Between Ice and a Cold Place [MT, OPEN]

[The Green Union]

Puffin Point, Urlistan

Chief Regent Emil Hošek

With recent situation rising in the Vilhalan backed puppet government, they have been blamed for attacks perpetrated by rebels within the country, they cannot seem to run. They had a press release over the most recent attacks and he spoke "My fellow Unionists, the situation for our brothers in the Vilhalan backed Green Union are suffering because thier government cannot keep control of the country. And we can do nothing. They blame us for attacks and these nonexistent camps with paramilitary goons jumping the border. Photos can be doctored, the fact is if they are real they are false flag operations used as a pretext to invade our beloved Republic."

OOC: Ill get to the Naval Engagements when GRA edits the post for realism.

President Joseph Henry. Press Berifing on the CGU situation
"The Congress of the Green Union have released a pressing document propelling Sevevill to believe of a GRA/Urilistan backed program to overthrow the government. This is solid evidence and terms for visual conformation that the camps do not exist. Along with the firm denial form Urilistan of the presence...
(More facts here)
With this Sevevill proposes that either C-Sec guarded officials form the CGU or Seveillian officers on part of the CGU be permitted access to the region."

President Harry Turner today gave an impassioned speech in front of the Green Union Congress on the emerging situation near the border with Urlistan. This region, despite possessing core arteries for logistics through the old GU, has for months been paralyzed as the Arcadian puppet government in Urlistan closed the borders and kicked off mass militarization.

Despite not being known for doing many public addresses, the president spoke on the unprecedented military buildup in Urlistan, calling it a direct provocation to the new Green Union. The severing of trade and barricading of the border has hobbled both countries' economies and divided families, and the buildup of troops has had no practical impact but to pull much needed C-Sec personnel away from the pressing job of defeating the terrorist insurgency. He further noted that no sources in Urlistan have given proof of defeating the PAR rebels, and so the positioning of troops is likely costing lives in that theatre as well.

President Turner expressed disgust at the puppet regime in Urlistan's pathetic attempt to suggest that C-Sec may have doctored or faked their evidence of camps in Urlistan. There were and still are no such objections from experts when evidence was released, and the president called on more governments to stand up like Sevevill has and call out the Arcadians and their puppets for their lies.

To cap off the speech (which was designed to be televised) Mr. Turner briefly played body camera footage from C-Sec soldiers involved in the shootouts near the border, mostly revolving around several of security troopers being wounded or killed. There was then a brief piece of a camera crew at a C-Sec field hospital in the region showing several wounded soldiers being treated and around a dozen body bags.

"The Arcadians and their lapdogs would sink so low as to say we did this to ourselves!? The pigs deserve to rot in hell!"

[The Green Union]

John Wilks. SG Senior Sales Executive.
He brought the gentelmen outside of the hanger and down a small path to another large room. Inside sat two planes. Shined up and ready for their visit. On one side sat the A-10A a anti troop fighter bomber with large cannons on the front capable of ripping up entire platoons without hesitation and do major damage to most ATT and BMP type transports and anything with less armor. While the SG-32 sat in the other side of the room. With request this plane had been fitted with a 30mm cannon. At the time they were looking at it a engineer was bent over the engine trying to plug in a hose. The hose led to a super charger (It's mediforical i dont know what else to call it) that would decrease the takeoff length of the airplane. It would produce the power of a two engine plane but without the extra fuel burn of two engines. He would prefer the A-10A in the situation of these men but it looked as though they would lean closer to the SG-32. Or maybe not buy one at all.

The next day

Two of each plane sat on the runway. Waiting to be demonstrated to the representatives. They sat in padded leather chairs in a heated room overlooking the runway and able to look up to the sky form where they were sitting. They had binoculars and were observing the planes. SG preferd to let them use their own eyes rather than a screen due to the fact that it felt more real. A waitress walked around and took lunch and drink orders as the planes lined up to takeoff.

As the Green Union representatives basked in the high class of Sevevill many had so far been thoroughly impressed by the work being done at SG. They had been presented with several exceptional models of aircraft which all filled some valuable role or another, and the speed with which hints in public dispatches that the government would be interested in a 30mm cannon had translated into an actual airframe customized to incorporate one had drawn a jubilant round of applause after it was finally brought out for their inspection. Though questions about the A-10 resurfaced shortly after, for the moment at least it had looked as if they had found the future of C-Sec counterinsurgency warfare.

The politicians in their business suits and the military men in their uniforms relaxed in the comfortable lounge, clinking glasses and chatting in anticipation of what they knew would be a fabulous show. All were at ease, content to let their every need be attended to.

All, that is, except for one.

One chestnut skinned figure stood at the side, pinching a glass of Demoli Fine Burbon absently as she stared out the window. With unfocused eyes like charcoal and a tight bun of hair to match, the petite old officer was like a single stone on a glacier in the room of white Vilhalans and mercenary brass; this being somewhat accentuated by the fact that she was the sole soldier not wearing at least a half dozen ribbons. Though few had paid her a mind during the entire event and she had spoken little, it was clear there was something deeply troubling the general. She was just frozen there, swirling the cold liquid at a steady pace, as they waited for the demonstration.

[Sevevill]

John Wilks. SG Senior Sales Executive.
He brought the gentelmen outside of the hanger and down a small path to another large room. Inside sat two planes. Shined up and ready for their visit. On one side sat the A-10A a anti troop fighter bomber with large cannons on the front capable of ripping up entire platoons without hesitation and do major damage to most ATT and BMP type transports and anything with less armor. While the SG-32 sat in the other side of the room. With request this plane had been fitted with a 30mm cannon. At the time they were looking at it a engineer was bent over the engine trying to plug in a hose. The hose led to a super charger (It's mediforical i dont know what else to call it) that would decrease the takeoff length of the airplane. It would produce the power of a two engine plane but without the extra fuel burn of two engines. He would prefer the A-10A in the situation of these men but it looked as though they would lean closer to the SG-32. Or maybe not buy one at all.

The next day

Two of each plane sat on the runway. Waiting to be demonstrated to the representatives. They sat in padded leather chairs in a heated room overlooking the runway and able to look up to the sky form where they were sitting. They had binoculars and were observing the planes. SG preferd to let them use their own eyes rather than a screen due to the fact that it felt more real. A waitress walked around and took lunch and drink orders as the planes lined up to takeoff.

As the Green Union representatives basked in the high class of Sevevill many had so far been thoroughly impressed by the work being done at SG. They had been presented with several exceptional models of aircraft which all filled some valuable role or another, and the speed with which hints in public dispatches that the government would be interested in a 30mm cannon had translated into an actual airframe customized to incorporate one had drawn a jubilant round of applause after it was finally brought out for their inspection. Though questions about the A-10 resurfaced shortly after, for the moment at least it had looked as if they had found the future of C-Sec counterinsurgency warfare.

The politicians in their business suits and the military men in their uniforms relaxed in the comfortable lounge, clinking glasses and chatting in anticipation of what they knew would be a fabulous show. All were at ease, content to let their every need be attended to.

All, that is, except for one.

One chestnut skinned figure stood at the side, pinching a glass of Demoli Fine Burbon absently as she stared out the window. With unfocused eyes like charcoal and a tight bun of hair to match, the petite old officer was like a single stone on a glacier in the room of white Vilhalans and mercenary brass; this being somewhat accentuated by the fact that she was the sole soldier not wearing at least a half dozen ribbons. Though few had paid her a mind during the entire event and she had spoken little, it was clear there was something deeply troubling the general. She was just frozen there, swirling the cold liquid at a steady pace, as they waited for the demonstration.
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John Wilks. SG Senior Sales Executive.
He removed himself form the group that he was talking too. Walking over to the general as she presented herself un-like the politions and other soldiers. He smelled of fine cigar and burbon. Although he had only taken a sip.
"Is there anything I can do to re-assure you of the capabilitys of these jets. A large engine roar could be heard as the SG-80 allined itself and took to the air. Returning moments after with a plesurable wing dip and roll. It flew up and out of the large windows veiw. Coming back over the building and firing the guns at a small bright blue barrel. A streak of bullet fire could be seen hitting the ground as one of the many barrels flew across the turf. It would be presented later to show the officers how effective a few bullets could be form their versatile fighter could be. The jet circled and made a short but effective landing. The jets continued to take off and do fancy manuvers much like the SG-80 until they were out of the planes being optioned to them. He removed himself from the side of the officer to talk to the group
"So. I know your trip here... Something that I hope was wonderful... To see fighter jets but we have something that might peak your intrest later on." On the runway a SG-14 started its slow lumbering taxi towards the entry to the runway.
"The SG-14 is a versatile cargo and passenger plane that has been used by the Sevillian air force almost exclusively since its release. we have released a new model. The SG-14-2 is the smallest cargo jet we manufacture and is now up to standard with our new fuel saving technologies and a fully glass flight deck. Making it a impressive improvement to the older variants. With this plane we offer three to you as test models." He said as the plane took off behind them. silent with her brand new engines. "These planes make it easy to move almost everything. Able to hold one hundred soldiers with parachutes. One tank or three Humvee sized vehicles. It has a gravel kit installed from factory and can land on very short runways while taking a beating. So with your perspective order we will include three of these planes."

[Sevevill]

From:President Joseph Henry.
To: President Harry Turner
Encryption: High

Hello Mr. Turner,
Although we have not met my nation has been on the same side as the past Green Union. I am willing to help in any way possible weather it be a army to help defend your borders or sending a navy with guns and weapons for your soldiers.

Please consider allowing us to help you. I donnot want to see another fatality to the Arcadian Regime.
With us comes power to rule yourself. With them your nation will crumble.

Best Regards,
President Joseph Henry.

OOC: Not gonna cannon the Flight stuff but I will continue the battle further on the sea.

First Lt. Luke Brownswick. SVN Sunday Prince
The Guns fired. "Fighters, 24k ninety Four Zero."
He set the coordinates to the location of the spotted plane. They had five large missles loaded into the ship as they were a missle cruiser. Although the two of the experimental missles had been sent to be tested on drones that were on the carrier.
"Fire"
He pressed the botton. A missle rose form its encasing on the ship and flew twards its cordantes. This large Ship to Air missle was something special. Not meant to explode but to send a Electronic Pulse that would span a 10x10 area. Disabling electronics. First time that it had been used in combat they would see how it worked.

Capt. Dave Preston. SVN Lucie Charleston.
The Ship was listing heavily to the side. Barely able to hold her own. Water was going through the lower decks.
"FUCK YOU ARCADIAN SCUM" One of the gunnery sargets yelled as he loaded a HE shell into the large cannon that Prestion was at the control of. The Ships officers had bailed for the most part. But the gunners were still there to have fun.
"We should leave soon!"
"FUCK THAT FIRE!" The two guns that worked shot two large AE shells soaring twards a large Arcadian ship.

[The Grande Republic 0f Arcadia]

Off the Coast of Urlistan

WO2. Steffen Heydrich, 171st Fighter Reconnaissance Squadron, UFAF Air Force

The damage to his plane he had sustained half an hour earlier had forced him to pull out with pilots who were heading into refit. He was missing the end of his wing and was damaged in some other areas of the plane. When he had landed, it was a rough landing where he had almost crashed. Upon landing, he opened the cockpit and stepped out. Aulii who had exited the plane spoke "One hell of landing right?" Steffen replied, "Hell yeah, we got one confirmed kill already." He couldn't believe it, he had shot down an enemy plane, he needed four to become an ace. He is 1/4th of the way there already.

[Urlistan]

Fort Elden, Urlistan

SGEN. Zoravar Sajjin

With the naval engagement currently off the coast, they must prepare for war. The chief inspector the Arcadians put in place was a mere military hack, but controllable. He would put someone like her in charge. It was a smart move on their part, but he couldn't stand how that put Urlistan and the people of the Green Union at risk. The war room was active and they had the chief regent on the line, with the Chief Inspector traveling from Puffin Point to here. If this was organized with the Vilhalans there would be a war at a much sooner rate. The state militias have already been put on alert as with the rest of the organized military. If there was indeed a planned invasion they would be able to defend. Now, this was all just if they had been cooperating with Vilhala in this attack, but it didn't matter. This battle was a test of the UFAF and if we lose Vilhala and their puppets in the east will be more apt to attack.

[Sevevill]

Representative Katrina Mulany. Presenting to GMAN Committee.
She wore a tight blue dress with blue heeles, Not too high, and a white shawl around her small figure.
"GMAN was created to protect nations going through turmoil. All nations united under one group with the power to move the world. Soldiers fighting along side one another and men and women walking around each other. Although one nations attacks on others sovereignty is causing problems within Markion, Using their unjust power here to continue their rapid expansion... (More random crap)... Sevevill proposes a defense force of type. A special group of Sevillian soldiers who will be deployed to protect nations form this unjust expansion.. Thank you"
She stepped down off the podium and walked down the steps and returned to Sevevills seats.

[The Green Union]

OOC: Could this really be a post from the OP, after almost a month of inactivity?

Why yes, yes it is. My finals are now over as of yesterday, and posting will resume as usual. I do apologize for not clearly outlining how long I was likely to be away and keeping you all updated throughout, but still hope we can get back on track. In the coming posts we can expect to cover the following macro issues, in order of importance:

- End this GRA-Sevevill naval battle (please just end this madness)
- The UofH protests and how they end
- The meeting between delegates from Altos and Stratis and the CGU, as well as the impact of the planned clandestine insertion
- The fate of the Kalaascovian ship, its crew, and their ARF contacts
- The escalation of tensions between the Green Union and Arcadian Urlistan
- The acquisition of more military hardware by C-Sec, particularly from Sevevill

These plot points will have weight on the development of the war, and so will receive priority. In addition, though, there are the other more character-centred stories which are still on the books to be addressed (again in order of importance):

- The story of Eule and the Durranese and Arcadian special forces
- The story of the spy Jason Danials
- The story of the Sevevillian military personnel embedded with the ARF

In addition to these stories which may or may not be revived:

- The story of the troops inserted by Isam
- The story of Jeremy Voke and the confusion surrounding him
- The Kalaascovian connection with the KJ

The piece about Jacques Balladur and Alexandra McTavish, which started this thread, is slated to be addressed after all other loose ends are tied up, meaning the macro war has come to its conclusion and all possible character stories have been ended.

[The Green Union]

Pvt. Jason Danials, C-Sec
He looked around. Soldiers were noting like they were in Sevevill and the planing was diffrent too. But this was almost more fun...
"Sir what if we just start pushing our soldiers forwards. We can move in a riot formation with soldiers holding shields in front and then the soldiers following behind can pull in the people who try and assault soldiers aressting them until we can get through the groupings of people to the target. No use of force necessary Unless of course they have a handgun and try to use it. " He looked down the street aways. It was a somewhat large group of people. All for the arresting of suspects. He brought a cigarette to his mouth and lit it. It tasted funny but it was a lot harder to get a Marlboro Red in this country but he would have a shipment soon hopefully after bribing the company store clerk.

The major looked at Danials and chuckled. The man led a different company in the regiment and relatively unknown to the troops of Brown's platoon, but nonetheless remained relaxed and informal while hearing from the private. This was a definite note of the special relation between foreign troops in C-Sec.

"So you want to march in head on against a fortified enemy, all while we're not allowed to be using our best weapons." He looked to Lt. Brown, who seemed slightly uncomfortable. "Dude, you've got to put a leash on your Sevevillian. He's crazy."

"But you know what? I'm in the mood for some crazy. What do you say, men, one last oorah before you all go on leave?"

. . .

Sources in Himmelsdorf are reporting that C-Sec forces have begun taking military action to break up the violent protests at the University of Himmelsdorf campus. The school's student union, which has emerged as a leading force in orchestrating the event, has gone online to say that their attempts at reaching a peaceful resolution were walked out of by C-Sec negotiators shortly before the military's troops began advancing on the student barricades. At present shield-bearing security forces have clashed with protesters hurling stones and Molotov cocktails on Scholar's Street right at the edge of campus, with footage taken by students and bystanders showing the ensuing hand-to hand fighting. Crowds of students, mostly rallying around the cries of "Down with Turner" and "Vilhala out" though some videos have gone online of students chanting such lines as "Hang them all" and "Skewer the pigs". The display of red flags has been prominent, as has a stylized version of the double diamonds symbol of the Green Union. This symbol is unique in its method of drawing, which uses an X shape as its core. Such symbols seem to have been spray painted prominently all over the UofH campus and the surrounding area.

Pvt. Fal Cote, C-Sec Security Forces near the UofH, Himmelsdorf, the Green Union

She and Danials were standing in a thin side street a couple blocks South of the campus, taking their positions as part of the security force perimeter. The scene was tense, but stable, as most anyone trying to get enter or leave was trying to do so on the main roads where a full suite of armoured vehicles and barbed wire had been rolled in. As it was the two C-Sec troopers had been able discourage the few concerned parents and early morning commuters who had appeared from crossing the yellow tape with little more than a hand on a rifle.

Truth be told Pvt. Cote found the whole experience, if not enjoyable, then at least less tense than she would have expected. The actual unpleasant work was being done by other soldiers and police, while Fal simply had to try to ignore the yells and screams. This was clearly not the mindset of Jason; the big Sevevillian was pacing back and forth, neurotically checking every aspect of his machine gun. This aspect of the man whom Fal admired always started to scare her when they were alone. It seemed like he was spoiling for a fight, and didn't care with whom.

It was, of course, at that time that things started to go wrong. It started with a small head poking from around an alley corner, well beyond the perimeter. The individual looked their roadblock up and down, then slipped away. Then mere minutes later the figure reappeared, followed by another and another. In moments Cote and Danials were confronted by nearly a dozen backpack-wearing young adults, clearly high school students from one of the inner city institutions.

There was yelling, threats, and some snowballs thrown. Having been stationed in the ghost town of Mont Coulon for so long where C-Sec was welcomed by the few civilians as bringing order, Fal was at a loss for how to respond to such anger from people so young.

Puffin Point, Urlistan

Chief Regent Emil Hošek

With recent situation rising in the Vilhalan backed puppet government, they have been blamed for attacks perpetrated by rebels within the country, they cannot seem to run. They had a press release over the most recent attacks and he spoke "My fellow Unionists, the situation for our brothers in the Vilhalan backed Green Union are suffering because thier government cannot keep control of the country. And we can do nothing. They blame us for attacks and these nonexistent camps with paramilitary goons jumping the border. Photos can be doctored, the fact is if they are real they are false flag operations used as a pretext to invade our beloved Republic."

The CGU has called the government of Urlistan's response to their allegations "callous and deeply disappointing", saying that it is nothing short of absurd to dismiss so much meticulously gathered proof as invalid and an insult to all the peace efforts of the Congress in claiming they were intentionally faked, as such would imply that the government of the Green Union somehow would want to facilitate tense and violent interactions with Urlistan. Over the last months, the CGU notes, their government has practically had to bend over backwards to avoid potentially angering their increasingly militant neighbour, while Urlistan has pursued openly aggressive and destabilizing policies with little if any backlash.

At the same time, an online campaign to protest the puppet government of Urlistan has been started by the families of the four security personnel killed in the recent border clashes. While C-Sec and local police casualties have been mounting in recent days, no bodies which could be positively identified as belonging to this illusive cross-border faction have been recovered.

[Republic of Altos and Stratis]

President's Office, Pyrgos
“Welcome back general.” President Akhanteros smiled as he greeted the general.
“It’s good to be back.” General Ryan replied and began pulling paperwork out of his bag.
“So where are we on the Green Union Situation?” The president inquired.
“They have accepted our request for trade negotiations.” General Ryan responded.
“Okay, so where are we on Operation White Saber.” Akhanteros questioned.
“The plane is being made ready and the soldiers are being briefed.” General Ryan answered.
“Has the Foreign Minister been informed?” Akhanteros pressed further.
“Yes sir, he has while he objects to the idea, he will go along with it.” General Ryan replied.
“Good then you have my permission to proceed.” Akhanteros said.
General Ryan stood up, saluted and then left.

Pyrgos Military Airfield several hours later
There was a knock at the door.
“You may enter.” Foreign Minister Henricus Maro shouted.
The door opened and a soldier entered.
“Yes?” Maro asked looking annoyed.
“The plane is ready sir.” The soldier replied.
“Okay let’s do this then.” Maro said while he was getting up and then grabbed his coat.
He then finished some paperwork that he had been working on and stuck it into his briefcase. As Maro was grabbing his things the soldier stepped back outside and waited. A few seconds later Maro emerged and as he was leaving the office, shut off the lights and closed the door.
“Let’s go.” Maro said to the waiting soldier.
They start walking.

The Flight Line, a few minutes later
A C-17 Globemaster sits on the ramp, its engines at idle. Maro and the soldier leave the building and head for the plane.
When they reached it, the soldier spoke and said “Good luck sir.”
“Thanks, if this goes sideways, I’ll need it.” Maro replies.
Maro could see that soldier wanted to ask him what he was talking about, but they both knew that no answers could be given. As Maro moved to board the plane and the soldier turned to leave, he noticed that there were some additional passengers on the plane including two women dressed in winter camouflage uniforms. When Maro took his seat, the loadmaster began closing the cargo door.
As the door was being closed Maro looked around at the other passengers on the plane and he too noticed the two women in full battle dress, but unlike the soldier who had escorted him to the plane, Maro knew who they were. They were members of the Altosian and Stratisian Army’s Special Operations Brigade (Airborne), Informally known as Spectra, due to the variety of missions they are trained to undertake. The cargo door was now closed, and the plane began taxiing toward the runway. A few minutes later they were in the air.

Several Hours Later, On Approach to Green Union Airspace
The flight has been so far uneventful Maro thought, but now comes the hard part he
said internally.
“Hey Kerrigan, wake up.” Captain Nova Christensen said to her partner for the mission,
fellow Captain Susan Kerrigan.
“Huh, what?” Kerrigan inquired half awake.
“We are almost at the drop point.” Nova answered.
“Alrighty then.” Kerrigan said as she double checked her gear.
Both of them had been outfitted for the mission with latest and greatest gear in republics arsenal. Suppressed M39 EMR Rifles, and Five-Seven pistols. Along with the standard issue fatigues and MICH helmets in Digital Winter pattern. Along with a long-range radio that Kerrigan got to carry in addition to her regular gear. Nova also took this opportunity to check her gear and then double-check Kerrigan’s while Kerrigan checked hers.
“Two minutes!” The jumpmaster called out over the intercom.
“You ready?” Nova asked Kerrigan.
“As ready as I’ll ever be.” Kerrigan replied.
“One minute!” The jumpmaster called out.
Kerrigan and Nova stood up and moved toward the cargo door while putting on and tightened their oxygen masks. Then they double-checked each other’s masks and oxygen.
“Thirty seconds!” The jumpmaster called out while the loadmaster triggered the door.
The cabin filled with cold arctic air as the door opened, sending a chill through everyone
in the cabin.
“GO GO GO!” The jumpmaster shouted as they reached the drop point.
Kerrigan and Nova ran forward and leaped into the cold arctic air.
As the door closed Maro wondered what would become of them. He shuddered as
those thoughts entered his head, and while he moved to review some of his paperwork
for his meeting. Those thoughts lingered in the back of his mind.

Freefall
“Six thousand meters.” Nova’s altimeter called out.
“Kerrigan you with me?” Nova called out over the radio.
“Yeah, I’m here, behind and above you.” Kerrigan answered.
“Five thousand meters.”
“Four thousand meters.”
“Three thousand meters.”
“Two thousand meters.”
“The ground was approaching rapidly.” Kerrigan thought, even though she had
earned a Senior Parachutist Badge, these types of jumps still freaked her out.
“One thousand meters.”
“Five hundred meters.”
“Two hundred meters.”
“Here we go.” Nova thought.
“Deploy Deploy Deploy.”
Their parachutes opened and they glided down toward the empty field that was their landing site. As they landed the looked around for anyone who might have noticed their arrival. Nova quickly detached her parachute, brought her rifle up and looked around again to make sure they were alone. As she was doing this she called out to Kerrigan, “You see anything!?”
“Negative!” Kerrigan called out.
As soon as they were sure they were alone, they moved quickly to gather and hide their harnesses and parachutes. After this was done, Nova grabbed the radio receiver from Kerrigan’s bag to report their landing. Talking into the radio “Tango, this is Foxtrot we are home, I repeat we are home, OUT." Then she powered down the radio and stowed it in Kerrigan’s bag. “Let’s getting going.” Nova started to move out and Kerrigan began to follow.

Himmelsdorf
There was a thump as the wheels hit the runway, and a roar as the thrust reversers came out.
“We’re here, wonder if I am going to spend the rest of today in a jail cell.” Maro thought as the aircraft slowed, and began to taxi.
Suddenly the aircraft slowed and then stopped, and the cargo door opened. Filling arcticabin again with artic chill.
“Here we go.” Maro said quietly to himself, as he stood up and pulled on his heavy coat. He looked around and saw his two aides doing the same.
“Let’s do this!” He said internally, psyching himself up. He began to walk down the cargo ramp with his aides in tow. As he exited the plane, he noticed the welcoming committee, and then felt a wave of relief come over him, as he noticed that they were only bureaucrats, no soldiers at least not yet. While this staggered him, he rebounded quickly.
He approached them with his aides at his sides, and offered his hand to the one who seemed to be in charge.

[Sevevill]

Pvt. Jason Danials, C-Sec
He looked around. Soldiers were noting like they were in Sevevill and the planing was diffrent too. But this was almost more fun...
"Sir what if we just start pushing our soldiers forwards. We can move in a riot formation with soldiers holding shields in front and then the soldiers following behind can pull in the people who try and assault soldiers aressting them until we can get through the groupings of people to the target. No use of force necessary Unless of course they have a handgun and try to use it. " He looked down the street aways. It was a somewhat large group of people. All for the arresting of suspects. He brought a cigarette to his mouth and lit it. It tasted funny but it was a lot harder to get a Marlboro Red in this country but he would have a shipment soon hopefully after bribing the company store clerk.

The major looked at Danials and chuckled. The man led a different company in the regiment and relatively unknown to the troops of Brown's platoon, but nonetheless remained relaxed and informal while hearing from the private. This was a definite note of the special relation between foreign troops in C-Sec.

"So you want to march in head on against a fortified enemy, all while we're not allowed to be using our best weapons." He looked to Lt. Brown, who seemed slightly uncomfortable. "Dude, you've got to put a leash on your Sevevillian. He's crazy."

"But you know what? I'm in the mood for some crazy. What do you say, men, one last oorah before you all go on leave?"

. . .

Sources in Himmelsdorf are reporting that C-Sec forces have begun taking military action to break up the violent protests at the University of Himmelsdorf campus. The school's student union, which has emerged as a leading force in orchestrating the event, has gone online to say that their attempts at reaching a peaceful resolution were walked out of by C-Sec negotiators shortly before the military's troops began advancing on the student barricades. At present shield-bearing security forces have clashed with protesters hurling stones and Molotov cocktails on Scholar's Street right at the edge of campus, with footage taken by students and bystanders showing the ensuing hand-to hand fighting. Crowds of students, mostly rallying around the cries of "Down with Turner" and "Vilhala out" though some videos have gone online of students chanting such lines as "Hang them all" and "Skewer the pigs". The display of red flags has been prominent, as has a stylized version of the double diamonds symbol of the Green Union. This symbol is unique in its method of drawing, which uses an X shape as its core. Such symbols seem to have been spray painted prominently all over the UofH campus and the surrounding area.

Pvt. Fal Cote, C-Sec Security Forces near the UofH, Himmelsdorf, the Green Union

She and Danials were standing in a thin side street a couple blocks South of the campus, taking their positions as part of the security force perimeter. The scene was tense, but stable, as most anyone trying to get enter or leave was trying to do so on the main roads where a full suite of armoured vehicles and barbed wire had been rolled in. As it was the two C-Sec troopers had been able discourage the few concerned parents and early morning commuters who had appeared from crossing the yellow tape with little more than a hand on a rifle.

Truth be told Pvt. Cote found the whole experience, if not enjoyable, then at least less tense than she would have expected. The actual unpleasant work was being done by other soldiers and police, while Fal simply had to try to ignore the yells and screams. This was clearly not the mindset of Jason; the big Sevevillian was pacing back and forth, neurotically checking every aspect of his machine gun. This aspect of the man whom Fal admired always started to scare her when they were alone. It seemed like he was spoiling for a fight, and didn't care with whom.

It was, of course, at that time that things started to go wrong. It started with a small head poking from around an alley corner, well beyond the perimeter. The individual looked their roadblock up and down, then slipped away. Then mere minutes later the figure reappeared, followed by another and another. In moments Cote and Danials were confronted by nearly a dozen backpack-wearing young adults, clearly high school students from one of the inner city institutions.

There was yelling, threats, and some snowballs thrown. Having been stationed in the ghost town of Mont Coulon for so long where C-Sec was welcomed by the few civilians as bringing order, Fal was at a loss for how to respond to such anger from people so young.

Pvt. Jason Danials. C-Sec soldier

"This is a restricted zone back off immediately or you will be detained for attacking soldiers!" He yelled. Finger resting on the safety of his gun. Looking down the iron sight. He liked this more than the standard sight they were required to use in Sevevill. He was getting mighty comfortable in this position.

A snow ball struck his goggled face. He wiped the snow form his face

Click

He slowly started to move forward motioning his teammate to follow.
"Put your hands in the air and put your back to me. No sudden movements!" He pointed his rifle at the kids. They did not let up as he moved slowly down the passage.

[The Green Union]

Himmelsdorf
There was a thump as the wheels hit the runway, and a roar as the thrust reversers came out.
“We’re here, wonder if I am going to spend the rest of today in a jail cell.” Maro thought as the aircraft slowed, and began to taxi.
Suddenly the aircraft slowed and then stopped, and the cargo door opened. Filling arcticabin again with artic chill.
“Here we go.” Maro said quietly to himself, as he stood up and pulled on his heavy coat. He looked around and saw his two aides doing the same.
“Let’s do this!” He said internally, psyching himself up. He began to walk down the cargo ramp with his aides in tow. As he exited the plane, he noticed the welcoming committee, and then felt a wave of relief come over him, as he noticed that they were only bureaucrats, no soldiers at least not yet. While this staggered him, he rebounded quickly.
He approached them with his aides at his sides, and offered his hand to the one who seemed to be in charge.

As the delegate came down from the plane he was buffeted harshly from side to side, the icy wind cutting through whatever modest coverings he and his aides wore. Their welcoming committee wasn't performing all that much better. Clustered between the cars like penguins, the immaculately dressed officials in their black and white attires nonetheless tried their bests to be presentable.

One rather dashing man hurried forward to greet the new arrival, clasping his hand as graciously as could be done at speed.

"Mr. Maro, I am Martin Chessur. Welcome to Himmelsdorf." the man said through chattering teeth, "Please, let us talk on the way."

. . .

Himmelsdorf had always been a beautiful city. Once the only port from which to get goods in or out of this continent's mainland, the city had grown rapidly in the 18th century as the result of being the terminus for so many Indiamen and Galleons seeking to dump their cargoes of spice and cloth and load up on ores and coal. When the bigger and bigger ships could no longer fit into port the people of Himmelsdorf had built out to meet them, forming a grid of canals and stone islands across Himmelsdorf bay. When the winter months of metres thick ice had become unbearable they had led efforts to clear the Green River with gunpowder bombs, facilitating year-round trade in a place where it was declared impossible.

In those days the Green Union, a tiny federation of no more than a million people, had stood toe to toe with the great empires in international trade and commerce. The Congress of the Green Union intended to return to those days, and already the fruits of their labour were showing. Even in the hazardous weather massive remodeling projects were in the process of widening streets and turning the old Soviet-esque concrete buildings into modern glass-faced works. Where once there had no doubt been a Gestapo office, there was now a Starbucks on every corner.

They travelled in three black limousines on main roads which had been pre-cleared, and as they went it became all the more clear that not all was good in the city. Heavy concentrations of uniformed police mixed with armed C-Sec peacekeepers in their high visibility tape, keeping back disgruntled morning commuters often with the business end of a rifle. Police cars and APCs seemed to block every street.

Chessur, riding with the new man and clearly uncomfortable with the mixed first impressions, tried hesitantly to explain. "This is not common," he said, waving to the security forces outside, "but with the most recent terrorist attacks in the city and elsewhere we have been forced to step up security."

The man shifted nervously, looking at the other occupants of the vehicle as if to gauge their trustworthiness before continuing. "If C-Sec is right, and this violence is the result of Arcadian meddling, then it could mean a change in the entire course of our war. We and the rebels don't get along, but one thing we can agree on is that the GRA needs to be out of the Green Union."

OOC: Response to the special forces portion of this story will require some more time. I need to get the Balladur / McTavish story caught up.

[The Grande Republic 0f Arcadia]

Off the Coast of Urlistan

WO2. Steffen Heydrich, 171st Fighter Reconnaissance Squadron, UFAF Air Force

With his plane under repairs, he was glued to the radio, and the battle was dying down. His foot pounded against the floor listening to the battle, and the chatter. The wind outside intensified and the howling of the wind was heard. The ToC down the hall was alive and everytime the door opened, everything that was happening in there could be heard. The radio he was listening to was handheld that was on his flight rig that he had taken off. Soon comes the silence on the other end. Had the fleet bee destroyed? No, it couldn't be. His thoughts were interrupted with an Arcadian naval officer speaking over the communications channel "Fighting has stopped and communications via morse code have been established with the Sevevillians. I repeat fighting has stopped, we will need immediate medical support now."

[The Green Union]

John Wilks. SG Senior Sales Executive.
He removed himself form the group that he was talking too. Walking over to the general as she presented herself un-like the politions and other soldiers. He smelled of fine cigar and burbon. Although he had only taken a sip.
"Is there anything I can do to re-assure you of the capabilitys of these jets. A large engine roar could be heard as the SG-80 allined itself and took to the air. Returning moments after with a plesurable wing dip and roll. It flew up and out of the large windows veiw. Coming back over the building and firing the guns at a small bright blue barrel. A streak of bullet fire could be seen hitting the ground as one of the many barrels flew across the turf. It would be presented later to show the officers how effective a few bullets could be form their versatile fighter could be. The jet circled and made a short but effective landing. The jets continued to take off and do fancy manuvers much like the SG-80 until they were out of the planes being optioned to them. He removed himself from the side of the officer to talk to the group
"So. I know your trip here... Something that I hope was wonderful... To see fighter jets but we have something that might peak your intrest later on." On the runway a SG-14 started its slow lumbering taxi towards the entry to the runway.
"The SG-14 is a versatile cargo and passenger plane that has been used by the Sevillian air force almost exclusively since its release. we have released a new model. The SG-14-2 is the smallest cargo jet we manufacture and is now up to standard with our new fuel saving technologies and a fully glass flight deck. Making it a impressive improvement to the older variants. With this plane we offer three to you as test models." He said as the plane took off behind them. silent with her brand new engines. "These planes make it easy to move almost everything. Able to hold one hundred soldiers with parachutes. One tank or three Humvee sized vehicles. It has a gravel kit installed from factory and can land on very short runways while taking a beating. So with your perspective order we will include three of these planes."

The thin, old woman simply stared out the window, watching as the first warplane impressively destroyed a stationary blue barrel. Her face betrayed no emotion, and the man was not able to read anything from those pitch dark eyes. Even as he addressed her she did not move in any way that would indicate that she acknowledged the Sevevillian at her shoulder, and it was some time after he finished before the woman finally answered.

"It is not me you need to convince," She said without taking her eyes off the display, "and you have now left your audience. If you would excuse me, I am trying to focus on the demonstration of my new aircraft."

Pvt. Jason Danials. C-Sec soldier

"This is a restricted zone back off immediately or you will be detained for attacking soldiers!" He yelled. Finger resting on the safety of his gun. Looking down the iron sight. He liked this more than the standard sight they were required to use in Sevevill. He was getting mighty comfortable in this position.

A snow ball struck his goggled face. He wiped the snow form his face

Click

He slowly started to move forward motioning his teammate to follow.
"Put your hands in the air and put your back to me. No sudden movements!" He pointed his rifle at the kids. They did not let up as he moved slowly down the passage.

Pvt. Fal Cote, C-Sec Security Forces near the UofH, Himmelsdorf, the Green Union:

Fal could only watch in horror as Jason leveled his weapon at these children, stepped over the perimeter tape, and started advancing. She tried to yell, to remind him that they didn't have authority to go after anybody outside the tape. But no sound came out, and like watching a car crash Fal could not tear her eyes away from the events as they unfolded.

The youths were forming a semi-circle now as Danials marched into their midst. They stayed less than a metre out of reach of the rifle barrel, seemingly more intimidated by the physical presence of the weapon than the possibility of being shot. At this range it was easier to get a look at them than had been possible through the swirl of flurries which came down between the buildings.

There were eleven of them, high school students seemingly from grades nine to thirteen though weighted heavily towards the younger end. The reason for their lack of fear seemed to reside largely in their leader, an older girl maybe in her senior year who was pumping up her motley band of comrades. While the Sevevillian approached she threw her hat and gloves on the ground, mocking him in Calen French as she did.

"Yeah, get over here you piece of shit! Drop the gun and we'll see how brave you are then!"

Her frenzy was clearly affecting the group, and they backed her wholeheartedly with shouts of their own which drowned out any commands from the soldier. In fact, the girl was clearly someone they all knew, because her shouting soon drew more angry young students from the main street down into this alley. Suddenly there were fourteen, then sixteen pairs of young gloved hands being shaken at Danials. Discarded backpacks littered the ground.

It was at that moment that one young boy broke away. The kid, perhaps no older than fifteen, was on the soldier's periphery when he suddenly decided to do what he'd come here for, and took off sprinting towards Fal and the perimeter. It was then that the woman found her voice, but the teen's mind was made up and would not be dissuaded by a shout or raised rifle. Though he was hardly agile in the boots and coat his parents had bought him, Fal was still worse off with a flak vest, helmet, and gun. In an instant he had leapt over the tape and darted around the soldier, a smug "seeya, suckers!" on his lips.

But though he was fast, he was not fast enough. Acting on instinct Fal's arm shot out, grabbing the boy at the last milisecond. She expertly took advantage of his forward motion, twisting the youth off balance and bringing him down with a face in the snow. A knee kept him down and out came the pair of zip cuffs that all C-Sec peacekeepers carried. In ten seconds he was secure.

But looking up it became clear that the perimeter, and more importantly, Jason, were still in danger. The semi-circle had now grown rowdier, their ringleader angrier with the outburst. She was screaming now, standing so close that the machine gun was pushing against her coat.

"You think you can keep me out, you Vilhalan freak?" she yelled, tears coming into her eyes, "We all have family and friends behind that line, and you are going to let us through right NOW!"

With anger in her eyes, the young woman snatched at the LMG in Danials' hands, channeling all her anger into trying to wrestle it away. Some of the other children gave whoops of encouragement and surged forwards as well.

"Aspen!" a girl, younger than the rest, yelled in panic. But it was too late.

[Sevevill]

John Wilks. SG Senior Sales Executive.
He removed himself form the group that he was talking too. Walking over to the general as she presented herself un-like the politions and other soldiers. He smelled of fine cigar and burbon. Although he had only taken a sip.
"Is there anything I can do to re-assure you of the capabilitys of these jets. A large engine roar could be heard as the SG-80 allined itself and took to the air. Returning moments after with a plesurable wing dip and roll. It flew up and out of the large windows veiw. Coming back over the building and firing the guns at a small bright blue barrel. A streak of bullet fire could be seen hitting the ground as one of the many barrels flew across the turf. It would be presented later to show the officers how effective a few bullets could be form their versatile fighter could be. The jet circled and made a short but effective landing. The jets continued to take off and do fancy manuvers much like the SG-80 until they were out of the planes being optioned to them. He removed himself from the side of the officer to talk to the group
"So. I know your trip here... Something that I hope was wonderful... To see fighter jets but we have something that might peak your intrest later on." On the runway a SG-14 started its slow lumbering taxi towards the entry to the runway.
"The SG-14 is a versatile cargo and passenger plane that has been used by the Sevillian air force almost exclusively since its release. we have released a new model. The SG-14-2 is the smallest cargo jet we manufacture and is now up to standard with our new fuel saving technologies and a fully glass flight deck. Making it a impressive improvement to the older variants. With this plane we offer three to you as test models." He said as the plane took off behind them. silent with her brand new engines. "These planes make it easy to move almost everything. Able to hold one hundred soldiers with parachutes. One tank or three Humvee sized vehicles. It has a gravel kit installed from factory and can land on very short runways while taking a beating. So with your perspective order we will include three of these planes."

The thin, old woman simply stared out the window, watching as the first warplane impressively destroyed a stationary blue barrel. Her face betrayed no emotion, and the man was not able to read anything from those pitch dark eyes. Even as he addressed her she did not move in any way that would indicate that she acknowledged the Sevevillian at her shoulder, and it was some time after he finished before the woman finally answered.

"It is not me you need to convince," She said without taking her eyes off the display, "and you have now left your audience. If you would excuse me, I am trying to focus on the demonstration of my new aircraft."

Pvt. Jason Danials. C-Sec soldier

"This is a restricted zone back off immediately or you will be detained for attacking soldiers!" He yelled. Finger resting on the safety of his gun. Looking down the iron sight. He liked this more than the standard sight they were required to use in Sevevill. He was getting mighty comfortable in this position.

A snow ball struck his goggled face. He wiped the snow form his face

Click

He slowly started to move forward motioning his teammate to follow.
"Put your hands in the air and put your back to me. No sudden movements!" He pointed his rifle at the kids. They did not let up as he moved slowly down the passage.

Pvt. Fal Cote, C-Sec Security Forces near the UofH, Himmelsdorf, the Green Union:

Fal could only watch in horror as Jason leveled his weapon at these children, stepped over the perimeter tape, and started advancing. She tried to yell, to remind him that they didn't have authority to go after anybody outside the tape. But no sound came out, and like watching a car crash Fal could not tear her eyes away from the events as they unfolded.

The youths were forming a semi-circle now as Danials marched into their midst. They stayed less than a metre out of reach of the rifle barrel, seemingly more intimidated by the physical presence of the weapon than the possibility of being shot. At this range it was easier to get a look at them than had been possible through the swirl of flurries which came down between the buildings.

There were eleven of them, high school students seemingly from grades nine to thirteen though weighted heavily towards the younger end. The reason for their lack of fear seemed to reside largely in their leader, an older girl maybe in her senior year who was pumping up her motley band of comrades. While the Sevevillian approached she threw her hat and gloves on the ground, mocking him in Calen French as she did.

"Yeah, get over here you piece of shit! Drop the gun and we'll see how brave you are then!"

Her frenzy was clearly affecting the group, and they backed her wholeheartedly with shouts of their own which drowned out any commands from the soldier. In fact, the girl was clearly someone they all knew, because her shouting soon drew more angry young students from the main street down into this alley. Suddenly there were fourteen, then sixteen pairs of young gloved hands being shaken at Danials. Discarded backpacks littered the ground.

It was at that moment that one young boy broke away. The kid, perhaps no older than fifteen, was on the soldier's periphery when he suddenly decided to do what he'd come here for, and took off sprinting towards Fal and the perimeter. It was then that the woman found her voice, but the teen's mind was made up and would not be dissuaded by a shout or raised rifle. Though he was hardly agile in the boots and coat his parents had bought him, Fal was still worse off with a flak vest, helmet, and gun. In an instant he had leapt over the tape and darted around the soldier, a smug "seeya, suckers!" on his lips.

But though he was fast, he was not fast enough. Acting on instinct Fal's arm shot out, grabbing the boy at the last milisecond. She expertly took advantage of his forward motion, twisting the youth off balance and bringing him down with a face in the snow. A knee kept him down and out came the pair of zip cuffs that all C-Sec peacekeepers carried. In ten seconds he was secure.

But looking up it became clear that the perimeter, and more importantly, Jason, were still in danger. The semi-circle had now grown rowdier, their ringleader angrier with the outburst. She was screaming now, standing so close that the machine gun was pushing against her coat.

"You think you can keep me out, you Vilhalan freak?" she yelled, tears coming into her eyes, "We all have family and friends behind that line, and you are going to let us through right NOW!"

With anger in her eyes, the young woman snatched at the LMG in Danials' hands, channeling all her anger into trying to wrestle it away. Some of the other children gave whoops of encouragement and surged forwards as well.

"Aspen!" a girl, younger than the rest, yelled in panic. But it was too late.

Pvt. Jason Danials. C-Sec soldier

This was nothing more than a belligerent teen in his mind. He only slightly struggled to throw the young girl form his rifle. Moving it onto his back he grabbed her hands and zip cuffed them.
"Im not a villhallen." He bruntly said picking her up and forcibly pushing her towards her comrade. He reached into his vest and removed his radio while removing a pistol form his holster and aiming it at the group.

click

"This is unit 32. In need of backup. Rowdy crowd posing a threat two in custody.

"Rodger. Acquiring spare soldiers to assist." Came over the radio. He once more produced the rifle and pointed it down at the group of the teenagers.

"If all of you do not leave the scene you will be under arrest for attacking a C-Sec Soldier! Or possibly worse!" He yelled at the crowd. As he said this another boy. About the age of fifteen turned and bum rushed Jason. As the girl who had just been detained managed to stamer to her feet before his comrade had managed to completely detain her and came at him form behind. He took a hand off of the rifle and swung at the boy. Striking him in the face. He turned around to a shrill cry form the other soldier as the girl approached. He quickly turned the rifle around and smacked the girl in the stomach with the rifle. They were outnumbered and unless support came they would be downed and most likely killed by the group of teenagers.


John Wilks. SG Corp
As the tests winded down he continued to entertain. Although it looked like the presence of pretty Sevillian women and fine alcohol was helping his case. He concluded the night with one final statement.

"I hope all of you enjoyed the presentation of our fighter jets and freighter. Your cars are waiting outside. I will see all of you tommrow. Sleep well and have a great rest of your evening." He said as he left the stage.

[The Green Union]

OOC: Going back through some older posts in this thread have reminded me of certain persisting inaccuracies and general understanding problems about the world we are playing in. Therefore I would like to quickly address some points about the RP before continuing on.

- The country is called the Green Union (GU) and its government is the Congress of the Green Union (CGU). Terms like “New Green Union” are not official and should not be used in that way.

- The last governing body of the country was the Parliament of the Green Union (PGU). Composed of a senate and house of commons, the parliament’s members mostly fled into exile in Placeoderms.

- The pre-war Green Union was a confederation of three nations. A brief bio on these can be found below in this account’s signature, but if you find yourself needing more info shoot me a telegram. Please don’t just make assumptions about economy, culture, and the like.

- To GRA in particular: The CGU and C-Sec have not made any aggressive moves militarily against Urlistan, so writing pieces into every second post about a coming war and building defences in case of Vilhalan attack feels cheap and pointless.

- And, once again, this RP is set within a very inhospitable northern climate in the dead of winter. If you aren’t including at least one reference to the biting cold in every character post then you are helping to erode one of the core pillars of the story.

[Durradon]

Coldhand Mine, Arasland, GU
Sergeant Samson Carwin

The silence was deafening. The arctic winds of the Green Union moaned as Samson rubbed his hands together to keep warm, looking at Eule, the Aras teenager who seemed to sit quietly unaffected by the icy air. Samson's soldiers walked into the empty garage and looked between their sergeant and the girl.

"Plan, boss? Imps are going in hard and Strekker is going to try and chop the head off the snake. What are we doing?"

Samson looked at them and then turned back to the Aras and spoke in a rudimentary form of Aras German.

"I know it's been rough for you... and I know you might not want to talk..." He took his gun from his lap and put it on the floor, leaning forward slightly and shivering. "What happened back at your peoples' camp, the people who are no longer with us and have returned to the Earth... who were they?"

The two soldiers watching their commander speak German were confused, so proceeded to turn, walk to the door and chat quietly to themselves while they looked out of the window of the door.

Captain Ronald Strekker

Cpt. Ben Smith, C-Sec Land Security, Coldhand Mine, Arasland

The soldiers checked their weapons as the VTOL began descending towards the target location, having just received permission from the mine to land on their property. They didn't know much about what they would find, only that they needed to locate and detain anyone who came in on the last two aircraft, for concerns of them leaking information vital to national security. Ben hadn't been told what the leak might be; that was need-to-know.

There was a clatter of metal as the troops hefted their equipment with the VTOL setting down. The personnel of the mine would no doubt be surprised by their means of arrival since instead of the normal 1990s-era repainted helicopters of the old government this team was touching down on a shiny new four-rotor VTOL transport of Arcadian design. Whether it was an actual AAF-sourced aircraft or a Vilhalan knock-off wasn't something the team cared about.

The troops, thirty in all, were also atypical of C-Sec. Most of them were elite Vilhalan contractors from units specializing in mobile search-and-destroy, and the few locals among them were a cut above the normal cannon fodder, chosen for their combat prowess and loyalty to the new regime (and ability to speak English). All had been given priority for outfitting with the new Durradonian Mortuk rifles and even had the body armour usually reserved for PMC troops. The Vilhalan mercenaries in the craft similarly readied their weapons, in Smith's case a modified Sevevillian M4 carbine, as the wheels of the VTOL met snow.

"Alright," Smith told his troops, "tread carefully. We don't want to upset this company by shooting up their mine."

The ramp opened and the troops spread out onto the landing pad. Smith demanded to see the manager and wanted to be delivered all persons who had arrived on the last two VTOLs. "National security", he invoked, "those people will need to come with us."

If C-Sec had special forces, they had just landed in Coldhand mine.

Captain Smith made his way towards Strekker, trudging through the snow that was endlessly building up from the storm of winter in the Green Union. Some of the C-Sec troops noticeably winced at the cold air as they made their way out of their transport. In addition to that, the Durranese PMCs moved ever so slightly towards the warmth that was released from the VTOL's doors opening after the engines had powered down.

Smith stopped in front of Strekker, taking a breath and demanded for security footage from the last few hours, invoking national security as support for his demands.

"Right this way, Captain, I'm sure you understand with the terrorists about that destroyed a nearby village, the entire mine is on lockdown for the safety of the workers here." The mercenary captain turned and walked side-by-side with the C-Sec officer. "We'll make this quick as we have lockdown procedures to be getting on with, just leave your men here, the security block is right this way."

[The Grande Republic 0f Arcadia]

Coldhand Mine, Arasland, GU
Sergeant Samson Carwin

The silence was deafening. The arctic winds of the Green Union moaned as Samson rubbed his hands together to keep warm, looking at Eule, the Aras teenager who seemed to sit quietly unaffected by the icy air. Samson's soldiers walked into the empty garage and looked between their sergeant and the girl.

"Plan, boss? Imps are going in hard and Strekker is going to try and chop the head off the snake. What are we doing?"

Samson looked at them and then turned back to the Aras and spoke in a rudimentary form of Aras German.

"I know it's been rough for you... and I know you might not want to talk..." He took his gun from his lap and put it on the floor, leaning forward slightly and shivering. "What happened back at your peoples' camp, the people who are no longer with us and have returned to the Earth... who were they?"

The two soldiers watching their commander speak German were confused, so proceeded to turn, walk to the door and chat quietly to themselves while they looked out of the window of the door.

Captain Ronald Strekker

Cpt. Ben Smith, C-Sec Land Security, Coldhand Mine, Arasland

The soldiers checked their weapons as the VTOL began descending towards the target location, having just received permission from the mine to land on their property. They didn't know much about what they would find, only that they needed to locate and detain anyone who came in on the last two aircraft, for concerns of them leaking information vital to national security. Ben hadn't been told what the leak might be; that was need-to-know.

There was a clatter of metal as the troops hefted their equipment with the VTOL setting down. The personnel of the mine would no doubt be surprised by their means of arrival since instead of the normal 1990s-era repainted helicopters of the old government this team was touching down on a shiny new four-rotor VTOL transport of Arcadian design. Whether it was an actual AAF-sourced aircraft or a Vilhalan knock-off wasn't something the team cared about.

The troops, thirty in all, were also atypical of C-Sec. Most of them were elite Vilhalan contractors from units specializing in mobile search-and-destroy, and the few locals among them were a cut above the normal cannon fodder, chosen for their combat prowess and loyalty to the new regime (and ability to speak English). All had been given priority for outfitting with the new Durradonian Mortuk rifles and even had the body armour usually reserved for PMC troops. The Vilhalan mercenaries in the craft similarly readied their weapons, in Smith's case a modified Sevevillian M4 carbine, as the wheels of the VTOL met snow.

"Alright," Smith told his troops, "tread carefully. We don't want to upset this company by shooting up their mine."

The ramp opened and the troops spread out onto the landing pad. Smith demanded to see the manager and wanted to be delivered all persons who had arrived on the last two VTOLs. "National security", he invoked, "those people will need to come with us."

If C-Sec had special forces, they had just landed in Coldhand mine.

Captain Smith made his way towards Strekker, trudging through the snow that was endlessly building up from the storm of winter in the Green Union. Some of the C-Sec troops noticeably winced at the cold air as they made their way out of their transport. In addition to that, the Durranese PMCs moved ever so slightly towards the warmth that was released from the VTOL's doors opening after the engines had powered down.

Smith stopped in front of Strekker, taking a breath and demanded for security footage from the last few hours, invoking national security as support for his demands.

"Right this way, Captain, I'm sure you understand with the terrorists about that destroyed a nearby village, the entire mine is on lockdown for the safety of the workers here." The mercenary captain turned and walked side-by-side with the C-Sec officer. "We'll make this quick as we have lockdown procedures to be getting on with, just leave your men here, the security block is right this way."

Coldhand Mine, Arasland, Green Union

Stg. Rainer Husch, 809th Irregular Forces Battalion

The wind felt as if it was biting his face, and his fingers were nearly going numb. He moved his finger off the trigger and began to move his fingers to ensure there was still blood flow. When the Durridonians lead the C-Sec soldiers to the target area, Husch put his finger back on the trigger and pulled, opening fire on the soldiers, sparing the Durridonians. He watched as the bodies dropped, and they stayed behind cover as fire was returned. Husch and his team stuck with quick bursts to maintain accuracy. The head from the guns began to warm their hands, but not hot enough to make a difference. He hoped they would be going home after this.

[The Green Union]

Coldhand Mine, Arasland, GU
Sergeant Samson Carwin

The silence was deafening. The arctic winds of the Green Union moaned as Samson rubbed his hands together to keep warm, looking at Eule, the Aras teenager who seemed to sit quietly unaffected by the icy air. Samson's soldiers walked into the empty garage and looked between their sergeant and the girl.

"Plan, boss? Imps are going in hard and Strekker is going to try and chop the head off the snake. What are we doing?"

Samson looked at them and then turned back to the Aras and spoke in a rudimentary form of Aras German.

"I know it's been rough for you... and I know you might not want to talk..." He took his gun from his lap and put it on the floor, leaning forward slightly and shivering. "What happened back at your peoples' camp, the people who are no longer with us and have returned to the Earth... who were they?"

The two soldiers watching their commander speak German were confused, so proceeded to turn, walk to the door and chat quietly to themselves while they looked out of the window of the door.

Eule, Coldhand Mine, Arasland:

The Aras felt strange in her new clothes. Used to furs and thick cotton, the denim jeans and plastic workvest of a miner may as well have been apparel from a different planet. The last hour or so had been a blur. After working up the nerve to disrobe in Samson’s room and use the strange man’s shower things had moved very fast, her being jostled from place to place in a hurry. At some point her old clothes had completely disappeared, along with anything she had left in them. The good news was that the teenage girl was starting to feel aware enough to care about where her phone was.

Eule sat on some sort of heavy industrial equipment, her legs extended and hands dug deep into their pockets, thinking her own thoughts. That was when Samson, a guy the Aras girl was getting really tired of, appeared in front of her.

Eule blinked a couple times at the question. “Don’t play dumb,” she simply scoffed, “if you already know we’re the Hasenkriegers then don't ask.”

She folded her arms, rolling her eyes and puffing at a single strand of hair which had started getting rebellious since her new pixie cut. "We protect the people from murderers like you. We stop the war from coming to our villages. We . . . we . . . oh, forget it."

The girl grit her teeth and looked away, but the tears were already flowing. "We promised to help protect them. I promised that. And when I promised I would go find food I instead brought back the Arcadians. That's what they wanted, wasn't it? The pilots only wanted the Arcadians. If I hadn't brought them to the camp then maybe . . . maybe . . ."

Coldhand Mine, Arasland, CGU

Stg. Rainer Husch, 809th Irregular Forces Battalion

He spoke "Fine, now untie me." As the Durridonians united him Husch and his team rearmed ready for combat. The winds echoed though out the old mine and snow mixed with dirt kicked up. They loaded thier guns, half of the team would engage the Durridonians, while the other would watch for C-Sec and keep the escape path clear so they can move. As they ran into positions the crunch of Husch's feet as he stepped grew ever louder and Husch slipped the magazine into the rifle, where he heard the click of the magazine getting locked in. They hid on the rocks waiting for the time to act. As C-Sec moved into the section of the mine that they looked over they began to open fire.

I have the high ground Anakin!

Coldhand Mine, Arasland, Green Union

Stg. Rainer Husch, 809th Irregular Forces Battalion

The wind felt as if it was biting his face, and his fingers were nearly going numb. He moved his finger off the trigger and began to move his fingers to ensure there was still blood flow. When the Durridonians lead the C-Sec soldiers to the target area, Husch put his finger back on the trigger and pulled, opening fire on the soldiers, sparing the Durridonians. He watched as the bodies dropped, and they stayed behind cover as fire was returned. Husch and his team stuck with quick bursts to maintain accuracy. The head from the guns began to warm their hands, but not hot enough to make a difference. He hoped they would be going home after this.

Pvt. Henry Wolz, C-Sec Land Security, Coldhand Mine, Arasland

“Get up there, crew,” their corporal barked, “find a good spot for the MG.”

Wolz shivered as he and the assistant gunner hauled the GPMG across the tarmac, having just dismounted into the swirling snow of the eternal Arctic nighttime. Illuminated only by the spotlights they quickly moved to a stack of shipping containers, waving away the protests of a mine employee who got in their way. Their assigned duty was to take up an overlook position, and the only way the rest of the team could feel confident in playing nice was if there was a .30 Cal machine gun backing them up.

And back up their coworkers was what the small three-man machine gun team intended to do. Once hauling eachother and their weapon up on top of one of the few single high containers the soldiers began consolidating their position. From their vantage point they observed the wrapup of their men engaging with the mine guards, seeing their success in convincing them to take Captain Smith to their objective. Relieved, the C-Sec gunner started fumbling with the ammunition boxes, trying to get a grip with his oversized gloves even as the flitting snow and low light complicated things.

Henry was a Calen native and had thought he was acclimatized to the harsh Green Union winters, but compared to what he was feeling now Calendôr seemed positively tropical. Even though Henry was in a position shielded from the wind the chill seemed to have gotten inside him, turning the very marrow of his bones to ice. The soldier almost wished he hadn’t taken such a demanding job.

The key word there was almost, because no matter how rough the work as a security trooper became there was no way he would stop doing it. Even as a young UofH student Henry and his colleagues could see that the old parliament was rotten to the core, its abolition long overdue. And even if the current Congress was a little rough around the edges it was still obvious that the system which put it in place was a far better foundation for a new country. A decade or a century down the road a deregulated, Capitalist single republic under this model would still be a beacon of democracy, whereas a return to the old Union guaranteed only partisan politics and threats of national successions. The young man loved his homeland and the newfound freedom they were all still learning to appreciate, despite knowing that it would fall to a few brave men to secure its future. But if he had to be one of those men he would, if only so his wife and kids could live free.

They finished readying the GPMG mere minutes before they received word that their air cover had departed. With the jets which had been circling this mine gone it fell to Henry and his team to keep their coworkers safe. Some time later someone waved that a C-130 electronic warfare aircraft was overhead, and due to a lack of information and to be on the safe side it would be jamming all wireless signals in the mine including their own radio communications. This was the first tip Henry got that something serious was going down.

But there was still a job to do, and even though there were plenty of corporate security around they could never be too careful. Henry, his corporal, and their assistant gunner huddled together on the cold metal of the shipping container, peering off through the searchlights at the perimeter of the landing area. Down below their platoon didn't seem to be feeling much more comfortable, doing their best to maintain a perimeter while the local PMCs wandered around and made themselves a general annoyance.

That was when it went to shit.

All of a sudden there were the distinct sound of shots on the far side of the landing pad. Henry perked up as some of the troops on the ground staggered, others instinctively giving a burst of reactive fire and dove for the snow. But through the thick snowstorm it was impossible to see what was going on beyond the lights (all of which illuminated the C-Sec troops, for some reason). The corporal got up, peering through the malestrom for what seemed like far too long as the snaps continued from both sides, until he seemed to catch something.

"Over there, Private!" he yelled, gesturing wildly to a corner of the compound, "hose e'm down by that wall!"

[Sevevill]

CPL. Steve Melborne. 1st Kings Own 1st Marines. Implanted into ARF.
Holding his rifle him and another Sevillian were sitting in the bed of a old pickup truck. Him and three other ARF soldiers sat in the bed with three in the regular cab. Their mission was to blow power lines leading into a communewith a C-sec base. The breaker boxes were somewhat protected but not to the point where the mission was impossible. Five or six C-sec soldiers ran a checkpoint right next to the area. The truck. The old Toyota moved to a stop next to the checkpoint. A man in a C-sec uniform with a flashlight looked into the bed of the truck. At that moment the ARF soldiers started shooting at the C-sec men and Steve followed shortly after. He dove out of the bed and behind a barrier behind some other ARF men Reaching up over the barrier he looked down his sights and fired off a few shots in the direction of a C-sec soldier before ducking down and making sure the bomb he had been given with was still intact.

[The Grande Republic 0f Arcadia]

Coldhand Mine, Arasland, Green Union

Stg. Rainer Husch, 809th Irregular Forces Battalion

As they began to open fire Husch turned his head to see CGU soldiers set up a machine gun position. With this, he ran to flank the gun emplacement and once in a good position he began to open fire on the soldiers at the gun.

Puffin Point , Urlistan

WO2. Steffen Heydrich, 171st Fighter Reconnaissance Squadron, UFAF Air Force[/i]

The rest of the flight had returned two days ago when the battle had ended, and now while their planes are being repaired they have been given leave as per UFAF policy. With this, he took the opportunity to head out in the town today, and even with the cold the streets were crowded. The streets were full of people, and he watched an Arcadian Foreign Legion Patrol moved down the street with a MATV.

The city felt alive much more than before. Snow fell lightly today, but a heavy snowstorm was going to hit in a few days. Katerina was running late due to issues at her communes apartment in the city. Internet was put back up with a stronger signal, and construction teams from the Army Corps of Engineers have finally made it into the city from the south, and the east. Most of the construction was in the city center, and the city had about the size of a battalion engineers within the city limits. As Katerina arrived she walked through the door, and the cold air filled the cafe and she then sat down. She then began to talk "Sorry I was late, we had to deal with three inspectors who needed to inspect our apartment when they tried saying it was uninhabitable. " Steffen then asked, "So how did your building do?" She responded, "We gave them the go around, and slipped them some cash." Steffen laughed and said "Nice."

[Emerstari]

Urlistan
Schuttler-Lay Army AirCorp Joint Base
Emertarian APC | 10:42 AM | Stefan & Karl

"Vat du tanka der GRAs' planer ar fur Urlistien efter krigett?"
"Lugna, Stefan; fa din jakke pa."
"Ja, Herr," the Sergeant, Stefan Sigfred Gustavsen, replied, reaching for his jacket.
"Nu give det upmærskjil, Stefan," Karl said, "Vi ar i setter der Herr Lojtnantoverste." Thirty-two-year-old Karl Olaf Erichsen had been in the Royal Army for six years as of January having achieved the rank of High Sergeant; Hogsergeant in his native language. As for Stefan, he had been in the Royal Army for six years, as well. The two first met as recruits at Vasterflodmilitærakadamiett in South Whentii. Neither had engaged or witnessed true combat before; the closest to it they'd got was back in Emerstarian Nivijegdna where the pair served in a watch that patrolled a mostly tranquil region of the countryside.

Their transport soon came to a halt as it entered the Emerstarian district of the Arcadian stronghold, Schuttler-Lay Army AirCorp Joint Base...

Office of Lt. Col. Ronald Tomas Bjella | 10:51 AM | Stefan & Karl

Lieutenant-Colonel Ronald T. Bjella paced back and forth in one of the only private areas in the Emerstarian share of the base, his office. Though knowing the orders to brief the two who would arrive promptly about, he examined the document once more.
"Herr Lojtnantoverste," Karl stated as he and Stefan nodded in the officer's direction. Although saluting existed in the Royal Military, nodding was an address in Emerstari dating back to the Furst Imperium; in other words, it was at least 2,700-years-old.
"Takke," Ronald said, accepting it, "sitta under, være min gest, pojker." Bjella cleared his throat and resumed telling the two of their new job, "Du tva vilje spejder landlighet åg se vat måste være dondt fur der mands av Urlistien. Sånnok du vilje negotiate with der opprører til der Nord, også." Ronald continued for some time as if deliberately trying to drag it out.

Three days later the pair was in the same vehicle, the LPF III — a camouflaged vehicle large enough for 10 people — en route to their first objective. Stefan and Karl were to engage with the Urlistanis and/or see what the denizens of different areas and cities required so to further the Emerstarian relief effort that was to commence promptly. Subsequently to their work in the initial towns, places where the Arcadians had strict control, the two would adventure north.

Rolech
Venson
Venson Union Assembly Building | 11:00 AM | Delegate Donner Pedersen

Meanwhile, in Venson Emerstari's delegate to the VU, Donner Pedersen walked into the VU Assembly Building; the Venson Union was a tight-knit economic and defense pact between numerous Eurevian nations which Emerstari and three of its allies in the Wars of the Coalitions organized in 1824 as the Venson Pact. The headquarters of the alliance was in its namesake city, the capital of Rolech. Emerstari and Rolech were close allies having signed their first accord in 1124 when the King of Emerstari Charles I married his daughter to the son of King James of Rolech. Pedersen was there to announce the request of the Emerstarian chief executive, President Georg Johannsen. The president was requesting for some of the VUIAO's funds to be allocated to Emerstari for their mission in Urlistan.

[The Green Union]

In minor news on the topic of the Green Union, Vilhala-based mining company Rhodes and Sons™ has announced its intentions to close down all operations in Arasland after several months of disappointing exploratory digging and small-scale excavations.

Though a somewhat small company, Rhodes and Sons™ was one of many corporations which bought up vast swathes of land in the Green Union after the opening of the country in summer of 2034. The early going price for the desolate North being, on average, a mere $10 NSD per square mile had led to an entirely new economy in trading the potentially priceless land, and the sudden opportunity to pursue old reports of the Green Union’s massive untapped oil reserves led to a torrent of investment worth billions.

Since then, though, successes for miners have been modest at best. Most companies have drilled for months and hit nothing, while the few veins of metal and pockets of natural gas that have been discovered, although causing considerable excitement among shareholders, have never come close to being large enough to cover operating costs. Rhodes and Sons™ has said the small deposits of nickel and copper they found in their land claims were not even enough to pay the private security required to maintain safety.

A far North diamond mine in the Green Union Arctic Territories.

Even as Rhodes and Sons™ prepares to leave the frozen wastes, bidding for even more remote claims in Northern Arasland and the Green Union Arctic has never been more heated. Prices for the land keep going up, while the proposed costs of building the roads and rails to get there keep going down.

[Sevevill]

In minor news on the topic of the Green Union, Vilhala-based mining company Rhodes and Sons has announced its intentions to close down all operations in Arasland after several months of disappointing exploratory digging and small-scale excavations.

Though a somewhat small company, Rhodes and Sons was one of many corporations which bought up vast swathes of land in the Green Union after the opening of the country in summer of 2034. The early going price for the desolate North being, on average, a mere $10 NSD per square mile had led to an entirely new economy in trading the potentially priceless land, and the sudden opportunity to pursue old reports of the Green Union’s massive untapped oil reserves led to a torrent of investment worth billions.

Since then, though, successes for miners have been modest at best. Most companies have drilled for months and hit nothing, while the few veins of metal and pockets of natural gas that have been discovered, although causing considerable excitement among shareholders, have never come close to being large enough to cover operating costs. Rhodes and Sons has said the small deposits of nickel and copper they found in their land claims were not even enough to pay the private security required to maintain safety.

(Image)
A far North diamond mine in the Green Union Arctic Territories.

Even as Rhodes and Sons prepares to leave the frozen wastes, bidding for even more remote claims in Northern Arasland and the Green Union Arctic has never been more heated. Prices for the land keep going up, while the proposed costs of building the roads and rails to get there keep going down.

Private offices of Hunter Natural Gas INC. East Dunn City Sevevill
CEO. Luke Bransmal.

To: Rhodes and Sons Corporate
From: Hunter Natural Gas INC
Encryption: None
Subject: Green Union Land Offer

Hunter National Gas INC is willing to buy your land in the Green Union form you at whatever price you ask and will take it off of you as soon as it is available. We will also buy and buildings and structures that you have outside of your land if any.

~CEO Luke Bransmal

Money! Money! Money! Sevevill stock market show
"Well today there has been a intresting development as Sevevill Natural Gas corperation Hunter Natural Gas offers to buy land in the Green Union with a certian loss coming form their proposed project. What will the off the map locations if the deal goes through be used for? Does Hunter have something suspicions in the works? We will continue to update you as the situation continues.

In Separate news Multi Billionaire Luke Bransmal buys controlling interest in Redwing Security although he promises to their clients that business will be as per usual for the company. Professional and effective.

[Emerstari]

Urlistan
Leafville
Outside Leafville | 12:28 PM | Stefan & Karl

So as not to arise any concern amongst the citizenry the vehicle stopped, letting the pair out about twenty yards from the town of Leafville. They left their normal weaponry with the driver, Private Theodor Wilhelmsen — Private Wilhelmsen wasn't the best of friends with the other two but knew them somewhat well as they were in the same platoon — opting to instead use a more concealable firearm, the Walther PPQ Pistol. To appear more welcoming to the people of Leafville, Stefan and Karl took their helmets and facemasks off placing them in their backpacks. Without their headgear, one could, of course, see the pair's characteristics. Stefan was blond with blue eyes and stood at five feet, eleven inches tall. Karl, an ethnic Emerstarian, as well, looked moderately similar possessing light brown hair and blue eyes; he stood at six feet, one inch taller than Stefan.
"Hvor til furst, Hogserg'?" Stefan spoke as he turned to look at some passersby, "Hur månge mands do du tanka livera dær?" he continued.
"Tilbage ruttett, Stefan." Karl took a moment to take in the scenery before him, "Være vøken; du ha nej ide hvor Antiemerskmen kunne sover."

High Sergeant Erichsen and Sergeant Gustavsen progressed into the town whilst Stefan looked about for signs to see what language this town spoke; before the IV Battalion had been sent over to the Green Union, or at least what was remaining of it, they had been briefed that major languages of the nation included English, French, and German. In school, Stefan had learned Rhenisch, a language not all that dissimilar from German, not that Emerstarian was too different either. As for French, his knowledge was nonexistent. "Du veda noen Franska?"
"Nej... Uden någon Marseska. Lugna under, dog, vi behov nej mere upmærskjil and vat vi ha nu."
"Ja, ja..." Stefan replied turning his head both ways for a second to see if anyone had actually cared.

Rolech
Venson
Venson Union Assembly Chambers | 1:00 PM | Delegate Donner Pedersen

"With all due respect to the Emerstarian delegation, I object to the notion that the Venson Union should hand out its funds to any nation who promises they'll do good with it," Pierre Brodeur declared with a slight accent; he was Marsei after all while English was the de facto official language of the Venson Union. Broduer's views had now caused a divide in the Assembly Chamber; the room was constructed in 1921 after the 10 Years' War, which was a principal reason that a defense pact turned into an economic pact and then evolved into something more akin to a "church" that excommunicated those, or rather condemned those whom it deemed to be doing wrong.

Eventually, the Chief of the Assembly declared that this session was adjourned; Pedersen looked to see where Delegate Brodeur was. The member-states of the VU who could be said to have the most influence were the three that founded it: Emerstari, Rolech, and Marseile. The forty-two-year-old Pedersen hurried over to the door which Brodeur walked out of.
"Pierre?" The two men were familiar enough with each other and did agree on many other topics, "What can be done to change that mind of yours?" Pedersen had an accent, as well, though it was quite different from Brodeur's.
"You're not going to change my mind on this subject."
"Oh, calm down, Pierre. I hear the Emerstarian and Marsei hockey teams are facing each other in the Olympiad de Arda tonight if you want to get a drink?"