Azure Watester Federation Board

2 years 143 days ago

Edited

The broiling heat of Almadarian summer that had since passed; now, with the onset of winter, weather commonly advertised as ‘tropical’ had brought foreigners of every style of life to the beaches while the Almadarians themselves shivered in the cover of their own homes. Almadaria was used to this seasonal fluctuation-- but never had the air stood quite so still. Threats of terrorist attacks, the omnipresence of military personnel to fight them, and the apparent absence of action from the government hung over the country like a fog.

Rogelio Cardenas, Prime Minister of Almadaria, arrived at the National Capitol Building late. Most of the building was empty-- and as he was already fifteen minutes late, Cardenas helped himself to a glass of coffee made available at the lobby to fight off the cold. Feeling over his pockets and briefcase to check he had everything he needed and running his hands through his black hair once more, he opened the door into the situation room, the innermost chamber of the building.

“¡¿--por qué el carajó debo escuchar a tú?!” Howled el Jefe. It was business as usual.

A group of generals joined at the waist huddled behind the President with expressions of dismay. Arbelaez sat at the head of the table, whipping papers aside as he scanned over them. “¿Cuál de estos dicen what the carajó happened to my daughter?”

“Señor Presidente, all we know is what the Spanish authorities know. We’d need to send our own investigators and intelligence services if we wanted anything better.”

“Then do it!”

“Señor Cardenas, how nice of you to join us.” Mauricio Nieto said. The Vice President had watched him walk in and huddle into a corner of the table, and now drew the attention of all in the room towards him.

“Lo siento. I was detained in traffic.” Cardenas said, wrinkling his nose and unpacking his briefcase. But, as the President had not moved on, neither did the focus of the room.

“My daughter was stolen by traffickers or criminals or worse, the country is at threat of an insurgent group, and you couldn’t think to leave early?!” Hissed Arbelaez.

“I’m sorry, jefe. It won’t happen again.”

Arbelaez’s gaze wandered while he maintained a curse-laden mutter. He was out of the scrutiny of the President for now.

“I want troops made available near Spain.” Arbelaez declared suddenly, pummeling the desk with his fist with finality. Both the words and the actions caused the siamese generals to be taken aback-- it took a full instant for one to summon the courage and stupidity to respond.

“Jefe, we would need to have permission from Spanish authorities.“

“To land them, yes. But use your maldito brain, general de brigada-- have an amphibious force assembled. We are going to make these bastards pay.”

Cardenas could not believe what he was hearing-- military action over something that could be handled by police? Against his better judgement, he spoke up.

“¿Estamos loca? Let the police and our own investigators deal with it. Military force won’t do anything except pull us away from the protection of the main island and aggravate foreign governments. We don’t need to deal with an insurgency and a war at the same time!”

“What the hell are you talking about? If the stupid Spaniards can’t find mi hija, then--” Arbelaez stopped stupidly in the middle of his fury. If the police there couldn’t find Idoya, then how could their investigators possibly contribute? What good would the military do? Cardenas felt chills up his spine in the silence.

But at no better time could a young sargento dash through the door with papers in his hands.

“¡Señor Presidente! We might have been sent the demands!“ He said breathlessly, raising the papers above his head. The sound of shuffling chairs and the clamor of voices ensued.
===========================================================================================================================
Fourteen million dólares. The demands, in more or less words, were fourteen million dólares in exchange for Idoya Arbelaez, mostly unharmed. If they did not comply within a reasonable amount of time-- four days-- they promised nothing of the health of the girl. The demands had been mailed to a low-level police station-- who initially thought it was a bomb-- and consisted of that information in an envelope with an illegible name and a return address so old that it belonged to an address now submerged in the Mediterranean.

Flipping it, creasing it, and cursing it, Arbelaez came up against the brick wall of his options again and again with the copy of the demands in his hands.

“We’re clearly not going to cooperate, I hope?” Nieto suggested.

Arbelaez grumbled before he spoke. “Dío, no. We’re going to wait. Wait until we find something to work with--get those investigators out there.”

Two men stood before a shanty building-- their boots caked with the soft sand dredged up by the nearby oasis and their hands wrapped around their rifles. The adobe box would not have been able to hold a three-person family, yet here it was, a supposedly functioning business among similar ramshackle huts.

Given the state of the free market in the nation of the Sahara, was what they were going to do particularly ethical? Probably not-- especially since what they were about to do would have been considered a protection racket anywhere else.

But alas, someone had to pay for their operations, Marcio Gallego thought to himself.

Knocking on the door-- nothing more than scraps of plank and sheet metal reinforced against disheveled doorframe-- the two stepped back, and waited on perhaps only inhabitants of the small isolated hamlet to respond.

“Hello there?” Said the inhabitant in Arabic, cracking open the door to peek out.

“It’s time to pay up, friend.” Gallego said.

“No money- please, sirs!” Called the inhabitant. The door was kicked wide, crashing against its hinges and the party entered what could possibly be called a home if standards were set low enough.

“Where’s the money, puta?” Gallego repeated once again to the cowering figure as his comrades ‘cleared’ the house.

“I- I’ve given all of it to you, I swear!” The man breathed.

“Don’t worry, I believe you.” Gallego said in the native’s tongue, “They can’t understand us right now. Just show me what you can offer and I’ll act upset but take it and move on. Please, friend. Don’t make this any harder than it has to be.”

In a frightened state of perplexedness, the man pointed underneath the sofa, just inches away. Gallego nodded, and the thugs investigated it; they withdrew a trembling, now openly sobbing girl. Ay, su hija, Gallego thought. But it’d be better than nothing-- after all, the fighters of the Valverdian Popular Front would have to eat. This niñita would fetch at least a few thousand dólares if sold to some viejo cabrón in Aïr.

Gallego smiled warmly and clapped the man, now extremely pale and watery-eyed, on the shoulder like an old friend. “Thank you, friend. The next payment will be in seven months.”

Gallego did not particularly like child trafficking, but they already smuggled drugs, weapons, and contraband so this one-time thing was not such a big deal. After all, did you know what drugs really do to your brain?

The Ruby Ranch Republic, The first american union, Russia major, New Imperial Britannia, and 1 otherThe Castelian Federation

2 years 142 days ago

Edited

It was a shame he had to go.

Almirante Jorge Ancheta had probably spent the most leisurely two weeks he had ever had on the idyllic shores and boulevards of Nassau, as he moved into his new command in the islands (replacing an unfortunate soul who had suffered a heart attack in no less than a compromising position) and waited for an assignment. It perplexed him-- he was in the exact same climate less than a thousand kilometers away yet the Bahamas seemingly offered something more nourishing than what could be offered on the mainland. Perhaps it was the lack of police raids.

However, Commander, Surface Force Atlantic needed to finally break away from his vacationing. He finally was tasked with something, and no less than an assignment that came directly from the jefe himself. He was to organize a squadron of ships to escort official investigators to Spain, where they would inspect the scene of the crime and track down the kidnappers of Idoya Arbelaez, daughter of the President. Examining the scrawled, rushed signature of the highest office in the country at the bottom of his orders, it suddenly made sense why these orders had come from on high. The orders also entailed that was to immediately begin combat drills of his forces to bring them up to full readiness, excluding the squadron he was to send. Though Ancheta knew this was probably routine to get him adjusted for his job, he could not shake the thought that they were spontaneously readying for war with Spain, after nearly a two-hundred year peace.

The Almirante folded up his orders in his office, strobed by a lazily-turning fan, and made a call. Within minutes, a gleaming face with a freshly ironed naval dress uniform stepped through the threshold, all but dragging in gusts of rose petals and scents of vanilla from his positive attitude.

“Help yourself to some coffee, Comodoro.”

“No thank you, it gives me the runs.” The officer said politely.

What kind of Almadarian doesn’t take coffee . . . “There is a mission I have for you, Comodoro,” Ancheta said without pause, “you’re to escort some top law enforcement folk to Spain. Should be nothing more than a shakedown cruise-- I suggest you use it as such. You’ll have the LHD Macotera, frigate Mauricio Nieto, two corvettes, three offshore patrol vessels, and a tanker.”

“Gee, that’s a bit much for a glorified limo service, sir.” The Comodoro observed.

“It’s a very important mission, Comodoro. The jefe needs to get his investigators to Spain and make sure they have the resources to catch whoever kidnapped Arbelaez junior.”

The officer whistled in disbelief. “Did not realize it went that deep, sir.”

“I did not see this coming either. However, any questions? No? Then good luck.”

Antonio Arbelaez felt the boot of high-g acceleration push down on his lungs, his chest compressing even though he tried valiantly to fight it, as a man his age should. The 20-year-old sat in the cockpit of the most advanced fighter jets used by the Republican Air and Air Forces, gently applying more and more thrust as the ash-grey aircraft climbed into the air.

It was his first real combat patrol, and perhaps the best day of his life after being accepted into the Aeronautics Military Academy of Las Mangas right out of high school. Very much a boy at heart and in appearance, Antonio nevertheless did have much credit to his name-- academic and athletic awards from his secondary school years as well as many engineering and extracurricular awards lined the shelves in his father’s expansive villa just outside Piedratórres. His ambition had not worn off then, however, as he went on to being one of the youngest lieutenants in the FADAA.

He brought the G-98 out of its zoom climb at the altitude required and began to cruise-- meanwhile, the helmet-mounted display indicated his wingman not far behind, coming out of a similar climb only forty meters away.

“Careful, Toro, you’re going to get in my wash!” Exclaimed Arbelaez over the radio.

“Relax, Matador, if my jet flames-out I’ll have plenty of time at this altitude to load you with life-long guilt for your mistake.” His wingman replied.

At 13,000 meters, Antonio could see the very curve of the Earth in the seas around him-- yet he was not nearly high enough to dissociate the sun with its place across the sky. He chuckled to himself as he remembered the tale of Icarus.

“Matador, Toro, this is Perrera, requesting sitrep.” Came in a third voice on the radio line.

Antonio, being the senior of the two pilots, pressed down on his radio functions to boost signal strength. “Perrera, this is Matador. Skies are clear, sir. Advancing Mach 1.4 along bearing two-five-two, altitude 13 kilometers. Over.”

“Perrera, Matador. Acknowledged. Continue on mission.”

Antonio scoffed as he powered off his radio’s transmitter. Though it was not a foreign thing for older, more experienced mentors to try to ensure that hot-headed young men like Antonio were up to no good, he felt as if he were being seriously micromanaged over the duration of this mission. After all, what was so dangerous about it? He and his wingman were to fly over international waters towards Kynoran-held Jamaica, and only to turn off around a dozen kilometers from their coast in a perfectly reasonable exercise of freedom of movement. However, he supposed there was some danger, if taken from the Kynoran’s perspective-- these fighters were rapidly approaching, their numerous wing pylons fully armed with guided bombs, air-to-air missiles, and jamming pods.

“Matador, what do we do if we’re hailed?” Toro wanted to know.

“Same tonterías they gave us in our briefing, Toro-- freedom of navigation and all that.” Antonio’s wingman’s concern struck a sympathetic chord in him-- what if they tried something? He was still a rookie, President’s son and shooting star of ambition nonwithstanding-- he began to doubt his abilities, which to that point had been either in simulation or against practice drones. What would happen if they were flung into combat with a veteran? An ace mercenary? Another young man with simply more luck than he had?

Antonio flicked his eyes down to his scopes. Nothing on the Golondrina’s AESA yet. Just leaving sight of the Almadarian mainland, he supposed he would have 150 kilometers to wait.

The Ruby Ranch Republic, Russia major, New Imperial Britannia, and The Castelian Federation

2 years 141 days ago

An Inevitable Peace

With the front lines in Russia and the Ruban state having been completely unmoving for months, it became apparent to the populace that the war was merely for show, and many called for its end so that the reforms promised within the Zentralreich could be finally put into effect. As such, German diplomats took to the negotiation table with representatives from the nations of the Co-Prosperity Sphere to negotiate a peace which would not cause a noticeable loss for any nation in the war. An agreement was soon made, as the Vaktarians, eager to continue to build their Pacific empire after the Kynorans signed away the Philippines just weeks prior, agreed to end the war in exchange for the German Guangxi colonies. Due to the colonies' disconnect from the mainland and recent loss of profitability due to decreased Eastern trade, the lands were easily signed away here as well. The rest of the Sphere soon followed the Vaktarians' lead, with no further demands being asked of the Zentralreich. The Treaty of Strasbourg, was ratified soon after the negotiations concluded. Peace would once again rule in Europe.

The First Election Night

The vast set of governmental reforms that were instituted after the peace was brokered constituted a new democratic parliament. From now on, there would be an elected legislature which would call the shots in the government, with a First Minister at its head. Previously underground parties emerged and entered as contenders for the Zentralreich's first general election. While polls started out tight, with many center parties battling for influence, a clear frontrunner emerged eventually. The radical Zentralreich Legionary Front won the night with a clear parliamentary majority, putting their de facto leader Aldric Vogt in the role of the nation's first First Minister.

The ZLF had previously publicly criticized the government's warring in Russia and the Ruban nation, claiming that it had been missing the true enemy all along. Nowadays the Front has preached ambivalent policy towards the Sphere, claiming that the Tripartite Pact and the Vaktarian alliance can coexist while preserving and advancing German primacy on the world stage. Now with them in power, it remains to be seen how they plan to steer the delicate foreign policy of Europe.

Vaktaria, The Ruby Ranch Republic, The first american union, Russia major, and 4 othersKynor, New Imperial Britannia, Almadaria, and The Castelian Federation

The first american union

2 years 141 days ago

Statement from the President

"The United States has long been a bastion of democratic governance. For centuries we have conducted free and fair elections. Every four to 8 years we witness the peaceful transfer of power from one party to another on a national level. On a local level that change occurs practically every single year. Democracy is undeniably the freest expression of a people through the medium of government. It is in that spirit that we congratulate the German people for holding this recent election and we look forward to more elections in the future. Lastly, I wish to congratulate Aldric Vogt on his victory. America is looking forward to working with our German brothers in the future."

President-Elect Elizabeth McBride Holds Press Conference

"Good afternoon everyone. Despite the best attempts from my former opponent, I can confirm that I still am the president-elect. Next week, the Electoral College will meet to certify the results of the election. I understand that the other side has a right to challenge these results in court and I would never try to suggest otherwise. I will, however, say that there is nothing to challenge. The election was conducted fairly. The people have spoken and history has been made. With that being said, I will open the floor up for questioning."

Reporter: "Earlier the president congratulated Aldric Vogt and his nationalist party for winning the recent German election. I just wanted to get your take on that series of events."

McBride: "It's troubling. Don't get me wrong. I agree that America needs to be a bastion of democracy not just here but around the globe. However, our own nation has a troubling history with nationalism. A history we have worked hard to overcome. The last nationalist leader we had put an entire group of people in camps, responsible for hundreds of executions, and embarked on a crusade to conquer all of the western hemisphere. I feel particularly responsible for rejecting this reprehensible ideology because it was, at the time, this party the Democratic party who enabled FDR's delusions. Today it is the Republican Party that has wholeheartedly embraced the cloak of hypernationalism and who are trying to undo our democratic institutions. While I do not think we need to fully condemn Germany at this point, it is definitely a situation that we should keep an eye on in the meantime."

Reporter 2: "Is the president's team cooperating with your own transition team given the vice president's challenge?"

McBride: "There is a level of cooperation and we are grateful for that but we feel there is more that President Scott's team could be doing more."

Reporter 2: "Just a quick follow-up; you said that you and the president spoke on the phone but are there any plans for you to meet in person? Has he invited you to the White House?"

McBride: "No, he has not invited me to the White House and as far as I am aware, there are no plans to change that. We saw this the last time there was a transfer of power from a Republican administration, a Republican administration that President Scott supported I might add. But look, my administration will be one that endorses bipartisanship. We welcome Republican participation in government. I am even considering appointing Republicans to my cabinet but that is still in discussion."

Reporter 3: "Are you worried about this administration working to undermine your authority before you take office, sort of like a scorched earth policy type situation?"

McBride: "I get that this is a hard time for many Americans who call themselves Republicans. They are disappointed that their man did not win the election and I get it. We all know what it feels like to be on the losing side and it sucks. It would be poor form and not to mention irresponsible for President Scott to do such a thing. I know the man and I trust that he would not put us in that position. I would be more concerned that Vice President Oz would try something and if he does, we will address it on day one of the administration."

Reporter 4: "What security precautions will be in place so there won't be another incident like the one we saw in 2020?"

McBride: "Obviously the elephant in the room is that no one wants a repeat of 2020, right? We can have all of the precautions in the world but the best deterrent in the world would be making sure that Vice President Oz tones down his bombastic rhetoric. If and/or when I speak to President Scott next, we will be talking at length about security measures for the inauguration. At this point, the president is planning to attend the inauguration so I imagine the usual level of security that follows the president will be there at the very least. As far as the actual certification of the election by Congress, that is up to Capitol police and DC metro. I have full faith that if the situation arises, god forbid, they will act as valiantly as they did last time around. At the end of the day, this simply comes down to who we want to be as a nation. Do we want to be the nation that once again shakes off our democratic institutions in support for a nationalist demagogue? Or do we wish to be a leader on the world stage, serving as an emblem of liberty, justice, freedom and equality for all. On that note, I am going to leave that there. Thank you for your questions everyone. God bless you all and God bless these United States."

The Ruby Ranch Republic, Russia major, New Imperial Britannia, Almadaria, and 1 otherZentralreich

Church bells were ringing as morning mass was released and gulls swept across the white crests of water in search for food. Santander and the Iberian peninsula were dimly visible on the horizon, the majesty of the Spanish countryside, or campo, occluded by the earthly limitations of the eyes. Task Force “Mazo” had arrived at Santander days prior, after rigorous exercises on the way there, and had offloaded their precious cargo in an unceremonious display. The two investigators, who the Comodoro had nicknamed Rubia and Feo, had largely stayed distanced from the navy men in the wardroom and the Comodoro could not have been bothered to learn their names.

On the bridge of the Macotera, the Comodoro watched as the radar display tracked a pair of Spanish Typhoons keeping an eye on them. Though the Spanish government had allowed the Democratic Republic to send its own investigators into the high profile case, they evidently were not too keen on having a foreign fleet off their shores, no matter its intentions.

The radar soon picked up a contact that was automatically classified as a rotary aircraft; not long after, transmitting its clearance, the Grandas HN-38 that ferried the investigators to shore returned. The Comodoro wanted to leave just then, but his orders were explicit-- to assist and escort the investigators wherever they needed to be. Even though hardly a damper on his mood, boredom was still an unpleasant experience. He just hoped the investigation led straight home.

===========================================================================================================================

The crime scene was fairly intact; which surprised Alita Garcia. If this had been in Almadaria, with the Almadarian authorities handling the crime scene, there would definitely have been a layer of cigarette ash over all the evidence. The Spanish police were a different breed, it seemed. Wiping her straight blonde hair out of the way, Alita pushed through a clump of detectives to examine a chalk outline near the kitchenette of the apartment. That must have been Vallejos, the fiance. From what the Spaniards had told her, he had gone out fighting before catching several 9mm rounds. However, in the center of the room remained the ever-so-slight bloodstain on the carpet.

“You. Have we gotten a sample of this?” Garcia asked. The police captain, leaning against the wall, replied apathetically.

“We’ve already sent it to your partner, Lino? Lina?”

“Lino,” Garcia corrected. “We’ll have to see if it gets any matches on the Republican database. Thank you, oficial.”

===========================================================================================================================

Cecilio Lino had been hitching a ride with another group of Spanish authorities. They cruised around between the police station and the Almadarian consulate searching for any individuals that might have had political motivations, such as those with a work visa in Spain that had ‘trouble’ in the past. So far, the most Lino had gotten out of it was the superiority of Spanish cars, meant for more than a sunday drive and instead on trekking across Spain’s highways that dwarfed his home country’s. However, there had been a lead that he learned from one of the police officers-- a blood sample from a potential assailant. Lino had the data of the sample sent back to the mainland where it would be checked there.

However, within three hours, the Policia nacional de Almadaría got back to him with an absolutely certain match; Gregorio Llanos.

===========================================================================================================================

In Almadaría, within the limestone halls of the Almadarian National Capitol Building, President Sergio Arbelaez was intercepted. Mauricio Nieto had heard first.

“Presidente, they’ve identified one of the kidnappers!” The Vice-President breathed.

But not caught them, Arbelaez thought darkly, before trying to walk past his subordinate. “Bien. What was their name?”

“I think you’ll remember them-- Gregorio Llanos.”

Arbelaez stopped. Llanos; wasn’t that the man they had hired for Operation Tordesillas? The very same man who attended the same secondary school he did? The man who’s drug organization had existed in an uneasy truce with the Democratic Republic for how long now? The man who had now kidnapped his daughter?

Arbelaez twitched. “I want the task force to capture that man alive-- so we can bring him back here and I can chop him up myself!”

It was always a good day when an Almadarian cigar was smoked. As Gregorio Llanos puffed to get the burning end going, he let the smooth sensation of the cigar wash over his tongue. But it was not often one could break out the simple amenities, particularly not where Llanos rested his legs in the middle de la puta Turquía.

He sat in the dilapidated industrial building that his compatriots had used for a place to lay low just outside Iskenderun, set in the hills of the Taurus mountain system. It had been fairly boring-- obviously, the demands for the hija of Arbelaez had left the government spinning and seething, but Llanos had not garnered the response he wanted.

It was only a matter of time, Llanos thought as he released a puff of tobacco smoke. Soon they’ll realize the easiest option is just to pay the fee for being so careless.

His relaxation was cut short by the kid. “Señor Llanos, the visitors are here!” Máximo Fanta said. He could have been no older than 21, yet Gregorio had seen him drink. This life of crime was no place for a kid, Gregorio thought.

“Bring them in.” Llanos sighed, bringing his feet off a table.

In came a ragtag group-- a crowd of exhausted Almadarians, based on the dirtied tropical dress they had on, and a group of foreigners accompanying them; Zentralreich, or Eastern Europe if he had to guess. They shuffled in, kicking up dust while doing so, as the heavy steel door closed behind them.

“You’re Llanos?” The lead man asked. He had the walk and accent of a Grandas street gangster. Poor thing-- his panama hat was all creased. Llanos could tell already he wouldn’t last very long.

“That I am, chico. You’re the bunch that Cavillo sent?”

“Yes.” The tired gangster could not seem to support himself any longer. He slumped into the nearest seat, a cobweb-covered workbench. “We were walking in circles looking for this place. You have our equipment?”

“That I have, chico.” Llanos said, amused. He stood up to open up industrial cabinet-- in it hung a single CMS DLR-7 rifle, several carbines and pistols, and the accompanying ammunition for each.

The gangster looked over the cabinet, then asked, “Where’s the rest?”

“Oh Dio, you think I would keep that mierda with me here? It’s out back, where it probably won’t kill everyone here if it goes off. Get it yourself.”

The gangster nodded, satisfied. “We’re going to head off tomorrow, splitting into two groups. One of us goes to Bucharest, the other Belgrade.”

Noting the weapons he was asked to requisition and the kind of men that were going, Llanos didn’t need to ask why. But Llanos didn’t need to worry anymore-- even though they were yet to be men, they knew what they were doing. In any case, he wouldn’t care about it.

The Ruby Ranch Republic, New Imperial Britannia, and Zentralreich

The Broken Peace

The peace in Europe established by the Treaty of Strasbourg was quickly shattered today by the newly elected Vogt Administration in the Zentralreich. A declaration of war from the German Foreign Ministry and the office of the First Minister was today sent off to Budapest. War between the Zentralreich and the Kingdom of Hungary had begun.

Hungary was wildly unprepared for the invasion, having had warm relations with the Kaiser's government from only a month prior, and seeing no noticeable changes in German policies towards them. It is because of this unprepared state that German tanks rolled largely unimpeded between the Slovak mountains to the north of Hungary. After Budapest fell within only the first two weeks of fighting due to multiple technological and numerical disadvantages faced by the Kingdom of Hungary, the government signed an unconditional surrender in the walls of the Hungarian Parliament Building, the flag of the Zentralreich hanging outside. As per the terms of the surrender, Hungary would be incorporated into the Zentralreich, with Slovakia being directly annexed and core Hungary being reorganized into an autonomous region by the name of the Kaiserlichesprotektorat Ungarn. The Kaiserlichesprotektorat would be ruled over temporarily by a German military commission in order to stabilize the territory, before eventually transitioning into maintaining a democratically elected government like in standard provinces of the Zentralreich.

Despite the autonomous status of the KP Ungarn, many Hungarians were discontent with their government's surrender, and a moderate campaign of resistance was launched, both peaceful and violent. (Rolled 9. 1, very high resistance, 20, very low resistance.) In order to take care of the rebellious citizens, First Minister Vogt authorized military detachments including infantry and mechanized brigades to be dispatched into all major cities in the Kaiserlichesprotektorat, which quelled the campaign very effectively. Resistance soon disappeared from Ungarn for now, but the detachments would remain in place for now. (Rolled natural 20, 1, very ineffective suppression, 20, extremely effective suppression.)

It remains to be seen what the Vogt Administration has plans for next, though, for now, peace reigns in Europe once again.

Vaktaria, The Ruby Ranch Republic, Russia major, New Imperial Britannia, and 2 othersAlmadaria, and The Castelian Federation

Vaktaria

The Nationalisation, the Purge, the Rebirth, and the Realignment

Following the cessation of hostilities with the Zentralreich, the acquisition of more land in the Pacific, and changes in the economic landscape of the nation; Vaktaria has changed. Emperor Rendower has instituted a number of major reforms that effectively commits to a reversal of state policies and institutions that have been in place for the past hundred years.

This sunday, Emperor Rendower gathered together a conference of representatives and major share holders of the 200 largest corporate entities operating within his territories, the exact details of the meeting are unclear yet the results are unquestionable.
More than half of the assembled businessmen have been imprisoned, their positions taken by government appointees, those not imprisoned have been themselves folded into an unprecedented new agency named the Central Production Assembly; state corporatism has come to Vaktaria. What followed was a top down, sometimes violent reorganisation of economic and industrial centres around the Empire.

The events that followed this drastic change in direction are a series of raids, arrests, and firing line executions of various land owners, administrators, and nobles throughout the eight regions by the Vaktarian Army. The government has not commented whether this act was ordered or a spontaneous act of loyalist officers to remove potential enemies of their beloved leader before they could act; the alacrity with which the regions were reorganised into administrative areas ruled by representatives in the newly created Vakduma would imply the former.
Emperor Rendower, formal head of the Vaktarian state and armed forces, has since declared the creation of a Union of Vaktarian Republics made up of 120 constituencies across all of the former Empires territories. The Vakduma of representatives from the new constituencies are mostly serving or former officers within the armed forces, likely to ensure total loyalty to the former Grand Marshal who now takes on the mantle of Chairman of the new governing entity.

Meeting in Mhillanovil, a city significant for being the birthplace of the independence movement and now newly named Capital of the Union, the members of the Vakduma have already made sweeping changes to the social laws of the nation.
Catholicism is now the mandated state religion to be strictly observed by all citizens, those of non-Russian heritage are named as nizhniye grazhdane or lower citizens who are not required to follow the state religions but have significantly lessened freedoms.

During this time of change and uncertainty, the Central Command has not seen fit to sit idly either; as of 6pm monday evening the regional state of Manchuria is under Vaktarian occupation following a swift invasion from formerly Russian territory in the north.
The invasion plan was not without its flaws, but the under equipped and ill-prepared forces of Manchuria proved unable to counter the modern tactics of Vaktarian units.
Government representatives have not yet laid out any plans for the newly occupied area, though forces have begun amassing on both borders with the state of Gong China.

Lastly; with the trading of the strategic territories of the Phillipines and Hawaii, the signing of both a non-aggression and mutual free trade agreement between the powers, relations between Vaktaria and Kynor seem to be warming, as such the has Chairman made a show of exempting Kynorans from the list of nizhniye grazhdane thus allowing them to become full, Catholic citizens of the Union of Vaktarian Republics.
Whether this trend of cooperation will continue time will tell.

The only thing certain to remain concrete in these interesting times are the calls of the nations leaders, soldiers, and common people:
Vaktaria and Victory

The Ruby Ranch Republic, The first american union, Russia major, Kynor, and 5 othersThe united peoples of caedis, New Imperial Britannia, Almadaria, Zentralreich, and The Castelian Federation

The united peoples of caedis

~~ The Hollow Peace ~~

With the succesion of hostilities between Vaktaria and the Zentrareich the Caedisian home government was forced to send a declaration of cease fire and armistice to the German government. Despite the protest from home the Lord Eternals will would be upheld, with the troops of the Fatherland now being sent to Canada to finally make gains along that stalled frontline and perhaps help the Canadians if they wished to continue the fight. A letter being sent ahead of the troops to the Canadians that help would arrive shortly.

~~ Loose lips sink ships ~~

At home it had become apparent to the Onyx houses that the Lord Eternal would need to be replaced as the constitution demanded. With a letter being sent in secret to the 7th Child that there time had to come to rule.

Vaktaria, The Ruby Ranch Republic, The first american union, Russia major, and 4 othersNew Imperial Britannia, Almadaria, Zentralreich, and The Castelian Federation

The first american union

America Remains Fiercely Divided Over Election as Leaders Approach Foreign Policy Differently

Over a month later, Vice President Oz has still refused to concede the election, choosing instead to fight the results in court. Supporters of the vice president have also taken it upon themselves to spread claims of election fraud and illegal tampering of voting machines. The Supreme Court is set to hear a case pertaining to Minnesota voting machines. Minnesota was crucial to McBride's victory and losing this court battle could not only could it reverse the call in Minnesota, but could open up the door to overturning other calls in swing states as well. Meanwhile, McBride has publicly maintained that calling the results of the election into question is absurd and has no basis in actual fact. In most public appearances she chooses to avoid election integrity questions and instead brings the convorsation back to what she calls the Scott administrations 'abysmal foreign policy record'

On top of the ongoing clashes over the results of the elections, President Scott and President-Elect McBride have also taken to sparring over international events. Not long after Preident Scott offered a hand of friendship to the new power in Germany, the nationalist leader took to invading Hungary. The White House put out statment calling the move 'concerning' but adding that it is an internal European matter that America has no stake in. McBride, took the opposite approach, saying that the United States has a duty to ensure the Hungarian people are protected from German aggression. She also noted that as a North American matter, United States has a big stake in the conflict in Canada. On the campaign trail McBride was more or less mum on the topic, choosing to say only that she supports Canadian resistance. This is the first time she is openly endorsing the idea of direct military intervention to free the people of Canada.

Vaktaria, The Ruby Ranch Republic, The united peoples of caedis, New Imperial Britannia, and 3 othersAlmadaria, Zentralreich, and The Castelian Federation

2 years 139 days ago

The burning wrecks of state vehicles were televised on fourteen separate news sources almost immediately after the fact. An additional twelve within the hours that ensued. Each had its own perspective and spin on things, as well as its own theories on how it had been done, and more importantly in their eyes, why. However, none of them could give credit to where credit was due.

Cavillo marveled at what was, to an extent, his handiwork. The plans had been identical-- after all, in his eyes, Serbians and Romanians were not far apart-- and simple enough, falling well within the Valverdian Popular Front’s now expanded budget. It involved merely plenty of eyes and detailed information of the targets’ movements, most of which were supplied by their allies in the Austrian Liberation Front, crafty hands, and a decent marksman. Plastic explosives were put underneath the engine block of the suspected target vehicle, inert without a remote detonator but in that sense immune to IED jammers that were periodically employed to protect Almadaria’s own political leaders. Then what came next was simple; the marksman would find a proper location and, using the sound-suppressed large-caliber Salcanceacyian rifle, bury a round through the vehicle where it would reach the explosives, erasing all trace of the bullet entry in a shroud of fragmentation and engulfing heat.

Though there was little to no phone reception to be had in their main Saharan refuge, they did in fact have decent internet thanks to the satellite coverage provided by Almadaria, which allowed Basilio Cavillo to keep in touch with events such as this. Even though he did not need to be told of their success by a glazed-eyed, blond Alpesian woman.

Cavillo shut off the endless parade of useless, chittering, fake people dressed up for television and took a long draw of cool water, drawn straight from the new well they had dug outside the base. It was time that he stretched his legs.

The base (or Castillo Cavillo, as he had heard it jokingly called) had expanded significantly since the spring. They had numerous dugouts hewn out of the cracked clay and bedrock to store men and munition alike comfortably, as well as new facilities (which was generous considering the haphazard construction) for assembling smuggled weapons, producing new ones to suit their needs, and manufacturing all kinds of illicit necessities for their operations; everything from fake ID’s to counterfeit bills.

However, the Castillo Cavillo was only one of many such outposts in the Sahara. They had since dispersed their operations across the vast undulating stretches of wasteland, establishing depots for munitions if the need came, checkpoints to monitor government and irregular traffic, and mobilization points. They had a posada, as they called them, in Tunis, which served as their primary jumping-off point to the rest of the world; supplemented by safehouses similar in scope in Sfax, Tripoli, and Benghazi. Their innocuous ocean-goer Martí, though cherished by the nostalgic old guard of the VPF, was joined and effectively superseded by numerous fishing boats they had acquired (through coercion or gambling) and obsolete private pleasure boats.

As he made his way out of the hodge-podge structure that served as their command center, he was greeted by the uncanny coolness of the Saharan night. The sun only left the orange-red aura of its radiance against the indigo, then black, sky. He heard the shouts, distinct and uniform, of a retired German officer breaking in a group of ALF recruits. The slight pops of rifle fire even further off into the distance denoted his men honing their aim. Cavillo checked his watch, dirty as it was; they had twenty minutes. Once that time was up, they would need to pack up or cover anything damning of their presence and retreat out of the prying eyes of electronic sensors some hundreds of kilometers up above. Satellites were pesky-- but not a threat they had forgotten the danger of. Give them no convenient satellite information, and then no quarter.

A group of Almadarians, carrying a heavy ADUG wrapped in belts of ammunition, shuffled through the sand past him; one of them perked up at the sight of Cavillo and broke off, leaving his compatriots to bear his slack.

“Mayor Cavillo, Zaragoza did what you asked!” The young man said, saluting with a bandaged, calloused hand.

The Major’s day got a little bit better. “Excelente! I’ll talk with him right away.”

===========================================================================================================================

In the dark hole of a bunker purposefully placed as far away from the center of the encampment as possible, Cavillo made sure the edges of his particulate mask were secure. He would not have his story end there. The dugout, seemingly threatening to collapse if it were not for the sheet metal reinforcements added above their heads to keep the wavering clay at bay, was filled with tables stacked high with empty culture vases and various chemical tinctures for bacterial growth. On the far side, against the earthen wall was a culture chamber.

Zaragoza was first to speak, setting down his cracked eyeglasses that rested on his superior respirator to greet Cavillo. “Jefe, you’ll be pleased to know we have our first batch ready. We can also make the infection vessel quite convincing, sir. Just ask Villirrubia to give me back the remoistenable gum, and we’ll be set.”

“Great. Let me write out something to accompany the gift, then I’ll tell you where it goes.”

Cavillo was ecstatic. He had many debts to settle, and had just recently happened to purchase some fine-quality (by Saharan standards) cotton envelopes.

Vaktaria, The Ruby Ranch Republic, The first american union, Zentralreich, and 1 otherThe Castelian Federation

The Eternal Empire of New Imperial Britannia

2 years 139 days ago

The German Peacekeeping Corps

First Minister Vogt began speaking to an emergency session of the German Parliament to comment about the assassinations that occurred in the southward states of Serbia and Romania just hours prior.

"The political stability of our historic allies in Romania has come under threat today. It is the responsibility of the Zentralreich to protect our allies from the unrest that has already started to emerge as the government is shaken to collapse from the tragic assassination of Președinte Dragoș Petrescu in his motorcade this morning. As such, I am authorizing the dispatching of peacekeeping forces into Romania as of this moment. Their goal will be to spread across Romania in order to contain and suppress rebellious elements within Romania, so that the government can reorganize and rebuild following this sudden dismantling. Similar forces will be dispatched into Serbia through Romania, so that the Serbian state can be assisted in their recovery from this tragic event."

With that, Vogt finished speaking. Some questions were asked and answered by other members of the Parliament, primarily by ministers not belonging to the ZLF. After taking a few questions, Vogt dismissed the session of Parliament and asked the assembled ministers to return to their business, soon leaving the floor and returning to his office.

The 'peacekeepers' began to pour into Romania from all across the border. Despite their name, it was clear to anyone nearby that it was much more like an invasion than anything else. The Romanian emergency government, however, ordered that little preventative action would be taken to halt the German advance, (Rolled 16, 1 for maximum resistance, 20 for no resistance,) seeing the peacekeepers as an opportunity to have rebellions in Transylvania and Bessarabia be taken out without any government interference. Similarly, an official statement was issued by the leader of the emergency committee that the Germans were the natural ally of the Romanian state, welcoming the increased German influence that would surely come from this intervention.

With large swathes of Transylvania being occupied in less than a week, the German Parliament has reconvened to vote on the establishment of the Kaiserlichesprotektorat Banat in order to protect the German minority in the region. The vote quickly passed and was approved by First Minister Vogt. With this, though, the Romanian government has been awakened to the true intentions of the so-called peacekeeping force and the betrayal of their allies. Orders have been sent out to halt the German advance as much as possible, though many observers would say that it is much too late for that, as Bucharest is quite close now to the front, with Bessarabia having been mostly occupied as well already. No reports have yet been put out of German military activity around Serbia, but the Serbs are preparing to defend Belgrade, positioned right on the border with the newly established Banat.

Vaktaria, The Ruby Ranch Republic, The first american union, Russia major, and 4 othersKynor, New Imperial Britannia, Almadaria, and The Castelian Federation

2 years 139 days ago

The Quebec Situation

---

Montreal, Republic of Quebec

Quebec was doing infinitely better than its Canadian counterpart. It had been spared from the initial offensives by the British forces in Canada, and since then had been paid to keep its ports open to British transports. Now, though, after weeks of standstill on the Russian occupation zone, their usefulness had been served. Several other ports had come under British control, and it was much easier, and cheaper, to ship to those ports directly. Quebec was not completely unprepared against a British invasion, though. It had managed to raise a defensive force in its months of independence, and this force had been on standby since the British transport ships stopped coming to port.

The soldiers assigned to Lieutenant-General Anderson were required to keep pressure on the Russians, and so couldn't be relocated to Quebec. But those were not the only troops available. The garrison of the old Dominion of Canada had been out of commission for the entire conflict, but they had recovered. They were currently assigned to peacekeeping duty, but with Castelian soldiers aiding in the suppression of Canadian revolutionaries, a good amount of garrison members would be free to retake Quebec.

(Soldiers roll: 6, max 20)

Even so, most of the garrison was still tied up in remote regions, probably freezing in some arctic wasteland looking for revolutionaries. Only a small amount of the garrison was able to be used for the attack, the small amount that were both able to be taken off duty and close enough to Quebec to reach the border in time.

(Invasion roll: 18, max 20)

The attack was a resounding success. The few soldiers managed to break through the Quebec Defense Force's defenses very quickly, reaching Montreal with little resistance. The capitulation of the Republic of Quebec was announced shortly thereafter, and though small pockets of resistance were still active, Quebec had fallen.

(Resistance roll: 11, max 20)

The resistance efforts proved to be a much bigger problem than the Quebec military. Resistance fighters managed to slow the advance of the soldiers significantly as a drawn-out, but ineffective (Resistance effectiveness roll: 6, max 20) campaign was conducted. Even though they were slowed, it didn't stop the advance. (Suppression roll: 17, max 20) Resistance would continue, but only in small, localized pockets. It wouldn't be hard to deal with.

The Ruby Ranch Republic, Almadaria, Zentralreich, and The Castelian Federation

The Eternal Empire of New Imperial Britannia

2 years 138 days ago

Edited

"We’ve been spread too thin, it’s in our best interests to double down and reinvest in our economy." Said the Minister of the Treasury, a short figure with sun-beaten features. Assembled before the Minister was the rest of the cabinet headed by the President, seated at the dark mahogany table that had been made a fixture of the Almadarian government’s decision-making process. The plates before the officials easily explained why. President Sergio Arbelaez sighed and ran his free hand through his short black hair, his other hand shifting an empty taza of espresso. The man was exhausted-- to be worrying simultaneously about the runnings of a state and of his daughter, all while his health had not gotten much better these past few decades-- it was simply too much to go on.

“Pero señor, not fifteen years ago your predecessor said that our economy would only continue increasing as we profited from the expansion? What has changed?” Arbelaez asked warily.

The Minister of the Treasury toed his position carefully. “Well, simply put, those benefits have declined.”

“In what way?” Vice President Mauricio Nieto butted in.

“The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and Puerto Rico were all nothing but boons for the first few fiscal years, particularly when the outstanding debt to Kynor for Puerto Rico was paid off, but over the years, our infrastructure has only developed so much to account for the demographic surge we’ve experienced for the past decade, and our material resources are running their prices higher and higher because there simply no room for more mines, more timber, or more housing. Our infrastructure is on the cusp of exceeding its capacity now, and there’s no telling what it’ll do if it isn’t helped.
“That is why we need to press the brakes and make sure what we’re doing going forward is sustainable. We need to rearrange our economy to be more forward-thinking, for the long-term stability of Almadaria. Otherwise, we may be steering towards disaster.”

“I’d have to agree, jefe.” The Minister of the Interior said with a raised finger as if auctioning off the idea. “We haven’t got enough space for people and sugar plantation alike. A major overhaul of our way of doing things is needed.”

“How do you suggest we do this? Shut down the economy and government until pencil-pushers find the right balance of spending to suddenly fix everything on their dollar-store calculators?” Acidically bit the Minister of Defense.

“No, Señor Andujar, what I suggest is that the government give the country its fair share of its budget. At the moment, the Ministry of the Interior has a budget of two billion dólares, while the military has a budget of 51.7 billion dólares, still an increase from their last fiscal year of 49 billion dólares--”

“We must maintain security over all of our territories, otherwise we lose everything!” Interrupted Andujar.

“Señores!” Barked the jefe. He resumed in a calmer tone. “Treasurer, how long do you predict we can go on like this? Is it a pressing issue?”

The Minister of the Treasury, after glaring at the Minister of Defense, succinctly replied, “Of the utmost urgency, Presidente Arbelaez.”

Arbelaez nodded and shooed the cabinet away so he could be alone. He could see the hopeful lilt of a smile on the Treasurer’s face-- however, Arbelaez knew that the option the Treasurer offered was inconceivable. There was only one way out of this mess, and the next one, and the one involving his lovely Idoya-- fire.

Palm leaves were whipped from the ground and flung into unseen vortexes up into the crystal blue afternoon sky. Due to the Vidrio-Ortega G-81 fighter’s stubby wings, as its long body wavering above the ground, it seemed more like a missile suspended in the air than a VTOL fighter readying for flight and receiving orders. But soon enough, with the push of a throttle the craft lurched forward, stabbing through a supersonic shockwave not long after, and joined its specks of companions that circled over the tropical landscape of the Eastern Grand Bahamas.

The centerpiece of this entourage was the VL-2 “Clarividente” which acted as the mission control and fighter coordinator-- it was backed up by two CT-4 tanker aircraft, which would supply the VL-2 as their first priority and the accompanying fighter craft second. These fighters included nearly 14 G-81 fighters which had risen from various short runways and launch pads across the cramped landscape of the Greater Antilles and 30 G-98 “Golondrina” fighters which were able to be launched from the Grand Bahamas’ single airport.

This group, made up of an assemblage of multiple different squadrons, set off to their mission, bearing three-four-two. Onboard the hulk of the VL-2, its former spacious passenger areas replaced by men and sensitive electronic equipment, the pilot sat in the silence of the cockpit. Both he and the co-pilot were totally exhausted-- this flight would be their final flight out of four flights made to increase military readiness across the board. The fact that after this flight they would be able to return and sleep in a real bed would be a small mercy before more flights, systems checks, and maintenance.

The pilot asked what was on the scopes, but his co-pilot had already taken up his offer on having a nap, so he did it himself. Though the main phased array attached to the body of the aircraft was not under his control, he had access to the navigational radar and could make out dozens of contacts in an intricate web all around his aircraft. The value the Republican Guard placed on their airborne radars was comforting at least. His radio headset rumbled to life as new instructions came in-- come to bearing three-three-seven. He eased the controls of the aircraft to the new course as radio operators in the body of the aircraft coordinated the escorts to the craft.

The aerial formation had formed from across the Bahamas and set out north, along the Atlantic side of Florida. From hundreds of miles away, the VL-2 was able to gather information from emitted signals, focusing primarily on military communications and emissions that streaked well over the horizon to communicate with their handlers in Guatemala. They would progress nearly off the coasts of Georgia before turning back, taking a lower-altitude course back home.

The Ruby Ranch Republic, Russia major, New Imperial Britannia, and The Castelian Federation

The first american union

2 years 138 days ago

President Tim Scott Addresses the Nation from Oval Office

"My fellow Americans, for quite some time now we have watched as our neighbors in the north have been the victims of unrelenting incursions. These incursions are an attack on the very core of the ideals we hold true. Hundreds of years ago, a ragtag group of farmers, fathers and husbands got together and dared to dream. They dreamed of a world free of tyranny. They dreamed of a world where the people's voice is sacrosanct and the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few in positions of authority. We were far from a perfect union at our inception but the United States was not intended to be a perfect union at the beginning. The constitution was not the end all be all of this nation. It was a dare for us to be better than our parent's generation and for our children's generation to be better than us, their children better than them. The framers didn't get everything right, and they knew that, which is why they gave us the tools to make corrections. They laid the groundwork for people like myself to be sitting here speaking to you today from this office. For generations, brave men and women have fought and died to protect our freedoms and to them we are forever grateful. Now, foreign powers are conspiring to carve up North America and reshape it in their image. The increasingly hostile actions have reached a point where we can no longer logically ignore them. I want to be absolutely clear; I do not have any intention of getting us into a war in my final days in office. But I do, however, intend to vigorously defend this nation with the full authority of the presidency. I swore an oath and that oath does not expire until January 21st, 2037 at noon on the dot.

In coordination with states bordering Canada, I will be ordering the deployment of 20 thousand US troops along the border to ensure our safety. Additionally, I would like to call the leaders of the aggressor nations to join me in a summit at Camp David so we can work out an agreement that is beneficial for all parties involved, including our Canadian allies. There are those out there who say that my administration along with my predecessor did not do enough to safeguard democracy around the world. We stated in no uncertain terms that we would work to put the safety of America first. While the collapse of the Canadian government is unfortunate, we did offer aid and continue to offer aid to resistance forces which we are in contact with. It has reached a point now where the sovereignty of the United States is in jeopardy and I will not sit by and allow these provocations to go unanswered. My team and I are also exploring a host of economic retaliations as well should diplomacy fail. With that being said, diplomacy remains the primary focus. We stand ready to talk when the leaders of New Imperial Britannia and her allies are ready. God bless you all and may God bless the United States of America."

The Ruby Ranch Republic, Russia major, New Imperial Britannia, Almadaria, and 2 othersZentralreich, and The Castelian Federation

2 years 138 days ago

Official Statement by the Foreign Ministry

The Foreign Minister Ethan Marshall, on behalf of the King and Parliament:

We must state that there is no Canadian government apart from the legitimate one under British supervision. The Canadian revolutionaries are, and have always been, an illegal terrorist movement that has unfortunately been allowed to take over the legitimate Canadian administration. The leaders of The first american union should be reminded of this fact. In addition, any effort to support the terrorist movement will be met with appropriate response, including military response, by Britannia. We do not take threats lightly, be it economic or military. Know that our policy on nations who support the Canadian insurgent movement still stands. Any American military movement made to support the rightful reclaiming of Canadian territory will be retaliated against.

At the same time, we would like to state that there is no intention for the British military to harass neutral nations, in keeping with our previously stated policy. In addition, all foreign agents found to be aiding the Canadian insurgency through the providing of material aid will be considered hostile forces and will be detained accordingly. This includes the Americans who have recently announced their aid to the Canadian rebellion. Any American aid convoys to the Canadian rebels will be detained by the military and their assets seized.

We would like to state that diplomatic talks will begin when the The first american union displays a willingness to engage in meaningful diplomacy; that is, ceasing their support of illegitimate terrorist groups in Canada. Until such actions are taken and maintained by the American government, there will not be diplomatic talks. As the United States is poised to invade at any moment with their deployment of troops along the Canadian border, and providing aid for terrorist groups, there are currently no plans of attending any diplomatic summits.

A final statement that the only goal of Britannia in the Canadian conflict is the total reclamation of Canadian territory. Britannia is ready to use all means at its disposal to achieve this goal, but will not involve neutral nations in this conflict. Our statement still stands.

Official Statement made by the Foreign Ministry of Britannia, on behalf of His Majesty

Having taken note of the current situation, and further noting that many nations are providing armed escort to their shipping lanes. We wish to announce the following:

To the nations who are maintaining neutrality in this conflict, know that your ships are safe. The Royal Navy will take no action against neutral ships, and will only enforce embargoes on all current embargoed nations.

Additionally, any state that recognizes Canadian independence shall be placed under embargo, effective immediately. Any state that provides material support to the rebels will be seen as affiliated with the group, and their ships will be stopped and searched by the Royal Navy.

In addition, a force of 10,000 soldiers in the Canadian Theatre Task Force are to be deployed.

The Ruby Ranch Republic, The first american union, Russia major, The united peoples of caedis, and 2 othersZentralreich, and The Castelian Federation

The first american union

2 years 137 days ago

New Imperial Britannia wrote:

Official Statement by the Foreign Ministry

The Foreign Minister Ethan Marshall, on behalf of the King and Parliament:

Official Statement made by the Foreign Ministry of Britannia, on behalf of His Majesty

Having taken note of the current situation, and further noting that many nations are providing armed escort to their shipping lanes. We wish to announce the following:

In addition, a force of 10,000 soldiers in the Canadian Theatre Task Force are to be deployed.

America Responds to British Demands

Following the statement released by the British Foreign Ministry, President Scott held an emergency meeting with the secretary of state, the secretary of defense as well as top military leaders. The talks mostly centered around striking the right balance between maintaining peace while not appearing weak on the world stage. Following the meeting, the State Department put out their own statement that for the time being, the United States would suspend military aid to the Canadian rebels but added that any and all Canadians are welcome to come to America and claim asylum. They added that the troops stationed on the border are intended for defensive purposes only. There remains no intention to invade British-occupied territory. The statement ended by saying, "All we ask is for a seat at the table if you intend on take part in hostile activities so close to our border."

The Ruby Ranch Republic, Russia major, The united peoples of caedis, New Imperial Britannia, and 2 othersZentralreich, and The Castelian Federation

The Despotate of Eihlagonia

The Battle of Brasov

(Romanian roll: 3, German roll: 15)

The city of Brasov, situated squarely in the middle of the Romanian Carpathian Mountains, was a prime defensive position for the Romanians to take after the German push into the country. Despite that, they were unable to effectively make use of it. Repeated bombing raids over the city wore away at the Romanian defenses in order to tenderize the city so that the armored and mechanized forces of the German invaders could effectively secure the city despite being out of their element in mountains. Multiple guerilla groups caused trouble for the German forces once they entered Brasov, but they were largely ineffective at stopping them from securing the city, and were routed surprisingly quickly. With the fall of Brasov to the advancing German military, the region of Transylvania has effectively fallen completely under German control.

The Moldavian Front

(Romanian roll: 19, German roll: 19)

The northern principality of Moldavia, one of two nations that originally united to form Romania, is now the primary front in the war for Romania's survival. With the Carpathians holding up advances in the West, the plains of Moldavia have become the natural target for the push to Bucharest. With little defensible land in the flatlands, the outnumbered Romanians are unable to properly stop the German advance. However, due to improvised guerilla maneuvers with their limited cover and what can only be described as the will of warriors to preserve their homeland, the German advance was slowed to an almost absurd degree, with relatively little ground being gained after over a week of fighting. Despite the best efforts of the Romanians, though, almost all of Moldavia has fallen. Now what is effectively only Wallachia stands in the way of the German advance to Bucharest.

After another session of the German Parliament, the Kaiserlichesprotektorat Siebenbürgen was established in occupied Transylvania, with the explicit purpose of protecting the small population of Transylvanian Saxons across southeastern Transylvania. With the establishment of KP Siebenbürgen, the Romanian state has been once again picked at by the German authorities, and with the frontlines creeping ever closer to Bucharest, the Romanian last hurrah may come sooner than expected.

The Ruby Ranch Republic, The first american union, Russia major, New Imperial Britannia, and 2 othersThe Castelian Federation, and Eihlagonia

Director Rojelio Vyros looked at the man seated outside his personal office. One of two representatives of different collectives within his assets in Ayasone. Vyros was impressed; he hadn’t even known until a week ago that his operations even had unionization. The woman, Mrs. Cardielus, was from the Cosvel Bauxite complex.

“Mrs. Cardielus, yes? I’m glad you’ve agreed to come meet with me on such short notice. With any luck we will hopefully be able to put everything to bed before things get out of control.”

“Yes, Director, and I want to thank you sincerely for taking the time to meet with me and Mr. Dostelos, proactively may I add. Might I ask where he is, though?”

“I thought it best to take the time to understand each of your positions without interference from the other. From what little I know, you both represent distinct collectives, yes?”

“Indeed. This is a new experience for the both of us, but we’ve found quite positive reception within our respective facilities.”

Vyros nodded. “And your division, is it purely along facility lines?”

Cardielus shook her head. “No. We differ in sources of conviction. At the railyards, most folks don’t hold to their faith like us at Cosvel. But that’s not the issue. We know that things are finally starting to get better across the Spine. Most of us have worked in these hills ever since work first got there, and we think that deserves a reward. And with each day where that doesn’t happen, more people start to feel the same way.”

Vyros paused for a second. “I recognize that the situation across the board has been improving, and it is by the efforts of workers like those in Cosvel that we are there. Tell me, does your representative from the Rail Yards still follow the Orthodox ways, or even recognize them?”

Cardielus frowned. “His faith was broken in the exodus.”

Vyros smiled. “Well, I’ll admit, I haven’t been the most pious man myself. However, I am not so weak willed as to have cast aside the traditions that our people have held for over a millenia. Does that weakness in resolve concern you, whether he’d waver in this commitment as well?”

“It does.”

Good, he thought. “The state currently isn’t in a position to overtly choose a side or not. However, I may be able to offer some assistance for you. I’ll happily make adjustments in the books to account for your and your staff’s hard work. I’ll be less favorable with the turncoats. But, I may need some assurances from you.”

“What sort of assurances?”

“In a year, I’ll have you back here to review these matters. Should productivity continue to rise and standards improve, I’ll entertain further conversation. If things slip, so could compensation. Furthermore, I’d ask that we keep matters discreet. These are strange times, and there are foreign powers who seem to care little for anything except advantages. We shouldn’t discuss these things outside of those who already know. Do you have a member list?”

“Yes, here you are.” She hands Vyros a sheet of paper, names across the front and back.

“Excellent. When I have your friend in, I’ll smooth things with him. If there’s nothing else, I’ll see to it that the rest of your journey home is comfortable.”

The two shook hands, and Mrs. Cardielus made her way off the premises. As soon as this was the case, Vyros pulled out a satellite phone, and punched in a number.

“How did the meetings go, Director?”

“They went well, Sergeant. You may reconnect the phone lines out of the district, but continue to monitor them.”

“Yes sir. Do we have a list of agitators?”

“Indeed, I’m sending it your way now. Over the next quarter, all these individuals need to be replaced with desperate folks from the Flats. Prioritize loyalty in the new hires. And while you’re at it, I want a more favorable clergyman in charge of Ayasone. Fabricate a scandal if need be.”

“On it, sir. Anything else?”

“My workers shouldn’t be cooperating like this. Find out who’s agitating them, and if its within your power, snuff it out.”

“And if it isn’t?”

“If it isn’t, then I’ll handle it myself.”

The Ruby Ranch Republic, Russia major, New Imperial Britannia, Almadaria, and 2 othersZentralreich, and The Castelian Federation

The first american union

Vice President Oz Formally Concedes Election

In a speech from the White House lawn following a meeting with the president and senior staff, Vice President Mehmet Oz announced to the nation that he was formally conceding the election and that as such he will be dropping all ongoing litigation to try and overturn the election. In his speech, the VP said the primary reason for his decision to make the concession now was the ongoing crisis in the Canadian territory;

"Now more than ever, the United States needs to be just that: united. We cannot stare down the barrel of our adversaries while also facing down each other. It weakens our standing on the world stage to waste time and resources arguing about who the legitimate president is."

He went on to congratulate President-Elect McBride by name for her history-making victory and also added that he will invite Vice President-Elect Johnathan Hayes to the navy yard for a one on one meeting at some point.

The Ruby Ranch Republic, Russia major, The united peoples of caedis, Almadaria, and 3 othersZentralreich, The Castelian Federation, and Eihlagonia

The united peoples of caedis