The Second Insaani Civil War (IC/ITALY WAR NATIONS ONLY)

[The Jamesian Republic]

Operation Rebirth - The royal family will be restored - reborn
Step 1 - Escort the Escapees
Step 2 - Stir the pot
Step 3 - Get the people to revolt
Step 4 - Free the Royal Family

(But you know you haven’t saved the Royals, right?)

I know that. I haven’t rescued them yet. After they are freed they will be taken away from Insaanistan until Asim is gone.

[Republica di Italya]

Mediterranean Sea, 1200 hrs
“You are in Italian waters! Remove yourselves immediately!” radioed the Italian military vessel. It seemed as if an Insaani ship had strayed into Italian waters. What was most troubling was this was very obviously a military ship. While Italy was having a bit of election trouble it most definitely was still centralized enough to understand the threat an Insaani ship in its waters posed. The crew waited for the Insaani ship to respond.

[Insaanistan]

Mediterranean Sea, 1200 hrs
“You are in Italian waters! Remove yourselves immediately!” radioed the Italian military vessel. It seemed as if an Insaani ship had strayed into Italian waters. What was most troubling was this was very obviously a military ship. While Italy was having a bit of election trouble it most definitely was still centralized enough to understand the threat an Insaani ship in its waters posed. The crew waited for the Insaani ship to respond.

“You are in Insaani waters. Leave the waters under Insaani jurisdiction. You are in Insaani waters,” came the reply.

At the conference, Iên had been able to draw up which maritime territory went to whom. However, it seemed as if Italy and Insaanistan couldn’t agree on whose water this exactly was. The two ships were now aligned with one another, neither agreeing to concede the water territory to the other side.

[Republica di Italya]

Mediterranean Sea, 1200 hrs
“You are in Italian waters! Remove yourselves immediately!” radioed the Italian military vessel. It seemed as if an Insaani ship had strayed into Italian waters. What was most troubling was this was very obviously a military ship. While Italy was having a bit of election trouble it most definitely was still centralized enough to understand the threat an Insaani ship in its waters posed. The crew waited for the Insaani ship to respond.

“You are in Insaani waters. Leave the waters under Insaani jurisdiction. You are in Insaani waters,” came the reply.

At the conference, Iên had been able to draw up which maritime territory went to whom. However, it seemed as if Italy and Insaanistan couldn’t agree on whose water this exactly was. The two ships were now aligned with one another, neither agreeing to concede the water territory to the other side.

“This is not a joke! You are ordered by the Italian Naval Forces to return to Insaani waters immediately or else!” Warning shots were fired in the air to let the Insaanis know they meant business. They weren’t going to let their former oppressor continue to simply bully them. This was Italian water, plain and simple.

[Insaanistan]

“You are in Insaani waters. Leave the waters under Insaani jurisdiction. You are in Insaani waters,” came the reply.

At the conference, Iên had been able to draw up which maritime territory went to whom. However, it seemed as if Italy and Insaanistan couldn’t agree on whose water this exactly was. The two ships were now aligned with one another, neither agreeing to concede the water territory to the other side.

“This is not a joke! You are ordered by the Italian Naval Forces to return to Insaani waters immediately or else!” Warning shots were fired in the air to let the Insaanis know they meant business. They weren’t going to let their former oppressor continue to simply bully them. This was Italian water, plain and simple.

“The Italian Naval Forces have no jurisdiction in Insaani waters! Now turn around and go home!” was the reply. The Insaanistan fired warning shots at the exact same time. The ships were now closer to on another than ever. The Italians had no business being in Insaani waters. They couldn’t simply impede on Insaanistan sovereignty because they had won the war.

[Romextly]

Shaheeda and Muhammad finally exited their room and walked about the ship. Surprisingly, they only got lost three time before finally making it out of the absolute labyrinth of hallways. They began exploring the ship and asking the crewmates questions, trying to avoid Mohammed at all costs.

Runihura had been resting in a roomy crate. It had some gray woolen bolts around so the crate was able to afford some more room and make the crate comfortable. At the moment, he heard three small knocks, a signal for talking with Batal. He responded with two long knocks and Batal opened the crates. The white shirt and brown pants he had on were sweating, but what drew concern was a paper in Batal's hand.

"Runi. we have some problem." Batal said breathlessly.

Runi looked around and abley jumped out the crate, hand on his pistol. The normally cheerful face of Batal was laced with concern, no minor accomplishment. "What is it? Are the royals in danger?"

Batal slowly nodded his head and handed him the paper. "I intercepted the transmission and managed to print it."

Salaam Aabid. I have finally gotten the agreement of all the crew except for Mohammed and Mehmed. We are confident that the captain will let us by. We have all weapons ready. We will bring them to you either dead or alive. May Allah bless you and bless our mission.

Runihura looked at Batal "Do you have any weapons? We'll need some to face all the crew."

Batal nodded and leaned into another crate. Handing Runihura a Pato SMG, he grabbed an MP9, a MAC-10 in the cradle of his arm and a UZI. The ammo, Runi got and he hurried to the cabin. Once he got there he set down the ammo and guarded the three passageways into the cabin. He had the Pato in his right and his silenced Hawk Pistol in his left. The MAC-10 and MP9 were on the ground, as Batal carried the UZI. Runi prayed they could get them with no incident.

Batal
Batal hurried through the halls. Hunder his new jacket he just picked up, he had two knives and the UZI. He hoped to get Mehmed and Mohammed to bring the royals to safety. However, when he reached their stay he saw the room empty. His heart beating he hurried through until he saw Mohammed. "Mohammed! Where are the kids!"

Mohammed looked at him strangely. "Over with the other crew. Why the worry?"

Batal looked around, looking for any listeners. "They are the royals Shaheeda and Muhammad. The crew is about to kill them. Here! Have the knife. Lets go! We have Mehmed to count on, but the rest all in the plot.

They ran to the lunchroom to see Mehmed with the royals behind him, trying to converse with the crew to calm them down. "Mehmed! They're gonna kill them!" Mehmed turned to look at him and a crew member swung his ax at his torso. Batal opened fire with his UZI on the crew.

Mehmed
The nieces of the Captain had walked over to ask some questions to the crew members. Suddenly, one called Gadiel grabbed the arm of the female.

"It's the royals!" he roared, grabbing her close to the unpermitted area. Mehmed, confused, but not going to let a young female get attacked, ran across the room and punched him. Looking at them both, he realized with a shocked emotion that they did seem to be some of the royals. By the time he looked at the crew, around 20 of them had weapons of sort, some even with pistols. Turning to the royals, he said "Stay behind me and it will all be alright." He then turned to the crew.

"Come one guys, let them be. They're just kids."

Suddenly, the captain appeared and shouted something, at that moment, Yaseer, his "best friend" struck him with an ax.

Mohammed
Mohammed had been surprised to hear that the two had been royals. However, that had triggered Mohammed's past. Once a glorious ship captain that had taken down numerous pirate ships, he had been dismissed for sexual assault. But he was still deeply loyal to the royals, so he grabbed the knife and ran down with Batal.

After Batal began firing he ran in their and stabbed a man in the neck. He sheathed the knife and lifted Shaeeda over his left shoulder and Muhammed under his right arm, he ran forward with great difficulty to the Captain's Cabin as Batal covered him.

[Insaanistan]

Shaheeda and Muhammad finally exited their room and walked about the ship. Surprisingly, they only got lost three time before finally making it out of the absolute labyrinth of hallways. They began exploring the ship and asking the crewmates questions, trying to avoid Mohammed at all costs.

Runihura had been resting in a roomy crate. It had some gray woolen bolts around so the crate was able to afford some more room and make the crate comfortable. At the moment, he heard three small knocks, a signal for talking with Batal. He responded with two long knocks and Batal opened the crates. The white shirt and brown pants he had on were sweating, but what drew concern was a paper in Batal's hand.

"Runi. we have some problem." Batal said breathlessly.

Runi looked around and abley jumped out the crate, hand on his pistol. The normally cheerful face of Batal was laced with concern, no minor accomplishment. "What is it? Are the royals in danger?"

Batal slowly nodded his head and handed him the paper. "I intercepted the transmission and managed to print it."

Salaam Aabid. I have finally gotten the agreement of all the crew except for Mohammed and Mehmed. We are confident that the captain will let us by. We have all weapons ready. We will bring them to you either dead or alive. May Allah bless you and bless our mission.

Runihura looked at Batal "Do you have any weapons? We'll need some to face all the crew."

Batal nodded and leaned into another crate. Handing Runihura a Pato SMG, he grabbed an MP9, a MAC-10 in the cradle of his arm and a UZI. The ammo, Runi got and he hurried to the cabin. Once he got there he set down the ammo and guarded the three passageways into the cabin. He had the Pato in his right and his silenced Hawk Pistol in his left. The MAC-10 and MP9 were on the ground, as Batal carried the UZI. Runi prayed they could get them with no incident.

Batal
Batal hurried through the halls. Hunder his new jacket he just picked up, he had two knives and the UZI. He hoped to get Mehmed and Mohammed to bring the royals to safety. However, when he reached their stay he saw the room empty. His heart beating he hurried through until he saw Mohammed. "Mohammed! Where are the kids!"

Mohammed looked at him strangely. "Over with the other crew. Why the worry?"

Batal looked around, looking for any listeners. "They are the royals Shaheeda and Muhammad. The crew is about to kill them. Here! Have the knife. Lets go! We have Mehmed to count on, but the rest all in the plot.

They ran to the lunchroom to see Mehmed with the royals behind him, trying to converse with the crew to calm them down. "Mehmed! They're gonna kill them!" Mehmed turned to look at him and a crew member swung his ax at his torso. Batal opened fire with his UZI on the crew.

Mehmed
The nieces of the Captain had walked over to ask some questions to the crew members. Suddenly, one called Gadiel grabbed the arm of the female.

"It's the royals!" he roared, grabbing her close to the unpermitted area. Mehmed, confused, but not going to let a young female get attacked, ran across the room and punched him. Looking at them both, he realized with a shocked emotion that they did seem to be some of the royals. By the time he looked at the crew, around 20 of them had weapons of sort, some even with pistols. Turning to the royals, he said "Stay behind me and it will all be alright." He then turned to the crew.

"Come one guys, let them be. They're just kids."

Suddenly, the captain appeared and shouted something, at that moment, Yaseer, his "best friend" struck him with an ax.

Mohammed
Mohammed had been surprised to hear that the two had been royals. However, that had triggered Mohammed's past. Once a glorious ship captain that had taken down numerous pirate ships, he had been dismissed for sexual assault. But he was still deeply loyal to the royals, so he grabbed the knife and ran down with Batal.

After Batal began firing he ran in their and stabbed a man in the neck. He sheathed the knife and lifted Shaeeda over his left shoulder and Muhammed under his right arm, he ran forward with great difficulty to the Captain's Cabin as Batal covered him.

Muhammad was screaming his head off, thoroughly confused on what the heck was going on. Shaheeda on the other hand struggled and repeatedly told Mohammed to let her go, but in vain.
Batal was deffo right... she thought to herself. Gunshots hit the walls and some of the windows as Mohammed carried them to the Captain’s Cabin. She had a gun and a knife on her but could reach neither at that moment.

[Insaanistan]

The ships were the closest they had ever been, still firing warning shots into the air, the radioman relaying warning back to one another.
“This is your final warning!” they both said.
Suddenly:
Boom!
Afterwards, both sides would swear it was the other who shot first. No one was sure, but in any case, as soon as the sound went off, all hell broke lose. The two ships fired on one another releasing a fury of bullets and torpedoes and other projectiles. Those above deck quickly made their way below as the fighting intensified. The ships shook as the ocean seemed to be tearing itself apart.

[Republica di Italya]

The ships were the closest they had ever been, still firing warning shots into the air, the radioman relaying warning back to one another.
“This is your final warning!” they both said.
Suddenly:
Boom!
Afterwards, both sides would swear it was the other who shot first. No one was sure, but in any case, as soon as the sound went off, all hell broke lose. The two ships fired on one another releasing a fury of bullets and torpedoes and other projectiles. Those above deck quickly made their way below as the fighting intensified. The ships shook as the ocean seemed to be tearing itself apart.

The Italian ship fired as much as it could in a flurry against the Insaanis, hoping to force them back. In the end, both ships pulled away, reloading and checking the damages. Both had taken a beating, but both were still quite operational. After a while, they closed in again and fired on another, repeating the process again, each trying to force the other to fall back, each taking plenty of hits in the process. The Italians were intent on repelling the Insaani infringement on their waters no matter the cost. However, they knew they’d soon be forced back. In the midst of the battle, they radioed to all Italian ships in the area they were in need of help.

[The Jamesian Republic]

OOC: Langenia you still need to meet with my agents.


IC: Meanwhile a small undetectable spy drone picked up the ship fight the information was relayed to Eddie and Aaron.

“This from the Octagon.” Aaron said He showed Eddie his display of the ship fight. “My god that is the boat Shaheeda and Muhammed are on!” Eddie exclaimed. “I know they are in danger. It seems to be between the Italians and Insaani’s.” Aaron explained. “I hope nothing happens to them.” Eddie said. “I hope so too.” Aaron replied.

[Insaanistan]

OOC: Langenia you still need to meet with my agents.


IC: Meanwhile a small undetectable spy drone picked up the ship fight the information was relayed to Eddie and Aaron.

“This from the Octagon.” Aaron said He showed Eddie his display of the ship fight. “My god that is the boat Shaheeda and Muhammed are on!” Eddie exclaimed. “I know they are in danger. It seems to be between the Italians and Insaani’s.” Aaron explained. “I hope nothing happens to them.” Eddie said. “I hope so too.” Aaron replied.

(No, the ship that’s fighting the Italians is a different ship.)

[New Antarcticania]

"This is the hourly broadcast from ANTARTI-NET news, I'm Vitaliy Kovalev.
on this hour- we are recieving reports from the headquarters o-"

"Hold on Vitaly, we are recieving a immediate order of broadcast from the goverment of New Antartica, ahem:
'This is a immediate order of deployment and activation of all available reserve units of the People' armed forces- all able men and women that have been registered as a reserve shall report to their nearest barracks, at this moment. The People's Republic of New Antartica Is at a state of total war agianst the Democratic Republic of Isaanistan, woe to the colonialist of the second Turkish empire!' "

"Well, there you have it, people- the people' republic of New Antartica is a officially at war with the Democratic republic of Isaanistan, next up on our broadcast...."

It all started with a sudden announcement of war, within hours- every abled man, every available unit, every tank, ever rifle is being shored up at Antartican millitary bases scattered all over the country. They've just been placed on high alert, with quotas for weapons production being raised at a all-tike high, and every international cargo freighter The state's enterprises has being requisitioned and diverted back to antartican ports, every man (and woman) in the state is prepares for one thing, and one thing only-
War.

[West Pacific Treaty Organization]

Mediterranean Sea, 1200 hrs
“You are in Italian waters! Remove yourselves immediately!” radioed the Italian military vessel. It seemed as if an Insaani ship had strayed into Italian waters. What was most troubling was this was very obviously a military ship. While Italy was having a bit of election trouble it most definitely was still centralized enough to understand the threat an Insaani ship in its waters posed. The crew waited for the Insaani ship to respond.

OOC: Please, let me know the next time you play as Italy.

EDIT: this is PPC lmao

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Mediterranean Sea, 1200 hrs
“You are in Italian waters! Remove yourselves immediately!” radioed the Italian military vessel. It seemed as if an Insaani ship had strayed into Italian waters. What was most troubling was this was very obviously a military ship. While Italy was having a bit of election trouble it most definitely was still centralized enough to understand the threat an Insaani ship in its waters posed. The crew waited for the Insaani ship to respond.

OOC: Please, let me know the next time you play as Italy.

EDIT: this is PPC lmao

can confirm^

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

Gunslinger Girl OST - Thema III

Southern Italy - Outskirts of Taranto, Command Post “Claes”

‘I lived for art, I lived for love,
I never harmed a living soul!
With a discreet hand
I relieved all misfortunes I encountered.’

Mariana glanced at Giuseppe. “Tosca, right?”

Giuseppe took the scrap of paper from her and glanced at it for a few seconds, before shrugging. “Hell if I know.” he grunted, folding it up and placing it in his coat-pocket. “I’ve forgotten all my literature, was my worst class anyway. Hillshire’s the cultured one, go ask him once he arrives.”

“Wasn’t it you who said that good soldiers read as much as they can? Or did it go ‘ignorant soldiers make for shit soldiers’?”

“Doesn’t mean you have to read something that you loathe.”

“You read milshit too much, Boss.”

“Comes with the job.”

“But didn’t you say that the end of the war was coming? Shouldn’t you learn something before then?”

“I hope it comes soon.” Giuseppe replied, dodging the question somewhat. “But that all depends on today, and on our friends in the Padina.”


Mariana’s knuckles turned white as she gripped her shotgun, and she inched towards Giuseppe slightly.

“Fuck them.” she muttered. “I hope the Insaanistanis clean them up before they go. Or the Prussian-Poles do.”

“With luck we won’t need them to. As it is we're in a far stronger position than before. We can demand changes now."

Gisueppe turned to Mariana, and rested his hand on her shoulder. "You shouldn't have to be like this." he muttered. "The shit they put you through--no more. We can end it. Together. If this falls through it'll be one last battle, one last war, and then I'll release you.”

Mariana glanced at Giuseppe, and smiled wryly. "I'm called a weapons system for a reason." she replied. "The conditioning might not have been as extensive, but I still have hydraulics in my arms. Can normal girls shoot a dime out of the air with a 12-gauge slug? Have they ever planted IEDs, raided prisons?"

"I've been working on that with MacDuff." he replied. "If the negotiations go south you'll be spirited to Prussia-Poland. She said they have something for you… A place to live. A new start, if you will. It'll let you live normally. I hope."

He gave Mariana's hand a tight squeeze.

Mariana seemed slightly stunned, but shook it off. "I'll be fine." she reassured him, before noticing the cars arriving. “They're here now, Boss. Good luck.”

---

Hillshire sighed as he sat down in the chair, glancing at his coworker.

"Look." he started. "I get you. It's not right that we have to fuck them up like this. But they're good at what they do. The capabilities they have are irreplaceable."

"It's not right. They never asked to be here. None of them did. We're using brainwashed, kidnapped kids and we're stuffing them with so much carbon fiber that…"

"I know."

Hillshire sank into his seat and stared at the table. "You're not the only one who cares for them. You're not the only one who worries about them. Sophia...when I see her working, and she smiles after like it’s the most natural thing in the world...it's sickening. I don't know how I can stomach it."

"So don't. We can end it."

"And start a war? Against the North? Those with less qualms with using augmented agents?"

"What other option do we have?"

"Simple. We ask our friends in the North to end the Conditioning."

Hillshire looked up into Giuseppe's eyes. "The worst of the damage is conditioning; more precisely, the portions that ensure obedience. It might not work, we're still putting hydraulics and fibre in them, they'll go rogue more often...but it's worth it. The obedience is what kills their identities, their lives."

"And their memories?"

"You know as well as I do that some things are better forgotten. Or would you prefer to have Mariana remember that trafficking ring? Sophia her shitty parents?"

Giuseppe was silent for a long while, but finally exhaled. "Fine. But if this doesn't work..."

"Then the ball's in your court, Marco."

"Very well. Good luck, Galasso. Passero's a fucking bastard, but maybe he'll listen to you for once."

“Let’s hope he does. How far out is he?”

“An hour or so. Get a brief over to Berkant, he, MacDuff, and I will be moderating the discussion.”

---

Berkant Veidhlín of the Tribe of Kildare.

Let’s be honest here for a moment: The cyborgs utilized by the SWA were almost futuristic, like one of the creations of Elin Blaidd’s mind walking among us. They replaced limbs with hydraulics and machines and the first thing they did with it was…

...taking little girls, augumenting them, brainwashing them, using them to do their very, very dirty laundry.

Social Welfare my arse.

At the same time, if the Free Lands would have developed such a technology, I am not sure, if we wouldn’t have done something similar.

I had seen them in action, a Section of the Great Woods Rangers could compete with these girls and I would not be sure, which group would come out on top. Yet, I also lacked all the background information, about what the conditioning did with their brains, how they lost memories - granted, some memories are best forgotten, but still…

The aim of the Free Lands in Italy was similar to the aim of the Commonwealth: Peace, stability and wealth, plus handy little bases should Insaanistan decide to act up again.

Lilly and I were still here. The peace talks were, in the light of new hostilities within Insaanistan (everyone surprised by that, please raise your hand), suspended for the moment. SDFS Bruinneall and her sisters in arms were still in Taranto, waiting for the signal to return home. The drones of the drone carrier circled over Italy’s territorial waters as a sort-of administrative assistance.

Yet, not all was peaceful in Italy as well, and neither was it in the SWA. I knew, that Hilshire and Guiseppe were against using their little cyborgs, but while the former was a pragmatic realist, the latter was a dreamer. I can’t, in good faith and confidence, fault a man for dreaming of a better world for his and his own, but I also can’t fault a man for seeing the reality of the situation.

And that reality was, that we needed the SWA’s cyborgs to fulfill our goals.

It was a shitty situation, one about to get even more complicated, for all involved.

There also sadistic arses, who were almost eager to have their little girls with cyborg enhancements do their work. A rare breed of man, which was best taken out behind the shed, but sadly, that was not an option.

So… the Free Lands were in a pickle, one, which we could not entrust to be discussed by the Elders. They would talk among themselves until the Heat Death of the Universe before they reached a conclusion. No, we had to find a position right here, right now.

But which?

Captain Solas, now not Brevet-Colonel Solas anymore, and Lilly and I were certain about one thing: We would have to act carefully - hence the armed man in SDF-Army Blue Dress, who accompanied me, another one with Lilly. Drawing the ire of both sides would not serve well… especially not with the possible civilian applications of that cyborg technology in mind. Solas alone knew enough men and women, who would volunteer for the SWA’s programme only to get their limbs back, but things weren’t as simple, to my understanding.

We were in the tent city, where the Peace Talks had been not too long ago, and we were seated just as uncomfortably, in another tent. Where are the times when diplomatic talks and meetings and my entire business was taken care of in hotel conference rooms?

That aside, this tent city also served as MacDuff’s command post and was appropriately militarized.

Sitting around the conference table, Lilly again acting as my aide and water fetcher, we were… waiting. The last part of this discussion had not yet arrived, but, to my understanding, would do so soon. Then, things would get going…

---

Hillshire, Giuseppe, and other SWA agents from the south were present as Berkant and Lilly entered, while Lillian MacDuff stood off to the side, leaning on her sword-cane as usual. She gave a quick wave and smile as they entered, before returning to her neutral poker-face. Mariana and Sophia were both armed and in their own corner of their room, with Mariana busying herself with a small, sleek laptop, while Sophia watched. Both were armed, but if you ignored that, it seemed almost as if they were just two young women idling the hours away.

Hillshire cleared his throat as Berkant and Lilliane entered. “Right. Please be seated… Our comrades from the north have notified me that they will be slightly late.”

“I can imagine.”, Berkant joked as he sat down, “From what I heard, the traffic is quite horrible right now.” Liliane sat down next to him, their two bodyguards standing in the corner. “So… order of the day?”

“There should be a general list of the stuff we’re talking about on the table, and the tech guys are currently putting together enough power cords to get a projector set up here. Someone even threw together a slideshow for this meeting, apparently.”


Hillshire cracked a smile. “It’s even got animations. I didn’t even know you could do that.” He turned to one of the agents; a bespectacled, brown-haired young man, wearing a plate carrier and a PAGST helmet. “Hey, Silviano, how the hell did you get that one set up?”

The other agent shook his head. “Trust me, Hillshire, I don’t fuckin’ know and I don’t think I or you want to know.”

A few chuckles went through the room, but those quickly faded. Giuseppe cleared his throat. “Right...so. On the off chance you don’t have a copy of the planned minutes… we’ll be discussing, first and foremost, the future of the Agency itself. This can include demilitarization of the Agency and it’s transformation into a civilian-lead government, or the continuation of it as an organ of a future Italian government or military. Then we’ll have to deal with the future of the Sapient Weapons System program, relations with the Insaanistani government and the self-proclaimed ‘Italian Republic’, postwar reconstruction, stimulus spending, and other boring nerd shit that you boring finance nerds can talk out over the next few days over your spreadsheets or something. Seriously, go pick up some girls sometime, eh? Might do you all some good...Just kidding, you all do great work and keep it up, we’ll need y’all after this. Also I hear chicks dig people with big brains, so.”

A few more chuckles rang out through the room.

Berkant, too, chuckled lightly. “Sounds like we have a lot of work ahead of us.”, he said, looking to Liliane. “Would you mind…?”

“A round of water for everyone.”, Liliane finished with a nod and got up, “Though, for the record, I know a finance nerd, who is a very good dancer. Sadly, he is also married, so…” She shrugged.

A loud voice answered Lillian, from the doorway.

“Good for him.”

A heavily-built brown-haired man entered, twirling a knife in his hands. Beside him, a short, squat-looking man with thick-rimmed glasses and extremely pale skin scanned the room, while a young boy with a blank expression brought up the rear, followed by a few deputy-agents and aides.

“Doe, Passero.” Hillshire said, forcing out an unusually wide smile, as they entered. “Glad to see you. And...Patrizio, was it? Would you prefer Pat?”
The aviator-wearing man clucked his tongue and wagged a finger at Hillshire. “Hillshire, what have I told you about talking to guns?”


Hillshire’s smile immediately disappeared. “...Right, right. Apologies, Doe. Please, have a seat.”

In the corner, Mariana’s laptop closed with a firm ‘thump’, and if anyone bothered to look, they would see her staring at Passero like a hawk. Sophia, for her part, cringed in fear and hid behind the legs of one of the agents.

Berkant nodded. “I am afraid, that introductions are in order.”, he said and rose, indicating a small bow. “Berkant Veidhlín of the Tribe of Kildare, Foreign Office of the Free Lands of the Selkie.” He motioned to Liliane. “Liliane Lile of the Tribe of Fermanagh, my assistant.” He let a beat pass, during which Liliane indicated a small bow. “Who do we have the pleasure with?”

The spectacled man spoke up first. "Greetings, Mister Veidhlín. I am...Alberto Passero. I am in charge of the general operations of the North, especially with regards to Weapons System production. This is my colleague, Matteo Doe. He handles much of the dirty work, so to speak. And this is our...guard. Sapient Weapons System K11, designation 'Patrizio'."

Berkant nodded. “A pleasure, Mister Passero, Mister Doe, Patrizio.”, the last name was accompanied by a small smile, which very quickly vanished as he motioned to the table. “Well, everyone, let’s get to work.”

The Northern-SWA took their seats, and shuffled their papers. Hillshire took the lead again. "Right, so the first issue of today...the future of the Weapons System Program-"

"You are not shutting it down." Passero hissed. "The things they do cannot be replicated conventionally."

Giuseppe's eyes twitched, but a glance from Hillshire kept him silent.

"Of course not." Hillshire replied. "But we can take certain steps to ensure the program is more ethical. Such as... conditioning. Specifically the portion that pertains to obedience.”

“No.” Passero replied, coldly. “All steps of the conditioning are vital to their combat efficiency.”

“What purpose does the obedience serve?”

“Do you want one to shoot you in the back?”

Giuseppe shook his head. “That hasn’t happened in Mariana’s case.”

“It is a statistical outlier. Do not get me wrong, I am glad that it has not failed more catastrophically. But friendly fire incidents can and will happen without all steps of the conditioning.”
“To my understanding of military affairs…”, Berkant threw in, “...which, admittedly, is limited to service with the Younger Militia, friendly fire incidents can happen with normal soldiers, who are not conditioned as well.” He let a beat pass. “The question also is, in how far can one use the cyborg technology on a civilian market. It could be the key to the success of a new Italy.”

“We already are looking into that.” Passero replied. “However, the issue is that we work with limbs that are...already there. We are not entirely replacing a limb; that is beyond us for now. We are adding additional aspects to the limb already present.

“The specifics can be worked out by the doctors and scientists. The point is, that if we can… retool, so to speak, the production of the enhancements, it could improve the lives of many, many people.”, Berkant clarified, “And while that would allow you to stay in business, it would also end the use of child soldiers and, sorry, kiddos, puppets.”

Passero shook his head. “They represent a significant component of our combat troops, more so than the South. We will need to produce replacements.”

“And finding and training recruits is… difficult?”, Berkant asked, shrugging, “I think, between us and the Commonwealth, equipment will not be an issue.”

“Again, the augmentations only work on children. All attempts on adults have ended in horrible failures.”

“...who said something about augmenting the new prospective soldiers?”

“Let me be a little more clear…”
Passero leaned in. “It will be our decision as to the future of production. I do not see why the South must intervene when they do not have any stake in this.”

“Correct me, if I am wrong, but wasn’t one of the aims of the War of Independence, ya know, the big kerfuffle we had recently, to liberate Italy and have it stand as one unified nation, not in two parts, north and south?” Berkant let a beat pass. “So, in a way, if Italy is to be a unified nation, the South does have a stake in it.”

“Then it can enforce it.” Passero replied. “The South hasn’t sent a whittle to us. It’s always us sending ‘em reinforcements, sending ‘em gear.”


“The South won’t enforce it.”, Berkant said, “The central government will - once it is standing, admittedly.”

“I will not assent to any government that does not ensure the interests of the North.” Passero replied.

“We’re not even on the topic of the form of government we’re taking yet or if we even will be the government.” Hillshire muttered. “What the hell’s up with this man?”

“Mister Passero, the main function of a central, national government is to ensure and act in the best interests of the nation as a whole.”, Berkant replied, “If the North of Italy, or rather the faction of it you represent can’t see, that their interests are sometimes not aligning with the interests of the nation, then you might use the conditioning in that boy over there…” He nodded in the direction of Patrizio. “...and have him blow your fucking brain out.”

Patrizio’s head turned to face Berkant, and his hand began to wander to his coat. A few of the guards stirred nervously and began to reach for their rifles, while Mariana began to reach for her shotgun.
Matteo whirled to Patrizio and shouted; “What the hell, K11? Are you trying to get us killed? Down!”

The boy seemed to snap out of his trance, and after a few moments, he nodded and dropped his hands to his side.

A collective sigh of relief swept through the room, but Mariana still moved her shotgun closer, and inched nearer still to Giuseppe.

Berkant made a hand signal and the SDF-bodyguards did not completely relax, but a lot of tension left their bodies. They were still alert, however.

Passero stood. “In that case, we have nothing to discuss.”

He turned and left. Matteo seemed a little unnerved, and glanced back at his Southern compatriots, but left with him as well, as did Patrizio.

Silence reigned, before Hillshire slammed the table with his fist in frustration. “Damn it!” he snarled. “Damn all of it!”

Berkant leaned back. “My apologies, if I screwed up.”

“No, no.” Giuseppe shook his head. “Passero’s a sick bastard and...I think, he would have done this even if you weren’t here.”

Lillian MacDuff sauntered forward, her sword-cane ringing out against the floor. “So, war it is, then?”

“Only if they fire the first shot.” Hillshire replied. “But we should prepare for that case either way. Berkant, Lillaine; you both have evacuation plans ready just in case, yes?”

“Yes.”, Berkant replied simply, giving a meaningful glance towards the two men in SDF-Army Blue Dress. With the Rangers nearby, as well as Bruineall and her friends, the diplomats were feeling a lot safer in this region, which might soon, again, be consumed by war.

---

A message was sent to the Republic of Italy from the Northern SWA; in return for support against the South, the North would provide all manner of specialists, as well as technical data and access to it’s augmentation and artificial limb programs.

[Insaanistan]

Shaheeda finally was able to reach the pistol in her left pocket. Despite still being carried by Mohammed, she was able to aim it and fire it several times before they finally were brought to the safety that was the Captain’s Cabin. Both and and Muhammad slumped down against the wall, breathing heavily, not entirely sure what had happened, but not disoriented enough to not realize the majority of the crew had tried to capture or kill them. And their savior? Mohammed. The guy who had creepily smiled at them, the man Captain Batal had warned them not to trust. He was the one who had saved them from the rest of the crew, who they had trusted a great deal more. Shaheeda and Muhammad both made a hasty prayer in Persian before they stood up.
“Shukran,” they both said to Mohammed at the same time. Thank you.

[Insaanistan]

“No!” Asim said. “With God as my witness, I refuse to do so. Bashir, I might, but Soraya I can’t trust. She’d try something.” Again, he sighed. “I apologize. Is there anything else you wish to discuss?”

"No need to apologize, if she cannot be trusted then she cannot be trusted. Anyway, we can start laying out the beginnings of what help you might need once all this is over," Long suggests. "I assume you will need military aid in suppressing the various rebels that plague your country. Fazluddin seemed to be under the impression that foreign soldiers would be more of a hinderance than a help. Do you have the same reservations? If so we can still provide logistical, aerial, naval, and other forms of secondary support to the Insaani military."

"We could also allow for Muslim volunteers to aid you," Long continues, "if you think that the common brotherhood of Islam would help scatter the feelings of foreign occupation. Is there anything else we should take into consideration, or any other aid you may need?"

“Yes, military aid would be much appreciated. Your nation wasn’t one who fought against us, so the public will be more receptive to it. However, it still would be good to publicly emphasize the large amount of Muslims in Gongsi.”
He stood up and went to the map again, this time touching Insaanistan.
“Boko Haram is operating here,” he said, pointing to Insaani Nigeria, Niger, and Chad. “Al-Shabaab and the Taliban are here,” he said, pointing to Somalia. “ISIS we’ll find scattered around here,” he said, pointing to Egypt and Libya. “It’ll be a difficult task to try and take them all on. But with your support, it inshallah is feasible.”

[Gongsi]

"No need to apologize, if she cannot be trusted then she cannot be trusted. Anyway, we can start laying out the beginnings of what help you might need once all this is over," Long suggests. "I assume you will need military aid in suppressing the various rebels that plague your country. Fazluddin seemed to be under the impression that foreign soldiers would be more of a hinderance than a help. Do you have the same reservations? If so we can still provide logistical, aerial, naval, and other forms of secondary support to the Insaani military."

"We could also allow for Muslim volunteers to aid you," Long continues, "if you think that the common brotherhood of Islam would help scatter the feelings of foreign occupation. Is there anything else we should take into consideration, or any other aid you may need?"

“Yes, military aid would be much appreciated. Your nation wasn’t one who fought against us, so the public will be more receptive to it. However, it still would be good to publicly emphasize the large amount of Muslims in Gongsi.”
He stood up and went to the map again, this time touching Insaanistan.
“Boko Haram is operating here,” he said, pointing to Insaani Nigeria, Niger, and Chad. “Al-Shabaab and the Taliban are here,” he said, pointing to Somalia. “ISIS we’ll find scattered around here,” he said, pointing to Egypt and Libya. “It’ll be a difficult task to try and take them all on. But with your support, it inshallah is feasible.”

"Then let us try to wrap this conflict up as soon as possible," Long says, standing from her chair. "The sooner we get the Coalition to stop dropping bombs, the sooner we can help Insaanistan get back on its feet."

Ambassador Long bows. "Let us hope the members of the Coalition will be more...open to diplomacy with the Democratic Republic than last time. Especially now that Abdul-Aziz is their other option."

Walking to the door, she turns back towards Asim for a brief moment. "Oh, and thanks for the tea," she says with a smile before stepping back out. Her two companions, who had been silently waiting outside, walk with her to the car, which they take back to the airport. Long then boards her plane and starts her return trip to Gongsi, satisfied with the meeting that had just taken place.

[Insaanistan]

Asim sat back down in his chair and sighed, soon going back to work. He was reviewing his papers for a short time before he heard the phone ringing. Not the phone on his desk, the phone in his pocket. He looked at the number and groaned aloud. However, he picked up the phone.
“Salaam, Jamilah, what do you want?” he asked.
“I need Faisal to say with you this week,” replied the voice on the other end.
“What? Why?”
“Abdullah has a business trip and I’m gonna be at work all week.”
“Jamilah, you can’t expect me to just take your son. I’m not his father.”
“Just do it you big baby,” she told him sternly.
“I’m not a big baby I jus-“ he started. However, Jamilah has hung up,
“don’t know how to take care of children...” he said to no one.

[Romextly]

Shaheeda finally was able to reach the pistol in her left pocket. Despite still being carried by Mohammed, she was able to aim it and fire it several times before they finally were brought to the safety that was the Captain’s Cabin. Both and and Muhammad slumped down against the wall, breathing heavily, not entirely sure what had happened, but not disoriented enough to not realize the majority of the crew had tried to capture or kill them. And their savior? Mohammed. The guy who had creepily smiled at them, the man Captain Batal had warned them not to trust. He was the one who had saved them from the rest of the crew, who they had trusted a great deal more. Shaheeda and Muhammad both made a hasty prayer in Persian before they stood up.
“Shukran,” they both said to Mohammed at the same time. Thank you.

Mohammed had been running and after a 5 mnutes of runingm had finally arrived in the cabin. He saw another man who nodded to him and had two guns on him.
"I'm an ally. I've been charged with protecting the royals." The man told him over the sounds of gunfire.
Mohammed set the royals down and slumped to the wall. However, the increasignly louder sounds of gunfire woke him up and he saw the royals thanking him. "It's fine. I'm just doing what I'm supposed to be doing."

Runi ran over to the royals, grabbing the both by the shoulders. "What did you do! I told you not to make contact or reveal information to anyone!" Eyes red with fury, he stomped off to Mohammed, passing him the MAC-10 with he correspondng ammunition. "Stand guard over the center hallway. After Batal comes back, switch t the left hallway. "

Mohammed nodded and grabbed the gun and slightly opened the door to allow one eye and his barrel to stick out, waiting for Batal

Batal
Batal had seen the bullets rip through the men, but after seeing Mohammed take the royals, he ran. He turned left at and intersection with at least 12 at his feet. At one point in their deadly chase, a bullet grazed his earlobe, leading to an agonizing shout. He kept running, but blindly fired the UZI behind him. Finally, he recognized the hallway to his cabin. He risked a look back to reveal at least 7 still following him.
"It's me Batal! I've got on my tail!" With the renewed strengthe, he rushed toward his door and saw Mohammed open the door and slammed it after he entered. Batal collapsed to the floor.
"They almost got me." he managed to croak.

[Insaanistan]

Shaheeda finally was able to reach the pistol in her left pocket. Despite still being carried by Mohammed, she was able to aim it and fire it several times before they finally were brought to the safety that was the Captain’s Cabin. Both and and Muhammad slumped down against the wall, breathing heavily, not entirely sure what had happened, but not disoriented enough to not realize the majority of the crew had tried to capture or kill them. And their savior? Mohammed. The guy who had creepily smiled at them, the man Captain Batal had warned them not to trust. He was the one who had saved them from the rest of the crew, who they had trusted a great deal more. Shaheeda and Muhammad both made a hasty prayer in Persian before they stood up.
“Shukran,” they both said to Mohammed at the same time. Thank you.

Mohammed had been running and after a 5 mnutes of runingm had finally arrived in the cabin. He saw another man who nodded to him and had two guns on him.
"I'm an ally. I've been charged with protecting the royals." The man told him over the sounds of gunfire.
Mohammed set the royals down and slumped to the wall. However, the increasignly louder sounds of gunfire woke him up and he saw the royals thanking him. "It's fine. I'm just doing what I'm supposed to be doing."

Runi ran over to the royals, grabbing the both by the shoulders. "What did you do! I told you not to make contact or reveal information to anyone!" Eyes red with fury, he stomped off to Mohammed, passing him the MAC-10 with he correspondng ammunition. "Stand guard over the center hallway. After Batal comes back, switch t the left hallway. "

Mohammed nodded and grabbed the gun and slightly opened the door to allow one eye and his barrel to stick out, waiting for Batal

Batal
Batal had seen the bullets rip through the men, but after seeing Mohammed take the royals, he ran. He turned left at and intersection with at least 12 at his feet. At one point in their deadly chase, a bullet grazed his earlobe, leading to an agonizing shout. He kept running, but blindly fired the UZI behind him. Finally, he recognized the hallway to his cabin. He risked a look back to reveal at least 7 still following him.
"It's me Batal! I've got on my tail!" With the renewed strengthe, he rushed toward his door and saw Mohammed open the door and slammed it after he entered. Batal collapsed to the floor.
"They almost got me." he managed to croak.

“We didn’t do a bloody thing wrong!” Shaheeda complained. “We never told the blokes we’re Royals!”
“I’m honestly surprised it took them this long to find out who we are,” Muhammad admitted. Shaheeda stared coldly at him for that remark for deciding now was not the right time to murder her cousin. Reaching for her bag, she pulled out another gun and threw it to him. The pistol land in Muhammad’s hands.
“But I don’t know how to-“
“Oh, grow up,” Shaheeda said, cutting him off. “It’s like riding a bike.”
“Bikes don’t kill people,” he retorted.
“They do if you’re going fast enough,” Shaheeda corrected. Rolling his eyes, Muhammad went up to Batal.
“How many are there in the crew?” he asked.

[Republica di Italya]

Benito Brancaccio sat at his desk, tapping a pen on it. De facto ruler of the Republic of Italy for now, he was now faced with the present instability and high tensions with Insaanistan. The incident in the Mediterranean had made the majority of the Republic’s politicians concern with Italy’s strength. They were certain the Insaanis had infringed on Italian waters, and yet they had so far faced no repercussions. Benito needed something good for Rome to hear.

Then, he received a message. From the SWA. The Northern SWA that is. He couldn’t believe his luck as he read it. They were willing to provide Italy specialists and technology and access to a... very “interesting program”, in exchange for support against the south.
In exchange for support against the south.
He hadn’t thought about those words at first. Should he help them against the South? The peninsula had just come out of a war. However, he realized it would be good for morale and his image if he were to beat the South in a war.
He sent a message back. He agreed to support the Northern SWA against the South, so long as they followed through on their end of the bargain.

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

ooc: post soon.

[Polish Prussian Commonwealth]

OOC: Written with Insaanistan.

Northern Italy
“Doctor Passero?”
The scientist shifted, and looked up at his second in command. “Yes...Doe?”
“The Republic replied...they’re open to it. Should we move?”
“Yes...we shall.”

Alberto stood. “Begin offensive operations against the South posthaste. Make up some incident if need be.”

“Understood, sir.” Doe replied, softly. “I’ll get everything ready.”
He saluted and left.

Albert waited for his next appointment- a representative from the Republic of Italy was due to arrive sometime soon.

And arrive he did. Along with his personal secretary, Benito Brancaccio arrived, ready to observe the technology he had heard about. If it was good, well, nothing would keep him from using it as soon as possible. Apart from the coming fight against the Southern SWA, there was also the matter of Maoists insurgents still being around. While disorganized and small, they still could do damage if they wanted to. And Italy’s mountains provided them with perfect cover and accessibility to escape in Switzerland.

Benito’s mind momentarily went back to the little girl he had met in Rome. When it had become apparent Insaanistan had lost, there were celebrations throughout the city. A girl with blonde hair, green eyes and a huge smile came up to him. Her parents said something to her that Benjto had trouble understanding. Quickly. He realized it was some regional Italian dialect. The girl looked back up to Benito, still with a grin on her face, and motioned for him to bend down so she could whisper in his ear. When he did so, he heard the girl say words he would never forget.

“Thank you for making Italy free again.”

Then Benito focused once more. He looked around, on a mission. A mission to save the Peninsula.

Passero stood as Benito entered, and offered his hand for a handshake. “Welcome, welcome, Mister...Brancaccio. I am Doctor Passero… I believe you wanted to see what we’ve been working on, correct?”

---

Bari - SWA Government
Beginning at 0000 hours, the bad news began to pour in.

Safehouses ransacked and raided. Members loyal to the South that had been in the North arrested. Firefights between northern and southern units at the Line of Contact broke out. Car-bombings against Southern officals.

Giuseppe was awake within a few minutes and began to take charge of the situation. Hillshire was up an hour after, and soon joined him, flying in from Taranto. By the time the sun rose at 0500 hours, telegrams had been sent to Taranto, confirming that a state of war now effective existed between the two factions, and seeking the assistance of Prussia-Poland and the Free Lands.

Prussia-Poland, for it’s part, responded quickly. Lillian was soon up too, and began mobilizing her troops to protect key areas, while requesting further reinforcements from Prussia-Poland and cancelling withdrawals.

---

As the guns cracked and politicians raged, Mariana stared at the stars. Sophia sat by her side, in silence.

“Mari-” she whispered. “Are...are the bad men going to come for us?”
“No.” Mariana replied, wrapping an arm around her. “They won’t. Mister Hillshire won’t let them get to you, I’m sure.”

“And...uncle Giuseppe?”

“Feh. If anything, they’re coming for him, not me. And I won’t let ‘em get him.”
She squeezed the younger girl’s arm, glancing for a second at her, a smile on her face. “And I won’t let ‘em get you either. You hear me?”
Sophia nodded, returning Mariana’s smile with her own. It was a nervous; unsteady smile. But it was a smile. More than that, it was a promise; ’Come what may’, her smile said, ’We’ll face it together.’

“Sophia… Do you remember that song? That Mister Hillshire taught us?”

“Which one?”

“The German one...Ode to Joy, he called it.”

“Beethoven’s Ninth?”

“Yep. You remember how it goes, right?”

Sophia nodded, and began to hum the tune.

Mariana shook her head. “No, no, the words! ‘Freude, schöner Götterfunken-’”

“Tochter aus Elysium, ” Sophia picked it up flawlessly, and without hesitation, Mariana chimed in. “Wir betreten feuertrunken-Himmlische, dein Heiligtum!”

[New Antarcticania]

Ministery of interior security, head office
Undisclosed location/0600 Hours
(In russian)
"..and that's how i lost my le-"
static
"This morning on breaking n-"
static
"Vasily shoots...VASILLY SCO-"
static
The opening of a door

"God's sake, ivan. Wrong door agian! Intellgence is fifth floor, not sevent-"

"Im sorry sir, but the director asked me to hand you thi-"

"Right, hand me the document and get out of here."
.....
Slam

Eight-week wonders, that's what we call them here at the ministry. That's how much training they get before they're given their badge and gun- but no matter how much training you get, you'll never be prepared to see the shit scumbags we catch doing, or what we do to these scumbags. And that's coming from a man with over 12 years of experince in the ministry, i've caught serial killers, tortured notorious robbers, and ordered raids on potential headquarters for terrorist cells, i can't even begin to count the number of bodies i've seen over my career. for the past two months, we've been investigating potential terrorists in preperation for the ending of the isaani war and elections take place. that's right, while our Coalition friends are in some dirty shithole in africa, being mall cops and patroling the war-ridden streets, we're cracking down on potenial insurgents to make sure they don't get caught in a explosing petrol bomb. Today i've recieved another file from the director of the intelligence branch of the ministry, "oh, it' just anoth potential lead", i thought in my head.
Oh boy, was i wrong.

A actual target this time, i look at his bio, and there he was.
A Homeless-loking guy called 'Abdul-Aziz', professinial Potential asylum patietent, anti-coalition, and a potential terrorist. Hell, he probably already has a small entourage of raidicals beneath his heel, Intellgence already has a record of his previous residences, and theroies on where he is currently living now, but those could be easilly proven via research, it's amazing how much a a phone call can do.

As i close the file, i turn my attention towards the red phone on my desk,
Intellgence and operations may be busy trying to dig up scraps of intel about this nutjob, but i perfer my sources to be more reliable,
Sources like Langleia's secret police. I dial the number, a empty shot of vodka in one hand, my phone on another, waiting.