Italian Independence War (IC)

[Romextly]

"Only the dead have seen the end of war.”
— George Santayana, 1922

After a very, very messy conference on the Italian question that ended with a full blown shootout that claimed the lives of a few dozens, Romextly has declared war on Insaani, calling it's actions on Italy, a truly backwards movement. Now, will begin a war that could come in its cost of the millions of families being told their loved ones aren't returning home. Who will fight for the independence for Italy? Who will stand to maintain a massive Empire with millions of men ready to fight and die? Who will return home?

Ciudad de Roma
The Emperor began to address his nation
"Citizens of Romextly, hear me. Today, Romextly, with the support of other nations, has declared war on the tyrannical Insaani. Now, Insaanistan used to be a close ally of Romextly until recently due to their tyrannical rule of Italy and intentional concessions to people supporting the Khan Regime. We mjust work together to liberate Italy. We must return democracy to Italy, to free it from this tyrannical rule. Italy will rise. Vive la Italia!"
Millions of Romextlians cheer, though no impulse to join in the military happens.

[Insaanistan]

Insaani troops line the coasts of Iberia and have fortified Gibraltar. Italian troops have been heavily armed and are awaiting orders to attack the Maoists.

The Suez Canal has been militarized and every ship that passes through must be checked. The Red Sea coast is lined with fortifications ready to attack incoming ships.

[Caribbean Confederation]

/tag (if this is allowed). I'll post my entry when the RP begins

[Al-Musafakun]

/tag (forgot to earlier, but thought I would now that it’s going to soon start back up)

[Al-Musafakun]

Southern Italy, Apulia region

The sewers were not a hospitable place for the mujahideen ad-deen. The stench was greatly offence to the remaining fighters, and the labyrinthine network of tunnels made navigation difficult, if not outright impossible. They knew they couldn’t remain there for long, but night was soon upon them, and out into a dark alley did they emerge. They knew not where they were now, but were completely aware of the dangers they faced in such a strange environment.

In hushed Arabic voices, the lamia - of whom most were the spear-wielding variety with a minority of archers and swordswomen - stealthily slithered through the backalleys and dark steers. Of those rare few witnesses encountered, mostly homeless or lone men squabbling in the nighttime streets, none survived the quick and deadly attack of the Faithful. There wasn’t time to flurry, a slice or stab sufficed. Within half an hour, they had reached the outskirts of Ostuni, slinking away back into the countryside under the cover of night.

In the morning, a series of murders would be discovered in the backstreets of downtown Ostuni, but their perpetrators would have long since gone.

[Insaanistan]

The officials of Insaanistan were worried and frantic. They had made sure the populace did not know, but the Sultana was missing. She had last been seen in the scuffle over Italy’s future. The worst part is they didn’t know who took her. The Antarcticans or the Prussians?

What’s worse, a new enemy had appeared. They seemed to be... jihadis? But that was impossible: Insaanistan had nearly eliminated Al-Shabaab, Al-Qaeda and Boko Haram, and had kept ISIS in the Middle East, where Insaanistan helped in bombing their remaining strongholds.
Who were these new terrorists?
And why were they in Insaanistan?

[Insaanistan]

Southern Italy, Apulia region

The sewers were not a hospitable place for the mujahideen ad-deen. The stench was greatly offence to the remaining fighters, and the labyrinthine network of tunnels made navigation difficult, if not outright impossible. They knew they couldn’t remain there for long, but night was soon upon them, and out into a dark alley did they emerge. They knew not where they were now, but were completely aware of the dangers they faced in such a strange environment.

In hushed Arabic voices, the lamia - of whom most were the spear-wielding variety with a minority of archers and swordswomen - stealthily slithered through the backalleys and dark steers. Of those rare few witnesses encountered, mostly homeless or lone men squabbling in the nighttime streets, none survived the quick and deadly attack of the Faithful. There wasn’t time to flurry, a slice or stab sufficed. Within half an hour, they had reached the outskirts of Ostuni, slinking away back into the countryside under the cover of night.

In the morning, a series of murders would be discovered in the backstreets of downtown Ostuni, but their perpetrators would have long since gone.

The police scratched their heads. The only evidence they found were the cuts in the victims and... snake scales?
They disregarded the scales and decided to focus on trying to catch the criminals. But they wouldn’t have long: Italy’s regional government was considering soon militarizing its police forces to help fight the Maoists.

[Maoist Insaanistan]

The Maoists formally declare war on Insaanistan and begin attacking Insaani positions in Southern Italy.
Mario smiles. He’s hoping the coalition will pursue ending Insaanistan before they focus on them. In the meantime, he gave orders to round up all Italian converts to Islam, Arabs and Africans, and lock them up.
Italy was for Italians and Italians only.
Mario would see to it.

[The Jamesian Republic]

The main three Jamesian television networks decide to run a news cycle on the war. This is from JTN. Here is the broadcast:

An announcer says: Direct from our newsroom in Capitol City it is JTN This Morning with Sarah Hopkins and Dwight Fitzpatrick.

“Good morning, our top story this morning is the on going Independence War in Italy.” Sarah said. “Recently after a declaration of independence made by the Italians the Insaani government naturally tried to repress it. Eventually it turned into a war. Several factions and foreign powers are currently trying to take control of the peninsula or are trying to set up a functioning government. The most successful native Italian faction is Maoist Insaanistan currently lead by a man known simply as Mario. The Maoists have committed several crimes against humanity particularly to Arabs, Muslims, and Africans living in Italy.” Sarah explained.

“These actions have led to protests across the Muslim world and Muslim minorities in Jamesia and Stenope. The Muslim minority in Tulo is demanding the Prime Minister and The King of Tulo to respond to these actions. Several Arad countries in Middle Orientum are seeing protests due to these actions. President Lewis recently denounced the actions in Italy. He also announced that supplies such as weapons, equipment, food, medical supplies, and money will be sent to Insaanistan. He also announced that he will work with Congress to set up a plan to accept refugees from Italy.” Dwight said.

The news went on to Coronavirus news among other things as well.

[Insaanistan]

Italians in Insaanistan were fearful.
The recent developments had put them in an awkward position.
How long before people began to come for them, angry at what was happening in Italy?

[Caribbean Confederation]

Off the coast of Bari, Southern Adriatic Sea
04:25, 7 March 2021

---

Cuba and Hispaniola, the two amphibious assault ships carrying the initial Confederate expeditionary corps, had left the harbour of Trieste at the break of dawn. Taking refugee by sailing only a stonethrow outside the Croatian territorial waters to avoid both detection, the ships carrying two confederate marine regiments only broke away from the Dalmatian islands near Melita, quickly crossing the Adriatic Sea, stopping roughly 11 kilometers north of the small Apulian city of Bari.

Bari had been chosen as the primary target for the marine expedition due to two-shop analysis suggesting the city might be home to several Assets belonging to the so-called Mujahideen ad-Din, which Lt. Colonel Clarke hoped could be helpful in staging a liberation campaign in southern Apulia before the bulk of the Confederate Expeditionary Force -and potentially other state and non-state actors- could arrive to begin waging a large-scale campaign.

The expeditionary force, divided into 8 battalions of equal size, quickly separated into four four missions. Two battalions would move to cut off SS16 west of the city harbour from the via Napoli while another two would similarly cut SS16 east of the city from the via Alfredo Giovine. The other four battalions would storm the harbour itself from the two sides in Marconi and Bari Vecchia.

---

---

---

Atlantic Ocean
10:25, 7 March 2021

---

The order to send a larger military force would not arrive until four days after the Confederate Foreign Secretary had found his way out of Rome. The Marble Cabin's military experts had deliberated over whether or not the Confederacy could engage in a large-scale military campaign, how large a potential expeditionary force should be, and what military operations it should take. The order to deploy two battlegroups of the Overseas Fleet came in 06:15. The expeditionary fleet, made of two helicopter carriers, two amphibious assault ships, four destroyers, four frigates and ten corvettes -with helicopter wings attached-, having been prepared for this eventuality throughout the last four days, took off only half an hour later, and set course for the Gibraltar Straits. Whether this would be site to the first major naval battle of this budding international crisis would only be determined by how the Insaanistani authorities were to respond.

[Insaanistan]

Off the coast of Bari, Southern Adriatic Sea
04:25, 7 March 2021

---

Cuba and Hispaniola, the two amphibious assault ships carrying the initial Confederate expeditionary corps, had left the harbour of Trieste at the break of dawn. Taking refugee by sailing only a stonethrow outside the Croatian territorial waters to avoid both detection, the ships carrying two confederate marine regiments only broke away from the Dalmatian islands near Melita, quickly crossing the Adriatic Sea, stopping roughly 11 kilometers north of the small Apulian city of Bari.

Bari had been chosen as the primary target for the marine expedition due to two-shop analysis suggesting the city might be home to several Assets belonging to the so-called Mujahideen ad-Din, which Lt. Colonel Clarke hoped could be helpful in staging a liberation campaign in southern Apulia before the bulk of the Confederate Expeditionary Force -and potentially other state and non-state actors- could arrive to begin waging a large-scale campaign.

The expeditionary force, divided into 8 battalions of equal size, quickly separated into four four missions. Two battalions would move to cut off SS16 west of the city harbour from the via Napoli while another two would similarly cut SS16 east of the city from the via Alfredo Giovine. The other four battalions would storm the harbour itself from the two sides in Marconi and Bari Vecchia.

---

---

---

Atlantic Ocean
10:25, 7 March 2021

---

The order to send a larger military force would not arrive until four days after the Confederate Foreign Secretary had found his way out of Rome. The Marble Cabin's military experts had deliberated over whether or not the Confederacy could engage in a large-scale military campaign, how large a potential expeditionary force should be, and what military operations it should take. The order to deploy two battlegroups of the Overseas Fleet came in 06:15. The expeditionary fleet, made of two helicopter carriers, two amphibious assault ships, four destroyers, four frigates and ten corvettes -with helicopter wings attached-, having been prepared for this eventuality throughout the last four days, took off only half an hour later, and set course for the Gibraltar Straits. Whether this would be site to the first major naval battle of this budding international crisis would only be determined by how the Insaanistani authorities were to respond.

The Insaani ships patrolling near Bari noticed the ships from afar.
Were they this prepared to fight Insaanistan already?!
They ordered the ships to turn back and go home, in the vain homes that perhaps they might listen.

[The Jamesian Republic]

Can someone react to my news.

[Insaanistan]

(Image)
The main three Jamesian television networks decide to run a news cycle on the war. This is from JTN. Here is the broadcast:

An announcer says: Direct from our newsroom in Capitol City it is JTN This Morning with Sarah Hopkins and Dwight Fitzpatrick.

“Good morning, our top story this morning is the on going Independence War in Italy.” Sarah said. “Recently after a declaration of independence made by the Italians the Insaani government naturally tried to repress it. Eventually it turned into a war. Several factions and foreign powers are currently trying to take control of the peninsula or are trying to set up a functioning government. The most successful native Italian faction is Maoist Insaanistan currently lead by a man known simply as Mario. The Maoists have committed several crimes against humanity particularly to Arabs, Muslims, and Africans living in Italy.” Sarah explained.

“These actions have led to protests across the Muslim world and Muslim minorities in Jamesia and Stenope. The Muslim minority in Tulo is demanding the Prime Minister and The King of Tulo to respond to these actions. Several Arad countries in Middle Orientum are seeing protests due to these actions. President Lewis recently denounced the actions in Italy. He also announced that supplies such as weapons, equipment, food, medical supplies, and money will be sent to Insaanistan. He also announced that he will work with Congress to set up a plan to accept refugees from Italy.” Dwight said.

The news went on to Coronavirus news among other things as well.

Mahmud Abu Jamal was sitting next to Bashir and Soraya watching from the television set Nura had been gifted.
“What’s gonna happen?” Soraya asked.
Mahmud sighed. “We don’t know. I’ve looked at the numbers and... I... I don’t think we can win.”
He then finally looked at them and said “But here’s what I KNOW: we have to get you put of them Jen country.”
“WHAT?!” they both shouted.
“Guys, if we lose, Italy gets North Africa. They’ll incite a revolt here or maybe even invade. If they find you, they’re not gonna let you live. Soraya, you can go to Afghanistan. Bashir can go to Lond-“
“We’re not leaving, Mahmud,” Bashir said angrily. “And that’s final.”

[The Jamesian Republic]

Southern Italy, Apulia region

The sewers were not a hospitable place for the mujahideen ad-deen. The stench was greatly offence to the remaining fighters, and the labyrinthine network of tunnels made navigation difficult, if not outright impossible. They knew they couldn’t remain there for long, but night was soon upon them, and out into a dark alley did they emerge. They knew not where they were now, but were completely aware of the dangers they faced in such a strange environment.

In hushed Arabic voices, the lamia - of whom most were the spear-wielding variety with a minority of archers and swordswomen - stealthily slithered through the backalleys and dark steers. Of those rare few witnesses encountered, mostly homeless or lone men squabbling in the nighttime streets, none survived the quick and deadly attack of the Faithful. There wasn’t time to flurry, a slice or stab sufficed. Within half an hour, they had reached the outskirts of Ostuni, slinking away back into the countryside under the cover of night.

In the morning, a series of murders would be discovered in the backstreets of downtown Ostuni, but their perpetrators would have long since gone.

The police scratched their heads. The only evidence they found were the cuts in the victims and... snake scales?
They disregarded the scales and decided to focus on trying to catch the criminals. But they wouldn’t have long: Italy’s regional government was considering soon militarizing its police forces to help fight the Maoists.

This is news came in through teletype at the JTN News Bureau in Capitol City. Kent Mulligan saw the reports. “Odd, scales. Now what could that mean.” He said aloud. New enemies appeared in Insaanistan as well. From what Kent knew of Insaanistan was only from reports made by President Lewis. The situation was not going well for them. For a brief moment Kent felt a moment of dread.

---

Globetrotter, Statesman, Pilot, and most importantly the grand nephew of one of the greatest Jamesian presidents. Jason Carter sat a cafe in Muslimbol, half a world away from Italy. It felt like it but to the locals there was panic. Hushed whispers and when he went to a restaurant last night everyone was huddled in the corner in fear of something. Jason was staying on Earth for the time being. He had met with President Biden and established relations with The Jamesian Republic and The United States. Jason had traveled Gaia and decided now to travel Earth. Not that much different. He thought. However it was, the people the countries it was different. Jason also learned that he apparently looked like Joe Kennedy Jr. He never understood how people on Gaia would look like people on Earth. Jason felt he had to do something about this situation but what could he do?

---

President Lewis got news from Insaanistan. Despite having only known them for six months after all they went through together it seemed a longer time. He was torn over what to do. On one hand they were his allies but on the other he had taken a vow of neutrality. It was horrible thought of what might happen to them. They’re not your people. They don’t exist here. That was a thought. However they are one of the few friends you have. Despite the fact Jamesia was an ally to everyone on Gaia but not everyone was Scott’s friend. It wasn’t anything new. Yes sure he had made friends back home in Greysville but his town hated his guts because apparently preventing the construction of a third Duke Burger despite the fact you had two already is tyranny.
However he felt a connection to the Insaani’s. He felt he should help them. He wanted to so badly. He cares more about foreigners than he does his own people. He isn’t a true Jamesian. That mocking voice of Harry Grover came back to him. Scott decided he just needed to leave it be. Maybe something good will happen. Maybe.. Maybe.. Maybe..

[Maoist Insaanistan]

Mario sees an absence of attention paid to him and breathes a sigh of relief. He then orders his soldiers to kill all prisoners they currently have.
“Dispose of the bodies discreetly. The International community must not know we have done anything but round them up.”
“Si, sir!” came the reply.
By beheadings or firing squad, they killed them, regardless of age or background. All were equal in the eyes of the Maoists.

[The Jamesian Republic]

Mario sees an absence of attention paid to him and breathes a sigh of relief. He then orders his soldiers to kill all prisoners they currently have.
“Dispose of the bodies discreetly. The International community must not know we have done anything but round them up.”
“Si, sir!” came the reply.
By beheadings or firing squad, they killed them, regardless of age or background. All were equal in the eyes of the Maoists.

King Humberto II of Tulo sat by the fire place watching the flames crackle and dance. What was he to do. Sure the Tuloans and Italians shared cultural ties but they weren’t really the same. Muslims wanted him to do something about this. How can someone who never went to Earth or set foot on Italian soil stop something he has no idea about anyway. Would saying he denounces the actions in Insaanistan help. Actions speak louder than words. He couldn’t interfere all nations on Gaia took a vow of neutrality when it came to this. “Oh padre, cosa faccio?” Humberto said as he gazed up at the portrait of his father Emanuel. Hopelessness took over.

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

OOC: Big thank you to The Selkie for their help!

Apuila
Insurgency is tricky business. The insurgent, for one, is always at a disadvantage; the government has bombs, tanks, aircraft, and the insurgent generally does not. All insurgent tactics are meant to counter this; hiding amongst the civilian population, retreating to the forests and mountains, living in the sewers;
all are meant to offset the government’s generally-massive advantage in firepower.

Under Mao’s model of guerrilla warfare, the first stage of insurgency is organization. A vanguard group of professional insurgents was founded; the SWA was blessed in this regard, due to its origins as a law-enforcement agency. The south, officially billed as the ‘most pro-Insaastani’ regions, masked massive ethnic tensions and an impoverished populace who trusted their new Arabian colonial masters even less than the old, Northern-dominated central-government. From there a network of sympathizers, safehouses, and all the infrastructure of armed struggle was built, and the SWA began looking outwards. Assassinations, infrastructure sabotage, and bombings against government buildings, to say nothing of the arson committed against collaborators. Waves of violence rocked the city for years, with the SWA working to widen the gulf between the native Italians of Apuila and the colonizers.

There comes a point, however, with every successful insurgency, during which the government is weakened; be it from the insurgency’s own actions, or the actions of outside actors. Now, with the whole world bearing down on Insaanistan, the Social Welfare Agency saw it’s chance, and in a swift operation had seized control of the government, as well as large stockpiles of heavy weapons, armored fighting vehicles, and . Now, the struggle was to maintain their hold on Apulia, push north, deal with the colonizers and Maoists, and find immediate foreign support; then, once Italy was free, they would turn their attention to Iberia and it’s liberation.

---

Outskirts of Ostuni

The pickup truck, with the flag of Italy flying from it, was a new sight for the citizens of the countryside. Previously the SWA had come in little convoys of men on foot, with supplies to trade for food, shelter, and the like. But one thing did not change; the SWA was not a nuisance, certainly for the yeoman-farmers in the agrarian heartlands of Italy, from which once upon a time, legions had sprung and cast-down Carthage for the sake of the fatherland, with naught but a little farm as payment for their toils.

The sight of the SWA, with pickups and heavy-machine guns, brought hope to the countryside. This patrol, however, was not here to drop off supplies and aid, or to pick up fighters, but to investigate a strange sight.

The camp of the 12 Mujahideen would awaken to the sound of motors, followed by a small knot of armed men wearing green rags across their sleeves approaching, rifles stowed and flying a white flace of truce. They appeared to be here to talk.

---

Warsaw

NOW PLAYING: 2-10 ”Teatime Fast Forward”; Katawa Shoujo OST - NicolArmarfi & Blue123

The wind rustled through Lillian MacDuff’s flaxen-gold hair as she leaned on one of Warsaw’s many park-benches. The 43-year-old(although she looked several years younger) Scotswoman was one of Prussia-Poland’s youngest generals; her first taste of combat, at 14, was during the Civil War, then followed by her participation in the Invasion of Iraq and the post-Invasion occupation as a young lieutenant/ Lillian soon caught the eye of her senior officers for her quick thinking and her ability to hold herself together under fire, even when a shell-splinter did her eyes in.

Her blindness did not slow her rise or her mind, and soon she found herself rising through the ranks; and now, she was a General. Granted, she was mostly involved in planning and logistics now, but with the Italian War and Prussia-Poland’s declaration of war, perhaps she would be tapped to head the ground element; she could think of no other reason that they would drag her out here and ask to speak alone.

Lillian heard the sound of shoes on cobble next to her; someone was approaching.
She turned her head to face the sound. “Hullo?” she asked.

“General Macduff.” the voice responded, followed by a shuffling of papers. “I have a message for you to reply to.”

He handed her a heavy piece of paper, with raised bumps pressed into it. Braille.

Lillian ran her fingers over the message rapidly.

Requesting your presence as commander of the Prussian-Polish contingent for the liberation of Italy.

A smile broke on her face; she was going back. “Of course.” she replied.

“Excellent.” came the reply.

---

A declaration of war by Prussia-Poland came out, followed by invitations for all nations to join in the liberation of the European colonies; Austria-Hungary, Germany, Exodia, Lauzanne, the Free Lands, South Reinkalistan and the Carribean Confederation were all invited to join the war of liberation.

---

Rome

NOW PLAYING: Ace Combat 5, "The Unsung War" - Razgriz(Instrumental, The Warsaw Philharmonic)

Twelve streaks of grey streaked through the Alps, fresh from their base at Landsberg-Lech Air Base. Tornado ECRs were sheparded by F-15Es and Cs of the Prussian-Polish Luftwaffe, with the former armed for a strike mission and the latter armed for air-interdiction operations. Over the Adriatic Sea, a lumbering AWACS, operated by a French PMC crew, provided Command and Control for the group.

As the planes closed in on Rome, final checks began to be made. The pilots heard a crackle of static, as the AWACS, known to them as Elise, began to speak.

"Morning, gentlemen!" she said, cheerily. "How are you all doing?"
"Stupid Flight, checking in." The Prussian-Polish F-15E flight lead said. "How long until Rome?"
"You're five minutes out from the city limits. You should be getting interception soon. Weapons free from here on out; I'll let you know when they start organizing a reception."
"Roger that, Elise. Cheerio."

With that, radio silence resumed, breaking only as they flew over Rome.
As they approached the outskirts of Rome, they began their dance. The Tornadoes went in first, drawing out and then blasting hostile radar sites and air defenses. Once a breach was made, the F-15Es and Cs rushed in and began striking key targets; power transformers, railway junctions, and airports. A few munitions were spared for government buildings as well. At the end of it all, Rome was shaken, in the dark, with disrupted water and rails, while the planes headed home.

---

Sewers beneath Rome

The sewers were dark and damp, but they were safe. Sophia had split off with the Carribean delegation to their extraction point a while back, and now it was just Mariana, Giuseppe, Hillshire, and the Selkie-delegation, as well as a duct-taped Nura walking with a gun pointed at her head..

Hillshire cleared his throat. “Right. Mister Veidhlín. There are some things we should clear up before we leave, regarding the organization we all work for.”

Veidhlín nodded. “To my understanding, the Social Welfare Organization is a nationalistic, Italian group aiming to liberate Italy from foreign rule - a noble goal. One, which the Free Lands support.”

“That is correct.” Giuseppe responded. “But we were not always an insurgency.” He sighed and pulled a cigarette from his pocket, before lighting up a smoke and taking a puff from it.

“Hillshire, do you want to explain?”
“I can, if you don’t want to.”

Giuseppe seemed distant as he nodded.

Hillshire picked up from his partner. “Now, I can’t really prove it conclusively to you right now. But there are files, papers that we keep at Headquarters from the old days, and doubtless there are leftover Carabinieri documents in some archive in Rome about us.”

He paused for a second, before resuming. “I guess I’ll cut to the chase. We are- well, were, really a... special operations unit, of sorts. Primarily focused on internal security, law-enforcement, counter-terrorism, that sort of thing; you know how the Germans have GSG-9, the Prussian-Poles have the Royal Constabulary Border Regiment, and so forth? We were like that, in a sense. But...how do I say this.”

“The difference was that I, and people like me, were the...how do you put it. Wetworkers.” Mariana butted in.

Veidhlín looked at her with a puzzled expression. “My apologies, I am not familiar with that term.”, he said, looked back to Liliane, who shrugged as well. “What does a wetworker do?”

“I shot people.” Mariana replied, bluntly. “Or, at least, my predecessors 60 or more years ago did.”

Veidhlín looked at Mariana, looked her up and down. It was clear by his expression, that he was not entirely convinced - yes, he had seen her at the Conference, he had seen her handle her gun and he had seen her now, but still… she did not strike him as a killer or assassin. She looked like a teenager, who you would see on the streets of Fortham, loitering around with a few friends talking about whichever boygroup was in fashion right now or which actor was perceived as cute or handsome.

Then again, that might be her great asset., he thought - who would presume an unassuming teenager to be a killer?

Still, he replied: “Ah, thank you for clearing that up. So… the SWA was once a counter-terrorism unit training and sending young men and women out on missions, covertly, if I understood you correctly?”

Hillshire nodded. “Yes, but…” He glanced over at Mariana.

“...That’s not the only thing they did to me.” Mariana replied. “Or to my predecessors. Lillaine, was it? You’re carrying a blade, right?”

Liliane nodded.

“Stab my arm.” Mariana replied.

“Uh… no?”

“Fine.” Mariana sighed. “...Mind if I pick you up or something?”

Liliane looked to Veidhlín, who nodded. “Sure, as long as you think you can handle me.”

Without a further word, Mariana grabbed Liliane by the waist and slung her over her shoulder, before then lifting her up with her other hand, and then letting her down.


“They messed with my arm, simply put.” Mariana said. “There’s all manner of hydraulics and whatnot in there now. Same story with my legs too; what else, Giuseppe?”

The man looked up from the floor. “Brain too.” he said. “I’m not sure how you managed to resist it but I’m damned glad you did. Heart as well, but that’s not as important.”

Liliane looked surprised, dazed, as did Veidhlín - the latter put a hand onto the former’s arm, stabilizing her. He did not know, how heavy Liliane was (and he would not ask her, because he liked where his balls were right now), but he would bet, that he would not be able to lift her like that.

“Whatever they did…”, Liliane said, “...they did a lot.” She swallowed. “Remind me to not get into a fistfight with you.”

“I’d be getting into fistfights on your behalf.” Mariana groused. “With my predecessors, they did a lot more; they’d probably be able to lift you up with a single finger, from what I’ve heard.”

“So…”, Veidhlín resumed, “The SWA once was a counter-terrorism unit… enhancing? Is that the right word?” He paused for a moment. “In any case, modifying the bodies of people for their own agenda, in accordance with their orders. So… how did you become a Nationalist Revolutionary Group then?”

“Well, first we were ‘cleaned up’ by the Carabinieri.” Hillshire replied. “It wasn’t just enhancement. The old SWA did...conditioning, as well. I’m not sure about the process myself but it involved wiping old and potentially traumatic memories out. Sophia...is one of those who went through that. One of the last ones, really, before we stopped with it. But yes, we ‘adopted’ orphans, mindfucked them. Or at least used to. And that’s not exactly a good look if it gets out, and the previous Italian government figured that it could just suppress the criminal element with regular police and troops since our job was done.”

Veidhlín nodded. It didn’t exactly look good, he would say, but it looked better as Hillshire was honest about it - he was telling them, instead of leaving it as a nasty little secret in the back of the locker. It was… as if the man was trusting them, to some extend at least, it seemed. But who knew what was going on in his mind.

“Ain’t right either.” Giuseppe spoke up, his voice cracking slightly. “The old agency really fucked up some of those kids.”

“Better, I think, than leaving them to rot in an orphanage or the ICU.” Hillshire replied, although even he didn’t seem sure.

“You haven’t seen the sort of shit we put the old kids through, Hillshire.” Giuseppe replied. “You weren’t there. It was horrible. Bordered on torture. Glad we got rid of those bastards.”

Mariana shrugged. “I think I’d prefer how I am now.” She cracked a wry smile. “It’ll be great for my college application; how many other kids can put ‘massacred colonizers alongside a brainwashed 12 year old’ on their distinctions and honors?”

Veidhlín was silent, looked to Liliane. “Younger Militia.”

“Not really comparable, but close.”, Liliane replied, then explained: “Once you get into school in the Free Lands, you are… well, drafted would be the closest term, into the Younger Militia. There you are trained to defend your city, town, village, hamlet, whatever with pike, sword and bow, alternatively crossbow, in case of a foreign invasion. Nowadays, it’s ceremonial and while we still march and learn the basics, the majority of the Younger Militia Training is more focussed on practical things, like first aid, and of course on their ceremonial duties. No one expects them to oppose a foreign invader with pointy sticks again, not after Anfa.”

“Do they systematically wipe out memories of your childhood?” Giuseppe replied.

Veidhlín shook his head. “No, admittedly.”, he said, “Hence, not really comparable. We do know the direction, though - these kids are… well, child soldiers, like the Younger Militia once was. And still, technically is.”

Mariana nodded. “I see. Well, once this whole business is over...Might pay your place a visit and see for myself. I’d like to start over at some point, after I’m done.”

Liliane nodded. “When you do, give me a shout. I’ll show you some cool places.”, she offered.

“Thanks.” Mariana replied, with a smile. “I’ll take you up on that. Oh, one more thing.”

She poked Nura’s back with a bayonet. “Mind taking this insufferable bitch off our hands? Don’t want her getting ‘rescued’ and we can’t really contain her magic bullshit.”

Veidhlín paused a moment, but he nodded slowly. “We’ll have to get a few agreements in place regarding her first, but generally, that can be done.”

“Nice.” Hillshire replied, breaking out into a smile.

“No promises.”, Veidhlín said, tempering the enthusiasm, “It depends on a few different factors, for example on my own government agreeing. Or the Captain of the ship, in who’s brig we would throw her into to rot for a while.”

“Still.” Giuseppe replied. “I hope she’s out of our hair soon.”

The end of the sewer approached; soon they would be at the rendezvous point.

[Insaanistan]

Nura silently promised herself she wouldn’t kill anyone. She was quite certain if she did, she wouldn’t be able to stop.
The two girls were beginning to drive her mad. How can one see massacring people as noble? It just wasn’t right.
They also didn’t know what Nura knew. Even if they did, they wouldn’t believe it.
What they were doing wouldn’t save Italy or Insaanistan. Rather, it would bring down the downfall of an entire continent.
If these idiots let me speak they might learn something. She thought.
Then, she decided to mess with them. Nura broadcasted into her kidnapers minds a rather ghostly, hissing and morbid voice that said
“You fools shall end the start of mankind. You know not the blood you will shed. Shameless fools, you find joy in bloodshed. When it is at your fire you will see what horror it truly is. Every step you take takes you farther from redemption in this life and joy in the next. Fools, you continue to step forward. Never will you step and reconsider. And for that, you soon will suffer.”

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Nura silently promised herself she wouldn’t kill anyone. She was quite certain if she did, she wouldn’t be able to stop.
The two girls were beginning to drive her mad. How can one see massacring people as noble? It just wasn’t right.
They also didn’t know what Nura knew. Even if they did, they wouldn’t believe it.
What they were doing wouldn’t save Italy or Insaanistan. Rather, it would bring down the downfall of an entire continent.
If these idiots let me speak they might learn something. She thought.
Then, she decided to mess with them. Nura broadcasted into her kidnapers minds a rather ghostly, hissing and morbid voice that said
“You fools shall end the start of mankind. You know not the blood you will shed. Shameless fools, you find joy in bloodshed. When it is at your fire you will see what horror it truly is. Every step you take takes you farther from redemption in this life and joy in the next. Fools, you continue to step forward. Never will you step and reconsider. And for that, you soon will suffer.”

OOC: There's only one girl atm. Sophia went to go with the Carribean people to get them out.

While it momentarily unnerved the two agents, without skipping beat, Mariana replied with her own retort.
"Ah man don't hate me cause I'm beautiful man. Maybe if you got rid of that old yee - yee ass haircut, you'd get some guys fucking you. Oh, better yet, maybe Garibaldi will call your dog ass if he stops fuckin' with that brain surgeon or lawyer he fucking with, bitch."
Hillshire broke down into laughter, while Giuseppe wheezed.

[Insaanistan]

Nura silently promised herself she wouldn’t kill anyone. She was quite certain if she did, she wouldn’t be able to stop.
The two girls were beginning to drive her mad. How can one see massacring people as noble? It just wasn’t right.
They also didn’t know what Nura knew. Even if they did, they wouldn’t believe it.
What they were doing wouldn’t save Italy or Insaanistan. Rather, it would bring down the downfall of an entire continent.
If these idiots let me speak they might learn something. She thought.
Then, she decided to mess with them. Nura broadcasted into her kidnapers minds a rather ghostly, hissing and morbid voice that said
“You fools shall end the start of mankind. You know not the blood you will shed. Shameless fools, you find joy in bloodshed. When it is at your fire you will see what horror it truly is. Every step you take takes you farther from redemption in this life and joy in the next. Fools, you continue to step forward. Never will you step and reconsider. And for that, you soon will suffer.”

OOC: There's only one girl atm. Sophia went to go with the Carribean people to get them out.
While it momentarily unnerved the two agents, without skipping beat, Mariana replied with her own retort.
"Ah man don't hate me cause I'm beautiful man. Maybe if you got rid of that old yee - yee ass haircut, you'd get some guys fucking you. Oh, better yet, maybe Garibaldi will call your dog ass if he stops fuckin' with that brain surgeon or lawyer he fucking with, bitch."
Hillshire broke down into laughter, while Giuseppe wheezed.

Nura’s muffled giggles could be heard from behind the duct tape.

[Langenia]

Official Statement from the Government of Langenia

The Catholic Republic of Langenia would like to voice its support for a completely independent and Christian Italy, Portugal, and Spain. However, we encourage this to be done via a referendum, rather than through conflict and the loss of good men. We condemn the Maoist terror group operating in northern Italy, due to its belief in a false ideology and genocidal actions putting it on par with Nazi Germany.

---

The Insaani government would notice that the Langenians were pulling out of North Africa. Naval forces moved to the Mediterranean, air assets moved to Italy to Romextlian air bases, and ground forces were moved to the Iberian peninsula. Despite Insaanistan being their ally, factions of the Langenian government and military had made it no secret that they hated the Insaani rule of Iberia and Italy. This faction appeared to be at the helm in Aragon, with the President Nicolas Furia making no attempt to stop them. This was because privately Furia approved of a free and Catholic Italy, Spain, and Portugal. A request was sent to the Insaani government, requesting that they hand over the C-58 fifth-generation fighters in their service, pointing at fine print in the contract that said the fighters were under lease for only a few months to encourage interoperability between Langenian and Insaani forces. A bill had passed in Aragon, downgrading the Insaani-Langenian alliance to a status of forces agreement permitting troops to be stationed.

---

The Maoists thought they were safe. They were not. Cruise missiles from the 7th Flotilla near Italy would target their key command posts in northern Italy. This was followed by airstrikes from the carrier battle group of the 7th, as well as airstrikes from the 5th Air Army operating from the landlocked country of Langan, north of Italy. A marine rapid-reaction force and Naval Reconnaissance Commando (NRC) teams are deployed into central Italy alongside the Romextlians, as the first Langenian ground troops in Italy. An encrypted message would be sent to the Prussian-Poles, requesting to work together to liberate both the Italian and Iberian peninsulas.

[Al-Musafakun]

OOC: Big thank you to The Selkie for their help!

Apuila
Insurgency is tricky business. The insurgent, for one, is always at a disadvantage; the government has bombs, tanks, aircraft, and the insurgent generally does not. All insurgent tactics are meant to counter this; hiding amongst the civilian population, retreating to the forests and mountains, living in the sewers;
all are meant to offset the government’s generally-massive advantage in firepower.

Under Mao’s model of guerrilla warfare, the first stage of insurgency is organization. A vanguard group of professional insurgents was founded; the SWA was blessed in this regard, due to its origins as a law-enforcement agency. The south, officially billed as the ‘most pro-Insaastani’ regions, masked massive ethnic tensions and an impoverished populace who trusted their new Arabian colonial masters even less than the old, Northern-dominated central-government. From there a network of sympathizers, safehouses, and all the infrastructure of armed struggle was built, and the SWA began looking outwards. Assassinations, infrastructure sabotage, and bombings against government buildings, to say nothing of the arson committed against collaborators. Waves of violence rocked the city for years, with the SWA working to widen the gulf between the native Italians of Apuila and the colonizers.

There comes a point, however, with every successful insurgency, during which the government is weakened; be it from the insurgency’s own actions, or the actions of outside actors. Now, with the whole world bearing down on Insaanistan, the Social Welfare Agency saw it’s chance, and in a swift operation had seized control of the government, as well as large stockpiles of heavy weapons, armored fighting vehicles, and . Now, the struggle was to maintain their hold on Apulia, push north, deal with the colonizers and Maoists, and find immediate foreign support; then, once Italy was free, they would turn their attention to Iberia and it’s liberation.

---

Outskirts of Ostuni

The pickup truck, with the flag of Italy flying from it, was a new sight for the citizens of the countryside. Previously the SWA had come in little convoys of men on foot, with supplies to trade for food, shelter, and the like. But one thing did not change; the SWA was not a nuisance, certainly for the yeoman-farmers in the agrarian heartlands of Italy, from which once upon a time, legions had sprung and cast-down Carthage for the sake of the fatherland, with naught but a little farm as payment for their toils.

The sight of the SWA, with pickups and heavy-machine guns, brought hope to the countryside. This patrol, however, was not here to drop off supplies and aid, or to pick up fighters, but to investigate a strange sight.

The camp of the 12 Mujahideen would awaken to the sound of motors, followed by a small knot of armed men wearing green rags across their sleeves approaching, rifles stowed and flying a white flace of truce. They appeared to be here to talk.

Italy, Apulia Region - Mujahideen Camp

The relative quiet stillness of the Apulian countryside was a welcome thing to the remaining Mujahidin ad-Din. The 12 that survived the initial landing were hiding in an abandoned farm, inconspicuous and far beyond the limits of the city of Ostuni. The group had travelled long throughout the night, evading however much sight as they could and eliminating any threat that might’ve given away their presence. Only a couple of witnesses had to be silenced, and any evidence they left was quickly dealt with or hidden as best they could manage in the short time they had to reach someplace safe.

The 12 fighters spoke to each other in hushed voices. Their words were solely Arabic, early Egyptian Arabic in particular due to all of them being natives to al-Qāhira (Cairo). Some were curled in corners, cleaning and sharpening their scimitars. Others were counting and recounting their arrows. And the rest were keeping watch, peeking out from torn curtains or hastily made covers to conceal the barn’s current occupants.

The sound belonging to one of the strange, metal carts that were prevalent in this world caught their attention. One of the scouts ushered over their leader, whom peaked outside to see the pickup truck parked outside. "Who are they?" was the leader asked by one of her archers, who was preparing her spear in the event of a fight.
She took another look at the men now stood outside. They evidently weren’t with the blasphemers, from what she could tell. The white flag caught her eye. Even as isolated as she once was from the rest of the world, having never left her home of Misr, she knew this was a sign of peace - even to the Europeans.

"They’re friendly," she answered to her comrades’ unspoken question. With this affirmation, they calmed somewhat, and the leader revealed herself to the SWA insurgents. She was a bronze skinned type, strikingly Mediterranean even with her brown eyes and brown hair, and scales that reminded one of Roman clay pottery in colour with simple geometric patterns running along the lengthy serpentine body. She was clothed in a black garment that hid her armour, made to help protect against arrows and swords, though not much use against bullets. On her head was a hijab, and a lowered face covering was below her chin. Her comrades appeared from behind her, all of them similar yet varied in scale pattern and colour, and all certainly Arab or at least Eastern Mediterranean in their race. They appeared willing to talk.

[The Jamesian Republic]

Nura silently promised herself she wouldn’t kill anyone. She was quite certain if she did, she wouldn’t be able to stop.
The two girls were beginning to drive her mad. How can one see massacring people as noble? It just wasn’t right.
They also didn’t know what Nura knew. Even if they did, they wouldn’t believe it.
What they were doing wouldn’t save Italy or Insaanistan. Rather, it would bring down the downfall of an entire continent.
If these idiots let me speak they might learn something. She thought.
Then, she decided to mess with them. Nura broadcasted into her kidnapers minds a rather ghostly, hissing and morbid voice that said
“You fools shall end the start of mankind. You know not the blood you will shed. Shameless fools, you find joy in bloodshed. When it is at your fire you will see what horror it truly is. Every step you take takes you farther from redemption in this life and joy in the next. Fools, you continue to step forward. Never will you step and reconsider. And for that, you soon will suffer.”

Do not be afraid child. The voice of Demere Abebe whispered. They’re are people watching and waiting to find and rescue you. They are good people. They look like the heroes of Earth. They will help you. Mother Africa will live. She and Mother Aprica hold a special bond that transcends time. The voice disappeared back into nothing.

Nadia Vasilev Or by her code name The Queen in Blue looked out the window of the Seniat consulate in Elchlin. She was summoned by Svetlana Pavlovsky to meet here. Nadia and Svetlana were witches. “Good you arrived.” Svetlana said. “Why I am here?” Nadia said. “Insaanistan.” Svetlana said. “And? What about it?” Nadia said. “They have the Sultana. They will kill her if she stays much longer. You must rescue her.” Svetlana explained. “Why is she so important to you?” Nadia asked. “She is one of us and she is powerful. We believe that when the time comes for the coven to elect a new chancellor we believe and even Nicholas Muller believes that she could be his replacement. We need her survival.” Svetlana said. “My bet is on Konrad Dekker to be honest.” Nadia said. “Will you do this?” Svetlana asked. “Fine very well. Will it be solo or is someone helping me?” Nadia asked. “Yes, Jason Carter. He will help you.” Svetlana said. “Alright where do I go now?” Nadia asked. “Muslimbol, he is there. Mark will brief him on the situation.” Svetlana said she disappeared. On the desk there was a briefcase with everything Nadia needed to know about the mission.

[The Selkie]

SDFS Bruinneall.
In the Mediterranean.
A shipgirl, or Kanmusu, was something very interesting: It was more then just a personification or a fetish object, but the living embodiment of the hopes and dreams of the workers in the shipyards, the soldiers aboard, of the country and its people.
How that embodiment came to look like the a young woman in her early twenties, pointy ears and short, blonde hair, blue eyes and thigh-high leather boots, with heels no less, and in a green microdress was anyone's guess, but here we were... if I may introduce myself, I am SDFS Bruinneall, Maighdean-class Guided Missile Cruiser of the SDF-Navy and, until a few hours ago, the naval transport of two diplomats attending a conference held to decide the fate of a place called Italy.
Now, I was on war-footing: The Free Lands of the Selkie had been declared war upon, as we were one of the countries with representatives at the conference, which had blown up spectacularly. Several movements were openly rebelling against Insaanistani rule of Italy, among them a Maoist group, which had declared the war, as well as a nationalistic group. News from Fortham was, that the Free Lands gave the latter group diplomatic recognition, on the recommendation of one of the diplomats at the conference.
We were in this war of liberation.
I could imagine better spots to be in, but then again, I did not call the shots - and I wouldn't want to, if I were to be honest. With an arrow on the sinew, I cruised with everything my nuclear reactors could give me, from my original, not really defensible station off of Lazio and Rome. My course would take me north, past Corsica, where I would turn towards the West, make the round around Corsica and Sardinia, then through the Sea of Sicily and past the island it was named after, past Malta, through the Ionian Sea and the Strait of Otranto into the Adriatic and from there to the Ostmarkian Harbour of Pola.
That was the plan, anyway.
If the Insaanistani Armed Forces was halfway competent, they would be aiming to control all of the Mediterranean right about now and I would be lucky if I got into the Ligurian Sea.
Hence the arrow on my bow, which was how the propaganda loved to see me: The Fair Maiden, ready to fight.
And if needed, I would give them a fight.
I checked my quiver - my hull had 28 Feadán Fe-12 8-cell VLS installed, all filled to the brim with various missiles for various purposes, so I just needed targets. As I was steaming under minimal emmissions right now, they would not be able to triangulate my position, as my radar was off and I listened to radio, but did not actively broadcast anything myself.
Passiveness was the name of the game.
Where was ORP Kielce? Maybe we could achieve some strength in numbers and make our way to the southern shores of France... was France ally or foe? Steaming at 36 knots, or roundabout 67 kilometers per hour, I would be underway for a while, but I was effectively blind.
But...
I put the arrow I had on the sinew away and picked our another one - who said, that I needed to see?

Skill activation: Recon-Drones.

The Monarcha M-108 was a stealth drone, developed in Forfar for long-range reconnaissance and espionage. It was immensely difficult to track her, but not impossible - the drone, communicating with me via satellite to mask my position in case anyone tried to use it to track me, hopped frequencies, which made it even harder to track her.
She was now my eyes, scouting ahead.
I had a complement of eight of these wonderful little craft.
It gave me a lot to look at and to contemplate. If there was a part of the Insaanistani Navy trying to intercept me, be it by air or by sea, I would detect it. I could make it to the Ligurian Sea.
I then heard, that the Langenians were joining against Insaanistan. Depending on where their ships were, I might be able to join them, at least for the time being.

Captain Liam Solas of the Tribe of Wicklow.
Fortham, Free Lands of the Selkie.
A Company of the Great Woods Rangers was a sight to behold - if one knew, what one had to look for.
Media liked to present special forces as clean shaven wardrobes in human form, with arms the size of tree trunks, but truth being told, if you met a Ranger on the street, chances were, you wouldn't even notice him to be a soldier unless he wore a uniform.
Around a hundred men, not all of them for direct combat, of the Rangers were a significant deployment.
Someone was taking the Italian Situation quite seriously. Six Guairdeall-Cs were being loaded up with weapons, ammunition, equipment and men - we needed three, at most, but the other three carried other stuff. One of my men had to shoo away a Kanmusu trying to be sneaky in boarding one of the planes.
One of them was in the area, all on her lonesome, as a diplomatic transport. There was no communication from her ever since the 'war' began so her fellow Navy-girls were worried senseless, understandably.
We would arrive way before any other forces of the SDF - I knew from my briefing, that a group of vessels was being prepared as well.
This was huge.

Berkant Veidhlín of the Tribe of Kildare.
Sewers beneath Rome.
Our little group neared the exit - thank God. From there, we would be extracted and, if I remembered the plan correctly, I would be brought to Pola. There, we would contact Fortham and organize support for the SWA, with whatever we could give them.
I was of the opinion, that a free and independent Italy would be a step into the right direction for the region.
If not, well... redemption was not a concept known to Selkie-Pagans.
I had half a mind to suggest taking care of Nura (I had been Ambassador of the Free Lands to Kyrenaia for a time, and believe me, Nura was not a Sultana, she was a girl playing dress-up) by whacking her over the head until she was unconscious, but the comment of Mariana was way better.
I grinned.
Liliane giggled.
We had no idea about the telepathic communication going on, but I was sure, that there would be options to convince her to not do that. I knew of her 'powers' and appropriate countermeasures would be taken.
Until then, she was bound, gagged and led with us.
And for now, the SWA would have to take care of her until I had organized everything with my superiors.
Those would be fun calls.