Port Ember Megalopolis
Lilly Black Borough
The Captain's Villa
President Edward Flint
The Captain's Villa - Port Ember Presidential Residence and Office
After a particularly long and emotionally laden War Council Meeting, an exhausted President Edward Flint walked down the corridors of The Captain's Villa - the presidential residence and office of the Republic of Port Ember, from the modern state of the art Conference Room, towards the equally modern and state of the art Broadcasting Room. The room itself was floored with expensive marble floors and its walls lined with a deep blue velvet carpet. The front of the well lit room was dominated by a hand carved ebony podium, with a large Port Emberian National flag adorning the wall directly behind it. The room itself were filled with luxurious chairs, occupied by reporters from all the major publishing houses situated within the Republic.
As Edward entered the room, all reporters present rose to a standing position in silence - a sign of respect towards their elected leader. As Edward greeted those in attendance, he took up his position behind the podium, not needing to place down any notes - his self written speech was memorised as always. the reporters retook their seats and the cameras started it's live recording, which would be broadcasted all across television stations from all around the globe. The tension was thick and could be felt, the entire world hanging upon the lips of President Flint.
Edward cleared his throat one last time as he commenced his presidential address, looking straight into the broadcasting cameras,
"Greetings my fellow Port Emberians, Allies - and citizens of the world. Tonight I wish to address you with a terribly heavy burden and sorrow weighing upon my heart. As you all know by now, less than twenty four hours ago, a vile cowardly group of terrorists launched an armed attack against the private residence of Georgia Grudaidh - the leader of our allied nation - Iarann Grudaidh. Besides the brave security personnel who perished in battle, four direct line family members were executed in cold blood by these scum. The brave and professional forces of their nation, with assistance from a team hailing from our common ally Asteres Amauricanum managed to neutralise the threat before the situation escalated even further, at least managing to protect the Supreme Leader in the process.
Now - I address Supreme Leader Grudaidh and the citizens of Iarann Grudaidh. I wish to convey my complete and sincere sympathies and thoughts to your nation as a whole. Losing one's family is never an easy process to undergo, and even more so when it is under the circumstances. Know that I understand that no words can soothe your pain, just rest peacefully in the fact that me and my entire nation offers our shoulders in support, without judgement. We share your immense pain on this dark day.
Now - I address the nations of the entire globe. As a champion of freedom and prosperity - As a agent of the truth - I feel the absolute need to share with the entire world the facts which the vile cowards of darkness have attempted to hide, and will continue to attempt to hide: These hideous and vile act of terror was carried out by the bastards known only as The Masked Resistance. These are a group of vile and evil hooligans who hides in the dark like rats and prey on innocents when they are at peace and tranquility with the world. Sick rodents. Now, the interesting part… We have evidence indicating that these barbarians are funded by, and received the orders to carry out this attack by a party who is even more vile, more evil and even bigger cowards than these terrorists… The ruling government of Geonal. As the world knows, our two nations are currently locked in an official state of war, even though no official combat actions have occurred. These vile savages have declared war upon us and our allies of Iarann Grudaidh,
unlawfully and unnecessary, when we fended off an invasion attempt against the Nation of War - although these cowards have never had the spine to actually act upon these empty paper threats. Now they have opted to bribe weak minded puppets to carry out their fight in the most cowardly method possible. We have also learned that the nation of Rhinocera also has had their cowardly dirty hands part of these attacks. That's right fellow citizens of the world - I am not afraid to shed light on those who operate from darkness.
Now - I address the governments of the Geonal and Rhinocera. There are no words which can possibly accurately describe the exact extent of disgust I am harboring towards your leadership at this present moment. My nation fully understands the concept of waging war for one's beliefs - but war is fought in an honourable manner between warriors. War is not waged by means of slithering in darkness, executing civilians like animals. There is absolutely zero excuses plausible for the part you have played in these cowardly attacks. Now, justice needs to be served, it is as simple as that. These actions carry unimaginable consequences. What you have done, is a pure and unquestionable provocation of war - and by all accounts, Port Emberian flags should be hanging above your burning capitals by now. However, I feel that your populace does not deserve to be punished in this manner for the cowardice actions of a few savages. I will provide you now with the only mercy you will ever receive from me - and much more than you deserve. The leadership of both nations needs to hand themselves over to the International Court in order to stand a fair and just trial for your part in these acts of terror. Do this, and your nation shall be spared from unimaginable death and misery. Time is ticking!
Now - I address the governments of all nations whom considers Port Ember their allies, friends and partners. I call upon all nations of the Northern Ocean Strategic Alliance, I call upon all nations of the Global Free Trade Consortium and I call upon all nations of the Council of Free Market Nations. In light of the truths and nightmares I have brought into the light - I call upon you all to launch a total trade embargo against these allies of terror - with immediate effect, just as I have already launched. I know it's against the principles of the free market to launch sanctions, I believe in this firmly. Yet against such evil, there is simply no other way. Do what is right my friends!
Lastly, I address my own nation. I know that you are tired of waging constant war, we all are. And I know I have promised you that we will scale down on global military operations. Unfortunately my fellow Port Emberians, evil does not rest. Evil will continue to spread it's dark and filthy influence if it is not checked. We have a duty, an obligation to be that check. I will attempt my very best to solve this crises in a political fashion as you have heard. However, if needs be, tired or no, we must be prepared to take the fight to the forces of darkness. Such is our fate, and I know that my great nation will support me in this endeavor.
I thank you all."
President Flint immediately walked out of the conference room as the cameras were flashing in frenzy, the reporters present jumping from their seats, firing questions desperately. Frenzy or not however, no questions would be asked tonight.
Republic of Port Ember
Immediately following the "interrogation" session conducted by Secret Service Operator Gerald Gallows on three (now missing) Geonal Intelligence Agency operators, a very detailed report was accurately drafted with haste relating to the information which was learned during the latest session. The session revealed that the situation was a lot worse than anyone could have possibly predicted previously, with dozens of Geonal Intelligence Agency operators already being present within the tropical Republic, laying low and awaiting patiently for orders to begin spread their actions of hate and terror. They have managed to do an excellent job of remaining hidden and unnoticed by the ever watchful eyes of the Port Ember Secret Service thus far, by remaining in 'sleep mode' and not actively and openly plotting against the Republic just yet. It would have been impossible to identify these sleeping demons if it weren't for the morbidly dark, yet necessary work done by Gallows.
Now that the identities have been in the possession of the Secret Service, the aliases of the agents were burned with immediate effect, and tracing their whereabouts a simple task. A combined operation between the Port Ember Secret Service (PESS) and the Port Ember Foreign Intelligence Agency (PEFIA) was established post haste. The hiding agents were well established within the nation, some operating in the higher echelons of society - taking up positions within the local government and even military. Some were deployed as doctors and lawyers. Some were masquerading as blue collar workers whilst others set up safe houses in abandoned warehouses, backrooms of bakeries, casinos and strip clubs. The true extent of the Geonal operation against Port Ember was a truly nightmarish discovery for those uncovering the truth.
Legions of combined tactical squads of PESS and PEFIA was established once the analysts were satisfied that all threats have been identified and positioned, and immediately struck with lightning speed and ruthless effectiveness. The night was characterized as a series of brutal sound effects as doors were kicked down, flashbang grenades detonating, gunshots ringing all across the Capital near simultaneously. It was an excellently planned and coordinated strike against the enemies of the islands, with the public none the wiser of what was taking place around them.
Those agents who were unfortunate enough to be captured alive by the tactical squads were hurriedly transported to secret black sites where they were ruthlessly interrogated for the identities of more agents who might have went unnoticed during the first purge. Whether these scumbags were cooperative or not, they would never be seen walking the tropical sunny streets of the Republic ever again.
A shadow war was raging.
Port Emberian Tactical Squads raiding suspected Geonal Agents Residences
Republic of Port Ember
Immediately following the live broadcasted address from their Commander In Chief, the Port Ember Security Forces sprang to action in anticipation of a possible mass mobilization. This mass readiness operation would showcase to the world - and especially to their enemies, that they were more than ready to defend their shores in the unlikely event of an attack upon them. They were also showcasing to the world - and especially to their enemies that the entire might of Port Ember was ready to strike at their enemies, no matter where they were situated upon this globe, at a mere moments notice.
The most legendary and feared Arms of Service - the Port Ember Security Forces Navy readied their fleets en masse - outfitting themselves to prepare for a full scale invasion force. The tropical navy harbours were alive with thousands upon thousands of sailors and technicians, executing their duties with absolute precision and haste.
The Port Ember Security Forces Marine Corps were not lagging behind in effort and preparation, knowing that they would be the spear of any possible future invasion expeditions. They were all hardened veterans, and a sense of excitement hang in the air within the Marine forts.
The Port Ember Security Forces Army was equally busy, already running Combined Arms Combat Simulations all across the island, preparing for a hypothetical invasion. The public was staring at the mass movement of Main Battle Tanks with a mixture of emotions.
The Port Ember Security Forces Air Force immediately called up their entire pool of reserves and started retraining their old pilots, led by the current and fresh veterans. Aircraft of all types and sizes were pushed through workshops for repairs and maintenance, ready for training manoeuvres.
The Port Ember Security Forces Task Force 79 (Special Forces) were not in any particular special mood of preparation, as they were in a constant status of rapid readiness. None the less, intelligence briefings were conducted within secret, dark, smoke filled rooms.
This Mobilization Fever was not only isolated to the mainland, as the colony's of Port Ember - Port Arthur and Braziliztan was also gripped with the same levels of preparation, preparing for both self defense, and possibly adding extra auxiliary combat support to their nation whom they owed allegiance towards. This mobilization was the single largest of its kind in recent memory.
Port Ember Military Mobilization underway
The Hawk's Nest (Undisclosed Isle within the Ember Archipelago)
Admiral Nathanial Hawk
The Pirate Admiral's Villa
The Hawk Privateers has always been an… interesting organization. It is a organization which can be summarized as a group of modern, highly trained, expertly equipped pirates for hire. Unlike any other band of modern pirates, these folk did not execute pirating operations against any possible soft target, instead sub contracting their expert services out to a third party.
What makes them even more unique than this fact, is the additional fact that they have occupied an entire isle, setting up a fully functional base of operations where the pirates can train, manufacture logistical support and repair and maintain their state of the art vessels.
Officially, the government of Port Ember does ot believe that this organization exists at all, and even if they did exist - they had absolutely no idea where they were operating from - as no island such as described can possibly exist on the island chain. It's simply just not possible. Unofficially, select members of the Republic knew exactly where these pirates were operating from and what they were capable off. In fact, these very pirates were operating brand new warships obtained from the Port Ember Navy!
Once the retired Admiral Hawk established his business, he made a lucrative arrangement with the ruling government of the day. The government would deny his existence and ensure his island's position remains hidden and free to conduct his business unhindered. In return, the Admiral's pirates would never accept a contract to operate against the Republic's allies, and furthermore accept certain contracts from the government without question. This allowed the Republic to carry out operations in a perfectly clandestine method, with no way of the repercussions being traced back to the government.
A win - win situation for all involved.
Admiral Hawk smiled as he received a coded message per untraceable email, simply reading "Don't eat supper - you have a large batch of incoming ice cream for breakfast.
With love.
G."
Empire of Geonal
Imperium Emergrad
Garry Hathaway
Garry Hathaway's face turned into an unnaturally pale white, seemingly turning into a corpse. Or a ghost. Or a ghost of a corpse. The source of his horror and shock came in the form of a very innocent looking text on his burner phone, which simply read
"Good morning sleepy head! Time to wake up and have some coffee! Love you darling." To the untrained eye, this looked like a routine correspondence between Garry and his lover, yet Garry knew better. He knew that this was a very deeply coded message, and the consequences of this simple text was severe. World changing severe.
Garry Hathaway was an interesting fellow, and above all else, he considered himself to be an absolute patriot. He loved his nation more than he could ever possibly love anything or anyone else - nothing on this earth meant more to him than the nation known as the Empire of Geonal.
Besides being and undying patriot, he was known as many other things as well, for example, Crime Boss, Terrorist, Outlaw, Rebel, Nightmare, Miscreant.. to name but a few.
From a young age Garry knew that his nation of birth was the greatest nation on earth, and it deserved to be viewed as such by Her citizens, Her government and by the rest of the world. Garry also knew from a young age that this was not the case, and it would never be the case under the leadership of the reigning monarch - Empress Jane Falcon. The Empress was a sadistic, moronic and incompetent leader, which led to the world brushing their entire nation with the same paint. In response, Garry knew that the Empress needed to fall one day in order for his great nation to become great. This was easier said than done offcourse, as she enjoyed a cult following from the majority of the populace and especially her armed forces. Any idea whatsoever which could be considered "Anti Emperor", was swiftly and brutally crushed. Her iron fist ruling style made opposition foolish and near impossible.
In response, Garry established the Ultra Nationalist Party, a far right political party which would see the Empress dethroned, and establish a Pro-Geonal State in her stead, which would guide the nation towards it's true potential. Soon after Garry realised that his idealism would get him and his entire family murdered, and entered the underworld to remain hidden - and alive. He started to distribute propaganda in the form of underground newspapers and pirate radio stations. He started to recruit young warriors who shared his ideals, but he had done so in a painstakingly slow manner, in an attempt to remain hidden. Unfortunately Garry soon realised that running these operations required funding. He was forced to trade on the black market in order to obtain the necessary funds. This operations expanded a lot faster and more successfully then he could ever imagine, and was in charge of a large scale underworld network. His "Ultra Nationalist Party" was one of the largest drug manufacturers within the Empire, diversified with a lot of other smaller endeavors like armed robberies, illegal fight clubs, nightclubs and strip clubs to name only a few. Unfortunately for Garry, these businesses turned his attention away from his true and original cause, and this frustrated him beyond belief.
Garry however had a very dark secret - he had made a deal with the metaphorical devil many years ago. Due to Garry's rising success in the underworld, he came under the attention of local authorities. Over the years, he appeared on the radar of both the local police and the Geonal Intelligence Agency due to his crime syndicate, extremist views and actions. As the authorities started squeezing closer, he knew that his life would be forfeit very soon. However, a stranger appeared and offered Garry the deal of a lifetime. "Its simple really Gary - you are about to go to prison or get killed. Or both. You know this. This fact is unavoidable. Hell, you can even try to flee the country, but we both know that the Empress' agents will hunt you no matter where you go. So, I can walk away right now, and allow fate to play out… Or.. Or I can make it all go away. I can let the investigation officers… dissapear. I can let the files and intel collected on you disappear. Just.. like… that. I can then continue to keep my guardian angel eyes on you, and ensure that you are never placed in this crazy situation again. You will become invisible to the eyes of the law. All I ask in return is for a small favour. This favour is still unknown to me, and it might not even come. But if it does come, you will act upon it without question and without hesitation. So Mister Hathaway - what say you?" The stranger said. Garry did not even think twice before he replied in the affirmative, the deal was just too good to pass. And besides, it's not like he had any other valid choices.
The stranger was true to his word, the case against him was dropped, and the strange vehicles following him everywhere he went had ceased. Later Garry discovered that the stranger was an active member of the Port Ember Foreign Intelligence Agency, and has thus effectively turned Garry into a sleeper agent for the Port Emberians. Mad at first, Garry felt that this was a necessary evil, as his handler remained true to his word. No matter how large his crime operations had become, the local authorities did not even know of his existence. Even rival crime lords who wanted Garry disposed off disappeared, never to be heard off from again once they threatened his life or operation. Garry had become unstoppable.
Garry had become content with his way of life, despite being frustrated with his lack of actual patriotic actions against his chief enemy, but he consoled himself in the fact that his wealth, power and numbers were on the rise, and this is what he required for when the day would dawn to strike at his enemy. As for the Port Emberian guardian angel, he grew accustomed to having him defending him against threats unseen. Until now that was. He knew very well that the seemingly innocent text was a coded call to arms.
It was time to repay his long line of favours.
