Gongsi wrote:Sankêuyong, Federal Republic of Gongsi
The National Assembly, already in session to debate the extent of support that Gongsi should provide in Italy, exploded into chaos as news of the war begins filtering in. The Social Democrats who held majority refused to change their position and are committed to remaining neutral. However, an opposition composed of a strange alliance between the Islamic Socialists and the Christian Democrats demanded sending expeditionary forces to aid Insaanistan, outraged at the perceived expansion of European hegemony. The bickering continued for hours, but a recess was called when a Christian Democrat representative leapt up and assaulted one of the Social Democrats. Until the issue was resolved, Gongsi would continue to be locked into its previously determined course.
Meanwhile, President Cheng Kianho paced his office nervously. What was once a simple diplomatic mission, aimed at easing tensions with the Islamic Socialists in Gongsi, had now exploded. Soldier were embarking on ships and preparing to enter a warzone halfway across the world, some of which would inevitably return in body bags. At best Gongsi would help a few civilians in Italy, at worst it would find itself at war with a majority of Europe. Barely able to stand against the military of Indonesia, there was no doubt in Cheng's mind that the European powers would see Gongsi destroyed in some way or another if it came to war. And, no matter which way things went, Gongsi's domestic issues were only going to get worse.
"Mr. President?" Cheng's secretary called from the doorway. "General Zu wants confirmation that this will be a strictly humanitarian mission. How should I respond?"
Cheng took a deep breath. "Tell him that he is correct, but the National Assembly may yet decide otherwise."
"Of course, sir."
There was no going back now. The die had been cast, and Cheng did not like his odds.
GNS Hoitun, Civitavecchia Port of Rome
Gongsian sailors, who had only recently disembarked for leave, were now scrambling back to the Hoitun. Those already aboard rushed about, ensuring the ship's CIWS was operational and closing hatches that had been opened for inspection. Missiles were being loaded and marines were arming themselves in case of boarders. Diplomat Iên Limsung had been escorted back to his quarters, no longer able to carry out his mission in Italy. All the while, Admiral Yi prepared for the worse.
"What's the status on our receiver?"
"Techs say it's still bugged," the communications officer answered. "They say it could be days before they get it working again."
"We don't have days!" Admiral Yi shouted, slamming his fist onto the desk. "If they can't get it up before we weigh anchor then you're going out there with semaphore flags until it's done! We can't risk running into another ship without being able to communicate. Now get them moving!"
"Yes, sir!"
Admiral Yi rubbed his temples, stopping only to pop a painkiller capsule into his mouth. By his reasoning, they should have at least until Gibraltar falls to evacuate the Mediterranean. So long as Gongsi wasn't at war with Insaanistan, that is. Otherwise it would be one hell of a fight to break through the Suez.
Merchant Vessel Hong Muanhe, 12 Miles from Suez
Khaitjah nervously rapped her fingers along the ship's guardrail. Word had reached her that the conflict in Italy had escalated into an all-out war against Insaanistan, something she had not been anticipating. The GSI would no longer be going up against Maoist rebels, but a majority of Europe's military might. Worse, any aid Khatijah had hoped to receive from Insaanistan would likely be next to non-existent.
"How much longer to Suez?" she asked the captain.
"Shouldn't be much more," he replied. "In fact, we should be entering the Suez Canal Authority zone in a few minutes."
Time was running out for Khatijah to make a decision. She either needed to sneak into Italy unassisted or officially side with Insaanistan. Neither option was looking great at the moment. The volunteers aboard her ship and several others were a mixed bag, some having held a gun for the first time only days before their departure from Gongsi. Underequipped, inexperienced, and outsized, there was little hope for the GSI volunteers if they had to take a well equipped enemy head-on.
There wasn't even a guarantee Insaanistan would take their offer well. They had only recently dealt with a communist uprising, and while the GSI shared in the common brotherhood of Islam with them, the GSI was also socialist. Would the Insaani's see them as yet more communist terrorists? Only time would tell.
"Suez Canal Authority? This is the merchant vessel Hong Muanhe requesting access through the canal. Sending our ship's manifest now. Our purpose? We...uh..."
Khatijah pushed the captain out of the way, taking the radio from him. "Suez Canal Authority, this is Khatijah Ahmad of the Gerakan Sosialis Islam. We are here to lend our support in this conflict. Please, let us get in contact with whoever is in charge of Insaani military operations so that we can assist where needed, insya Allah."
They looked at each other confused.
Gongsi?
After a brief google search, they concluded that they could trust them.
Mahmud, who was about to talk to Jason, received a phone call.
“Hold on,” he said to the people in the room. He picked up the phone. “Hello?”
“Salaam ālaykum, sir. Fighters from Gongsi are in the Suez Canal and request to speak to you.”
“Put the phone p to then radio,” he said.
The radio operator did so.
“Hello? Khadijah Ahmad, no?”
