A Change in the Wind MT IC ESPIONAGE

[Saarkrisken]

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The name of the Devil Hills is a beautiful landscape, the rolling hills covered with a thick and verdant mass of pines and firs with the occasional maple or oak here and there. At the foot of the hills, flowed a small bubbling stream, crystal clear and full of life. It's shallowness allowed for many fords before it joined with the larger river that cut through the province. On the other side of the creek, with a view of the hills was Little Wolfsburgh. Its popularity as a resort town had led it to out grow it's once larger namesake, Big Wolfsburgh, the former being strictly a farming town. Still, as the tourist season had ended, the town became half empty. Nature abhors a vacuum, so they say, so as the tourists returned to the home provinces in the east, a new population moved in from the west, from the hills.

The name, Devil Hills, dates to the earliest maps of the region, and is said to be a translation of the native name. The natives believed a powerful spirit resided in the hills, although it was not clear that the spirit was evil. In fact, the legend that the spirit would one day come to the rescue of the people of the valley has recently become popular. So as two hundred men, dressed in traditional dress crossed the creek, with only the moonlight to guide their way, it was natural that they would invoke the legend of the Tu'Ka, the hill spirit.

As the sun rose the settlement of Little Wolfsburgh found itself occupied by the Tu'Ka Legion. The Police Capitan was locked in his own jail, along with a few lingering tourists. Above the multi purpose municipal building, the Griffin of the Commonwealth was replaced, with the Thunderbird of the Peelsik National Army. At noon the rally call went out, all who sympathize with the cause, were encouraged to rise up, arm themselves, and muster for the coming battle.


At Three O'Clock, Phillip Augustus Princips, Consul and head of state of Saarkrisken drank coffee and ate cake. It was one of the key social events of the Saarkrisen high society. It was considered of up most importance to be a guest to the informal meal, especially as there were often few guests, and mostly limited to the Princips' inner circle and family. Often he only had one guest, and today was such a case. Lucia Honorious, Philip's younger sister sat down with her brother as one servant poured coffee and another sliced the pear cake.

"I should scold you today" Lucia said bluntly, causing her brother to return a look. "You have upset your wife" she continued. At the mention of his wife, Philip seemed to loose interest. "She is always upset, what is it this time?" he asked patronizing.

"Elizabeth" answered the sister. "I say this as your ally, you would do well to avoid upsetting your wife ... must you really be so open with your affection for your mistress? At least, pretend to show a preference for your wife, she is not the only one who will be upset, or disapproves."

"Do you disprove?"

"I am always on your side, you can not say that for the Gusos."

"Bernard Guso is wealthy and influential, but not smart enough to plot against me, and lacks the courage to oppose me."

"Your wife is smarter then her father- "

A knock on the door interrupted the conversation as the Security Magistrate arrived. "Pardon your Excellency, there has been ... an uprising."

[Saarkrisken]

The Princips was upset to be forced to end his afternoon ritual early, but he had no choice. He left his sister to finish her coffee and went into the war room. There had gathered the Security Council. Security Magistrate Williams, Defence Magistrate Sarros, General Maximus, and Col. Hengst all stood around the elliptical table while Phillip Augustus sat at its head. Col. Hengst was the lowest ranking member of the group, but he did most of the talking, being the best informed.

"As best we can tell, the attack began early this morning, the terrorists attacked small towns on the border of the Devil Hills Nature Preserve. Presumably, they have been camping in the Preserve. We have intercepted a message sent out around noon on social media, it calls for an alliance of "people of colour" to unite and overthrow the white oppressors. We believe the group sent out this message after successfully attacking the police out posts in the area and looting their weapons. They were able to prevent any of the Police in the outer towns from sending a message, but have since then engaged in an attack on more towns, which have been able to sound the alarm. They appear to be approaching the town of Peelsik, and growing in number. This is a rather obvious goal, but it is their best chance of achieving anything. We estimate about a thousand or more terrorists are heading across the plains towards the provincial capital. This, as you may know is mainly farmland, and the Proconsul has ordered the police forces to fall back. We estimate they will arrive sometime either tonight or tomorrow."

As the Colonel finished his briefing, Phillip swore and asked "What is our response? what have we done besides fall back?"

Sarros responded "I have ordered several legions to be deployed, and begun a plan of counter attack, but we need your Excellency's permission to go to such radical means, especially as there is a high risk of collateral damage."

"Why not send attack helicopters or fighter-bombers to wipe them out?" asked the General.

"It could set the fields on fire, it has been too dry an August. The economic damage would not only be sizeable, but many of those farms are owned by Senators and other important people" replied Williams.

"Okay, draw up a plan of attack, send out drones to map the terrorists advance. But we must crush them before they enter the city, it will be a mess" ordered the Princeps.

[Saarkrisken]

As the drones flew overhead, Oliver and Tik'a ducked in the grain. They could only minimize their visibility, and they realized that they would probably be spotted despite their best efforts. After all they were part of a group of some 3,000 men and women moving across the open plains. There would be a few small forests on their route, but it was mostly rolling fields full of grain, hay or other crops. Some of the hay was already cut, laying in the sun to dry. There was only one choice, to head to the city, and they were determined to conquer or die.

"That is the second time they have passed us" whispered Oliver, a short but sturdy young man, his brown skin covered in war paint, including his uncovered torso.

"You don't need to whisper" responded Tik'a dressed in tactical gear and carrying a rifle. "They can't hear you."

"You don't know that" replied Oliver, this time not whispering. Tik'a rolled his eyes and moved forward. "They probably spotted us the last time, just be glad they aren't dropping bombs. It would have been a surprise if they didn't spot us. Our route is obvious, because it is the only way" explained Tik'a after Oliver caught up with him. "The only way now is forward. Fortunately, we have help in the city. "


Meanwhile in the capital city of Saarkrisk, Col. Hengst had finished presenting his plan of attack. Before the others could object, Philip Augustus cut in. "Good, I am placing you in charge, take command of the troops and carry out your plan." The two Magistrates seemed uncomfortable but bit their tongues. "Anything to add?" asked the Princips in a tone, suggesting the best answer to be no. Still Williams braved a response "I have received reports that a protest has broken out among the black population of the city of Peelsik. As you know, the population there is relatively high. I have reason to believe that the Black rights movement has recently drawn closer to the indigenous population. I fear that the protest is related to the uprising. In that case, it could turn out to be a fifth column. In any case, the protests will weaken the ability for the police to prevent the rebels from entering the city. Col. Hengst plan already has a large risk of high collateral damage."

Phillip Augustus was not happy with the news, but he saw that his advisor had a point. Sarros, decided now was his chance to influence the head of state. "Augustus" he began, "I believe there is a political solution here. We give them what they want, not the terrorists, but the moderates. We appoint a few more black senators, for example, and we grant some tribal leaders patrician status. This would separate the moderates from the radicals, and ensure the loyalty of their leaders. We offer to negotiate and weaken their resolve. Then we send in the police to arrest the leaders of the rebellion and scatter the rest."

General Maximus was angry. "What!" he shouted. "Negotiate with terrorists?! Listen, we have done all these things already. The Late Emperor himself expanded the citizenship to them, against the protests of many. His Excellency now has followed in his father's footsteps, making concessions, and what do they do? Rebel! their ideology is one of race and hatred. They were oppressed for many years, yes, but now that things are better fore them, they want revenge. More concessions will only encourage them to ask for more. They have crossed a red line. We must beat them back over it."

"I see your point General" said Philip Augustus, deep in thought. He was tempted to follow the General's suggestion, especially as he took this rebellion personally. After all, he considered the minorities his supporters and he theirs. However, he knew that if he dealt too harshly with them, there would be push back in the Senate and the Tribal Assembly. The urgency of the situation convinced him. "General you are right, Williams, inform the Governor of Peelsik to suppress the protests with any means necessary. Declare marshal law, if need be, the protests must be suppressed before the rebels arrive."

[Saarkrisken]

A military helicopter hovered over the city of Peelsik. The noise could be heard throughout the downtown area as it approached the Governor's Seat. The roof of the seven story building, was fortunately flat enough to accommodate the landing. Out of the helicopter jumped three soldiers, who all ran, crouching towards the stairway, where the Governor himself welcomed them. The hat of the lead soldier fell off, revealing his blond hair, which was cut short on the sides, but long enough on top to be combed in waves to the side. One of his comrades fetched his hat for him as he took the Governor's hand.

"What is the current situation Gov. Peeters? "

"Welcome Col. Hengst, I have tried to address, them, they will not disperse."

"Then use force: batons, tear gas, rubber bullets." The Governor looked worried and not eager to employ such forceful means. The Col. sighed. "Look, I understand your reluctance, but I am just the tip of the spear, and when the rest of the soldiers arrived, we will disperse the crowd. We won't be using rubber bullets."


The first charge of the mounted police was repelled, but not without blood shed. The second followed with more determination, attempting to exploit the gaps created as the wounded from the last charge were pulled back. The police broke through, but then found themselves mixed in the crowd, swinging their long batons in all directions. A whole row of police men in riot gear plunged after them to push back the mob and rescue their comrades. The once peaceful demonstration, was now violent. Those who wish to leave, were trapped, except those who fled on the edges. Tear gas cans flew over the heads of the crowd, and landed in the middle of the square. One or two of the horses appeared to be wounded, and police with bean bag guns moved into to back up those with riot shields and batons. One street leading into the square was cleared, five more remained full. Faster! Harder! those were the orders. Rubber bullets were fired, some fell, some fled, others fought. Tear gas and smoke filled the square, visibility vanished. "Pull Back!" was the order. Shots were fired. Screams were heard. Blood was spilled.

"It looks like it is finally, clearing, Don't worry about arresting people" the Colonel told the Governor, who was horrified. "Bind them with zips ties and redeploy the SWAT teams to the suburbs. I am going there now, with my squadron of helios, the rest of the troops will arrive later, by armoured transport. Hopefully, we can hold out till then. Good bye." Without waiting for a reply, Hengst boarded his helicopter, and took off, followed by ten others.




As the news of the protest and its violent suppression, the separatist legions had reached the suburbs, where they clashed with the police there. Their plan had been to loot their armouries as well as eliminate potential resistance. It was not going as planned. All the police stations were locked down, their armament being distributed to the officers. The arrival of the helicopters, was like the harbingers of doom. "Its a trap" yelled Oliver as he turned to flee. Tik'a tired to hold back his friend, and reassure him, but it was already too, late. Shot, from where, Tik'a wasn't sure, for there was plenty of options. Still, he realised, they were in rout. Pulling a bottle out of his back pack, Tik'a lit the rag hanging out of it, and threw it at the nearby fuel station. The resulting smoke should provide some cover he though as he shouted "Fall back!" The ground troops hadn't even arrived yet.

The way back, was the same as the way there, over the plains. Sure, some could hide in the suburbs and in farm houses, but most needed to reach the Devil Hills. Smoke seemed their only hope, so the feeling rebels followed Tik'a's example and ignited fire after fire. The wall of black smoke that covered the suburbs prove suitable, if only because fighting the fire became more important than fighting the fleeing foe. Reaching the countryside, they continued their tactic, setting fire to field after field of crops. As they spread out as they fled, the rebels thinned and dissipated, but left behind them a spreading and growing fire. The army helicopters still pursued them, driving them farther and farther across the province. Turning back, only for fuel.

The AMPs arrived shortly after the rout, and attempted to bypass the fire, they were stilled delayed by it. As the sun sank, they continued the pursuit of their quarry, till they reached Little Wolfburgh, liberating the prisoners abandoned there from their bonds. As quick as it had arisen, the PNA and again vanished, leaving behind 200 dead bodies and 120 prisoners and a plain full of ash.

[Saarkrisken]

The Peelsik uprising was the leading story on every news channel in Saarkrisken. The fields of ash, that went on and on for miles, made for the favourite footage, once the smoke cleared. Some footage of the actual fighting as well as the protests were released, at the discretion of the government of course. The soldiers firing into the crowd did not appear on the public airways, but technology provided other ways for it to spread. Videos taken by mobile phones spread across cyberspace and across borders, to where it could spread more freely.

The funerals of the fallen policemen were broadcast live. As Magistrate Williams eulogized the departed officers, the entire Senate was in attendance, as well as every Praetor and Quaetor, and not to mention Philip Augustus himself. It was a moving moment as the nation mourned together. A dramatic show of unity, following a much more dramatic show of division. One could be tempted to believe that with the rebels defeated, and the dead buried the nation could return to normal. That was the message in the newsrooms, it was not that in the War Room.

Philip Augustus excited the War Room in a foul mood. The situation was worse than he thought and his advisers couldn't agree on how to respond. He and only he had the burden of ruling, only he could choose the course of action and guide the ship of state through the storm. "Joachim!" he shouted as he walked through the hallway to his office. The ruler threw himself on his leather chair in the corner, as opposed to his usual one behind the desk. Shortly after he sat down, a short man with a pointed beard walked in. "Yes Augustus?" Joachim said with a calm that seemed out of place.

"We need to clean up this mess in Peelsik" began the Princips. "The first step is to get rid of Peeters, martial law will stay in force till the last rebel is hunted down!" he continued as Joachim listened calmly. "I need a new Governor, one that can get things done, besides Peeters can take the blame for any misconduct by the police. Inform him he will resign, and give me a list of replacements"

"Done" replied Joachim taking a step towards the door, before turning and addressing his ruler "August One, let me offer a recommendation now. Gen. Maximus is a loyal and capable man. Certainly, not one to go lightly on the Peelsikians." He smiled at his last comment.

Philip Augustus returned the smile. "You are right, that is a good choice. I find him more useful every day now. Strange that he clashed so often with my father."

"He was not the man for the job in your father's time, his time has come now" Joachim opined like a sage. "Your route to the Imperium will be different than your father's" he added before taking a bow and turning to go.

"Wait, there is one more thing, I need a solution to the grain shortage. We will need to change things. Many of the fields were insured, but all essentially by the same insurance firm, Imperial Insurance. So the bank is strained, and even if the payments could be made, well, that wouldn't feed the people? It would just bail out the Senators."

"Don't you think it would be better to bankrupt the Senators?"

"What!? wait ... that is genius, okay send a message to my cousin, tell him to absolve Imperial Insurance. Poor Senators are easier to buy than rich ones, not that we have enough money. We are going to have to liberalize trade in order to feed the nation."

Joachim sucked air through his teeth at the word liberalize. "That will be hard to do, as only a Princips. You will need a new election, a new coalition."