LerodasBoard

Cowboy Commune

The usual ABN intro played, before finally closing. “Good Evening Aatelisia, I’m Torsti Tähtinen, this is the ABN. Social media has been stirred by a supposed trailer of a new movie, ‘Cowboy Commune’, to be released in the 3rd quarter of this year. Following a band of Cowboys in South Rahmia, the story described by the Director Juha Venäläinen is of a small Aatelisian Community Thriving off of husbandry and as a stopgap for the road east. Yet with Bandits arriving, the Community organizes itself to deal with the ever growing threat, and organizes itself into a commune of cowboys, and features a legendary soundtrack by Marti Robbie.

This has been received with mixed thoughts on social media. Especially among the more political minded. Juha himself had to reply to all this uproar by saying ‘Cowboy Commune is an obvious satirical work, and that it should be taken with a grain of salt that a bunch of Aatelisians somehow migrated to the middle of Southern Rahmia, and then formed a commune in this community before the idea of a commune even being formed; the point is, it’s a comedy movie, meant to satirize the current state of Lerodas and importantly, Aatelisia.’

This however has been seen by certain outlets as not satirical at all, calling it ‘A destruction of everything Aatelisia holds dear and true.’ and ‘A devolution of Aatelisian Ideas.’ Others have also called it ‘a generalization of the entire continent of South Rahmia.’ Most however seem to be excited from the announcement of it. Movie Goers have already said that they would buy tickets, as Juha has been himself to be a quite successful Director in the Comedy and history genres, and that mixing the two could be a masterpiece from him. Now, onto-”

Torsti was cut short by the channel switching to the Lerodan News war. Ale Joni screamed at the top of his lungs, and, shirtless, slammed his fists over and over again whilst wearing a cowboy hat. “NO, NO, NO!” Ale’s face was red and he once more screamed. “TH-TH-THIS LIBERAL IS MAKING A MOCKERY OF COWBOYS!”

Ale Joni got out of his chair, knocking everything off his desk, sending papers flying in all directions. “THIS IS THE DESTRUCTION OF EVERYTHING AATELISIA HOLDS DEAR AND TRUE! We’ve held onto our cowboy movies since the first days of cinema! Teemu the bandit? A CLASSIC! Now some hippie with money to spend puts it all into his c-communist manifesto project!? IMPOSSIBLE! OUTRAGEOUS! Juha the lib knows too well why we can’t trust in Communism; It’s EVERYWHERE! Across all continents! You can’t escape them! They’re like snakes in the grass! They own Spiritualizia, they own Ibasi, they own Albraltar, they own EVERYTHING! We shouldn’t support these damn cutthroats!”

Ale Joni threw himself on the floor. Getting back on screen, he slammed a bottle onto the table, sending alcohol and glass everywhere. In the background, a faint ‘Ale Joni!’ can be heard. “Juha has shown himself to be a snake in the grass! I knew he was a lib using Marti Robbies music, but involving a Commune? With Cowboys!? COMMUNES AND COWBOYS DON’T MIX! It goes against everything a cowboy would hold dear! My Grandfather’s Great Grandfather’s Friend’s Grandfather was a cowboy! I watched cowboy movies! I know what a cowboy looks like! And all Aatelisians are born with liberty and opportunity, by the grace of freedom and all we hold dear, to kill these commie bandits before they kill us! ARRGH!” Ale Joni lifted the desk, throwing it across the room. He tore at the greenscreen behind him, tangling himself in it before falling onto the ground. The show is cut short.

Escalation

The atmosphere in the armored CDF van was so thick with tension it could be cut with a knife. Officer Olivia Chereau had her helmet in her hands, trying to keep her breathing under control. This entire operation was more than idiotic. They were returning to the warehouse, this time with a warrant, and intention to search and detain any suspected members of the Worker’s Party of Castryx. Of course, with Sergeant Barnier in charge, there was no telling how many of the suspects would end up dead.

Even without that factor, there was no getting around the fact that the CDF was walking right into a trap. After the killing of Francis Gaubert by Sergeant Barnier, the Worker’s Party and its sympathizers had taken to social media to decry this act of brutality and overstepping of CDF authority. Videos from accounts confirmed to be run by the Worker’s Party revealed that there was a new figure on the scene, now. Iseulta Pontier had taken control of the Party, and that was bad news for everyone. She was an absolute radical, arrested several times for leading protests, riots, and encouraging violence against the government and corporations. With her in charge, messages and statements from the Party had taken a dark turn. Decrying the CDF as cold blooded killers, monsters, and fascists. Declaring that first blood had been drawn by the republicans and the capitalists, and that the true blooded revolutionaries would respond in kind. Blood for blood.

That was why the president of Castryx herself, Ginette Leclere, had authorized this raid. The incompetent leader of the free republic was concerned that her constituents would feel that she was no longer a woman of action, to allow these criminals and terrorists to act with impunity. So Olivia and her fellow CDF officers were being sent right into the lions den, where the enemy knew they were coming. The only solace she found in all this was that even if the suspects were armed, they weren’t going to have heavy ordnance. Castryx was an incredibly poor nation, and even the CDF had an armory thirty years out of date. She was expecting side-arms and maybe a shotgun or two., which was the usual for civilian fire-arm owners. They could handle it, they just had to be cautious.

“Thirty seconds out. Everyone get ready.”

With that announcement, Olivia donned her helmet, securing the straps under her chin. Unlike the last operation, they were outfitted for possible combat. The dark blue uniforms of the CDF, body armor, helmets, and assault weapons. Handcuffs, stun guns, and even flashbangs. After all, the CDF was the closest thing Castryx had to a standing army. The Castryxi Defence Force occupied a role that was most easily defined as militarized police.

They were pulling in front of the warehouse, far too close for Olivia’s liking. They should have gotten out at the end of the street, to at least try to have the element of surprise. She steeled herself as they stood, cocking their weapons, and one of the recruits opened up the doors to the van, hopping off.

Only to jerk back as he was riddled with bullets by a rifleman by a window, some impacting his armor, some going through the gaps to splatter the men and women behind him with blood.

“Contact, contact! Shots fired, officer down! Go, go, go!”

Oliva was third out of the van, and immediately she was grasping at the fallen officer to drag him to safety. He was dead weight, struggling to breathe, and dragging him was no easy effort. The other CDF officers were trying to find cover as more rifles opened up on them from the windows. The raid had turned into a firefight, exactly what Olivia didn’t want.

Once she had set the wounded officer up against a mailbox, she spoke into the radio.

“ This is Eagle-Actual. Officer down, I repeat, officer down. I need back up and medical here, now!”

“Affirmative, Eagle-Actual. ETA seven minutes.”

Seven minutes? Goddamn paper pushers and budget cuts had CDF stations further and further away from each other. She peeked over the box, and saw her way in. There was a side door, that looked easily breachable. The CDF was returning fire, turning this street into a warzone, and there was twenty feet of open street between her and that door.

“Sergeant! I need cover to get to that door!”

Barnier, from his position behind a bench, saw what she meant, and nodded, gritting his teeth.

“Take Alarie and Contier.”

The remaining officers laid down as much cover as they could, but CDF training wasn’t what it used to be. Olivia grit her teeth, and sprinted, the two officers assigned to her following. Bullets pinged off the street behind her, but she made it, slamming herself against the wall near the door. Alarie and Contier looked at her for guidance.

“Stay with me. Take it slow. Do what I say, and you’ll be fine.”

Clearing the building took hours, but when backup arrived, more officers were able to join. Olivia led the effort, and with her calm leadership, only one officer was injured. They killed several suspects, and took more into custody. CDF training wasn’t great, but these were terrorists with no training at all. There was just one thing bothering her.

These were Ibasan firearms, military grade. And there were several vans in the garage. . . Including one empty space and tire tracks spinning out. Where did the other van go?

Retaliation

“Today will mark the beginning of a new age for the Castryxi people. For too long, the ideals of imperialism and capitalism have plagued the working class of this country. For too long, the corrupt fat cats at the top of our society have oppressed the poor, the underprivileged, the sick, and the uneducated. Today, we will show them that we will no longer be silent. The fascist dogs drew first blood. Today, we retaliate.”

The speech by the Worker’s Party new leader, Iseulta Pontier, was playing on a camera for the benefit of the six men and women in the back of the van, driving down the crowded street. They were mostly silent, preparing themselves for the task they had been given. Each of them had been selected for this task based on their complete loyalty to Pontier, the Party, and communism. They had weapons bought from a gun runner in neutral waters, but they were military-grade Ibasan guns originally. Far better than the outdated garbage issued to the Castryxi Defence Force.

The van was going along with traffic, smoothly. Pontier had timed their mission to coincide with the CDF’s raid on one of their cell’s headquarters, so that attention would be focused there, and security at their target would be more loose, less intense. Their leader was always two steps ahead of the CDF and their corrupt leaders, obsessed with pleasing their lobbyists and easily-swayed constituents. They were not going to see this coming, and they were not going to be able to properly respond.

The driver had on a completely calm expression, though sweat did trickle down his forehead. The target was straight ahead. The Castryxi Stock Exchange. The holy site of rich dogs. A temple to greed and corruption, and the headquarters of the top class that had been destroying this nation for so long. It was from here that the institutionalized and structured oppression of the working class was orchestrated. It was here that the castration of the workers and impoverished was overseen. And it was here that the people would strike back, and their class crusade would commence.

A cigarette was being passed amongst the six in the back, to steady whatever nerves might be present. Automatic rifles were set on laps or on the floor to allow the men and women to puff, the smoke filling the back of the van. While there were no second thoughts among these zealous warriors, the jitters before war could not truly be avoided.

The van got closer, and closer, and before long, it was time. The van braked to a halt, and the driver looked back.

“It’s time, comrades. Bring the fight to the imperialists.”

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“Just hours ago, the Castryxi Stock Exchange was the site of the worst terrorist attack in Castryxi history.”

The news broadcast went out across the nation and anyone tuned in across Lerodas, shocking millions.

“The Worker’s Party of Castryx and its leader Iseulta Pontier have claimed responsibility for this attack, which claimed the lives of over four hundred and fifty civilians and twenty five CDF officers, injuring hundreds more. The Stock Exchange and its surrounding offices sustained significant damage. A van rigged with explosives was driven into the building, which was responsible for the majority of the casualties. Six armed terrorists entered the building afterwards, firing upon the survivors with automatic weapons. The horror only came to an end after CDF came on site, and eliminated the attackers in an extended and costly firefight.

“President Ginette Leclere has issued an official statement to the Castryxi people, and we are going to show you that now.”

The broadcast switched to the Castryxi president standing at a podium at a press conference, her face grave.

“Rest assured, this administration will not allow this attack to go unanswered. In this time of crisis, I ask that the citizens of this great nation stay calm, and give all support possible to their local CDF officers. Pontier and the Workers Party have been declared as Public Enemy Number One, and their capture or elimination has been made the top priority for our brave men and women in the defense force. If any of you have information about this attack or suspected members of this terrorist organization, please call your local CDF station.”

The perspective went back to the female newscaster, who shuffled papers on her desk.

“President Leclere and her staff have promised that another attack like this will never happen again, and an emergency meeting of parliament has been called to discuss action going forward. We here at Castryx Broadcasting Company would like to extend our condolences to the victims and their families, and urge all citizens to stay safe, and stay vigilant.”

Damage Control

The logo of the Castryx Broadcasting Company danced across the screens of citizens across Castryx and beyond, the familiar jingle accompanying it. After the attack on the stock exchange, every television set in the country was set to the news. Anne-Marie Bourniet, the face of the CBC, had on her usual grave and serious expression, ready to serve the Castryxi people as best she could.

“Good afternoon, Castryx, this is Anne-Marie Bourniet, bringing you today’s developments. Our coverage of Parliament’s emergency session continues as the ramifications of yesterday’s attack on the stock exchange set in. Stock across the country has plummeted completely, the market threatening to collapse entirely, and economists predict disaster.”

Footage switched to show mobs of protesters outside the parliament building in Chenesaun, holding signs and chanting as CDF officers outfitted in riot armor stand in a line to hold them back if necessary.

“Protests continue outside parliament that call for President Lecrere’s resignation, many Castryxi expressing outrage at the president’s handling of the threat posed by the Worker’s Party and the economic crisis. The president herself has not yet addressed these accusations and calls for her resignation, spending most of the day visiting those injured in the attack at Chenesaun General Hospital.”

The broadcasts viewpoint transitioned to inside the parliament building, where dozens of representatives argued with each other, barely held in check by Prime Minister Matthieu Cellier, right-hand of the president.

“Parliament is so far struck with indecision and arguments. According to the third Castryxi constitution, a four fifths majority is required before any motion can be carried, and no such majority has so far been reached. Head of the Liberty Coalition Chantel Dubois is speaking right now, which we will show you.”

The camera cut to a woman standing at her place, speaking into her microphone angrily. The leader of the Liberty Coalition was a tall and straight-postured veteran of the CDF, and spoke as such.

“Can this parliament now see why this republic has failed? As we sit and bicker, the people of this great nation suffer! The value of the livre plummets, entire companies and businesses dissolve, and tens of thousands of our citizens find themselves unemployed! The Castryxi people are terrified, and I cannot blame them. These terrorists have proven that the left in this country are nothing but violent murderers, with no care for the wellbeing of this nation or the people within it! We must act. Now! Not tomorrow, not next election cycle, and not when we finally reach a four-fifths majority!” She slammed her hand down on her podium. “The third republic has failed, it must be dissolved! Our constitution re-written, our government rebuilt! Only if we act as one can we defeat these terrorists, and restore Castryx to its once great status!”

The end of her speech was punctuated by parliament breaking into argument once more before the voice of Anne-Marie Bourniet returned.

“Dubois and the Liberty Coalitions right wing beliefs promise a return to the glorious past of Castryx, though many on the left accuse the coalition of espousing xenophobic and nationalist ideology. Moderates within parliament call for the banning of the coalition just as the Worker’s Party was banned six years ago, claiming they are just as extreme and dangerous.”

There was silence for about ten seconds, then the camera switched back to Anne-Marie at her desk, who looked shaken and pale.

“Our coverage has to be interrupted for breaking news. I’m being informed there are reports- confirmed reports that President Leclere’s motorcade has been attacked by suspected Worker’s Party terrorists. The condition of the president at this time is not known, but it is confirmed that several CDF officers were severely injured in the attack, possibly killed. At this time, there is no word about the condition of the president. We will keep you updated as we learn more.”

Map Update June 1, 2020

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Welcome Castryx, Ponerus and Gwadar!

Investigation

Officer Olivia Chereau and her team braced at the door to the house, their sidearms already drawn. They had come under the cover of night, learning from their mistakes at the warehouse. After her gusto and leadership there, Olvia was being trusted with more responsibilities, especially as the CDF was being overwhelmed with calls to action. There was little doubt that a promotion and a medal would be coming her way, soon.

Silently, she held up her fingers. One. Two. Three. The officer with the sledgehammer brought it down on the doorhandle, smashing it open, and Olivia led the charge in.

“CDF! CDF! Show us your hands, show us your hands!”

The first suspect she spotted was a young woman standing at the house’s kitchen table, upon which several automatic rifles lay. Immediately, the suspect went for one. Olivia squeezed the trigger, and the bullet that exploded from her gun went through the suspect’s windpipe. As the first one went down gasping and drowning in her own blood, she spotted the other threats in the front room. Two on the couch, hands in the air. One by the door to the kitchen, holding a large box.

“Put the box down and keep your hands in the air, now! Put it down!”

The suspect hesitated, glancing to his dying comrade, and slowly set it down on the ground, keeping his hands in the air.

“Three X-Rays detained. Moving to clear the rest of the home.”

As some of her officers cuffed and dragged these suspects out the door, Olivia cautiously opened the kitchen door, finding no one inside.

“Kitchen clear.”

Next was the hallway. It was dark, and she didn’t like it. She switched on the flashlight attached to the underbarrel of her pistol, one officer behind her as she slowly crept down the hall.

“Doorway on the left. Stand watch.”

Olivia began to turn the door handle, only to jump back as buckshot tore through the wood, barely missing her by inches.

“Suck on this, fascists!”

Without even thinking, Olivia went for the flashbang at her belt, pulling the pin and tossing it through the holes made in the door. The bright light forced screams out of the hostile, and she kicked the door down, her gun aimed squarely at the suspect’s head. He was practically a kid, maybe sixteen, seventeen. The shotgun had been dropped, and he was holding his eyes, shaking and whimpering. She breathed hard, her own aim shaky.

She resisted every urge in her body to put a bullet in him, and instead jerked him around to put him in cuffs. There was no need to kill this kid, even if there was the justification of him shooting first. There had been enough death as of late, if you asked her.

Raids just like this were being carried out by the CDF all across Castryx at that very moment, on any and all suspected Worker’s Party strongholds and safehouses. With the president fighting for her life in critical condition and the nation’s economy completely crashing, emergency powers had been granted to the CDF, militarizing them further. Over two million Castryxi were now unemployed, and the Worker’s Party was seeing more and more recruits across the country. Pontier’s message was only getting more popular as the republic failed to deal with this crisis.

Olivia and the other officers of the CDF were still being paid, but their wages were worth less every passing day as the value of the Castryxi livre plummeted. Pretty soon, she might not be able to pay the rent on her studio apartment. The future of everything was completely uncertain, and she didn’t like it one bit. What was she supposed to do when the job she loved didn’t pay the bills? When no job would? She had taken an oath to serve her country as an officer of the Castryxi Defense Force, and she was proud of that. Even if there wasn’t much to be proud of, anymore.

You Call This a Diplomatic Solution?

While the armies of Albraltar mobilised, and troops began to mobilise across the country, Jack Turner sat in front of a camera at the National Congress building. The National Union had rallied in the face of the threat from the north. For the first time, women were being allowed to join the National Army Union. Even some of the militias had taken to the streets to announce that they would begin training the civilians of the Union in order to protect themselves in the face of war. The nation was reignited as the armaments industry had fresh sparks of life which had not been seen in nearly a century.

As the cameraman continued to his countdown, Premier Turner took a drink of water. Too much was at stake here. This was going to be the most important address of his entire career, perhaps in his life. As the cameraman stuck up two fingers, Turner looked at the camera before the one was signalled, and the red light came on.

"People of the Union. I believe we have an important discussion to have. We stand today, as one people, united in our struggle for a more equal society. One in which the worker can live without having to give to the greedy parasite. One in which a man can live a life of peace, tranquillity and harmony with himself, and work towards the collective good. In where a mother does not have to grieve that her son was killed or subject to slavery by those that seek to take what is ours. We have struggled, and endured, but we have done everything we can to strive for this goal. We have always remembered this one fact, that we have something to strive for. A better world, one in which we can all live free as who and what we are. What we have believed in, has inspired people not just in our nation, but around the world.

Perhaps, there has been times, when we have all lost sight of our goal. But we must remember, that Socialism does not mean that we are perfect, Socialism is about reaching out to others. About helping one another. For when we are united, we are unbreakable. Its about not only the dream of bettering the world, but making this dream a reality. Over the past few years, we have witnessed the shocking events emerging from Spiritualiza. We have done what we can by accepting as many refugees as possible, and we have all done what we could to live in brotherhood with them, Yet now, the very scourge that chased them, destroyed their lives, butchered their loved ones and created an industry of death. They seek to drag the world into the depths of the very fires they started. Spiritualiza has now set its sights on Albraltan Union.

But people of the Union, I tell you that we shall not vanish without a fight, nor shall we succumb to the flames that have killed and butchered so many. We must stand together, as one people, to defeat this monster, lest we all suffer for it. When I say this, I mean it. There shall be no capitulation, even in the face of annihilation. For we have not only transmitted this message to ourselves in hte Union, but acquired transmission time in many nations and in the UAN itself. Aatelisia, in its wisdom, has recommended the deploying of peacekeeping forces to the region, which we beg upon the UAN to do before the situation spirals out of control. Yet, I would ask for one step further. Spiritauliza has flaunted any semblance of international law, made mockery of UAN institutions, openly committed war crimes and seeks to provoke chaos in the world over. We ask, that an International Coalition is formed to counter Spiritualizan aggression, declare it a rogue state and work towards the destruction of the criminals at the head of the Spiritualizan state so that its people can enjoy the fruits of freedom rather the bondage they are now subject to.

And remember citizens, no matter what happens, remember. The night is always darkest before the dawn. Thank you and remember, the Revolution will never die."

With that, the cameras cut off, and Turner sat back in his chair, letting out a deep breath.

Communist Aggression
Message from the Nationalist Union

The councils, Ministry of Defense, and the Supreme Chancellor himself of the Nationalist Union of Spiritualiza have received word of partial military mobilization by Albraltar in the southern region of Lyzan borders. We are greatly dismayed by this clear act of aggression towards Spiritualiza as we have made sure to avoid conflict with Albraltar at all cost as we have just got finished our campaign against communist insurgents in Estoria.

The Lyzan government and its military forces shall take steps to ensure the protection and safety the Lyzan people near the Lyzan southern border.

The Lyzan Nationalist Union has begun the semi-mobilization of its military forces both on the homeland and abroad due to recent events that had transpired in the East. Suspected enemy aircraft hovering above Lyzan airspace and naval ships within Lyzan coastal shores are to be shot on sight. The Nationalist Union is fully prepared to battle and defend its national interests.

Spiritualizan Ground Force units are re-positioning within the Spiritland to reflect a comprehensive defensive scheme, with increased mobilization of our core military assets. A collective force of 118,000 Lyzan light, motorized and mechanized infantry are to be deployed south to further expand and secure the southern Lyzan borders.

The 7th and 9th Naval Fleets which are located on the island East of Albraltar is to be dispatched near their waters. The Fleets are to conduct and commence naval warfare exercises to prepare counter-strike groups of the Lyzan Armed Forces in the event Albraltar decides to take the offense against the Nationalist Union.

The Lyzan government publicly denounces Premier Turner and their other leaders for creating and escalating a conflict that wasn’t there and didn’t need to transpire.

Once again the UAN has shown it’s ineffectiveness. These so called peacekeepers will not keep the peace within the region as they will die in vain for a cause that is impossible to obtain with the communist and the others on the left side of the political spectrum running the global show.

The fact that Spiritualiza has countless times asked the UAN for support against these barbarians but yet ignored speaks volumes. They murder innocents first and we retaliate but yet we are the ones who are labelled brutes and warmongers by foreign powers. We can see clearly who runs the UAN.

Lastly we hope those who stand against and condemn us may see the error in their ways and join our united struggle, may see our way and join our ranks and columns against this threat.

The lives of millions are up for discussion and the people of Spiritualiza has entrusted us with their defense and survival.

Here’s what Supreme Chancellor Yosef Maklin had to say.

“When I continue to see this communist propaganda....my belief in peace continues to fade even more as everyday goes pass. I believe this is just unnecessary but I have no other choice but to play their game as Lyzan lives are at stake. My advisors even told me that Albraltar may be responsible for the communist insurgency in Estoria but I didn’t listen to them as I believed that the goal was to just remove them from Estoria and let Albraltar have the commie refugees and end it there. My intentions weren’t to start a conflict with Albraltar so I shot that theory down. Now I receive word about military mobilization from our southern neighbors.

While we are not willing to further escalate military action against Albraltar without them being extreme threat against the Nationalist Union, it is assured that our current national focus permits a mission to provide the protection of the Lyzan people.”

Southern Lyzan Border
Military movements:

There was a noticeable change in the atmosphere within the Nationalist Union recently. According to the rest of Lerodas there was nothing significant to report about Spiritualiza’s overt militarism and apparent jingoistic, belligerent rhetoric. To them it was simply the norm. However due to recent events the political rallies had ceased, public gatherings had decreased, Supreme Chancellor Yosef and other main politicial figures lessened their public appearances until things would hopefully die down.

Because Spiritualiza was technically in “war time” the internal troops and National Security Service now had the right to conduct rear area security operations and all military operations within national borders, counter-intelligence authority to eradicate any attempt of communist espionage.

The Lyzan population still had faith that war can be avoided at all cost but for their leaders they had to make preparations for the inevitable.

Lyzan Factories were producing more munitions, armament, equipment than normal. There was an increase in the number of military drills and conscription was more tightly enforced than usual. The quality and quantity of general luxury and consumer goods was lower as more and more thought, energy, and resources were prioritized for the Lyzan Armed Forces.

To the outside world this was nothing new. In fact, this was to be expected. They expect the militarism and the so called “oppression” that came from the Nationalist Union.

The insane ramblings and ravings of the Nationalist Union became a joke amongst the democracies and communist nations of Lerodas. News hosts, conspiracy theorists and even world leaders took times to take jabs and insults at the Spiritland.

All across the large expanse of land that was the Lyzan southern border the pieces of war were moved into place. T-17 tanks, T-18 IFVs came to life and infantry embarked onto their trucks, moving towards the southern borders, Artillery pieces, already prepositioned, adjusted themselves to their respective target coordinates to begin their initial phases of bombardment if war was to break to out. Lyzan soldiers were ordered into establishing several defensive maneuvers/positions along the front lines and given a direct order to shoot and kill targets deemed hostile, in addition to scout enemy troop movements within the borders.

Peacekeeping forces that may be within the area are to be respected and not to be targeted unless provoked. Local populations will have choices to integrate with the Nationalist Union, go with the peacekeepers or flee towards Albraltar. Those who refuse either choices are to be imprisoned.

Air bases in the rear were buzzing with activities from ground personnel and flight crew manning their craft and taking to the skies to patrol and defend Spiritualiza’s airspace.

Lyzan Naval forces within its waters and coastal areas are to scout and fire upon suspected enemy ships if they are clearly violating into Spiritualizan waters.

In the home front, the factories were being stuffed full of workers to churn out the extra support equipment, clothing, supplies, munitions, vehicles, and tools required to wage potential war.

In order to keep morale high amongst the troops and Lyzan citizens the Lyzan Propaganda machine had been unleashed. In times of war the Ministry of Propaganda is tasked with the vital role of ensuring that the home front is secured and morale is kept in place in order for the Lyzan Government and Military to properly fight wars and conflicts.

The only option now was to watch, wait, and remain fully prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to any threat Albraltar may pose. The unfortunate and unnecessary situation Spiritualiza find itself in is a matter of no less than its very survival. Many know the Nationalist Union has absolutely no room for error.

Condemnation and Sanctions

The usual ABN intro played, yet Torsti not appearing in his usual stoic appearance, instead, it was a stage, dotted with thousands just before it, as signs of ‘DESTROY THE DICTATOR’, ‘SAVE THE LYZANS’, and ‘PUT THE TYRANT TO TRIAL’ were all shown, with a dozen more different signs appearing in the crowd. As the crowd slowly grew more and more, President Rasmus Talaka appeared, with the crowd cheering loudly. He waved at the crowd as he climbed the stage, heading to the podium.

“Good Evening!” President Talaka stated, with the crowd repeating his greeting. “Let us begin.”

President Talaka put his hands on the podium. “It has come to my attention, as well as the Senate, and the entirety of this liberty-loving nation, that Tensions continue to rise and rise in Kastia. Spiritualiza, a nation suppressed by Demagogues and warhawks, who’s only goal has been to see the destruction of ‘commies’, as certain political sources in our own midst like to gawk. However, the difference between our nation and there's, is that we don’t kill people who don’t share the same mind. Aatelisia is a nation of debate, where a Liberal, a socialist, a conservative or a nationalist can debate on their issues without persecution by the government or its military. These Communists they claim threaten their government get no trial, no basic human rights, no semblance of humanity in any form by a nation led by a ‘supreme’ chancellor. They cling to strong-arming political enemies by calling them “communists”, Whilst being the most Authoritarian regime in the entirety of Lerodas, beating the likes of their neighbors by a staggering amount.

Whilst they can tolerate beating and executing these enemies, Aatelisia and the UAN will not. While they may have abandoned these ‘Communists’ from being citizens of Spiritualiza, Lerodas will not abandon them. They remain Citizens of this world, and the crimes committed against them must be resolved. And whilst a screaming lunatic can admit that they fight for Lyzan blood, they also wear the blood of their own on their hands, no matter how they like to admit it. Their military and government are filled with naught but Jingoists and Nationalists culling what they see as a shred of liberty!

Therefore, I and the Senate have agreed to condemn Spiritualiza, and issue sanctions upon them. We demand trial against Supreme Chancellor Yosef, and bring up their entire military branch to be judged by the UAN. We hope that Spiritualiza will realize, from their citizens and politicians alike, that this is the only hope for a brighter future that they may have. Aatelisia is not afraid to escalate this, and will join the coalition brought up by Albraltar. We expect the rest of the world to do the same. The Totalitarianism that has begun to plague Estora must fall before true liberty can be agreed upon on the continent, and with it, a brighter future to come with it. Travel bans to the east will be issued until this conflict is resolved in a hopefully peaceful manner. Our nation and the UAN must look to the crimes Spiritualiza has done against its own people, time and time again. Thank you Aatelisia, and thank you Lerodas!”

The crowd cheered as Talaka headed off the stage and back to his car. Cheers of “LIBERTY!” are heard among the crowd as they begin to march off from the location into the streets of Palatsinlinna. The entire nation of Aatelisia and senate seem to be behind Talaka on the issues at hand plaguing the east.

Reaction from the Grand Commonwealth

As the coronation of Ana Maria II was underway, people were commenting on what her coronation speech was going to be about but as soon as the nation was ready for its new monarch. CWN logo and music played over with the words, Breaking News underneath the logo. Showing Ferran Zapatero in a nice tuxedo sitting in a tower overlooking Mainstreet in the distance the Parliament buildings in the background. He looked really excited for the big day of the future Queen but he he had two fingers into his earpiece, nodding at times. This is playing in everyone's phones, titantrons in downtown district and every media outlet across the nation. With people murmuring in what is going on.

"Hello citizens of Aravelo, we apologize for this special news bulletin during the coverage of Ana Maria II's coronation day, we will get back to your scheduled programming for this has just came in recently regarding current events in the international community. Parliament was called back into an emergency session by the Prime Minister regarding Spiritualiza's rampant military conquests threatening the international community's stability and peace. Chancellor Yosef Maklin made the decision to withdraw Spiritualiza from the UAN, criticizing that the UAN is ineffective and throwing slanders against other nations who align themselves with the international organization. A press conference from Prime Minister Imran Ordóñez regarding how Parliament is reacting to these events as it unfolds." As he was talking, stock footage of Lyzan Army parading through the capital and other stock footage of the armed forces carrying out its campaigns in the unclaimed areas surrounding the nation. It wasn't long before cameras focused on the Prime Minister leaving the House of Commons towards the front entrance with a podium and in front of it a swarm of reporters and cameramen took flash photos of the Prime Minister while the reporters bombarded him with questions. It died when he raised his hands to allow some sense of composure.

"Good morning ladies and gentlemen. I want to give you a full report of what Parliament has decided on giving these circumstances. As you know, Spiritualiza's actions has brought the swift condemnation of the international community following its abrupt departure of the UAN and its declination to not adhere to deescalation of the region. It has come to Parliment's attention that we must answer Aatelisia's and Albraltar's call for more nations to rise up and defend democracy at its principles. And so after an two hours of intense debate, we have voted 587 in favor, 58 against, and 35 abstaining in favor of supporting the condemnation and sanctioning of Spiritualiza regarded by the spearheading nations. We will be sending 5 infantry regiments to aid the Aatelisian peacekeeping efforts as an act of friendship and for future peace in the region. Thank you for your time and I will ask your questions later." He bowed before leaving the podium and the flashing and questions began again before going back to Ferran.

"There you have it folks, Aravelo is condemning Spiritualiza and will be aiding Albraltar and Aatelisia's efforts in keeping the peace. We will keep you inform of any further updates. This is Commonwealth News, the war and peace report. I am Ferran Zapatero. We shall return you to the coronation of Ana Maria II". He said before classical music began to play and pictures of Ana Maria throughout her life was showing across the screen.

Update

Supreme Chancellor Yosef Maklin stood overlooking the Lyzan capital city of Zynscow from the balcony within the chancellory. The grey clouds that covered the sky blotted out the sun. He took it as a sign that things may worsen over the next few days, weeks or even months.

With his hands folded behind his back, he reminisced about the peaceful times and better days. Yosef knew his life’s work and all that he accomplished was in engrave danger. The international community had turned sour against the Nationalist Union.

He then turned around and walked off into his office, closing the doors behind him and sat down at his desk. Flipping through briefing papers while contemplating his next move, he heard someone running down the halls.

Prime Minister Istavol Dimitri sprinted down the halls of the Chancellor Residential Palace and into Yosef’s office. He had quite the stereotypical nerdy look as he wore thick bifocals, his voice was quite nasally, in addition to having face acne.

Out of breath, breathing heavily, Istavol sits down opposite of Yosef and says,

“My Chancellor...I have been in...”

Yosef interrupts him, while making direct eye contact.

“Let me guess Prime Minister Dimitri...yet another nation has publicly condemned, denounced and sanctioned Spiritualiza.”

“.....Well yes sir..How did you know?”

Dimitri replied with a worrisome look upon his face.

“I know because the world is exposing itself and becoming even more predictable than ever before...like a hive mind. Who was it this time?”

PM Dimitri took a big gulp and wiped the sweat off his forehead before saying,

“Aravelo.....yet another nation has been brainwashed by the International Communist Clique. I am greatly disappointed in Aravelo.

In a relatively calm tone, Yosef replied. “I’ve foreseen these events happening. I was right about the world hating us, right about the UAN and its double standards, right about everything that has transpired thus far. One of the few times I wish I was wrong. The world is calling me a mad man.”

Yosef stood up and turned his back towards PM Dimitri and continued.

“I have been preparing for this moment comrade. If a war is to break loose and wreak havoc upon the world...it will not end the way the communists imagine...with the extermination of the Lyzan people instead it will see the complete annihilation of international communism.”

Thunderstruck as well as lightning lid up the Chancellory. Heavy rain could be heard within the walls of the chamber.

PM Dimitri responded hesitantly, “Another war would make the Great War look like Child’s play.”

“That’s precisely why I am actively trying to avoid it but Albraltar and the UAN is making it very difficult. My comrade if we were to hypothetically lose the potential conflict the worlds only threat to international communism would be gone and Spiritualiza again will be under a communist government yet again after only 25 years.”

Dimitri looked upon Yosef with horror, scratched his head and says,

“The world would fall deeper into the abyss...what if we launched a preemptive strike?”

Yosef quickly turns around and gazes his eyes on Dimitri

“No....we cannot risk that. We have to be patient and watch their move.” Yosef replied.

Supreme Chancellor Yosef and Prime Minister Istavol Dimitri would then exit the room. Walking down the halls shoulder to shoulder with internal troops accompanying them from behind as they continue to hold conversation.

“If we were to launch an preemptive strike it would just quicken the process of our ‘destruction’ and furthermore ruin our international reputation.” Yosef continued in a low but hearable tone.

“Hopefully soon the rest of the world will awaken and open their eyes and see that we are right.” Dimitri replied.

“I have faith but it’s decreasing with each passing day my brother.” Yosef responded.

Prime Minister Dimitri would stop in the middle of the hall while Supreme Chancellor Yosef Maklin and the internal troops continued to walk their way towards the door at the end as Dimitri looked on.