her personal aid said helpfully. She had acquired him recently as a concession to the War Matriarchy, to "improve communication" they said.

"Yes that," she said without looking. "I don't like it. I feel as vulnerable as a fanged whale in open water. We could at least launch our birds."

"That would violate the procedural orders of Stage 4 Northern Current," her aid spoke up again. His voice rather annoyed her, and she could never quite remember his name. "They clearly stipulate to hold exactly to the terms of the Treaty of Constantinople, which read that-"

"No ships or planes more than four without prior approval yes, yes I know. Don't contradict me," she glared at the young man, who dutifully fell silent though with an annoyingly passive expression on his face. Like he was resigned to this job instead of honored. It bothered her.

"Well it better work. If those filthy ruinous barbarian gulls decide the appease their blood-god today we will be caught out in the open like a kalko separated from its flock. What an end that would be to Fleet Matriarch Haydreth Mariyena, killed by bureaucracy and trusting foreign slugs with any kind of honor."

She continued muttering darkly to herself as the Task Force made its way into the Sea of Mallia, steering closer to the Cacertan EEZ than the Ossorian but still well within incontestable international waters. Through her muttering though, she privately took some solace in the light of the sun upon the waves, and the clear sea air covering them like the Goddess's embrace.

Gloria Regis

Sixington

The mood of elation currently didn't last long. Then again, considering what these women had suffered for so long it would have been impossible to keep out the shadows of fear and doubt. The perimeter guard of the Marine companies and armed sailors was reassuring to Julianna and the women of the militia, who had succeeded in maintaining order throughout Sixington and had established regular routes and patrols through all of the major districts. But their presence was also a firm reminder that they weren't out of danger yet. Not by a long shot.

Recruitment was going slowly. There was some resurgence of friendly Communist militia activity, which Julianna welcomed under her wing and which helped to boost numbers. But what good would her militias be against a foreign invasion? Next to none, she supposed, and so she worried.

She had given her opinion to Livia Barberina about the Palace of the Governor as a firm no. She thought it was too soon, and the Palace would be a target if the Ossorians attacked. What Livia wanted was what they all wanted: foreign support of their own for once.

To: Protector Livia Barberina; Commander Clytemnestra Hortensius
From: Allene Triaka, Shrailleeni Emissary
Subject: Recognition, Ossorian incursion

---

Honorable Sisters,

As I have said, the Shrailleeni Empire recognizes the right of Gloria Regis to self-determination. The re-establishment of the duly elected government headed by Livia Barberina and the decision of the Gloria Regian people to attain independence shall be recognized and upheld by Her Enlightened Majesty and the Queens, Matriarchs, and Minister of the Royal Court forthwith. As befitting this decision, the Mother Empress has bequeathed the title of Emissary to myself until such a time as a formal embassy program can be established between our nations.

Until an announcement of recognition is made to the rest of the world, you can be assured that the Empire does not intend to allow foreign or New Edomite military intervention to jeopardize the position of Gloria Regis. The S.I.S. Chella Resyanna and its task force are already in route to Dressanna, where they will pick up additional forces and endeavor to arrive at your islands with all haste in order to defend your sovereignty.

I continue to be your loving Sister, your voice to the Mother Empress, and one of your strongest supporters.

With love,
Emissary Allene Triaka

To: Consul Singleton of the Republic of Adiron
From: Allene Triaka, Shrailleeni Emissary to the Protectorate of Gloria Regis
Subject: Recognition, Ossorian incursion
Encryption: Hand-delivered to Adiran Consulate in sealed pouch

---

Honorable Consul,

I hope that this letter finds you well during these dark and troubling times.

As you are aware, Gloria Regis has recently undergone a change in leadership resulting from an unexpected adjustment in loyalty and moral dignity from certain elements of local New Edomite naval forces. Your nation, along with my own and several others, have been asked to grant recognition and support to the declared Protectorate of Gloria Regis based on the results of last year's Referendum and the previous elections, both of which were overturned by the New Edomite military.

Simply put, my government is extremely uncomfortable with the idea of allowing the people of Gloria Regis to again be oppressed, exploited, and murdered simply for expressing their freedom to self-determination. It is our belief that last year's oppressions were not the result of political infighting, but rather engineered by either the New Edomite government or foreign Patriarchs in order to sow discord. While the New Edomite government, such as it is, is unlikely to approve of this decision due to ideological differences, it is currently the intention of the Shrailleeni Empire to grant recognition to the Protectorate of Gloria Regis as a sovereign entity, and to adopt this position in negotiations with the New Edomite government.

The Republic of Adiron is respected by Shrailleen for its commitment to regional peace, stability, and the rights of all humanity. The Imperial government looks to Adiron as a model while we contemplate our own reforms. Before the Empire makes our own announcement, it is our wish to assess your Republic's standing on this issue. Time is of the essence, and we fear that if swift action is not taken then Gloria Regis will been attacked and defeated with great slaughter. The Republic must join Shrailleen in recognizing the legality of the Referendum and Gloria Regian independence.

Warm regards, Brother,
Emissary Allene Triaka

[New Hayesalia]

NEW HAYESALIAN LETTER OF CONDOLENCE, 19 FEB

OFFICIAL DIPLOMATIC COMMUNICATION
COMPATIENS, LIBERA, ET CONTUMAX
OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER

It is possibly one of the most tumultuous times in international relations, with the shocking and most tragic accident that has rocked New Edom and New Hayesalia. We are truly mourning the deaths of so many here in New Hayesalia, and we extend our fullest condolences, on behalf of the Greater Island Kingdom, to the people of New Edom.

Despite the discussion we have had in recent moths between our nations, the sudden loss of such high-profile and important statesmen must be mourned.

We have faith in the emergency services of New Edom in facing this challenge and would like to extend an offer of assistance if required, possibly with the resources we have at Nass Field Training Area, New Edom. We further have faith that the New Edomite people will be resilient in the face of turmoil, and that the nation will recover quickly, through this most terrible aspect of history.

As a mark of respect, all New Hayesalian flags flown on government facilities of New Hayesalia, including the Parliament Complex, military bases and embassies will be flown at half mast on the 19th of February. We wish the best for the determination of the Edmonite people, and we mourn with you today.

Official Message of the Greater Island Kingdom of New Hayesalia
Compatiens, Libera, et Contumax

Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

Building 4,
New Hayesalian Parliament Complex,
Revnami, New Hayesalian Capital Province
1604 1000 0000

Prime Ministers Office:

PO Box 1,
New Hayesalian Parliament Complex,
Revnami, New Hayesalian Capital Province
1600 1000 0016

---

[New Edom]

Fineberg

Betharan Palace

Colonel Marcus Josephus rubbed his left temple and leaned back in his chair at his writing desk, and looked at the outline of his work.

When the funeral arrangements are ready, the President of the Council shall lie in state in the Grand Reception Hall at the Palace of Justice for two days, with an honour guard representing the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Council of Five Churches. The Ministers of the Interim Government will lie in similar state in rooms rotating around the Grand Hall, with other persons to do so in places appropriate to their station.

When two days have passed, the 28th Hussars has been designated responsible for acting as escort for the President to the Cathedral of the Martyrs with his coffin on a gun carriage, followed by a riderless horse with boots reversed in the stirrups. His dog companion Rover is not to be with him for this part but will be buried alongside him at the family plot. The march for the funeral will be the funeral march from Beethoven Symphony No. 3. The service is to be Apostolic and will be conducted by the Archbishop and Patriarch William Laudner.

Foreign representatives of government are to be invited to be present and will be offered a chance to march following the procedure of the body from the Palace of Justice to the Cathedral of the Martyrs.

A 21 gun salute will be fired in honour of the President follownig the conclusion of a funeral service. A funeral reception is to take place at the Palace of Justice following, with the House of Pahath-Moab acting as hosts in the person of Stephen Pahath-Moab, the President's brother, and his older sister Rhea Khalkimedes acting as hostess with him.[i/]

It might all be moot though. He knew that forces loyal to Jocasta were on their way to the city, and that everything depended on a phone call from Prince Elijah Shalmaneser to Princess Jocasta to establish what he had called "a funerary truce". He looked up at the portrait of the Princess on the wall, and without even thinking, fell to his knees and pressed his lips against the dress of the figure in the nearly full sized painting. If only he had been a certain lucky Shalumite major, who had committed lese majeste and had to humble himself to forgiveness. If only for a moment.

[i]Your will be done.. he thought.

To: The Adiran and Shrailleeni Ambassadors
From: Elizabeth Corbulo, Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs
Subject: Mediation
Encryption: Most Secret

---

Dear Ambassadors,

I apologize for the haste with which this message was sent, and with the lack of messengers, but recent communiques and information indicate urgency.

First: with regard to Gloria Regis. Prince Elijah, Undersecretary Fish, and myself all agree that there should be mediation between your governments should you continue to generously offer it and the rebels on Gloria Regis.

Prince Elijah has empowered me to say these words quoting him: "Thus far there has been little shedding of blood and much desire of redress for wrongs. I have been advised of interesting things by General Ashdod of the Council Police tha tindicate that Theodora Ferrovius was not responsible for the death of Nelson Smith, and that the supposed assassination may have been the act of a provocateur.

"While I deplore mutiny, I also recognize that people do not always commit crimes out of evil. I am therefore willing to give my backing towards mediation at the very least towards a general agreement of cease fire in Gloria Regis. I also give instruction to General Hesperinus to support this process in all particulars, and that the sovereignty of the nation in the meantime should be jointly upheld if there is risk to that sovereignty of Gloria Regis insofar as it is a part of the Allied States of New Edom. I have advised tha the Queen should grant a temporary amnesty to the people of Gloria Regis asking for recognition of independence. It may be that if on examination this is the wisest course that we will want future friendship with the people who have been part of our country for generations as they establish a new future for themselves.

"However I also fear that this may be some kind of trick on the part of a nation like Deadora that is trying to invade us without it being an obvious invasion. Of course I have no proof, but recent events are worrying. Therefore i ask that everything be clear and above board in this."

That was his message to me, which he asked for me to pass on to you.

We are also concerned about information about Monarchist forces under General Unwerth advancing on Fineberg. Prince Eljiah has asked for a general truce between disputing political groups in order to observe the funerals of the fallen President Pahath-Moab and members of the Council of Ministers.

it is our hope that all foreign governments will support this, and we only await a response from the Heir's advisers on this.

I have the honour to be
Elizabeth Corbulo,
Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs

To: The Ambassadors of: Hutanjia, Shalum, Deadora, Jedoria, the Late Roman Empire, Gavinium Magnus, Free Garza, Nalaya, Novitera, Vyrsar, Ghant, New Hayesalia, Arbites Materia, Schottia, New Othman, the Ali-Zebu Union, Anathaat, etc
From: Elizabeth Corbulo, Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs
Subject: Funerals
Encryption: Moderate

---

Dear Ambassadors,

We are concerned about information about Monarchist forces under General Unwerth advancing on Fineberg. Prince Eljiah has asked for a general truce between disputing political groups in order to observe the funerals of the fallen President Pahath-Moab and members of the Council of Ministers.

We ask that foreign governments which are supporting the Heir, Princess Jocata, and her advisers to cease all military activity outside of training in previous designated areas until such time as an agreement has been established.

it is our hope that all foreign governments will support this, and we only await a response from the Heir's advisers on this.

I have the honour to be
Elizabeth Corbulo,
Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs

Elizabeth had no idea why the Minister of Defense had insisted on telling her what he wanted to have said instead of sending a message himself--but they had been on the phone. Everything now depended on his follow up call to Jocasta. Reluctantly, Colleen Fish had agreed to do nothing further for that time, though Elizabeth could easily imagine her and the chiefs of staff waiting around tensely for the word. Militia had reported seeing the advance from Silver River Air Force Base beginning; they feared that Unwerth had also sent out special forces to clear them out, as they had lost contact with some of the scouts already. Time was ticking...

[Cacerta]

Davion Citadel
Fumicino, Lombardo, The Kingdom of Cacerta
Another day had passed and there had still been no response from the Heir Presumptive and the concern that the Queen had been building up inside her was now almost completely intolerable. Exercise, meditation, and sex -- everything that Anelyn would normally do to clear her head -- were not working anymore. That evening, she had called for a general meeting that only included Henrietta, Mila, and Alessandra -- her three closest governmental aides and advisers. It was unofficial and was even taking place inside her room in the Davion Citadel.

Elettra had -- naturally -- given the Queen one of the Citadel's many apartments which was equipped with a large sitting area and kitchen in addition to its full bathroom and bedroom. She was making tea and crepes for everyone since the meeting was being held during tea time. On the kitchen counter, she had a plethora of different things she could put inside the crepes to make them sweet or savory.

The Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs had arrived promptly and were with the Queen in her apartment, discussing the matter at hand while they waited for Mila to arrive. Truth of it, however, was that the Chief of International Intelligence had not been seen for quite some time as she had been travelling back and forth to Vichenza and talking to all manner of handlers and, sometimes, directly to agents to sort through the chaos that had been erupting in New Edom.

Between the three of them, however, they had already concluded that they would fight for the side of the Queen if it came down to a direct split in the government. As far as Anelyn was concerned, Mara and all the surviving men and women from Perrin's government were the rightful rulers of the Allied States.

Nearly half an hour passed before Mila finally joined them, sporting a stack of folders each filled with paper. Her appearance was messy, far from the normally formal and clean look she sported. She wore nothing but a pair of panties and her long purple hair was rather disheveled. She apologies quickly for her tardiness and graciously accepted a cup of tea from Anelyn before she stated, "I've made it. I assume you all have already been discussing the topic in question? Anything change or are we still in agreement about what we said last time?"

"No, no changes," Henrietta responded, "This meeting is primarily going to be about what SISMI has managed to gather about what's been going on in New Edom."

"Very well," Mila took a quick sip before searching through the mountain of paperwork that she had arrived with. She came to a black folder and pulled it from the middle of the stack. In small font at the top it read Mendel and her operative name had been blacked out underneath. "This is from one of our operatives in Fineberg and, perhaps, contains the most important information thus far."

The Chief of International Intelligence went on to talk about how much was as expected -- factions were moving, preparing for the most opportune moment to make their moves. Unconfirmed reports have suggested an uprising in Gloria Regis, but since the area has virtually gone dark it has been difficult to contact agents in Sixington. Messages from supporters of the Feminist Collective there, however, definitely appear to be in control of a substantial military force.

In Fineberg, the government is clearly split between those who support the Heir Apparent, Princess Jocasta, and her aides against members of the old government and loyalists to Queen Mara. The Queen's whereabouts, however, were still a mystery but they could easily get into contact with people who did such as Prince Elijah, Prince Enoch, Colleen Fish, and Elizabeth Corbulo. It has been confirmed that Princess Jocasta was evacuated from the capital by Shalumite marines during the protests.

"Shalumites?" Anelyn was taken slightly aback. "We just ran full-scale wargames with them, did we not?"

"Yes we did. Successfully, I might add."

"Interesting to think they evacuated the Princess. Did she call for their aid or did they do so on their own accord?"

Mila shrugged slightly. "I haven't yet managed to get those details, Your Highness, I apologize."

The Queen nodded, "I understand. But it is important you find out as soon as possible Mila." She paused to refresh everyone's drinks. "Now. We still have not yet heard from Princess Jocasta regarding my inquiry about her sister. I wanted to ask you all today if it would be wise if I contacted Madam Corbulo directly about the matter -- after all Mila, you did say that they would be reliable sources regarding the status of Mara."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Then I should see to that immediately. No time can be wasted dawdling and this waiting to hear from the Princess has made me rather distraught." The three women in her presence nodded in approval. "Good, I will quickly write a message and -- with the Wise Wolf's blessing -- we will hear from them soon. Inform Elettra to advise her commanders."

Il Regno Di Cacerta
Ufficio della Regina

---

To: Elizabeth Corbulo, Undersecretary for Cornellian Affairs
From: Anelyn Trento, Queen of the Kingdom of Cacerta
Subject: Inquiry on Queen Mara
Encryption: High

---

Madam Corbulo,

I wish to extend my deepest regrets that your country is suffering through such difficult times. I would like to inform you that my nation stands by your people in earnest.

However, recent news has brought to my attention that a veritable split has occurred between members of Perrin's government and that of the government under Princess Jocasta. While this is unfortunate, we formally recognize Queen Mara's right rule -- as no official statement has been made on her behalf as to her inability to do so.

As such, I must make an inquire -- one that I have made to Princess Jocasta and have not received a response -- as to the status and well-being of Her Highness, Mara.

May the Wise Wolf protect!

Anelyn Trento
Queen of the Kingdom of Cacerta

[Ghant]

"The Division Bell"
Jauneketxea Palace
Ghish, Ghant

The Jauneketxea Palace was not a place that Sophia had found herself in often of late. Before she became Empress, many a time did she represent her father before the ancient House of Lords, and conducted meetings on several occasions. The body was powerful...some would even say the most powerful in Ghant. In fact, there was even a time when the Jauneketxea ruled Ghant outright...during the era of the Seven Lords, before they bent the knee to one man, that being the Overlord.

The Empress was wearing a tight silky violet and white dress that wrapped snuggly around her statuesque form. She had spent enough time working out, horseback riding and proper dieting that she had more or less returned to her previous form before pregnancy, with a healthy balance between proper shape and weight. As she often did in the old days, she wore her long black hair in a loose braid that dangled behind her exposed back.

Yet, whereas in days of old when she would stand to address the assembled lords, now she sat upon an ornate chair upon an elevated dais, as befits the sovereign who presides over the meeting. Her father was present, who stood to her right, and her brother Martin, who stood to her left, both clad in Dakmaran black and violet. Their men also stood around the meeting chamber, with at least twenty around the Empress and her kin.

Once the time to conduct the meeting had begun, and the thousand plus Lords of Ghant settled into their seats, Sophia bellowed in order to address them. "Lords, Kings, Chieftains, Knights and Princes of Ghant. We are gathered here today to make a very important decision. As you are all aware, we have signed a treaty agreement with the Allied States of New Edom. We are obliged by blood oath to come to their defense when they are under duress. Now is that time. Before us lie two options. The first being to support Queen Mara, First of Her Name, and the other to be to support Crown Princess Jocasta, Regent of New Edom and Acting Head of State." Sophia took a deep breath, looking around the cavernous meeting chamber. The wide, nearly circular chamber was silent, and even the mighty statues that towered to the ceiling seemed to be sitting in silence as the Empress spoke.

"As you all have been informed in advance, the first option is to restore Queen Mara to her rightful place as head of state, with Admiral Prince Elijah Shalamanser acting on her behalf in order to bring about peace and unity between the various factions. It has been argued Mara's authority has been usurped by her sister. By supporting Mara's cause, this would establish elections for the nation under previous agreements. Queen Mara strongly believes in a peaceful resolution and prosperity for her people in future, and in a balance of roles of government."

Sophia cleared her throat. "On the other hand, there is the idea of support for Princess Jocasta, in order to establish and maintain the government that she has decreed as Regent and Acting Head of State on Mara's behalf. This would reestablish order over the country, and once this is achieved, would then review the matter of elections. It is believed that Queen Mara is insane and cannot govern and that those who support her are traitors and mutineers, as are the ETC radicals."

The last part Sophia grimaced to say. "My brother, King Consort Michael and Prince of Dakmoor, has assured me that Queen Mara is mentally insane, and that she is in no condition to make any such decree. Therefore, my brother urges you to pledge support for Jocasta, as her cause, according to him, is the only one with legitimate authority." Sophia didn't believe that though...alas, those were the words of her brother.

"I should also advise you that it is the opinion of Parliament that supporting Mara's cause is the only one that should be deemed legitimate, as it would bring about peace and unity, as opposed to war." Sophia added. She wanted to believe that. "Please take the next hour to gather amongst your fellow lords to deliberate."

Sophia spent the next hour thumbing through the notes that Michael had sent her, regarding what he observed, what he thought, and the who's whos. He was hellbent on insisting that Mara was too mentally ill to make a decision, and that Prince Enoch Tubal-Cain was either manipulating her or making decisions for her in order to undermine himself, Jocasta and her mother, Queen Dowager Rebecca.

Then an hour went by, and the Empress sighed before calling out, "At that time, I would ask all the Kings and Great Lords of Ghant to declare, in the name of their provinces, whom they consider to possess the righteous cause."

Onia came first, as Iroh Ix came to his feet. "The Commonwealth of Onia, upon deliberation, hereby declares its support for the Queen, on the grounds that the treaty signed in blood was with the government of Her Majesty Queen Mara, and that Jocasta is an usurper of royal power."

Titus Lianu slowly rose to his feet. "The Province of Nathia, and all its ancient and proud houses thereof, hereby declare their support for the Queen, on the grounds that Admiral Prince Elijah Shalamanser is the one person that can be relied upon to bring about peace and unity in these troubled times."

Petyr Paligo stood for Gahen. "The Province of Gahen, and its noble houses, have decided to stand with Queen Mara, on the grounds that any decision that Jocasta makes as Regent stands, provided it is not overridden by the Queen herself, which in this instance was the case."

Next stood the Emperor's Uncle, Lord Hodei Hyla. A well respected man, what he had to say would carry weight. "Upon deliberation, the ancient and well-bred lords of the Province of Gotorleku, consisting of the great Seven Lords who once ruled this country and their assorted houses, hereby declare full and unconditional support for Mara, on the grounds that she is head of state, and that her decree should be considered valid and legitimate. Should Jocasta not honor that, she is merely an usurper."

Not long after that, Lord Benfri Delambre of Lurberdea went to his feet. "The Province of Lurberdea is on the side of Queen Mara, on the grounds that her plan is simply better for the sake of peace and deliberation, while Jocasta offers only war and chaos."

Then came the young King Gadiel of Gaemar, the first king to raise to his feet. "The Kingdom of Gaemar pledges its total support for Queen Mara, first of her name, on the grounds that Ghant signed an oath, in blood, to honor and protect her government...not that of her sister's."

Arlan Belmore stood next...conflicted as he appeared to be. "The Province of Langael, and the houses thereof, hereby declare support for the Queen, in that although all royal authority was delegated to Jocasta as Regent, any decision made by the Queen overrides her, and so it stands."

King Taboro of Arrautsa was next...Sophia feared which way the Kings would lean. "The Kingdom of Arrautsa stands steadfast with the Crown Princess, on the grounds that she is Acting Head of State and Regent for her mentally incapacitated sister, the Queen."

Prince Hothor of Thule was next...the tall, crooked backed man with twinkling yellow eyes and crooked teeth wrapped in seal skin. "The Kingdom of Thule, and all of its mighty lords, side with Jocasta, for she is the Regent and Head of State, and her word is law. Any who deny this are traitors fit for the sword."

Next came Lord Arkimonde Garezur of Odolargia. "The Kingdom of Odolargia, and the blood lords of old, declare support for Jocasta, and are prepared to honor our support for the Regent and lawful ruler of New Edom by force of arms, upon pain of death. Let all traitors beware."

Then came Queen Izolde of Izotza, attending in person. "The Kingdom of Izotza and the lords of ice shall declare unwavering loyalty to the Heir Jocasta, on the grounds that her sister is both mentally insane and being manipulated by the traitor Enoch Tubal-Cain."

Lord Azul Anaba from Eskura rose swiftly after that. "The Confederation of Eskura, its ancient Kings, Lords and Chieftains, hereby declare for Jocasta, as she is Regent, Acting Head of State, and the lawful supreme ruler of New Edom. Those who oppose her shall face the wrath of her Ghantish allies, bound to her will by blood oath."

The room began to grow wild as lords began to argue and shout at each other. Then Prince Stephen of Ghant rose, to give the voice of the Imperial House itself. "The Imperial House Gentry, of the Obsidian Throne, have convened. It is our opinion that, based upon the existing body of facts and evidence, that total and unconditional support for Jocasta be declared at this time. Any who refuse to acknowledge her will as Acting Head of State as Lady Regent of New Edom, is a traitor fit for the sword, and her friends of Ghant would be more than willing to provide her the blade by which she may dispense justice. This decision is supported by the Emperor of Ghant, who knows personally that Queen Mara is mentally unfit to either rule or make a decision of this magnitude for her country. As a result, only Jocasta's authority should be recognized."

The room began to sound off noisily after that, and Sophia knew that one province remained...her own Dakmoor. She was confident that her brother Martin and her father Malibar would stand for Mara...they had to, because Sophia would...and they wouldn't cross her.

"Silence!" Malibar decreed. "My son, Crown Prince Martin of Dakmoor, will render the decision for the Kingdom of Dakmoor." The couple hundred lords of Dakmoor rose to their feet, all mighty and powerful lords. For Dakmoor had the largest and most powerful nobility, and could deliver a great boon to any cause they were determined to support.

Martin stepped forward, his eyes lowered. "I possess a great deal of respect and admiration for Queen Mara, as do the lords of Dakmoor, whom have had the pleasure to meet, greet, and deliver praise and honors thereunto. For she is thoughtful, kind and sweet...possessing a great vision for her country that embodies peace, mutual cooperation and prosperity." Yes, Dakmoor shall deliver for Mara!

"However," Martin continued. "During the course of her honeymoon with my younger brother, Prince Michael, Mara became, for a lack of better words, mentally unwell, and rendered unfit to rule. As a result, her authority as Head of State was transferred to her sister, Crown Princess Jocasta. My brother remains by Jocasta's side, and has assured me that she is a sweet, intelligent and wise young woman who possesses a clear and reasonable vision for her country."

Sophia's face turned to one of sheer horror. No Martin, no! Please don't! No! Her body began to tremble with an icy chill and a knot in her stomach accompanied by a hollow sensation in her chest.

"It is for that reason that at this time," Martin said, before turning to look at his sister with a face of sorrow, "that the Kingdoom of Dakmoor, the Dominion of the East, and all those lords under the Great Eye, that total and unconditional support for Jocasta shall be granted, consisting of, but not limited to, financial, economic, and if needs be, military support."

Malibar then slammed his gavel unto the podium as the Jauneketxea erupted. "Having gathered the opinions of the assembled lords, it is hereby decreed that the Jauneketxea supports Jocasta, and that our prerogative at this time is to pledge total support to Jocasta, in order to restore her authority by any means necessary."

Sophia looked at her feet as her toes curled hard in her slippers. God forgive me. "The Parliament of Ghant and the elected leaders of Ghant have declared their support for Mara, while the Jauneketxea has declared its support for Jocasta. Having said that, my position as Empress is as follows." Sophia closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Here we go.

"Mara is the Queen of New Edom...I am of the opinion that Jocasta was delegated authority as Regent, but that Mara was still the De Jure Head of State, meaning that any decision she renders automatically overrides any decision Jocasta makes as her regent. I swore, when she married my brother, that my loyalty as Empress would always be to her. She may have forgotten during the course of her...leave of absence that we were friends, but I have not. I gave her my word as her sister-in-law that she would always be able to rely upon my support and loyalty, and now is the time that I intend to deliver upon my commitment to her and her decision to name Admiral Prince Elijah Shalamanser as her acting President. I hereby decree as Empress of Ghant, that I shall, within my authority, provide whatever I can to the cause of her faction, be it economic, financial, or military support."

The room suddenly burst into a fury of anger, and Malibar turned a shade of red that Sophia had never seen. "Sophia!" He roared. "How dare you!"

Martin turned a shade of ghastly white. "How could you betray our brother! He is on the ground there! Mara is insane damn it, Jocasta's cause is righteous!"

A horn blew in the back of the room as a man stepped forward dressed in the colors of Lord Prince Albert. "I come bearing a message from the Iron Eagle," the messenger said as he stepped down the aisle towards the elevated dais. "May I address the Jauneketxea?"

"You may," Sophia said with a trembling voice.

"Thank you, You Majesty." The messenger walked calmly onto the dais, and turned to address the audience. "The following message is an Imperial Decree from Albert, Emperor of Vorindeum, King of Ziri, Crown Prince of Garza and Lord Prince of Ghant.

"Dear Lords, Kings, Chieftains, Knights and Princes of Ghant,

Undoubtedly you are all aware of the situation occurring in New Edom, and the confusion surrounding the distinction in power between Queen Mara and her sister, Crown Princess Jocasta.

I would, at this time, like to make one thing absolutely clear. The Empress, who is a personal friend of Mara, will undoubtedly use her imperial power to side with her, ignoring the righteousness of Jocasta's cause. For she is the lawful Acting Head of State and the Regent to her mentally ill sister, whom I suspect has been driven mad by Michael of Dakmoor. But fear not, my lords. For as Emperor of Vorindeum, I have a force of my own, that I fully intend to pledge to Jocasta for her to use as she pleases. At this time, I would encourage any among you who agrees with my position to join your strength to mine, and advance upon New Edom at once to restore Jocasta's authority as Head of State.

Anyone who denies her lawful authority is a traitor and will be dealt with accordingly, either in Ghant or in New Edom. Any Lord among you that pledges support for Mara is hereby declared an enemy of mine and will be dealt with in time. Any force sent by Ghant to fight for Mara will be declared an enemy combatant and will be destroyed. Any traitor deemed as such by Jocasta will be defeated and delivered to Her Highness in chains.

Any among you who wish to stand with me in this time of great need for our bloodsworn ally, is to declare as such and should begin to mobilize in the name of the one true master of New Edom, Crown Princess Jocasta.

Sincerely, His Imperial Majesty Albert, Emperor of Vorindeum, King of Ziri, Crown Prince of Garza and Lord Prince of Ghant.

The messenger, upon finishing reading the message, gulped. "At this time, I would ask who among you would be willing to join their strength to Emperor Albert of Vorindeum?"

The Lords of Odolargia, Thule, Eskura, Izotza, Arrautsa and Dakmoor stood tall and proud, outnumbering the lords who sided with Sophia and Mara. The Lords of Langael, Gaemar, Gahen, Lurberdea, Nathia, Gotorleku and Onia stayed seated.

It was Lord Garamun Goro from Odolargia that ignited the powder keg. "Look at all you honorless, traitorous scum sitting on your asses! We all swore a blood oath to the lawful government of New Edom, which is Jocasta! Stand the fuck up now, for any who remain seated will do so because they won't be able to stand once I am finished with em."

Lord Roan began to shout from his seat. "The Empress has decreed that we are to support Mara. Such is also the wish of Parliament and the Prime Minister. It is the only right decision here in the name of peace."

"Fuck all that." Cried out a member of the Yarudi Clan. "The people are a bunch of fucking idiots, along with the Prime Minister. The Emperor Nathan says that Mara is bat shit crazy...if she says that monkeys crawl out of her ass, does that make it so? No, it doesn't. I don't give a fuck what some crazy woman says. For all we know, she's already fucking dead and this Enoch Tubal-Cain and Admiral Prince Elijah are usurping power from Jocasta!"

"You can't be that fucking stupid." Cried out Lord Plana. "Mara is the Queen, and acting head of state. She has spoken. Her sister is being a power hungry brat, and will turn that country into a war infested tyranny."

Lord Orzibal Pazuzu smirked. "You sound like a traitor. We ought to hang the lot of you and declare a regent for Sophia, who is clearly in a conflict of interest due to her friendship with Mara. I wouldn't put it past them being lovers, either. Truly sickening."

Leo Mutu was present, and got to his feet in defense of his niece. "That's enough! Where is your respect, any of you! You would cause a civil war over this? The fuck is wrong with the lot of you?"

Lord Pudu pointed a finger at Sophia. "The war is already upon us, no thanks to the fucking Dakmarans! Look at them, standing all pretentious like upon their dais, dealing ambitiously for their own sakes. All of this would have been avoided if fucking Michael Dakmaran didn't drive Mara mad to begin with. Shit, without that marriage happening at all, we wouldn't be in this position either."

"Yeah, Pudu is right!" Lord Iuz called out. "Fucking Dakmarans bringing New Edom's dynastic war to Ghant! I ought to come down there and slit your throat." He screamed at Sophia.

That was when the proverbial shit hit the fan, as Sophia's men drew their swords...seeing as how guns were prohibited in the building, but traditional hand weapons were not. The northerners drew theirs in return.

King Gadiel spat. "How dare you threaten the Empress and draw your weapons! I ought to have you fuckers in chains."

Lord Roiz from Izotza puffed up his chest at Gadiel. "You want it, come and get it little boy. I would love to burn your fucking lands and make your little Roman Queen my whore."

Gadiel had to be restrained by a dozen men to keep him from slashing Lord Roiz across the belly. Meanwhile, King Taboro shouted at the top of his lungs as the Lords of Ghant had to be separated and restrained. "So it has come to pass that half of Ghant wishes to side with Mara, while the other half wishes to side with Jocasta. Should the sisters come to blows and start a war, I would suggest that we organize into our respective camps and meet on the field of battle in New Edom. May the best side win."

Lord Barga from Gaemar pointed a finger at the King of Arrautsa. "You fucking snake...betraying your own Empress and country for the usurper Princess! Your Kingdom is a bunch of ruffians!"

Sophia turned to her father. "Father, father, please! Help me...help me!"

Malibar shook his head. "I cannot do that, sweet daughter. I never thought I would see the day that I would agree with Albert. He is right. I will give Jocasta's cause whatever is at my disposal, and any who stand in the way will be destroyed. Remember that before you decide to pledge military support for Mara."

"Father no!" Sophia cried out. "No God damnit! You cannot betray me! Please!"

Malibar gave her a sad look. "No, Sophia...you cannot betray me."

Yet, it got really ugly when Lord Torza from Thule made eye contact with Sophia from his seat. "Fuck the people, fuck Mara, and fuck the White Rose of Dakmoor!" He then took out a knife and cast it at the Empress. It was aimed at her head.

Sophia had to move her head to one side, and then her guards charged into the seats. It all happened so fast...men baring steel against one another, shouting, screaming...bleeding. It had never been this bad...not in eighty years. Sophia was quickly surrounded by Imperial men loyal to her that saw her out of the chambers, while Malibar and Martin began to argue over bearing arms against Ghant. The last time the Jauneketxea rose in war against Ghant was the Revolution in the 1930s, against the Mad Emperor.

The idea that she was as bad as he was stupefying. She couldn't be! She was doing the right thing...Aren't I? Elijah was the best hope for New Edom, and Michael...he betrayed me. Martin betrayed me...father betrayed me! Nathan betrayed me! What was she going to do? Chaos was upon Ghant and New Edom both. God damn Albert...damn him to nine hells. He was encouraging anarchy and war, that much was clear. And with Vorindeum, he had a launching pad for his operations. Sophia didn't know what to do, and it made her cry as she was escorted out of the Jauneketxea Palace.

It was later on in the day that the champions of the so called "Jocastaist" faction and the "Maraist" faction in Ghant began to comprise their messages, and prepare for possible war.

Albert
Emperor of Vorindeum, King Regent of Ziri, Crown Prince of Garza and Lord Prince of Ghant

---

To: Crown Princess Jocasta, Regent of New Edom
From: Albert
Subject: Support
Encryption: High

---

Your Highness,

I have become privy to your situation, and I am aware of General Unwerth advancing on Fineberg in your name. I understand that your authority as Regent, and thus Head of State is not being respected, and that your mentally unwell sister has underminded your authority.

Please know that you have the full and unconditional support of myself, my friends and my House. Know that not only do I recognize your government as the only legitimate government, but that I am willing to use whatever is at my disposal to support your position. Economic, financial, or military means, they are at your beck and call.

Dear Princess, you need only say the word, and a combined Vorindese / Ghantish force under my command shall come to support your royal prerogative, including even Dakmoor itself. We will join our strength to General Unwerth, deliver the nation into your justice, and bring all traitors to justice, to await your judgment.

My nephew, the Ambassador to New Edom, has informed me that Elizabeth Corbolo has asked that all those who support you should cease all military activity. This is because they are cowardly and fear your retribution. They want time to regroup and gather their strength to defy you. Do not give them the satisfaction. Instead, serve them steely justice.

And one more thing. Your sister is clearly mad and is being manipulated by traitors to defy your rule. You should declare that she is insane and then declare yourself Queen. Let all those good people of New Edom recognize you, or may they be marked as traitors.

I have the honor of being

Emperor of Vorindeum, King Regent of Ziri, Crown Prince of Garza and Lord Prince of Ghant

Sophia of Dakmoor
Empress of Ghant

---

To: Elizabeth Corbulo, Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs
From: Sophia, Empress of Ghant
Subject: Funderals
Encryption: Moderate

---

Dear Undersecretary,

I wish to convey that not only as Empress, but as a woman, that I feel profound sorrow for the suffering of your nations, and the divisions that it faces at this time.

I would, as Empress of Ghant, like to reaffirm my commitment to Queen Mara and her decisions as Head of State in terms of establishing a new interim government headed by Admiral Prince Elijah Shalamanser. I believe wholeheartedly in your efforts in supportint negotiations that would bring together the disputing factions and establish dialogue in the name of peace.

As Empress of Ghant, I hereby decree that Ghant formally recognizes Queen Mara's government, of which you are a part, and in light of that I shall be prepared to support your government by any means necessary, be it financial, economic and militarily if necessary.

I should also inform you that that my country has become divided thoroughly on this matter. I have support in my decision from Parliament, the Prime Minister, and several good and noble lords of Ghant. However, Albert, in his various capacities, is encouraging anarchy and war, and intends to pledge support for Jocasta using any means at his disposal. He is joined in this support by my father, brother Martin, and several lords who have openly defied me in the Jauneketxea.

It is my hope and prayer that reconciliation between your government and Jocasta's faction can be achieved, for I am afraid that should they come to blows, that dire consequences are in store for Ghant over the issue. I believe that my brother Michael is in a position of influence over the Crown Princess, and I will do what I can to encourage him to steer her towards cooperation and peace.

Also, if it is possible, please convey to Mara that I still consider her a great friend, and that I value our friendship enough to deliver for her in these dark times. I am ever her loyal and steadfast friend.

Sincerely,

Empress of Ghant

So it came to pass that in the land of confusion, The Division Bell had sounded.

[New Edom]

The House of Obed

Shalum FOB

Jocasta danced merrily in the sitting room she had been given as she received messages while waiting for transport to take her to Quality Bay. Already a flight from the Aviation Transport Regiment attached to General Unwerth, along with some of the Special Forces he was sending to help secure her person, were on their way, obtaining agreement to land there and move the Heir to a better location.

"Albert, Albert, how I do love thee," she sang out. "Read it, read it!" she urged her followers. "But this message from the Empress, she is letting sentiment get in her way, as is Anelyn, as are others. But let them be foolish. Let them be afraid. I shall not be."

"There is a call for you from Prince Elijah," said Dr. Aphek, holding his phone out to her.

"Read the letters," said Jocasta to Michael, her eyes staring at him. "It will be hard for you. I expect you to do what you said you would and stand with me--and with those of your nation who defend the right." she took the phone. "Cousin Elijah. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Prince Elijah said over the phone, "You have surely received the general message that I had sent out. I would like to know if you are going to be cooperative about the truce I have proposed."

Jocasta said with a smile, "Cousin, I must ask you if you will do as you have been told to do and come here to be my Minister of Defense."

Elijah said, "Do not talk nonsense. Unwerth will follow your orders, apparently, and you will appear to be in a stronger position, but it is folly. It will tear the country apart. Nothing in my truce recommendation prevents you from establishing yourself as Heir and Regent, it merely delays a conflict and gives a chance to settle things peacefully. Once the sword of war is drawn, it is not easily sheathed."

"That is what Prince Albert said you would say, interestingly," said Jocasta. "Sorry. The answer is no. You instead must instruct your followers to work with my people, cooperate with them, and stand down. That is my only offer. I swear that no harm will come to Corbulo, Fish, and the rest if they just resign. As for you: you will instead of meddling devote yourself to ending this rebellion in Gloria Regis. Will you do as I command?"

"Please be so good as to put this in writing," said Prince Elijah. "And call me when you have done so, if you'd be so kind."

Jocasta blinked. "Well then...go with God..." she handed the phone back. "How odd. He asked me to put my orders in writing, but agreed. It was easier than I thought..." she went to a mirror in the room and touched it lightly. "How strange...I feel as though...with the assumption of authority...a power has grown in me...as though my ancestral blood courses in my veins. We will soon be back in Fineberg. I feel i know in my very heart of hearts what must be done. Someone please draw up the orders for Prince Elijah right away."

From Royal Highness, Crown Princess Jocasta Obed, on behalf of Her Royal Majesty, Queen Mara Obed I of New Edom
To
Albert
Emperor of Vorindeum, King Regent of Ziri, Crown Prince of Garza and Lord Prince of Ghant

Your Majesty,

Congratulations, condolences, and congratulations again--on your ascension to a throne, on your loss of your wife and your gaining of a new one. Such a whirlwind life we lead. I wonder that you are not more grey headed.

I take your message of support and encouragement entirely to heart. Be assured, i will be true. I was taken by force out of Fineberg--the Shaluimite barbarian who did so has apologized on his knees since--and I will not be so moved again.

I am grateful for your friendship and offers of assistance. They will be very welcome.

in friendship,
Crown Princess Jocasta

To: Sophia, Empress of Ghant
From: Undersecretary Elizabeth Corbulo
Subject: Funeral
Encrytion: Moderate

---

Your Imperial Majesty,

I had heard from Prince Amenmar of the struggle your government is facing, and I am very sorry that it is related to our own in any way. However I am also grateful for your support.

Prince Amenmar has told me that he stands by our policy as well, which I am glad of. Please rest assured that by doing this you are helping Queen Mara, who I am sure is grieved by the slanders made against her.

We hope that peaceful process of negotiation will prevail.

Sincerely,
Elizabeth Corbulo
Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs

From Royal Highness, Crown Princess Jocasta Obed, on behalf of Her Royal Majesty, Queen Mara Obed I of New Edom
To
Vice-Admiral Prince Elijah Shalmaneser, Minister of Defense of the Allied States of New Edom

Your Royal Highness,

I write to remind you of your oath of service to the nation, embodied in me, the Heir of the Monarchy. I have asked you personally to come to Fineberg to assume your rightful position here, and as appointed by me relieve from duty the following officials:
Undersecretary of Defense Colleen Fish
General Martin Benajah
General Alarion Vrinn
General Augrim
Admiral James Button
Major-General John Ashdod
Deputy Attorney-General Peter Misabel
Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Elizabeth Corbulo

And order with withdrawal or full military service and cooperation of the 9th Marine Infantry Regiment and the 24th Lancers, as well as units of the 7th Tactical Fighter Squadron stationed at the Military District of Fineberg.

You will furthermore coordinate the securing of Finberg International Airport, the Military District of Fineberg, all roads leading in and out of Fineberg by General Jonathan Unwerth whom I have appointed as Commander-in-Chief of all Ground Forces in New Edom and Chief of the General Military Staff.

Finally, you will begin to coordinate naval and air units to retake Gloria Regis from the rabble of revolutionaries occupying the islands, after confirming or denying that they have done so.

I have the honour to be,

Crown Princess Jocasta

Roads to Fineberg

The advancing helicopters avoided flying high—they were taking a risk, of course, of ambush by ETC or other rebels, but use of drones and their own countermeasures hopefully kept them from using range for MANPADs or communication with the enemy fleet. E-15 air control linked with the drones attempted to give them a good flight path and they were fully prepared to make use of the RH-77 Cannondale Attack helicopters to ruthlessly counterattack any attempt at hitting them from the ground. Using as much as they could of natural landmarks to guise their approach, trying to muffle sound and radar signatures, they sped on towards their goal.

The soldiers in the birds were the cream of the crop. They were tough, disciplined, recruited from the units that had fought the hardest, had the most endurance, had endurance and a strong code of discipline. They admired their regimental commander, Colonel Abishai Hagar, who never ordered anything he wouldn't do himself. They remembered him blythely golfing while besieged West Cardwith; they had been on many raids and tough actions with him. They knew he had nerves of steel, a tough mind, would do what it took. He would fight to make sure they had ammunition, food, medical supplies, fuel, whatever they needed.

He was tough on discipline too. When officers and NCOs were party to human trafficking during the Anarchist insurgency, he had ferociously rooted them out. Standards were very high. You had to be able to move in a 90 kilo pack, you had to be ready to fight with low ammo surrounded by enemies, ready to fiercely counterattack against superior odds, ready to rappel into a hot zone in an embattled city, ready to act with initiative if your unit was cut off from higher command, and to have the attitude of leaving no man behind.

In just a few minutes they would be arriving at the Greater Fineberg Area. Passing the point of no return. If there was resistance by force of arms, they were permitted by rules of engagement to fight back. "If they fight your approach in, they are traitors and mutineers. Deal with them accordingly,' Colonel Estrada had told the officers during their briefing.

Hagar's lip curled with cold amusement. It amused him that it took a young girl barely ripe to do what King Mark, King James, Admiral Rand and other big tough experienced men could not do. Mind, he had seen girls younger than Jocasta holding bloody machetes and men's genitals in Hutanjia, had seen girls the same age cutting ears off the dead and looting the dead in Raith Immel.

How did that verse go?

But the Woman that God gave him, every fibre of her frame
Proves her launched for one sole issue, armed and engined for the same;
And to serve that single issue, lest the generations fail,
The female of the species must be deadlier than the male

He chuckled to himself as he relaxed in the remaining twenty minutes or so in the TH-300 Lakota as they thundered through the air.

"Something funny, sir?" said the RSM, glancing at him.

"Just thinking of a poem, Sarn't Major...

She who faces Death by torture for each life beneath her breast
May not deal in doubt or pity—must not swerve for fact or jest.
These be purely male diversions—not in these her honour dwells—
She the Other Law we live by, is that Law and nothing else.

She can bring no more to living than the powers that make her great
As the Mother of the Infant and the Mistress of the Mate.
And when Babe and Man are lacking and she strides unclaimed to claim
Her right as femme (and baron), her equipment is the same. "

The RSM laughed. "That poet must have been a married man."

There was a general laugh at this among the killers in the helicopter.

San Crispiano, State of Jita, Novitera
Dynasty Hotel

Count Lalery ususally breakfasted on fruit, yoghurt and flatbread of some kind. He also exercised his body.What he liked do were stretches, pushups, and a good tough game of squash. At home he had regular martial arts lessons in armed and unarmed combat, but he did not expect that here, and anyway was busy. He tipped his companion of the previous night generously and met with Parker and Harvey Gentry at earliest convenience.

"Well, a relaxing evening had by all I hope," he said. "Your hospitality thus far is very nice indeed. I hope you both don't mind if we cut to the chase.

"There's going to be some dust up and killing probably. I have received word, and I'm sure you are probably aware by now but there's a confrontation coming between those supporting Mara--who is apparently crazy now--and Jocasta, who is sane and more importantly backed by General Unwerth's army. Some Shalumite meddling and Ghantish meddling have egged the situation on. When she called me to ask my advice, I told her that if she's going to do this, do it right.

"So here is what I want: first a promise that you can influence your banks and some businesses to take over any foreign businesses that run scared in all this--buy them out if need be, but any rats fleeing will be replaced by people with balls and respect for the Monarchist visiion.

"Second: several foreign ambassadors and leaders have expressed support for Mara because..." he shrugged. "Sentiment, stupidity, who knows? The main problem ar ethe Adirans. They have a big investment in democratic reform in New Edom, they honestly think she's the right horse. I need help in countering that. Discredit, slow down, obfuscate, whatever it takes.

"I want to favour Noviteran trade as Finance Minister. I believe that what had begun as intelligence sharing over Azurlavai can grow into something bigger. If there is something further though, I'd be glad to hear it."

[Hutanjia]

Code: Select all

TO: Colonel Abishai Hagar, 18th Lancers CO
FROM: Colonel Barton Hudagku, Hut RCT
ENCRYPTION: HIGH

Col. Hagar,

It is with honor that we serve with and under you at the moment. I have never met you, but know you from reputation and your unit's outstanding service to our nation, especially at the Battle of Nourselle. Although I would desire a face to face at some point, it is obviously not an option as we are both on the move and rather engaged at the moment.

We have recon aircraft on station (LIRCAS Sergeants) and other air assets able to come to your aid and back up your air assault, including our gunships and fast movers (Super Etendards), should it be necessary.
We await your word, and of course, the response of potential enemies, but hopefully friends. Meanwhile, we are in the process of securing the objectives as specified upon briefing. Our ground combat units, the 2/1st HAR, 1/28th and A Co, 3/18th Arty are advancing into their first objectives now.

You can of course, reach us through the command net, as we have been linked in per General Unwerth.

Respectfully yours,
Col. Hudagku HRCT, HRA

---

OVER THE TWO ROUTES TO FINEBERG

"Base, this is Ibis Actual. We have no contacts yet."
The report was redundant and almost unnecessary as Ibis flight (The 3 LIRCAS flyers) were feeding data back almost instantaneously to the HRCT command. It seemed that so far, the 24th had not moved out of Fineberg and that D Co, 1/9th Marine were behaving themselves in the area south of the highways and none of the other elements of the 9th Marine were making themselves known...yet.

The transports of the 18th Lancers raced by on their way into the capital district, preceded by their vanguard protection. Behind them at a more leisurely and cautious pace flew the AH-90 gunships of the 12th CAS Squadron. The Super Etendards, Spider and Aracari flights, flew CAP patterns above them. Transport helicopters were hopping forward with teams of Rangers in order to secure the routes of their comrades following in small mechanized parties of IFVs, APCs and support vehicles. Two groups were on Highways 1 and 221, but the rest rode the flanks in the areas between the Highways, in blunted arrows. They did not stop in the small villages along the way, which had already been aerially reconed. Having foreign, brown skinned troops show up in their town squares might have the opposite effect of ensuring the Edomite residents were docile and loyal to Jocasta, the true heir, and their leader.

"Ibis, this is Base. Carry on with preset patterns and path."

"Roger that, Base."

Tension mounted as they waited to see whether their securing of the highways, or the 18th's move into the Capital District, would be challenged.

[Ali-Zebu Union]

Once More Unto the Breach...

It had been a couple of years since either Jezrahla or Editta had made the trip to New Edom. Issues with the Zoltabi to the north and a host of other issues closer to home and within the Union’s and Helladria’s areas of influence had kept them fairly busy. Now though, things had calmed down and they could once more focus for time and energy on the perpetually unstable nation. A nation wracked by one war after another and plagued by a long string of human rights abuses perpetrated by every Edomite leader from Perrin to those who came before him.

After a gentle touchdown on the runway and a short taxi to the terminal, Jezrahla unbuckled the seat belt around her waist and stood. She then arched her bare torso back and stretched her slender, toned arms behind her. “Editta,” she said with a wide yawn, “Hand me that large green bag behind your seat if you would.”

The tall Hayar woman stretched and then reached behind her seat, her lightly covered bosom brushing the seat in the process. Hoisting the bag onto her shoulder, she then walked over to Jezrahla and dropped it at the Prime Minister’s feet. “Here you go Jezrahla. Make sure to pick something that won’t distract people too much. You know how some Edomites can be about clothing.

Brushing aside her friends comment, Jezhrahla scanned the bag and quickly picked out something to cover her naked torso. Editta nodded when her friend had dressed herself and then threw on a black, mid-torso bearing, sleeveless vest that did a good job of fitting her form and granting a peek at what sat beneath it. “We are all set then,” Jezrahla spoke as she pulled back her wavy black hair into a simple pony tail, “Let’s see who is here to greet us and then try see what sort of typhoon might be blowing through New Edom this time.

Editta chuckled and turned her green eyes upon her friends hazel, “Indeed. Let us see with our own eyes what the winds are bringing.

[Anathaat]

Sixington,
Gloria Regis

Layit carried a tray of piping hot sambosa filled with a perfectly spiced mixture of mashed chickpeas and ground lamb and placed it on the table were she ate all her meals. Katarina took her left hand carefully brushed a collection of dark brown hairs behind her ear and inhaled deeply over the tray and smiled at Layit. “These smell divine Haifa. If they taste even half as good as they smell, then I will now for certain that there is nothing you can’t do well.”

The middle aged woman then took a fork and carefully stabbed one of the fried pastries and moved it to her plate. She then took a knife and sliced a corner of the sambosa and blew on it to cool it off. When she was satisfied with the temperature, she brought the cooled food to lips covered in a cherry red lipstick and took a small bite. Her light brown eyes widened when the flavors of the pastry reached her tongue. “This is absolutely amazing Haifa. I have never tasted anything so delicious in my life.” Pressing her inviting red lips into a coy smile, she then beckoned Layit toward her. “Why don’t you come over here and let me thank you for being so kind to me.”

Meeting Katarina’s light brown eyes with her own honey hued orbs, Layit smiled and walked around the table. “What did you have in mind Katarina,” Layit spoke softly while bringing her face closer to Katarina’s. Her full lips puckered slightly while she waited for the other woman’s response.

Katarina then placed her hands on Layit’s cheeks and brought her lips to meet her own. Several moments later, the two women separated and were sitting across from each other. “And don’t worry sweetie,” Katarina purred, “There will be dessert as well.” Layit grinned and then stabbed a sambosa with her fork. “You do make the finest desserts habibi. I expect no less of you today.”

In the Office of Livia Barberina

A puppy with a long curly tail, large triangular ears, adorable big brown eyes, and a sand colored coat hopped into the office. It’s tongue lolled out of its mouth and its tail wagged excitedly. Around its neck was tied a red ribbon with an envelope attached. Within the envelope was card with the picture of a bug eyed dog skiing down a tree covered mountain and the caption

“For Your Birthday, I Booked You a Room at a Luxury Ski Resort...”

On the inside of the card was printed. “...But Barky here got hold of the reservation. Happy Birthday!”

Written beneath the words printed in the card in elegant handwriting where the words;

“Happy Birthday my friend. I have the party set up and I have invited all of your friends. Let’s get together soon and figure out what kind of sweets you want.”

[Jedoria]

The Strana Mechty Quarterly

Duchess Calls for peace talks, elections, amidst crackdowns

STRANA MECHTY - Speaking to reporters outside of the Duke's Hearth, Duchess Luminita Vianu spoke openly concering the ongoing situation in New Edom, where protesters calling for free elections were violently broken up. "There is no need for more violence in New Edom. Too much blood had already been shed, both in recent weeks and in these past years before Brigadier General Perrin Pahath-Moab's rise to power."

Although relations between the Confederation and the Allied States have worsened in recent times, the Duchess maintained that humanitarian concerns "trump all politics". The Duchess has also criticized the labeling of several prominent government members by Crown Princess Jocasta as "traitors". The Jedorian leader went on to condemn the violent actions committed by the the Palace Guard in the disruption of peaceful protests, calling it "barbaric and horrifying."

Vianu went on to offer her services as a mediator and called for the factions to put down their arms and work out the issues facing New Edom at this time.

[Novitera]

San Crispiano
Dynasty Hotel


They were now back outside by the pool area lounging. Parker as usual puffed on a cigar while Harvey enjoyed some green tea. The thought of having another drink made him queasy. He certainly had to remind himself now and again that he was not in college anymore. Harvey thought about Lalery's first request. It was not an entirely disagreeable idea. The assets of those businesses could be had at a discount if there was a panic then put to use furthering Noviteran commerce once calm was reinstated. At the same time, the domestic jobs held by those businesses would make sure the Edomites would be shooting themselves in the foot the next time they decided to boycott Noviteran goods.

"That is not a trivial request. These companies could lose everything if there is war or regime change, fate forbid. Then think of the risk to us if we were the ones recommending they buy. It would destroy us." Harvey said deceptively. It was true but he also liked the idea and thought the risk may be worth it. But why not bleed Lalery for more and make things safer for them.

"As for the second, slowing down your adversaries is something we will work on." Parker added casually. It was safe to think both sides knew no bargaining was required here. It was something they all wanted. "First, we would like a showing of good faith. A display of your commitment to our interests. Something small." Parker added.

"Have the government, not you or Jocasta, make a statement about the government's confidence in the New Edomite economy. Then, sneak in there how Noviteran goods and culture do not undermine New Edomite moralities. That it in fact, enhances the average citizen's way of life. Something subtle that paints us in a good light. Finally, have the government express its optimism about future trade relations with Novitera among other countries. " Harvey said to Lalery.

"In exchange, we will display our commitment to your interests by buying back a fourth of the New Edomite bonds we sold. The UF government was the first to sell in the aftermath of Perrin's death. Us buying some back would go a long way to assuage regional fears about your economic situation and who knows who else will follow our example." Parker told him plainly.

"Once you do your part and we do ours, we promise to deliver on your first request provided that severe mayhem does not ensue. There's nothing we could say that would convince all the CEOs, executives and managers if that were to happen." Harvey said.

He took a sip of his green tea before continuing on. "Now we also are concerned about your reputation in New Edom. You are a man of appetites from what we can see and do not judge you for it. But others will in your country and that could be detrimental to your election efforts or whipping support for the legislation you want to pass afterwards. Not only that, you are a man of nobility and wealth Count Lalery. That is a difficult thing for the common man in New Edom to relate to. That is why I put forth two proposals that I think you will approve of. First, buy up a slice of this hotel. Whenever you need...release, come here and satisfy yourself behind closed doors. I think that would be safer. The traveling can be explained as looking after the Obed Family investments. Second, I urge you to sell your assets and put the proceeds towards philanthropic purposes that ease the plight of the Edomite people. Build schools, hospitals, plumbing for the more primitive areas, medical treatment, food for the hungry...you get my point. See to some of these projects and transactions yourself. Be seen doing it. This could win you favor with anti-Monarchists, the common man and make considerable strides in repairing your reputation." Harvey proposed carefully. He raised a hand before Lalery could object. "I know, why should you give up so much to charity? Well you won't. Parker and I have a slush fund at the ready to secretly reimburse your losses. We'll set up a private bank account for you in Callaban and make transfers to there. Or if you prefer, launder the money to you cash through this hotel's casino."

"The Dynasty is Guristas operated. Novitera takes a hard line against organized crime but sometimes it suits our purposes. They have agreed to see to our illicit banking needs on this matter and sell to you a piece of this establishment as a silent partner." Parker explained in case Lalery was wondering how they would get the hotel to do such a thing.

They sat back and waited for what Lalery had to say on their proposals.

[Hittanryan]

Government Office
New Laconia, Adiron

"How much shit is on the menu and what fucking flavor is it?" DeGroot said, walking into the abbreviated Cabinet meeting. Deol and Foreign Policy Advisor Tien were sitting together. Li and the wizened Navy Chief of Staff Victoria Nolan sat in another section. Vasquez was there alone, representing the AIS.

Tien was the one to answer the President. "Ghant is now divided. Press accounts say swords were drawn in the Jaun...Jan...their Upper House. Individual lords have declared support for Jocasta, Empress Sophia and the Lower House have declared for Mara and elections."

"Can the inbred old shits actually do anything about it?"

"Well, Prince Albert is out of the can. He publicly declared for Jocasta, might try to involve Vorindeum. The Ghantish lords will have to get by their own before they can reach New Edom."

"Funny how his namesake of a bolt through the cock is actually more useful than that fucking waste of skin," DeGroot said of Albert. "Fine, division should slow them down. Inform the Empress and Nymun, if he's not too busy spinning pie plates, of our support."

"Consul Tamburo in Dakar and Ambassador Luo can handle that," Deol said.

"Now, what's this rumor about Mara Obed being mental?" DeGroot said, moving the discussion to the next item.

"Rumor. The Heir and her supporters claim she's mentally unfit. Queen's supporters deny it. Nothing surprising there."

"Fantastic. And Jocasta Obed has an army advancing on the capital?" DeGroot said bitterly.

"Under General Unwerth. She's stopped just short of calling for a purge. Instead she just wants them 'removed from office.' No idea what she'll do to the protestors now," Tien replied.

"Look, Tien, I'm a man of principle. I like to know whether I'm lying about a lunatic or a moron. Princess Tits-Up is the former if she's doing all of this deliberately. If she didn't know this would happen, then she's the latter. Which is she?"

"A little of column A and a little of column B, maybe?" Tien said, shrugging. "No formal education outside of a finishing school. No experience in affairs of state. No good PR. And she's a pampered eighteen year old princess who might have some entitlement issues."

Rolling his eyes, something seemed to don on DeGroot. "Where are they now?"

"News caught them leaving on Shalumite helicopters, probably from the Shalumite marine base. The base commander, Jack Harper, his wife was at Betharan and was one of those evacuated. Might have been more about Mrs. Harper and less about the Heir, we don't know."

"Did they go back there? Is that where Her Royal Highness Top Heavy II is right now?"

Shaking his head, Tien said "We don't know. It's the first place they probably went, and it's the first place I'd look, but we don't know if she's still there."

"Fine. Did we drop the bomb on Gloria Regis yet?" DeGroot asked, addressing Vasquez.

Vasquez, stiffly as ever, spoke up. "Consul Singleton managed to open a communications channel. We gave it to him as requested. I hope, however, that State has told him how this is to be used?" she asked, looking over at Deol.

The Secretary of State glanced over and calmly said "He was informed of its significance. Remember, Director, that it was Mr. Singleton who collected the initial lead in the first place."

"I didn't deny that," Vasquez replied stoically. "I merely asked because the investigation it was connected to is ongoing and revealing it now could--"

"We can't just collect intelligence and not use it," DeGroot interrupted. "Besides, you've already moved onto the other connections, right? We finished that particular story, right?"

Hesitantly, Vasquez conceded "Yes..."

Finally, he addressed Li. "We've got the votes. And we've got our line. We're supporting the public calls for elections in New Edom as well as the nation's head of state. We oppose the crackdown on pro-democracy movements and absolutism. By any means necessary. An army is moving towards the capital and other nations are getting dragged into this thing. We need a plan."

Li glanced at Nolan, who said "Defend the capital and the queen first, without them our position becomes untenable. This princess knows or pretends to know the significance of both. Contact friendly elements in New Edom, what's left of the Cabinet, the Queen, try to gain access to Edomite soil, waters, and airspace. Henriksen is fully capable of suppressing enemy air defenses, fleet actions, providing close air support, and reconnaissance. Marines and Specters could screen the capital or other areas...can't hold back an entire army but they could supplement Edomite forces."

"What about our people? There are Adirans in Fineberg and a shitload of relief workers in Glasstower,"

"Relief workers...the Nalayans are still there. Not sure what they're going to do though..." Li said.

"Someone get Siri Kalousdian on the line, then Sally Haldeman. We're not leaving our people there undefended," DeGroot said.

[New Edom]

The House of Obed

Padan-Aran

Mara ran her hands through her hair. "Maybe I should call her."

"No," Enoch said vehmently, looking up sharply. "She'll refuse and you will look like a supplicant."

She tsked and grabbed at her cup of tea, fumbling a bit. Everything felt slowed down, like she was wrapped in wool, she had trouble stringing her thoughts together. She tugged at the material of her tartan skirt and looked up at Elijah, Enoch and Father Emmaeus. "What are my options, Elijah?"

Elijah was making notes on a notepad. He glanced up at her. "We have a few. First: we can simply try to fight back. This would be foolish though--Unwerth has within range of the Military District and all greater Fineberg long range missile and artillery batteries, tactical bombers, and more tactical fighters than we have in range. The Anaconda is out of range and cannot, with its escorts, provide any assistance. Combined Arms Base Tyrannis has declared neutrality and is trying to deal with ETC strikes around the base anyway. So fighting back would either result in heavy street to street fighting or in devastation.

"We can also give in, of course...one way or another. But I take it you do not wish to?" Elijah asked as though wondering if she wanted some more salt on her rice.

"No," Mara said. she took a deep breath. "I don't know. I don't want people to die for me."

"Then abdicate," said Elijah. "It is like owning a horse or dog--you know you will outlive them, may have to out of mercy kill them."

"I don't need a fucking lecture," Mara said, tears filling her eyes.

"Perhaps you do. Jocata is ready to rule, however foolishly. Perhaps she has a point," Elijah said, looking at her gravely.

Mara sucked in her breath. "Is that what you think?"

Elijah put down his pen. "The fact is, you took a leave of absence. The fact is, you are struggling even to stay awake now. You are not capable of rule. Technically, Jocasta is right. However what she wants is wrong. This is creating the crisis." he scribbled another note then. "My love for you is not the point. Naturally I will protect you with my dying breath. You must overcome this squeamishness and give me aa sense of your policy so I can carry it out."

"It's not fair," mumbled Mara. Enoch went and put an arm around her shoulders.

"I'm afraid it isn't." he looked at his watch. "Time is ticking. My estimate is that we are approaching the point of no return. Well, what is it to be?"

Mara wiped at her eyes and said quietly, "I don't want any unnecessary violence. Advise what we have...who in charge there--to evacuate the city, retreat up here. Let Jocasta have it."

Enoch pulled away, saying, "Are you serious? But what will that do...?"

"Can you negotiate with her that we'll give it up and to not molest the people leaving?" asked Mara.

"What about all the protestors?" Enoch said. "You want to leave them to Jocasta?"

"Oh God!" Mara stood up, her head swimming. "This is unreal...why does it have to be so complicated?"

Prince Elijah said, “We are crossing that point I mentioned a moment ago. We can delay no longer.” He looked at Mara and Enoch and said, “We cannot help the protestors, the pro-democracy movement, if we are dead in the water. But I await your decision.”

Mara bit her finger and shuddered. “Do what it takes. Get our people out.”

Prince Elijah got up and touched his phone and walked a short distance away. He spoke into the phone rather curtly and sharply, then returned after a moment and said quietly, “It is done. The members of the former interim government loyal to you—the country as some of them see it—will swiftly board the executive transports and leave the airport; the 9th Marine Infantry elements at FMD along with the 21st Lancers and Air Force elements are going to be leaving for Padan-Aran.”

Princess Jocasta

A Public Address of the Heir, Princess Jocasta

To the dear people of the Allied States of New Edom:

The misguided military and government officials loyal to my sister, Queen Mara, in her deluded state, have agreed to leave Fineberg. They are stripped of their offices. I have granted five days of truce for the funeral of the late President, Perrin Pahath-Moab, and the cabinet ministers of his government. Following this all military and government officials will be required to swear to obey me as head of state, whereupon I will call for national elections for the national legislature and the Presidency.

I order that no harm shall come to any officials or military personnel who leave Fineberg under white flag. Once the last have left, I declare that Fineberg and its greater area will be a zone of truce whereby we can hold the lying in state and funerals of the ministers of state and president who so gallantly served their country.

I am
Jocasta Obed
Heir of New Edom

San Crispiano
Dynasty Hotel

"That is not a trivial request. These companies could lose everything if there is war or regime change, fate forbid. Then think of the risk to us if we were the ones recommending they buy. It would destroy us."

“No, you would suffer some hits on your popularity and maybe lose an election or miss an appointment, you have survived worse,” said Lalery sardonically. “I on the other hand really do stand to lose…” he gestured at his head. “Everything. But do go on.”

"Have the government, not you or Jocasta, make a statement about the government's confidence in the New Edomite economy. Then, sneak in there how Noviteran goods and culture do not undermine New Edomite moralities. That it in fact, enhances the average citizen's way of life. Something subtle that paints us in a good light. Finally, have the government express its optimism about future trade relations with Novitera among other countries. " Harvey said to Lalery.

“Everything you are saying is not merely convincing, but true,” said Lalery with every evidence of sincerity. “You quite took the words out of my mouth.”

"In exchange, we will display our commitment to your interests by buying back a fourth of the New Edomite bonds we sold. The UF government was the first to sell in the aftermath of Perrin's death. Us buying some back would go a long way to assuage regional fears about your economic situation and who knows who else will follow our example." Parker told him plainly.

“A fourth.That is quite a lot.” Lalery observed calmly. He was drinking cognac again casually. “For your country—a nation not normally friendly to monarchies, normally so cautious by reputation—to do so would be a true gesture of confidence. I will make sure that this takes place, as Minister of Finance.”


"Once you do your part and we do ours, we promise to deliver on your first request provided that severe mayhem does not ensue. There's nothing we could say that would convince all the CEOs, executives and managers if that were to happen." Harvey said.

Lalery considered him a moment, his dark eyes like dark pools of water. He sipped his drink and then set it down and nodded. “This is fair. I accept.”

“However I will not beggar myself. Nevertheless I will contribute personally as you suggest—and for no reimbursement,” he said with a grin. “When I was more poor—when my family estates had been squandered by my father, I was told by an old friend that he would do little for me until I was a good prospect again. He said that a decent man of good family should be able to find a billet or a resource when needed. I will not let myself grow soft. Rather I will seed with my own money and get others to contribute, as my mad cousin did before, and win their hearts and minds.” He downed the last of his cognac. “However…I will also invest, on my family’s part, in the hotel as you suggested. It sounds like a good plan, I am always up for that. And one last thing: a public relations firm might be suitable. There was a young woman from Lai Dai who came to woo the Churches—didn’t do so well but because of circumstances. Maybe hire her away from them, see if she’ll work for me. Apart from that—do we have a deal then?”

Fineberg, New Edom

The sky over the city was buzzing with helicopters. The 21st Lancers’ transport squadron bustled in to grab senior civil servants, members of government, the Chiefs of Staff and their personal staff and their families. It was like giant hornets had descended upon the city. Everywhere the noise of their rotors filled the air. Grimly, Colleen Fish, Elizabeth Corbulo, Paul Gath (who paused to stare at a serene Nemone Jarris as she sat in her office looking at him coolly) the Chiefs of Staff in their parade dress uniforms and their personal staffs hurried to waiting helicopters on rooftops or in plazas near buildings.

The offices were filled with the noise of shredders and incinerators; a smell of burned paper and destroyed silicone stank. A crowd of people booed and threw rocks and empty bottles as a convoy of Council Police officials and their families made their way to a waiting convoy of trucks and land rovers. Military Intelligence and Monarchist Militia filed into the buildings shortly after.

The people were stunned. More than one protest organizer called it “a betrayal” though others simply called it a defeat. No one could quite agree, but Josefina was not the only protestor to sob openly in the streets, banners drooped, signs were lowered. However David Barjona, a veteran union organizer from the Union of Factory workers, upheld the Minister of Defense.

“Listen, he’s right” he insisted on the radio. “Every time there’s been military opposition it’s led to civil war or rebellion. It’s led to shelled areas, people losnig homes and lives. It’s going to be tough, but we’ll stick it out for this truce. Let the Heir think she won; we’re going to keep on the streets anyway. Everytime they raise a riot stick to a defenseless peaceful head, every time they try to shut down our right to speak our minds, they lose and we win. We have people uploading videos, we have foreign news like ANBC on our side. Let’s keep it as public as we can, and let’s slow down that advance. If they want the base, Betharan Palace, fine. They’ll have an escort of the people the whole way. Don’t give up hope, be brave. We will have our votes, we will have our elections.”

People took heart from his words, and many protestors did remain on the streets…waiting for the arrival of the forces of the Heir.

Near Betharan Palace, the Cavalry Guards switched units on street watch. For all they knew, their relief might get cut off—it had happened in the last Civil War when Perrin Pahath-Moab’s hussars had cut off loyal troops under Hesperinus and seized control of the city, forcing pro-Monarchist forces to surrender. So in the barracks messes, they smoked, drank, ate soup and bread in their kits while waiting for come what may. One grim battle scarred major of ancient birth and little remaining land and fortune held up his wine glass and said, “Gentlemen: the Heir.”

The Advance on Fineberg

Code: Select all

To: FROM: Colonel Barton Hudagku, Hut RCT
From: Colonel Abishai Hagar, 18th LMIR
ENCRYPTION: HIGH

Colonel,

It is a pleasure to serve with an officer of such honour and ability.

I am informed by General Unwerth that we are to permit anti-Heir forces to leave the city and the Military District, as negotiations for their departure have succeeded. I request your assistance in monitoring this. We should expect the withdrawal of two DC-9 sized executive transports, 48 tactical fighters, and the 21st Lancers’ withdrawal by air as well.

I am forwarding to you their designated air corridors. They have been instructed not to make ready to attack, and we will do likewise. There is a public message I am also forwarding to you from the Heir concerning a funeral truce.

By our show of force and determination to carry out our orders, I believe we have assisted in this process. However I agree with the General who has said that uncertainty is always a factor of military operations, and therefore we will remain vigilant. We will keep each of us a part of our forces in reserve outside the Greater Fineberg area ready to attack a hostile force at a moment’s notice.

Please take up secure positions near Highway 1 and 221 juncture with the Greater Fineberg Area.

I have the honour to be
Colonel Abishai Hagar
18th LMIR

There was a small town called Aphek, of all things, and it was there that the command flight of the 18th set down where Colonel Hagar went to stand on the highest point, near an old Apostolic priory, where he took out binoculars and looked out over where farmland blended with a vast area of construction sites and the outer factory district of Fineberg.