Vacancy (OPEN, ATTN GP)

[New Hayesalia]

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NEW HAYESALIAN MILITARY TOURS ROZANIA
Believed to be reviewing suitability of freehold national land for grazier's use.

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Geoff Garvley ( @geogarv)
^{01/09/15 | Union News 24 – New Hayesalia’s Public Broadcaster}

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A New Hayesalian Air Force C-17 landing at Brankoning's Dragon Air Force base.
Photo courtesy NHAF.

BRANDKONING – The New Hayesalian Military has been arriving in Rozania after their recent changes in force readiness. Elements of the 3rd, 12th and 17th Legions are joining Rozanian soldiers of the 25th Legion for 'operational suitability assessments' of nationally-held lands, which may allow Rozanian graziers to use the areas when needed.

The soldiers have been steadily arriving since the early hours of the morning across Brandkoning, Wilmi and Crow, with more Marines and soldiers expected to arrive in the coming days.

Brandkoning Mayor Jane O'prell has noted that 'New Hayesalian soldiers are always welcome here in the city of Brandkoning, and we are sure their efforts will be of great benefit to our local shire councils.

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© Union News 24 – New Hayesalia’s Public Broadcaster

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CROW, ROZANIA, NEW HAYESALIA

This inland city was an epitome of rural New Hayesalia. The people wore farming boots and hats, drove four wheel drives, and the vast majority were just passing through to deliver their harvests. The huge National Highway RZ-1 went through this township, forming a key part of the artery of this faraway corner of New Hayesalia.

Rozania is New Hayesalia's agricultural heartland. The majority of New Hayesalia's food needs were met by this one province. Next door sat two small nations, and nearby the Anglican Republic of the Cathedral, a small Christian enclave with a worldly view. Relations were good, however.

Outside Crow, however, the New Hayesalian Army had assembled. Infantry and motorised troops were waiting, with Javelin IFVs and four wheel drives having formed a motor pool at a military range outside the city. A few Finjan mobile canteens and a variety of engineering vehicles were also established, and a tent city had been established.Thousands of soldiers were here now, waiting for orders which even they couldn't predict. In truth, only a few high ranking officers had any idea of what was due to happen, with the troops only told that they would be moving out in about a day.

More and more camouflaged cars turned up. New Hayesalian soldiers continued their duties, cleaning up or pulling security, playing on mobile phones or talking shit. It was important to make sure soldiers weren't too bored, though.

To the east sat the Greater Prussian Natural Reserve. Essentially an area of unclaimed land administered by the Greater Prussian region, using regional environmental standards, while also restricting tourism access and development.

The secret agenda of this mobilisation, under the cover of domestic field check-ups, was to forcibly administer the area under New Hayesalian jurisdiction. It was an imperialist move, though the area was only temporarily inhabited at any time at GP scientific bases- which would be left untouched, and under command of the region's authorities- but the NH Military was going to clear the way.

Now, battalions of tracked personnel carriers and four wheel drives sat in motor pools off the border of the Natural Reserve and outside the city of Brandkoning. The nations of Greater Prussia had not been alerted, but once the NH Military was ordered into the expedition they would be, certainly.

[Zellatia]

Zellatian 12th Naval Group, the Eastern Greater Prussian Sea

Admiral Ackers was not a patient woman. It was a common flaw among the majority of those who were members of the Zellatian navy, a characteristic somewhat inherited from the man who had commanded the navy for the last thirty years, Grand Admiral von Leone. However, as the commanding officer of not only the 12th Naval Group, but also the Greater Prussian Reconnaissance Division of Zellatia, that meant that she was supposed to be on the look out for any anomalies in governance in the region. Currently the fleet was stationed at a point commonly called the Central Eastern Hub of the Zellatian patrol pattern. The island to the southwest, which had numerous names dependent on tongues, was one of the two areas that the fleet was supposed to keep an eye on. The other area, of course, was the east coast of the Greater Prussian mainland, as it was. The island, dubbed Greater Rügen by Zellatian analysts, was not heavily populated. As a result, for instance, of FSP terrorism in the center of New Hayesalia, much of the agriculture for its allied nation was now being produced there instead of barely half.

The place most currently focused upon recently by Zellatian eyes had been the Anglican Republic of the Cathedral. Established relatively recently, it was not a threat to the rest of the region in any way shape or form, but the eyes on it was mostly to discourage unwarranted expansion. Given the size of the Greater Prussian Natural Reserve, it too was focused on as a potential target by its neighbors. While, for the most part, the eyes of the intelligence analysts involved in keeping an eye on the island were focused on either the Democratic Colonies and Haldavia (For different reasons), a small subsection, aside from the tiny portion keeping an eye on Cathedral, were keeping an eye on New Hayesalian military movements. While they were allies of Zellatia, New Hayesalia was currently ruled by a rather conservative and almost anti-Zellatian Prime Minister, at least from the point of view of the upper administration and the public of Zellatia, an odd happenstance considering recent history. As Admiral Ackers read her reports on the majority of the nations involved in the region, she noticed a sizable dearth. The three analysts who were in charge of studying New Hayesalian military movements and the agricultural output of the region had not yet sent in their reports.

Walking down to the portion of the lower deck where the otherwise competent Intelligence Analysts were stationed, the Admiral was in no mood to wait for a reason other than "we'll be right on it" for a reason of absence on their part.

Not waiting to knock, the Admiral strolled into the room through the open doorframe, looking as the three looked almost panicked as they typed up a report. "It's about 1600 Hours, people, where the hell is your report?" the Admiral demanded, strolling further into the room until he was at the same table as the rest of the people studying the information.

"Well Madame Admiral, you see" one stuttered, her glasses sliding down her face a bit while her facial paint had already mostly sweated off, "we didn't report because we aren't done writing the report. You see, we found something suspicious going through the city of Brandkonig after the local reporter for the Zellatian News Network did a small report on troops stationed there"

"And...?" the Admiral said, motioning for the analyst to keep speaking.

"And then when we heard from a Zellatian farmer who lives near the town of Crow that New Hayesalian troops were spotted, almost en masse, near the border with the Greater Prussian Natural Preserve...Well, Madame Admiral, he's cousins with the reporter, so he was able to forward the information"

"What makes you think this is anything other than a training exercise? This isn't unusual, what with the New Hayesalians at a higher bit of readiness as a result of the recent victory over the FSP in one of their mountainous island provinces. Are you sure its something suspicious?"

"Well, Ma'm, the farmer was very specific. He'd been at the outskirts of Pandion at his old farm there when the New Hayesalians were on the way to the city to retake it once The Cave had fallen. When they arranged to help the Zellatian forces retake the city, they were in a similar formation, except for the fact that more New Hayesalian troops are taking up the "reclaiming" wings that he remembered. I think New Hayesalia is about to invade the Greater Prussian Natural Reserve, Madame Admiral"

The silence in the room lay flat in it. The sound of the ship itself coasting through the water was more of a auditory sound than the very breathing of the inhabitants, as each considered the consequences of what the Zellatians might need to do in order to stop this from happening.

"Do you think we can get reinforcements from the Tigarian Foreign Legion before the end of tomorrow?" the Admiral asked, waiting on advice, "They might be necessary."

"With all due respect, Madame Admiral" said one of the other men in the room, "Not until the day after. But we'll have to have express orders and a rendezvous point on the island. The only feasible population center would be..."

"Cathedral"

"Yeah."

"Shit. Well, I guess I'll make the orders" Admiral Ackers said, turning around, "Have the report to me by tonight. I have some planning to do"

[The Cathedral]

NEW CANTERBURY, THE CATHEDRAL

"... and with the grace of God to guide our decisions we shall be successful in whatever role our great Anglican Republic must take on. Amen." ended the prayer of Archbishop Ray Putney, the Cathedral's highest religious figure. The city of New Canterbury was not quite like the metropolises of New Hayesalia and Zellatia. Instead, outside of it's reasonable CBD stopped with the 40 storey tall NCB building, sprawling suburbs and cars made the country a true example of the western dream of land ownership and raising families.

Sat here in the capital of this Christian theocracy, New Canterbury, the Cabinet had convened a meeting in the curcular glass Congress, with regard to the noticeable increase of New Hayesalian troops on the border of the natural reserve.

"Amen." the rest responded. With that, the balding and bespectacled President Mark Englis began the meeting.

"My friends, I'm sure you are all aware from the various news reports that a large number of New Hayesalian soldiers are in the Rozanian province." The assembled Secretaries, including Foreign, Defence and the Chief of the Naval Service Admiral Rick Diamondis, listened intently.

"The establishment of our nation took a lot of negotiation and not with the New Hayesalians. Their province was not even established when we took our position in this nation, in this region, in the early 80s. My initial thoughts are that they are seeking to use the natural reserve to increase their on agricultural industy, and they've been very vocally against the GP ownership of that land for quite a while. Particularly their Prime Minister has been hating the situation."

"The risk for us, is that they look at the Cathedral as there for the taking."

This statement brought a lot- a lot- of anxiety to bear. Murmurs began as the President silenced them. "While I'm sure our Naval Service is quite capable of forming a very fierce resistance if such a terrible thing affected us, I personally do not think that will happen. The New Hayesalians do not have the interest in our country to warrant it, nor do they want the inevitable chaos with other Greater Prussians like Zellatia and Allanea."

"With that in mind, I think we should be very very careful. The Zellatian military has contacted me. I'm sure you are all aware of theirs and the New Hayesalians close relationships. For that reason, I am actually willing to accept an offer they have made. They have wished to send troops into our nation, as a garrison force on our border with the Natural Reserve."

Discussions broke around the table, accusations and fears flinging. Even the President struggled to keep the conversations quiet.

"People! We can benefit greatly from this! As you all know, 20% of our food imports are from New Hayesalia's province to our south. If they took that huge, fertile ground we would only need a few things; a free trade agricultural agreement with New Hayesalia, which would be doable with their current PM, an open border policy with the Cathedral allowing our farmers and buyers easy access, enhanced foreign ownership rights to allow our Cathedralites a piece of the action, and also security to this nation's southern flank. The risk of New Hayesalia invading us is virtually nil; however the effect of New Hayesalian armoured vehicles guarding the border will undoubtedly cause issues. Having a Zellatian and Naval Service presence to the south will cause short term chaos but in the long term will give us a pretty solid border."

The Cabinet discussed the matter in some further depth, but the reaction to the secretive Zellatian offer was clear.

Garrisons of Zellatian legionnares and the Cathedral's Naval Service on the southern border were welcome and encouraged, and the Cathedral's Naval Aviation Service was willing to deploy secretive C-17 and C-130 flights to support the Zellatian build up in the south. They awaited a response.

[Zellatia]

Zellatian 12th Naval Group, the Eastern Greater Prussian Sea
Aboard the Destronia

As Admiral Ackers listened to the formal replay of the Anglican Republic of the Cathedral, she couldn't help but be relieved. There was the worry that due to the size of the Zellatian Armada, while not the largest group of ships that Zellatia had to offer, mixed with the Tigarian Foreign Legion, there might be issues. However, it seemed that the President of the Cathedral, Mark Englis, had agreed to the deal.

"Send an affirmative reply. Let them know we will be landing a very small delegation to meet with them in person at New Canterbury. Let them also know that we will be landing a sizable force outside of Cathedral's borders to the west of them near the point on Greater Rügen southwest of the Cathedral and northeast, at points designated Anglican Bend and the Grey Cape respectively. Tell them that we will pay with the discretionary fund for any supplies that we take up as well as the rents for any military base required for us during our stay. Additionally, we would like to offer them monetary aid should they wish to expand in the future as further recompense. Am I clear, Communications Officer?" She stated.

"Yes Madame Admiral. The message is read out exactly as that. Additionally, I have word as of now that the Tigarian Foreign Legion has arrived in Greater Prussian waters, but are looking at a choppy sea. The ocean east of Greater Rügen is rather rough this time of year and I believe that they might have trouble arriving sooner than expected. However, they are ahead of the schedule and should arrive in New Canterbury for positioning at around midnight tomorrow night" the officer explained, waiting for the official Cathedral response.

As the day seemed nearly over, the Admiral looked to the setting sun with worry. By tomorrow the troop movements were going to start and New Hayesalia would begin to claim the least untamed of the wilderness. There was a land corridor through to the Cathedral, but it was mostly used by smugglers or wardens as a way to ease travel between the two. If the Zellatian navy didn't arrive quickly enough with land troops, the whole western border up to the Cathedral would be claimed. "Men" the Admiral shouted, "We need to get to New Canterbury, stat. We need to get there before midnight tonight, so add that to the message. We'll meet with the Cathedral's leadership in the morning"

[The Cathedral]

The Zellatian Navy ship Destronia was expected to arrive without arising too much suspicion. With media interest on the New Hayesalian's build up continuing in the border shire of Crow, and in their province's capital Brandkoning. The Zellatian fleet would therefore be brought to a port where their foreign legionnaires could be offloaded without attracting the attention of at least the press, which still had the ability to inform the people of the Cathedral about the upscaling of the threat despite the media gag laws the Cathedral's legislature had been able to introduce, through much argument and civil annoyance.

The Zellatian ships would offload their marines, their ZFL troops, at the two corners of the Cathedral's border with the natural reserve. This too, was a rather secretive decision to make. Being responsible in a way, as the first nation involved in the militarisation of the GPNR without the knowledge of the rest of the region, would draw much attention.

The Cathedral's government signed the papers, and through secure, encrypted channels, the message was sent. In the dioceses of Ulm, St. Peter and Grace, originating from the cities of Passiontide, Shoregate and Welby, the Cathedral's own limited land force comprising of 800 light infantry 'soldier sailors', marines, were being ordered to stand on a notice to move. They would, in time, be deployed to the corners and strategic points of the nation's southern border along with Border Rangers, who had been ordered into a heightened state of alert already. The Cathedral's Naval Service would likely deploy surveillance aircraft and ships at a later time.

In anticipation of meeting the Zellatian Navy leaders, President Englis ordered his transport squadron to readiness. He would meet the navy officer in the coastal city of Calvin, a city he would soon see tinkling in the night from the window of the VIP 787. It would be a worrisome time for this fine nation.

[Zellatia]

Aboard the Destronia

As Admiral Ackers paced in her office, she was starting to get increasingly nervous. If this went unwell, there was a chance that the action that she was taking would not only get her "Exiled", but also those of her men. By an order of 15, her manpower already in the area outnumbered those of the Cathedral. With the introduction of the Tigarian Foreign Legion, that number would double. However, this was not the time for her to be afraid. She was the Contessa of Zegorza in Fr'zia Province, Admiral Jovanna Ackers. She did not have time to be worried for her reputation when the reputation of her entire nation was on the line.

However, that was not the focus of the immediate present. The focus right now was to make sure that President Englis was comfortable with the arrangement. As the coastal city of Calvin, situated in the Diocese of Fiore, began to appear on the nearby skyline, she worried immediately how the Cathedralites were going to respond to her temporary ultimatum. They, as a whole, had seemed to accept it so far, but there were other deals that needed to be reached.

An hour later, just as the clock struck midnight, the Destronia arrived at the port of Calvin and the Admiral disembarked off of the large vessel. As the Admiral waited on the dock, she and her aides gathered at the appointed meeting area where they would meet with the President. Sitting down onto the edge of the dock, the Admiral peered out into the ebonite darkness, watching the eternal spray that lay before her. Miles upon miles away, she could see lights of Brandkoning. As her men had arrived in the dead of night, they had likely not noticed them, but given the nature of what was happening, she had to expect the worst.

It was yet to come.

[New Hayesalia]

FIELD ENCAMPMENT 1, EAST OF CROW, ROZANIA

The New Hayesalians were certainly in no rush. But work was on the way, as the New Hayesalian troops began their night routine. In this encampment, like more than two dozen around the eastern part of the province, officers had assembled to hear orders groups as the sun went down. The orders they had now presented to them the full scale of the operation ahead- to set up encampments in areas of the Natural Reserve that surveyors had found to be of Grade 1 agricultural land, and there were literally thousands of allotments like that. It was, plainly, excellent land, and was to be later sold as titles for New Hayesalian farmers and citizens.

The orders in the encampments were simple. Ensure everyone got plenty of sleep and pack up the various vehicles by 0700 the next day. They would then begin crossing the border as New Hayesalia released a statement to the GP region. The troops would be armed, but only with their individual weapons. They were in fact practically unarmed. Each would only wear a webbing belt with water canteens, 9LAND BMS and three magazines (for a total of four), minimising weight over all. This was only in the case of stumbling across bears or some other crazily aggressive animal, but as there was no real military threat so even the IFVs had been disarmed of their heavy weapons.

The troops slept as their mates rotated through staggered piquets, not merely the 2000 here but the 50000 in the other encampments. Fleets of G-Wagons and Javelin IFVs sat waiting and ready, for the expedition into the east of this island, for the benefit of New Hayesalia and the hungry, growing world.

Hopefully, when 7 am rolled around tomorrow, the world would see the benefits this would bring.

RED: 3rd Legion
BLUE: 12th Legion
GREEN: 17th Legion

[The Cathedral]

At the Calvary naval base's conference hall, the Prime Minister sat alongside Admiral Diamondis for the discussion with the Zellatian admiral. This was a matter of importance but it was important that only a select few people would be involved with the coming operation. That meant a very closed-off session. The crests of the Cathedral's 2nd Fleet, headed by the Queen Elizabeth class carrier ARCS Moses, hung from the wall and posters of the Cathedral Naval Service sat opposite. To the end of the large room, a podium stood next to three flags, being that of the Cathedral, the Christian Flag and the Naval Ensign.

The President had been there as the massive Zellatian battle cruiser took temporary berthing in the port. It's ensign flew freely in the breeze that caused the salty water beyond the protection of the harbor to splash and spray up against the rocks. The Navy was continuing to report on the New Hayesalians who were, interestingly, mostly asleep!

The Zellatian Admiral entered the conference hall as the city of Calvin began to be rained upon, something that would last until later the next night. Nothing wrong with a bit of rain, though.

The Admiral entered, flashing a salute to the President and her opposite number from the Cathedral's Naval Service. He returned it, though the President shook the Admiral's hand. That she was female was interesting to Mark Englis, who had been rather against women joining combat trades in the Naval Service, such as it's pilots. They were not allowed, though and by grace of God, to be involved in ground combat at this point unlike the somewhat heathenish New Hayesalians and Zellatians.

"Admiral, a pleasure." he began, a map of the Cathedral and surrounds having been placed on the table.

"Can you explain for us more about what you know of these particular New Hayesalian divisions, their intentions and more importantly, what your plan is to do, and of PARTICULAR importance; if you're going to get in a war on my nation's border?"

[Zellatia]

The Admiral appreciated it when a man was honest with him, especially when he was in power. The President, Englis, was showing nothing but openness at the moment and that was all that was immediately to be expected. This was quite the heavy time, and the 12th Naval Squadron in its entirety was now stationed either next to the Cathedral's borders, or was one of the few ships in Calvin from the Zellatian armada. There was a worry, of course, about what might happen, but she knew what was necessary.

"What I know is as follows: the New Hayesalian 3rd and 12th legions intend on invading and capturing all necessary points in the Greater Prussian Natural Reserve. We are here to stop that. As we speak, the first wave of Zellatian navymen with infantry training are setting up in the appropriate places. Rozania must not be allowed to expand, and as a colony of New Hayesalia, they are technically a threat to the whole region. I would not be surprised if Rozania, as directed by the current Prime Minister of New Hayesalia, put the Cathedral on its radar as the next target given its size and location" she said honestly.

"The two legions I mentioned, the 3rd and 12th legions, are planning on leaving from Crow at around...600 to 800 hours. That means that in order to counter them, we must have troops nearby within a short time. Based on our Intelligence, it seems unlikely we will be able to stop the eastern and southern thrusts, at least not until the Tigarian Foreign Legion have arrived. In order to maintain the legitimacy of what we are doing, as well, we are shifting uniforms to that of the Rangers of the Greater Prussian Natural Reserve. We are not necessarily here acting on behalf of Zellatia, although that is possibly the order that will come down. We will arrive at no less than ten of the northern ranger posts by the time that they invade. Hopefully we can hold the New Hayesalians off without fighting, but if we have to...by the charter that we signed with the Greater Prussian region as a whole, we will have no choice but to open fire" she lamented, turning to President Englis.

"I hope you understand, sir" she says, "but this island is about to be drowned in war and our presence here is the only way to stop the land grab. We will try to stop the war before it gets to your borders, sir"

[The Cathedral]

While openness would've been the apparent mood, in reality, the Cathedral sat neutral in this situation. If the New Hayesalians only wanted the natural reserve, this opened more opportunities than massive risks to the Cathedral. That nation had been shown to be aware of the dangers of invading foreign states, and the risk of hostile behaviour to the Cathedral was very low. They had no reason to want this little country, just as they had not made any incursions into the Democratic Colonies or Haldavia. The benefits included the agricultural imports at a lowered price, of course, as well as the southern security brought by the NH Military.

But there were benefits to the Zellatian presence. For one, it was an insurance, not only for actual physical security but for the morale of the nation when the news eventually broke and various chaos broke out. The diocese police forces were already being brought to a greater state of readiness for public protest.

As such, the Cathedral's politicians were planning to sit in the middle, ready to declare it's full neutrality in the outbreak of anything important. It seemed thought that the Zellatians were more belligerent than the Cathedral's south-western neighbours.

"Admiral, I can tell you that this nation is not interested in seeing war. I've seen photos of the troops down there, they aren't even wearing body armor. They don't even have cannons! I don't believe that Edwin Bolt has gone off the rails, not that far at any rate. Your intelligence is rather specific as well, so you can imagine I'm curious as to what little birdies you have that are tweeting for you."

"But let me say this much, I think you know full well that if those New Hayesalians are not opening fire on you, that your troops should very well keep their guns on safe. Furthermore, don't overestimate your own abilities. This mightn't be land under any national flag but Rozania is, and you know the New Hayesalians have a not-inconsiderable military force permanently based in that province."

[Zellatia]

Admiral Ackers was fully aware of the situation. It was not surprising at all to her that the Cathedralites seemed to think so little of goals of the Zellatians. While they were not being as fully belligerent as their neighbors in sight, the Zellatian Navy knew of the way that New Hayesalian power encroached over a community. If it benefited them, they'd give away other people's lands, signing an agreement with rebels of another country just so they didn't have to be bothered. That much was the reputation still tainted by the Frurian Issue in Zellatian press and among the military.

"Our little birdies are staying anonymous. They could be on the sky and in the ground, but they are out there. We are acting not in the interest of Zellatia here, but of Greater Prussia as a whole. If they take over this land in its totality, what's next? There's another nicely sized natural reserve on the main continent just a hop across the water. Are you telling me that I shouldn't be worried that a greater presence of New Hayesalia in the region won't lead to further conflict? I am under orders to maintain the territorial integrity of all nations and agreed upon neutral zones in Greater Prussia and I have been given the leeway by my only two superiors as to what I am allowed to do. This is fully within my purview. As is doing what is necessary to stop this aggression."

the Admiral was also aware of the benefit that Cathedral could gain from this. Surely it was obvious. However, there was also the obvious nature of the possible issues that would come with cheaper grain. At the moment, the Cathedral was somewhat reliant on Rozanian grain, but at this, they'd be nearly 100% reliable and local farmers would go out of business. It was not in Zellatia's interest to see the Cathedral officially become a New Hayesalian satellite state. That would not do.

"We are not looking at conflict. But if a single New Hayesalian troop fires on a park ranger for any reason, and I do mean ANY, then we will have no choice but to push the New Hayesalian military to the sea. Are we understood, President?" the Admiral said, getting increasingly leery of the conversation's direction.

[The Cathedral]

The President stood, infuriated. His Admiral stood also, hiding his own indignation. "Those troops are barely armed, even those park rangers keep guns for the wild animals in the area!" he began, pushing his misaligned glasses up his nose. "Admiral, don't forget whose country you are in, nor who you are talking to! I full well understand the political effects for my nation if these New Hayesalians take control of this reserve, and only as an insurance policy am I even considering allowing ANY of your nation's forces within the borders of my country. You should be grateful that we have entertained your needs thus far, so do not discount the intelligence of this nation. Admiral Diamondis."

The Cathedral's Admiral, at a rank of O-10 but the highest military officer in this nation, eyed off the Zellatian as he awaited the Zellatian's salute to the President.

She snappily stood and saluted, undoubtedly not out of respect. The Admiral returned it professionally, and left with President Englis.

With the President's departure, the two men climbing into the Presidential Chrysler town car, the President made his order to the Admiral.

"Report to the New Hayesalians, tell them that she will use force if they let anything happen. I don't want a war happening over my border. Give them an idea of what forces that woman is sending in too- just don't be overly specific. Let's be the peacemakers here, Rick."

[Zellatia]

The Admiral didn't care that the leaders of the Cathedral seemed upset. They were considering only their direct situation and while the Admiral didn't blame them, it was obvious that the President did not actually understand what was at risk here. Greater Prussia was an alliance, and if one member of the alliance was willing to do a land grab of neutral land, then there would be future want for expansion. It was that simple. Allowing the precedent to be set would be disastrous. Saluting the Cathedral's Admiral and the President, the Admiral stormed off to their ship, knowing that the two leaders of the Cathedral thought she didn't respect them in the slightest. They were wrong, but of course, she had her current biases going strong against those who don't understand long term issues. She had every reason now to discount the Intelligence of this nation, especially considering how selfish the leaders of it seemed to be.

It was obvious what was going to happen next. The Cathedralite Admiral was going to be ordered to tell the New Hayesalians what the Zellatians know. Of course, the Zellatians had only explained part of the story. It had been expected that the Cathedralites would betray the confidence of Admiral Ackers. It was an inevitability. Which is why she was now faced with a choice.

Either declare martial law in the Anglican Republic of the Cathedral and cut the head off of the leadership here or leave its borders. If they thought they going to end a war, they were going to suffer the consequences regardless of what happened. Considering it, the Admiral boarded her ship, walking to the communications deck as she considered the options that she had. She was no terrorist. She couldn't do the former option just yet. "We're leaving the Cathedral. If any of the soldiers provided to safeguard the border decide to stop us, stay with them, but it's no longer considered allied space, understood? We are moving inland" she ordered, the ship disembarking from Calvin. When the next session for a Greater Prussia Council came up, this would be brought up as a sign of negligence and stupidity on the part of the Cathedral.

This was like another situation long ago...she was not happy with this in the slightest. It reminded her too much of the people who declared neutrality during the First Zellatian Civil War almost forty years ago, now.

The Destronia shortly thereafter left the harbor of Calvin and went south. The naval soldiers who had landed began to move further inland, marching until they were thirty miles away from the Cathedral border and stopped for the night. The temptation had been quashed, for now, to treat the Cathedralite leadership as they thought the natural reserve should be used.

"You won't have us as insurance if you can't bite the cost, Mr. President" the Admiral said. She had her orders. She would carry them out.

[New Hayesalia]

NEXT MORNING

Not being in garrison, the troops were awoken at 6 am sharp to the sounds of honking horns, as well as sorting each other out. Assembling into their sections, with the sections of ten soldiers each in charge of three long-range patrol Pseudonaja vehicles- or in teams of five specialised tracked and amphibious IFVs for harsh terrain- reporting to roll calls for their platoons. Each had brought his weapon, and extra orders were dispersed.

"Ok gents," bellowed Warrant Officer Timothy Beke to his assembled company of troops, "the chain of command has made this a very clear order. You are not to, under ANY circumstance but self-defence, use your weapons. We suspect that there will be some light resistance, in the form of Greater Prussian police or gendarmes, but they are not here to kill you, so DO NOT SHOOT ANYONE, unless you absolutely have to to save your life. Am I understood?"

"YES SIR" came the hearty reply of the New Hayesalians.

"In the event that you are come across, or are challenged by, a park ranger or other civilian, you are not to cause any interruption to their duties. You must remain off private property, like radio stations, scientific bases, et cetera. Understand?"

YES SIR

"If anyone attempts to arrest you, turn around and leave. If there is a person trying to stop you from proceeding along an established public road, as indicated on your maps, then attempt to cross even in opposition; and turn around, call base and driver around of you can't. Do not use force unless you absolutely must, and particularly do not use lethal force. Understood?"

YES SIR

"Clear as mud! These orders have also been promulgated on the 9LAND system, and you will all have them in your vehicles during the operation. Become acquainted with them, follow them to a t. Let's get rolling out of here by 0700, so eat up, groom and get set."

"Company, break, off!"

Over the next hour, soldiers readied themselves for the journeys ahead. The troops generally wore their camouflage pants and undershirts, along with boonie hats, with their webbing belts hung up inside the light armoured Pseudonajas. Each was equipped for the thousand kilometre journeys through the undeveloped reserve, along the dirt and mud service roads that crisscrossed the areas.

The vehicles in the motor pools were being loaded up. The troops readied, the powerful engines turning and the streams of New Hayesalians beginning their challenge. The border was a ten minute drive. Their time in the natural reserve would be much longer.

OFFICIAL DIPLOMATIC COMMUNICATION
COMPATIENS, LIBERA, ET CONTUMAX

The Greater Island Kingdom, as a result of continued attempts to work alongside Greater Prussia to develop the Greater Rugen GP. Natural Reserve, has begun operations to enter the reserve employing non-combat personnel of the New Hayesalian Military. As such, the Greater Island Kingdom of New Hayesalia officially claims ownership and administration of the natural reserve as an extension of the province of Rozania.

Current Greater Prussian personnel and visitors to the area will not be disturbed or interrupted by the NH Military. We expect the same treatment for the New Hayesalian officials in the area. Any statements for or against this measure shall be directed to the New Hayesalian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We anticipate all responses.

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

[Zellatia]

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zellton City, Zellatia Proper, the Democratic Empire of Zellatia
Baltus Lindamere, the current Foreign Minister, had learned much in his few years in charge of the department. For one, his father's death meant that he'd had to put himself through something of a crash course on the secrets that his father knew that no one else did. Everything to the fate of Emperor Zellath IX, to the zombies in the Maw, to even the dinosaurs in Tigaria. While some were privy to these things, he'd long been not. He hadn't gotten the position, though, due to his father being the former minister. He'd already been promoted by the then Emperor Zellath IX prior to the Second Civil War to the position of Vice-Minister, despite his and his father's protestations at what it might look like. Still, unlike his father, he was no coward. He knew when to step up, but that made him, like many of his countrymen, overly aggressive at the diplomatic table at times. Still, as he strolled through the halls of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he soon found himself in the office that he had inherited.

Looking over the most recent diplomatic dispatches, the most recent one from New Hayesalia was the most troubling. He had already been given notice of Admiral Ackers' activities in the area, as well as the rejection of the Cathedral to actually try to stop the New Hayesalians. While he did not have the authority to tell the Admiral of the 12th Naval Squadron to cease and desist, he was somewhat worried nonetheless about the political fallout. It had only been recently, after all, when the criminal Gair Monzearth had been caught in New Hayesalia after causing numerous issues. Deaths. Terrorism. This move by the current Prime Minister, Bolt, was as curious as it was alarming. They were making it look legitimate even though all involved knew that their current move to take the Greater Prussia Natural Reserve for themselves was flagrantly illegal in every sense of the word. Greater Rügen was a part of Greater Prussia and with part of its neutrality zone ruined, that meant more tensions in the alliance. Considering the best response he could come up with to take down the claims of the New Hayesalians, he typed up a response, which was reviewed by his secretaries before they sent it out to the New Hayesalians and to all of Greater Prussia.

The Democratic Empire does not recognize the claims of ownership over the Greater Rugen GP Natural Reserve. Zellatia officially protests this decision and implores that New Hayesalia cease and desist their actions on the island and return their troops to Rozania. The Natural Reserve is Recognized as Neutral Territory, belonging to the alliance and not one single member. This breach of trust by the New Hayesalian military and the New Hayesalian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been noted. We trust that the Prime Minister had no briefing of this, lest we be mandated by our agreements with Greater Prussia to consider him a criminal in the eyes of the alliance

Currently, Zellatian personnel are on the move to coerce the New Hayesalian militants on the ground from their course of action. We expect retreat from them, and the arrest of any New Hayesalian officials in the Natural Reserve. Any statements of peace and honesty by the New Hayesalian foreign ministry should be directed to Zellatia, as well as the Greater Prussian Alliance as a whole. We anticipate reasonable retreat.

Official Message of the Democratic Empire of Zellatia

[Makaivellia]

The Royal Imperators Palace, Mars Cove, Makaivellia
"And what do you propose Raine? That we simply invade Rozania? Do you understand that would require a full scale amphibious invasion? Our Navy is no longer capable of such things. It is imperative that we stay out of this conflict!" Master General James Alden said.
"Yes that is what I propose, and you need to watch your tongue boy. You maybe the Queen Imperator's little boy toy-"
"And that is where it ends High Admiral Raine. You are dismissed from this briefing, the General and I will come to a decision on whether or not this conflict needs our attention." Queen Imperator Vitricia I had entered the bare concrete room, her voice cutting into the pride of High Admiral Raine.
As Raine left the room, Alden slammed his fist into the table causing the emulation of Rozania to glitch wildly.
"Careful! We only have so many of these briefing tables." Vitricia said calmly.
"It is only war with him, does he not understand that we cannot sustain an invasion of that magnitude? Makaivellia is halfway across the world! Hell we've never even made contact with New Hayesalia! Nor have we spoken to Zellatia." the General said.
"I agree with Raine."
"What?!"
"While I have never agreed with the Admiral's decisions. I must respect this one. We could create a strong relationship with Zellatia here. Perhaps they let us use their harbo-"
"No." The General daringly cut off the Queen. "I refuse to believe that in ord-"
"It doesn't matter what you believe. We have a standing military at constant full readiness for no reason. It is time we actually became an Empire once more. We are more than capable of an invasion of this magnitude." The Queen interjected.
"As the Commanding General of our ground forces I-"
But before he could finish his sentence, Vitricia had exited the briefing room.
"IT DOES NOT MAKE ANY SENSE FOR US TO INVADE OR INOLVE OURSELVES IN A CONFLICT THAT WE HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH!" Alden yelled after her.
"That is the beauty of imperialism, my love" she said quietly to herself.

Before the Master General exited the room, The Queen Imperator was already making a phone call to Zellatia. And High Admiral Raine, happily preparing to finally
mobilize his beautiful navy.

[Zellatia]

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zellton City, Zellatia Proper, the Democratic Empire of Zellatia

"WHO is sending us a message?" the Foreign Affairs Minister exclaimed in confusion. Makaivellia had very little in the form of contact with Zellatia, so the news that they were contacting the Empire with plans of invading Rozania to conquer it made him uneasy. Baltus had already ordered his people to stop the New Hayesalian invasion of the Greater Rugen Natural Reserve in Greater Prussia, now with this third party in the mix, it was starting to feel like this whole situation was a lewd joke. The only mention in Zellatia-Makaivellian history was as follows. Using the Common Era calendering, Zellatian "adventurers" had sacked one of their cities around the year 1245 CE and the Emperor had, as an apology, sent a thousand goats. At the time, the Emperor of Zellatia had been Zellath III, who was known for his short reign and total insanity. As such, what followed between the two nations was...radio silence, more or less, past that. Zellatian seafarers had gone quite far afield, even to the opposite side of the world, but none had historically settled in the area so there was little for the Zellatian Empire to care about back during its completely Imperial days.

"So what you are telling me is that total strangers want to be friends. Get me everything you know about this nation before I can even think of responding. EVERYTHING!" Baltus Lindamere screamed, his face red to the point that his red and blue woad markings practically peeled off. What he soon found out did not make him that much happier.

"Are you saying that these Makaivellians are, at the same time as telling us they want to invading Rozania, are also potentially invading other countries? Constantly? Okay then...this is going to be a problem" he reasoned, calming down significantly. As he thought about the issue, he waved over some of his facial stylists and had them reapply the woad while he thought. Despite the potential for distraction, the application actually calmed him to the point where he could think rationally again. It was a common problem for the Zellatian Diplomatic corps to die early as a result of stress, so this was going to be necessary, at least for now.

"Okay then. I suppose we ought to send them an official response. Sheize, damn. Okay, here's what we'll say"

TO: Makaivellian Leadership [Encoded]

The Democratic Empire of Zellatia recognizes the aid of the Imperium of Makaivellia. Zellatia officially applauds their attempt at stopping and halting the New Hayesalian militant action and we hope to have their help in this policy action. We entreat the kind nation of Makaivellia to send a representative to the Zellatian consulate nearest to Makaivellia, which seems to be in Yohannes in the Duchy of Blomgren's capital Bernhardsson. We would like you to meet with Ambassador Zelkan Des-Ambron and would appreciate coordinating your military with him until any police action aid can reach the Zellatian military which has a presence in the region.

Official Message of the Democratic Empire of Zellatia

"And please make sure that we seem polite. We don't need more enemies"

[New Hayesalia]

IMPORTANT OOC: I have uploaded a new map given the change in GP. This is the map of Greater Prussia.

THE RESERVE, 210km EAST OF CROW

"Yeah so it's left at the next service road, bro."

In the airconditioned cab of Pseudonaja DV-A03-TTYK, the three New Hayesalian soldiers were quickly beginning to realise the magnitude of the road trip ahead of them, with the quality of the roads seeming to get intermittently worse or between, depending on their distance to one of the isolated research centres. The three vehicle convoy of Foxtrot Platoon, B Company, the 616th Mechanised Battalion, containing ten soldiers under the command of lead vehicle passenger Corporal Kelso Hardle, had been assigned to conduct environmental testing at one of the northernmost locations, up around the Anglican Bend region. The small coastal zone sandwiched between Rozania and the Cathedral was likely to be fertile for tropical crops, such as bananas and sugar cane, but the testing needed was rather specific. The testing materials had been supplied for each point, and it would close gaps in surveying information that the NH Government had access to. The extended province would be planned with efficiency in the centre of the mind.

The three vehicles began the left turn, headed down a longer dirt road that would take them to the coast over the next couple of hundred kilometres. The trees and brush were thick in the flat, the blue sky allowing the beating sun free reign over all that stood in it's way.

As the three protected mobility vehicles rounded another corner, their progress was immediately slowed.

"Stop, stop, stop!" came the surprised voice of Corporal Hardle. "Looks like park rangers or something. Wait, out."

The three Pseudonajas came to a halt. Ahead was a roadblock, a hastily-built thing with camouflaged personnel standing aside- and as the corporal knew from his short deployment to their nation, they were Zellatians! What reason did these guys have to be here, let alone forming road blocks. Stopped about 10 metres out, Corporal Hardle and another of his soldiers, Private Marcus Grimshaw, demounted the vehicle, leaving their webbing belt and weapons inside the cars. These guys were allies, after all. They were armed, but not acting in any peculiarly hostile ways.

"What do you reckon Kelso's gonna do?" came the call from Lance Corporal Tina Goled, in the second car, as she sipped from a bottle of coke.

"I dunno. Probably say we're coming through and just go? He probably has some orders extra to us." came the reply of Private Ed Corby, in the driver's seat.

Headed towards the checkpoint, the New Hayesalian NCO took off his sunglasses and headed up towards a Zellatian private. A foreigner, wearing a peculiar unit patch, the Corporal made his demands known. "Private, I'm Corporal Kelso Hardle, New Hayesalian Army. We require passage through this checkpoint, where's your supervising officer?"

[Zellatia]

THE RESERVE, 210km EAST OF CROW

The Zellatian Private in question, Pvt. Zeljand Menondroz, had gone through quite a day as well. They'd arrived at the current checkpoint about an hour and a half before the New Hayesalians had, and that was only due to using the motorized vehicles they had brought to their full ability. Waking up at four in the morning was not a pleasant feeling, but at this point he had his orders. As part of the Forward Division Chi, they whole group that was currently at the checkpoint knew their duty. It was a dull day otherwise and all Zeljand wanted was to be done with this and get back to sleeping at normal hours. Still, a part of him deep down immediately felt the need to fight upon the approach of the New Hayesalians, but any trained soldier, such as Pvt. Menondroz, knew how to stifle that emotive response and take responsibility for the duty that had called them to this fertile Natural Reserve.

"Corporal Kelso Hardle? Nice to meet you, sir, my name is not just Private. I am Private Zeljand Menondoz of the-" he spoke, cut off by the approach of his superior who whapped him in the back of the head. Stepping forward, Captain Elane Zelroy gripped the private's shoulder and gave him a death stare. The Private, knowing when to back off, slunk back to a defensive position on the other side of the barricade and left the Captain to talk to the Corporal.

"Forgive the rudeness of my personnel here. Sometimes the egalitarian nature of off-duty conversation and the occasional waiting game can have my men a little antsy to prove that they are as...macho... as they can be" she said, eyes moving to Cpl. Hardle. "Based on our orders and those given to us up the food chain, Corporal, we are not allowed to let you pass. My condolences for that, but, according to the code of this unit: "None Shall Pass" and that includes you. I take it you are unaware of the illegality of your commanders' actions?" she said, stepping back a step.

"The Greater Prussian Natural Reserve is only recognized internationally as neutral territory. It is my orders to stop you and turn you around. Send this to your commander. The Zellatian Military, in conjunction with the Cathedralites and other allies in the region, have condemned your Foreign Ministry's and your local division commander's actions as illegal. We trust that no one in Revnami has approved this, and let them know that by now we've set up road blocks over every road from here to Nachmere. I will reiterate, Corporal, for your sake. None Shall Pass. Now go home" she said, her eyes looking at the cars, "And take those things with you. We don't need such fuel inefficient vehicles smogging up this nature preserve" Saluting to Kelso, she moves back behind the barricade with her men and coughs. "Dismissed, corporal" she adds.

As they all stood behind the checkpoint's natural dividing line, the Zellatian Naval Infantry waited for the New Hayesalians to leave. It should be clear, the Captain thought, that Corporal Hardle was going to have to leave with his men.

[Makaivellia]

The Imperators Palace, Mars Cove, Makaivellia
"They applaud us are attempts at stopping the Rozanians" Admiral Raine laughed, reading the message that was sent from Zellatia. "They want us to meet an ambassador Zelkan Des-Ambron, and coordinate the military with somebody. Queen Vitricia, I leave this in your hands, I need to go, as I have matters that need my attention."
The High Admiral left the Imperator's Office, leaving High General Alden and Queen Imperator Vitricia alone.
"I will go to Bernhardsson, and meet with Zelkan." Vitricia said.
"What?! You are the head of state?! You cannot leave Makaivellia unattended!" Alden said, baffled by her decision.
"I will pose as nothing more than an ambassador, I need to attempt to manipulate this Des-Ambron. If I can get him to agree to our terms, more than Rozania can be ours."
"And who will lead while you are gone? Admiral Raine?" Alden scoffed.
"No, I have already arranged for an interim Imperator. High General James Alden will be our glorious Imperium's leader."

The Makaivellian Imperium is belated that the Democratic Empire of Zellatia has recognized the aide we are offering. We have already sent an emissary to Bernhardsson as this message is written. Ambassador Aquila Corleone will met with Ambassador Zelkan Des-Ambron. The Imperium looks forward to this historic meeting

[Zellatia]

The Foreign Ministry, Zellton City, Zellatia Proper, The Democratic Empire of Zellatia

Upon reading the response, Foreign Minister Baltus Lindamere grimaced. "Well, this can only go well...right?"

Bernhardsson, Duchy of Blomgren, Yohannes

The Ambassador to Yohannes wasn't the type to normally go beyond his duty. As a life-long bureaucrat in the Foreign Affairs department of the Zellatian Ministry, he'd been involved in the status quo with Yohannes and the neighboring nations for a good deal of time. For the most part, he only dealt with Yohannes and its immediate neighbors, but this was a breech in personal protocol for him to meet with the Makaivellian Ambassador. He was to meet with Ambassador Aquila Corleone, whoever that was, and he was to treat her with respect. While Zelkan Des-Ambron had no problem with this, he knew that this was fishy. First of all, he'd never heard of this ambassador in the diplomatic circles...but perhaps that was just because of the isolation Makaivellia had from Zellatia. It wasn't THAT surprising he hadn't heard of her.

As she arrived, the Zellatian Embassy welcome her, many of them bowing as she entered the complex with her personnel. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Ambassador Corleone. This way to the normal meeting room" he said, barely noting that she was anything other than what she said she was. With Zellatia, nobility had obvious connotations, and since it wasn't so obvious here, he saw nothing.

Sitting down across from her, he had his files that were pertinent in front of him and waited. She was the guest here, so the Ambassador to Yohannes would let the Ambassador from Makaivellia to have the first set of words. He wasn't going to assume anything else until he knew where they stood.

[New Hayesalia]

RESERVE

The curt response of the female Captain came with obvious surprise from the Corporal. They'd be told, quite curtly, to head back. This was, of course, against their own orders. The Corporal chuckled, glancing to his boots before, flabbergasted, looking back toward the Captain.

"Well ma'am, unfortunately the actions we're taking are legal. I, like all my colleagues, know that it meets all the criteria of our own Mercy Code, so as a loyal New Hayesalian soldier, I'm afraid I can't comply with your order. I'm going to have to ask, ma'am, that you move those caltrops and let my vehicles past. I'm going to go back to my Pseudo now, we'll give you a couple of minutes.

The Corporal took his leave at once, ignoring the protests of the Zellatians. Along with his Private, he remounted his vehicle, turning to the driver.

"Lance Corporal, think you can drive us around this thing?" he asked simply.

The driver was surprised weren't the Zellatians allies?

"Uh, yeah, probably. Not really here but if we turn back about a kilometre and go offroad. There's a little clearing just behind them over that way, so I imagine we can push through here. I mean, they got here after all." came the reply.

"Excellent." the Corporal said, buckling his seatbelt. Taking it to the radio, the Corporal made his order to the three car convoy to wait for the Zeallatian marines to let them through.

No such thing happened. The Corporal made the call to higher command, outlining what he planned to do. It was approved, and noted. The presence of blocking Zellatians was, of course, rather annoying. It wasn't going to be the only time, after all, that a roadblock was found.

The convoy had been blocked, each vehicle making a three point turn and the Corporal waving goodbye to the Zellatians, smugly

The convoy continued back down the dirt road, back around a couple of corners before the Corporal's car made the first steps out into the fields and offroad space to the side of the road. Using the GPS of the 9LAND battle management system to keep on route, though proceeding at a snail's pace through the undulating ground and the looser parts of the forest. For some smaller trees, the weight of the Pseudonaja could simply turn them into matchsticks. If need be, the troops had a couple of chainsaws.

Thankfully, the skilfully chosen route from the lead car had brought them through. The Zellatian troops would have been quite surprised when they witnessed the trio of light armoured cars penetrating through the brush about 100 metres down the road, wheeling out before accelerating down the road, and quickly rounding the corner.

It was like the old storybook- they couldn't go over it, they couldn't go under it; though in this case they couldn't go through it, so they'd simply gone around.

"Sorry gents!" cackled the Corporal, as his troops completed the movement.

22km SOUTH

One of the first crews had already set up. Led by Corporal James Kokkil, the three Pseudonajas had established themselves in their little wagon wheel of three. The troop's first bit of time at this site - A-444 - had been the scientific testing. Soil, water and air had been tested in the immediate area, with more testing scheduled over the next couple of days on the wider area. The troops would be, essentially, camping here for the next few days.

It was a beautoful area. The sprawling, lightly undulating flats had so far completed initial testing showing good results. More lab testing back in Rozania proper at labs in all the main cities would show the more detailed results. A second wave of New Hayesalians would be sent into the province to get the samples back to the lab. It was very likely that, with literally thousands of tests headed to a handful of labs in the province, some of the more far-flung troops would be spending about two to three weeks living out of their Pseudonajas. Eventually, engineers would be brought in, depending on soil results and further surveying work where necessary, to establish operating bases in particularly fertile and strategic locations. More likely than not, they would form the basis for the extension of the Rozanian province.

For now, the ten troops waited. With the fear of animals like bears or wolves in the area, the New Hayesalians were armed. One would be on sentry, sitting atop the Pseudonajas and scanning the horizon. There were also motion detectors set up around the wagons, able to detect them.

This process was being repeated in the western part of the Reserve today. The troops were moving fast.

[Makaivellia]

"This is a beautiful country." she looked up at the man sitting in front of her, papers in all. "Let me begin this meeting by giving you my salutations. My country is excited to be making contact with yours." she paused, looking down and smiling. "But I am very tired from my flight, as I do not travel much. I wondered if instead of sitting in a blank room, we could walk the nearest marketplace. I need some coffee, perhaps we could take this meeting to an unconventional venue." she looked back up, deep into Zelkan's eyes. "What do you say, Ambassador?"

I wonder if he's noticed my uncanny resemblance to Queen Vitricia.

[Zellatia]

RESERVE

As the female Captain watched the Corporal go around the roadblock. "Oh. So they are really stupid, are they?" she commented, knowing that the troops down the road would eventually find the Pseudos with popped tires. Given the amount of time ahead that they'd finished the checkpoint, they'd taken time to put caltrops and other hazards and made sure that they were hidden enough that, while being behind their lines, were there because it was necessary. Plus, each one of the non-utilized hazards had a way to be tracked unique to the Zellatian military, so they didn't need to worry too much about cleanup. A few troops coming up to reinforce the checkpoints at the reserve soon encircled the New Hayesalians who were either now stuck in a sand sink or had their tires stuck with camouflaged caltrops/tire traps. Of course, the Zellatians weren't able to perfectly avoid their own traps, but the damage was only meant to slow people down, not to hurt them. The men now surrounding the New Hayesalian caravan, led by a Corporal as well, soon spoke.

"Corporal Hardle. You and your men are to be detained for violating the Neutral Lands in Greater Prussia Act, signed by Prime Minister Hayes and the Emperor at the establishment conference a few years ago. My name is Corporal Hill Zjenko and I will be escorting you to the detention camp. If you resist, we will use non-lethal rubber bullets and other non-lethal force" he said plainly, as more reinforcements seemed to be coming up the road, skillfully avoiding the hazards that had been placed there.

Elsewhere in the reserve, the same story played out a few times. The Zellatians at the checkpoint told the New Hayesalians that they couldn't pass, they were generally ignored, and, in some cases, the hazards were put up in time. However, with more checkpoints being established further back in the road, which those who had successfully passed the checkpoints prior, it was going to be a rough day for the New Hayesalians. Out of those who were sent into Zellatian held neutral ground, a full third were stopped and successfully detained, although for another third their vehicles were damaged without any danger to the personnel. It was becoming clear that the Zellatian strategy wasn't violence or passive resistance. It seemed more akin to impassive trap-making mixed with guerilla passive resistance, if that made any sense.

While the Zellatian High Command had no idea where Corporal James Kokkil was with his men, as they were in a place without as many roads (The Zellatians had a map of the reserve, but it wasn't perfect), but it was very likely that they would find them sooner or later.

Bernhardsson, Duchy of Belgrom, Yohannes

A little flabbergasted by what Ambassador Corleone was suggesting, he scratched his neck and sighed, "We would have to leave the files here, then. I cannot allow even the risk of the people of Yohannes having Zellatian Intelligence, even if our relationship with them is benign" he said, rising. "But coffee does sound very nice right now, Ambassador. I haven't had coffee in a while, generally I drink tea, so this mixed with a fresh breath of air would be nice. Just make sure not to pick anything strange from the marketplace. They have quite the selection of oddities there" he said, leading her out of the Embassy. Despite not noticing the uncanny resemblance, the Ambassador was still treating the Queen-Imperator with respect.

[New Hayesalia]

RESERVE

With the thick runflat tyres and the accompanying central inflation system keeping the Pseudonajas going, eventually the troops had needed to pull over and have a look at the tyres. As the extended range model of the Pseudonaja had to be reasonably self-reliant, the troops hadn't been too worried after they'd rolled over the Zellatian spike strips. They were heavy duty things, it seemed. Of the three vehicles, a total of five tyres had been popped needing replacement, the remainders needing to be seen too with the puncture kits and reinflated.

The three vehicle convoy had pulled over, two of the soldiers pulling sentry as the rest of the team set about replacing the bunged up tyres, using five of the six spares carried by the convoy. They also had to patch up the survivable tyres, which gave them back the majority of their ability.

As the eight-strong team of repairers neared completion of the fix, having switched out the five tyres and repaired all but three, sentryman Private Jarod Doyle called out to his team leader, Corporal Hardle. The private was armed as he watched the pair of Zellatian vehicles approaching.

"Corporal, what's your orders of self-defence?" the young private asked, nervously. The corporal was unfazed- he didn't quite take the Zellatians seriously.

"Sling it, Doyle. You too, Young!" he called, to both sentrymen. "Don't fight them, yeah? The rest of you, keep going?"

The Corporal stood out with his private, watching as the Zellatians came around the convoy. A young Zellatian NCO, of his own rank, stepped out of the Zellatian convoy and gave his rant.

"Well Corporal, like I said, I'm not breaking any laws. You start talking shit and you better be able to back it up, you hear?"

The Corporals continued talking, the New Hayesalian becoming angrier and apprearing to pace and speak with his hands. In fact, he was signalling for the troops to stand-to, in this case silently ordering them back into the Pseudo's. With speed, the New Hayesalians began mounting back up, quickly getting back into the protected mobility vehicles and, of course, locking the door. The last two men, Doyle and Hardle, broke from the discussion quickly as the Zellatian returned to his vehicle to provide a map; the New Hayesalians made use of it, mounting their vehicle.

They didn't go anywhere, though they locked the doors of the armoured vehicle. With radios on, the New Hayesalians were'nt going anywhere. The ignitions hadn't even been started. Some of the Zellatians approached, knocking the doors and trying to open the handles, unsuccessfully. Inside the vehicle, radio orders were being made. Record everything through 9LAND, sending it to the New Hayesalian command.

The Zellatians knew care was necessary when dealing with these encased New Hayesalians.