[Kerbin Only] Kerbin in Jeopardy

[Demitor]

Demitorian State Times

The Demitorian National Guard, the Demitorian Border Troops, Demitorian State Forest Service and the Department of Wildlife and Natural Resources have been called into fighting a wildfire currently spanning 3,000 acres in a mixture of grass and forest in a rural area 50mi from the Kolonian Border. A whole slew of assets have been called up, with numerous fire apparatus being seen on surrounding roadways. Currently the biggest threat to the general public is the fire is rapidly approaching one of the largest north - south roadways in Demitor, the M2. The M2 is one of ten major north - south roads administered by the Highways Agency of the Department of Transportation and Aviation, carrying an average of 30,000 cars a day all along it's duration. The current threat is smoke that can obscure drivers from being able to see. The Highways Agency advises drivers that there may be closures, among other closures of other roadways. This is a developing situation and will be updated as time passes.

[Barkadia]

Under the Rada building, Kora

Vincent was mildly anxious as he walked down the brightly lit hallway, with the lights buzzing quietly above him. He had ordered his general staff to draw up a plan for an invasion the Dominion of Icaria, a prominent stain of imperialism standing out on the carved peninsula. The Anderians had communicated to him through a back channel recently about the now most likely inevitable war they face on Andolia, and despite being a fierce advocate for peace, he wanted to aid his fellow allies in any way. Icaria presented itself as a perfect opportunity to aid the Anderians while liberating part of Icaria from Dolfik rule. If successful, he thought, not only would he be saving millions from a reactionary monarchist regime, but it would also massively boost his already huge popularity after the huge success of the Kora Conference. But he dismissed that thought. "A true leader doesn't think like this," he muttered out loud as he finally made the left turn and opened the wooden door into the room.

"General Daniel Pekár, I presume?"

They both smiled and stuck their hands out as they shook and then opposed each other across a table, its screen displaying a map of each side of the Dominion.

"Me and the other generals on the staff have been discussing and drawing plans for the last few weeks about your order, and we believe that we have created the next successful operation."

"Well, let's see it."

Vincent knew that General Pekar knew his stuff. He has been fighting for Barkadia since 1968, when he volunteered for a tank division in the First Barko-Kolonian War. He was at the disastrous 3rd Battle of Mirovana, where most of the tank army he was in was destroyed in a successful Kolonian counter attack. After the war's end, he slowly but steadily climbed the ranks of the Barkadian Army, and was made a four star general in 2004. He has orchestrated war games, border maneuvers against Kolonia, and most of the offensives in Icaria during the ending of the warlord era. His successful tactics during the Ostreich War could not be understated. And now the general is planning for yet another war in the peninsula.

"As you can see, sir, the terrain in both the main parts of the DOI, and the port within the enclave, is almost entirely flat, open savannah. Since most of our forces are mechanized and/or armored, this presents a massive boost to any attack. There is almost no defensive terrain throughout the entire regime, and we don't think it'll be a problem for our forces. Also, according to our sources, is that we massively outnumber any Dolfik or Icarian garrison on either side. Our forces overall may be less technologically advanced, but they are still almost our best. We expect to entirely overwhelm the entire DOI within two to three weeks conventionally. The DRI is also providing us with tens of thousands of trained soldiers with modern equipment, which will only aid us. The training and equipment that our forces have will help further the edge we have on the enemy, and lead to our victory faster."

"How's their air forces?"

"The Dolfik Air Force is very modern, and we have no reason not to believe that some of said modern aircraft is within the DOI. But they will probably be unable to reinforce due to the main front in Andolia needing everything they have, and so all we need to do is to hit them hard and fast with what fully up to date aircraft we have stationed in the region, like the Anderian 5th gens that survived the wars and our upgraded MiGs. I would recommend moving a few more volunteer squadrons down south just to ensure our dominance."

"Your wish is granted, Pekar."

"Thank you. Anyways, we believe that the Dolfik Royal Navy will have massive influence on the outcome of our invasion. They will be tied down fighting off our comrades in the Anderian Navy, but the presence of that carrier fleet and the submarines cannot be ignored. We believe that we must risk our carrier fleet, along with the moving of anti ship missiles and improvised anti sub boats into the area. If we can seize the port quickly, we can force the fleet out and possibly win the battle. But if we don't, we will have to rely off of the DRI for supplies for our soldiers, and we cannot reinforce effectively. We must try our hardest to control the waters."

"That carrier and its escorts were pretty expensive. Let's hope for the best."

Pekar sighs audibly, but Vincent doesn't notice.

"Well, Pekar, do you have full confidence in this? Are you and the others on the staff and in the other branches content with this plan?"

"Sir, if we weren't, we wouldn't have presented it to you at all. Our forces will win the day, and liberate another portion of the peninsula. We have no doubts of success."

"This is approved. Start moving forces to the borders. Your squadrons will arrive within the next few weeks. Thank you guys for doing this."

"It is our duty to the people and the revolution. We will fight under you until our last breath. For Icaria!"

Vincent walks out of the room and back down the hallway, with a small smirk on his face. He always was certain about the intelligence and vigor of his military. They would never let him down.

[New Anderia]

Near the Anderian Demarcation Line on the Aprezyn Anderian Republic
Within the Greater Anderia-Dolfikland Border Region

Verezan's truck rolled forward at a quick pace. He looked out back, to the truck behind and the mountains back to the distance. Every so often, it was time to inspect the bomb slots built into the roadsides, should it be necessary to destroy the roadway on the way back. Now though, he could do his best to enjoy the drive.
He had always preferred to drive by train, as a child, but growing up learned to appreciate the independence and utility of a car. His father had spoken fondly of driving a tractor on his parents' plot of the collective farm as a young child, before the Police came and gave his parents a stern talking to. The self-criticism session was a sore spot, and he never drove the tractor again.

Verezan frowned. The trucks had stopped. They waited, for about a half hour. "This side's busted," he heard someone shout in the distance. Now, he rolled his eyes. These roads never saw much action, and serious maintenance for a war that seemed unlikely to escalate a few years ago would have only slowed things down, then. He considered how any Dolfik satellite could see them now, the biggest military force assembled in years trundling along across the border.

There had been an Extraordinary Plenary Session, a joint meeting of the Congress Presidium, the Party Central Committee, and the Defense Forces Political Committee. A blank check to the President, for a motion to declare a State of Defense in the Congress. Unanimous support. It helped that he was in the most senior position of two of these bodies, and the military was anxious to not give the Dolfiks more time to prepare their forces.

A man came around, offering cigarettes. Verezan took one, and someone passed a lighter around the truck. The last time, the deployment had been the Volunteer Army, hardly an elite corps of soldiers. This time, their unit and others like it wore uniforms without branch insignia, and blended into the mass of lower quality units. With luck, the balance would be enough for the Dolfiks to believe that this was another mass of bumbling idiots while containing enough covert units to act as an effective counter. The lighter finally circled around to Verezan, and he took a drag off it and let the thoughts drift from his mind for a moment. He looked out, at the plains and distant hills of his homeland. He hoped that he would see it again, one day, instead of dying in some pathetic Dolfik town. Someone in the truck had started a conversation, and it had begun to spill over. Verezan turns to his comrades to join in, as the line of trucks continues on into Aprezye.

[Faulksnia]

Wesvensen leaned back in his chair and sighed. "Gods, how'd they manage to swing this through..." The message had been just short of a punch in the gut considering how the New Government had all but dismissed him and the rest of the admirals from service. "I don't like that this is the first time I'm hearing about this. Must've been set up by the Pineheads."

TOP SECRET
FSDF HIGH COMMAND SPECIAL COUNCIL ONLY

Project Update

Nest of Hornets has left port, all refits have been completed to mission requirements. 8 Flounders, 5 Sharks, 7 Eels, and 10 Sardines have been dispatched to various groups that will meet up with NoH on route to DOI.

ETA 90 hours at best speed, 7 days allotted for weather and counter-intelligence.

Strike group will engage in accordance to ETAs of coordinating fleets B and D.

[Corgelia]

Office of Valerie Karzensa, Prezyrev, SUNC

Valerie scribbled down points on her notepad. Her ear was glued to the phone, the Barkadian diplomat explaining the situation in Icaria. " So, how much do you need? 2 carrier battlegroups and potential ground assistance?" She scribbled down further and further, visualizing the phone calls in her head already. "They're probably on standby at the moment, but I bet the military can get them all ready in no time." She smiled a little, remembering the days when she'd sunk a destroyer as a partisan. "Well, I doubt we'll have much issue rousing the council, cause who doesn't want the dolfiks out, and you know that the military is really looking for a chance to flex before the next election. I hate the Red Army Faction as much as the rest, but we've gotta work 'em sometime." She started to pull out her cellphone so she could pre-dial the CIC's number. "So, I think we'll be ready to put the fleet to sea in no time. Sunec's finest are at your call, sir. I trust you'll take good care of them." She hung up the phone, giving her time to do a quick re-read of the points she was about to relay. She pressed the call button on her cellphone, and steeled herself for a busy afternoon.

Naval Base Bastet, SUNC

The crews readied themselves, packing bags and whatever else they needed for their journey. Kevesket carried his duffle bag, dragging his friend Amya along. Amya was carrying a lighter load than him, but she still stumbled around. He knew why, with her expecting this thursday to be quiet enough to take a joint or two. "Amya, you know we're probably going to war, right?"
"But like why though? I'd rather stay here than go there..."
"Well we're gonna help free Icaria from the Dolfiks! Who doesn't love to bash a couple Delfie heads?"
"I mean yeah, but like, why really? Who is telling us to?"
"Uh... High Command?"
"Exactly! They just want their baby RAF faction to get strionger!" She gives a small hiccup.
"I mean, you're not wrong..."
"Why is't the Red Army Faction anyways, if it's meant to help the whole military?"
"Well, the army's the one with the most real power on its own, I guess."
"What if we made a Red Navy Faction instead? Really stick it to those army pricks! And our platform will be legalize piracy and ban bitching about it!"
"I'm sure the people will love your agenda, Amya."
They continued their long march to the subway, Kevesket laughing while Amya cracked herself up with her own nonsense. Maybe this journey wouldn't be all that bad after all.

[Baydor]

Elections result's in Baydor yet again
Over the last month there has been international outrage from the international community due to controversial action's made by the new NWP party, causing many nations fearing that what is happening could be the end of the democracy in Baydor. As a result of this fear Dolfikland has asked the Baydorian government to reaffirm they're democratic mandate and to make them go back on some controversial choices. The result from the election not just prove that Jacob is just as popular as early this year but that he is even more popular earning 71% of the vote.

This week also marks the start of the official trails of accused rioters and terrorist. Over 400 people who the international community claim to be political prisoners have been given amnesty by the government. However violence continues in the nation with reports of pro government and anti government extremist forming death squad's. The most unusual of these being the far right gay death squads who apparently target a minority group called "furies."

[New Anderia]

Tazerzyen Village
Rural Aprezye

Oroz sat on the couch, with his hands folded into one another. He stared at the newscast, watching footage of Anderian soldiers returning to the region. With tensions flaring, and Baydorian troops probing the border since the elections, the whole world seemed to be falling apart again. Peace talks were in shambles. He sat there, staring with helplessness at the television screen. Suddenly, the video cut out.

CONNECTION ERROR - CHECK NETWORK

Oroz remained unphased, and a moment later the television reconnected. But the newscaster was still frozen, distorted. Then, they were replaced by footage of the Anderian flag waving, with the Anderian anthem playing as the footage continued. Military parades, happy farmers going about their work, interspersed with imagery of revolutionary heroes. Landscapes, naval vessels and tanks. Rockets ascend into the heavens as the music crescendos, before fading into Anderia's national emblem. Oroz blinks, flabbergasted. A woman's voice gently explains that modified service will return tomorrow, courtesy of Anderian Central Television.

---

Across Aprezye, television and radio stations are seized by advancing Anderian units, and are sabotaged or hijacked. Preparations continue to develop afield infrastructure for a war with the Meanwealth. Still, Anderia's Supreme People's Congress waits for the Presidential summons to vote on declaring a State of Defense. Patience runs thin across Anderia, as domestic opposition to war builds.

[Qjerizon]

The YERISPLAN has today been hereby established by The Serene Confederation of Qjer Republics, The Barkadian Collectivate, People's Socialist Republic of Anderia, The Empire of Chikara, The Liberated Commune of Oštendér, The Socialist Republic of Faulksnia, The Tau Kicari Union, The Socialist Union of Northeastern Cancodia, Nostrapais, and the Democratic Republic of Icaria.

After years of planning and decades more of necessary earlier development, the YERISPLAN has been declared ready and authorized to begin entering effect by its new member states. It shall serve to bring unity to the workers of the world and their economics through advanced economic planning and international economic mutual aid and assistance. Core to this plan are the Yeristan-developed computerized & machine learning economic planning systems which were optimized to work in synergy with direct worker control of enterprises and the considerations and interests of civil government such that the agency of neither is impacted, instead complementing such systems of economic control further and greatly increasing their viability. Furthermore, this organization will also fulfill many other duties as a trade organization for its member states, particularly for non-private trade and exchange activities, along with helping to establish standardization, promoting freedom of movement, and more.

Operations of the YERISPLAN in some member states has already begun, having been originally established in an earlier preceding initiative which sought to inquire on the feasibility of YERISPLAN and set up initial infrastructure, however now operations are authorized to begin in all member states and necessary the preparation remaining within member states is set to begin immediately. Further, with time the extent of the YERISPLAN is set to increase in scope where approved by individual member states.

Today through the YERISPLAN, all ten member states have now started down the path to a brighter future of equality and prosperity for all.

[Nostrapais]

Edouard Delarche took a deep breath. In most of his country's History, he was likely to be the one President taking the most steps towards an internationally opened Nostrapais, a relevant Nostrapais. Today, two bills were waiting on his table. The first one was merely a copy of the original he signed a few days ago, the second one however... On these two pieces of paper, or rather, on the pen he was holding in his hand, rested the future of his country. In one's life, there are events called "opportunities you cannot miss". Generally, these are offered by shady people wearing trench coats, waiting on the outskirts of hippodromes. There, the people who came to him were wearing nice suits, dragging along briefcases filled with important documents, and it happened in his office. But still, it was a gamble and what was at stake was not his personal fortune, it was his country.

He signed the first one without hesitation. Unless things went horribly wrong, there was no way Nostrapais could suffer from that. The YERISPLAN was a golden opportunity to develop the country, its economy, its markets... And that, alongside mostly like-minded individuals. What's not to love about it ?

But the second one... That was the big IF, the big MAYBE. He was putting all his eggs in the same basket and strapping it to the barrel of a tank going to war. War indeed. He committed to it in front of the second man in a suit. How could he not ? On the moment, he thought it was a golden occasion to reinforce Nostrapais's ties with one of the world major powers, Barkadia, and affirm the force projection capacities of his own country, at least in the region. The delegate from Nari signed on the spot. Himself ? He would have signed just as eagerly had a little voice in his head not told him to think before acting. Under the pretext of Party bureaucracy inertia, he delayed his signature. Was it such a great idea to engage into that ? Was there much enthusiasm to have in going at war against a country many times stronger than his ? Now, he was not so sure. In his head, pretexts to refuse at the last moment flew one after the others. The Anarchists were still a threat. For now, the police could handle them, but how long would it take before heavier... means would be needed ? What if Dolphikland decided to invade ? What about the country's economical situation ? But one after the others, they were swept away by simple, logical answers.

It was too late for remorse. Backing out now would deal a fatal blow to the credibility of his country, to his own and the military would be less than pleased. After one last sigh, the rubbing of the metal against the paper broke the silence of the room for a few, short seconds. For the first time in nearly a century, Nostrapaisians were leaving their country rifles in their hands. People would die. That was now official. There was nothing more he could do about it. And anyway, what were a few cadavers in front of the greater goal that was the dismemberment of a major imperialist power ? Nothing for sure ! At least, he tried to tell himself so... Edouard grabbed the phone on his desk. A couple minutes after, his secretary was leaving with the two papers, accompanied by the sound of the President's pen preparing a new discourse.

---

Hakim was staring at what the quartermaster just gave him. It was a standard Nostrapaisian army helmet, but painted all white. Most of the soldiers of his unit, and even, by the looks of it, his regiment received the same. Most were also trying to understand the purpose of this new piece of equipment. Theories were flying wildly around in the barracks. Some were talking about a big exercise with white helmets playing the enemies. Others were joking about an error, the factory having forgotten to put the camouflage wrap over the kevlar cover. The issuing of blue, uncolored vests to the soldiers of the 2nd Infantry Group of the regiment a couple years ago was still a laughing stock for those with a bone to pick against the intendance. Another rumor had it that Nostrapais was about to send soldiers perform peacekeeping operations in some remote mess of a country.

"Almost right !"

The faces of the barrack's inhabitants all turned around. Lieutenant Rose had just entered, wearing one of said white helmets.

"Listen up people, I've got news from the higher ups, I can tell you those helmets are no mistake of some lazy worker. In a few weeks, we're out of Nostrapais and into Icaria, two infantry regiments, us and the 3rd alongside a battalion of people from Nari. We'll be cleaning up what Barkadians leave us from the Dolphik army in there, behind the lines. Hence the white attire, this way, we don't get shot by our overseas friends and civilians can tell we're the good guys. Oh and, one last thing, get to learn at least some words of Dolphik, you don't wanna all look like idiots not understanding a word of what the locals tell you. Now, I can't tell you more than that. Now, go write your daddy, mommy, boyfriend, girlfriend or whatever you have in your life those goodbye letters."

And on that, the barrack's door slammed shut, leaving the soldiers contemplating their future with indecision, specially the few who enlisted expecting Nostrapais to be and stay as neutral as Serria.

[The United Kolonia Republic]

Kolonian Air Force Headquarters, Kortica, Eastern Kolonia

April 27th, 20:26

"When did these images come in?"

"They were processed yesterday, sir, taken above the Meridan."

Tobias thought for a moment. The Air Force's observation satellites, originally launched to track enemy forces moving North in a theoretical war, had photographed massive buildups of forces off the coast of SUNC, and around the DRI. It was apparent that a large operation was in the works.

"Our F-117s are at full capacity. If this operation is against us, it's going to be up to the 100th to hold off the amassed forces before Kolonian support can make its way down."

The implications of this were massive. Barkadia had just signed the most important peace treaty in Svernan history, and now was supporting a massive charge against something in Icaria. Had Kora been a false flag to boot Kolonian interests out of the southern Meridan? Whatever was happening, Tobias knew that this was going to be one of the most significant events in global history in a long time.

"Alert the Navy, the Army and the parliament. I'm ordering the Orion's Harrier squadrons off of leave and let the Navy know that we're mobilizing the carrier. We need them to get a strike package south as fast as possible."

"Let's pray this isn't against us, sir. If it is, god help us all..."

HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL
ADDRESSED TO: GROUP COMMANDER ANA NOVOTNY, 100TH SPECIAL STRIKE GROUP, KONRAD AIR STATION
Cmd. Novotný, I will be brief.
Your the 100th has been ordered to Icaria. We have been in contact with the Kerthenians and they have approved the transit. Your existing emergency movement orders stand. All related combat doctrines and rules of engagement stand. Operation Empty Skies still stands.
Your aircraft and their support crews are to depart Kolonia at 23:00 on April 30th. We expect them to be operational by the end of May 1st, Icarian local time.
Good luck.
SIGNED: GENERAL OF THE AIR FORCE, TOBIAS KORTIS

[Nostrapais]

The gravel of the small courtyard was screeching under her shoes. On her back, she could feel the content of her backpack moving with each step. It was a dull, grey yet hot day. The air was heavy, almost hard to breath and, to not help matters, not a single breeze of wind was to be felt. Tonight, there would be thunder. Her red hoodie was tied over her ankles by the sleeves. She had a brief thought for it, wondering why she even bothered grabbing it before heading out. She turned towards the house, pondering for a second if she should go back in and drop it in her bedroom but she renounced, at least, if it rained, she would have something to put on. She pushed the yard's portal which swiftly opened. At least her father remembered to put grease on the hinges this time. Turning back, Emily waved goodbye to her mother starring at her from the window before putting on her earbuds and taking on the streets.

As per usual, the cars were rushing around without the slightest care for other moving beings, bikes were randomly invading both roads and sidewalks, slaloming between vehicles and pedestrian, kids were wandering around their parents and friends, heading to school, excited by the weather like bees would be. This was her everyday spectacle. In her first days on this city, this disorder scared her and she hugged the walls as much as possible to avoid it but, after over ten years, you get used to it. She navigated through it like an experienced captain would do through the various straits and archipelagos of Kerbin.

Under the large towers of University Street, the somewhat colder air, accompanied by the mandatory wind always rushing between the high buildings made her shiver. She halted her walk for a minute, gently dropped her bag on the floor, untied her hoodie and put it on. A couple hundred meters away was the gold adorned, old building where she studied. One of the most prestigious Nostrapaisian universities, somehow squeezed in one of the city's oldest place, a mosque dating back from the Imperial time that was nationalized not long after the independence and stayed so despite various attempts of the successive governments to give it back to the various Islamic organizations holding the majority over time. Truth was, despite its historical value, the old mosque was a money sinkhole that everybody wanted to keep up as long as it wasn't with their own money.

Emily walked pass it. She kept walking but with less certainty, less speed. A new gust of city wind ran through her short, black hairs and she put on her hood. She only stopped a few blocks away, in front of another building, a much more modern one. The gold standard of nowadays architects, an ugly white cube randomly pierced at random interval by square windows and geometric outgrowth. She felt a little tap on her left shoulder. By her side, another young lady was standing, starring at her. She was wearing a grey coat, a pair of clean, blue jeans, long, brown hairs attached on the back of her head in a ponytail falling down to the middle of her back. She ignited a cigarette, protecting the lighter from the wind with her hand, took a long breath and expelled the smoke by her mouth before asking:

"You've got something for grandma ?"

Emily let her bag slipped from her back to her front and the sound of bottles tinting against each other gently echoed. She swiftly opened the zipper and handed it to the lady who looked at the content for a few seconds.

"Hope you cooked them right."

Emily muttered:

"I did like you told me. Two third alcohol, one third weed killer and a rug drenched into that around the bottleneck."

"That's my little girl."

Emily tried to speak up a "Good luck" but the words stayed stuck in her throat. She turned away and walked back towards her university at a fast pace. A few minutes later, a cloud of black smoke was rising up in the air and the sirens of police cars and firefighter trucks were blaring past her.

[Nostrapais]

CONFIDENTIAL - ACCREDITED DIPLOMATIC PERSONAL ONLY

- Doc 28042021DIPKLNPU -

---

Memo from André Salais, Nostrapaisian Ministry of External Affairs to Kolonian International Affair bureau

Through me, this is is a brief message from the Nostrapaisian Government.
We do not know your intention, we would not dare presume anything but tour troop movements in the Icarian area are highly worrying for the nations neighboring these seas.
Know that any attack or attempt thereof on Nostrapaisian and allied citizens or interests will be met by an equal answer.
We do not want war with your highly esteemed nation, we will not be the ones to fire the first shots but we do not fear you.
Do not put yourself in the way of the People.

Nostrapaisian People's Ministry of External Affairs, André Salais, in the name of Nostrapais.

---

CONFIDENTIAL - ACCREDITED DIPLOMATIC PERSONAL ONLY

[The United Kolonia Republic]

This message is approved for public view by the Parliament of the United Republic of Kolonia


The KNS Orion heading south, photographed a few hours ago.

Kolonian-Icarian Task Force Underway!

With reports of amassing socialist forces in Icaria this morning, the KITF, led by the KNS Orion, departed from Príbram Naval Station to boost Kolonian and Icarian interests in the region. Having previously re-committed forces to the Federal Republic of Icaria, the addition of a large Kolonian naval presence will be of great use to preserving the FRI and defending its interests and its assets during periods of heightened tension, or potential conflict. The fleet will join up with an existing convoy from the Merchant Marines departing from Pobení Vítr and will sail together, with an expected arrival in three weeks.

The military will use all means necessary to safeguard the interests of Kolonia and her allies in the region. More information will become available as the situation develops.



2021 Military Budget Committee announces deals with Dolfikland, Serria.

Last month, the Air Force has approved the MBC’21’s recommendation to retire the full Kolonian MiG-21 fleet from reserve service. It has recently been agreed upon with the governments of Dolfikland and Serria to sell a total of 35 aircraft, 30 and 5 respectively, for undisclosed sums of money. 20 examples will remain in Kolonia for various reasons. Though some spares are being delivered to these nations and to the FRI, the Dolfik government has also agreed to pay for the demilitarization and shredding of the remaining aircraft.

Along with this, further budgetary allowance was given to the maintenance of the Kolonian Nighthawk Fleet, and towards unspecified 5th generation projects. The funds will bolster the existing programs and bring them closer to completion.

HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL
ADDRESSED TO: EXPEDITIONARY GENERAL VASLAV, EDESSA JOINT BASE, ICARIA
Gen. Vaslav,
Today I signed an emergency order for Kolonian Air Assets in Icaria, handing them over into your control. In accordance with the existing rules of engagement, if fired upon, you are to return fire, and proceed with air escalation as necessary.
Operation Empty Skies is exempt from this emergency order. If you believe it is imperative for the Operation to commence, you will follow the appropriate chain of command through the Molniya system and receive further orders.
Stay diligent.
SIGNED: GENERAL OF THE AIR FORCE, TOBIAS KORTIS

[Toonu Empire]

Anderian Aircraft intercepted over the sea.

Early this week, the vigilant aviators of the 7th fighter wing stationed in Firmia airbase have scrambled in an emergency to intercept Anderian intruders that violated the Iconian Airspace on its flight towards the northeast. The aircraft were accompanied successfully to the edge of the region and hailed farewell. With the escalating situation in Icaria and Andolia, similar events are expected to occur more frequently. Nonetheless, the recently disbanded government had no intention to protest against this action.


Surprised Anderian Kupolev-22 seen from the cockpit of the P.299I.

Elections

The current elections to the parliament resulted in a significant decrease in support of the CDP-GP-CoDP coalition. The resulting votes were given mainly to the II party, which grew in popularity following the world events. The long-ignored opposition seems to become the leader of a newly created coalition. The winning party attracted considerable attention in the campaign urging for better security of Iconia in the ever deteriorating world filled with hostilities and terrorism. The party also featured new promised social programmes. Only time will show if the promises would be fulfilled, but the current war-like tensions will surely confirm their predictions and affirm the population focus on strengthening the international representation of Iconia. The proposed coalition could be formed from the Central Democratic Party, Imperii Iconii and Green Party. The CoDP failed to impress its voters after a scandal concerning its leadership which resigned in return. However, the new leadership could not gain the necessary support in time.


Chamber of Deputies

Census

The Iconian Empire has finished analysing the data of Census 2021, which are expected to release the updated information on the official channels of the Iconian Statistical Agency soon. The preliminary results are showing an increase in population to 56.8 million. While the answered nationalities of the population remained approximately similar, the composition of the allegiance to religious groups has shifted and shown a meaningful surge in leaving the question blank. This, combined with an increase in agnosticism, has effectively decreased the percentage representing the traditional catholic population.

Thessolakian Military Trade Fair

The TMTF 2021 has been an immense success and introduced new modifications and versions of concepts, prototypes and other military hardware and software. Enterprises presenting their products on the grounds have been domestic and foreign, including the infamous domestic IKAC and NRP backed up by the IRA. Of foreign presenters were the Klathunian companies, which presented a new all-composite fighting vehicle platform intended for sale to foreign investors, but mainly the Klathunian army. Agiosan presenters have shown a new Flying wing demonstrator that is being developed by a coalition of nations. It is also currently being prospected by the IRA and IAF to replace the P-3 Orion ageing fleet in maritime patrol missions.

The Iconian Army' new service pistol

The emerging company established by the former deputy director of the IKAC engineering division called the Mithril Armouries has presented a new handgun with a revolutionary design. The Special Operation Forces of the Iconian Army has started equipping this new service pistol Alienus, which has been assembled using the latest technologies resulting in easier handling due to its smaller weight and less recoil permitted by its unconventional low-bore design. Current standard issue pistols of members of the Special Forces will not be withdrawn from service as every member of the unit has the authority to equip himself in any configuration of equipment within the military standards, which allows the professional soldiers to use weapons suiting their combat style. The weapon itself has undergone trials and is available for exports starting at 5000$/piece.


Alienus pistol of the MA.

Cetus space wing

The Imperial Air Force has participated in the exhibition by presenting the history of the 22nd Wing, beginning with its origins as a communications unit, through its transformation towards space communication satellites command and finally its latest reformation into the 22nd Space Wing "Cetus". The Cetus Space Wing is equipped with the first Sublustris-class Spaceplanes, tested previously in trial flights delivering various CubeSats of Iconian universities. The wing will reach maximal capacity and become fully operational after receiving its third Sublustris in the future.


Sublustris Spaceplane

Ianachar-class

The coast guard announced that the problematical and prolonged project of Iachanar-class patrol ships had commissioned the first two troubled ships HIMS Iachanar and HIMS Peldirion, after years of travelling between trials and dockyards for refitting. The third ship of the class, HIMS Acharion, has been constructed with several fixes and modifications. However, some of the issues found on the first ships have not been resolved and needed further reconstruction. The construction of the fourth ship of the class HIMS Mistor has been delayed by one year to resolve all necessary design adjustments from the first ships and is expected to be launched in 2022 as a first Iachanar-class ship that will be finished duty-ready. The class replaces Frigates designed in 1963, which are currently being scrapped, and the Mallenor-class patrol ships, which will be scrapped and used as practice targets if no nation would be interested in acquiring them for any purposes. The new Ianachar-class itself will be available for sale as well.


Armed version of the Ianachar-class that was tested during the trials to represent non-coast guard export version.


Imperial Navy

The Imperial Navy presented this year the finalist of the concluding stage of the Future Naval Strategy document released in 2010. The last stage will be represented by the five fast transport ships intended to begin construction in 2022, completing the amphibious triade of the Imperial Navy. The amphibious aviation and support provided by the Aerovectoria-class of helicopter transport ships, the landing ships of the Gavros-class and the fast transports represented by the air-cushioned and the new finalist.


The model of a fast transport class.

Fusion reaction may have been sustained for nearly a minute.

The Atom, a nuclear power generation enterprise monitored by the Ministry of Energy, has published research results of the experimental fusion reactor developed with cooperation from the Iconian Institute of Fusion Energy (IIFE) and international partners.

The paper cites that Iconian Tokamak for Energy Generation (ITEG), with its final goal of sustained fusion and positive energy generation, has achieved in its artificial sun process the sustainment of plasma for 19 seconds at a temperature of 100 million degrees. This accomplishment has outperformed previous tests by nearly double.

The use of superconducting magnets in the design allowed for a much longer operation of the device without overheating. The future experiments will feature even more improvements in its Internal Transport Barrier (ITB) mode, hoping for a half minute long reaction.

Iconian Institute of Sciences and IIFE present fusion power as the future energy generation, benefiting from its fuel types and near-zero emissions while equalling nuclear fission energy power levels. We are one step closer to this clean energy goal.


Tokamak reactor

The Kerbol Telescope

Iconian astronomers want to harness Kerbol spacetime-warping gravity as a lens to image the surface of exoplanets in astonishing detail. The Iconian Institute of Sciences has designed a computer model of a proposed space telescope, located approximately 50 billion miles from the Kerbol, magnifying exoplanets with a factor of 100 billion, resulting in projected pictures of exoplanets able to distinguish oceans, continents and mountains. The image seen will not look like a planet, however. It will look like a ring of light surrounding the Sun called an Einstein ring.

This technique has already been verified while observing distant cosmic structures by curving the incoming light around galaxies. Nonetheless, the Iconian space programme is limited to near Kerbin operations. Therefore, it is inviting any nations that would be interested in a joint construction project to cooperate with the best minds of Iconia on designing and delivering such a telescope to its destination.

Currently, the main difficulties are the design of the coronagraph blocking the sunlight on an unprecedented scale. Another option is the usage of independent spacecraft blocking the Sun by itself.

This mission is daunting in every area of mission design and operations. Direct imaging of an exoplanet, in general, requires overcoming several critical technological challenges. However, most of these challenges could be addressed with existing capabilities, and engineers make significant spacecraft development progress. Either approach could reach the solar lens' focal line in 25-30 years. Although it seems feasible, the engineering aspects of building an astronomical facility on scales this large are still unexplored; only recently did we begin to consider such concepts.


Rendering of potential view of the telescope using a coronagraph (black circle) blocking the sun to see the zoomed and curved light around the gravitational pull of the Kerbol.

[Demitor]

Free Trade Agreement Proposed

The Vice Commissar for Trade has made public a letter worded to the Kolonian government about the possibilities of opening up talks on a trade agreement. The trade agreement will expand the scope of the trade between borders, allowing for a sort of fastracked customs process.

Under the agreement, border and customs agencies will be allowed to expeditated and shorten the approval process for certain commodities agreed upon prior. To accomplish this, a cross border agency staffed by employees and diplomats of respective agencies will allow for faster communication. Demitorian diplomats will have the power to amend the agreement as representatives of the State, and hopefully kolonians will allow their diplomats more power.

The letter was given to the Demitorian ambassador, who will present it to the Kolonians upon their next meeting.

[Baydor]

Military Coup!

Tanks have been seen moving around the streets of Portstone and Kasculava early yesterday morning and troops have stopped all traffic in and out of the cities. Resent video show's the king's royal guard storming parliament as well as the party building in Kasculava. A few hours ago General Tobian admit the capture of Baydorian Prime minister Jacob Hutsman. The goverment has not made any official statement but Adomas Balthis former minister and believed organiser of the coup made a statement in a tv broadcast. In it he clam's the the NWP lead by Jacob Hutman has destroyed Baydorian democracy and has conspired against the will of the Baydorian people, he called on all Baydorian to talk up arms against the pro government forces.

While this went on Prince Yuri was declared King by the Bishop Janov in Kowlin cathedral, the disputed King clam's that King Michel 5th the 5th is a sympathiser with NWP forces and has worked to undermine the church. He has said that the kingdom shall no longer be run under the rule of heretics and shall thus be ruled by the word of god.

In all of this chaos communist forces have taken control of the mountainous province of Cean and a hand full of enclaves while military forces loyal to the government have seemed to have organised them self ready for a counter attack.

[Verkimlund]

The office hadn't physically changed much in the 20 years since Walsh Mquendry of the Kettali Peoples Party had last been here. However the room's atmosphere definitely had. The desk had moved from its imposing central position, shifted further back to where it rested against the wall and had been entirely replaced with a simpler, more functional affair to allow for the installation of a computer and assorted other cabled accessory's, filing cabinets now sat out of the way in the rooms corners and two telephones were fixed to the walls. It was no longer a room of symbolism and authority. In the modern age the prime ministers suite was a proper working office.

Pieter was the first to break the uneasy silence, sliding a brown paper folder over the desk to his oppositions chief whip. Walsh didn't touch it.

"Already seen it" Walsh said simply, maintaining the eye contact that had lasted since he had sat down.

"I know"

"Alright then... why are we here"

Pieter sighed, stood and looked out of the window towards the highstreet, parting the blinds with two fingers "You saw who wrote those Bills?" he asked.

"Old Members of ours, now serving in your cabinet" Walsh confirmed squinting against the light bleeding through the parting in the blinds.
Pieter looked back at him, still holding the blinds open. "The bills are sound" he stated, no question in his voice.
Walsh nodded his agreement
"Of course Pieter, you realise that Marigold wil-" Walsh began

"Marigold is a twat, I know it, you know it" Pieter snapped letting the blinds shut. "He's singlehandedly fucked your chances of forming a government more than all those years of fighting put together, throwing his support in with the NKA, letting his shadow ministers directly support those terrorists, what's he fucking playing at as a party leader."
Walsh didn't respond although he agreed, he wanted to see where this was going, Pieter came forward to lean on his desk and continued. "Look Walsh, these bills, they may be from your camp, but they're good policy damit. Harrison is going to try and fuck me over them. he's from the old school of the party, cant adapt with the times, in his eyes anything involving policy from your side is heresy" Pieter let his head hang for a moment. "Even with Harrison and his lackeys, I still have the majority but its a close run thing. I can deal with Harrison in a few weeks when the reshuffle comes around but until then I need some assurance on these bills."

Walsh crossed his arms. "You know that as Chief Opposition whip I cant order a yes vote on government motions"

Pieter retook his seat "I'm not asking you to, Look we are both from the old guard, I serve the nation how I see fit, wearing the jungle green, you served and continue to serve wearing the... whatever the PKA wore back in the day, look, I'm only asking you to put the whip down for a few days, maybe forever, you have the party behind you, and we both know that these bills are a benefit to the nation, its shitbirds like Marigold and Harrison so dug into their side that they cant bend either way that will keep us in the bush killing each other by the dozen until the cows come home, its going to take men like you and me working together to get things done properly around here, and its the only chance you are going to get for publicly owned land in Transvaal"
Walsh took a moment to look at his hands resting on his knees and let the silence permiate a bit before pulling the folder towards him and opening it, he looked up over his glasses finally after skimming the list to check for any addition bills snuck in and met Pieters gaze.

"I agree, but I cant help you with this one" he pointed at a bill entitled 'An Act on Ministerial and Member Wages' "I like getting paid"

---

HOUSEVAALER

PARLIMENTARY RECORD

MOMENTARY RESULT

APRIL

ANNO DOMINI 2021

---

FORMAT EXAMPLE

ACT NAME
passed Status
Summary

---

The Crown Trust Act 2021
Passed | Clear Majority
An Act Establishing The Crown As A Public Trust For The Holding Of Goods, Property's, Currency, And Title Deeds In The Publics Name, With Protections And Associated Spending

The Crown Land Act 2021
Passed | Clear Majority
An Act Establishing 120 Lictarys Of Land at 7 Sites in Transvaal As Crown lands, Subject To Crown Protections And Crown Spending

The Ministerial And Member Wage Act 2021
Passed | Unclear Majority | Confirmed By The Tribal Council
An Act Locking Ministerial Pay To The National Minimum Wage And Abolishing The Receiving Of Payment In Any Form For Housevaaler Members By Any Group Or Individuals For Actions Within The Walls Of Housevaaler

The Unfortunate Protections Act 2021
Passed | Clear Majority
An Act Establishing Legal Protections For Citizens Of The Nation Found Guilty Of Manslaughter Provided The Offence Occurred During A Reasonable Reaction To Or In Defence From A Legitimate Terrorist Incident

The Tribal Authority Act 2021
Passed | Clear Majority
An Act Permitting Kettali Kraals To Legislate Independent Of The Tribal Council Within Their Agreed Borders

The Ministerial Betrayal Act 2021
Passed | Clear Majority
An Act Establishing The Capital Offences Of Ministerial Betrayal, and Ministerial Espionage, In Response To The 2020 Ministerial Arms Smuggling Scandal and 2020 Ministerial Treason Affair

The Prime Ministerial Wage Act 2021
Passed | Sufficent Majority
An Act Abolishing The Wage Of The Prime Minister

The Military And Paramilitary Consequence Act 2021
Passed | Sufficient Majority
An Act Allowing The Stripping Of Earned Military Title For Veterans Of The PKA And VSF For Terrorist Offenses

The Military Obligation Act 2021
Passed | Clear Majority
An Act Establishing The Legal Obligation Of All Service Members Of The VSF To Intervene In Situations Where Public Safety And Life Is Threatened.

The Community Policing Act 2021
Passed | Clear Majority
An Act Establishing The Ability For Townships And Kraals To Raise Local Police Forces In Addition To The VCPS and KR

The Border Conflict Act (Preparation) 2021
Passed | Clear Majority
An Act Establishing The Possibility Of The Future Legal Authority To Pursue Terrorists Who Flee Cross International Borders, Extended To Foreign Citizens

---

Glossary
PKA, Peoples Kettali Army, Defunct Fighting Force Of The Bush War
VSF, Verkimlund Security Forces
KR, Kettali Rangers
VCSP, Verkimlund Colonial Police Service
Lictary, Traditional Kettali Measurement Of Land.

---

[Verkimlund]

The Embassy was coming along nicely in Villiams opinion, the old government office's previous life as the public office for the department of transport meant that its layout needed very little changing to bring it in line with its new purpose, of course Kamila didn't agree with him, the duo had been given the responsibility of getting the facility ready for the arrival of the embassy staff. The offices were laid out, desks and Computers set out in their proper place, and while you could still see marks in the carpet where cubicles, printers and what one of the local workmen had assured them was an arms locker, had once been placed the office was a perfectly workable setup at present, but that wasn't quite good enough for Villiams Colleague, in her professional opinion they had to replace a few of the carpets and knock down a couple of dividing walls to make the space suited to task, Villiam didnt really care about such matters, his main responsibility was integrating the local services, simple things like internet and water, and much of that was already done.

Even now with most services working and most equipment installed workmen moved around the building , mostly setting up cabling and mains electricity which needed to be redone to modern standards since the building had been disused in the early 80s. As Villiam looked around for something to do to take his mind off his boredom he noticed the grand wooden double doors opening for something like the 15th time in the last five minutes, but this time it wasn't a gaggle of workman coming or going, but a Trio of uniformed officers, Villiam couldn't help but notice that one had a curved saber strapped to his hip, and all 3 seemed to be carrying revolvers in polished holsters. He looked around for Kamila and caught her eye, waving her over from her conversation with two contractors he nodded towards the officers, who had clearly noticed that the only people not wearing Hi vis jackets and lugging boxes must be the ones in charge and were therefor making their way towards them even as Kamala arrived at Villiams side.

"We expecting the police?" he asked simply, leaning on the doorframe he happened to be standing in.
"Not that I'm aware" she responded looking the officers over.
"Why do they need swords?"

From the look of the uniforms, all 3 men were simple patrol officers, so clearly not a formal visit, the one with the saber appeared to be in charge, but only because of the sword, his uniform was otherwise much the same as his colleges, lacking the obvious rank markings that both of the men flanking him had, three stripes on one mans sleeve and two on the other, both of these men had large polished batons hung from cords and tucked into a holster on their left hip and both.

eventually the trio arrived in front of the two Barkadians, coming to a stop just infront of them, the one with the saber stepped forward smiling and extended his hand.
"Eyo, Chief Braydee." he said, with a ridiculously heavy accent, he spoke as if he were smacking every syllable with the baton that he that he too had on his hip, although Villiam could now see that it was hidden behind the saber such that he couldn't see it until the man had come closer. Villiam took his hand and smiled in return, trying to match the grip strength employed by the Policeman.
"Villiam" he greeted him.

"dunnie worry mah mucka, not in ay trouble, jussie ere to pop in n gis yous the lines for my lads 'ere" he gestured to the two men behind him who both stepped forward to clasp Villiams hand.
"Provost Sergeant Okoma, Veteran Beat Copper" he announced as one of the men stepped forward, "Kaporal Vaal" he said simply as the other man stepped fowards. "My bagmen for today eh? gotta protect me from putting my old back out, Also your local Beaters, so probably your port of call for any P's n Q's yaal might 'ave, they'll pop in e'ry now n then to make sure that your not 'aving any problems wit locals"

Villiam had only understood about 1 in every 4 words but he nodded along and clasped the last officers hand for the shake.

Braydee Continued, clearly taking Villiams nod for understanding.
"Naw, there'll be a more formal meeting when the main lot jawl up to touch all the bases but for naw I thought I'd pop in while i 'ad the chance 'n get you sorted for the basic local information. Police station is bout 15 minute Jawl up the street, but if you need us rozzers shout treble nine on the line n ask for a roller to the Barkadian Embassy 'n we'll send some sticks up, More importantly though, Postie comes every day et parade n the stiches are cross the road bout 3 minutes to the left. almost er'yone is armed, if you see short sleeves with sidearms, dont 'ave a bawl, its normal 'n legal even ta' postie will 'ave a rifle, 'n if any a your lot want the same they just gotta pop in the station 'n get a permit. There is always a risk round 'ere that some uncharitables wanna pop in 'n make it all pop off, responce time around here is about 2 'n a half minutes but if it does 'appen there's a panic room in the back, that's the room we recommend the ambassador uses for obvious reasons eh? He stood a little straighter and waited for a response.

Villiam turned to Kamalia but she looked as confused as he felt.
"Excellent, i think thats us all sorted" he said, extending his hand for another shake, the chief took his hand and turned to leave pausing to allow a couple of workmen manhanding a Barkadian flag on a short pole past. both of the other officers took the chance to hand Villiam small business cards with their Service Numbers and Phone Numbers on them. Villiam waited for them to leave before turning back to kamala

"Did you understand any of that?" he asked looking back at the door incase they returned.

She pressed her hand to her forehead
"Not a single fucking word"

[Baydor]

War in Baydor

Royal marines launch an amphibious attack in Cean early this morning while artillery fires on communist forces across the Teutonmus river. While on the northern front chemical weapons have been used on military target's as communist forces prepare to defend the city of GanBorg and continue to hold position in the mountain's. Forces loyal to the NWP party have managed to organise a defence against the democratic front however they are greatly out numbered due to most military members supporting the coup.

So called King Yuri 2nd has announced his support for the democratic front, however he still faces a lack of legitimacy with him being denounced by current King Michel 5th. In Kasculava Jacob Hutsman begins talks with Adomas Balthis on terms of surrender however many fear that not all party members will cease their fighting.

The conflict in Baydor has taken drawn the attention of Anderia and Dolfikland with the latter building up troops in Baydor to help support the new government. Anderia on the other hand has been accused of sending weapons to communist forces fighting the Baydorian government as well as this the Anderian army has built up on the border poised to invade.

[Nuvastia]

For the past few months it's been rough for the Nuvastians, disasters were piling up left and right and these coupled with seasonal storms along with unexpected natural disasters has put the nation in ecological turmoil. Due to increased trade and transit to Nuvan shore and port cities, it has become evident that the local ecologies are suffering and being damaged for economic gains.

Shore cities such as Apantha southeast of the nation used to have gorgeous beaches back then, it used to be one of the top tourist destinations of the local Nuvastian scenery. Beautiful beaches, gracious waves splashing, breezy air coming from the seas and clear white sands stretching for miles as far as the eyes can see. Local residential accommodations, hotels, rest houses and vacation spots line up the shorelines, along with restaurants, food courts and commercial attractions. People flocked from different places local and international through cruise liners. The whole shoreline was transformed then converted into industrial ports and shipyards along with processing facilities. The once famous shores was now only a shadow of what it once was, though it heavily benefitted the economy and relations with other nations, the surrounding natural beauty was lost. Few stretches of the land was spared from industrialization and urbanization, now bulky cargo and cruise ships litter the horizon along with some trash floating and riding the coastal waves.


(shores of the coastal city of Apantha)

The biggest Nuvastian port city of Amburg is the most notorious of them all. Not only is it messy and in the middle of heavy transnational sea traffic, the only way to describe it is, it's a humdrum cooking pot of vile mercantilism. Merchant ships from far and wide travel to these ports, these includes cargo ships, fuel ships and other general sea logistic ships, military ships and civilian cruise ships. There are reports of small scale illegal smuggling and pirate operations being conducted on these ports which are under heavy investigation and crackdown, for the most part some areas are highly unregulated and unorganized making it a prime location for shady international trading operation but due to the high activity of the Nuvan Navy and coastguard being active there illegal activities are usually deterred. Nuvan shipyards and and assemblies are also located there, meaning a lot of unnatural material are usually leeching into the soil and waters. Marine life is virtually non-existent in the immediate vicinity due to oil drenched waters and deadly residual chemicals being released into the waters, though the entities and authorities responsible for dumping stuff into the waters are environmentally compliant, nature is just not recovering fast enough.


(Nuvastia's massive and convoluted seaports and dockyards close to the edge of the large city of Amburg)

Another fast developing port city is Vlaka, small and large Nuvan fishing vessels and trawlers usually dock here to unload their precious cargo to be processed in nearby factories for commerce but fuel tankers and other ships are known to dock here, due to ever increasing demand for oil and resources gathered from the seas, the surrounding areas and seashore are on their way to being full fledged industrial ports. There are reports of overfishing and slight issues of overcrossing exclusive economic zones, so ships tend to hind in these ports for repairs due to mostly getting caught in open sea fishing skirmishes.


(heavily industrialized port city of Vlaka)

Due to these adverse conditions, the Nuvan government has taken steps to heighten its ecological footprint, an undisclosed ecological treaty is put in place by foreign nations and the Nuvastians are following it in exchange for appropriate military bids and deals. The Nuvastian government is proud to announce it procured new weapons for the military by acquiring units and production licenses from East Kara, Iconia and Verkimlund. Multiple agreements were made to purchase firearms from Verkimlund such as SR 21(L85) and SR 22(L86) rifles and its variants. Dedicated sniper rifles such as the T93 and Motiv K14 came from the Karan's. Meanwhile the Three (3) Emlinil-class attack submarines came from Iconians.

Due to international pressure to reduce Nuvastian ecological damage, the government would now be enacting strict protocols to put it in effect. Overall reduction of waste output for major industries are being followed to try and mitigate the immediate damage being done to the nation which could heavily affect nearby neighboring nations. Clean-up operations are being put into place.

[Islamic Nari]

A disheveled, tall man sat next to his comrade as he sagged a strap and took a sip from his trusty canteen in the plains of a foreign land. With a slight grunt and a trip, he packed himself back onto his shovel before getting up and slamming the cutting edge into an already made shallow fire trench barely a quarter of a metre deep into the ground. With a slight fidget, he pulled the dry silt from the hole and threw it aggressively onto the mat beside him, and he repeated the action until the pile became heavy enough to snap his back. He then dragged back into a slight decline in the ground and dumped the soil, patting it slightly, which he would return to his trench. Out of boredom, he opened his mouth and said to his partner.

"Abdul, see anything out there," he yelled, "got anything in your sights?"

Abdul, from afar, turned his neck towards him and shook his head. After pondering a little, "well, at least you see the section commander coming to reposition the trench again," said the man in his trench with a more extravagant tone.

He could hear the slight laughter from downrange before someone responded, "no."

And so, he returned to his work, none the wiser to what was around him until he dug up a half a metre deep as specified. A slight sigh and another sip from his trusty canteen later, he knew it was only the end of another beginning, but being optimistic as he was, he hoped it was the last restart. Suddenly, his friend called him over.

"Hey Bashar, South, two klicks out, heavy truck with dismounts" and with a flick, quickly laid down on the ground with a rifle in hand, he replied, "you think it is..." but his friend responded before he could say anymore "yes, yes it is."

"Well then, I'll message command and see what we can do," said Bashar, but Abdul gulped and whispered, "do you think they know we're here?"

Bashar snickered and said, "no, definitely not, just the commander wasn't wrong to say these trenches would come in handy, right?"

With a slight stutter, Abdul replied, "yeah."

With reassurance, Bashar laid his palm on the worried lad's shoulder "even said, Abdul, our people don't even know were this close to the enemy anyways, so how would you expect those bastards to understand?"

"Yeah," replied Abdul again.

Bashar came closer and whispered, "trust in your training and procedure. There's a reason we're in the revolutionary corps and even more that you're in this task force. We're more than the white helmets coming to shore now, so we got this. Okay?"

A bit more abrasive now, Abdul replied with a "yes sir," and a burst of cherry laughter erupted between the two.

"So Bashar,” Abdul said, “how off-the-books you think this operation is?"

"Very much so, Abdul, but they'll know when they're shot at, all the same, right?" Bashar replied, "just keep your head low, and you should be fine."

A snicker came from both of them again, but short-lived in its fact that this was work. So the two nodded before sinking back into communications. They sent updates and had instructions relayed back, all the same as always, yet knowing what was to come.

[Toonu Empire]

Due to the rising tensions in the region, the Imperial Navy is increasing its readiness status of its Ducenarii I of VIII Classis to medium to stay vigilant and be prepared for the outcome of the events in Icaria and its neighbourhood. The Admiralty was also heard to brush dust from old maps of Icarian operations from the High Ages of united icaria to assess the situation and be prepared for evacuation of its citizens from the region.

[Nostrapais]

In life, there are some boundaries one should not cross. That was what he had been told and, later, that was what he was taught to reject. Now, as an agonizing man was painfully spitting out his last breath in front of him, a smoking gun in his hand and surrounded by the silence of a shocked crowd, all of it came back to his mind. Maybe he should have listened to his mother a bit more, or maybe he did the right thing. Had he be given some time to time to reflect upon it, he would have surely sorted this out. But, sadly for him, this was not to happen. Shooting someone in the middle of a crowd was never a good idea. Either you got mauled to death by a few heroic ones or you got trampled by the terrified herd running away, or both. it was only in movie that the hero, or the bad guy for that matter, could slip away like an eel in algae.

When the dust settled, there was nothing left in the stadium but a dozen corpses. Old people mainly, and a few very young ones, not strong enough to push away the more vigorous ones pumped up on fear and adrenaline. But, in the grand scheme of things, amidst the overturned chairs and benches, there were two bodies more important than others. One was wearing a beige hoodie, dusty, stained in its owner's own blood, covering bones shattered and broken, ran over by two hundred terrified feet. In his left hand, inbetween crushed fingers, was a somewhat damaged pistol. He was a young, unemployed, angry guy, like you can find many all around the world. The government was to blame for everything and none of this was his fault. Add a few psychological issues, a depressive yet prone to be influenced nature, always in search for a higher figure to look for and you have the first ingredient of an explosive cocktail. A few meters away was the second important cadaver. This one was mostly intact, saved from the stomping by the stand on which he was standing. Almost. A bloody bullet cavity right under the left of his clavicle had blooded his blue costume. He was an idealist, he believed in his people, in their love for him. They picked him after all. He ignored the warnings from the Security service, reduced the security to a minimum to further his image of confident man. That proved to be careless and he thus, his overconfidence rid his nation of an incompetent, overly enthusiastic leader. Leader, yes, almost, but not anymore. These two important bodies are the ones of Antoine Delherse, an anarchist pawn put forth to checkmate the king, Hakim Delpais, the newly elected Chairman of the Nostrapaisian Socialist Party. He was the second ingredient. And now, all there was left to do for the country was to take a deep breath and swallow this poisoned, sulfuric Bloody Mary.

[Nuvastia]

In a brief news from the mainland, the Nuvastian government has assigned a welcoming committee to cater to the first Iconian delegates to discuss an ecological treaty accompanied with support from other nations and their representatives. They will attend a formal meeting to discuss matters regarding the enforcement of protocols to reduce Nuvan pollution. They all landed at the nearby airport on the capital city of Nusas along with other foreigners, Anderian, Barkadian, Eusonian, Kerthenian, and Verkimlund nationals, then they were escorted to a peaceful nearby developing town of Soassa to attend the a formal concordance. The event lasts a few days and they will be provided accommodations until its over.

Sossa is a shy and quiet farming town just minutes away from from the capital city and the large city on Ingrith, its currently being developed by housing and building contractors as the place is rapidly developing while being populated fast. Huge busy construction sites litter the immediate vicinity and buildings are being erected left and right against the vast farmlands that surrounds it along with its beautiful silent hillsides. The town caters to a few special hotels in which the delegates are currently staying. The International Symposium is held on a prominent hotel where everyone can attend and exchange ideas and agree on enacting protocols to achieve its goal of reducing waste and pollution for the betterment of Nuvastia and it's neighboring countries. Nuvastians of significant importance and position of authority attended the event along with interested commoners, so far it was successful. The agreements and discussions mentioned cutting off 40% of waste materials being dumped into the oceans while reducing factory emissions and complying with overall international industrial standards significantly raised for Nuvan levels of concern. Forest preservation protocols were agreed upon as the Barkadians demanded, reduced operations of Nuvan fishing trawlers and vessels was mentioned by the Eusonians due to ships over extending their fishing operation rights outside the exclusive economic zone, overfishing has become a threat alongside with degrading underwater ecosystems and reefs due to sedimentation and pollution. Large sea garbage patches floating in the open ocean will be cleaned up with the help of neighboring nations as the accords demanded. Sustainable development is the main concern for most of the involved nations, that attended the meeting.

Meanwhile reports of vandals, activists and rallyists were present near the event but they were handled by the local police force tasked at securing the meeting vicinity, most of them were dispersed and some were apprehended accordingly. Members of a previously unknown eco-conservationist group has been spotted trying to gain attention in lieu with the event. Several bulldozers and cement mixers were burned in some unfinished housing construction site nearby, apparently similiar events of eco-terrorism acts have been recorded prior to the international meeting but was kept from international news, such as active placement of traps on trees to prevent being cut down and processed. They also actively disabled and sabotaged major common utility services and factories to gain attention. Police investigations have discovered that they left hand shaped green colored wet markings on the place of their deeds and crimes.

[Barkadia]

BARKADIA PUBLIC ANNOUCEMENT

The Council has recently convened to discuss new economic plans laid out by The True Pine and his advisors over the past few weeks. After debates between the Left Coalition and the Anarchist Party, a 364-296 vote passed the Decentralizovanýrast plan during the meeting, and Vincent plans to put in in effect by the start of next year. The plan will allow the True Pine, his cabinet, and The Council to allocate a certain amount of funds over a time period for cities and communes to utilize. Local areas have complete control over their planning and the central government will play no role. The government will have control over the initial amounts along with the duration of the funding. The funding will be provided by slightly increased federal taxes and increased output in state owned factories and refineries. The True Pine and his party along with outside supporters hope that this will allow quick but stable decentralization of the economy and allow both local needs and wants to be provided by the people in areas, instead of being overridden by the state. Along with heavy cooperation in the YERISPLAN, it is also hoped that construction and operations can be massively streamlined to further increase growth and output at a stable rate. This is all for now.