LGBT Protestors Attacked by Government Forces (MT)

[New Edom]

From the Office of the Monarchs

(Moderate Encryption as Appropriate to Officials Relevant)
To President Jeanne Tsavatsa of the Republic of Mivango

Madame President,

Thank you for your courtesy and thoughtfulness. In our capacity as Monarchs, we are accustomed to hearing many proposals for many projects. Yours is certainly one of the more unusual and interesting that we have heard.

Naturally we do appreciate that your government wishes to be party to a model of treaties which exist, at present, between our government and that of the Shrailleeni Empire and the New Visayan Islands. This is perfectly possible, and negotiation and discussion could begin between our governments via the office of Mr. Hosidius Geta, our Foreign Minister.

The other proposal, that we should receive elements of your Catholic population who do not wish to live under your laws, is intriguing but troubling. Our churches are largely governed under the laws of the Apostolic Church of New Edom. While we profess the Nicene and Apostles’ Creed, there are some differences which a church theologian might be better suited to explain than we are. There are practices your Catholics may find offensive or difficult to stomach, so that they might find living in New Edom scarcely better than in your country. It might be a good idea if we were to arrange a diplomatic meeting to discuss this issue further.

We have the honour to be
Elijah IV, King-Emperor
Mara I, Queen-Empress

[New Edom]

From the Office of the Foreign Minister

(Most Secret Encryption as Appropriate to Officials Relevant)
To Foreign Minister Zattem Resbruck

Your Excellency

I thank you for your expressed concern and kindness during this time of difficulty. As is typical, the generosity and compassion of your people is demonstrated through the devotion and care of your government.

You express the concern that what you refer to as the instability of our state, and the tensions that exist due to our government, the faith that drives it, and the lack of an outlet for dissidents in our country. With all due respect, however, Foreign Minister , I think that you unde rest imate the degree to which foreign governments and organizations that loathe our country and what it stands for have been demonstrated to deliberately seek to undermine our policy and way of life. This almost certainly includes the use of terrorism. It is no more our deserving that provokes attacks on us any more than the hostility which your nation bears from some of the nations in this very Region is your government’s fault. We have every right to maintain law and order within our country by our own laws as your government does by yours.

Which brings me to a concern: it is not the place of your embassy to offer asylum to anyone who appeals for it. That is to say, your embassy being your national soil only applies to your own citizens who have been officially recognized to work for your embassy. Our own people are not subject to such laws and as such, you must surrender all persons within your embassy within the 24 hour period.

Naturally your government’s cooperation with regard to this is appreciated as is the offer to give humanitarian aid to those of our people who may need it. Your NGOs and missionaries are, as usual, welcome within New Edom. I look forward to our further correspondence.

I have the honour to be,
Hosidius Geta
Foreign Minister

“For now,” said Geta.

“What was that, sir?” asked Elizabeth Corbulo as she prepared to send off the message.

“Their missionaries are welcome for now. The shelf life of Shraillleeni usefulness is starting to indicate a bad smell,” the Foreign Minister folded his arms. “What do you think that Zattem will think of this?”

“It’s...very direct, sir,” replied Corbulo. “If it were read aloud without him interpreting it to their government, it would result in more than a bad smell.”

Geta smiled. “Good. Alright, that’s it for now. I need a break. Send Lara in for dictation, for a private message.”

Corbulo hid a grimace by turning away. “Of course, sir.”

[New Visayan Islands]

TO: The Foreign Ministry of the Holy Empire of New Edom
FROM: The Visayan Embassy to New Edom
RE: LGBT Riots

Allow us to begin by updating you on what has transpired.

As the 24-hour window closes, we have come to a final tally: of the 127 people who came in to flee the unrest, 53 have left the Embassy unassisted, 18 were taken to a nearby hospital for medical conditions ranging from convulsions to myocardial infarction, and 65 have applied for asylum. Not included in the grand total are the six Persons of Interest--as we have learned from recent news, the information provided yielded viable results.

1. Martin Hood - team leader
2. Emily Bradford - team leader
3. Obadiah Carson - group leader
4. Claire Johnson - group leader
5. Leah Jackson - team leader
6. Terrence Clarke - group treasurer

Given the results of the information provided by Persons of Interest currently within the Embassy, we are considering granting them asylum under the Witness Protection Program. You may expect their response in our next letter.

1. Albert Wilson - group leader
2. Angela Michaels - group secretary - Arrested per recent news reports
3. Leah Martin - block secretary
4. Jeremiah Winston - block treasurer
5. Elisha Stewart - group leader
6. Gabriel Thompson - block leader
7. "Rainbow Warrior" - financier

As always, I remain here in the Embassy to represent Visayan interests in New Edom.

Sincerely,

(Sgd.)
Dominic Kang, MBA
Ambassador
Visayan Embassy to New Edom

TO: The Shrailleeni Embassy to New Edom
FROM: The Visayan Embassy to New Edom
RE: LGBT Concerns

On behalf of the Confederation, it is an honor to receive your correspondence.

The Rainbow Pipeline is the result of talks aimed at reconciling the peaceful emigration of New Edom's LGBT population with security concerns surrounding the militant LGBT organization called Homofront. While as a policy it is not efficient on its own, it serves as a pragmatic response to those concerns.

Under the Rainbow Pipeline, we have processed 5924 asylees in the previous year; progress for a policy enacted during the final months of 2018. As of this letter, we are processing 1776 asylees under the Pipeline and counting.

As for what had happened during the unrest, we have taken in a total of 127 people seeking sanctuary. Of that number, 53 have left the Embassy unassisted, 18 were taken to a nearby hospital for medical conditions, and 65 have applied for asylum. Not included in the grand total are six Persons of Interest currently within the Embassy; testimonies from those persons have been relayed to New Edomite authorities with results viable enough for us to consider placing them under Witness Protection.

All things said, we appreciate your insight on this matter, not only between members of the New Edomite Diplomatic Corps, but also between two nations of entirely different systems.

Sincerely,

(Sgd.)
Dominic Kang, MBA
Ambassador
Visayan Embassy to New Edom

Evan S. Edwards
Visayan Embassy to New Edom

Evan was riding shotgun in the SUV sent out to pick up Ambassador Kang's daughters. Seatbelt fastened, he waited for the driver to start the engine.

As the vehicle left the Embassy, he looked at the back. Ardiente was seated there, fingering her shotgun.

"Do you remember the password sequence?" Evan asked.

"They challenge us with 'Star,' the password is 'Platinum,' and their countersign is 'The World;' did I get that right?" Ardiente retorted.

"Bizarre thing for the Ambassador to make a reference that way."

"I prefer Part 4 myself."

As the two DSOs started chatting about their favorite parts of the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure manga, the driver just hummed.

Dominic Kang
Visayan Embassy to New Edom

"Any luck?" Dominic asked Emilio, lit cigarette in hand; it was his fifteenth for the day.

"Well, Yap's speaking with our Six Lucky Bastards right now." Kang didn't ask; Paula was stalling the six until Emilio returned to offer them Witness Protection.

"Would it be wise for the Station Chief herself to give them the VIA talk?"

"Nah, she's speaking as DCM."

"If you say so."

"About your kids..."

"They'll be just fine," Kang replied in a worried tone. "Prearranged emergency pickup protocols work wonders."

Angela Kang
Embassy School

"Hey, Ange!"

Angela stirred to Joanna waking her up; as she came to, she saw her essay on Communism look somewhat worse for wear.

"Thought you could use a drink," Joanna said as she gave Angela a glass of orange juice. "That for History, by the way?"

"Yeah...what did you get?"

"Historical consequences of outlawing religion. Might have some overlap with your essay on why Communism is a bad idea."

"Let me guess: Totalitarianism?"

The twins started laughing as they drank their juice.

[Cossack Khanate]

The Office of Transmarine Affairs
The Foreign Ministry
Fineberg, New Edom

Lieutenant Oslo Dusk sipped his tea and put it on the saucer provided. His face went grim. “I am not, as you mentioned, in the position to speak for my entire government in terms of policy. I was temporarily pulled out of service by Cossack Foreign Military Affairs, most likely because my superiors were...not as privileged to visit Fineberg. I am simply the messenger, sir, my words came mainly from the Foreign Minister himself.”

Dusk glanced at the news report and winced. “But I’m sure I share enough of the sentiment of the Cossack government to explain.” Dusk leaned forward and clasped his hands on the table. “Our punishment for homosexuality is death. Most of our populace agrees with that sentence. The problem here is, perhaps, that the Cossack government doesn’t have a law against vigilants, that is, as long as they are acting against a criminal. It may not be pretty, but I’m afraid that our people themselves have wholeheartedly agreed with this.”

Dusk couldn’t read the expression on Melzar’s face, so he decided to continue. “Our governments may not agree on policy, but my government -” Dusk made sure to emphasize government “- believes that this is becoming less and less about LGBT rights and more about national sovereignty and terrorism.”

Dusk stopped for a moment, letting Melzar react as he wanted. The lieutenant glanced at his notebook. “On SACTO, the Cossack government has been considering joining, we are still talking to some of the members first. On a bilateral treaty, perhaps that is something that I would direct to the Foreign Ministry office. Mainly, the current policy on this situation is that if Edom is attacked, the Khanate will defend the coasts, however we will not stay or camp on Edomite land. I hope I made my points clear sir...”

Lamboro Atoll, Cossack Khanate

Marshall Chander Keo frowned as his superior told him the situation. “I understand sir, I’ll tell the sailors to look sharp. Ok then, have a nice day sir” Still frowning, Keo hung up, called the command post on the port, and told the ship crews to make sure they were ready for movement at any time.

[Brytene]

Goldwing Finance, Nass City Centre Branch, New Edom
Soundtrack

---

On the roof of the two-storey branch, sheltered by the low parapet and leaning against some air duct housing, Herman and Sara sat side by side and stared out at the city. It was a riot of light, of cheap neon business signs and flourescent streetlights, the smoke and steam of industry churning into the sky even at this late hour. Nass truly was one giant factory town, but somehow the view wasn't too bad.

Maybe it was something to do with the joint Herman and Sara were passing back and forth. Herman coughed and laughed as Sara pointed out an elderly man, competely nude despite the late hour and the season, stoop to pick up a discarded cup and throw it into a trash can.

"Didn't need to see that," he spluttered, before taking another pull. He winced and held it for a moment, then blew a thin stream up into the sky, laughing again and passing the blunt back to Sara.

"Nass-ty." she said, after a moment's thought, then laughed herself silly. She took a drag and Herman watched her. He had decided to let her in on the company's downsizing plans because she already had a secret to hide, and she had no reason to love New Edom either. He figured he could trust her, and so far it seemed like he had been right.

He had received a broad outline of the plan from Head Office, though he had a call scheduled tomorrow to follow up and an advisor was apparently arriving to help oversee the process and handle the logistics of clearing out the offices. He had been told to choose half of his advisors to select for either dismissal or transfer home within the week, as Goldwing would no longer be accepting new business in New Edom, and meanwhile to have his accountants begin drawing up a comprehensive report on the costs and feasibility of cashing out existing New Edomite customers, either in actual cash or by arranging for local banks to take over their accounts. He had been assured that he would still have a place with the organisation, back in Brytene this time, and whilst he was relieved to be going home, he suddenly felt a strange melancholy. Maybe it was just the pot, but Nass suddenly didn't seem so bad. The valley of steel and fumes held a strange mystique tonight. Maybe it was just being up on the roof. He wasn't getting any younger, and perhaps he wanted a bit of uncertainty and irregularity in his life. Staring out into the night, he was startled by Sara tapping his shoulder and passing back to him.

"So we're done with this place?" she asked rhetorically, reaching absently for a water bottle. It took her some time to find and uncap it, but eventually she did. She paused with it halfway to her lips and then smiled. "I can't bloody wait."

[Greater Carloso]

Edomite Freedom Coalition Headquarters, Fineberg, New Edom

---

Having struggled to make his way through early morning traffic, Mencia drove the Shadow SUV to a small car park very close to the entrance of the EFC's headquarters in Fineberg. Turning a corner, he was expecting to find a much grander building, but quickly discovered it was only a glorified warehouse located between an industrial estate and what looked like a residential area. He looked around to see that large crowds of of people were flooding into the warehouse, some with absolutely no clothes on, while loud noises were coming from inside. It looked like he had stumbled on a mass meeting of some kind. He stopped the engine and waited around for a bit, watching the crowds of people as they passed by. "Mother of God." he thought to himself, "They're even weirder then the crowd in Oceanica." He immediately noticed a figure walking along the footpath who was juggling an apple, appearing to stop the act once he caught sight of the SUV. The individual then disappeared into the warehouse. Mencia's suspicions were immediately aroused.

Figuring that he wouldn't be able to do much reconnaissance from inside the car, he hopped out and locked the doors, awkwardly blending in with the rest of the crowd to see what all the commotion was about. A person with a very strange haircut had taken the stage and was talking about some nonsense about some 'Morality Act' and 'signing petitions'; as if that would change anything, then going on a tirade about SACTO and the Imperion Alliance sending mercenaries to do the Edomite government's dirty work. Mencia resisted the temptation to roll his eyes at every word coming out of his mouth.

"We want the King and Queen doing more than visiting hospitals. Let them demonstrate their justice by hearing us!" the man declared like a priest from the pulpit.

Feeling a bit curious, Mencia's eyes scanned the crowd for odd-looking individuals, of which there were many. There appeared to be some sort of pseudo-Christian group, along with a bunch of nudists, socialists, anarchists and an array of other so-called progressive identity groups. He was amazed by the motley gang of people that had gathered here. It didn't take too long for it become plainly obvious that they all weren't on the same page as the person on-stage. There was a blood-curdling scream of "Shut up idiots, they’re oppressing all of us!" from a woman nearby. Somehow, he managed to quickly reconcile with the dissenters and left the stage amidst cheers and applause.

After him, a completely nude man climbed up onto the stage and began talking about the position of LGBT people in the Coalition, criticising the EFC for putting too much focus on LGBT rights, which could be easily dismissed by the Edomite government because they made up only a tiny percentage of the population. After calling them "godless wanton sinners", the previous speaker appeared to confront him on his comments. Within seconds, the whole warehouse had devolved into bickering and arguing between all the different groups. With some footage gathered from his hidden body camera, Mencia decided to disperse with the rest of the crowd, returning to the Shadow that was still parked on the other side of the road. It was obvious that this wasn't a united front.

[McNernia]

Outer Space
Over Cornellia
Central Reconnaissance Office Satellite

---

It was one of many satellites that had been put into orbit over the years, the CRO was a little-known arm of the Intelligence Community that monitored the world. Looking for rebels on lost lands. Or looking at regions that Mcnernia need IMGINT from. The possibility of the Deordan failed state providing refuge to Homofront had seen the diversion of one of the machines from the rebel search. The exiles had time on their side, Mcnernia itself did not. Many would say it was a matter of time before the Santiago Alliance pissed off someone and Mcnernia found itself occupied by a foreign power. But there was always the colonies. Places where people could and did hide from the law in places. The satellite cared not for earthly politics in the satellite states of Mcnernia, it cared not who transmitted commands to the onboard computer.

It obeyed the commands to look at Deodora, the cities that had been prosperous until the events had transpired that led to the problems in the country. Homofront had connections to international criminal organizations that would operate in failed states or on distant landmasses. The current thing was that Deodora was a failed state, rumors really, Mcnernia did not want to send agents in, the Embassy had been reporting that the nation was stable if weak. An international pariah even to the fellow Matriarchy of the Shrai.

It scanned impassively, transmitting the data to the Operations center. The pictures particularly were focusing on the New Edomite border country and the approaches from the capital. Several thousand kilometers squared at least.

But Mcnernia had assistance, AI.

---

From the control room where a technician watched the streams coming in, the data went up stairs to the analysis section that was full of, Analysists. Men, women who stood around and looked at photographs that came in, and cross checked them against the AI assessment. What was being looked for in this Anti SACTO country was the signs of a compound. While there was the possibility that Deodora in its weakened state was not training Homofront, such attacks were difficult to ignore and so the possibility that Homofront in Cornellia was operating out of the country. So the AI looked for signs of compounds. Clusters of squares. Visual, X Ray, Infrared, the Fleet was nearby and could be diverted. While it lacked a full Expeditionary Group as such fleets travelled with the plan was to bring in more troops before any landing was made. To gather more intelligence before making a landing and not risk problems was prudent. The Mcnernians would analyze the photos looking for training camps. The question was, there could be ruins, villages, who knew really.
The hours of Analysis would be shortened by the AI, the Algorithm was classified and known to a few and so the data was scoured. And there were suspect compounds within a days march of the border of New Edom.

Word was sent to SACTO and the New Edomites.

[New Edom]

The Office of Transmarine Affairs
The Foreign Ministry
Fineberg, New Edom

“Ah, I see,” said Melzar with a nod, “You’re testing the waters. In that case, Lieutenant, I hope you will pass this on to your foreign minister: we would be delighted to explore closer relations with your country, and to develop such a relationship that would make a military alliance possible. And, of course, we understand that establishing judiciary and official punishments can be challenging. We have had similar difficulties with militias and smaller communities and it takes time and effort to change things in a more...law abiding direction.”

“Right now,” he said, sorting the folders on his desk and opening another, “There is concern over this letter. Please take a look. Naturally we are also sending copies of this to our allies.”

To: The Edomite Foreign Ministry, The Edomite Ministry of Defense
Subject: Tyronian Parliament Decisions
From: Foreign Minister J. Zarapute

---

---

To whomever it may concern,

The Tyronian Federal Parliament of the Militarized Federation of Lanorth have voted amongst themselves yesterday in an urgent meeting of Parliament to discuss your nation's recent attack on LGBT+ protestors.

Chancellor Synrush, though wanting to continue neutral relations, is appalled. She has been condemning the Edomite Government for the past twenty-four hours, and has also halted some of her daily routines, in her free time, to formally decide Lanorth's possible or inevitable involvement or intervention in what we call the 'Edomite Homosexual Crisis'.

Many possible decisions have been proposed, such as the withdrawal of embassies, military intervention and, though very unlikely, war. Chancellor Synrush has removed the war option, leaving two decisions. She has considered risks, has looked at possible reactions, yet has chosen military intervention.

Chancellor Synrush wrote to the Chief of the General Staff of the Tyronian Armed Forces and has confirmed the decision. The high commanders within the Tyronian Armed Forces have decided that 22,500 troops shall be deployed to secure order and peace, whilst in the process calming the protests down and offering them help and support. The troops being deployed shall not take any sides, but shall act as a peacekeeping force.

The withdrawal of troops will begin once homosexual riots and protests have ceased, and peace is secured. We hope this will not cause any problems or decrease our current relations. We Tyronian all want peace in the world, and will do everything to make it happen. This is a step closer to peace, some say.

Until then, we wish you all the best, alongside good health and prosperity. We hope to speak again soon.

Kind regards,
Foreign Minister J. Zarapute
The Tyronian Government

“Of course we would not ask your country to threaten Lanorth. Our foreign policy goal as I have been instructed is to persuade them to negotiate to be party to our emigration for homosexuals policy, which I am sure you will agree is a wise policy for our country. Certainly if they want to try to send peacekeepers, I hope that your government would also act to persuade them that such an action would in effect be an invasion as we never asked for it.”

[New Edom]

To: SACTO, Imperium of Arbites and Imperion allies
Security Code: Most Secret, Eyes Only
Froim: General Jonathan Unwerth, Minister of Defense
Subject: Operational Order Proposal Delilah Updates

---

1. Basing and Support for Allied Operations: recognition and thanks for the expeditionary forces of the Empire of Common Territories, Vionna-Frankenlisch, and McNernia provided by the Imperion alliance and from SACTO.

It is proposed that the Vionna-Frankenlisch and McNernian naval forces will be granted permission to use the New Edomite National Navy Support Squadron attached to Carrier Task Force Python as well as merchant marine vessels designated for that purpose.

The Vionna-Frankenlisch and McNernia naval forces will also be able to replenish or repair as needs be at the port of Harbourtown, which is located 500 km NW of Fineberg along the coast of Bara Province.

Air units from the Common Territories, Vionna-Frankenlisch and McNernia may use Tyrannis Naval Base (located 10 km east of Harbourtown) , the Silver River AFB (located 50 km north of Fineberg) and Fineberg International Airport for landing purposes.

Vionna-Frankenlisch ground forces may make use of billeting space that is normally designated for training units at Fineberg Military District.

Common Territories ground forces may make use of billeting space at Tyrannis Naval Base and factory housing in Fineberg.

2. Weather Standard weather ranges are 22-29 celsius for daytime temperatures, 18-22 for nighttime temperatures. It is anticipated that there will be intermittent high winds and light rain towards the end of the week.

3. Environmental Hazards While greatly reduced, possibility of malaria exists in rural areas, and appropriate medical measures are recommended.

4. Recent Intelligence
A.Lanorth Letter. Key issue is the words “Chancellor Synrush wrote to the Chief of the General Staff of the Tyronian Armed Forces and has confirmed the decision. The high commanders within the Tyronian Armed Forces have decided that 22,500 troops shall be deployed to secure order and peace, whilst in the process calming the protests down and offering them help and support. The troops being deployed shall not take any sides, but shall act as a peacekeeping force.”
It is recommended as much as possible that this is dealt with through persuasion and proposed peaceful alternatives, but that analysis of Lanorthian military capabilities be undertaken.

B. Intelligence to the effect of possible Homofront connections discovered. Angela Michaels, an official in the NGO “Church Human Rights Interests Syndicate of the Tabernacle” had her apartment investigated. A Ministry of Police raid on her privately rented apartment discovered the following: Five RPG-7's with 50 rounds of ammunition, an MP-40 with 500 rounds of ammunition, a sixty millimeter mortar with 10 rounds, and 25 pounds of C-4. Several associated individuals have been arrested as a result.

I have the honour to be
General Jonathan Unwerth
Minister of Defense

[Lanorth]

Chancellor Synrush has been alerted that the deployment of peacekeeping forces would be considered an invasion, and may lead to war. Chancellor Synrush is now livid, and has said that the Tyronian Government will accept forms of persuasion through politics, but until then, she has stated to the nations involved in the current incident:

"The Tyronian Military will begin preperation for all out war through a thoroughly-planned operation, codenamed Stormbreaker. It consists of 500,000 troops, 6,500 new and advanced jets and tanks, 245 new and advanced naval vessels and recreations of the HBM, or the Hypersonic Ballistic Missile. Our nation is advancing brilliantly scientifically speaking, and will continue to improve throughout the years. We have our best equipment ready. If war takes place, it will kill millions. Nobody wants that."

Operation: Stormbreaker is already underway, and will continue unless forced to end, which can only be ended by the Chancellor ordering the Military Commanders to halt, and this can only happen after the Government have either been persuaded, or have agreed diplomatically to halt all Military exercises. The Tyronian Military will put up a fight. They believe in the phrase:
"Die In Combat And Be Honoured, Or Die On A Death-Bed And Be Forgotten."
They follow those words fiercely, and that is why Lanorth has won most of the wars and or battles it has been involved in.



Images from Operation: Stormbreaker, 2019.

Further Updates Coming Soon.

[Late Roman Empire]

"This Lanorth business is very grim indeed. Does anyone not realize that they can and will be facing the wrath of not only New Edom, but Rome as well? I will not stomach this kind of deliberate bullying, the example followed by Damoclea that the other nations haven't learned. Mobilize on the following fronts: Gavinium Magnus, Macrinum, and a new, fresh deployment of the Barebones Legion to New Edom and Legio Maritima as well. They've been there before. They know the terrain. Two legions of Imperial Roman Marines, backed by the Second Fleet of the Imperial Roman Navy. This will not stand. We should never have left, but the threats to our good allies, the Edomites, had seemed to finally subside! Damn it!" the Emperor insisted.

"So, the Samaritan Guard and the Draconians along the Gavinian border, the Ninth Legion as well, the Fifth Legion in Macrinum, the Draconian Guard in Lazodiria, and this recent deployment, of the Second and Third Army Legions to United Valik at the secret request of the Valikan Federal Government,....our forces are more active and mobilized than ever. If anyone doubts that Rome is back into action and awakened from our slumber like the sleeping giant that we've been, they aren't paying attention. We're doing full mobilization, I assume, and they've barely stood down for a few months after the Gavinian War, no less!" the Caesar, Servius Ahenobarbus, remarked, amazed to see the moment that he waited for so long....the Roman Eagle fully spreading its wings and clutching its talons for the hunt.

"Yes, and put all air bases and fleets on full alert. We are at highest possible defense condition. Is that clear? Absolutely, we're doing full mobilization! I will not stand for this! I must insist upon this! Get those trucks and planes moving, ships, too! Oh, and Marcellinus, you know your job, don't you?" Titus gave the order, barking commands with the fury of a very incensed potentate.

Many who knew him once when he was a humble civil servant would be astounded at the change in the man, but gone was the nervous, stammering, chain-smoking, chess-playing virgin bureaucrat who had opened up a lot after meeting Princess Ava Shalmaneser. In his place stood the mighty Augustus, semi-divine, the personal deputy of God on Earth, the Pontifex Maximus, the Emperor of the Romans. In his full majesty, having grown more comfortable in his purple robes and his own skin, Titus Clemens had truly become the Roman Emperor, Titus Augustus, in no mood to back down. Rome, like New Edom, had attempted openness, dialogue, diplomacy, the path of peace.

Now, however, it was clear that outsiders would be content with nothing less than the surrender of one of his own allies, and actually expected to Rome to stand aside while they attacked? No, no, no, ten thousand times, no! The moderate, reformist diplomat had given way to the hardliner these days, as both Rome and New Edom had been pushed too far. It was fitting that Titus had come to power about the same time that his former lover's brother, Elijah, had risen to rule his country. One was a civil servant, the other a naval officer, but both men were hardliners, at least as Titus saw it, fit men of steel and wills of iron to suit their more perilous times.

It was time to draw a line in the sand and dare Lanorth, or any other outsider nation to cross it.

To: King-Emperor Elijah IV; Queen-Empress Mara I
From: Count Marcellinus, Master of Offices
Re: The Lanorthian Menace
Encryption: High


Your Majesties,

I trust that this finds you well. I have been instructed by His Eternity, Imperator Caesar Titus Divus Augustus, Lord of the World, Pontifex Maximus, and Vicar of Christ, to inform you that, as of today, the Late Roman Empire is on highest possible military readiness alert and full, wartime mobilization has commenced, though it will naturally require some time to completely muster all reserve formations, not to mention all foederati and auxiliary units, such as those from Draconia, Samaria, Judea, and Malacanos. This is to meet the extra-regional threat posed to both New Edom and all other sovereign nations of the region, including Gavinium Magnus, from Lanorth and its lawless, godless regime.

This situation, I fondly hope, will be resolved peaceably, without any cause for actual war, but should hostilities commence between New Edom and Lanorth, or between Lanorth and any other ally of Rome, a state of conflict will formally exist between such nations and the Empire. New Edom has been a Friend and Ally of the Roman People since 2012 now and that status will not cease while there is breath in the Emperor's lungs, or the Caesar's, for that matter. As a Christian and a diplomat, I truly wish for peace, but as the saying goes, "To secure peace, prepare for war."

Accordingly, the Emperor hereby offers to return two very familiar Roman legions to deployment to New Edom, namely the Fourth Legion, the famous Barebones Legion, and Legio VI Maritima. We are also preparing to deploy the Second Fleet once again to the Edomite coast, and out of respect for your national sovereignty and the precedent set with the other allies arriving to aid your national defense, to place themselves temporarily under the command of your generals and admirals. Prefect Marcus Remus will resume his command there with the Fourth, Prefect Lucius Argento in command of the Sixth. His Eternity chose to deploy the two legions most compatible with your country and its customs, most familiar with the terrain and your purpose, including the Sixth Legion which was not that long ago deployed to Gloria Regis at the height of the crisis there. Prefect Remus will be the senior Roman commander of the expeditionary force, of course.

Should any additional military forces need to be deployed to New Edom to assist in your national defense and in our collective security as allies, by all means feel free to request such from the Master of Soldiers, Aulus Metellus. May God grant us peace, and if not, may He in His Wisdom and Greatness grant us victory instead.

In Hoc Signo Vinces,
Marcellinus Comes, Magister Officiorum
Basilina Comes, Imperial State Secretary

[Cossack Khanate]

The Office of Transmarine Affairs
The Foreign Ministry
Fineberg, New Edom

Lieutenant Oslo Dusk raised one eyebrow at the letter presented to him, reading it thoroughly to make sure he understood its contents. Breaking himself from the absurd news, he faintly smiled at Melzar “I will indeed pass thoughts for improved relations, perhaps a bilateral treaty of some sort up to my superiors. About this letter, it seems rather...harsh, if I may say so. I would point to the phrases ‘your nation’s attack on LGBT+ protesters’ and ‘Edomite Homosexual Crisis’. I would hardly call what occurred a government attack, but perhaps the less informed have a tendency to spread their views”

Dusk put down the letter. “Either way, sir, I’ll make sure I put through to the Cossack decision-makers about this letter and the general question of Lanorth. I would assume they can be persua-”

Dusk was cut off by his phone buzzing against his leg. “Pardon me, sir”, he said, before unlocking his phone to find a message from Cossack FMR. The message itself was blank, but attached was a report containing recent quotes from the Tyronian chancellor of Lanorth.

“I just received news sir, of more words from Lanorth,” Dusk angled his phone screen so Melzar could see it better.
“The chancellor has declared preparations of all out war after being told that an unauthorized peacekeeping force would be taken as an invasion. The Tyronians claim that their ‘Operation Stormbreaker’ commands 500,000 troops, 11,000 aircraft and tanks, 513 naval vessels, and what they call SLBM, or space launched ballistic missiles,” Dusk explained, leaning back after he was finished. “I would assume that most of these claims are not the most honest...A military officer myself, I have some knowledge of logistics, and a force of this size and technology is simply not possible. Furthermore, it worries me to see the amount of effort they are supposedly putting into this kind of operation. The Khanate’s own space weaponry and atmospheric ballistics are limited, simply due to logistics. Anyway, I’ll send the main points of this meeting back to the Foreign Ministry and I suppose the respective ministers will talk about it over electronic communications. Your thoughts sir?”

Imperial Residence, Selvik, Cossack Khanate

The Imperator was sitting in a chair in his garden, assembling a rifle with various parts. He had come from a humble background, and his father had been a gunsmith, so Imperator Khan took interest in guns.

An aide rushed to his table and whispered something in Khan’s ear. He nodded. Moments later, a tall man with a sharp face, wearing his usual suit, came and took a seat across from the Khan. The man was Foreign Affairs Minister Ryan Vehr. The Imperator considered most of his ministers and commissioners to be at least acquaintances, so it was common for Vehr to have at least a degree of freedom around his ruler. Another man also sat down at the table, Konzul-General Rihat Dewstaad.

As Vehr began speaking, Khan didn’t look up from his work at first, but later snapped his head up.
“Sir, the Tyronian government, that is, Lanorth, has began preparations for all out war. They call it Operation Stormbreaker. Here is the report and analysis sir.” Vehr handed the Imperator a thin folder, inside being the actual dialogue said by the chancellor, as well as military analysis. Khan stood up and walked around the garden a bit, while scanning the documents. When he finished, he came and sat back down.

“Minister, either these numbers are false, or the people of Lanorth are starving.”

Vehr looked confused. Although he had served in the military, successfully too, he never understood the concept of guessing force sizes and logistics. “Why do you say so sir?”

“First, 11,000 aircraft and tanks is not something that can be just hauled over to Edom on a single ship. Hell, it would probably take them all 513 of their naval fleet to transport this enormous force. Even then they would be so cramped that they wouldn’t be able to carry weapons, and even if they could think about the costs associated with it, Minister. Plus these SLBMs, not reasonable in a war started to protect ‘homosexual rights’. First mistake was saying that they need protection of any sort, second mistake was trying to send unauthorized peacekeepers without Edomite permission, and third mistake was bluffing about their force sizes,” Khan ranted.

The minister involuntarily looked at the general, as if to fact check. Dewstaad pretended not to notice and asked the Imperator:
“What is your next command sir?”

“The government of Lanorth thinks that it is invincible. Tell the Tolstall Isle submarine and naval fleet to move to Lamboro, then fly in the 39th strike force battalion, and put the Lamboro Atoll fleet on alert. Minister, send a strongly-worded letter to Lanorth, make it public too.” the Khan went back to assembling the rifle as the two men left and took up their business…

Official Dispatch from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

To: Whom it may concern, directed at Tyronian government
From: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Cossack government has watched the actions and listened to the words of the Tyronian government, and has decided that the aforementioned government has gone too far in their actions. We wish to express that we are fully equipped to “deal with” any war that breaks out. Furthermore, to advise Lanorth against such strong actions, we wish to point out that many other defenders of New Edom are similarly prepared. The Cossack government wishes peace and prays that the land, sea, and air of Edom not be disturbed by the turmoil of war.

With that note, we wish to make this statement, although no formal treaty binds the Khanate and Edom, honor and morals do: An attack one is an attack on all

Signed,

Foreign Affairs Minister Ryan Vehrs

[Vionna-Frankenlisch]

The Open Seas
New Edom Squadron, Imperial Navy
Rear Admiral Sir S.Barret Commanding

---

And so it was that a fleet not scheduled to depart for another three days set out almost immediately. If not for the Tyronian declaration then the Ministry of Defense would have dithered as it always did, but the Prime Minister brought his influence to bear when the Tyronians made their intentions clear. Barret's squadron may only have numbered nine ships (with each ship bursting at the seams with men and war equipment) but it acted as a bookmark in a way, the Vionna-Frankenlischian government, military and people would remember with this deployment that their place was at New Edom's side. HMMNS Wedner, the fat, flat-bottomed carrier of the Merchant Navy only carried ten aircraft and a helicopter but had a large hold, designed for goods. Then, however, it carried almost 400 horses of fine stock, with 900 others spread around the fleet in makeshift, below-decks stables whose tending was possibly the worst job currently in the Imperial Navy, cleaning out horseshit in a hot, smelly, steel box was not many's idea of serving their King and seeing the world.

Truly, the squadron's six warships and three auxiliaries were packed to the brim with men, beasts and vehicles, not to mention equipment. In fact, it was entirely possible that ships would have to be chartered to deliver further supplies once the force had arrived, provided the somewhat arrogant assumption that the Edomites would neglect to provide adequate supplies. Particularly of ammunition. Major Walton, who commanded the Second Squadron of the South Lopenfort Yeomanry, had been forced to ration his ammunition which was usually issued in packages. He had entrusted the Yeomanry's two MG sections with tearing open the twelve hundred packages of ammunition and pooling their rifle rounds in metal tins, the tins then being distributed amongst the regiment (an awkward task as one of the regiment's three squadrons was billeted aboard a different ship). Each man had about eighty rounds apiece, unremarkable in regular circumstances and unthinkable amongst a group of men which might, soon, see actual warfare. Still, each of them was mercilessly trained and drilled, the Imperial rifleman was widely considered the best in the world, at least among his Magna Europan cousins. These men, around 2,200 in total, were as prepared as they were going to be for some time, it would have to be enough.

---

Royal Communique of His Imperial Majesty, King James I

His Imperial Majesty King James Frederik Turrell, the first of his name, King of Vionna-Frankenlisch, Emperor of the Fallen Isles, Emperor of Valksland, Grand Imperiator of the Vionna-Frankenlischian Colonies and Dominions beyond the Seas, Duke Regent of Linburg, Elector of Grangenburg, Governor of Saint Gall, Chief of the Frankenlischian Commonwealth, Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Military, Defender of the Andyist Faith, Temporary High Archbishop and Lord Protector of the Realm.

---

To all the nations and peoples concerned with the events currently transpiring in the Empire of New Edom

To begin, we give our most solemn condolences to the victims of the terrible bombings in Fineberg and the friends and relatives thereof, they were horrendous attacks which have surely drawn each Edomite together, rather than dividing them as, no doubt, the intentions of the attackers were. We condemn terrorism in all its dreadful forms and commend all peoples who do their utmost to fight that violent scourge.

As the nations and peoples aforementioned may well be aware, at current, our Imperial forces by land, sea and air are making their way to our dear ally in New Edom. Our royal counterparts in New Edom, King Elijah and Queen Mara, along with their government have granted our forces the honour of joining the grand defence of New Edom, aiding her against all who would harm her. Evidently, there are those who would wish to subdue and subjugate that most noble of nations. We have to say to them now, this will not happen, not while Vionna-Frankenlisch and her dominions and colonies stand beside her, not while the Imperion Coalition stands beside her, not while the Santiago Anti-Communist Treaty Organisation stands beside her.

With sword, and flame and lightning, we shall defend our allies with the utmost of our might.

May all consider this a warning, do not violate the sovereignty of New Edom. You will face divine justice and worldly intervention.

- James Frederick Turrell, King of Vionna-Frankenlisch

[The Shrailleeni Empire]

Fineberg, New Edom
Shrailleeni Embassy

With the sheer number of New Edomites in the embassy having dropped off somewhat, the embassy staff were returning to their normal duties. The continued presence of some of those taking refuge couldn't be ignored however. The task of continuing to provide hospitality to them was designated to the clerks and other bureaucratic employees, who were now looking after these guests as well as attending to their normal duties. Many of the Shrailleeni staff were tired and ready to go to their own apartments in the city. Even so, there was a genuine feeling of goodwill toward these people whose suffering and fear were evident. If they were to stay another night, it would fall to the ambassador and her personal staff to see to their needs.

If Sister Beatrice was aghast to find so many people remaining, Ambassador Katara was equally dismayed. Although she did not yet know of Foreign Minister Geta's 24 hour ultimatum, she knew that neither herself nor the New Edomite government wanted a number of New Edomite nationals staying at the Shrailleeni embassy for an extended period of time. The embassy was simply not built to be anything more than a temporary refuge, and many of those remaining required serious medical care despite her efforts to send all of the inured to medical facilities.

"I thought that we had contacted the local hospitals to arrange transportation for the wounded?" she mentioned to her secretary in quiet Railti as she watched the Sister organize a prayer in the main sitting room.

"We did," the young man replied with an apologetic hand motion. "These were too frightened to leave, they refused to be escorted out."

"They refused," she repeated incredulously. "By the Goddess, some of these people are seriously injured. We cannot be held responsible for their lives."

"The Christian priestess has said that the Purple Cross are coming," her secretary replied, "and the Order of Comfort is sending medical supplies..."

"It will not be enough," she replied. "Something has to be done."

More serious was the problems of the asylum seekers. The Enlightened Matriarchy had a few precedent understandings with New Edom regarding the granting of asylum and processing refugees. The first had been the expulsion of avowed feminists, which had formed a one-time population transfer accord. The second was the Shrailleeni recognition of the right of New Edomites who wished to avoid persecution for "Enlightened values," such as the LGBT, to seek immigration to Shrailleeni lands, which was again something which had been worked out with the New Edomite government. But there was no such agreement for political asylum-seekers.

Accepting these underground activists, many of whom were wanted by the Ministry of Justice in New Edom, was a decision above Katara's level to make. She had tried to alleviate the situation by helping such individuals leave the embassy in relative secrecy, but those who remained were either too fearful or too stubborn to be convinced. One thing was certain though, they could not stay forever.

Finally there were the students, who were simply perplexing. Neither injured nor seeking refuge, Katara had no idea why they remained.

Sister Beatrice offered one potential avenue through this situation, and Katara waited as the woman led her Christian prayer to approach her about this. The embassy did have a space for prayer, a shrine room modeled after the Ancient Temple in which the surraleeni was a small replica of the Goddess Stone carved from the soil of the eastern mountains. However, she did not know if it was suited to Christian worship and so simply did not bring up the subject.

When she was finished, the Ambassador approached her with a bow.

"Sister," she said politely. "I understand that you may have the support of the Archbishop of Bara. I would very much like to facilitate contact between the Archbishop and yourself if it would ease the fears of your people here, and enable their safe return to their homes. You know that I cannot harbor your people indefinitely."

In the meantime, only the New Visayan Islands had responded to her inquiry, and they had done so firmly in the negative. She thought them foolish for this, or at least more callous than she thought. Clearly they wished to appear concerned for the rights of LGBT New Edomites, but not at the cost of troubling New Edom itself. She wondered at the numbers that they cited, and somewhat doubted them as well. But if they wished only a symbolic victory, then that was their business.

On the other hand, it came to her attention that a runner from the embassy of Kylarnatia had approached yesterday, but their message had been lost in the chaos in the moment. Perhaps they would be more open to cooperation in this regard.

She dialed the number to Ambassador Crassa's office, and waited to be connected.

[The Shrailleeni Empire]

Imperial Palace, Imperial City,
The Enlightened Matriarchy of the Shrailleeni Empire

Zattem read the letter from Hosidius Geta with a bemused expression on his face. He read it over a few times, then set it down gently on his desk. After a few moments, he used his intercom to signal an attendant for some tea. Within minutes the large mahogany door which led to the Foreign Minister's office opened and the tranquility of the large, bookcase-lined room was broken by a young Fromathrine man bearing a silver platter upon which sat porcelain kettle and cups. Zattem thanked the attendant and bade him to leave the platter, which he did with a bow before making his own exit.

Zattem poured his own cup, taking his time to add sugar in the proper proportions. Then he placed the brim of the cup against his lips, feeling the heat of the liquid flare up from his breath. He inhaled the aroma for almost a minute more before taking his first sip.

Two cups of tea passed in this manner before he made his next move. His finger alighted upon the phone on his desk, and lifted the receiver to his ear.

"Her Enlightened Majesty's Advisor to Gloria Regis, please," he asked of the operator tranquilly. In due course the line connected, and a woman's voice tinged with a west Railti accent answered.

"Foreign Minister, it is an honor. May the Mother smile upon you."

"And may the Mother smile upon you," he said. And then, with no further ceremony, "I would like to move the Gloria Regis referendum timetable forward."

"...I see," the Advisor replied after a slight delay, no doubt suppressing the urge to ask why such an inconvenience was suddenly being thrust upon her.

"I understand that not all of the groundwork is yet in place. What do you still require?"

"Ah," she said, "well, to begin with Foreign Minister, Theodora Ferrovius is still insisting on forming a Gloria Regian Imperial Guard and reforming the Feminist Foreign Legion."

"Give the first to her," Zattem said without hesitation. "Tell her that the second will be subject to a national vote once Gloria Regis enters the Enlightened Matriarchy, but we can promise nothing."

"What?" the Advisor replied, aghast. "Foreign Minister that is tantamount to Gloria Regian rearmament, a direct violation of our treaty with New Edom regarding the transfer of the Protectorate!"

"All Imperial nations are expected to create and maintain an Imperial Guard to oversee law and order and carry out the responsibilities of the imperial union," he said smoothly, "if Gloria Regis joins it would happen anyway, and they would not be permitted to act independently. They would by every important standard simply form another part of the Enlightened Matriarchy. What else?" he demanded calmly.

"Well, there are many in Servilia Aemilianus's camp who remain distrustful of our intentions," she continued, clearly a bit flustered.

"Do they form a majority in the legislature?"

"No, but-"

"Then I do not care about their opinions," he said curtly. "Can you move the referendum forward?"

"I-Yes I can Foreign Minister."

"Good. Propose it and inform me of Livia and Theodora's reactions immediately."

"Yes Foreign Minister."

"May the Goddess smile upon you."

"And upon you Foreign Minister."

Zattem hung up the receiver and reflected for a moment. The formal annexation of Gloria Regis, framed through a referendum on the part of the Gloria Regian people, had been planned ever since the adoption of the new constitutional government. He had intended to wait until Shrailleeni democracy was more well-established, but it was clear that the New Edomites were going to be dismissive of Shrailleeni concerns yet again. Much of the groundwork for he Protectorate's incorporation had already been accomplished, the moderation of the "cultural revolution" to allow the Shrailleeni conception of the rights of men had been successful and Gloria Regian policies were under the de facto control of the Shrailleeni Advisor who represented the Mother Empress there. And he was certain that once he won the support of the Imperial Republican holdouts in the NISA who feared the New Edomite reaction, they would vote to admit.

Let the New Edomite government remember what one of the alternatives to listening to Shrailleeni advice regarding their internal politics could be. He would have to inform the Mother Empress of course, but he was confident that after he reported Geta's letter to her that she would see the wisdom in choice.

His next course of action was to arrange for that very meeting. Once the Mother Empress offered her input, he would pen his official response to New Edom.

[The Shrailleeni Empire]

The Feminist Empire of Deadora

Fedic, Ordetia Province
The Feminist Empire of Deadora

There was much celebrating in the main streets of Fedic, to the point that traffic was completely closed down. The sprawling industrial center of the empire had been shut down for the festivities, and all of the workers given a day off the commemorate the great occasion. There was dancing, food and drink stands, many games and activities that The People so reveled in when they were given leave from the daily grind of work and toil that defined the life of the common citizen. Petty magicians preformed tricks, impromptu sparring tournaments were held, mates were gained and exchanged. It was a momentous occasion.

And all along the main streets of Fedic were reminders of the occasion. The severed heads of the local gang leaders, each impaled on a long spear, gaped lifelessly at the festivities. Dried blood crusted the lengths of the shafts. And near the administrative center of the city was the crown jewel, so to speak: the severed head of the former Queen of Fedic, implicated, tried, and found guilty of criminal conspiracy against the Feminist Empire and decapitated personally by her successor. The people needed to know that the old ways, the ways of the Nadirii, reigned supreme. The new Matriarch Empress was strong, and permitted no resistance or discontent.

Earlier that day the new Queen of Fedic, Nathala D'Quarr, had taken the Oath of Queens and assumed the throne that her mother had once held, before Jennifer Thrall had executed her for daring to speak up against her foolish and weak policies. She had done so with great relish in the presence of Jacqueline Thrall, the new Matriarch Empress, who had taken her measure and proclaimed her worthy. Her ascendancy brought all the great cities of Ordetia firmly into Jacqueline Thrall's control, every Queen and Matriarch who had supported her deposed sister was now dead. With the loyalty of Queen Baela D’Bhati of Legirahn, who had always hated Jennifer Thrall, and the allegiance of Queen Julia D'Ankhol of Metorea, that brought the bulk of the nobility of Deadora firmly under Jacqueline's control. Kyrrn and southern Aedora remained in open rebellion of course, but that was a problem that would be solved in due time.

In Fedic, however, Jacqueline's triumph had accomplished a dual purpose. The infamous Black Vipers of Fedic had been eliminated, and not without cause.

The Matriarch Empress and her retinue had retreated to the royal palace to finalize Queen D'Quarr's consolidation of the city and finalize the purge of internal security and the petty notables who had supported her doomed predecessor. But while the commoners celebrated in the streets, a lone figure wound her way through the crowd who carried with her the invisible authority of the Black City. She eventually came to a quiet area, a safe house apartment maintained by Internal Security. After ensuring that she had not been followed, she entered.

Waiting for her in the room were three impatient-looking women. Two of them were Nadirii, one was a Shrailleeni of Navarettan origin. The first Nadirii woman wearing a tight-fitting leotard that hugged her muscular and ample frame, in the custom of Nadirii women. She had long black hair and fair skin, with a strong jaw line and a scar on her left cheek. She was throwing knives into the safe house wall. The second Nadirii was brown-haired, tan, and more lithe than muscular. She was fiddling with a coin. The Navarettan sat silently on a chair, her brown hair cut short in a bob and her features somewhat rounded despite the hard look in her eyes. She said nothing as the newcomer entered.

"About time," the woman throwing knives said, and another blade impacted the far wall with an audible thud.

"There are rules," the newcomer said irritably. All of the women present knew who she was, so there was no need for introductions. She was Halla D'Fein, newly appointed head of Internal Security. And the three women who she was meeting were representatives of the new crime lords of Fedic, the Pink River.

"We made sure you weren't followed," the same woman replied smugly, tearing the knife out of the wall and flicking the dust off of it contemptuously.

"Is that a fact?" Halla leveled her gaze at the woman, who met it steadily with a smirk. Halla's jaw set, and her fingers rested on her blade. The other woman matched her motion, looking at her as a smilodon regarded its prey.

"Enough," the Navarettan woman said sharply. "Jada, stay your hand. Show the Matriarch some respect."

The Nadirii woman, Jada, kept her gaze locked with Halla for a moment, but then shrugged her shoulders and deliberately walked away, taking up her old position to throw her knife once more. The second Nadirii woman had halted her fidgeting during the exchange, but now seemed to relax again.

"Apologies Matriarch," the Navarettan woman said, though she also met Halla's gaze. "My Sister simply meant to imply the we control the streets, just as you're paying us to."

"Of course," Halla purred, but there was a dangerous look in her eyes. "From your quarters at 5th and Kreva, the warehouse on Black Street, and the Broken Diamond Tavern," she said purposefully. "It was wise of you to not simply take over the Black Viper headquarters, as might be expected."

The woman's gaze narrowed, but she did not look away.

"Yes, we thought it best to avoid prying eyes," she said without a hint of irony.

"There is nowhere you can avoid my eyes," Halla said, "and you had best remember that. You're here as part of your deal with the Matriarch Empress, and you better remember that."

The two Nadirii women now turned to face her, the second one stood to her feet while Jada fingered her throwing knife. But the Navarettan woman held up a hand.

"Good choice," Halla said. "You would never leave here alive if you tried something stupid. And your organization isn't stupid, is it?"

"No," the Navarettan said, "it is not. Let us talk business."

The other two women stood down, and Halla nodded, the slightly hint of approval.

"Very good. Now, you say you're in control of organized crime in the city. I've held up our end of the bargain, and allowed you to do this. We will look the other way regarding certain...discrepancies on your part. Now, as to your part. We'll be watching to make sure that your activities stay within the parameters we've discussed. But what is the status regarding our Homofront friends?"

The Navarettan woman smiled a little.

"Everything is proceeding as planned. The camp near the New Edomite border is operational. Lady Arachne is...interesting, but eager to bring the fight to New Edom. And we have plenty of eager recruits. Plenty of people angry at New Edom these days."

Halla nodded, and then produced an envelope.

"Good. I already knew this of course, but I appreciate your honesty. I think we can continue to do business."

She handed the envelope to the Navarettan, who passed it to the second Deadoran. The woman opened it, and inspected the bills within. When she nodded, the Navarettan stood to her feet.

"Pink River looks forward to a long and profitable relationship," she said, but suddenly Halla stepped forward and caught her by the arm. She looked deeply into the eyes, ignoring the startled motions of the two Nadirii.

"If you fuck me," she said with a low and dangerous tone, "your head will be on the street next. You are only here because the Matriarch Empress wants you here. If you screw up, we deny all involvement. Understood?"

The other woman seemed surprised, but to her credit she didn't flinch. She only nodded, imperceptibly.

"Good," Halla said, and turned to leave without looking behind her. "Wait ten minutes before you leave. We will be watching."

She shut the door loudly behind her.

[Hittanryan]

Government Office
New Laconia

President Rowan was pouring over papers on his desk with Kevin Martin on the couch when the door knocked. “One moment,” he said. First, he put the papers away. Second, he walked over to the mirror where he noticed his collar was askew. He looked over at Martin, who didn’t notice until he cleared his throat. Martin pocketed his phone and then took another seat near Rowan’s desk. Finally, he stood next to his desk, but reconsidered and moved behind it instead, then said “Come in.”

Ober entered first, followed by a dour-looking Bailey. “Madame Secretary, please have a seat. We have much to discuss.” They both sat down on both sides of Rowan’s desk. Bailey was at a bit of an angle and had to twist a bit.

“I have seen the Geta letter,” he opened. Hugh Atkins had thankfully insisted that she share it with Rowan immediately. “I am afraid your statement has put us in an awkward position. Our national prestige is on the line now.”

“It was on the line the moment they opened fire on those protestors. Adiron should not be standing by while freedom of speech is suppressed,” Bailey said firmly.

“Madame Secretary, please, when I am done,” Rowan said, making eye contact over his glasses. “As a matter of fact I happen to agree with the concerns you raised—in fact, not one person on my staff said your instincts were wrong about what happened in Fineberg. Yes, it would be entirely possible to use terrorists or fake terrorists as a scapegoat to conduct a purge. The Imperium has done exactly that in the past. It is terrible that people lost their lives. Princess Jocasta’s remarks about Homofront could indeed have provoked a deadly and counterproductive panic. However, we don’t know any of that for a fact, and furthermore the way in which you chose to express yourself has nevertheless left us vulnerable. You’ve seen what the Edomites want?”

“I have,” Bailey said tersely. “Mr. President, with all due respect, I think you have become just a bit too pragmatic. I’ve heard you speak of the Republic, but when it comes to the Republic’s ideals, you seem to think everything is up for compromise. Everything.”

“That is not true, Madame Secretary,” Rowan said sharply, staring at her a moment. “It is simply not true. Rather, I have faith that natural rights will endure. They are universal. After millennia of absolutism and conformity in Hostillia, Adiron found allies receptive to liberty, albeit in their own way and without a full understanding. In the darkest corners of the Imperium and Urdnotia, there are Cetans who resist those regimes’ determined efforts to extinguish the last remnants of Old Ceti’s republican culture. Your own family on the Council tapped into this impulse to expand and secure foreign aid, ultimately founding this nation. Now in Fineberg, in spite of constant government pressure, in spite of popular disapproval, in spite of their own religion, Edomites risked their lives because they know deep down that something about their law isn’t fair or just. Would you agree?”

Bailey looked dubious. “I would, Mr. President.”

“This demonstration was held on embassy row for a reason, though. They, like the Council, could not win on their own. Our ideals might be universal, but they’re up against centuries-old entrenched powers and the ignorance and hate born of poverty and desperation. Our ideals are widespread, but without material backing and hard work they remain little more than dreams. The Republic is the means by which we make those dreams reality, Madame Secretary. The Republic must be strong enough to defend its interests, it must be seen to be effective, it must be a great ally and terrible enemy.”

“And we have not given the world much confidence of that,” Rowan said, briefly adjusting the cuff of his sleeve. Bailey braced for it.

“I naturally accept the responsibility for that failure,” Rowan said. Bailey blinked. “That means I must change the way I’ve handled our foreign policy. We must change the way we work together.”

He waited for Bailey to reply, but she didn’t. “The thing is we didn’t work together much in the Assembly. We don’t even know each other that well really. After a year in office I know the values you advocate. I know that you are determined to continue that advocacy. I found out from Leslie that you share her love of painting. That’s hardly enough.”

“Mr. President, we could trade our autobiographies, but I would frankly search for the one page in which you declare your own values and what you will stand for as President,” she replied.

Without hesitating Rowan replied “My concern, my principle concern, must be the Republic. It falls to me to produce a vision for our national security. If that vision is true, then I will have the support of the people and therefore the Assembly. If not…” he shrugged. “The voters will decide, although I will certainly make my case as best I can.”

“But I’m not a king or an emperor. One of the strengths of our government is that I cannot govern alone. I need the Assembly, the civil service, the courts, and my Cabinet. Including you,” Rowan said. “We must work closer together from here on out. But understand that working together means give and take, and it means transparency. No more tiptoeing around each other out of mistrust for each other’s motives. It is vital that we have a foreign policy for the Republic, not just wings of our party. I must have your agreement on this.”

“Or?”

“Or the Republic will suffer. We’ll keep working at cross purposes in the dark. Adiron’s international reputation will continue to suffer until new leadership is elected who may have entirely different ideas of what’s best for Adiron. I will not willingly accept that,” he said, taking off his glasses and looking her in the eye.

“And what would that mean for the Edomite matter?”

“It means we stand by each other,” Rowan said matter-of-factly. “As I said, we’ve arrived at a matter of national reputation. The Edomites have taken your admittedly unfortunate gaff and in response have called us liars and presume to give orders to our government. This is unacceptable. I take offense to that, so should you, so should the people of this nation. They also appear to be leveraging the peace agreement over an unrelated diplomatic incident. This is also unacceptable. Are they the judge or the prosecution? They can’t be both.”

“I agree, Mr. President,” Bailey said cautiously. “And I believe that abandoning our principles would send a message to other regional powers. Serrice, Fineberg, Constantinople, Avantine, Ghish, Yanque, all of them.”

“And that is a good point, we should not act alone. New Edom has drawn international condemnation from other nations, and also has surrounded itself with allies. Kevin tells me the Shrailleeni issued a statement of their own in spite of their alliance. Several others from outside Cornellia have as well, isn’t that right?” Rowan asked Martin directly.

“Good as place as any to start,” Martin offered.

Bailey looked a bit bemused. “Mr. President, you have in the past stressed restraint when dealing with the Edomites. You said that the future of the Republic hinges on this agreement and we cannot give it up lightly.”

“We are not giving it up. We don't walk away unless they alter the agreement. If this is really all it takes to sink the peace deal, then it was dead on arrival to begin with,” Martin offered bluntly.

“They are separate issues until they are not. Do we understand each other, Madame Secretary?” Rowan asked.

She nodded a bit warily.

“Then good, we have to get to work,” Rowan concluded.

---

Adiran Embassy
Fineberg, New Edom

Some of the defiant had shown up at the Adiran embassy, their belief that the crowd size would protect them dashed brutally. Among them were a pretty boy with his tribal tattoos on his thigh and arm, along with the rose flower on his lower back, and wearing a bulging banana hammock. There were several males in make-up and dresses with large, flamboyant, fluffy, vivid feathers, some of those feathers now looking very tattered and torn, some of that makeup streaked by dirt and tears. There were several masculine females with boyish clothing, most of having styled their hair in Mohawks, shortly trimmed, and spiky,

There was also the usual gaggle of university students who were part of the Edomite free speech and free thought groups, were Young Lecks or the like. If interviewed, the outrageously dressed folk would in some cases admit that they were not actually gay or lesbian or trans, but were staging a street protest and would then reveal that they actually lived relatively normal lives, but just wanted it recognized that ‘appearances were not everything’.

Eastnam was among them, now lacking his camera. He was sure he wouldn’t be allowed back in the embassy again anytime soon except under guard. Didn’t matter, he got a story today.

In accented Latin he had been asking them what they’d been up to at the march, what they’d seen when it all went wrong, why they had turned out that day, and generally what it was like living in New Edom as countercultural folks.

Eventually, however, embassy security appeared in the lobby. A soldiers in service dress announced to the room “If I could have your attention please. Please be advised that the embassy is closing for the day. If any of you have business with the embassy, please speak to Janet to make an appointment or pick up a schedule.”

To: Ambassador Katara Telta fe Vangarra, the Enlightened Matriarchy of the Shrailleeni Empire
From: Ambassador Raymond Nelson, the Republic of Adiron
Encryption: Private

Your Excellency,

I thank you for your kind words. While I was working for Ambassador Redstone I often heard him praise your composure and perseverance through New Edom’s troubles. I look forward to meeting you in person. I wish I had received your letter under better circumstances, however, and I hope all of your embassy’s staff has been safe today.

The issue of LGBT rights has regrettably been a source of tension in Adiran-Edomite relations before. This is not the first time the Secretary herself has personally attempted to broach the subject, and as long as the current policy stands, we will inevitably relive this yet again. After all, New Edom clearly intends reeducation and emigration to be a permanent policy solution to a permanent policy question: the mere existence of an LGBT minority in New Edom.

Therefore I think it entirely appropriate to compare notes, as it were, and discuss further the measure which you proposed. It is equally alarming to my own government that such an incident might have occurred by accident. This is of course why the Secretary herself urged against panic in her statement. Perhaps a meeting of some sort would be in order to discuss matters further?

Sincerely,
Raymond Nelson

To: Ambassador Dominic Kang, MBA, the Confederation of the New Visayan Islands
From: Ambassador Raymond Nelson, Republic of Adiron
Subject: Current events
Encryption: Highest

Your Excellency,

I believe this is the first official communication our embassies have had since I recently took this post. I wish it were under better circumstances, and I do hope that your own embassy staff have been safe throughout this episode.

New Edom has declared the violence at the march today the result of some error committed by local police forces, to be investigated in the due course of events. The bombings are still a near total mystery. No group has claimed responsibility, not even Homofront, which will claim responsibility for nearly everything as a recruitment tool.

My government shares concerns about the welfare of LGBT groups in New Edom, and we noticed that tour government has recently opened talks with New Edom on this Rainbow Pipeline project. This would appear on face value to be a continuation of New Edom’s existing emigration policy.

If I might ask plainly for clarification, what are your government’s ultimate intentions in New Edom? Our government hopes, one way or another, to reduce the prospect of political violence in New Edom. Would your embassy be willing to share its own account of today’s events?

Sincerely,
Raymond Nelson

To: Ambassador Jaimi Barretome, the Kingdom of Ru
From: Ambassador Raymond Nelson, Republic of Adiron
Subject: Current Events
Encryption: Highest

Your Excellency,

I believe this is the first official communication our embassies have had since I recently took this post. I wish it were under better circumstances, and I do hope that your own embassy staff have been safe throughout this episode.

New Edom has declared the violence at the march today the result of some error committed by local police forces, to be investigated in the due course of events. The bombings are still a near total mystery. No group has claimed responsibility, not even Homofront. As such we are still in the dark on this.

My government has concerns about the welfare of LGBT groups in New Edom, and we noticed that your embassy similarly offered shelter to a number of marchers during the pandemonium earlier today. This was a considerable risk, especially in light of the bombings, and we find your actions commendable.

If I might ask plainly for clarification, what are your government’s ultimate intentions in New Edom? What my government ultimately hopes is to end the prospect of similar political violence in this country. That such a response may have been prompted in error—or worse, panic—is reason to be deeply concerned enough. Would your government therefore be willing to share its own account of today’s events?

Sincerely,
Raymond Nelson

To: Hosidius Geta, Foreign Minister
From: Amy Bailey, Secretary of State
Subject: Fineberg
Encryption: Highest

Your Excellency,

It has been a long time since we communicated directly. The last time may have been one of our conversations in Padan, in fact. I realize that you contacted the embassy, but after discussion with Ambassador Nelson I felt given the contents of your previous communication that my office should respond directly.

I am sure any inquiries into the events in Fineberg will be conducted at the appropriate time. Adiron does fervently hope that the civil commotion will come to an end shortly, and the Republic unequivocally condemns the terrible bombings which have taken place since the last communication. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones.

We are of course heartened that His Majesty intends a productive dialogue on the matter at hand. In the interim we will continue to facilitate emigration of LGBT individuals from your nation to the Republic through all legal and proper channels. However, we wonder if you could clarify two points in your previous communication. You referenced an ‘LGBT Agenda’ as contrary to the constitution and the national religion. How does your office define this agenda?

In your previous letter, it was also stated that freedom of expression is not a priority of your government. It was furthermore stated that the present policy of reeducation paired with emigration is unlikely to change. With these points in mind, what action is possible as a result of this royal petition?

With respect to Edomite citizens currently within the embassy, we have been in contact with the Ambassador. It is against embassy policy to allow outside persons to remain on the grounds past normal operating hours without appointment—except, of course, in event of emergency. Most returned to their homes at the earliest opportunity. Those requiring medical attention were evacuated already.

However, my government does not think a public address in the manner you suggested is appropriate at this time. In consultation with my own office, the Ambassador clarified the remarks in question. If this will not suffice, I must say we will be deeply grieved given the years of productive diplomacy and trade relations between our nations. However, I am sure it was not your intention to flatly disregard Adiran values and then follow it up with insinuations upon our character, especially after we made it abundantly clear that we respect the role your nation’s values play in maintaining domestic tranquility and national security.

My government is furthermore troubled that the Imperium would allow this to potentially interfere in the peace process. Adiron has been operating with the understanding that the Imperium desires a lasting peace that is equitable to both our nations. The toll a resumption of hostilities would take on both of our nations requires that we treat this with the utmost gravity. My government is therefore profoundly concerned that the Imperium is prepared to casually disregard this reality. We trust that in its role as arbitrator, your government will pass along our clarifications and concerns to Magus Civitas.

Sincerely,
Amy Bailey
Secretary of State

[Aedora]

Fallows, the People's Republic of Aedora

A response to the events transpiring in New Edom was not forthcoming in the self-proclaimed People's Republic of Aedora. The truth was that the long-oppressed Aedoran people had much larger problems to deal with, and the concerns of the protestors in New Edom were not high on the priority list. With the quickly solidifying power of Bryn Tegna looming in the north it seemed foolhardy to anger Deadora's oldest foe in the region for any reason, even if Aedoran politics aligned with the LGBT protesters. Furthermore, the increased military presence of the aggressively anti-Socialist SACTO in the region made it abundantly necessary to keep a low profile.

The challenges ongoing to the People's Republic were manyfold. First, the nationalization of the mining, agricultural, and industrial sectors had all but destroyed the nascent Aedoran economy. Only the Shrailleeni Empire and the Queendom of Kehrahn would purchase Aedoran goods. Second, there was no clear border between Aedora and the Feminist Empire of Deadora, which refused to recognize their independence. The Aedoran had neither the political power nor the manpower to demarcate a clear border. This tied directly to the third problem which was that half of the Aedoran population was Kehrahnii and Nadirii. The former rulers of the southern region of the province loathed to recognize Aedoran rule, and Kehrahnii and Nadirii villages continued to cut off their Aedoran neighbors from the roads and dispute vital fields and property rights. The only thing that kept the entire province from erupting into a brutal civil war was the Shrailleeni, who compensated the Nadirii and Krerahnii for their economic losses in exchange for their obedience. And in the north, the new Matriarch Empress of Deadora gathered her strength, and could almost certainly count on Nadirii and Kehrahnii support for a reconquest of Aedora.

Not everyone saw the situation with such pragmatic clarity though.

Within the People's Council of Aedora were numerous Mother Goddess Worshippers, drawn mainly from among the urban Aedoran, who loudly voiced the opinion that Aedora should condemn New Edom's bloody suppression of the protests. What good was the liberation of Aedora, they argued, if they could not spread their liberty further across the region? Where was the compassion of the Aedoran people? Did not the Aedoran Socialist Party have a duty to spread their ideals of revolution?

The Aedoran Socialist Party, for its part, answered with a resounding "no." Drawn from the workers of southern Deadora's plantations, mines, and factories, the Aedoran socialists knew how hard-won their independence truly was and how precarious its future was. Unlike the Leenists, they did not trust the Shrailleeni, and they were acutely aware that despite their membership in the International Socialist Congress they were vastly outnumbered by SACTO and a Shrailleeni Empire that barely tolerated them. The tribal governments of the Aedoran jungle agreed with the Socialists on this point, and between them they kept the Leenists outnumbered.

And so the debate raged on in the People's Council of Aedora. Meanwhile, the Socialists prepared for what they saw as the inevitable war. There could never be a truly independent Aedora so long as Nadirii and Kehrahnii continued to form a sizeable minority in their territory. Many Aedoran villages were cut off physically from their fellows by those dominated by Nadirii and Kehrahnii, and most land was still owned by non-Aedoran. The Socialists trained their militias, and supplied them with arms and equipment from both the Shrailleeni and their new collectively owned factories.

Soon a reckoning would come. But until it did, the Aedoran would not tolerate foolishness from either Homofront or their own Leenic people.

[Common Territories]

Joint Base Sigismund, Lukas Land State, The Empire of Common Territories (TECT).
Vice Admiral Tillo Hodson, Task Force Lamprecht.
Operation: Daring Shield.

Morning's greeting had arrived long ago over the Empire, but to Joint Base Sigismund it had only just arrived. Four hours behind the east coast, six hours from Insel Island State, Lukas Land State was the last stretch of territory to see sunrise in TECT's Mainland. Even though it was still early, activity had never really halted on the base. Being one of the largest Joint Bases in the Mainland meant Joint Base Sigismund never really slept; there was no time to rest with planes and ships leaving and arriving every hour of the twenty-four day. Just like any other morning, Joint Base Sigismund seemed to have sprung back to life, much like a garden waiting for the Sun's blessing. But to everyone there nothing really changed; only the light outside and shifts seemed to have significant signs of change. Some compared Joint Base Sigismund's busy traffic to watching a train travel on tracks - nothing really changes except how you're perceiving it at any given time of the day. Now that it was morning and the Sun was rising, shifts were changing, tired faces went to bed, and freshly woken soldiers changed places with their tired compatriots; to some who weren't on shifts, this was simply the beginning of a new work day. One thing, however, didn't change with the new day's blessing: the never ending entries and departures that took place no matter the time.

Joint Base Sigismund was perhaps the largest military base in Lukas Land State simply by work-load and area; it was in fact so large that the base itself was within a military district, meaning the land itself was governed by the military, not the State it resided in. Named after an Imperial Navy officer of high rank, Joint Base Sigismund is located near the southern tip of the sub-continent sized State. After its conversion to a military post in the sixteenth century, the post continued to expand as more and more traffic came to the ports located nearby. Today's Joint Base Sigismund is a hub for military traffic entering or leaving the Empire due west since it is the furthest west Imperial Navy base in the Mainland. Joint Base Sigismund's size is largely due to the base being jointly operated by the Imperial Navy and Imperial Air Force, thus becoming a funnel for both air and sea traffic. Although more recently introduced, the Imperial Air Force has used the base to build up its strategic lift capabilties over the past decade. The Imperial Navy, following the same tune, underwent upgrades during the last decade to add infrastructure to support more warships parking or traveling through. Rumor has it that 1st Fleet's command center mite be moved to the base since a fair amount of the fleet's traffic either passes through or is stationed at the base. Unlike its northern neighbors, the weather remains relatively warm even during winter; so while the northern half of the State is still suffering a severe cold snap, the southern half is only mildly cold - a brisk forty degrees Fahrenheit was the predicted low point at Joint Base Sigismund today. Regardless of weather, Joint Base Sigismund is typically one of the first choices the TECT Armed Forces pick when dispatching resources to the Mainland's immediate west - it was the first choice for the Imperial Navy. The combination of an Airlift Group and multiple Sealift Task Forces made Joint Base Sigismund a large muscle in the TECT Armed Forces' western logistics infrastructure. More rumors on the grapevine spoke of additions to the base that would enhance its capabilities to the extent that Joint Base Sigismund may overtake the current title holder as the largest military instillation on the western coastline. Plans for new air infrastructure that could support an entire Airlift Wing and at least five other Squadrons of planes; a major harbor extension project that would increase the docking capacity of Joint Base Sigismund so it could comfortably dock and support twelve additional aircraft carriers and forty other large vessels; and a land development project for the Imperial Army that would allow them to house a Combat Brigade or two are among some of the rumored future plans for Joint Base Sigismund.

In an office overlooking one of the many harbor sections at Joint Base Sigismund was Vice Admiral Tillo Hodson. "A home away from my other home away." was what he typically called this room. If not for the maintenance people, the room would be unfit for any officer to conduct business in let alone an Admiral. Though he sparingly used the room to the extent that it mite as well be a broom closet for all he cared - it would see better use as one in all honesty - having such an office did come with perks. During the few times he was on base, Hodson made it a tradition to sit in that office, drinking freshly brewed coffee, and simply watch the Sun's rays envelop his former ship, the INS Lamprecht. Lamprecht is a Kaiser Class Supercarrier that bares the name of an Emperor who reigned during the fourteenth century; legends and historians alike speak of Lamprecht as the last true Warrior Emperor of TECT, defying his advisors and Noblemen alike by personally leading his armies in person from the front line. Although some argue how it happened, Lamprecht became the final Emperor in Imperial history to fall in battle in an age where Emperors had begun entrusting their forces to Generals and Admirals to lead in their capacities. This was why the INS Lamprecht bore this name - an embodiment to the bravery of TECT's final Warrior Emperor.

INS Lamprecht served as the flagship to Task Force Lamprecht, a Task Force sized element part of the Imperial Navy's 1st Fleet which operates in all of the Empire's western ocean territory. Although not a patrol unit by nature or design, Task Force Lamprecht has often found itself drawing the short straw when it came to combat deployments; in fact, the last time such an opportunity came the Task Force received orders to deploy only to have them rescinded hours before deployment because a change in plans had occurred. Historically speaking, no currently serving member in Task Force Lamprecht has seen active combat with exception to transferred personnel from other units that had such opportunities. Task Force Lamprecht has unfortunately been locked into the same mission for the past decade: 1st Fleet's Operation: Friendly Seas, an operation designed to have Task Force Lamprecht traverse to northern New Celisia to dock at Imperial Naval Base Kory, travel to the southern tip of the continent to dock one last time at Imperial Naval Base Norton, and then make the voyage back to Joint Base Sigismund. This operation was part of the joint effort to police the routes between the Empire and her largest Commonwealth; it also served as a good diplomatic tool to help bring both militaries closer, that was until they literally became one military. Save from some memorable exercises with the New Celisia Imperial Navy, most crewman agreed it was essentially an over-glorified cruise that unironically payed its customers. But to Hodson it was a valuable learning experience.

Hodson, before becoming a Vice Admiral, worked on the very ship he now leads from. After graduating the Imperial Navy's bootcamp and thriving in the service's officer school, Hodson first served on the INS Lamprecht back when the original ship that bore its name, an Achilles Class, served the Imperial Navy. For twelve years Hodson served as part of the ship's lower officer staff that oversaw day-to-day airborne operations. Working his way from aircraft coordinator for the flight deck to becoming the ship's second officer, Hodson always held a strong affirmation for the role carriers played for the Imperial Navy and modern naval warfare. He once compared aircraft carriers to "lions of the sea", noting how the dominant leader of the pack controlled the others as its central pillar. Fast forward many years later, even after he was promoted to Captain and commanded the ship he first served on, Hodson now served as Vice Admiral in command of the entire Task Force he originally served with. Of course back then he could only have hoped fate brought him to such heights, never imagining his carrier being replaced by a bigger, much newer ship - the Imperial Navy isn't like it used to be thirty years ago. Even as he sat back in his comfortable computer chair overlooking the bay he wasn't satisfied; the beautiful view of warships glowing in the sunlight would never satisfy him even if he spent the entire day doing it. Being Vice Admiral of a Task Force wasn't enough for him. Hodson wanted his journey to end as Minister of the Armed Forces, or at least Secretary of Imperial Navy, even if he had to do so as an undead skeleton.

"My pops always said to me, 'Tillo, a good day begins with a quiet night's finish.' It only took me forty something years to truly understand that myself, but hopefully one of my sons got the meaning of it sooner than I did after I said the same to them so many times." Hodson spoke seemingly to his own reflection in the window before taking a sip of his coffee. Hodson was a man in his later forties but was seemingly aging with grace. His hair had only grayed slightly and his small but muscular build was proof of a well-kept health regimen. Short by all definitions, Hodson's hairstyle was a standard choice from the Imperial Navy's guidelines on hair. One exception to the rules he enjoyed as a higher ranked officer was his beard; short and well kept, it complimented his youthful muster even as he approached the big 5-0. Of course that youthful muster was often the root cause many say of Hodson's rebellious, stubborn, and often sharp-tongued attitude - easy to anger, but even easier to quip back as they say.

"Personally I find that a good day begins well before a night's finish, but I suppose the sentiment fits just as fine." a voice responded from the still dimly lit side of the room, as if talking to the back of the Vice Admiral's chair. "Then again, I always was a hard working dog of the sea who didn't mind if it were day or night, so what do I know. I don't really remember a calm or peaceful morning during career a least."

"So what does the Admiral want from me this early in the morning? Surely you're not here to enjoy the traditional breakfast of navy dogs with me?" Hodson replied to the man sitting before him, Admiral Gerold Fertig. Fertig, just like Hodson, served on the INS Lamprecht during his early years of service to the Imperial Navy. The key difference between the two were that Fertig was a couple years older than Hodson, so naturally he had a head-start in the Imperial Navy and thus was more eligible to promotions due to experience; by the time the two met when Hodson was first stationed on the INS Lamprecht, Fertig was already a senior commander aboard the ship. Thanks to his earlier start in the Imperial Navy and his transfer to another Task Force in 1st Fleet, Fertig did manage to see action on foreign deployments that Hodson missed out on. At the age of fifty-three, Fertig has served as the commander of Joint Base Sigismund for six years now, a seemingly cushy job that entailed the thrill of conquering paperwork in the name of the Emperor. Being the commanding officer of the base also made Fertig the de-facto executive of the military district the base sat upon; Fertig was on par essentially with the civilian Governors of States/territories, Crown appointed Viceroys, and his fellow military appointed CO's in other military controlled territories. Hodson to this day thinks Fertig, a damn fine commander with combat experience, rots away in a comfy position with paperwork and simple decision making being the hardest tasks of his typical work day; stressful or not, Hodson honestly thought the talent was going to waste in 1st Fleet.

"I came to personally deliver you news that would normally be unsettling, but welcomed by you and your boys. Call it a 'gift of good word' from an old ship-buddy." Fertig unrolled a stapled set of papers and tossed it onto Hodson's desk. The five or so pages of paper fell onto the desk just loud enough to be heard. Enough reason as any to turn the chair around and pay his commanding officer proper respect Hosdon figured. It was a fast read but an impactful one at that.

"So it's time for our feet to get wet is it? Well it's about damn time Sir." Hodson fought off a grin trying to form on his face.

"Your Task Force was on leave not too long ago and was set to redeploy this month anyways. Count yourself lucky Hodson that your boys found themselves as likely the most prepared unit to sail out immediately. But the question here is how soon can your Task Force catch wind, Vice Admiral?"

"Lucky for you - and probably us for the matter - that my people told me last night we're ahead of schedule this time around. Armaments need only to be inspected and cleared, and we are already two weeks into pre-deployment training. Right now we're just waiting for our other supplies to arrive so we can pack it aboard as we finish mentioned pre-deployment training. That's the only thing holding us back from setting sail as of now, Admiral."

"Then consider those needs met Hodson. As you read just now, your Task Force has just received top priority from the top. Thus your supplies have become top priority and you can forgo the rest of pre-deployment training. I'll ask you once again, Vice Admiral. How soon can your Task Force set sail?"

"Sir, I can have those ships in open water before this afternoon if we're fully stocked. The sooner we can get our supplies loaded, the sooner we'll be out of your hair."

"That's the answer im looking for, Hodson." Fertig paused to look at his watch - it was about half-past seven in the morning local time. If noon was the goal here, then they didn't have time to spare. "Call all hands and get them ready for an early start. I'll make a few calls myself and get your needs filled ASAP. I expect a sitrep at ten hundred hours. You're dismissed."

"Aye Sir." Hodson saluted as the man he called friend and commander left in a hurry. Though he was not the only one as Hodson was soon about to learn.

Given the timetable earlier, Task Force Lamprecht faced an impossible window of opportunity to deploy. Task Force Lamprecht was scheduled to depart port within thirty days, not five hours. A lot of the fuel its ships required, the food rations it still needed to be shipped in fresh and stored aboard, and many of the pre-deployment inspections weren't complete yet. However, top priority from the Crown meant exactly as it sounded: Top Priority. To meet its deadline in a timely manner, Joint Base Sigismund pooled every ounce of its power to meet the Task Force's demands. It meant securing food rations from other units, even if it had to be collected from the field and helicoptered to Task Force Lamprecht's ships. Fuel was taken from emergency stores on base and pre-deployment check-ups became base staff's top priority. Although the Imperial Navy could easily meet these needs without affecting other units readiness levels, the urgent nature of their deployment meant the sooner they leave the better their odds; the Empire couldn't wait one month or even one week. While the base did everything in its power to rush Task Force Lamprecht's readiness, crew of the Task Force woke up or were interrupted with one hell of an awakening. A "We'll be heading out to in a month, so no hurry." turned into "Oh shit, we have to hurry it up!" ordeal; Task Force Lamprecht no longer had the luxury to perform its last tasks before setting sail. Between the crew undergoing evaluations and inspections of their vessels/aircraft, loading in supplies, and attending to their posts, it was complete chaos. Joint Base Sigismund itself was in a panic as it tried to fulfill Task Force Lamprecht's demands while also maintaining the extreme traffic it handled on a day-to-day basis. The suddenness of the deployment and the rush to make it happen felt like the base itself was under attack - a sneak attack without an attacker being present, one could call it. But years of training and practice pays off in situations like these. Chaos it may be, but just like actual combat, this was a controlled chaos that the professional TECT military thrived in.

Noon passed and Task Force Lamprecht failed to meet its early deadline - the final acceptable window was soon approaching. Even with one of the Empire's mightiest naval bases assisting, it was impossible to responsibly set sail a Task Force. Majority of the Task Force was now in open waters traveling at minimal speed so the few who were delayed could make a quick return and take up their position in the formation. Logistics planes from the INS Lamprecht and the Task Force's respective helicopters continued to deliver supplies to the Task Force even as it began its journey. The only visible delay now were the few warships hung-up on their pre-deployment inspections; one missing piece of equipment or crew member could spell disaster for that ship and the Task Force - God forbid if damage or faulty components went overlooked. Finally, around two o'clock, the final ship of the Task Force left port and made-way to the Task Force to take up position in the formation. An hour later and Task Force Lamprecht was traveling full speed in formation in open waters. Destination: The Holy Empire of New Edom in the region of Cornellia.

[Republica De Gran Chaco]

Yanque, Chaco

The Events in New Edom had been concerning to Prime Minister Luis Fernando Trujillo Suyco. He sat quietly chain-smoking cigarettes in his office reading the responses of the international community. Threats of war, hostile statements declared before the end of the riots. Foreign embassies keeping Edomite citizens. If the number one imperial power of Cornellia could be treated with such disregard, then where would that land Chaco? Luis was not about to be silent on the issue. He wanted to reassure his citizens, and Chaco’s partners that they would be reliable. He had a short address prepared to read.

Tonight, my heart goes out to all the citizens and subjects of the Empire of New Edom. Dealing with strife and insurrection is a sad hardship that so many Chacanos have had to face throughout their lives, and we empathize with those poor souls who are facing this horror across the ocean. My prayers are fore the families of those who lost loved ones in the horrific bombings that took place in Fineberg, and with King-Emperor Elijah, and his wife Queen-Empress Mara. May the lord guide them and give them wisdom through the tough times to come. I can empathize with them as it was only four years ago that bombs rocked the Wititi festival that was taking place in the city of Chivay. I do not envy the work that Elijah and Mara will face, but I would want them to know, that they have the support of Gran Chaco in their endeavors for stability in their nation.

The government of the Republic of Gran Chaco has always supported stability throughout the region. Through stability the holy goal of peace can be achieved. Gran Chaco and her neighbors have been no stranger to conflict and instability. They have suffered at the hands of enemies both foreign and domestic, and yet Chaco still strives to develop a peaceful society through its actions. Further multilateral cooperation has been achieved in Ayaca, all with the goal of supporting one another through increased cooperation.

As the Chacano government with the support of the member nations of the Organization of Ayacan States had recently extended its sphere of protection, the same stability and security that is pursued in Ayaca must be pursued in the extended territory. The area in the southern part of Ceti collectively called Arcologia deserves the same security to develop their future that every independent nation deserves. Both the people of Arcologia and Ayaca, have a sacred right to the same independence to achieve their own destinies that states across Cornellia have, and as such are to remain closed from further development and interference from foreign nations.

Gran Chaco salutes the work done in foreign dependencies of Arcologia by nations such as The Holy Empire of New Edom, and has no desire or intentions of changing the status of those dependencies, or of even protesting their existence. Such dependencies are currently an immense benefit to the area, and can shine as an example for the locals to develop their own states. The Nations of Arcologia who are now free and independent have the support of the Chacano government to remain so.

World events, particularly those in New Edom, show just how vulnerable such people can be. The overenthusiastic international response, including threats of military intervention, to a nation as powerful and with such strong leadership as New Edom should be daunting to the free nations of Cornellia. All Citizens of Gran Chaco and its overseas territories, and their neighbors in Ayaca, and Arcologia should take note of these events. These people shall have the protection of the government of Gran Chaco.

Goodnight and God Bless you all.

[Cossack Khanate]

Selvik, Cossack Khanate

“We hope a treaty will help strengthen our existing bonds and open new...avenues for cooperation in the near future” said Minister Vehr, to his assistant, who was writing a letter to the Edomite Foreign Ministry.
“And just add the formalities after that”, Vehr said, turning his assistant’s monitor to face him. “Good. We’ll send this after it is signed by the Imperator”

Official Communique from the Ministry of Foreign of Foreign Affairs

To: Minister of Foreign Affairs Hosidius Geta, New Edom
From: Minister of Foreign Affairs Ryan Vehr, Cossack Khanate

Dear Minister,

Due to increased interactions between our respective governments and nations, the Cossack government is pleased to say that we have decided, if the Edomite government wills it, to perhaps create and sign a bilateral treaty between our countries. This would be especially important during this time of strife, and will continue into the infinite future.

I would be deeply grateful, again if Edom wills it, if your government lays out any prospective clauses it would like to see from a bilateral treaty. We hope a treaty will help strengthen our existing bonds and open new avenues for cooperation in the near future. I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Signed,
Minister Ryan Vehr
Imperator SRC Cyprus Khan

[Greater Carloso]

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Carloso, Fineberg, New Edom

---

As far as Delgado could tell, the Carlosian embassy looked fairly inconspicuous amongst all the other diplomatic missions. It was fairly modern, its outer walls built with large blocks of limestone. There were small wings on either side extending several dozen metres out from the main structure, maybe serving as the accommodation for the staff. To the left there was a Carlosian flag flying from a pole in the courtyard. On the outer wall, there was a large, brass sign with the words 'Embassy of the Federal Republic of Carloso' engraved in it, with Spanish text reading 'Embajada de la República Federal de Cárloso' underneath it in smaller font. The country's coat of arms was positioned to the left of the writing. Before they could arrive at the gates, there appeared to be a heap of sandbags out on the road and some sort of checkpoint manned by a trio of fierce-looking security personnel, all wearing the same distinct black uniform, including a patrol cap and Kevlar vest.

Delgado scanned each of them cautiously; they didn't look like government personnel at all, immediately noticing that they were each wearing the same identical symbol on their right shoulders; a black and white rhombus emblazoned with an eagle. These were Conquistador Security Solutions operators, an all too familiar sight for Delgado and Acton. They were probably grunts, so they'd have no idea about their work in the Special Reconnaissance Group when they were still working for the company. He could see each one of them was armed with a stun baton, all eyeing Delgado suspiciously as he began walking towards them.

Acton was taken back. "What?!" she whispered loudly, "I didn't know Santander had contracts for diplomatic security."

"Are you joking me?" Delgado countered, "He has a bloody monopoly on government contracts. Look, I'll do the talking. They don't know who we are anyway."

Rolling her eyes, Acton complied and followed Delgado. They squeezed through the row of sandbags, standing still when they saw the man who was probably in charge stepping forward. "Can we help you?" the Conquistador operator asked sternly, his walrus moustache quivering. He had three chevrons on his left shoulder, indicating that he held the rank serjeant. Delgado spotted a holstered pistol at his side. Judging from his accent, it sounded like he was from the city of Preston.

"Sorry sir. We're journalists from Ebon that were sent to cover the unrest. We're meant to be interviewing Ambassador Davies." Delgado explained, "I suppose you'll want to see our ID?"

The Conquistador operator nodded. "Yeah, give them here." he beckoned. Delgado promptly produced his fake passport and press pass, handing them over to security. The operator appeared to squint his eyes as he scanned the two documents. "Hmmm. Everything looks right, Mr Arrabal. And the lady? Wait -- hang on." He paused, putting an index figure to his ear. It looked like he was receiving a message from his superior, "My apologies. The Ambassador is waiting for you in his office. You can go straight ahead." he said, stepping out of Acton and Delgado's way. Delgado smiled and bowed his head as they walked past. "Thank you very much." he replied, taking the forged documents out of his hands.

The steel gates rolled open and they made their way through to the courtyard of the embassy, eyeing their surrondings. Delgado could see that security was all over the place, almost all appearing to have been contracted from Conquistador. He could sense they were being watched by snipers from somewhere. Acton was looking a bit uneasy. "Do you think Santander has his own men here?." she asked, "You know, for like what we're doing. This is a hot zone after all."

Delgado shrugged his shoulders, "Maybe, but he is on the same side as us at the end of the day. I wouldn't be too concerned. He probably knew we were coming here anyway."

Several minutes later, and they found themselves sitting at a desk opposite Eben Davies, the Ambassador to New Edom. For a man of such international prominence, his office was very cluttered. There was an old globe on his desk depicting the continents of Musgorocia and Novaria, Carloso's territory shaded in dark brown. The fact it referred to the country as the 'Carlosian Empire' showed just how out of date it was. There were several piles of paper material strewn about the place, Acton catching sight of some official visa documents hanging out of an autobiography by some Inyurstan president. She wondered how this man had got the job at all in the first place.

"Mr Delgado, Ms Acton. Do you want tea while you're here?" Davies offered, ready to call his secretary.

"No, we're okay sir. We won't be staying long anyway." Delgado assured him.

Davies shrugged and reclined back in his chair. "I see. Tell me, what are you up to exactly?" he asked nonchalantly.

Delgado raised an eyebrow. "Sir, what we are 'up to' is highly classified -- "

"Bah!" Davies cut across, "Gallivanting after Homofront again, only in another part of the world? Jesus, is that all you types do these days?" he retorted, "Forgive me, but back when I served, unapologetic communist dictators were the enemy, not these malnourished pansies dancing at the crossroads. Shooting these bastards isn't doing us any good internationally..."

"These people aren't the enemy, Ambassador." Acton replied, "We know that. They're only grunts. The Edomites were stupid to crack down on them, but we all know that the real danger here is the people controlling them, at the highest level."

Davies laughed her words off. "Ah yes, this 'Steven Nordholt'. The Russel Financial henchman who supposedly rose from the dead to exact his revenge from the people who tried to kill him. If I didn't know better, I would of dismissed the claim as a mad conspiracy theory. If I'll be honest, I'd be pissed off as well if someone planted a bomb under my table." He looked off in the distance for a few moments, "The guns are in the armoury. Take what you need. Its in the east wing of the building. I won't be able to help you if you get caught out there."

Acton cocked her head towards Delgado. "What?" There was a lot Delgado wasn't telling her about this operation. First they had to make an impromptu visit to an embassy, now they were getting weapons? God only knew what Mencia had gotten himself into by now.

"Thank you sir." Delgado said, "We'll be careful." He got out of his chair and left the room, Acton following close behind.

[Ru-]

The Ruvian government high command slowly began to grow concerned, as they had not heard back from their embassy in awhile. Jaimi Barretome suddenly found himself with his hands full but he was taking the time to send out messages, not back to Ru, but to very different recipients...

To: Ambassador Jaimi Barretome, the Kingdom of Ru
From: Ambassador Katara Telta fe Vangarra, the Enlightened Matriarchy of the Shrailleeni Empire
Encryption: Private

---

Greetings to Your Excellency,

I believe this to be our first formal correspondence since your appointment to Fineberg. Allow me to offer the greetings of Her Enlightened Majesty the Mother Empress Chella Resyanna fe Shrailleen, who I represent alongside the women and men of the National Imperial Shrailleeni Assembly. May the Mother of All smile upon you.

It is no secret at this time that the embassy of Ru has been among those who opened its gates to those New Edomites fleeing the violence which resulted from the recent illegal protests. In doing so despite the quite difficult political situation which would result, you have demonstrated your commitment to the ideal of compassion which is honored greatly in my own society. It is therefore that I write to you as one whose government would like to ensure that this recent tragedy is not one which can be easily repeated in New Edom.

It is clear now that our honorable New Edomite allies did not intend for their response to the illegal demonstrations to become as violent as they did. However, that such an accident could take place is greatly alarming to Her Enlightened Majesty and to the Shrailleeni people. As we have recently experienced such demonstrations in the Enlightened Matriarchy, it is our wish to recommend upon our New Edomite allies a similar solution to that which has worked for us, which is to say greater legal freedom for public expression. Unless I am mistaken, your government appears to view the situation in similar terms.

My suggestion is that our embassies should share between us our reports on the incident, and coordinate a united front of public concern regarding current New Edomite policy. This should be directed at increasing legal protections for freedom of speech in New Edom, which should encompass the ability to debate publicly about LGBT concerns.

I look forward to your response, and may the Light of the Mother smile upon the people of Ru,

Her Excellency Ambassador Katara Telta fe Vangarra,
The Enlightened Matriarchy of the Shrailleeni Empire

To: Ambassador Katara Telta fe Vangarra, the Enlightened Matriarchy of the Shrailleeni Empire
From: Ambassador Jaimi Barretome, the Kingdom of Ru
Encryption: Private

---

Your Excellency,

Thank you very much for reaching out to me and our embassy. I will be certain to pass forward your correspondence to the Imperial Chancellor and His Majesty's royal government, but I can say now with confidence that your assumptions about Ru are entirely correct, and that His Imperial Majesty's intentions and interests in New Edom align perfectly with your intended strategy. We are in complete agreement on what has happened so far in this crisis, and where we should go from here. It is our belief that you present a very viable long term strategy for New Edom and that it is in our mutual best interests to cooperate fully in this incident to pursue those goals.

As we believe that Shrailleeni interests, and Ruvian interests are the same when it comes to New Edom, we would of course be happy to accept your request, It is high time nations like ours coordinated with a united message, to begin exerting diplomatic pressure on New Edom to make sure something like this does not happen again. We feel that your strategy and message is the one we should go with. I very much look forward to speaking with you further.

His Excellency, Ambassador Jaimi Barretome,
Ambassador to New Edom for His Imperial Majesty, King Yoshio I Rellinaiche of Ru

--

To: Ambassador Jaimi Barretome, the Kingdom of Ru
From: Ambassador Raymond Nelson, Republic of Adiron
Subject: Current Events
Encryption: Highest

Your Excellency,

I believe this is the first official communication our embassies have had since I recently took this post. I wish it were under better circumstances, and I do hope that your own embassy staff have been safe throughout this episode.

New Edom has declared the violence at the march today the result of some error committed by local police forces, to be investigated in the due course of events. The bombings are still a near total mystery. No group has claimed responsibility, not even Homofront. As such we are still in the dark on this.

My government has concerns about the welfare of LGBT groups in New Edom, and we noticed that your embassy similarly offered shelter to a number of marchers during the pandemonium earlier today. This was a considerable risk, especially in light of the bombings, and we find your actions commendable.

If I might ask plainly for clarification, what are your government’s ultimate intentions in New Edom? What my government ultimately hopes is to end the prospect of similar political violence in this country. That such a response may have been prompted in error—or worse, panic—is reason to be deeply concerned enough. Would your government therefore be willing to share its own account of today’s events?

Sincerely,
Raymond Nelson

To: Ambassador Raymond Nelson, Republic of Adiron
From: Ambassador Jaimi Barretome, the Kingdom of Ru
Subject: Re: Current Events
Encryption: Highest

Your Excellency,

Thank you for reaching out to me here at the embassy, and for your kind words. I would be happy to share our account of what we know of today's events, and where we intend to go from here, as our goals appear to be aligned, as (I assume) are our intentions:

We are in agreement as to what has likely happened in regards to the tragedy at the protests, it seems as though we have similar information on those events, and have likewise drawn the same conclusion. As for the later bombings, we are also completely unaware of who is behind them, as no one has as of yet declared responsibility, either publicly or, according to our cyber surveillance network, internally among known terrorist organizations. We are likewise, proceeding with caution regarding that specific incident, to the extent New Edom is allowing us.

our intentions for New Edom are twofold:

1. to declare that military invasion of it's sovereign borders will not be tolerated by any nation while we are still investigating this incident and negotiating diplomatically to find a workable and peaceful solution in New Edom. We had heard that some rogue nations may be considering such drastic intentions, so we made our thoughts on that known, in an attempt to dissuade any who may have been emboldened by Ru's involvement in this incident and were certain of gaining our support, as we are a powerful nation with a fairly strong track record of supporting LGBT rights, and with a rather famously fraught relationship with the prominent SACTO member, Greater Nifon. However, this seems to not have worked for some of these nations and we therefore intend to monitor that situation closely and if things get hotter on their end, we intend to request permission from New Edom to send members of the Ruvian fleet into the Tempesta sea to defend this territory from outside aggression and to aide and coordinate with the SACTO defense forces in their efforts. Ru does not make threats lightly, and we have every intention of following through on what we have stated previously. The foolishness of these nations complicates matters and could harm our position if we do not respond to them properly, it is unfortunate, but we are still confident in our strategy for the region going forward.

2. to exert diplomatic pressure on New Edom to follow through on what the King-Emperor has promised in the short term, and to coordinate with their ally, the Shrailleeni Empire, to pursue what we feel are excellent long term strategies for New Edom in the future. It is our belief that we must make it clear to New Edom that there are great benefits to them for cooperating with nations like our's, and that it is in their best interest to work to stay in our good graces, and that there will be financial and diplomatic consequences if they do not. We must press upon New Edom and SACTO that New Edom must address the causes of this tragedy with the seriousness it deserves and see that those responsible face justice, and implement meaningful long term change to help assure that something like this does not happen in the future. We recommend highly that you seek out the Shrailleeni. Their history with New Edom is complicated, however they are strong allies with this nation and are therefore in a much better persuasive position to convince the government of New Edom to take a more acceptable stance on these issues. The Sharailleeni are our key to new Edom, and their strategy, we believe, is perfectly in line with the mutual interests of our two nations.

I look forward to hearing from Your Excellency further

Sincerely,
His Excellency, Ambassador Jaimi Barretome,
Ambassador to New Edom for His Imperial Majesty, King Yoshio I Rellinaiche of Ru

[New Edom]

The Fineberg Times

1 Copper Daily

February 9,2019

---

Board of Inquiry into Fineberg Unrest Appointed

by Annabelle Barca

---

FINEBERG, New Edom--The civil unrest of the previous day has resulted in an estimated 25 dead and 1200 injured, with perhaps 700 missing. Of the missing, authorities suspect that a majority are hiding in foreign embassies. A Foreign Ministry official, Mr. Undersecretary Basil Jerome, said that it is believed that rioters and demonstrators managed to force their way into embassies, but that it is possible that embassy officials are cooperating with rioters.

The question as to whether the civil unrest was encouraged by foreign agents, or, worse, by Homofront itself, is one as yet unresolved by our national security operations. Ministry of Police General John Ashdod has said that there is an ongoing investigation but that there is no confirmed data.

Meanwhile, in accordance with the King-Emperor’s instructions, an inquiry is to be held into the unfortunate events. The following commissioners have been appointed to conduct the investigation: Bishop Julian Arminius, Bishop Lemuel Ephod, Bishop Nestor Sidon-Nephaniel. This judiciary committee will be appropriately advised by a legal team consisting of advocates who are expert in military, ecclesiastic and civil law. The inquiry will investigate Municipal Militia, Army, Air Force, Ministry of Justice, and civilian groups which were involved in the demonstrations and their response.

Representing the Office of the Monarchs, Prince Enoch Tubal-Cain, the Royal Master of Offices, has said that officials will be working with the Chamber of Deputies to set up a special committee for hearing input from citizens groups related to the demonstrations. The exact format and means of these committees is still being determined but the Master of Offices has stated that “The King-Emperor and Queen-Empress will hear the concerns of their people, hear their grief and fears, and provide the comfort and peace necessary to move on from this tragedy.”
Meanwhile, foreign governments whose embassies are still holding embassies have been reminded by the Foreign Ministry that they have till the end of the day to make sure that all Edomite nationals are released from embassy grounds.

---

In Other International News

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New Ankara prepares for Treaty of Beaulieu Talks
Chamber of Deputies Raises Question of Aedora and Kehrahn Recognition
Foreign Ministry ‘contemplating’ Chacano’s Arcologia Policy

[New Edom]

The Ruvian Embassy

The Ambassador, Jaimi Barretome had invited Jeremiah up to his office for a private meeting. He was a massive, daunting figure indeed, even for someone as tall as Jeremiah Pashur. He bowed and sat at the ambassador’s word and thanked him for seeing him.

"So, you wish to stay at the embassy to conduct a sit-down as a political public statement? It's a noble cause." He sighed a bit and continued "You have my sympathies, of course. If it was entirely up to me I would be inclined to allow this. Ru is a nation that holds the right to free expression very dear to our hearts, after all. However, the Edomites have made their intentions clear: they will allow those who are declaring an intention to emigrate to our nation to stay so that we may hammer out those requests, but as for everyone else...they want you back, out of here. For us to release you back into New Edom so that you may go back to your homes, families, and jobs and pretend like none of this ever happened. My nation's government, The Secretary of State, and by extension the Lord Chancellor and His Majesty have acquiesced to these demands and have sent out an official correspondence to your foreign minister assuring them that you will be released within the 24 hour timetable they have given us, and have sent a directive to me commanding the same. For me to ignore this, and invite you to stay here if you do not intend to emigrate...could technically amount to treason, I imagine."

“I see…” Jeremiah Pashur kept his face impassive, but his heart began to sink. He did not want to be rude or ungrateful, and he began to search his tired mind to find something to say.

The Ambassador continued, "So, I have ordered the embassy to allow those who wished to leave to do so, and as for the rest of you, I will be asking all of you to leave immediately. However, it's possible that you have decided that you have no intention of listening to me and leaving as I have demanded. This causes quite a significant headache for me as your group consists of what? 82 people? 82? We have 10 members of our security staff here, including the outside guards. Even with myself and the rest of the diplomatic and service staff, all civilians, that doesn't even crack 20 I imagine. And you are 82. Seems to me that if you were truly determined to stay here and protest until the King-Emperor decided to sit down and discuss matters with you that there would be nothing we could do to stop you and force you to leave the premises, in spite of our best efforts. We do not have the numbers to control you, and we cannot harm any of you without infuriating New Edom and causing a diplomatic incident. Surely, New Edom and Ru would be forced to see the reality of that situation.."

At first Jeremiah had been frowning, not seeing how what these foreign policy issues had to do with him. At first it seemed like the ambassador was just leading up to excusing the necessity of kicking them all out, and he was prepared to try to argue. But then towards the end of his remarks it began to dawn on him...

Was it just him, or had the ambassador sported a barely hidden smile?
The man then shrugged. "In any case, it's all up to you and Cael I suppose. Terribly sorry, but I must now officially ask you to leave our embassy and will be assuring New Edom and my government that I am doing so. I will also be sending out a memo to all my embassy staff of the highest encryption and I suggest that you gather the members of your group together and let them know what you'll be doing, so everyone is on the same page. I will also be needing everyone to turn their mobile phones and other devices over to me. They will be given back at the appropriate time. I'm afraid that's quite necessary because if the embassy does become "occupied" then there is to be no communication whatsoever from anyone coming out of here without my approval.

He winked at Jeremiah. "So, what'll it be then? Are you real protesters, or aren't you?"

Jeremiah suppressed his own grin, and stood up and inclined his head politely. “With the greatest respect, Your Excellency, I am afraid that I and my fellow protestors will not back down, and we will not leave the embassy until we are able to talk to our government on fair terms. We will not leave. I do not believe that your people can make us leave. We will be issuing a statement, and we insist upon the use of communications equipment for that purpose. We will not use your own resources as we will be using Purple Cross support.”