Peacekeeping in the Congo (IC)

[Ideal Britain]

Sir Alexander Khan (himself a former RAF Regiment officer) is in hospital,
recovering from gunshot wounds inflicted by a far-right maniac whilst out canvassing.
His son has left Oxford early* and gone to Sandhurst (a prestigious school for Army officers)
Meanwhile, the country is being run by the Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.
The war was still popular overall and the man who wounded Alexander Khan is on trial for treason, attempted murder, grievous bodily harm and terrorism.
*a polite way of saying dropped out of Oxford.

[Aeisonia]

[ooc: An intelligence service? You have spies in Aeisonia? You should have specified]

OOC: Basically they intercept your communications and things

[ooc: Ah fair enough]

[Ideal Britain]

[ooc: An intelligence service? You have spies in Aeisonia? You should have specified]

OOC: Basically they intercept your communications and things

OOC: yes, exactly

[Ideal Britain]

A company of Royal Marines enters through the small coastline.
They will be extremely useful in times to come.

[SuperduperIdaSofieland]

Hey. We don't know how to change our place on the rank. Please help.

[Aeisonia]

Hey. We don't know how to change our place on the rank. Please help.

Hey dude! Welcome to NS.

If you need help with an issue, visit the technical forum (viewforum.php?f=15) and give a detailed issue description so the mods can help.

Enjoy your stay!:)

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

With the rapid arrival of Indian troops, Prussian-Polish troops began to move out and leave. Mhuji-Mayi was abandoned, as was Kamina- but the Prussian-Polish presence at Matadi began to increase as more men and material of the Cuirassier-Regiment and the Luftwaffe Base Security Brigade began to increase, while the 1st Guards Grenadiers had finished setting up and were now taking preliminary positions around Buti. The RCG's support units as well as a few civilian 'hanger-ons' began rolling out a series of measures designed to improve quality of life-namely, issuing water treatment supplies to the locals, setting up small clinics, and working to restore power and water supplies where they had been cut, or had never existed at all. However, in accordance with Prussia-Poland's policy of self-determination, they only established a barebones government in the cities they occupied, preferring to leave the question of governance to the wider international community. Of particular note was the Technate's style of socialist meritocracy- while the Prussian-Polish distaste for socialism was heavy, it had brought immense development and stability to Zambia.

But for now, however, other things began to attract the attention of leadership.

---

The Yeglan troops would be loaded onto M113s, along with their gear, and moved to the Headquarters Battalion of the Prussian-Polish Task Force, near Matadi, which they were incorporated into temporarily. They would be held in reserve for now, and used cautiously-losing them would be a tragedy and might make morale among the troops plummet.

---

The situation had spun out of control way too quickly. First a British declaration of war, then the friendly-fire incident, and then Aeisonia deploying fighters...oh dear.

The response? More declarations, and the arrival of the Task Force's Air-Defense units, as well as...at least a few strange things.
The first was the abrupt swell of armored vehicles near and around the city of Buta.
The second were severa large, sealed crates guarded by Luftwaffe security personnel arriving at Matadi, and immediately being moved to the airbase, before being shut up inside of a hanger.

---

Official condemnation of British, Pakistani, and Aeisonian foolishness

It is with great concern that we note the recent aggressive actions of the British, Pakistani and Aeisonian governments. Not all diplomatic options have been exhausted. Furthermore, the recent downing of friendly military aircraft from South Acren does not bode well for Britain's willingness to support it's allies in the international coalition to stabilize the Congo.
We therefore request the following:
-Offical apologies for the downing of the aircraft from Britain, and compensation to be paid to the families of the deceased, as well as to launch an investigation with foreign observers into the incident.
-Immediate cessation of hostilities, pending diplomatic negotiations on the further presence of both British, Pakistani, and Aeisonian troops within the Congo.

Failure to comply with these demands will lead to their enforcement via alternative means.

[South Acren]

"Feldmarschall, Wort der preußisch-polnischen Regierung. Sie scheinen zu versuchen, einen umfassenden Krieg zu verhindern. Es könnte uns möglicherweise zugute kommen[1]." The soldier held out a copy of the Official condemnation for the Marshal, who was covering for the General, to read. The Marshal took it and read it over then looked up. "möglicherweise könnte. Wir müssen mehr Surface-to-Air-Raketensysteme aktivieren und die Infanterie auf Alarmstufe 3 setzen"[1] The Soldier saluted and quickly went off to deliver the orders. As the SAMs were prepared, the Infantry troops began setting up defenses, preparing for an all out attack.

Off the coast
The Armada eventually arrived, and the Admiral studied the ships out in the far distance. It seemed he was late to the party, but that doesn't mean he's less of a threat. He grabbed a phone, contacting the 2nd Wolfpack Kommandant
"Platziere deine U-Boote in einem Verteidigungsring um uns herum und stelle sicher, dass niemand in die Nähe kommt."[3] He then ordered all ships at Alarm Level 2, preparing just in case of combat were to break out. The submarines followed the order, and sank to depths where they wouldn't be seen, heard, or damaged, not even by the best depth charges. Even sonar didn't fully work, as they were coated in Anechoic tiles.
{OOC: Translations here:

" [1]Field Marshal, Word of the Prussian-Polish government. They seem to be trying to prevent an all-out war.
It could potentially benefit us.
[2]possibly could. We need to activate more surface-to-air missile systems and set the infantry to alarm level 3
[3]Place your submarines in a defense ring around us and make sure no one comes close.

[Yegla Islands]

At this point, there wasn't even any sort of command-chain reception. The Bureaucracy had been keeping a far closer eye on the Congo ever since the beginning of Aeisonian involvement - when the RAF began their string of attacks, Chernograd was abustle before the last missiles had been fired. And it took only a few hours for a second communique to be agreed upon, drafted and dispatched - this time addressed to the British.

---

On behalf of the UYP's Ministry of Foreign Relations
With legislative backing provided by the Ministries of War, Finance and the Interior
The following is to be considered an official diplomatic statement, as per the Hirshivka Accords

---

To the British government,

The Ministry Council of the Federal Bureaucracy of Yegla Islands hereby forwards a request to the British government structure and any relevant military branches to halt its unsanctioned attacks on UN peacekeeping forces within the area.

Non-compliance with these directives will be noted as a direct, intentional breach of international neutrality conventions, and treated as a de-facto act of war.

Yours faithfully,

Annabelle Von Liebowitz,
Minister of Foreign Relations

[The Orion Islands]

The Orionite government orders the creation of a new government for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The most prominent local leaders from Kongo Central are called to a meeting with the civilian head of the Orionite Republican Peacekeeping Service. In the meeting, the creation of a new constitution for the DRC is discussed, with most of the local leaders approving. The next day, most of the same local leaders gather in the city of Matadi and proclaim a new government, the Federal Republic of the Congo. Although no constitution yet exists for this new nation, the leadership sign a declaration that states the Federal Republic should be considered the legal successor to the Democratic Republic and that the DRC's laws and institutions have ceased to operate. The Orionite Electoral Commission is invited by the Federal Republic to draw 177 fair and impartial districts for the new Provincial Assembly of Kongo Central. The Assembly will write a new constitution for the province and draw up a new common law code. The Electoral Commission also is tasked with drawing 25 electoral districts for the Federal Republic's new lower house, the House of Deputies. They will be tasked with writing the Federal Republic's constitution. With the DRC's dissolution, at least within Kongo Central, the burecracy of the DRC is dismissed from their jobs until the new government can be fully established. The DRC's ambassadors are recalled, as are all diplomatic staff. The United Nations receives a notice that the Federal Republic will take over all of Congo's seats in the body. The First Orionite Marine Division takes over policing and national defense until Congolese forces can be trained to do it themselves.

[South Acren]

South Acren Armored Convoy | Convoy Number 204 | Less then a mile from occupation zone boarder
"Henry, hast du die Waffe fertig?" A blond mess of hair with a sly grin popped down from the turret. "warum ich es nicht weiß Kann das Fass nicht finden." a bit of laughter echoed in the AFV as the Lieutenant smacked the Private's helmet over his eyes. As the convoy turned down another road they passed a few UN troops, milling about a checkpoint. The Acrenese troops scowled and grew silent as they passed, glaring at the troops. The turret gunner shouted as they passed "Gehen Sie zurück zu Ihrem eigenen Sektor!" After a bit of traveling, enforcing road laws, and stopping to ask for directions, the convoy turned back towards base. Suddenly a man stepped in front of the lead vehicle, rifle in hand. The Turret Gunner immediately targeted the man, while the Kommandant yelled for him to move. The man shuffled uncertainly, then raised his gun. The machine gun banged away, cutting him down instantly. The Kommandant sighed, ready for the paperwork.

[OOC:]

"Henry, have you got the gun ready?"
"why i don't know can't find the barrel"
"Go back to your own sector"

[Mersdon]

Peacekeepers deployed after 2050 can't keep the peace; all they know is fly, shoot down allied aircraft, resource extraction, modern-day slavery, unilaterally set up puppet governments & die.

-r/IndianPeopleTwitter, mid-2050

Indian forces make contact with Polish-Prussian troops as they begin reinforcing UN positions throughout the Congo; the Indian High Command has also ordered feelers to be sent out to the Commonwealth's forces in the Congo in order to coordinate their respective troop movements and exercises so as to minimize any redundant overlaps or incidents. The downed MiG-29 was recovered, as was the body of its pilot, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika three days after the aerial battle; in response to this provocation, the government has ordered that the 15,000 men and their equipment forming up for deployment in Hyderabad and Kochi AFBs be deployed in Katanga with immediate effect in order to pacify the countryside and link up with Rajput elements in East Kasai province. The 3rd Reserve Regiment, Border Security Force, as well as a brigade of India's 1st Commandos, are shipped to an airbase north of Delhi and begin preparations for deployment in the Congo.

Some logistical kinks have emerged during the Indian deployment into the Congo; namely, the C-130s, Il-76s, and some indigenously produced transports that are the workhorses of the Indian Air Force have begun developing mechanical issues and have been pushed to their operational limits supplying their comrades in Africa. As such, the Indian government continues its overtures to the Technate's government, hoping that the Indian merchant marine can use Zambia's developed rail network for the time being until the army can secure Goma (and thus a decently developed road/railway to Dar es Salaam, which is held by allied Tanzania). Most of the naval and aerial assets stationed in Luanda move to secure Boma and its coastline in its entirety (which may include detaining the British marines already there and shipping them to Kinshasa), while the marines stationed there are ordered to liaise with their Prusso-Polish counterparts to demarcate a sort of jurisdictional boundary between Indian military rule and Commonwealth jurisdiction.

Preparations for a ground offensive are made against Orionite forces stationed in the Congo. The relative isolation of the Congo's cities and the UN's bases as well as the myriad logistical bottlenecks that entails means that the majority of the Orion Islands' forces probably will be stationed around their puppet government's major cities. Although New Delhi does not wish to strike out unless provoked, the army and those naval assets stationed northwest of Cape Town are put on alert.

Katanga's election preparations mostly go as planned. Although institutionalized corruption and political violence proves impossible to repress completely in the tense and war-torn atmosphere of Indian-held Katanga, the state legislature's seats were filled with all 86 of its members for the first time since the end of Zaire as a nation. The Governor, however, remains the C-in-C Indian Forces in the Congo, and military rule still applies. A Constitutional Court is nominated, composed of three Katangan barristers, three Indian justices, and one Canadian, one American, and one Belgian justice each.

India refuses to recognize the new Federal Republic of the Congo, as it appears rather evident to New Delhi that the 'legitimate successor to the DRC' is but a puppet of the Orion Islands, and is easily seen through its unilateral declaration of the Federal Republic's takeover of the state. India asks for and prepares for a Security Council vote on the issue, informing all those present in the UN's staff and diplomatic corps that India will not hesitate to declare and support the secession of Katanga and the State of Kivu if Orion goes through with installing their puppet government in power sans consultation with the entire peacekeeping force present there.

The Indian Army currently has over 35,000 men present in the Congo, a nearly 4 1/2 fold increase over the last time India sent troops to the Congo in any meaningful capacity (in the 1960s, India sent 8,000 men over, also in Katanga, to quell violence in the Congo). The Air Force has 74 fighter-bombers and 80 transports flying full-time from Congolese airfields; and the Navy has one nuclear submarine, an aircraft carrier battle group, and a destroyer/transport flotilla in Congolese and neighboring waters.

Humanitarian and educational initiatives continue on the ground in Katanga, although some programs and NGOs begin tentatively dipping their toes into the (metaphorically) torrid waters of East Kivu. A mandatory polio and MMR vaccine campaign begins, with some WHO funding, targeting children ages 2-15, hoping to make progress on healthcare in Indian-controlled areas. In addition, 35 barges are donated to the Katangan government to begin restarting riverine commerce in the safer parts of the region. Railway construction and repairs begin, with the introduction of over 3,000 Indian Railways workers and laborers to the area, funded by New Delhi and by Karnataka's state government. On two opposing coasts, Indian gunboats (not crewed by locals due to trust issues) begin patrolling Lake Tanganyika, as thousands of miles away, Indian engineers begin the construction of a new port for Boma large enough to accommodate at least 50% of Kinshasa's food imports yearly. Fertilizer shipments and water purification equipment begin to arrive, as some of the IAF's cargo holds began running low on arms and as loadmasters began looking for more stuff to ship overseas.

India lets the Commonwealth know through its liaisons in Matadi and its ambassador in Warsaw that the Prusso-Polish ultimatum has the full backing of the Indian military.

[The Orion Islands]

OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE ORION ISLANDS REGARDING THE STATUS OF CONGO-KINSHASA

We are aware of concerns voiced by the Republic of India regarding the declaration of the creation of the Federal Republic of the Congo. We will explain our role in its creation. We called a meeting of 50 local leaders from Kongo Central regarding the form of government that Congo-Kinshasa should take. After a super-majority of the delegates voiced concern that reconstituting the Democratic Republic of the Congo would lead to the same civil strife and corruption that led to her downfall in the first place, a majority of delegates then proposed a new constitution and even a new nation be created. The delegates agreed and the next day issued the Matadi Declaration that established the basis for the Federal Republic. The signers of the declaration only assigned the Orionite government very limited powers in the actual administration of the new nation. These are the right to serve as police and military forces for the Congo until native police and military can be reconstituted, and the right of the Orionite Electoral Commission to draw electoral districts for the Federal Republic's and Kongo Central's new legislative bodies that will draw up new constitutions for their respective governments. We understand now that the declaration was surprising and unexpected. We wish to reiterate that native officials will make all decisions regarding the form of government and it's administration once the new constitutions are in place. To clear up any misunderstandings, we will invite election observers from all nations carrying out peacekeeping duties to observe the upcoming elections at all polling places. We desire only a stable democracy in this nation. We do not desire war.
-Signed, President Tara Kerr

[Ideal Britain]

With the rapid arrival of Indian troops, Prussian-Polish troops began to move out and leave. Mhuji-Mayi was abandoned, as was Kamina- but the Prussian-Polish presence at Matadi began to increase as more men and material of the Cuirassier-Regiment and the Luftwaffe Base Security Brigade began to increase, while the 1st Guards Grenadiers had finished setting up and were now taking preliminary positions around Buti. The RCG's support units as well as a few civilian 'hanger-ons' began rolling out a series of measures designed to improve quality of life-namely, issuing water treatment supplies to the locals, setting up small clinics, and working to restore power and water supplies where they had been cut, or had never existed at all. However, in accordance with Prussia-Poland's policy of self-determination, they only established a barebones government in the cities they occupied, preferring to leave the question of governance to the wider international community. Of particular note was the Technate's style of socialist meritocracy- while the Prussian-Polish distaste for socialism was heavy, it had brought immense development and stability to Zambia.

But for now, however, other things began to attract the attention of leadership.

---

The Yeglan troops would be loaded onto M113s, along with their gear, and moved to the Headquarters Battalion of the Prussian-Polish Task Force, near Matadi, which they were incorporated into temporarily. They would be held in reserve for now, and used cautiously-losing them would be a tragedy and might make morale among the troops plummet.

---

The situation had spun out of control way too quickly. First a British declaration of war, then the friendly-fire incident, and then Aeisonia deploying fighters...oh dear.

The response? More declarations, and the arrival of the Task Force's Air-Defense units, as well as...at least a few strange things.
The first was the abrupt swell of armored vehicles near and around the city of Buta.
The second were severa large, sealed crates guarded by Luftwaffe security personnel arriving at Matadi, and immediately being moved to the airbase, before being shut up inside of a hanger.

---

Official condemnation of British, Pakistani, and Aeisonian foolishness

It is with great concern that we note the recent aggressive actions of the British, Pakistani and Aeisonian governments. Not all diplomatic options have been exhausted. Furthermore, the recent downing of friendly military aircraft from South Acren does not bode well for Britain's willingness to support it's allies in the international coalition to stabilize the Congo.
We therefore request the following:
-Offical apologies for the downing of the aircraft from Britain, and compensation to be paid to the families of the deceased, as well as to launch an investigation with foreign observers into the incident.
-Immediate cessation of hostilities, pending diplomatic negotiations on the further presence of both British, Pakistani, and Aeisonian troops within the Congo.

Failure to comply with these demands will lead to their enforcement via alternative means.

From: Angela Rayner
To: King of Prussian-Polish Commonwealth
"1. We will not apologise
2. The war was declared after Aesonian aggression and
3. The South acren airforce seemed to be obstructing mine though a future investigation is underway."

[Oceanian Technate]

Lusaka
Technate Zambian Territories

---

Governor Chifuniro sighed as he flicked through the reports on the rapidly escalating Congo situation. There were far too many players for his liking, too many variables in what was already an historically volatile region. The Directorate had granted him a large degree of autonomy in his governance of Zambia and as such he had taken responsibility for the Technate's involvement in the Congo upon himself, a decision he was beginning to regret. Still, situation had not grown completely out of control, and there was still time for the Technate to try and secure peace, stability and an increased appreciation for their way of doing things. Of particular interest was the outreach efforts of the Indian presence in Katanga, an offer that presented numerous benefits for Technate involvement in the region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had requested his thoughts on the matter before drafting a response, and having reviewed their proposal he agreed to approve it for release.

To the Government of the Republic of India,

Having reviewed your proposals for joint cooperation in the New Congo Crisis, I have decided to accept your offer of logistical and economic collaboration. We are willing to grant you the use of our infrastructure to facilitate the movement and resupplying of your forces. In exchange, we request that you collaborate with our own forces in securing peace and stability within the DRC, particularly within the Katanga region (Tanganyika, Haut-Lomami, Lualaba and Haut-Katanga). We propose the deployment of the 16th Expeditionary Division and 3rd Humanitarian Assistance Group to the region in order to provide prosperity to the inhabitants and secure stability from the threat of foreign invasion, noting the dangerous activities of Aeisonia, Pakistan and Britain.

Sincerely, Governor Chifuniro of the Technate Zambian Territories

[Democratic Exodian Territories]

Lubumbashi, Katanga, DRC

Still reeling from the effects of the initial scare, armament within the city stayed relatively the same as Hellfighter Private Security forces could breathe again, yet still stay on alert to protect the city from violence and to assist local law enforcement- the recent declaration of war on Aesonia by the British and Pakistanis and the subsequent "Trigger Incident" between the RAF and the South Acrenian Luftwaffe didn't bring much hope- and the arrival of Indian peacekeepers had put PMC forces a bit on edge due to their seemingly expansionist and influencing nature and the little contact between themselves and the Indian Armed Forces, though relations seemed to remain civil and the locals seemed to accept them warmly and the Prussian-Poles, allies of their own home, seemed to back them.

On the ground behind all the guns, Dove Mercy kept working, distributing vaccines on their own end and focusing largely on the treatment of neglected tropical diseases, while a more general cause rose to help pool together food supplies for the hungry. Noting the presence of their Indian counterparts, several volunteer leaders proposed a collaborative effort between the both of them.

[Ideal Britain]

The Kingdom of Great Britain asks Aesonia for peace.
The conditions (As stipulated by Sir Alexander Khan) are:
1
Cessation of any attempts to target our troops and
2. Cessation of attempts to target Pakistani troops.

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Peacekeepers deployed after 2050 can't keep the peace; all they know is fly, shoot down allied aircraft, resource extraction, modern-day slavery, unilaterally set up puppet governments & die.

-r/IndianPeopleTwitter, mid-2050
Indian forces make contact with Polish-Prussian troops as they begin reinforcing UN positions throughout the Congo; the Indian High Command has also ordered feelers to be sent out to the Commonwealth's forces in the Congo in order to coordinate their respective troop movements and exercises so as to minimize any redundant overlaps or incidents.
Most of the naval and aerial assets stationed in Luanda move to secure Boma and its coastline in its entirety (which may include detaining the British marines already there and shipping them to Kinshasa), while the marines stationed there are ordered to liaise with their Prusso-Polish counterparts to demarcate a sort of jurisdictional boundary between Indian military rule and Commonwealth jurisdiction.
India lets the Commonwealth know through its liaisons in Matadi and its ambassador in Warsaw that the Prusso-Polish ultimatum has the full backing of the Indian military.

OOC: Post modified by shortening to relevant parts.

Prussian-Polish troops establish contact with Indian forces, and their dispositions are made clear.
Currently, Orientale Province is being occupied by around 11,000 troops in two Regimental Combat Groups-the Guards Hussars, and the Guards Grenadiers Regiment, in the cities of Kisagani and Buta, respectively, with the Guards Cuirassier Regimental Combat Group beginning to take up positions around Kisangani. There was currently a dearth of services-the civil war had seen to that-and although there were some clinics being set up, and some aid being distributed(among them an ongoing-but-successful vaccination drive, as well as the distribution of water filters to schools, hospitals, and other public institutions, as well as the restoration and upgrading of Kisagani's river port, and-of course-school revitalization, protection, and support), there was only so much the RCGs could do. They were soldiers, not humanitarians.
To that end, aid was requested-from both India and the Technate, as well as international NGOs-in order to bring basic services back online, as well as to form a joint commission to establish a suitable, corruption-free government, as well as to, potentially, defend the province against aggression, whether from the Aesionians, or the British, who had seemingly collectively gone mad. In addition, the Prussian-Poles declare temporary martial law and the establishment of the Orientale Province as an autonomous province under temporary international governance, set to expire within at most a decade, although it may be renewed by the Congolese government if nessecary.

---

In response to the recent occurrences, reinforcements were dispatched to the Congo, in the form of 3 additional RCGs-the 17th Podhale Rifle Regimental Combat Group(Light Infantry), the 18th East Prussian Grenadier Regimental Combat Group(Mechanized Infantry), and the I. Seebattalion(Naval/Mech. Inf).
The first act of the arriving elements of the 17th Podhale Rifles, upon arriving in Matadi, was assist in cordoning off the coast, as well as aid in potentially detaining the arriving British troops in conjunction with the Indian troops. Two companies have been alloted to this purpose-the other two that arrived first are to provide increased security for the Prussian-Polish airbase and Headquarters near Matadi.

---

The Prussian-Poles respond with thanks via the Indian ambassador, and also assure the Government of India of their support against Orion's illegitimate puppet government.
In addition, Prussia-Poland issues an apology on behalf of the entire UN Mission for the friendly-fire incident to South Acren, and reiterates it's demands that the United Kingdom cease attempting to avoid responsibility and to apologise as well, in addition to conducting an investigation into the incident. Prussia-Poland also offers to provide compensation for any deaths that have arisen or will arise from the friendly-fire incident to South Acren's government.

[Ideal Britain]

Sir Alexander Khan goes on TV "I apologise for the two RAF squadrons clashing with South Acren and will ensure it doesn't happen again."

[South Acren]

Sir, Nachrichten aus Großbritannien und dem polnischen Preußen. Großbritannien entschuldigt sich und Preußen bietet an, für den abgeschossenen Jet zu bezahlen." The General took the paper that the soldier offered. "Lassen Sie die Truppen fallen, um Stufe eins zu alarmieren" The soldier saluted then radioed the troops to stand down, which they did. The General wrote up a quick response to both the Prussian and British Government.

"I thank you both for understanding how serious this matter was and your appropriate actions. I will be honest, my actions were a bit unnecessary but i needed to keep my soldiers safe. Do not worry about payments. The pilot was recovered without incident. I would like to report, however, that a civilian was shot after he attempted to fire upon our troops, so we should limit hostilities to keep the population at ease"

[San Claver]

Fuerte Lopez, 10 kilometers outside of Isla de Plata, San Claver

"At 0400 our first wave will arrive at Moanda airport, and the second wave will arrive at 2000. We'll form up and establish a base of operations due north at the first fork in the river just outside of Muanda," Colonel Garcia said, pointing to his map.

"That's just across the river from the city. If a conflict breaks out, we'll want to be further out," one of the three captains in the colonel's office said, studying the map.

"That's why we're going-- to stop conflicts from breaking out." Garcia said, annoyed that he'd been interrupted. Without pausing, he resumed talking. "From there we're going to coordinate with local law enforcement, city officials, and the UN to establish control over Nsiamfumu, Muanda, Kitombe, and Banana. The Galicia and the oiler will operate thirty kilometers off the coast, while the patrol boats will control access to the Congo River. Any questions?"

"What are we going to do about the fighting in the east?"

"Nothing. The last thing we want is a war right now. We're going to establish local control over these four cities and we're going to tell everyone that we're accepting refugees who want to get out of the line of fire. The Galicia will warn us about any incoming aircraft, and we have UAV's to look for ground movement. If they do try to attack, we're going to tell the whole world they're trying to kill refugees and hope we can last until help arrives. Hopefully it doesn't come to that, though." Garcia replied.

---

Santuario del Campamento, just outside Muanda, Congo

The San Claveran military camp was set up just across the river from Muanda. As the largest city in their area of operations, it was naturally the first city they secured. Before the day was over T-15 Armatas sat outside of the police station, the city center, the banks, and the airport. It wasn't that the San Claverans were trying to intimidate the populace; that the populace was intimidated was just a bonus. They were actually just securing strategic locations in the city, so if a riot or conflict broke out for who-knows-what reason, they could protect those locations from damage.

Nsiamfumu was the next important city to secure, but not because there was anything valuable there. No, it was important because of what was in-between it and Muanda-- a wide strip of land where La Compania Federal de Envios y Construccion, a shipping and ship building company jointly owned by San Claver and two corporations-- could build a massive shipyard. It would take time, and lots of manpower, but as it happened there was a war in Congo, and war created refugees, and refugees needed jobs.

Off the coast, the Galicia circled ominously, watching the skies for threats and ready to respond if they arrived. Near the mouth of the Congo River, three patrol boats began to work with Banana's local authorities to identify and intercept smuggling, weapons running, and other ships participating in illegal activities.

---

An open letter to the British forces, Aeisonian forces, and all others engaged in conflict in Congo,

San Claver, in cooperation with the U.N. and local authorities, is hereby establishing a Neutral Zone centered around the city of Muanda and extending 50 kilometers in every direction or to the Congoese border, whichever distance is shorter. This Neutral Zone will serve as a refuge for any civilian forces seeking shelter from the eastern conflict. If you encounter refugees, please send them to the Neutral Zone; we will feed them, clothe them, and assist them in rebuilding their lives.

If you have inquiries regarding the Neutral Zone, please direct them to Colonel Garcia at Camp Sanctuary. If you have other inquiries, please direct them to San Claver's Diplomatic Service. Contact information is listed below.

Sincerely,
Colonel Garcia

[South Acren]

Off the Coast, Below the waves, U-569
Oberleutnant Hinsch looked through the periscope at the new ship that had arrived off the coast. Ever since they have been raised to Alert Level 2, Peter Hinsch, Commander of the 2nd Wolfpack and of U-568, had kept mental and physical notes on the ships that arrived. He didn't take action, of course, but he watched them with an almost curious look. After 10 minutes of silently watching the ship, he pulled the periscope down, and pulled out his journal, writing his notes down about the new ship. It was a frigate, at least what he thought it to be, and it didn't seem too threatening. It was a bit close to the ring of Uboats that surrounded the German Navy, but as long as they kept distance, no problems would arise. The Communications Officer pulled Peter out of his thoughts. "Sollten wir das Hauptquartier informieren?" The Oberleutnant nodded and the Officer typed out a coded message, sending it to the HQ.

South Acren Military Base, Outside Bandundu
"General, Report" The General gave a frustrated look at the soldier, then took the paper. "New player here, huh? Interesting. I want the 20 mile intervention zone reinforced, but do not stop anyone from crossing to or from zones. And suspend armored convoys to that area." The soldier saluted and left, quickly giving the orders out.

[Ideal Britain]

Britain declares peace with Aeisonia.Soldiers, marines and airmen return home.
Sir Alexander Khan declares Northumbrian independence.

[Dominant Oppressors]

With peace declared with Aeisonia by their foes, the Dominant Oppressorian forces pack up and make preparations to begin returning home soon

[San Claver]

Santuario del Campamento, just outside Muanda, Congo

"Well, that ended fast," Colonel Garcia said after listening to their UAV pilot's report. His report had confirmed what the news had said-- the war in east Congo was, apparently, over.

"It's going to make building the shipyard a lot harder. Weren't they depending on the refugees to serve as a workforce?" Garcia's aid said, waiting for the report to be signed by the colonel.

"Probably. But, that's the company's problem, not ours. I'll call Fuerte Lopez and tell them to send the civvies on over. They ought to be able to get started on the shipyard soon enough."

---

Muanda, Congo

In addition to the obvious show of force that San Claver had implemented, they also send about 15 plain-clothes soldiers into the city to watch for signs of trouble when the patrols weren't around. They didn't expect any, and hoped there wouldn't be any, but it was worth the effort nonetheless. If they had been Europeans or Americans it probably wouldn't have been feasible, but most San Claverans had mixed Hispanic and African ancestry, so it wasn't hard to find soldiers who could blend in with the local population. Finding those who also spoke French was much harder, but ultimately possible. What they had tried and unknowingly failed to avoid were soldiers with ties to the Santeos Cartel.

Corporal Diaz turned around the alley corner and grabbed the running man, pinning him up against the wall of the adjacent building. Behind the local was Diaz's partner, a private who owed gambling debts to the cartel. Diaz ripped a bag out from the local man's jacket and held it up for his partner to see.

"Look at this? Remind you of anything?" Diaz said in accented French. He was more comfortable with Spanish, but he wanted the local to hear this.

"Looks like crystal glass to me, boss" the private replied, stopping next to Diaz.

"Yeah, me too. Did we sell this guy anything?"

"Nope. Not a gram."

"So, kid, where the hell did you get it?" Diaz asked, dumping the meth out onto the ground. The local stammered, looking at the pile of meth sitting on the dirt alley floor. Diaz grabbed his neck, forced the man to look at him, and put a pistol in the man's gut. "Look, I don't care that you were dealing. I care that you're dealing other people's shit. Tell me where you got it or you're going to die lying next to that pile."

"There-- there's a lab in Kitombe. Big one, th-th-three cooks, lots of guns," the local replied, telling Diaz where to find the lab.

"Great! That's what we wanted to know!" Diaz said, putting the pistol back beneath his jacket and taking a step back. "Now tell me... do you want to keep dealing? 'Cause I can get you good shit."