“Sir, a telegram from the Empress of The Imperial Autarchy of Kolodania.” a gentleman stood at the doorway of the Presidential Suite, holding a black envelope. It was October 2022, an older President Taylor, who had now grown a stubble, was sat in the comforts of his bed, glanced at the clock. 6:30am Grudaidhian Standard Time. He sighed softly, before opening his palm towards the employee.
“Thank you.” the President spoke, as he was handed the letter. He glanced at it, the words ‘The President of Iarann Grudaidh’ were scribed in gold, and the stamp featured a portrait of the Empress. “Dismissed.”
As the employee hurried away, the President slowly opened the note and pulled out a piece of paper. The seal of Kolodania was carefully placed at the top of the page.
 From the Office of the Empress From: Empress Kathryn Versio Empress of the Imperial Autarchy of Kolodania To: Kesley Taylor President of Iarann Grudaidh Subject: Geonal Encryption Level: Maximum President Taylor, I hope this telegram finds you in good health. I am writing on the ongoing political debate regarding Iarann Grudaidh’s annexation of the nation of Geonal. With the war coming to its final close several months ago, I feel it has become an appropriate moment to reinstate Geonal as its own nation. The people of Geonal have not democratically voted in the occupation of their territory. The people of Geonal have, by all means, not had the ability to share or legitimize their thoughts on this annexation. For a country that is attempting to hold firm its democratic beliefs and views, your actions, or lack thereof, most certainly have proven otherwise. Yours, Empress Kathryn Versio |
President Taylor couldn’t help but roll his eyes as he closed the letter and put it back in the envelope. Sighing, he knew this was going to be the beginning of something truly unruly.
The Director of the Grudaidhian Intelligence Service’s Foreign Intelligence Unit, Director Baker, stood in the Presidential Office with the President, the Commander General of Vortex, and Major Adams of the Special Weapons Division.
Director Baker was the first to speak “Thank you, gentlemen, for agreeing to meet with me today.” she sorted through her files before continuing “I understand that this meeting was quite unexpected and sudden, and I do apologize for interrupting your busy schedules, but this could not wait.”
“Please continue, Director.”
“It is my belief that the Imperial Autarchy of Kolodania intends to intervene in Geonal through military conflict.” she spoke, an immediate silence gripping the room. “Intelligence suggests that Kolodania’s recruitment rates have ramped up significantly, and training drills for their military - The Order - have also ramped up. They have been mainly prioritizing training in tropical assaults. Which would suggest preparation for–”
“An invasion of mainland Iarann Grudaidh.” The President interjected, “How solid is this intelligence.”
“As solid as we can get, sir.” she glanced around the room “we are looking at a military conflict with a nation far more powerful than Geonal. That, statistically, could win in a direct conflict with us without the assistance from the Strategic Alliance or Section 9. Their training is ruthless, and any humanity is completely thrown out the window on day one of their boot camp. They’re trained in both traditional and guerrilla warfare, making their tactics hard to predict. We are very lucky they avoided prior intervention during the conflict with Geonal as conflict would’ve extended months, if not years. They like to make eating a princess look like child’s play.” With the final remark, she glances around the room “My recommendation is that we get operators rooted deep within their operations network. See what we can figure out, and if need be, damage their military from the inside.”
The president stood, silent for just a moment, a calculated consideration crossing his mind. “Director Baker.” The president spoke calmly “I am authorizing further assets to be given for intelligence operations in Kolodania.” His glance shifted “Commander General, Major Adams” he paused for a moment “begin training drills for defensive operations on Geonal shorelines, I’ll be talking with the Army General to have more defensive machinery installed. Do not fuck this up.”
“Wheels down in five” The pilot spoke, there were few occupants on the helicopter as it made its way past Geonal’s shores. The once tyrannically ruled island was still scarred with the cruelty inflicted on it by the war just several months ago. Operations to ensure complacency with Grudaidhian rule were still underway. Sergeant Daniels and Corporal Chambers were the sole occupants of the rear portion of the helicopter. Daniels knew Chambers fairly well, but mainly knew her for being uninterested in small talk, which only made the ride a hell of a lot more boring. Due to orders given by Major Adams, they were sent to rendezvous with the rest of their team, and their spook. Their orders? Eliminate any remaining rebel activity on the island, something his CO had given the all-too-fancy name of “Operation Cinder” - The occupants were members of Chimera Squadron, the all-too-shady operators of the most secretive military group in the nation. Their loyalty to Iarann Grudaidh was unquestionable, even when it came down to the mass killings of prior members of the Intelligence Agency, an order was an order - and is one that would be followed no matter the cost.
