LGBT Protestors Attacked by Government Forces (MT)

[Ardoki]

---

RECIPIENT(S): Government of New Edom
SENDER: Fionn Cormac Cleary, Minister of External Affairs
SUBJECT: Ultimatum

---

His Grand Imperial Majesty the Grand Emperor of the Ardokians is displeased with your government's lack of progress regarding LGBT rights. His Grand Imperial Majesty has consequently articulated several demands to which New Edom must comply with:

1. Legalise homosexuality.
2. Legalise same-sex marriage.
3. Introduce and pass comprehensive legislation which will protect LGBT people from discrimination and harassment.
4. Introduce and support programs which encourage tolerance and acceptance of LGBT people and their lifestyles.
5. Ban any organisations which disagree with the right of LGBT individuals to exist and live their lives.
6. Ban any religious texts or other forms of content which disagree with the right of LGBT individuals to exist and live their lives.
7. Deliver a full and public apology to the numerous LGBT people who have been persecuted by the unconscionable policies of the government of New Edom.
8. Deliver adequate and just compensation to every LGBT person in New Edom.
9. Charge, convict, and imprison all personnel and officials who took part in massacring the peaceful protesters in Fineberg.
10. Allow inspectors from the Imperial Progressive Party to enter New Edom to:
    
    • Ensure the terms of this ultimatum are being adhered to.
    • Penalise citizens of New Edom who are not adhering to the spirit of this ultimatum.
    • Remove officials who are deemed enemies of progress.
    • Enlighten a new generation of officials and citizens of New Edom in the principles of the Progressive World Order.
    • Steer the policy direction of the government of New Edom in a suitably progressive manner.
11. Immediate abandonment and disavowal of the Santiago Anti-Communist Treaty Organisation.

Failure to comply with this ultimatum in the next 48 hours may result in:

• A total embargo on goods and services originating from New Edom.
• Sanctions on leaders and officials within the government of New Edom.
• An official condemnation of the government of New Edom.
• The ambassador from New Edom in Ardoki will no longer be invited to any of His Grand Imperial Majesty's famous balls.
• New Edom will be blacklisted forever from ever having the chance of holding one of His Grand Imperial Majesty's concerts.
• The Imperial Ardokian Navy may send a fleet to patrol international waters around New Edom.

His Grand Imperial Majesty hopes this will be the beginning of a fruitful relationship between our two countries. As Ardokians, it is our responsibility to help other nations come to accept their place in the Progressive World Order. We hope to receive your response soon.

---

Foreign Affairs Department, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of the Greater Ardokian Empire

[New Aeyariss]

OOC: Radimostan and Edom asked me to make a Homofront broadcast, so here it goes!

---

<Four armed men enter scene and orderly turn, presenting arms, then stand at rest. Then a black, topless man in rainbow colored balaclava enters. One of the homofront members salutes him:>

MASKED HOMOFRONT MEMBER: "Homosexual revolutionary band Socrates reports for review!"

COMANDANTE CIMON: "Rest! Long live homosexual revolution!"

MASKED HOMOFRONT MEMBERS: "Long live homosexual revolution!"

<the man sits, reaches his pocket for a piece of paper, and begins to read.>

COMANDANTE CIMON: This is an official address from the Homofront - United Command to every Fascist, Homophobe, Conservative Bigot, Racist and Misogynist around the world! Homosexual revolution wishes to officially confirm that Homofront is responsible for the recent bombings in Finberg, including the assassination of the homophobic ambassador of Radimostan, who received a righteous punishment through a grenade thrown by a gay revolutionary!

The armed campaign against the homophobic societies of New Edom, Radimostan, Greater Nifon and others will continue on an increased pace. As evidenced by the recent march, our supporters number in millions and the forces of backwards, oppressive regimes have no idea who our members are. We can strike at any time, at any given moment - and we will do so in the areas which will harm the Homophobic oppressor the most. His future is at stake, and thus, if he wishes to survive the coming rainbow onslaught, he should consider ending his persecution of LGBTTTTQAP+++ people and an official surrender to the mighty forces of the Homosexual Revolution!

Homosexual revolution officially applauds the efforts of many governments to combat homo-,bi-, and trans-phobia so prevalent in the Edomite society. Those governments should know that they will enjoy Homofront's full backing in the endeavors, and should a war come, they may count on having mighty homosexual revolutionaries, who are as invincible as ancient Spartans of old!

Failure to meet our demands will result in a renewal of armed campaign against the Edomite state, and endless causalities resulting from thereof.

Onwards to victory!

[New Visayan Islands]

Dominic Kang
Visayan Embassy to New Edom

With cigarette in hand--he had stopped counting after the first pack--Dominic was seated with the rest of the team as a Homofront broadcast was played.

"Well," Dominic began, "they fucking took long enough."

"Agreed," Thomas nodded, lighting up his own cigarette. "Killing a foreign diplomat is already considered an uncivilized act, a blatant violation of established international law, treaty, and custom."

"Things hostes humani generis laugh in the face of," Donald continued. Homofront had been declared hostis humani generis by the Confederation by virtue of its nature as a terrorist organization.

"And the audacity to back those opposing New Edom's heteronormative policies means even legitimate critics would be tarred with the same brush as those Rainbow Nazis," Paula added.

"Invincible as ancient Spartans? Tell that to Thebes during the Battle of Leuctra--you'd expect those fucks to identify themselves more closely with the Sacred Band that made Sparta Thebes' bitch before Thebes became the Macedonians' bitch," Thomas snorted.

"Does 'agreeing to differ' not register for them?"

The table had become even more animated as the video was replayed to find anything that might be of use.

[Montenbourg]

(Image)

---

RECIPIENT(S): Government of New Edom
SENDER: Fionn Cormac Cleary, Minister of External Affairs
SUBJECT: Ultimatum

---

His Grand Imperial Majesty the Grand Emperor of the Ardokians is displeased with your government's lack of progress regarding LGBT rights. His Grand Imperial Majesty has consequently articulated several demands to which New Edom must comply with:

1. Legalise homosexuality.
2. Legalise same-sex marriage.
3. Introduce and pass comprehensive legislation which will protect LGBT people from discrimination and harassment.
4. Introduce and support programs which encourage tolerance and acceptance of LGBT people and their lifestyles.
5. Ban any organisations which disagree with the right of LGBT individuals to exist and live their lives.
6. Ban any religious texts or other forms of content which disagree with the right of LGBT individuals to exist and live their lives.
7. Deliver a full and public apology to the numerous LGBT people who have been persecuted by the unconscionable policies of the government of New Edom.
8. Deliver adequate and just compensation to every LGBT person in New Edom.
9. Charge, convict, and imprison all personnel and officials who took part in massacring the peaceful protesters in Fineberg.
10. Allow inspectors from the Imperial Progressive Party to enter New Edom to:
    
    • Ensure the terms of this ultimatum are being adhered to.
    • Penalise citizens of New Edom who are not adhering to the spirit of this ultimatum.
    • Remove officials who are deemed enemies of progress.
    • Enlighten a new generation of officials and citizens of New Edom in the principles of the Progressive World Order.
    • Steer the policy direction of the government of New Edom in a suitably progressive manner.
11. Immediate abandonment and disavowal of the Santiago Anti-Communist Treaty Organisation.

Failure to comply with this ultimatum in the next 48 hours may result in:

• A total embargo on goods and services originating from New Edom.
• Sanctions on leaders and officials within the government of New Edom.
• An official condemnation of the government of New Edom.
• The ambassador from New Edom in Ardoki will no longer be invited to any of His Grand Imperial Majesty's famous balls.
• New Edom will be blacklisted forever from ever having the chance of holding one of His Grand Imperial Majesty's concerts.
• The Imperial Ardokian Navy may send a fleet to patrol international waters around New Edom.

His Grand Imperial Majesty hopes this will be the beginning of a fruitful relationship between our two countries. As Ardokians, it is our responsibility to help other nations come to accept their place in the Progressive World Order. We hope to receive your response soon.

---

Foreign Affairs Department, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of the Greater Ardokian Empire

Lexington House
Office of The Prime Minister of Montenbourg

---

Rt. Hon. Xavier Bettel
Prime Minister of Montenbourg
"Response on the Ultimatum of the Ardokian Empire"
February 11, 2019

Today, we the people of Montenbourg and I, unite in the demands articulated by the Greater Ardokian Empire as one voice. His Majesty The King of the Montenbourgians and his government is displeased with New Edom's government's lack of progress regarding LGBT rights.

I will continue to use the full weight of The Kingdom of Montenbourg economic and diplomatic power to press for the restoration of rights in New Edom. The Kingdom of Montenbourg remains committed to the Edomite people, who have suffered immensely under this oppressive regime who destroys the very foundation of humanity. We encourage other governments to recognize these demands. We really believe that what we are doing is not only for New Edom, it's the fall of the Berlin wall of oppression and it's a new chapter for history.

And to all LGBT and minorities in New Edom, remain united and firm for a democratic and free Edom. Where love has no boundaries.

-Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister of The Kingdom of Montenbourg

[Lanorth]

Nevermind

[Vionna-Frankenlisch]

Frankenlisch, Kingdom of Frankenlisch
Apothecary's Avenue

---

"Did you have to spend the night there, Jim?" Queen Jane sounded disappointed, James got the feeling that she had called out of courtesy, usually, she wouldn't have bothered because she knew James didn't give a damn.

"Don't call me Jim." King James replied, unhappily. "Anyway," he added, "I couldn't leave till now, they were preparing the streets for the marathon. I only got clearance to leave now."

"I don't suppose you could have ploughed through the people then?" Jane asked, giggling.

"That isn't funny." James needed a drink. "Can't we hurry up?" He asked his driver, impatiently. "I want a whiskey."

"There's a bottle under the blanket." Mark, King James' driver admitted with a smile.

"You're a darlin'," James reached under the soft cashmere blanket atop the seat next to him. As promised, there sat a bottle of Ulrich's Straight Whisky.

"You're not drinking, are you, Jim?" A voice came from James' phone. "You know that we spoke about this. And I know Doctor Robinson has told you too."

"I need it, Jane, if you could see what I'm having to deal with here." James was referring to the disruptions to traffic caused by the Frankenlisch Marathon. All regular traffic was diverted or banned entirely. Official transport only was allowed. And when that transport involved the King of Vionna-Frankenlisch, a great deal of politicians heading to Parliament to discuss the New Edom situation and an entire brigade of King's troops from Westonland being transported to Bliksem Barracks, right in the centre of the City of Frankenlisch. The King's car made its slow, meandering way through the packed streets. People cheered all around, not at their King, of course, but for the dedicated runners of the Frankenlisch Marathon. Thousands of these athletes, daredevils and jokers had signed up and now rushed through the wide avenues of central Frankenlisch with not a care for the mounting unrest, the mounting tension, the deadly pressure which could soon burst...

---

And burst it would...

Trinity Zepherias had dreamt of this day for years, the day she could finally make a difference. She had been rejected by three parties as an MP for her strong views and, despite her university education, had struggled in the modern job market, not to mention the housing market too. As a matter of fact, her flatmate, Annabelle Johanssen was beside her atop the roof of the old State Security Department. Greensleeves, the handler for the Frankenlisch cell (supposedly a Professor at Frankenlisch Uni but neither of the girls had met him), had given a passionate speech, delivered to each his activists by an anonymous courier. In it he spoke of the great opportunity presented by the events in New Edom, he said that the crimes of the Edomites were like a rallying cry for all those concerned with the rights of LGBTQ+ peoples. The 2016 Sexuality Rights and Reform Act had made much of the movement in Vionna-Frankenlisch impotent and, despite daily injustice (injustices that the Act should have prohibited), it was not until the Vionna-Frankenlischian government so clearly supported the Edomites that the movement had a purpose. A purpose for their anger. A purpose for those 50 pounds of Semtex hidden in the basement of the old State Security Department building.

As the King's car, unrecognised by the masses, rounded a corner into Apothecary Avenue, followed by two trucks of the Westonland Fusiliers Zepherias and Johanssen looked at each other hopefully.

"Some fatcat politician..." Trinity mused, smiling, "and a squad of soldiers..."

"Is everything ready?" Annabelle asked, just as excited.

"Yeah. I planted about fifteen pounds of it early this morning down there, the rest is hidden in a wall in the cellar, they'll never find it." Trinity was shaking, be it with excitement or fear, Annabelle couldn't tell. "Greensleeves got the detonators to us this morning. Seems a shame to waste one on such a small action."

"It doesn't matter." Annabelle sighed, "We'll do enough damage to send a message. You saw what Greensleeves wrote, the Siblings of the Rainbow Banner and the Purple Sisters have joined us. We'll all unite, show the oppressors the consequences of their actions."

The pair returned to watching the grand procession, the marathon was in full swing and there was a solid mix of serious athletes and fun-loving jokers running along at a steady pace. The King's car, it's tinted windows keeping onlookers from recognising their sovereign, pushed its way steadily through the crowd with the two trucks stuffed with soldiers trailing behind. Policemen, both armed and unarmed, patrolled the railings by the road and cheered on the runners.

"Do it," Annabelle said, without a hint of emotion.

---

Second Lieutenant James Wilde sat as happy as a pig in mud, he and the men of his platoon were not comfortable, stuffed in the back of their two Lochland trucks, but they were having a good time of it. They cheered on the marathoners and smoked like a chimney, Corporal Welch had snuck two bottles of brandy on to Lieutenant Wilde's truck and they were enjoying the ill-disciplined festivities before they reached their barracks. From there they would be deployed to Abbas, where there was great tension at present and they could well see action. The platoon had just finished a rousing round of 'The Soldiers of the King' when all hell broke loose.

A loud explosion rippled to the truck's direct right, the burst was powerful and the vehicle toppled. Lieutenant Wilde cried out and grasped the bar which the truck's canvas cover was draped over. He saw clearly that Private Jeffries had been killed almost instantly, a piece of metal from the side of the truck was impaled through his abdomen and he was unmoving. There was crying and screaming outside but the first course of action was to see to his men.

"Sergeant Thompson?" He asked, frantically. "Sergeant?"

"Here, sir," The older man was coughing badly but seemed physically unharmed. His moustache was badged with blood which appeared to be coming from Private Henderson, a young draftee who was crying pitifully. His head was gashed seriously and blood trickled worryingly down his face and onto the Sergeant, who he had grabbed for support.

"Sergeant, try and get the men together!" Wilde ordered, "I'm going to see what has happened!"

"Yes, sir!" Thompson replied in the affirmative, grasping Henderson tightly as he struggled to get to his feet in the sideways truck.

Second Lieutenant Wilde clambered for the outside and saw the carnage. Where a bench and bin had stood was a small crater, displaying the source of the blast clearly. Wilde had never seen a dead man before but now he had had his fill. First Jeffries and now a whole host of civilians. Three marathoners were lying outstretched on the road behind the truck, one had lost an arm while the others seemed somehow untouched, yet they were unmoving and their eyes were glazed over. The explosion was still ringing in Wilde's ears and he wondered what it had been, he wondered who had done it. He wondered why. The dark car that his platoon had been following had been moved several feet by the blast but, aside from the broken windows, seemed mostly intact. Somewhere he heard the voice of Corporal Smith, "I can't see... Sir, I can't see..." Smith's provincial voice murmured. Surgeon Phillips, a new medical practitioner in the brigade was calling for help as he tied his scarf tightly around the heavily bleeding leg of a truck driver.

Wilde staggered towards the car ahead, only now realising that his own right leg was beaten up quite badly. He limped to the door and looked in on the astounded passenger.

"Help..." King James whispered, his face badged with blood, his arms and legs glistening with broken glass. A smashed bottle was still in his left hand and he pointed to the man in the driver's seat. "It's Mark," He continued, his voice barely heard amongst the commotion, "I think he hit something..."

"An explosion, sir," Wilde replied, who couldn't quite see straight and took the king for a politician or official, "I think there was an explosion." Somewhere, sirens blared but Wilde couldn't tell quite where. He put his hand through the frame of the window and opened the car door. "We should move you, sir." He said, suddenly short of breath. A hand came down on his shoulder.

"Sir." It was Sergeant Thompson. "I've got the lads out of the trucks. Surgeon Phillips is tending to a few of 'em. Private Jeffries and Private Hammond are dead and Corporal Heath doesn't look like he'll make it." Thompson looked down and his eyes widened. "And sir, I think you should lean on me," He advised, pulling Wilde up with a tight, fatherly grip, "You've got a bloody long nail through your thigh."

The first ambulance had pulled up and a paramedic took Wilde from Sergeant Thompson's arms quite roughly. "Give him here, Sergeant," The young man said, "He doesn't need you now, he needs needle and thread." Widle gasped, surprised, as a needle found its way into his upper arm and he felt immediately drowsy. He tried to slip out the words, "Take charge here, Sergeant," but his mouth betrayed him. The young officer went limp in the arms of that paramedic, the last thing he saw as he was trundled towards the ambulance was his men dragging bodies out of the road.

[Late Roman Empire]

Secret Roman Embarcation Point, Undisclosed Roman Naval Base, southwestern coast of the Late Roman Empire,
11 February, 2019


The troops preparing to embark on the transports were all more than a little nervous, but most of them found it at least familiar ground…..on these transports. Some other, less happy fellows, were destined to depart for other locations, such as Macrinum and United Valik. This was the largest, most extensive round of simultaneous deployments for the Roman military since the Great War. Not since then had so many different Roman detachments all taken ship overseas to take the field against the enemies of Rome. Rome typically didn’t want to follow the same model as other countries in recent decades, one of multiple deployments at once, mostly due to the logistical issues with trying to resupply so many units in so many locations at the same time. Roman military doctrine traditionally favored focus on a single objective, persistently, until said enemy was destroyed.

This was a serious break with that policy, and it was due to the relatively newer Emperor, Titus Augustus, who was far more aggressive in his attitude of late than was the late Valerian. Nothing against Valerian, but many Roman legionaries were eager for this kind of action. They felt that the late Emperor had done a lot of good internally, but that he was too cautious about sending Roman legions abroad. They didn’t dare say that aloud, mind you, as it was frankly bad for one’s health to say such things about an Emperor, at least if you were sworn to the service of Augustus. He was the Lord of the World, after all.

Be that as it may, now the combat and support units alike were in the process of being loaded onto the transports, and these hardy marines at least knew what they were going into here. They had last gone to New Edom just four years before, to help the Monarchist camp in the Third Civil War against the ETC militia. Now, just four years later, the Edomites were in trouble again. How was it that a nation capable of sorting out nations’ messes couldn’t rectify their own problems, too? It was the worst case of “Physician, heal thyself,” that many of these Romans had ever known in terms of nation-building.

“Too busy nosing around in other countries’ business, just like we used to do, I think. Not enough time and money spent on infrastructure, health care, education, social welfare, etc. They’re like us, tend to use soldiers internally as police instead of a normal constabulary. Mind you, it works for Rome. We’re a diverse, cosmopolitan empire that flourishes under perpetual martial-law, because no one doubts who’s really the boss. The Emperor commands the legions. Senate, assemblies, etc., we all know that the Augustus is in charge. He’s the boss. You need only watch the domestici and the escort army with the Lord of the World to know the score.

“But in New Edom, they have so many troops that they keep talking of demobilizing, but they never quite do it. Why? Perpetual war. They must have sunk a ton of blood and treasure into these wars, retarding their social progress and hollowing out much of their economy. They’ve spread themselves too thin, far too thin, with all of these wars. Rome doesn’t go to war enough these days, but New Edom does it far too much. Just this man’s opinion, if you ask my view as Master of Soldiers. Remember, I’ve been there. I was a centurion there, just six years ago, for the Anarchist campaign in East Bara.

“Now, they’re being threatened yet again, and will they have enough soldiers to really defend themselves effectively, without pulling troops out of Hutanija, Damoclea, Delvian States, Gavinium Magnus, or Hostillia? Not to mention Ghant? How many Edomites have been killed and wounded in action for the past twenty years? Half a generation by now? It’s a lost generation, one that won’t know what to do with peace should it ever come. They’re the polar opposite of Gavinium, so naturally they kicked Gavinian ass pretty fast and are still mystified by them. Then again, it is a bit extreme to spend an entire century without war. It means that you won’t take a stand on anything! Always trying to be neutral, except that they were really a client-state, so would have had to abandon neutrality at the first levy issued by Rome,” Aulus Metellus, Master of Soldiers, stipulated to Count Flavius Eudes, the Master of Navies as he signed off on the latest weather forecast from the Imperial Meteorology Service.

“How many different governments, and three civil wars in less than a decade, to boot! Two healthy invasions, one by Vici Minerva, one by Nova Samnium. A long series of local uprisings and insurrections, from Raith Immel to Gloria Regis to Glasstower. A ton of terrorist bombings, including one by an actual government. Several different offensive wars and expeditions. Damoclea, Delvian States, Hutanija, the proxy war in Arcologia, Hostillia, Ashab, Gavinium Magnus. War has become their way of life, their rulers warlords before anything else. When Rome goes to war, it’s because our national interests are threatened and we can’t do business with certain countries and their regimes.

“If anyone doubts that we’d have kept fighting Lucian should he have lasted longer, they don’t know Rome at all. We got lucky that his military was in such awful shape that it couldn’t withstand the southern offensive that essentially broke his back. Any decent military would have at least held a strong defensive line north of Jacobium. Not to mention the utter, abject failure to defend their coasts and maintain air parity at minimum. Lucian essentially talked trash and got his ass kicked for it. He didn’t think that the chickens would come home to roost so soon, or else he would have been ready.

“Anyway, the Edomites? Sure, they have tons of military experience, but they seem to have the toughest time building their own country on their own soil, thanks to all of those civil wars and insurrections and foreign wars of theirs. Far too much of their budget spent on war. It’s been good for business, and I appreciate those fine Edomite ships that we buy from Arcanum Armaments and its Lyran contacts. It’s also been a drain on their civil society and their economy, which was why Lalery kept wanting to bring in foreign capital, yet ironically had to nationalize their banks to maintain solvency.

“Good God, it’s a wonder that their economy hasn’t collapsed by now, what with the constant warfare, but that’s probably divine intervention and foreign aid as well. That and FODE, of course. Absent oil, they’d have gone bankrupt by now. But so far, all that oil money has gone heavily into wars, wars, and more wars. Anyway, now we’re heading off to help them deal with the latest international crisis that they’ve found themselves, this time from those extra-regional imbeciles of Lanorth, of all places. You’d think that Lanorth would know from recent history what happens to invading armies in New Edom,” Eudes scoffed, a bit exasperated by yet another Edomite crisis.

“Well, if they didn’t before, they’re about to find out. Between the Edomites themselves, and us, and those SACTO folks, that is,” Marcus Remus, the Roman Prefect in command of Legio IV, the famous Barebones Legion, smirked.

“How’s the progress going on the loading of those damn MREs?” Lucius Argento checked for what seemed like the millionth time with the supply chief, one Kaeso Icilius Eburnus, a senior military tribune assigned responsibility for the basic logistical needs of the entire expeditionary force.

“Splendid, sir! We have an estimated 80% compliance thus far with our target timetable, Prefect. We have been going day and night, in shifts, for the past five days, as you know, with all of the supply preparations for the embarcation. In less than six hours, at the current rate of progress, we will be complete with all of the supply specifications for the Imperial Roman Expeditionary Force, and that’s with competing demands from the other troop deployments. The entire round of deployments will be ready to depart at 0300 hours, at the present pace, thus surpassing the target goal of 0600 hours, 12 February, 2019,” Eburnus assured Argento, Remus, and most of all, Aulus Metellus and Count Eudes.

“By Jove, departing before dawn! Make sure that the troops remember to sleep on the transports. We don’t need sleepy legionaries when they make landfall at Sterry. We have to be able to hit the ground running, in case Lanorth, Ardoki, or one of the other hostile powers carry out their threats of invasion. The Emperor wants two good Roman legions in place, along with the Second Fleet and the naval aviators from the same, no later than 0900 hours on Friday morning, 15 February, 2019. That’s H Hour on D Day. Our good friends in the Navy here will naturally escort the transports while en route to the designated beachheads, thankfully not hostile ones by our estimation. Are we clear? These are Caesar’s commands, and they will be obeyed,” Metellus laid down the law rather firmly to both of the legionary commanders and the commander of the Second Fleet, Count Faustus Gratidius Montanus.

“Absolutely, magister militum. We hear and obey the Emperor’s will. We are sworn to the standards and to his service,” Remus reassured Metellus, with Argento and Montanus nodding in assent.

“Excellent! The Augustus will look forward to your actions in great suspense, no doubt,” Metellus said as Eudes and he departed, teaming up with Count Victor, commander-in-chief of the Imperial Roman Marines.

“No doubt, there will be a lot to inspect with the progress of those en route to Valik, too,” Victor observed with some impatience.

“Undeniably, my friend. Which reminds me to do just that. Yes, my friend, we must review the preparations for the deployments in the Macrinum and Valik sectors. If everything goes off without a hitch, and it won’t, we must be ready to still face the ugly reality of likely unconventional combat against insurgent Federalist militias in Valik, not to mention Communists and others, as well as ragtag, but heavily armed and fanatical secret societies or something of that nature in Macrinum. So, yes, we must get moving and posthaste,” Metellus insisted, taking the wheel of his own Humvee as the others joined him to make a snap inspection of the preparations for war.

“I still think that Opis should have leapfrogged past Kimball and surprised Walsh. Theis could have contained Kimball by himself, but trapping Walsh between Roman, Garzan, Adiran, and Vorindese troops would have doomed the Gavinian northern command and enabled a southward march toward Gavinium City. He only changed his mind because it seemed that the Vorindese would act quicker than they did and he thought that they had a handle on it. It was a strategic blunder rather than a tactical one. He’s a superb tactician, but his strategy leaves plenty of room for improvement, if you ask me.

“As it was, he let Augrim, Romain, and Ramon steal a march on him, taking the capital with only limited support from the Shrailleeni. Opis was too cautious, that’s all it was, too conservative. He took a slow, methodical, conventional approach to the whole business. Which is why he’s headed to Macrinum in spite of his victory at Antium Junction. Admittedly, no one could have known that Strickland and his corps would have unraveled so soon, but still, he could have made a bigger impact on the war. Not to worry, though. Macrinum will have plenty of useful work for him to do. The presence of a full Roman legion on Hostillian soil will remind the Han and the Mickeys not to toy around with Rome,” Victor stated his own rather blunt views on the subject.

“I tend to agree, though to be fair to Opis, he was as in the dark about Gavinian military doctrine and capabilities as the next commander. We were all making educated guesses, little more than that. How do you predict the wartime conduct of an enemy that’s been at peace for a century? That’s not the fog of war. It’s the fog of war on steroids! The Edomites had the advantage of recent experience, that of 21st century regime change wars. They’d done it in Damoclea and Delvian States, for instance,” Metellus observed, lighting a cigar as he spoke his next piece, “now, if I’m ever called to fight the Shrailleeni, I got their number. I know their psychology better than most Romans by far. I can lick ‘em.”

“I will bear that in mind, Master of Soldiers. One never knows when that kind of expertise could prove useful, after all,” Count Eudes concurred, even as they raced down the coastal highway toward the next naval base for the inspection of the forces assigned to Macrinum and Valik alike.

[New Edom]

Betharan Palace
Fineberg, New Edom

The announcement of General Adam Nicanor’s retirement was quiet. Little fuss was made. It was mentioned in the newspapers, that the General was unwell and that after a long life of public duty had gone to a much needed retirement. It was rumoured that he was to be granted the title of Count but this was unconfirmed. Count Lalery, it was said, preferred to focus on the Ministry of Finance. Count Emil Sharra, the Minister of the Interior, would be confirmed as the new President of the Council of Ministers.

“What a dingy little room,” growled Count Thomas Lalery, Minister of Finance, as he entered it, looking around at a group of dour little dark wooden chairs that had been set up. A long mahogany table stood in a corner, and other than dull wallpaper featuring the House of Obed crest it was without decor, no windows. “Why the hell are we meeting here?”

“Security,” said Prince Enoch Tubal-Cain. “I don’t know if you’re aware, Thomas, but there’ve been several more bombings or terrorist attacks recently. One reported from Neue Regensburg, another in Vionna-Frankenlisch, but we just got that from some news our embassy picked up, we don’t have any idea of what’s going on yet.”

As they came into the room, they could see several of the other Ministers gathered there, looking similarly uncomfortable. Smoke hung in the air from cigarettes and cigars. Geta, among those present, was at the mahogany table, where stood a lot of glasses, bottles and snacks. He was pouring himself some wine, and had overheard the conversation as the other two men came in. “Yes, we have had our ambassador make some inquiries and express concern, but also Johnny,” he nodded towards General Ashdod, the Minister of Police, “said that his people are directly contacting Vionna-Frankenlischan intelligence community to find out the details.

“What barbarians,” said Lalery with a shake of his head.

“Gentlemen, ladies, do sit down,” said Count Emil Sharra, gesturing at the chairs. “Our duty today is to summarize information for Their Majesties. As you all doubtless know, I did not want this job. There is much work for the Ministry of the Interior to oversee, including its subordinate ministries and directorates in Justice, Health, Education, Agriculture and Culture. But we all must do our duty. His Majesty told me that because of my responsibilities over domestic affairs I would be ideally suited to this task.”

“That is true,” said General Unwerth with a brisk nod. He idly traced the braid around the upper brim of his kepi’s visor. “You are well respected, not merely as a man of the highest birth but also as a man of letters and science, and few have done more hard work to improve our economy, our academia and our production. I think we can safely say we have every confidence in you. So to business then?”

“I think so,” said Sharra. “I haven’t seen anything in the summary so far that pertains to security...gentlemen?”

Unwerth, Ashdod, and Balaam all shook their heads.

“Right. On to economics then.” Sharra looked at Count Lalery. “Thomas, there have been threats directly from Montenbourg and from Ardoki.”

“Including,” said Geta with a straight face, “These words, The ambassador from New Edom in Ardoki will no longer be invited to any of His Grand Imperial Majesty's famous balls, and New Edom will be blacklisted forever from ever having the chance of holding one of His Grand Imperial Majesty's concerts.

“That a promise?” chuckled General Unwerth, as others snorted and laughed as well. “I’m serious, have you ever heard his work at one of those ridiculous international music festivals?”

“I’m afraid my daughter watches the stuff sometimes, a lot of racket,” sighed Sharra. “May God protect us from the excesses of modernism! I cannot understand it, most of the so called singers and musicians have excellent vocal range and yet cannot manage more than a few atonal notes and repetitive bars less evocative than the tones of a marsh warbler. If Man is made in the image of God, they are twisted images indeed. Regardless...Hosidius has already told me that this approach of Montebourg’s is rather serious and it is clear that their government will not respond directly to our diplomacy. They are calling for a very specific policy, attacking our finances. Thomas, you are on top of this, yes?”

“Yes.” Lalery crossed his legs. He wore, on this day, a cream coloured suit with a sky blue cravat with his raven hair combed and oiled netaly. “It is not an idle threat, let’s be clear about that. We have already felt elements of this economic attack. I do not know how related the events are, but the following international corporations have collapsed financially. Coeli Concínnant, Forza Automotives, Asai Motors. I don’t really know at this stage how connected this is, but it does not give a good impression and it hits us roughly, thousands will be out of work as a result, as well as some tough blows to our own investments. There are also disturbing rumours about Goldwing Finance, which is one of the major foreign banks. I got intelligence from Misabel, who was watching them since the bankers are from Brytene, which is a nest of anti-SACTO sentiment, and guess what? They haven’t been taking any new accounts, offering any new loans for the past few days. That could just be timidity in the face of a crisis, but the crisis is in Fineberg, their main offices are in Nass. So it troubles me.”

Balaam seemed moody, but she said, “I will make sure Misabel probes into them more deeply.”

“Our economy has been improving, but it’s vulnerable. We are dependent on outside investment into our factories, into our refined metals, our fuel, pharmaceuticals, and finished agricultural products like cigarettes and stuff for foreign breakfast cereals and snacks. Much of our foreign trade outside of nations like Nifon, the Shrailleeni Empire, the Imperium, Ghant and so on is through foreign banks. If Goldwing is pulling out, and if others do as well, it would further hurt our trade. We could not even overcome tariffs through escrow.” Lalery spread his hands. “We can normally expect that the two main regional moderates, Adiron and the Shrailleeni, will undermine any outside efforts to force major change in our policy. The Adirans fear we will simply side with the Imperium, the Shrailleeni that we will turn the rest of the Region against matriarchalism. So at the end of the day while we are vulnerable I doubt anyone is going to push us around. They know that if they do Novitera will be there to jump right in.

“Then there are our agreements with the Recon Empire and ViZion, or rather their companies and trading groups. These are private capitalist organizations, not trade agreements, with a number of services that provide us with information technology, medical services, educational services and other provisions, as well as the grants from private foundations in the Recon Empire. Through them, our modern, up to date communication services and internet, regular medical supply and research funding is provided, and it cannot be interrupted by merely getting some ruling political party swayed, but by dealing with these mega-corporations themselves.

“Finally, while it would cause strain, we can compete out of Region through other allies. It would cost us in transport costs, but if we begin exploring these options and planning now, we should be able to weather any difficulty. The Bank of Yohannes will continue to provide us with an international trading bank, as will the EDEBC .” Lalery paused and lit up a long slim Othmani cigar. “In short, due to the careful planning of my predecessors and me, we have built up a careful armour against such tactics. Unless Montenbourg gets major trading partners against us, it just won’t work.”

“What doesn’t work is any coalition anyone tries to form against us,” said Geta with a smile. “They always fall apart due to differing policies and tactics. Let Montenbourg smell the taint of Ardoki’s oppressive policies. I hear some of the protestors ran into their embassy. What possessed them? I bet they’re rounding them up for emperor worship as we speak. Adiron has had many opportunities to form economic or political blocs in our Region, and every time they hesitate over their own internal politics. Montebourg’s Foreign Minister tried to blame us for Homofront, even, a feeble attempt at...what do the feminists call it? Victim blaming, yes yes. Like all coalitions formed against us, it is held together with spit and good intentions. Like all those before it, it will fail,and fall, and it will be business as usual.”

There were fierce thumps on the arms of the wooden chairs, growls and nods of agreement.

“I’m very glad to hear it, Thomas,” said Sharra with a smile. “I have,” he waved a letter at them, “A good response from the Governor of Bara Province, who has assured me that more than adequate medical stores are being shipped in by train to make up for losses from storage due to the crisis, and that also 2 chapters of the Purple Cross--without, I might add, the supposed political baggage foreigners imagine they carry--are coming in to help as well.”

He glanced at the Minister of Culture. “Marcus, it would be helpful if we got to work on producing some programming to counter the foreigners words. I think part of the problem we are facing stems from the end of the Second Civil War. I recall there was a young firebrand of a fellow who wanted to be elected in Carnmag and had been protesting for better working conditions for tobacco factory workers. It seems to me that most of the people complaining are intellectuals, university students, the privileged and the spoiled, to be frank. We must find a way to cut the working class support from under them. Make it clear that the military, the aristocracy, the judiciary, and the real working clergy, not the intellectuals of Fineberg, support the working man, the farmer, the miner, the logger, the factory worker, and highlight the improvements of the last five years. The ordinary Edomite,” he said with firm conviction, “Doesn’t care about philosophy and politics, save where it promises him that he will be well treated if he is injured, that his widow and children will be cared for, that he gets a fair wage, gets training so that he can work with greater skill and earn more, that his church supports the community through good works, that his judges are honest, his landlords follow the law. He cares that the military defend us well and that when he serves he is honoured and respected. Above all, he expects us to do our duty and not sell him down the river.” Sharra gave them his calm, kindly smile. “Make it clear, Minister of Culture Marcus Cotta, who his friends are and who his enemies are.”

“I will, gladly,” said Cotta. “It will be my pleasure.”

“Gentlemen, was there anything else?” Count Sharra stretched. “Ah! Then, I think, a good meeting of the new Council of Ministers...not that we’re any of us new, just a bit of shuffling around--and with your permission, Prince Enoch, let us prepare a summary for the Monarchs.”

[Greater Carloso]

A Message from the President of the Executive Council
of the Federal Republic of Carloso, Cárlos Tobón MP

***

People of Carloso, originally I had only planned to address the remarks made by Ms McCord in the chamber of the WA yesterday, however as we know circumstances have since changed with the joint Ardokian and Montenbourgian ultimatum that was issued in the last few hours. As the President of the Executive Council of Carloso and as commander-in-chief, it is of course my responsibility to lay out the response of both our military and our government to this simply unprecedented and indeed aggressive escalation by our enemies. As a member state of the Santiago Anti-Communist Treaty Organisation, it is our responsibility to uphold, protect and defend the sovereignty of our allies and vindicate their right to self determination. Our foe values neither.

Yesterday afternoon, Ms McCord announced that Montenburg would begin the process of applying sanctions to New Edom. She spoke of a vision for the Edomite people, her vision. She fails to realise that it is the people of New Edom themselves that make it a country, make it a nation. It is for the Edomites alone to say what vision they have for their country, if of course we are to play by the rule book of our liberal democratic compatriots. Yet, as we all know, and as with all so-called 'progressive' nations, in reality while they espouse and encourage diversity of race, diversity of religion, diversity of sexual orientation, they will not tolerate diversity of political thought, or of other world views. In the liberal mind, it is their way or the high way. There is no room for pluralism. High-flying technocrats like Ms McCord, expendable as she is, don't care about the genuine hopes and aspirations of the people, only concerned with pleasing her donors and upholding international finance corporatism to the detriment of society, concentrating the wealth into the hands of a minute few while the working class are continually raped and pillaged by their utterly failed economic and domestic policies.

It is these same domestic policies which liberals like Ms McCord want to export abroad in the form of a new ideological imperialism. Leftists time and time again have earned themselves the title of 'the gravediggers of nations', pursuing a Wilsonian foreign policy of slash, burn and convert, trying to force their views and values on populaces that simply have no appetite for them. I am surprised by the stupidty of many of these policy makers, because many of them come from business management backgrounds. One of the first things you learn about managing a company in any undergraduate course is Maslow's hierarchy of needs. To put it plainly, when food isn't on the table, democracy is very far down your list of priorities.

The same applies to homosexuality and the all manner of artificial sexual orientations that have been invented to corrupt the minds of our youth. Scientific research has shown time and time again that so-called 'LGBT behaviour' is extremely harmful to morality and the general cohesiveness and health of society, and is a key factor in the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, most notoriously HIV. There have, in fact, been reports out foreign of universities where professors and student unions are actively trying to encourage students to engage in illegal, drug-fuelled sexual deviancy. While private practice must not be legislated against, it is our duty to stop it from being visible on the streets of our great cities, towns and villages, and to warn our children and teenagers of the serious danger it poses. This fake, self-righteous and petty alphabet parade of identities distracts from other, more pressing legislative duties which is the responsibility of our Parliament, a shining beacon worldwide of good governance, patriotism and republicanism. This applies to our friends in New Edom just as much as it does in Carloso.

As for the Ardokians, we will remind the Montenbourgian regime that they are associating with a nation of gangsters, of zealous anti-theists who have in the past committed terrible genocide against various minority ethnic and religious groups. It is nice to know that Prime Minister Bettel wishes to associate with such bloodthirsty, vicious thugs yet prances about and denounces us and our allies for the dreaded thoughtcrime of 'anti-homosexualism'. It is plain to be seen that he has seriously miscalibrated his priorities in this regard.

I will make it plainly clear to our enemies in both Ardoki and in Montenburg; any attempt to militarily coerce New Edom into bowing to the whims of globalist, neo-liberal tyrants will result in the destruction of every single warship or military asset belonged to you within a 1,000 km radius of New Edom's shoreline. We will sink your ships, we will shoot your men, we will take down your planes. Nothing is too extreme for us in the defence of our allies. Ardoki declares it is her destiny to control the world. That's fine, but it is our own destiny to rally to the defence of all sovereign countries and push the likes of the Ardokians back into the graves they rose out of, ourselves alone if necessary.

Tomorrow the Minister for External Affairs will introduce legislation to Parliament which will impose sanctions on Montenburg for their rash and brutish displays of imperialist aggression against a free and noble country. I commend my honourable and close friend Shogun Maki Kojiro for his prudence in relation to Montenbourg's earlier declaration, and will now be following suit in regarding all subversive Edomite NGOs as anti-Carlosian foreign agents. SACTO will forever continue to stand beside one another in these gravely uncertain and dangerous times.

May the Lord above continue to protect Carloso and her allies from harm. Thank you and good night.

Ourselves Alone — Nosotros Solos
***

[Vionna-Frankenlisch]

Frankenlisch, Kingdom of Frankenlisch
Apothecary's Avenue

---

"What the fuck is going on?" Dochlov Zimmermann had been on the scene almost immediately. Despite his own fears and the protests of his cabinet, he felt it was the best way to turn public opinion in his favour but he saw quickly that the situation was more confused than he could possibly have imagined. "How many fatalities, how many injuries, what happened here?" He asked, loudly and frantically.

"We're still getting a list together, sir." An army sergeant appeared to be organising things nicely. "Three soldiers have been killed and seven are wounded." He reported somberly. "A policeman is dead and another one hurt. There only seemed to be one explosion, sir, but it was powerful and it went off as the vehicles were going past. Our surgeon is looking to the wounded and some ambulances and fire engines have arrived."

As if on cue, a paramedic walked up beside Sergeant Thompson and spoke to the Prime Minister, "Sir," he informed, "We've identified the fellow in the black car."

"Is it the Foreign Minister?" Larry Tristram had made a routine visit to the Balonic Embassy that morning and when his return to the Foreign Office hadn't been reported, the Prime Minister had assumed the worst.

"No, Prime Minister," the paramedic replied, much more dramatic than was appropriate for the situation, "It's the King, sir."

Zimmermann was wordless. He nodded at Sergeant Thompson and sprinted to the black car, it's right side dented with the blast and all of its windows blown in. The driver was unconscious in the front seat but appeared mostly uninjured. He rushed to the side of the car, the door had been taken off by members of the Frankenlisch Fire Brigade and the King was being helped out by a squadron of paramedics. Zimmermann noted mentally how serene the King looked, while also looking so unwell. He was clearly asleep, the medics having put him under, he was quite pale and there were tight bandages on his upper arms. The arms themselves seemingly encrusted with glass, particularly the right.

"How is he?" Zimmermann asked, genuinely concerned for the King.

"Can't say. His survival is almost certain, the state of that arm, however..." A paramedic told him.

"Ah, I see..." Zimmermann recalled how much the King enjoyed the sports of his class, hunting, fishing, riding. 'What if he'll never ride again?' The Prime Minister thought with genuine fear.

The press were already on the scene, the Prime Minister felt his shoulders jostled by reporters, one from The Frankenlisch Times, one from the Kingdom Bugle and another from the National Star (a renowned socialist newspaper, Zimmermann detested it with a passion). Luckily, the cameramen were still rushing towards the injured King and there was time enough for the police and limping men of the Westonland Fusiliers to block them.

"Prime Minister, what do you have to say on this attack?" A man from the Kingdom Bugle asked, holding up a dictaphone.

"Prime Minister, who do you think made this attack?" The Nation Star's journalist asked.

With teary eyes and a high voice, a woman from The Frankenlisch Times inquired, "Count Zimmermann, what, in your words, has happened here today?"

Policemen were quickly crowding around and pulling the journalists away from the Prime Minister. "Get him out of here safely," He sorrowfully told the paramedics, who had managed to heft the King onto a stretcher. Zimmermann lifted his gaze and saw over the car, in the middle of the road, a line of bodies, their life's blood mixing on the cobbles. Twenty men and women lay there, some looked unmarred by the explosion, some were clearly grievously wounded as they died.

Usually this would be a moment to show a bold face and show off his humanitarian instincts to the press, Dochlov Zimmermann was not an emotional man, but he looked at his King being carried away, he looked at the line of corpses and he looked at the young Corporal who had clearly been blinded by his wounds. And he wept...

[Solisian Union]

250 miles off the coast of the SFE. Aboard the Solisian Naval Vessel Adventure

Captain Ovary Serena waved goodbye to the twin tugboats that pushed her boat into a journey that would take them to their comrades and allies. In addition, Ovary, a 42 year old and mother of only one son, was accompanied by her XO, a 37 year old named Lanash.

Ovary and Lanash have served on this boat for 4 years. And now, they were given the chance to take this boat for one more deployment, for one more exciting affair. And for them, they were ordered to a very special mission: They would be the secret weapon of the Empire. In the event of war, they shall launch their nuclear missiles at the enemies of the Empire and of their ally, New Edom. In the event of peace, they shall come under command of their allies and serve to test the latest technology and machinery the Empire constructed for them. Yes, the new caterpillar drive shall be put to the battlefields hands for trial. One that shall demonstrate the capability of the submarine not only to the Solisian but also to the world.

As they sailed and waited to dive, Ovary reflected on the overall situation of the world.

She was briefed about what happened. She knew that things were getting complicated. She would not have tried to know more because it would supply her one more headache that her ibuprofen could not cure. But at least she understood that it was because of their government, a mess was made. Both the protestors and the police were the ones who started it all. And most importantly, Ovary thought, it was the fault of those people who could not be lenient.

For the Empire, her Homeland, homosexuality and other sexual issues were dismissed. Neither was it criminalized or decriminalized. It was just an issue that didn't deserve to be put before the eyes and into the hands of Her Majesty. She thought that was rubbish. Many people did.

What was important to Her Majesty was the well-being of her people. She was a conservative, yes, but damn it all, she just wanted to do her job as a Queen should.

Protocols and traditions and most importantly, it was her own will that drove her to care more about feeding and clothing her people than the complaints or the arguments of straight people and not so straight people.

Her mission was as unbending as the mission of Ovary was.

And Ovary wanted to do her job well. She made sure of it. And so did her intelligence.

So long as they reached the first point quickly and then dove to avoid satellite surveillance, things would go well. In fact, Ovary recalled, it was the intention of the Solisian not to be noticed too early or even at all. Only their allies may know.

Perhaps a speech can be given by the government or the Queen herself would pay a visit. But that is all in the hands of the ones above her.

And for now, as her boat sailed towards New Edom, the country she spoke about to her men, she crossed herself. She lifted up her rosary and kissed it. And then her lips made a prayer

"Eternal Father, strong to save..."

---

As it was at sea, so things were upon the face of the changing earth. For the earth was the first witness to life and in the end of things, it too will be the last witness of life. For the earth was the mother that adopted life and in the end, she shall be left barren, yes, she shall have children no more. And could the earth weep for her children?

Within Shona, the city that carried the burdens of the Royal Family and most of all, the Queen. The empress technically of all Solisia and Nannasia. That was the city that served her and her government. In addition, it served one of the largest portions of her population. With population comes noise. And noise is increasing within her body.

There, just as President Harvine was coming from her personal affairs several kilometers from a certain city, morning calls for prayers were being recited. These were the voices of women. They called from towers they called torres. From the top of the torres, their loud, clear, trembling lips proclaimed what they must as worshippers of the Sun

"Praise the burning light of the sun
Praise the throne that guides us from heaven
Come to prayer, you children of the fire
Draw closer to the light
The light that granted you all life

Praise the sun for her beauty
Her kindness and her fury
Come closer and together, we shall pray
Pray for the day to last

Our goddess is great
Our goddess is great
Come to prayer, you children of the fire
Come to prayer, you children of the fire

Glory to the goddess above
Glory to her light, her fire and her heart
Glory to the light, the light, the beautiful light
Glory to the goddess above"

Then what followed was the ringing of church bells. From the northern corner to the southern corner, Catholics summoned their brothers and sisters, their flocks, for Mass. And when the bells stopped ringing, mosques began to let the men proclaim from the minarets

"Allahu Akbar
Allahu Akbar
Allahu Akbar
Allahu Akbar

Ashhadu alla ilaha illallah
Ashhadu alla ilaha illallah

Ashhadu anna Muhammadar Rasulullah
Ashhadu anna Muhammadar Rasulullah


Hayya ‘alas-Salah
Hayya ‘alas-Salah

Hayya ‘alal-Falah
Hayya ‘alal-Falah

Allahu Akbar
Allahu Akbar

La ilaha illallah"

These was the beginning of the day for the faithful of these three religions. The sun was rising. She was, for the Sun Worshippers, heading to take her throne in the middle of the sky. For now, she just was breaking the whole width of the sky. This allowed the Muslims to begin their first prayer. And at the same time, the dawn was celebrated by the Catholics of this country.

Minutes later, as it was allowed, President Harvine reached the Palace of the administración y gobierno (administration and government)

It was a palace built in 1933. It survived the days of the dead Republic of the Union of the Sun. While that can be praised for the efforts which brought the Lunas and the Solas closer than the days and efforts of the ancient monarchies, it never was allowed to live up to it's fullest potential. That was both the fault and the achievement of the Roblistas, Harvine reflected as she made her way through the main doors, greeted automatically by the six guards. They sharply put their hands down as they reached for their Thunders or Peacekeepers. At once, their regained their usual stance.

Once through, she didn't mind the lined walls of paintings, of flags, of religious symbols and of names. She didn't even attempt to pay attention to her own portrait or name. Not even her title, the one which reminded her of her place. Her place beneath Her Majesty.

Maids and servants passed by, bowing their heads gently to the hasty President as she sipped her cup of civet coffee with honey.

Soon, she arrived at her office where her secretary, an Azen named Naqiyya, waited. She put her coffee down and slammed her papers down on the table and gave her secretary an instruction

"Contact Sede and tell Her Majesty that I am here. Tell her I await her permission for an audience and that I wish to speak to her about the operation she recently ordered. In addition, call our diplomatic representative for a video meeting after I see the Queen."

[Ardoki]

Grand Throne Room, Imperial Citadel, Ardea,
Greater Ardokian Empire

---

The short and plump Minister of Defence, Deirdre Immaculata O'Reilly, was escorted into the Grand Throne Room by a detachment of elders. The room was a true marvel of Ardokian engineering. The high ceiling was supported rows of massive black marble columns which rested on a floor of white marble which didn't seem to end. The Minister of Defence began her journey to the raised dais. Past column after column, elders standing hidden behind each. The Minister was never sure how to approach the Grand Emperor in his throne room. Clearly it was designed to make visitors uncomfortable! Should she keep her head tilted towards the floor, to show the proper subservience? Should she stare directly ahead at the Grand Emperor? No, that'd just be creepy. She'd do as she normally would.

As she approached the raised dais, she could see the Grand Emperor, Alistair Killian Moriarty, sitting upon it. But it was the lone line of elders just before the platform, that caught her attention. Elders, Moriarty's elite group of backup dancers, tended to disturb people with their lack of emotion and their eyes which looked right into your soul. That the Minister of Defence, a psychopath, was scared of them meant a lot.

The Grand Emperor was looking at his phone, he had been writing out the lyrics to a new song he had recently written the music to last night. 'Minister O'Reilly! How has your day been?'

'Busy and productive Your Grand Imperial Majesty. The-' She moved to make a step forward, but in an instant the elders had withdrawn long curved knives.

'The Minister of Defence is a dear friend. Sheath your weapons dears.'

The Elders sheathed their weapons in perfect unison. This is why I find them so disturbing!

'Continue Minister.' The Grand Emperor said, putting his phone on the armrest of his throne and looking down at the Minister.

'The Imperial Navy Command wishes to know whether you intend to send a fleet to New Edom?'

'You can tell them I have every intention of sending a fleet to New Edom, but their services shall not be required in this endeavour. Immediately contact Admiral Redmond Sé Newell!'

'Your Grand Imperial Majesty, Admiral Newell retired almost a decade ago.'

'He will have to leave retirement I'm afraid, temporarily of course, please do apologise for the inconvenience. But Admiral Newell's fleet is our only hope.'

'Yes, Your Grand Imperial Majesty. I shall inform Admiral Newell post-haste.' The Minister of Defence, made a quick bow, then turned around and walked quickly towards the door. Halfway towards the door, a pop song started. His Grand Imperial Majesty must be practising a new song.

[New Aeyariss]

*** En Route, 120028LIMAJAN19
Sky: Clouded, Temperature: 3*C, Wind: 5km/ NORTH, Rain: -

Various nations which attempted to make New Edom compliant with their demands regarding the LGBT issues have forgotten just how determined to defend it's ally Shogun Kojiro was going to be. For the Empire of Greater Nifon, this was a crucial matter of national security - one that if not resolved, struck at the Shogunate's very existence.

Far away from crowded harbors filled with enormous ships - children of naval engineering of several Nifonese dockyards - five shapes swimming while keeping distances from each other slowly moved towards Harrison's Trench, as in the west was known one of deepest trenches in the world. The shapes, slowly descending below the waters, would then split out towards various locations they were going to swim to. All of them were the pride of Kaigun; the submarines of the Imperial Nifonese Navy, it's "assassins mace" against the Shogun's enemies. Even when Kaigun operated many aircraft carriers, it were submarines that more appealed to the Imperial Nifonese Navy admirals; their concept of employment, to hide beneath the waves and strike swiftly, then disappear again in the darkness of the vast oceans, just like tigers do when hunting in the jungle, so liked by the Nifonese. The five were Type Kairyu, which, after receiving several upgrades - were about to be combat tested again.

A single screen of five Kairyus, taking totally different avenues of approach, would be dispersed all over the Tempestan ocean. From there, each Kairyu will be assigned it's own area of responsibility, in which it will be responsible for hunting and sinking hostile ships. A coming enemy, no matter of his approach vector, will be bound to impale himself on one of those lethal submarines. Between each zone there would be a small blind spot to prevent the submarines from detecting each other and resulting potential friendly fire. Descending on depth of -125 meters beneath the sea level and finding themselves beneath the thermocline, submarines accelerated to speed of 22 knots, their engines running literally as silent as SSN can, making it a challenge for ASW to detect them. It would take them days to arrive, but certainly, the hunt carried in Tempestan waters will be a beneficial one.

Far above the earth, high in the orbit, several reconnaissance satellites was going to fly over the areas of interest in multiple hostile nations, gazing through it's camera onto the surface, taking photos of every important object. Those orbiting spies orbiting spy would take photos of enemy harbors, intel officers calculating numbers of ships and their identity. Alongside them, the network of ELINT and RORSAT satellites would continue their watch over the oceans. While the RORSAT couldn't identify the individual ships, they could easily pinpoint a massed naval group and set it to be IDed by different means.

All Nifonese intelligence services activated their full spectrum of networks to gather as much information on recent movements as possible. Of course, in case of war new networks were to be created to gather information; but as of now, no war was being declared.

The Shisa has awoken, and nothing could stood on it's path...

ORBAT
- Several reconnaissance satellites
- 5x Kairyu class SSN.
- All Gunpeitai & Tokkeitai and other intelligence services assets.

[Cossack Khanate]

Senate Assembly, Selvik, Cossack Khanate

“In light of the recent grave events in our allies’ lands, I once again find it necessary to address my government, my people, and the world. The scum of the earth have found their path once again to attack civilians, wreck havoc, and disturb peace and order. Just today, the esteemed King James of our ally Vionna-Frankenlisch was injured in a man-made explosion, which also murdered several innocent civilians and soldiers, while injured scores more. The degenerates speak of supposed ‘atrocities’ committed by the righteous, yet they have no shame, no remorse, in standing by as the perpetrators massacre in the hundreds!”

The Imperator, speaking to the assembled 100 Cossack senators, as well as to the array of cameras and microphones, thumped his fist on the podium.

“Nations such as Ardoki and Montenbourg have the audacity to officially condemn New Edom for their actions, vocally support degenerates and neoliberal pests, yet they make no remark about the recent message broadcasted by Homofront. Which says, allow me to remind all of you, that any nation that attacks New Edom or so-called ‘oppressors’ will have the support of hundreds of Homofront terrorists. The governments of Montenbourg and Ardoki seem so eager to condemn Edom and attempt to instigate a godless revolution, yet they seem quite slow, don’t you think, to denounce Homofronts actions!!”

Thundering applause sounded from the Senators in the large chamber.

“The esteemed leader of Carloso said today ‘any attempt to militarily coerce New Edom into bowing to the whims of globalist, neo-liberal tyrants will result in the destruction of every single warship or military asset belonged to you within a 1,000 km radius of New Edom's shoreline.’ I echo his message. The Khanate will not stand idly by as liberals and rainbow scum attempt to imperialize the world in their own, twisted, way. On this day, I say, let us take the first step forward, let us join the noble nations who have defended Edom. Today, I am laying down sanctions on the nations of Ardoki and Montenbourg. The Cossack Ministry of Finance has set forward a bill of economic sanctions that will make it impossible for Cossack goods to reach Ardoki or Montenbourg, and diplomats from both countries will not be given diplomatic special priveledges, they will be treated as a regular traveler. Furthermore, any attempt to move military vessels near Edomite, or allied, waters will result in complete annihilation of those vessels. If that behavior is continued, the Khanate will not flinch in the face of war! Signatu Areinvi!”

With the local motto shouted into the microphone, the Imperator turned his back on the cheering Senate crowd.

Khadushov, Lanorth

Ambassador Camilla Soun walked through the clean Tyronian airport, taking the diplomatic line, followed by her two burly Cossack guards. After exiting the airport, she would climb into a luxury diplomatic vehicle and head to Zhaburn, the diplomatic center of Lanorth.


Cossack Autonomous Colony of Dzera, Cossack Khanate

Sergeant Steven Omarov knew that this mission was important, his first high-risk mission. His unit was detached from the Dzeran National Forces, to act in place of Special Police. They had received information of an illegal protest gathering in a border warehouse, sitting just 200 meters away from the communist-owned wastelands on the other side of the border. His unit drove 4 jeeps, armed with CF-20 bullpup SMGs, S&K-17 SMGs, as well as various pistols and rifles. He sat in shotgun, anxious for the situation up ahead...

Official Communique of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Encryption: Level as appropriate to officials involved

To: Appropriate officials of the governments of Greater Nifon, Carloso, and Vionna-Frankenlisch

From: Minister Ryan Vehr, Foreign Affairs, Cossack Khanate


Dear Sirs/Madams,


In the light of all of our nations having to take a stronger stance against the actions of foreign state and non-state actors, Ardoki and Montenbourg, and Homofront, respectively, the government of the Khanate wishes to delve into deeper ties with both of your nations. I believe that our nations must cooperate to both defend Edom, as well as defend our own lands. To Vionna-Frankenlisch especially, my deepest condolences concerning the most recent attack on your noble citizens. To prevent such an atrocity from happanning in the future, I propose a meeting of sorts between ourselves, and I eagerly await your responses.

Signed,

Minister Ryan Vehr

[The Pan-Asian National Coalition]

The PANC supports the handling of the protest.We are neutral on the issue, but the protest was an uncivilized excuse for a request for civil change. The cultural decadence was appalling. The PANC thinks New Edom's citizens should try to solve their issues by directly communicating with local governments.

[Montenbourg]

Joint Declaration on the Situation of New Edom

The attention of the Governments of The Greater Ardokian Empire of Ardoki, The Neo- British Empire and The Kingdom of Montenbourg has been drawn to numerous reports from Edomite Freedom Coalition, officials of The Order of the Purple Cross, and The Fineberg Petition Group for Civil Rights and Freedoms; that the New Edom authorities, not content with denying to persons LGBTI in all the territories over which their barbarous rule has been extended the most elementary human rights, are now carrying into effect General Adam Nicanor's repeated intention to emigrate and exterminate LGBTI people in their soil, in conditions of appalling horror and brutality. The able-bodied are slowly worked to death in labour camps, because their system accuse them of not complying with their law. The infirm are left to die of exposure and starvation or are deliberately massacred in mass executions, and the others are forced to emigrate. The number of victims of these bloody cruelties is reckoned in many hundreds of thousands of entirely innocent men, women and children.

The above mentioned Governments condemn in the strongest possible terms this bestial policy of cold-blooded extermination. They declare that such events can only strengthen the resolve of all freedom loving peoples to overthrow the barbarous Nicanorian Edomite tyranny. They re-affirm their solemn resolution to ensure that those responsible for these crimes shall not escape retribution, and to press on with the necessary practical measures to this end.



.

[Montenbourg]

Montenbourg
His Majesty's Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Sir Carter Duncan
Under-Minister of Foreign Affairs
"Press Briefing on the Situation of New Edom"
Ministry of Foreign Affairs "Palace of Westfalia"
February 13, 2019

DUNCAN: Thank you. Thank you, everybody for coming today. On the situation in New Edom, we open questions..
QUESTION: Under-Minister.
DUNCAN: Yes, Sir.

QUESTION: Among the countries that where publicly condemning the declarations of Montenbourg, and other countries has offered their diplomacies in order to help in the crisis. Is the Kingdom thinking to work with them, or is the Kingdom of Montenbourg asking them to recognize the Joint Demands of Ardoki and Montenbourg? What’s the position of the Palace of Westfalia with these countries?
DUNCAN: Well, we think every country ought to recognize the situation in New Edom. We think every country ought to recognize the human rights of all, and the demands of their people. So whether it is Greater Nifon, Carloso, and Vionna-Frankenlisch or any other country, we hope to work with them to achieve the sense that we can ultimately have a respectful New Edom whom defends Human Rights above all else, where the voices of the Edomite people who, under the Nicanor regime, have been starved. Millions refugees have fled the horrors of the regime. We think every country ought to take steps towards achieving that, and not side with this cruel oppression in New Edom who has caused so much devastation for the people of New Edom. And if they think that is not oppression, we will not establish any type of relation with the so-called Santiago Pact members.

QUESTION: Are their allegations true? is Montenbourg a communist country?
DUNCAN: Never, The Kingdom is and will always be a Federal-Parliamentarian Democracy under our Constitutional Monarchy.These allegations are false fueled by the nationalist propaganda of the santiago pact members, it's truly a shame.

QUESTION: Are you afraid of violence against Montenbourgian citizens in New Edom?
DUNCAN: We just always review our security situation. It’s something we take with the utmost seriousness. That’s everywhere, and as situations on the ground change, we update our posture to make sure that we’ve got the right people to deliver our diplomatic mission in the place that they find themselves, and they do so in a secure way.

QUESTION: Greater Nifon, Carloso, and Vionna-Frankenlisch and others all of these governments warned the Kingdom of Montenbourg to not be involved in the New Edom situation.
DUNCAN:Yeah, it’s quite a crew, isn’t it? It’s quite a crew. The democracies of the world have all joined on the same side. They understand that the Edomite people deserve a democracy, and I hope every free nation will come to see that the path forward involves making sure that we look out for the Edomite people.

QUESTION: What’s the exit door that you foresee for General Nicanor and the Council of Ministers in case the do not met the demands?
DUNCAN: We’re going to make sure that the Edomite people get to have their voice that will ultimately decide the leadership that they want inside of their country. We’ll have to see how things proceed with respect to it, and ultimately, this will be a decision for the Edomite people, right? These – this is their country; this is their effort. It was the Edomites LGBT who are in the streets. It’s their process. The Kingdom of Montenbourg is aiming to make sure that they get a chance to do so in safety and security, and we’ve now identified resources – $20 million – to provide humanitarian assistance, demonstrating once again that the Kingdom of Montenbourg is a real force for good for the New Edom people. We intend to remain so.

QUESTION: What’s the message, final message for the LGBTI people in New Edom, and their citizens?
DUNCAN: We’re with you. The Kingdom of Montenbourg support you. We want you to have a path forward. We want you to choose your leadership and we want a better life for you. We stand ready to help you secure those rights that each of the Edomites people ask.

QUESTION: I have to finish this interview asking you again: Prime Minister Bettel said many times all the options are on the table.Is Military – all the options are on the table. What military option means?
DUNCAN: We’re intent on delivering good outcomes for the Edomite people. His Majesty's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in the lead in ensuring that happens. I expect we will continue to be, but Prime Minister Bettel's made clear we’re committed to this process and will remain so.

[Lanorth]

The Tyronian Army in parade uniform, which has recently been mobilised around the island.

---

---

The Tyronian Government have been made aware of recent mobilisations of foreign armies across seas to fend off an invasion threat, and Lanorth is a country that has been viewed by several navies and has been classed as a threat. Chancellor Synrush of Lanorth wants Lanorth to strictly remain neutral in this possible conflict, so there will be no official reason for invasion. The Government have set up a 'checkpoint' around the Tyronian Sea, which allows no Air Force or Navy of any foreign nation to enter Tyronian waters or airspace.

When the Tyronian Government received a report from a Tyronian naval vessel that a few unidentified naval vessels from a completely different country, they were enraged. They have decided to enact Operation: Point-Blank. Operation: Point-Blank gives the Tyronian Air Force and Navy complete permission to fire at unidentified aircraft or vessel that enters Tyronian territory, from close or distant range, thus giving the Operation the name Point-Blank, as in, Point-Blank range.

20,000 men and women from the Tyronian Army have been mobilised around the island to fight off a possible invasion from other nations. Their role is to witness the invasion, report it, fight it until reinforcements arrive, or, if necessary, die. The Chancellor was urged to evacuate the island for the time being, but she refused, stating that invasion was unlikely, but supported the mobilisation. She prefers to have a safe island than a sorry island.

This Operation has also been issued to all nations as a threat, and the Tyronian are not afraid to kill and/or destroy anything or anyone that enters Tyronian territory. Further updates expected soon.

[Ardoki]

---

Alistair Killian Moriarty
@DrAKMoriarty

LOCATION: Ardea, Ardoki
PROFESSION: Singer, Musician, Dancer, Choreographer, Actor, Entrepreneur, Businessman, Politician, Grand Emperor of the Ardokians

---

This whole situation in New Edom reminds me of the Chilean Incident. Has the government of New Edom not learnt what happens when you stand in the way of equal rights for LGBT individuals?

I do not wish for a war with New Edom. As a pacifist, I'm the first to do all in my power to prevent conflict. I just want to help.

---

Another brilliant product from the Alistair Moriarty Entertainment Company.

---

---

RECIPIENT(S): Governments of all involved countries
SENDER: Fionn Cormac Cleary, Minister of External Affairs
SUBJECT: Diplomatic Conference

---

His Grand Imperial Majesty desires dialogue between your country and all other involved parties, in order to prevent any future conflict. Of course, the Greater Ardokian Empire is opposed to any intervention in New Edom. However, there are other countries who are deeply concerned about your country's reaction to a peaceful protest and may seek action. His Grand Imperial Majesty wishes to prevent this, with dialogue.

His Grand Imperial Majesty has a private island, which could be used to hold a diplomatic conference. Or, if everyone would prefer, a neutral country could host it?

Choose wisely.

---

Foreign Affairs Department, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of the Greater Ardokian Empire

[American Pere Housh]

Senate Assembly, Selvik, Cossack Khanate

“In light of the recent grave events in our allies’ lands, I once again find it necessary to address my government, my people, and the world. The scum of the earth have found their path once again to attack civilians, wreck havoc, and disturb peace and order. Just today, the esteemed King James of our ally Vionna-Frankenlisch was injured in a man-made explosion, which also murdered several innocent civilians and soldiers, while injured scores more. The degenerates speak of supposed ‘atrocities’ committed by the righteous, yet they have no shame, no remorse, in standing by as the perpetrators massacre in the hundreds!”

The Imperator, speaking to the assembled 100 Cossack senators, as well as to the array of cameras and microphones, thumped his fist on the podium.

“Nations such as Ardoki and Montenbourg have the audacity to officially condemn New Edom for their actions, vocally support degenerates and neoliberal pests, yet they make no remark about the recent message broadcasted by Homofront. Which says, allow me to remind all of you, that any nation that attacks New Edom or so-called ‘oppressors’ will have the support of hundreds of Homofront terrorists. The governments of Montenbourg and Ardoki seem so eager to condemn Edom and attempt to instigate a godless revolution, yet they seem quite slow, don’t you think, to denounce Homofronts actions!!”

Thundering applause sounded from the Senators in the large chamber.

“The esteemed leader of Carloso said today ‘any attempt to militarily coerce New Edom into bowing to the whims of globalist, neo-liberal tyrants will result in the destruction of every single warship or military asset belonged to you within a 1,000 km radius of New Edom's shoreline.’ I echo his message. The Khanate will not stand idly by as liberals and rainbow scum attempt to imperialize the world in their own, twisted, way. On this day, I say, let us take the first step forward, let us join the noble nations who have defended Edom. Today, I am laying down sanctions on the nations of Ardoki and Montenbourg. The Cossack Ministry of Finance has set forward a bill of economic sanctions that will make it impossible for Cossack goods to reach Ardoki or Montenbourg, and diplomats from both countries will not be given diplomatic special priveledges, they will be treated as a regular traveler. Furthermore, any attempt to move military vessels near Edomite, or allied, waters will result in complete annihilation of those vessels. If that behavior is continued, the Khanate will not flinch in the face of war! Signatu Areinvi!”

With the local motto shouted into the microphone, the Imperator turned his back on the cheering Senate crowd.

Khadushov, Lanorth

Ambassador Camilla Soun walked through the clean Tyronian airport, taking the diplomatic line, followed by her two burly Cossack guards. After exiting the airport, she would climb into a luxury diplomatic vehicle and head to Zhaburn, the diplomatic center of Lanorth.


Cossack Autonomous Colony of Dzera, Cossack Khanate

Sergeant Steven Omarov knew that this mission was important, his first high-risk mission. His unit was detached from the Dzeran National Forces, to act in place of Special Police. They had received information of an illegal protest gathering in a border warehouse, sitting just 200 meters away from the communist-owned wastelands on the other side of the border. His unit drove 4 jeeps, armed with CF-20 bullpup SMGs, S&K-17 SMGs, as well as various pistols and rifles. He sat in shotgun, anxious for the situation up ahead...

Official Communique of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Encryption: Level as appropriate to officials involved

To: Appropriate officials of the governments of Greater Nifon, Carloso, and Vionna-Frankenlisch

From: Minister Ryan Vehr, Foreign Affairs, Cossack Khanate


Dear Sirs/Madams,


In the light of all of our nations having to take a stronger stance against the actions of foreign state and non-state actors, Ardoki and Montenbourg, and Homofront, respectively, the government of the Khanate wishes to delve into deeper ties with both of your nations. I believe that our nations must cooperate to both defend Edom, as well as defend our own lands. To Vionna-Frankenlisch especially, my deepest condolences concerning the most recent attack on your noble citizens. To prevent such an atrocity from happanning in the future, I propose a meeting of sorts between ourselves, and I eagerly await your responses.

Signed,

Minister Ryan Vehr

The Confederacy of American Pere Housh would like to ask if we could be of any assistance to SACTO to battle these Homofront terrorists.

[American Pere Housh]

The APH government has announced today at 9:52 EST that the group Homofront is a foreign terrorist organization. Any citizen of the APH who are caught being members of said organization will be put to death for treason. All non-citizens will be treated as enemy combatants and thus be treated as such by the Entire APH armed forces. To the Homofront leaders, we will find you and kill every single one of you. The APH Armed Forces now stand Defcon 3 in preparation for this new War on Terror.

[Common Territories]

Holy Empire of New Edom Airspace.
Corporal Albrecht Dawson, Imperion Coalition Foreign Legion.
Operation: Holy Resolve.

Dawson had an unnerving feeling running through every fiber of his being. Violently shaking about, he sat in a confined seat paralyzed - an unwilling passenger in whatever vehicle he found himself in. He felt hot, sweating bullets at this point, and the unpleasant view of bright lights and a muddy dirt track ahead of him only brought back unpleasant memories of his childhood. Extended family living in the countryside of New Konigsberg were as wild as they came; rednecks who partied harder than was sometimes legally permitted. Booze, fighting, sports, guns, there was nothing really off-limits to those party animals. Even as a small child they forced him to ride in their off-road vehicles on sometimes dangerous paths; pick-up trucks, four-wheelers, dune buggies, even dirt bikes had become mad-maxian death traps in Dawson's underage eyes. It was with sudden realization while deep in thought that woke Dawson up to the fact this was yet another occurrence of what he called the "off-road dream." Not a nightmare now that he was an adult, but still unpleasant to experience because of the phobia he had built up as a child for riding in off-road vehicles. While awake they didn't bother him anymore, finding some powerful vehicles enticing like any red-blooded man would, but in his dreams these damned contraptions haunted him still. Ironic when you consider how, as a Legionnaire, Dawson rode in similar off-road capable vehicles and flew in other crazy transportation aircraft but didn't have such repulsive reactions to them awake. Asleep, however, was different for some reason. Falling asleep on long flights or during long drives always guaranteed the off-road dream. It was like the motion of the vehicle itself reminded Dawson's subconscience of the trauma he undergone during his childhood; jolts in trucks and planes tend to do that to you if you've been involved in a couple off-road crashes/flips after all.

This time Dawson was actually awoken by someone - a miracle in disguise one could say. It was the man sitting to his left, who although looked equally tired was awake now and proceeding to wake Dawson up. He again smacked Dawson with the back of his hand against his front carrier to get his attention after not getting a reply the first time. "Eyes open, numbnuts." the man mockingly hollered to Dawson over the plane's engines. The man was Nickolaus Heinrichs, a corporal in the Imperion Coalition Foreign Legion who served as his squad's second medic. He too was a New Celisian, finding his way to the Legion by volunteering after failing to find a hospital willing to put up with his "freedom loving" personality; adventure and benefits were what he sought in service, the rest were either extra goodies or additional baggage. Everyone loved a combat medic in the private industry anyways; so the idea was to do a tour, maybe considering moving using said benefits to another Imperion nation, and settling down finally. If he could save a life on a battlefield, saving one at home was essentially a cinch - or so he hoped most employers would believe anyways.

"Im awake, im awake. What is it Heins?" Dawson replied groggily, still half-awake and trying to rub the gunk built up over his eyes.

"CO says we're one hour out from landing. Wake up, organize your shit, and be ready to disembark by then. Pass it along the line too."

With that exchange quickly ended, Heins went back to his own business. Between rubbing and smacking his face to hasten the process of waking up, Dawson observed Heins doing a quick double-check of his gear; he made sure his bag was there and was fully secured, that his rifle was also present and not messed with, and made sure his additional medical bags were locked onto his main rig and weren't tampered with either. There really wasn't much to do considering everyone got on together and rarely moved about; with exception to the refueling stops and getting up to use the bathroom on the plane, everyone was glued to their seats for almost three days straight. It was mind numbing at times to say the least. Unable to move much and not having an assignment was the pinnacle of modern military service - or at least a cruel reality checking stereotype. That said, it was Dawson's turn to do the same. After adequately waking himself up, Dawson tapped on the shoulder of the man next to him. He was awake but didn't bother saying his name since he had earbuds on. Private Christoph Carl, the man sitting to Dawson's right, was his squad's designated marksman and he too was from New Celisia; just like Heins, Carl joined the Legion to seek adventure and reward. Although his end-goal was more along the lines of adding experience to his bucket list, Carl had always been as serious as a heart attack while on duty - not so much as a joke or goof-up while on duty. Carl was also an avid reader, something he grew up enjoying to both pass time and learn new things from. So when he got the time, he read whatever he could. He can't keep many books at one time, but Carl supposedly had a library back home with all the books he's personally read; although he can't take many out into the field, he always carries a copy of the Bible on him under his chest plate - if God didn't save him from a bullet then his thick book should, or so Carl hoped. On trips like these he brings a handheld ebook with him. The thing is apparently packed full of books, magazines, articles, and comics which he typically reads or listens to on long flights or drives. Dawson could only be jealous of Carl because he didn't think of bringing something similar with him when he left to enlist in the Legion. The service limited the selection of devices and objects they could own/bring with them while serving, but even if it were an ebook or small hand-held game system, anything would be a God-send at times like these. At least with an ebook you wouldn't have to be content with the sound of engine noises and random chatter - counting to one million gets old real quick. Carl was surprised for a moment not expecting the stimuli, but pulled off his left ear's earbud. Dawson passed on the same message he was told to convey and told Carl to pass it along as well. And with that the cycle continued.

As the SA-95 Taube approached its destination, so to did other SA-95 planes delivering people and equipment related to the 14th and 21st Regiments. The entirety of both units hadn't arrived yet, but it would be a matter of a day or two before the last flight had arrived. Dawson could feel the plane descending as it neared its final destination, his ears popping from the altitude changing. Everyone, who had up until an hour ago were chatting like birds, suddenly went quiet knowing they were getting close to landing - the time for leisure had ended. When the notice came that they were on final approach everyone stiffened up, knowing they would land within minutes and thus were having their nerves tested for the first time this deployment. Then it came. A small thud under them followed by another shortly afterwards. The wheels had touched the pavement on the runway and they were gradually slowing down to taxi speeds - perfect a landing as anyone could pray for. Now that they had successfully landed, the plane was being ushered to a private parking area where it could reverse into and await refueling while it unloaded its cargo. After a few minutes of not moving and presumably being parked, plane crew could be seen opening side doors at the rear of the plane and exiting; the crew likely went to throw down wheel locks and work with ground crew to bring a staircase and fuel lines. Once the all clear was given the order to stand was handed down moments after. The rear door slowly collapsed and lowered to form a ramp exit for passengers to exit. Finally presented with freedom, everyone was ordered to disembark and form up with their units behind the plane for further instructions from the COs.

Exiting the plane in a single-file line, fresh air rushed to fill the cabin through any and all entrances it could access. Dawson's first thought after stepping off the plane was "Holy fuck it's hot here." Unlike the weather back from where they left, in New Edom it was around eighty degrees Fahrenheit on average all year round. On a hot tarmac like this one under the blazing Sun it felt like standing under a waterfall of lava. It was almost exactly one hundred degrees hotter than where they originally came from. Everyone was still wearing their winter gear in some shape or form as they formed up in lines according to their units. But as everyone got in place, it was a mad dash to shed layers before the sweat killed them. Tolerating the heat was one thing they learned in training, but willingly defying it was idiotic to try. COs didn't stop anyone nor did they blame them - they too took layer after layer off. Only problem is that everyone had to take off their vests so they could remove their winter uniform jackets, their under shirt warmth layer, and the winter-proof clothing they could manage to carry while still there. It would presumably be indecent if they took anything off bellow the belt even for a moment (ironic as they have been in New Edom of all places), so they had to bear with warm legs for the time being. What was left of their winter clothing were the long-sleeved uniform shirts they wore and some choose to keep their scarfs and combat gloves on for the sake of countering the sun's rays. Hot as it may be, they were not unaccustomed to heat since part of their training consisted of desert survival school; even so, many were preconditioned for the cold, so this level of heat was uncomfortable to say the least.

"A belated, but nonetheless, welcome to Fineberg International Airport, Holy Empire of New Edom gentleman!" a crisp but loud voice hollered over the noise of the busy airport. It was Lieutenant General Wes Durand. He too had shed off much of his winter uniform and now sported the Foreign Legion's signature dark-gray military beret instead of the kevlar helmet he had left with. "I know it's uncomfortable for many of you right now - a long trip only to be greeted by an open oven to say the least - but we will get everyone setup with proper summer uniforms when they arrive to their posts later on."

A pilot approached Durand from behind and whispered in his ear for a moment only to walk back into the plane just as quickly as he came. "Our sister flights should be touching down shortly it seems. Your Captain will brief you on the specifics of your stay here in New Edom, but I wished to give a strategic outline to you all since this is where we will part ways. To make long story as short as possible, 14th and 21st Regiments are joining the 42nd, 31st, and 38th Regiments in New Edom for a... temporary deployment. As you all have already been briefed on, all five regiments are being temporarily assigned together to assemble the Imperion Coalition Foreign Legion's 1st Division for the purpose of enhanced regional organization. I don't have to explain to you seriousness of that decision from on top, but for those who have not met me I am Wes Durand, Lieutenant General for this operation and thus the commanding officer for all Foreign Legion forces in New Edom at this current time. To sum up your Regiment's portion of Operation: Holy Resolve: 14th Regiment, along with 21st Regiment, will be deployed south-west of Fineberg along the coastline. For the time being, both regiments will be housed at Tyrannis Naval Base with any extra-capacity personnel being housed in tent facilities we may need to erect. Both regiments will be split into two different zones of operation along the coast and will coordinate with New Edomite forces on the ground during your stay. Once there you will be assigned liaison officers from New Edom along with briefings by their staff on the essentials of what your duties will be while in New Edom. Your mission while in New Edom is security first, training second. Although we can't be certain if hostiles will present themselves, if they do, you men will be among the first faces to greet them on the ground. To ensure the security of New Edom, both regiments will be conducting joint patrols to help gain valuable terrain familiarity and establish a security presence on the ground; conduct or partake in training drills with New Edomite forces to enhance both sides' readiness; and finally, to adequately integrate with local New Edomite forces to enhance their military capabilities. Remainder of 1st Division will perform their intended duties in New Edom as they have done so since their stationing here. This will include the deployment of 31st Regiment to Fineberg itself to assist in security operations being undertaken by the New Edomites and the 42nd and 38th Regiments remaining at their posts in the far east to provide additional security against the looming Deadoran threat. Furthermore, you all may encounter countrymen and foreign forces who are friendly to New Edom as both Imperion members and regional allies come to the aid of New Edom against foreign threats. Of course we are here to serve New Edom's interests, but remember we serve the Coalition and its member states before anyone else. With that all said and out of the way, I wish to thank you men for your service and to express the honor I feel to serve with you. Serving as your commander for this illustrious new unit will be one of the brightest memories I will cherish in my hopefully long life. Now salute to the Coalition!" Durand clapped his boots together and saluted the Company of men in front of him.

"Hail to the Coalition and its shepherds, the Monarchs!" everyone present chanted in unison, mirroring their commander's salute.

With Durand's little speech out of the way, he was quickly ushered to a short line of private cars waiting for him and his staff near the plane. They seemed to have slithered in without notice and had familiar faces surrounding them - Foreign Legionnaires. Unlike the poor sweat drenched souls outside the plane, these Legionnaires were in full dress attire and not combat dress. The uniform started with a military decorative coat in the Imperion's primary shade of gray, paired with white gloves and a dark-gray military beret; if they were to hide their identifies or keep warm, the Legion had ballistic masks and other coverings available to Legionnaires for use. A sleek decorative black pair of pants featured a double stripe pattern running down the outside of the legs, both stripes filled entirely with a dark shade of gold. Boots of the decorative variety were standard issue, though bright and black leather as they may appear, they were also suitable for military use as well. Underneath their jacket was their Verteidiger vest and associated combat equipment. Although many would be thrown off by its high level of decoration and customization, it served well as both body armor and a chest carrier; although you could simply open the jacket to fully access the vest, you could also reach inside with ease - if the situation required it, removing the jacket was a simple process too. Last but not least, the decorative uniform featured a half-cape that covered the wearers right upper torso; the black cloak had a dark-gold trim and served as a piece to further decorate to the overall uniform. The cape served other purposes, however. Their practical uses including keeping Legionnaires comfortably warm in cold environments or shaded from the sun in hotter climates, a deceptive cloak to hide the Legionnaires primary defensive weapon, the SM Stinger PDW, when properly held, and to deflect casings downwards when firing said weapons (in public spaces, flying hot brass could spell trouble, especially in narrow spaces where Legionnaires in dress uniform are posted). Even while standing perfectly still in their alert stance surrounding the set of vehicles Dawson could spot the small weapons hidden under their cloaks, though it was probably easier to spot them for him considering he too was taught in their use. Guessing by the Imperion Coalition seal found all over the vehicles, they were likely cars owned by the headquarters here in New Edom and were sent to escort the Lieutenant General to said headquarters, Dawson thought at least.

It was quickly understood that they would be waiting for their vehicles to land and be unloaded, fueled up, and they would immediately leave for Tyrannis Naval Base as soon as they could. While the chain of command did their thing and briefed everyone one step of the latter at a time, everyone else had to suffer and wait in the hot Sun. The loud roaring of aircraft, the stares of civilians above and nearby from windows curious to the spectacle beholding them, and finally, the first sister plane with their Company's vehicles on board unloading said vehicles in a nearby parking area. Of course the plane could only carry sixteen of their Fuchs so they had to wait for their second sister plane to land with the remaining vehicles and additional equipment/supplies now. By the time it all came to an end, 2nd Company and 5th Reconnaissance Platoon (who flew along with 2nd Company on this flight) had to wait two hours on the blistering hot tarmac for everything to finally arrive and be unloaded. Finally, every squad was assigned to a vehicle, a course set, and a convoy of twenty something trucks was finally underway. A long start to an already long day.

---

To: Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister; The Kingdom of Montenbourg. Fionn Cormac Cleary, Minister of External Affairs; Greater Ardokian Empire. And To Those It May Concern From: Emperor JC, Emperor of TECT & Imperial Marshal of the Imperion Coalition. Subject: New Edomite Riots & Diplomatic Situation. Encryption: None. Dear Mr. Bettel, Cleary, and of course the viewing world, On behalf of His Imperial Royal Majesty Emperor JC, Imperial Marshal of the Imperion Coalition, I must personally express our collective disgust at your abhorrent attempts to conquer the Empire of New Edom. We're not sure what's more disgusting, the crocodile tears on full display as requests are being respectfully met or the sheer audacity to proclaim your nations as monarchies with just causes. It's funny really. One nation proclaims democracy to be the greatest achievement mankind has ever achieved while the other is a communist state with a pop singer as its dictator - one that I mite add is lecturing others on human rights violations when it makes genocide a popular trade. Yet your governments have the nerve to say you're monarchies. There is nothing monarchist about either of your nations, and if you believe no one sees through your dubious actions intended to conquer the Holy Empire of New Edom, you're frankly mistaken. Leaders with empty titles with fancy jewelry adorned to fancy crowns just makes you fraudulent dictators with extreme fetishes. You shame the very name monarchy with your existence. But at least you're not one of these so called "allies" of New Edom who secretly work in the shadows to usurp their allies for regional conquest. If you believe the Imperion Coalition doesn't see one of its missions goals, conquest, being undertaken by multiple parties present, you're all dead wrong. But let me address both of the nations I've specifically addressed individually. Montenbourg, the great democracy that thinks itself a monarchy. So great that it needs to reference things a monarch is responsible for but can't help espouse their true darling: Democracy. Democracy, the plaything of dictators, mobs, and unruly citizenry bent on civil war and chaos. The very same government system that puts the heads of monarchs in woven baskets and usurps the very fabric of royal rule. Throughout every communique your government has issued, it has been made perfectly clear your government values democracy over monarchy, even if that means throwing aside a country's rightful rulers. Your devotion to that far-leftist garbage pile that is the World Assembly is proof enough that your "king" has whored out his own people to the degenerate hordes of leftism; or do your people perhaps enjoy being ruled by an oligarchy of far-leftists from around the globe? Not only is this the case, you assault New Edom's honor on behalf of a population that doesn't even make up three percent of the national population - that's around three million New Edomites give or take when not factoring in those who've immigrated recently. Excusing the gender dysphoria disorder patients, I would argue that number drops even further. New Edom has opened an investigation, has answered every concerned question thrown its way, and presented citizens who wish to leave an open opportunity to do so. Yet democracies, communists, and other slaves to the left (or those still in the closet like yourselves) are unsatisfied even as Homofront bombs kill more Edomites and target national leaders in others. Cite whichever body you wish to and condemn New Edom however many times you wish to, but your underhanded conquest of New Edom to install far-left radicals will never happen. Just as the forces of the far-left have failed to usurp my Emperor, even as they spent trillions of NSD on radical terrorism to do so, so shall you fail with New Edom. But most disturbing of all, look at your government sucking the teet of the Ardoki popstars. You're so hellbent on installing gay councils that you condoned the conquest of New Edom by communist in black robes bent on murdering as many people as possible. Ardoki has a long and infamous track record for human rights violations that you proclaim to fight against. Executions (and worse) based on conservative beliefs and ethnicity, citizenry forced to become gay to fill its ninety percent LGBT quota among other brainwashing programs, and a trail of corpses so long that it could stack them kilometers high and thick. The mere fact that you support the idea of Ardokian communist party officials being sent to New Edom to defacto rule over the Holy Empire is despicable, as is your agreement that New Edom needs to cut ties with its allies unless they're far-left, democracy loving, cretins whose only interest is the exploitation of New Edom and its people; or of course the worshiping of anything mentally ill or not at the bottom of the progressive latter. If you're so hell bent on chopping the heads off monarchs and their ministers, you don't have far to look. Start with your own damn country first. How about this food for thought? The Imperion Coalition demands Montenbourg undergo the removal of all democratic institutions in its borders within four days to properly restore the monarchy to its truest and fullest position of power as the sole authority over its people. Imperion will of course send its Foreign Legion to ensure the process is undertaken and enforced, that children are taken and raised to properly love the Crown, and they too will force the government to adopt strict monarchist policies that worship the Crown. If any citizens are seen as being disloyal to the Crown, they are punished ruthlessly. Of course you must abandon your allies who say these policies are awful and the World Assembly itself to truly protect yourselves from potential threats. If you do not accept these reasonable terms in four days, a combined Imperion fleet will "patrol" outside your waters until you do and your nation will be met with a total embargo designed to isolate your backwards nation. How does this threat sound? Does it make the noggin start joggin yet? If not, please follow along as we address the Greater Ardokiian Empire next. Ardoki, a classic cesspit of human debauchery and disgusting policies aimed at controlling every little things for the amusement of some oligarchs in power. Your people serve you but you don't serve them back. Never have I seen such a deeply poetic, hilariously ironic, and absolutely putrid diplomatic letter in all my years of service to the Empire. A nation that calls out another nation for human rights violations with the accuser being more guilty than the accused; one even smug enough to brag of its past genocidal history hours later online. A nation so well known for executing conservatives, brainwashing and indoctrinating its citizens, and committing mass murder that it boggles the mind how anyone in position of power has the gall to stand on a soapbox and preach such nonsense. I believe we're all old enough to remember the Jezzine Massacre in Lebanon that killed millions of Christians. Ardoki sent ordinary civilians who were only guilty of traditional values and being Chilean to death camps where they worked, tortured, and raped men, women, and children to death. A nation guilty of murdering and crucifying five million Chileans has no right to espouse its morally superior human rights record. And as if to kick a Chileans more, Ardoki is guilty of shooting down a civilian airliner, targeting it solely based on the aircraft's status as a civilian Chilean airliner. But lets not forget the many human experiments Ardoki has conducted on unwilling victims over the years, or the other genocides the government conducted on other peoples, or even the brutality against its own people in the past. Stop me if im rambling, but I think a nation that brutally murders (among other horrendous acts) people based on their differing political views, religious status, and ethnic background is no better than one that does it based on sexual orientation in your collective eyes, especially when the kill count is over one hundred million percent higher. Unlike New Edom, Ardoki is a fake monarchy that does actually go out of its way to harm its own people, even if its favorite targets are foreigners; wondering off sometimes to commit genocides against foreigners once every full Moon is to be expected after all. Anyone with working brain cells can see Ardoki for what it truly is: a communist dictatorship bent on spreading its disgusting communist pop-star music and ideals to other nations in its not-so-grand attempt to conquer the world. The Ardokian government is responsible for the brutal murder of countless millions, possibly hundreds of millions, and the equally guilty of oppressing a similar number of people. Like a parasite sucking blood from its victim, the Ardokians see a wounded animal they can latch onto and they hold on until they're killed or forced to retreat. Unfortunately for the Ardokians, New Edom is not the wounded animal people believe it be. Assuming your and other embargoes go through, you will be shocked to realize they have no affect on nations you have no trade relationships with and how other nations of the world wont buy into this conspiracy you're trying to manipulate. You mite as well be getting a divorce from your wife who never existed in the first place, and then expect sympathy handouts from strangers who feel bad about your divorce. The utter gall your government has is atrocious beyond belief and could kill a person it's so toxic. First you grandstand as if your nation is in the moral high ground, then you make a list of demands that includes putting political officers in charge of New Edom, demand it renounce allies that you dislike, and in your last breath you make a vile threat to send warships to attack New Edom. Between your fake monarchy and these latest threats to a member nation, we in the Imperion Coalition don't know which is more abhorrently disgusting. It's like comparing which animal feces is the worst imaginable - at the end of the day, it's still a lug of animal crap. So lets get down to business. Lets wad through this dunghill and come to cleaner pastures. These list of demands will not be met nor will they ever. New Edom has already put in effort to seek justice and is committed to obliterating the terrorist scum who perpetrated these latest attacks. If that doesn't satisfy your bleeding hearts and crocodile tears, nothing will and you should get used to it. These latest calls for "negotiations" are vague and unclear. What's to negotiate here that hasn't already been mentioned? You can condemn all you like, enact ineffective embargoes if you wish, and holler until it makes you dollar, but New Edom wont change to your far-leftist ideals; no amount of disgusting "balls" and atrocious pop concerts will entice the Holy Empire to forgo the will of its people or the sovereignty it cherishes. There's nothing to negotaite over, there's no settlement to be reached, and there certainly isn't any reason to do either of those two. Although both Ardoki and Montenbourg can throw as many fits as they please over "LGBT rights", at least they are brave enough to do it openly. The only compliment I will ever have for either of your nations because some nations, not to name names, are too cowardly to publicly voice their attempts to conquer New Edom. But here's something both Ardoki and Montenbourg will have to get used to if they wish to do business with an Imperion Coalition member ever again (which I don't ironically assume to happen since from experience, TECT has no record of diplomatic or economic relations with either Ardoki or Montenbourg): From henceforth, by Decree of the Imperial Marshal of the Imperion Coalition, we will guarantee trade with both Ardoki and Montenbourg for as long as they wish to. We are not savage enough to deny our fine products and services to needy parasites such as yourselves after all. But in return for not embargoing both nations (or any who wish to jump on this adventure to embargo New Edom), a tariff of one thousand percent is levied on all goods, services, and transactions originating from targeted nations or entities from them - including nations who wish to join in their crusade for Fineberg. We believe this is more than a fair compromise considering two of monarchy's greatest enemies, democracy and communism, have made loathsome threats to one of Imperion's distinguished members. Speaking of threats posed to the Imperion Coalition and its members. "The Imperial Ardokian Navy may send a fleet to patrol international waters around New Edom." We would happily welcome the Ardokians, and anyone else wishing to join them, to Cornellian waters! Their vessels, upon arrival, will be met with gifts traveling much faster than the speed of sound. Once delivered, your vessels will make excellent coral reefs after they're sent to the bottom of the ocean! Thank you in advance for contributing to Cornellia's aquatic ecosystem! Imperion doesn't mince words often, so let me reiterate this once more in a serious tone. If the Greater Ardokian Empire desires to send warships to "patrol around" New Edom, especially after threatening to conquer New Edom, we will not hesitate to send these warships to the bottom of the ocean where they belong. Unlike you spit-shining two-faced politicians, Imperion is very serious about its affairs and takes threats to its members very seriously. We wont be nice and ask you not to come, we wont come over the radio and ask you to go away, and we for sure wont sail up to your vessels to share coffee and snacks. The only warning you will receive are from sensor operators who will inform the rest of your crews your last few moments alive will be a painful one. We don't need an excuse to kill an enemy promising to kill us first. Remember that when your vessels sink, and your crews die, that when you demand survivors be rescued, we will only do so if you're willing to pay the ransom per head we manage to rescue from the sharks. Of course if we do bother to rescue anyone and you don't wish to pay said ransom, we could always find a slave business looking to restock its merchandise. Imperion takes threats so serious that a combined Imperion Coalition fleet is already in transit to visit New Edom as we speak and will be awaiting your forces when they decide to approach the region. We don't care about your international norms, your so called international laws, what you consider are proper rules for warfare, and for all we care, the World Assembly is a trash heap waiting for a garbage fire to put it out. If you dare to bring arms against the Imperion Coalition and its members, expect nothing else but God's wrath upon the poor souls who bit off more than you could chew. If you think you can shame this Coalition by crying "fascist" or any of the other far-left chants/slogans you're taught to chant in your nation's universities, go ahead and give it a shot. You'll only waste your breath and time but at least you'll amuse us doing so. But if you don't wish to waste your lives, don't make the stupid decision to bear arms against the Imperion Coalition in the name of protecting four million sodomites and mental disorder patients who are as oppressed as household pets. And lastly, don't expect this Coalition to participate in this "negotiation" of yours. There's no need to attend an obvious gathering designed only to demand New Edom's total surrender to the forces of leftism, communism, and democracy. Sincerely, Representative Kevin Mayer of TECT HIRM Emperor JC, Imperial Marshal of the Imperion Coalition The Imperion Coalition.

[Cossack Khanate]

Dzera, Cossack Khanate

Sergeant Steven Omarov ordered the convoy to stop in front of a medium-sized 2-story building, The outside was built with brick, with iron bars over the windows. Cracks of light were peeking through the spaces, and the sound of a speaker could be heard inside. The soldiers in the convoy climbed out, priming their weapons, while at the same time praying that they wouldn’t need them. Omarov pointed them up the outside stairs to the second story, where they opened the door into the walkway that lined the walls of the building. They could see quite clearly the crows below. A makeshift stage had been set up, and a rainbow flag was being flown from one side. The current speaker seemed to have the crowd captivated. The young sergeant fired his W5 Autopistol into the air. The mostly non-Cossack crowd turned with a look of fear on their faces. Probably all communists anyway, thought Steven, before his close friend and second-in-command Corporal Narang yelled out to the mass in front of him, with a heavy Cossack accent:

“This is an illegal gathering. By Cossack law you have 30 seconds to disperse, after which the government has no guarantee for your safety. Your time starts now!”

In the crowd, a man held his phone next to his thigh, video call on, streaming directly to a man sitting in dark room with a cigar in his mouth…

Two men discreetly locked the first floor entrance. The crowd was panicking, pushing against each other. A different group of people silently drew guns. The man watching this scene unfold chuckled to himself while blowing smoke from his mouth.

Sergeant Omarov ordered the soldiers to san the room with their guns. When Narang reached 15 seconds, gunshots rang out. But they were fired from the crowd, and the Cossacks couldn’t fire back without killing innocents. The soldiers ducked behind the metal railing.

“Sergeant, they are firing, we should retaliate!”, yelled Corporal Narang

“Mishra, you know what kind of mess that would be, i would be bad and you know it!”

“Steven, if we don’t do anything someone’s gonna get shot!”

Precisely at that time, two things happened. First, a Cossack soldier yelled as a bullet went into his shoulder, and second, Narang’s timer went off.

“Fire!!”

The soldiers pulled the triggers, mowing down those who were assembled. The observer let a wicked smile across his face as he brought the cigar to his mouth once more…

Selvik, Cossack Khanate

Commissioner of War K-G (Konzul-General) Indrajit Gadhavi read the Montenbourg interview with mixed feelings of laughter and disgust.
“Democracies of the world have all joined on the same side...deserve a democracy...Intent on delivering good outcomes for the Edomite people...remain committed to the process…Hmph. Liberal nonsense. I guess the point of this coming to me is that Montenbourg is not denouncing a military option?”

“That would indeed be the point, commissioner”, said Minister of Security Ghatak, leaning back in a sofa. “The Imperator said that we need to help the Edomites as much as possible. An authorized naval vessel to park itself on Edomite shores would be a good symbol of friendship, don’t you think?”

“Marshall Keo has been itching to get a vessel out there anyway. If the Edomite gov. and the Imperator agree, we can send in one vessel, only one, we don’t need a fleet. Perhaps the Envira, along with the Waree.” said K-G Rihat Dewstaad, sitting attentive in his chair, quite the opposite of his minister.

K-G Travis Abdullov snorted. “Weak. Send in the whole fleet, and show those liberals what we are capable of.”

“General, I’m sure you remember something called fuel costs”, murmured Dewstaad.

“And I’m sure you remember the war in Antaros, General?”

Gadhavi looked at both of them and cleared his throat loudly. “If we have settled that issue, how about we move on to Vionna-Frankenlisch? The explosion…”

Ghatak spoke “It would be best that we offer to send C.C.O operatives. Another sign of friendship”. No one had objections. “In that case, let’s begin writing the letters to both nations”

Official Communique from the Ministry of Security

To: The Ministry of Defense, New Edom
From: Minister of Security, Jarl Ghatak

Greetings sir,

It has come recently to my attention that several friendly navies are being deployed near Edomite waters, as well as several militaries being deployed in response to the ‘crisis’ in Fineberg, as it seems the violence at those protests were not isolated, rather that violence spread across the world, even to my own country.

My friends at the Ministry of Foreign affairs have informed me that the Khanate and Edom are to pursue closer ties. On behalf of my monarch, I decided to offer the naval support of part of our fleet stationed at Lamboro Atoll, 2-3 days’ sail of New Edom’s shore. This would most likely include an aircraft carrier and some support craft.

While I respect the Edomite military’s extraordinary capability to fend off any attack, I have made this offer also as an offer of friendship. Do reply at your leisure.

Signed,
Minister Ghatak, Ministry of Security
Imperator SRC Cyprus Khan

Official Communique from the Ministry of Security

To: Appropriate Officials in the government of Vionna-Frankenlisch

From: Minister of Security, Jarl Ghatak

Greetings Sirs/Madams,

I have watched the events that have transpired in your nation with deep sadness. As I learned of the atrocious actions taken by some actors, I became determined to offer some kind of support. Naturally, as the Minister of Security, I would like to offer the capabilities of a Cossack Covert Operations investigative unit. This unit would work with Vionna-Frankenlicsh’s police forces to investigate the recent events. I hope we can begin our nations’ cooperation soon. Do respond at your leisure.

Signed,
Minister Ghatak, Ministry of Security
Imperator SRC Cyprus Khan

Office of the Imperator, Selvik, Cossack Khanate

“Sir, Ardoki wants to hold a conference of sorts with most of the nations involved. Their king supposses the conference could be held on a private island of his,” said an overworked Minister vehr, speaking to the Imperator

“Well, I’ll tell their government that I would be glad to meet with their king, provided security standards are met. I’ll write that telegram right away, Minister. Thanks for the report.

Official Communique from the Office of the Imperator

To: His Grand Imperial Majesty of the Ardokian Empire
From: Imperator / Supreme Royal Commander Cyprus Khan

First off, I apologize for the long title that I felt was necessary in the FROM box. Second, in response to the dispatch from your Foreign Affairs people, I would be delighted to attend a conference of sorts. I’m sure we share the wish of sorting things out, perhaps our views differ on what should be done. I look forward to meeting you on your private island that was mentioned - that is, assuming all security standards are met.

Signed,

Imperator SRC Cyprus Khan

CSF Headquarters
“Sir, how sure are you?” The CSF head asked worriedly to his monarch.
“I’m quite sure. Imperion has denied to participate in the talks I said I’m going to. We have various routes. One, back down from talks. Two, attack Ardoki. Three, this option. The first two are ridiculous. And make sure to let the press know: What Cossack attacker would have skinned his monarch with a bullet first and then kill the Ardokian emperor?”

The Imperator walked over so he was face to face with the CSF head. “I am willing to pay any price to achieve my goals. This is my goal. I have read the horrific reports. Let us end his tale here”

“Then it shall be done, Your Majesty”

[Provisional America]

Congressional Cafeteria, Capitol Hill,
Morgantown, West Virginia

"Well, I think that it's safe to say that New Edom is full of controversy yet again, some seven years after those Congressional hearings. Remember those? With Rutledge pontificating so loudly and getting cut off as the windbag that he was," Rep. Michael Stirling, Democratic Reform Party Congressman from Vermont, asked one of his colleagues, Rep. Lola Fischer, Republican Front Congresswoman, from New Jersey.

"Must have been rough on that Edomite Ambassador to listen to, and yes, it was embarrassing for me, must have been worse for you, since he was of your party. Whatever happened to Rutledge again?" Fischer inquired now, drinking her coffee and eating her tuna salad with her usual good humor.

"Swallowed a bottle of aspirin and slit his wrists after it was discovered that he had been a secret partner in an illegal private military company's very nasty butchery in some foreign countries. It was far too much of a disgrace for a man whose reputation was based on his supposed moral purity or whatever, not that any of us were fooled by his Boy Scout act. Guess that he had to be baptized all along again, from beyond the grave, being a Mormon and all," Stirling smirked, "anyway, I'm thinking that we should revive those Congressional hearings, maybe even conduct a fact-finding mission into this whole affair.

"I'd be up for it, in my capacity as Chairwoman, with you as the Ranking Member and all. Full International Relations Committee hearings. I think that we should send a formal invitation to the Edomite Government to have representatives testify before the Committee. What do you say? We can maybe get more information and put more moral pressure for civil rights' improvements than a dozen threats could manage. These various blustering Emperors and Presidents are always making things worse, causing the Edomites feel affronted and get their backs up.

"If we do a give and take, let them explain their side and also present our side through questions, perhaps we can get some dialogue and help improve conditions in general, as well as encourage the President and State Department to make this a bigger priority. I know that she's had a lot on her plate lately, but I think that this would be worth bringing to her attention. Provisional America can exercise more moral influence than Ardoki or Montenbourg, to say the least," Fischer suggested.

"I'm interested. I'll bite. Let's call for hearings and issue the formal invitations," Stirling nodded as he finished his Reuben, downed his soft drink, and thought to call his boyfriend, hoping that Raul would understand.

Just because he was gay didn't mean that he was going to jump straight to a crusade to wreck another country for its practices and laws, as wrong as they seemed to be to him. For one thing, that often made things worse for the minorities in question. How much harder was this whole mess already making things for LGBTQ Edomites even now, being associated with enemies of the country, possible fifth columnists? That was no way to handle such matters, constant beating of chests and war drums.

Fischer, mind you, was a fairly moderate member of her party, noted for willingness to reach across the aisle and work on governing rather than bombastically throwing rhetorical bombs. She was a divorcee, so not a big fan of strict moral laws, either, but she tried to listen as well as speak, and to learn as well as teach. She had been a schoolteacher, after all, at a Hebrew school for girls a long time ago. She didn't go to Temple that much these days, except on major high holy days, let alone keep a kosher kitchen, but she still believed in some kind of God, in some way connected with Hashem, the God of her fathers.

To: Foreign Minister Hosidius Geta
From: Rep. Michael C. Stirling (DR-VT), Ranking Member of the International Relations Committee, U.S. House of Representatives; Rep. Lola D. Fischer (RF-NJ), Chairwoman of the International Relations Committee
Re: LGBT Protests And Aftermath
Encryption: None

Your Honor,

In light of recent events pertaining to the LGBT riots and their aftermath, with all of the controversies surrounding the Morality Act and particularly those provisions of said act which regulate and govern the conduct of avowed members of the LGBT community in New Edom, this Committee is set to commence full Congressional hearings on the subject, interviewing experts, analysts, locals, etc. We hope that your government will accept the invitation of this Committee to send witnesses to testify before it and present your testimony and perspective on the issues in question. The issues remaining a bit mired in controversy, perhaps you can shed some light on this matter.

Perhaps you can suggest some names of officials to render such testimony? While we cannot cover full expenses, your meals during said testimony period can be taken in the Congressional Cafeteria at public expense. Furthermore, House staff can and would assist you with preparation for technical aspects of the hearing and you may have legal counsel present as well to advise you on Provisional American law and relevant clauses of international law.

Sincerely,
Rep. Michael C. Stirling (DF-VT)
Rep. Lola D. Fischer (RF-NJ)

[Shazbotdom]

Disregard