Romextlian-Italian conflict on the Italian Question IC

[Insaanistan]

"How exactly is France, a close ally of Italy in 1960 losing going to make them happy to join?"

“We maaay or may not have wanted Algeria for ourselves,” Garibaldi admitted. “We also opposes the brutal pacification of the Algerians by the French.”

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

“If I here someone call me a colonizer one more time,” Nura said, “I might go mad. They aren’t a bloody colony. Don’t you think we of all people would know not to colonize?”

"If they aren't a colony, why can't they leave?" Hillshire asked, pointedly. "Either way, the Italian Republic is a sovereign nation and any annexation by Insaanistan, etc. should be illegal even with any referendum; see the UN's refusal to recognize the state of Artsakh or the Russian annexation of the Crimea."

Berkant Veidhlín of the Tribe of Kildare.
It was always the same story, if you asked me... we arrived in this place yesterday, got acclimated and used to the fact, that there was a guided missile cruiser of the SDF waiting off-shore to take us back home - came with taking a dive in the metaphorical powder keg, I suppose.
I really, sometimes, wished myself back to the wonderful days in the Embassy of the Free Lands at the Qalat-al-Jabal in Kyrenaia... they made bloody good tea there. Liliane was close by, posing as my assistant, dressed into a pantsuit, much like I wore a suit - Geansai might be a bit too much for this conference, I supposed, the blonde Marcach agreeing.
Anyway, the discussion was heating up slowly but surely and I saw the time has come to put in my own two cents. Besides which, if Garibaldi only knew, how much and easily people forgot their past once there was a chance for the tables to turn...
"There are two major problems, Sir.", I spoke up, aiming my words at the Insaanistani Delegation, "For one thing, Italy is a colony. To my understanding, it is settled by a non-native minority, which holds the majority of the political power. This minority settled the country as if it was free real estate, to my understanding, and imposed its culture and especially religion on the native population. Likewise, neither the Italians themselves, nor the... 'regional government' of Italy has the political power of a sovereign state, for example in the form of an independent foreign policy. Instead it depends on their motherland for any of these questions." I made a small pause. "Besides which, second problem, Sovereignity is not a legal question but an extralegal question. The Right to Self-Determination, which Mister Hillshire mentioned, trumps over any constitution, be it the Insaanistani one or any else."
I made a small pause.
"If Insaanistan were to allow for a binding plebiscite on this matter, a fair and democratic one, observed by foreign observers, this matter would resolve itself.", I added, "Either the Italians decide to become independant in which case the matter resolves itself, or they decide to remain with Insaanistan..." I raised a hand in the direction of Mister Hillshire and his more temperamental companion, bidding them to allow me to finish this sentence. "...in which case the matter resolves itself as well. In the end, it will avoid bloodshed, which can be avoided."

Hillshire smiled and nodded at the Selkie-man. "Hear, hear, Mister Veidhlín." he replied. "I am but a messenger and cannot control the more radical members of my organization, but if it is the genuine wish of the Italian people to stay with Insaanistan, as expressed by an UNBIASED, INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED and MONITORED binding plebiscite, then I, personally, will lay down my arms and fight no more. And I trust that all reasonable members of my organization who act in good faith to do the same as well."

Giuseppe did not say a word, but nodded. While the Social Welfare Agency did not have military power in the traditional sense, a Prussian-Polish Airbase nearby and rumors of a guided missile frigate in the region, as well as the presence of backup, put the more combative insurgent leader at some ease.

The irony of it all was that he, Hillshire, and everyone else were advancing foreign interests of their own. But those foreign, Prussian-Polish interests, were hostile to his country's occupiers and were conducive to Italy's reformation and revival.

Giuseppe decided he could live with that.

[Insaanistan]

HRM: Someone tells me why this is a talkative WW2 and I'm America here?
OOC: Wait Insaanistan has what?! Almost most of Europe?!

(No.)

[Insaanistan]

“Half are North African or part North African part Italian. Some like me aren’t North African at all. Though my grandparents were an exception: they became Muslims five years before the referendum came.”

"Half? I find it impossible that even half of the Muslims would be native Italians. Yes, I find no problem believing that some of them would convert, but a number like that does not seem right. Italy has been Christian for thousands of years, and conversion of a number like that in only 60 years does not seem right either."

“No, a lot of the rest are full Berbers or Blacks. Then about 1/4 are native Italians.”

[Earth Allies]

HRM: Someone tells me why this is a talkative WW2 and I'm America here?
OOC: Wait Insaanistan has what?! Almost most of Europe?!

(No.)

HRM: DAMN those ************** lies

[Insaanistan]

“If I here someone call me a colonizer one more time,” Nura said, “I might go mad. They aren’t a bloody colony. Don’t you think we of all people would know not to colonize?”

"If they aren't a colony, why can't they leave?" Hillshire asked, pointedly. "Either way, the Italian Republic is a sovereign nation and any annexation by Insaanistan, etc. should be illegal even with any referendum; see the UN's refusal to recognize the state of Artsakh or the Russian annexation of the Crimea."

Berkant Veidhlín of the Tribe of Kildare.
It was always the same story, if you asked me... we arrived in this place yesterday, got acclimated and used to the fact, that there was a guided missile cruiser of the SDF waiting off-shore to take us back home - came with taking a dive in the metaphorical powder keg, I suppose.
I really, sometimes, wished myself back to the wonderful days in the Embassy of the Free Lands at the Qalat-al-Jabal in Kyrenaia... they made bloody good tea there. Liliane was close by, posing as my assistant, dressed into a pantsuit, much like I wore a suit - Geansai might be a bit too much for this conference, I supposed, the blonde Marcach agreeing.
Anyway, the discussion was heating up slowly but surely and I saw the time has come to put in my own two cents. Besides which, if Garibaldi only knew, how much and easily people forgot their past once there was a chance for the tables to turn...
"There are two major problems, Sir.", I spoke up, aiming my words at the Insaanistani Delegation, "For one thing, Italy is a colony. To my understanding, it is settled by a non-native minority, which holds the majority of the political power. This minority settled the country as if it was free real estate, to my understanding, and imposed its culture and especially religion on the native population. Likewise, neither the Italians themselves, nor the... 'regional government' of Italy has the political power of a sovereign state, for example in the form of an independent foreign policy. Instead it depends on their motherland for any of these questions." I made a small pause. "Besides which, second problem, Sovereignity is not a legal question but an extralegal question. The Right to Self-Determination, which Mister Hillshire mentioned, trumps over any constitution, be it the Insaanistani one or any else."
I made a small pause.
"If Insaanistan were to allow for a binding plebiscite on this matter, a fair and democratic one, observed by foreign observers, this matter would resolve itself.", I added, "Either the Italians decide to become independant in which case the matter resolves itself, or they decide to remain with Insaanistan..." I raised a hand in the direction of Mister Hillshire and his more temperamental companion, bidding them to allow me to finish this sentence. "...in which case the matter resolves itself as well. In the end, it will avoid bloodshed, which can be avoided."

Hillshire at the Selkie-woman. "Hear, hear, Madam Veidhlín." Hillshire replied. "I but a messenger and cannot control the more radical members of my organization, but if it is the genuine wish of the Italian people to stay, as expressed by an UNBIASED, INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED and MONITORED plebiscite, then I, personally, will lay down my arms. And I trust that all reasonable members of my organization who act in good faith to do the same as well."

Giuseppe did not say a word, but nodded. While the Social Welfare Agency did not have military power in the traditional sense, a Prussian-Polish Airbase nearby and rumors of a guided missile frigate in the region, as well as the presence of backup, put the more combative insurgent leader at some ease.

The irony of it all was that he, Hillshire, and everyone else were advancing foreign interests of their own. But those foreign, Prussian-Polish interests, were hostile to his country's occupiers and were conducive to Italy's reformation and revival.

Giuseppe decided he could live with that.

“Ask me why they can’t leave one more time and so help me-” she started. However, she quickly realized killing people would solve nothing.
Nuts sighed and stuck her dagger in the table.
“Italy will be permitted a referendum,” she said.
“WHAT?!” Garibaldi exploded. “NO! WE CAN’T! This is our land!”
“Garibaldi, I can kill everyone here and start a war, or I can give them what they want. We’re Muslim, the only option is to preserve life.”

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Hillshire leaned back and exhaled in relief, not the least because he would no longer have to call for backup. Giuseppe, however, remained silent, saving his relief for when the last Insaanistan left Italy.

[Al-Musafakun]

Apulia, Southern Italy - Mujahideen camp

"Allahu Akbar."
"Allahu Akbar."
"Allahu Akbar."
"Allahu Akbar."

The camp of the Mujahidin ad-Din was congratulated on their strength of faith and together they mocked the deceptions of the infidels that occupied this land. The commander, in all her piety, declared that every one of the Faithful shall become martyrs, and she told them that they themselves knew so, for their devotion was unshakable, like the mountains against the wind or the fortresses of God against the hordes of evil that had before sacked the lands of the Faithful. Every one, should they survive this campaign, shall receive any man amongst the infidels as her own and shall be taken back to al-Qāhira as their prizes. The wealth they gleam from this expedition will be theirs to use as they saw fit. She asked them, "who among ye shall live in splendour and richness?" None affirmed so. "I seek martyrdom!" shouted one, "all the worldly riches belong to the destitute and the Faithful!" she continued. The commander was satisfied, and so they organised themselves to be ready until nightfall, when justice will be delivered.

[Caribbean Confederation]

Murphy was dubious. It was unlike a colonial empire to bend this dramatically in the first rounds of negotiations over a territory they had claimed as an integral part of their nation. Don't get him wrong, he'd be glad if this could end without bloodshed and spilt Caribbean blood, and if the Insaanistanis were acting in good faith, he'd not mind it otherwise... but he was not quite dubious yet. Any finalised treaty would first need an Italian representative, and he wasn't quite sure if all parties involved would view the same representative as legitimate. Regardless, if Murphy could leave Italy even within the week, he'd call it a magnificent success in his career. Little did he know...

[Insaanistan]

Apulia, Southern Italy - Mujahideen camp

"Allahu Akbar."
"Allahu Akbar."
"Allahu Akbar."
"Allahu Akbar."

The camp of the Mujahidin ad-Din was congratulated on their strength of faith and together they mocked the deceptions of the infidels that occupied this land. The commander, in all her piety, declared that every one of the Faithful shall become martyrs, and she told them that they themselves knew so, for their devotion was unshakable, like the mountains against the wind or the fortresses of God against the hordes of evil that had before sacked the lands of the Faithful. Every one, should they survive this campaign, shall receive any man amongst the infidels as her own and shall be taken back to al-Qāhira as their prizes. The wealth they gleam from this expedition will be theirs to use as they saw fit. She asked them, "who among ye shall live in splendour and richness?" None affirmed so. "I seek martyrdom!" shouted one, "all the worldly riches belong to the destitute and the Faithful!" she continued. The commander was satisfied, and so they organised themselves to be ready until nightfall, when justice will be delivered.

“Allahu Akbar” is a freaking Muslim magnet, and soon nearby Muslims were coming in and happily chanting it without real reason, including some Insaani soldiers.

[The Selkie]

“Ask me why they can’t leave one more time and so help me-” she started. However, she quickly realized killing people would solve nothing.
Nuts sighed and stuck her dagger in the table.
“Italy will be permitted a referendum,” she said.
“WHAT?!” Garibaldi exploded. “NO! WE CAN’T! This is our land!”
“Garibaldi, I can kill everyone here and start a war, or I can give them what they want. We’re Muslim, the only option is to preserve life.”

Berkant Veidhlín of the Tribe of Kildare.
I was, admittedly, a bit surprised at the short lapse of emotion of the woman, but as she caught herself, I knew, that Liliane's hand was moving away from the short carbon-fibre dagger she had concealed under her skirt. It was not the deadliest of weapons, sure, but enough to defend herself and myself.
But at the end of the day, that was unnecessary as the ruler of the colonial motherland... gave in.
It had something of the End of the Decolonization Wars.
I bowed my head lightly.
"Indeed, preserving life is why we assembled here.", I spoke diplomatically, then rose again from my bow. "Now, as that is cleared up, we only need to iron out a few details and we are good to go."

Hillshire leaned back and exhaled in relief, not the least because he would no longer have to call for backup. Giuseppe, however, remained silent, saving his relief for when the last Insaanistan left Italy.

I knew, that Mister Hillshire and his companion might not be completely satisfied, as were their supporters, but we were making a step into the right direction. I would later slip them a small note from my government, which would explain, that we would aid them, if the time came - whether it was for a referendum or a war of independence.
My relief, too, would come once this situation was resolved in an outcome, which was satisfying for "all sides" (read, for our side).

[Al-Musafakun]

Apulia, Southern Italy - Mujahideen camp

"Allahu Akbar."
"Allahu Akbar."
"Allahu Akbar."
"Allahu Akbar."

The camp of the Mujahidin ad-Din was congratulated on their strength of faith and together they mocked the deceptions of the infidels that occupied this land. The commander, in all her piety, declared that every one of the Faithful shall become martyrs, and she told them that they themselves knew so, for their devotion was unshakable, like the mountains against the wind or the fortresses of God against the hordes of evil that had before sacked the lands of the Faithful. Every one, should they survive this campaign, shall receive any man amongst the infidels as her own and shall be taken back to al-Qāhira as their prizes. The wealth they gleam from this expedition will be theirs to use as they saw fit. She asked them, "who among ye shall live in splendour and richness?" None affirmed so. "I seek martyrdom!" shouted one, "all the worldly riches belong to the destitute and the Faithful!" she continued. The commander was satisfied, and so they organised themselves to be ready until nightfall, when justice will be delivered.

“Allahu Akbar” is a freaking Muslim magnet, and soon nearby Muslims were coming in and happily chanting it without real reason, including some Insaani soldiers.

The reaction was immediate. Swords, arrows, spears, the like. The lamia were ruthless in their attack, and their speed easily outmatched even the fastest man in the group. Shouting came from the masked and armoured snake women, who in the midst of this butchery begun their full assault.

After the beach was painted red, flaming trebuchet projectiles began to be fired upon the town. The lamia poured into the village, killing anyone who they saw, all except children who saw their families butchered by things yelling in Classical Arabic, that war cry that accompanied butchery only rivalled by the crusaders’ capture of Jerusalem.

[Insaanistan]

Nearby Insaani soldiers quickly opened fire. While the “mujahideen” were good fighters, the Insaanis had modern weaponry. Not only that, they were fueled by rage that the “mujahideen” would dare kill civilians.

[Al-Musafakun]

Nearby Insaani soldiers quickly opened fire. While the “mujahideen” were good fighters, the Insaanis had modern weaponry. Not only that, they were fueled by rage that the “mujahideen” would dare kill civilians.

The Mujahideen died valiantly, and took out many more than one might’ve expected. Their superior speed, the close quarters of the village, and the fires started by the trebuchets still firing upon the village had done enough damage that this could easily be noticed by international media soon.

By the time the last of the first fighters had fallen, there was probably less than half of the village’s population left, and flaming projectiles continued to be fired upon the village and set fire to homes, shops, buildings, the like. One would need immediate aid from the nearest city before much else could be saved by now.

[Caribbean Confederation]

Murphy had only just begun leaving the building, presumably to join his entourage and return to the Caribbean Consulate in Rome [OOC: Let's assume for RP's Sake that there is one] when he heard it. One moment, everything was calm -it was nighttime in Rome, and even a colonial empire's rule can't make Roman nights less fun- and in a blink of an eye, his phone pinged and Hell came to Italy.

The short video that had his phone pinged -after all, it is unlike a foreign affairs officer dealing with the issue of colonial independence not to have access to the state's eyes and ears in the region- started innocently. People in black were dancing and singing. Suddenly, a masculine voice in what he could identify as an Egyptian, North African accent shouted "Allah Akbar!", the video went only long enough for two to be cut down by scimitars -not unlike those the Insaanistani had armed themselves with inside- and then end abruptly with a haunting scream. J. Henry Murphy ran back to the building, escorted by his security detail who looked even more confused than him. Safe from attacks inside, he returned to the main hall: "there's been an attack!" he exclaimed.

Hopeful Negotiations end in tragedy as darkly dressed men of North African descent massacre dozens while chanting in Arabic, field reports were already coming in from the people on the scene. He turned to Garibaldi, "do you know who did this?" he pointed a finger in accusation.

[Insaanistan]

Murphy had only just begun leaving the building, presumably to join his entourage and return to the Caribbean Consulate in Rome [OOC: Let's assume for RP's Sake that there is one] when he heard it. One moment, everything was calm -it was nighttime in Rome, and even a colonial empire's rule can't make Roman nights less fun- and in a blink of an eye, Hell came to Italy. It wasn't close to the place the negotiations were taking place, but he could still see dark smoke, one coming from the fire of rudimentary artillery, rise from afar. Screams of terror he could hear, and deploying of military to answer to it he could see. J. Henry Murphy ran back to the building, escorted by his security detail who looked even more confused than him. Safe from attacks inside, he returned to the main hall: "there's been an attack!" he exclaimed.

Hopeful Negotiations end in tragedy as darkly dressed men of North African descent massacre dozens while chanting in Arabic, field reports were already coming in from the people on the scene. He turned to Garibaldi, "do you know who did this?" he pointed a finger in accusation.

Garibaldi was still sulking, but had already been given access to security footage given he wasn’t far from where it occurred.
“From what the security camera shows, those heavily armed foreign women opened fire on civilians, so Insaani troops fired on them.”

[The Selkie]

“Allahu Akbar” is a freaking Muslim magnet, and soon nearby Muslims were coming in and happily chanting it without real reason, including some Insaani soldiers.

The reaction was immediate. Swords, arrows, spears, the like. The lamia were ruthless in their attack, and their speed easily outmatched even the fastest man in the group. Shouting came from the masked and armoured snake women, who in the midst of this butchery begun their full assault.

After the beach was painted red, flaming trebuchet projectiles began to be fired upon the town. The lamia poured into the village, killing anyone who they saw, all except children who saw their families butchered by things yelling in Classical Arabic, that war cry that accompanied butchery only rivalled by the crusaders’ capture of Jerusalem.

Captain Filicia Camnir of the Tribe of Cork.
SDFS Bruinneall, 200 km away from Rome.
Modern radar was a bitch, especially if one chugged around in... whatever those two ships, which came ashore in Apulia, were. However, we had not seen them - we were 200 kilometers off of the coast of Lazio and between us and Apulia was the entire southern half of the Appenine Peninsula.
Radar was a bitch, but it could not peer through solid rock.
Besides, even if we saw them, our orders were simple: Be friendly until someone was not friendly anymore. React to any call for help or assistance by the Ambassador Group. Cooperate with local authorities unless that compromised the other two orders. Return home with the Ambassador Group aboard once their mission was finished.
We did not like Insaanistan, by virtue of them not being liked by our allies, but we were not at war or something.
Besides, if we were, we would not be here alone.
Rumours had it, that a vessel of the Royal Commonwealth Navy was not too far away, but so far, no one had told us anything. They would reveal themselves, if they needed something.
In the meantime...
"Are our recon drones ready?", I asked my first officer.
He nodded. "Ready to be deployed."
We had one medium drone catapult, installed for launching reconnaissance drones, and we had four of those aboard. While they were not suited for combat like the Foiches, they did tell us more about our surroundings in this bathtub of a sea, once we launched them.
And that would in turn help us with targetting our missiles - I had 224 shafts loaded to the brim, with Type 40s, Type 43s, Type 50s and Miodógs, as well as SAMs with a longer range then the small fire-and-forget missiles.
I hoped, that we would not need to use any of those missiles.

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Murphy had only just begun leaving the building, presumably to join his entourage and return to the Caribbean Consulate in Rome [OOC: Let's assume for RP's Sake that there is one] when he heard it. One moment, everything was calm -it was nighttime in Rome, and even a colonial empire's rule can't make Roman nights less fun- and in a blink of an eye, Hell came to Italy. It wasn't close to the place the negotiations were taking place, but he could still see dark smoke, one coming from the fire of rudimentary artillery, rise from afar. Screams of terror he could hear, and deploying of military to answer to it he could see. J. Henry Murphy ran back to the building, escorted by his security detail who looked even more confused than him. Safe from attacks inside, he returned to the main hall: "there's been an attack!" he exclaimed.

Hopeful Negotiations end in tragedy as darkly dressed men of North African descent massacre dozens while chanting in Arabic, field reports were already coming in from the people on the scene. He turned to Garibaldi, "do you know who did this?" he pointed a finger in accusation.

Garibaldi was still sulking, but had already been given access to security footage given he wasn’t far from where it occurred.
“From what the security camera shows, those heavily armed foreign women opened fire on civilians, so Insaani troops fired on them.”

Hillshire was in shock at the moment, but Giuseppe had his wits about him.
Dragging his compartriot into a side-room, he then pressed the hidden radio in his shirt. "Task Element Triela, this is Henrietta. Negotiations in question but will continue tomorrow despite military activity to the south of Rome. Exfiltrate immediately and link up at the safehouse. We are not, I repeat, are NOT under ceasefire with colonialist forces and all operations should continue."

"Copied." a young girl replied from the other side of the radio. Outside of the conference hall building, a pair of well-dressed young girls left their cafe table.

With that done, Giuseppe turned to his compatriot. "Hillshire! Get your mind on straight. We're leaving."
Hillshire seemed to be trembling slightly, but nodded. "Lead the way." he finally managed to force out.

Giuseppe discreetly flipped the safety off of his pistol, throwing one arm around Hillshire as the two SWA leaders stumbled back into the conference hall on their way out, just as Garibaldi finished speaking. "What women!" Giuseppe barked. "What the fuck is going on?!"

---

The Seas Insaanistan-backed Italy

The cruiser of the Free Lands would not have to wait long. The frigate in question, the ORP Kielce, evidently had been looking for them too.

A SH-60 Sikorsky Sea Hawk appeared on the horizon and began to attempt radio contact. Assuming it was established, the helicopter would identify itself as being from the Kielce, as well as giving them the location of the Commonwealth frigate; approximately a hundred nautical miles to the south, under strict emissions control.

[New Antarcticania]

The field marshal, backed by a few select members of the angry mob enters the room

"Gnetlemen"
he says, completely disregarding nura

[Langenia]

The field marshal, backed by a few select members of the angry mob enters the room

"Gnetlemen"
he says, completely disregarding nura

"Welcome," says the Langenian Foreign Minister. "Sultana Nura has agreed to hold a referendum for Italian independence." Much more quietly, he says "Try to mess with it for communism and you know what will happen."

[Insaanistan]

Garibaldi was still sulking, but had already been given access to security footage given he wasn’t far from where it occurred.
“From what the security camera shows, those heavily armed foreign women opened fire on civilians, so Insaani troops fired on them.”

Hillshire was in shock at the moment, but Giuseppe had his wits about him.
Dragging his compartriot into a side-room, he then pressed the hidden radio in his shirt. "Task Element Triela, this is Henrietta. Negotiations in question but will continue tomorrow despite military activity to the south of Rome. Exfiltrate immediately and link up at the safehouse. We are not, I repeat, are NOT under ceasefire with colonialist forces and all operations should continue."

"Copied." a young girl replied from the other side of the radio. Outside of the conference hall building, a pair of well-dressed young girls left their cafe table.

With that done, Giuseppe turned to his compatriot. "Hillshire! Get your mind on straight. We're leaving."
Hillshire seemed to be trembling slightly, but nodded. "Lead the way." he finally managed to force out.

Giuseppe discreetly flipped the safety off of his pistol, throwing one arm around Hillshire as the two SWA leaders stumbled back into the conference hall on their way out, just as Garibaldi finished speaking. "What women!" Giuseppe barked. "What the fuck is going on?!"

---

The Seas Insaanistan-backed Italy

The cruiser of the Free Lands would not have to wait long. The frigate in question, the ORP Kielce, evidently had been looking for them too.

A SH-60 Sikorsky Sea Hawk appeared on the horizon and began to attempt radio contact. Assuming it was established, the helicopter would identify itself as being from the Kielce, as well as giving them the location of the Commonwealth frigate; approximately a hundred nautical miles to the south, under strict emissions control.

Nura, able to read minds, had already alerted Insaani troops of the incoming threat of attack
“Get down!” she yelled at Guiseppe.
She pointed her sword at Hillshire, centimeters away. “Garibaldi, your gun.”
Garibaldi pulled out a gun and pointed it at Hillshire. “Put it down and call them off!”

[Insaanistan]

The field marshal, backed by a few select members of the angry mob enters the room

"Gnetlemen"
he says, completely disregarding nura

Nura promptly moved her hand to push him against the wall, not harming him yet, but inhibiting his ability to move.
“You have 10 seconds to apologize and acknowledge me or else.”

[Caribbean Confederation]

Unlike -apparently- everyone else, Murphy was unarmed. His security detail however was not. He was quickly surrounded by the five inconspicuous men in black that had come with him to the negotiations. All five drew their P228 pistols. Between the standoff between Garibaldi, Nura and Guiseppe and the sudden arrival of an angry mob, he wasn't sure whom to address.

"Maybe we should all slowly put down our weapons," he suggested, "before someone does something all of us will regret." It did not go unnoticed that for all his talks of neutrality, all five of his bodyguards had their pistols aimed at the Insaanis.

[Romextly]

Hillshire was in shock at the moment, but Giuseppe had his wits about him.
Dragging his compartriot into a side-room, he then pressed the hidden radio in his shirt. "Task Element Triela, this is Henrietta. Negotiations in question but will continue tomorrow despite military activity to the south of Rome. Exfiltrate immediately and link up at the safehouse. We are not, I repeat, are NOT under ceasefire with colonialist forces and all operations should continue."

"Copied." a young girl replied from the other side of the radio. Outside of the conference hall building, a pair of well-dressed young girls left their cafe table.

With that done, Giuseppe turned to his compatriot. "Hillshire! Get your mind on straight. We're leaving."
Hillshire seemed to be trembling slightly, but nodded. "Lead the way." he finally managed to force out.

Giuseppe discreetly flipped the safety off of his pistol, throwing one arm around Hillshire as the two SWA leaders stumbled back into the conference hall on their way out, just as Garibaldi finished speaking. "What women!" Giuseppe barked. "What the fuck is going on?!"

---

The Seas Insaanistan-backed Italy

The cruiser of the Free Lands would not have to wait long. The frigate in question, the ORP Kielce, evidently had been looking for them too.

A SH-60 Sikorsky Sea Hawk appeared on the horizon and began to attempt radio contact. Assuming it was established, the helicopter would identify itself as being from the Kielce, as well as giving them the location of the Commonwealth frigate; approximately a hundred nautical miles to the south, under strict emissions control.

Nura, able to read minds, had already alerted Insaani troops of the incoming threat of attack
“Get down!” she yelled at Guiseppe.
She pointed her sword at Hillshire, centimeters away. “Garibaldi, your gun.”
Garibaldi pulled out a gun and pointed it at Hillshire. “Put it down and call them off!”

Scipio pulled his gun and sword and pointed the gun at Guiseppe and the sword in Nura's back
"LEt them go."

[New Antarcticania]

The field marshal, backed by a few select members of the angry mob enters the room

"Gnetlemen"
he says, completely disregarding nura

Nura promptly moved her hand to push him against the wall, not harming him yet, but inhibiting his ability to move.
“You have 10 seconds to apologize and acknowledge me or else.”

"Careful what you do in this room, girl, or Sergey here will tell everyone outside that you will not grant Italy independence"