United AllianceBoard

The Land Down Under.
June 30th, 1940
Waters around Whidsey.
Collaboration with Magna kalonia

Water splashed against the gigantic vessel's hull, it's 18 inch guns shining in the sunlight. Next to it was an Armada of ships of the 3rd Fleet, Imperial Calarimian Navy. This is the first time the entire fleet had been floated together in one formation, and for good reason. It contained the new Yukio Class Battleship and multiple carriers. Included with a misc amount of Destroyers and Cruisers. Today they would strike swiftly and provoke a strategic victory on the colony. Today marked Calarim's vengeance for 1922.

Admiral Oliver Twish stood on board one of the decks of a shining Kalonian Destroyer. A massive ship in a group of dozens patrolling the coast in and around Whidsey. The Admiral held a pair of binoculars up to his eyes. The ships in this massive coast guard were prepared to begin a treacherous invasion of NWO controlled islands to decrease the morale of the islands controllers. Most of the massive ships were in peak condition, save for the few rusty smaller ships of the former coast guard. The new ships were in peak performance and on the Prime Minister's orders a massive group of soldiers were set up on the mainland behind the ships as a fail safe. If all else fails and an invasion begins to sweep the land, they would have an army to fight for it.

Along side the surface fleet, another threat lurked. Multiple Type C submarines were making their way ahead of the main fleet, which was cruising at a steady universal 10 Knots. The Submarines main goal was to disable or sink larger capital ships, that could pose a threat. Strict orders to not engage the Cruisers and DDs were given. Only Carriers, Battleships, and Battlecruisers would be engaged. The lead periscope peaked up as they approached they're target, a Queen Liliana Class Battleship. 4 Torpedoes were launched silently as the submarine dived.

The Admiral squints through the binoculars. In the distance sparkled a few specks on the water. Admiral Twish turned to one of his officers. "Tell the others ships we are moving forward to take a look at the waters in front of us. Tell the subs that the mine laying mission should be over and move back to the harbor." Twish said to the officer who immediately ran to a radio to relay the orders. "All sent Admiral." the Officer said. Right as the water began to churn around the engines of the massive ships there was a small whooshing sound. Right then the hull of the HMS Jarvis, a Queen Liliana Class Battleship exploded and the ship began to list heavily. The other ships around it began to rock violently. "What the bloody hell was that?!?" Twish screamed to the Officers around him. The radio on the table beside them began to crackle. "Torpedoes! We're hit!" said the officer on the other end. "Oh no. Ready the cannons! We're in for one hell of a fight!" barked Twish to his officers. The ship whirred into action. The crew began to blindly fire into the water, shooting at a foe they couldn't see.

The captain of I-18 looked at the ship as it began to list heavily. "Good hits, reload torpedoes!"

"YES SIR!"

I-18 retreated to the rear of the submarine line as others lined up their shots. 1 would fire on the badly wounded HMS Jarvis with a single torpedo and would also begin to strike other ships. This was a calm process, despite the splashing of water as shells struck around them. Suddenly, I-18 was hit as an explosion raptured the water, sending the ship to the depths of the ocean with all hands on board.

Admiral Twish began to sweat heavily as the water around the ships erupted into a chaotic underwater storm. "Officers! Signal the HMS Jarvis and the HMS George to retreat! The other ships must hold their ground! Keep on shooting!" The Admiral screamed to the remaining officers surrounding him. They sprung into action leaving Twish in the bridge with a handful of high ranking officers. This was a naval ambush. An ambush that no one could have anticipated. The radio crackled again as to the horror of the other ships, the HMS Jarvis began to slip below the waves.

3RD FLEET CARRIER IWAKIRI

The Carrier cruised along, near the front of the line. On it's deck dive and torpedoes bombers. All ready for combat, awaiting a signal. That came in from I-20, apart of the Submarine force after the sinking of I-18. A deck member swung a flag of red and the white and green planes pulled themselves off the deck and flew for the fleet formation.

SUBMARINE FORCE

The remaining torpedoes had been expended, sent at the enemy lethally and silently. They all had crash dived after to avoid I-18's fate. They had pulled back, their job done. They felt sorry for whereever their torpedoes would strike next... almost.

The fleet saw in the sky flew a squadron of Calarimian planes. Twish screamed the orders for the fleet to scatter to avoid the rapidly approaching squad. The giant turrets of the fleet aimed skyward. Divided and ready, the guns began to spray. Twish ordered for the officers in the bridge to ready for any approaching plane. The crew was undoubtedly terrified yet somehow, Twish's steadfastness behavior was calming in a way. The ships readied for the worst.

As Yukio passed into range, it's massive 18 inch guns raised and let a thunderous volley fly. 6 18 inch shells flew at the foe as they lowered and the men loaded up the next volley.

The Torpedo bombers lowered for their room, hovering above the water. They held steady even as fire whizzed around them. Their explosive payload was dropped and they pulled off. The Dive Bombers maintained altitude as they lined up in preperation.

The ships began to scatter as the sky began to rain upon them. They became very aware of the impending doom of the Torpedoes that were rapidly closing on them. The ships began to flee backward and to their sides to move out of the way of these torpedoes. The ships began to point their guns at the dive bombers, ready for the worst. Two of the slower ships were impacted by the brutal explosions of the torpedoes and immediately sank beneath the waves. The shots from the 18 inch guns impacted the water around the ships. Twish smirked. He told his officer in a steady tone "Unleash the cannon fire". The officer told the other ships these orders and then radioed the crew. The massive guns on the ships began to fire a barrage at the Calarimian fleet.

The Dive Bombers rolled and began their rapid decent. Wind flew past the cockpits as they kept their aim steady. If their nerves broke now that would mean their death. The ship's superstructure grew closer, and closer... At the last moment, they dropped their bombs and pulled up. One did not make the pull up, slamming into the superstructure of a ship, it's fuel leaking and sparking aflame.

Aboard Yukio, the ship had turned to broadside. The ship itself, along with the carriers were out of range of the smaller guns of the enemy, but the Heavy and Light Cruisers sailed forward, taking a brunt of the force. The DDs sped forward as the screen for the Cruiser force. Yukio unleashed a broadside of flame and death.

Twish watched as an 18 inch round hit the ship to his left, erupting it's deck into flame. "Organize a full retreat. We must regroup with the rest of the fleet if we want to win. We are under armed. GO!!!" Twish shouted to the officers. "I'll be back you Calarimian bastards. You won't be able to catch us off guard again." Twish muttered as the ships began to retreat over the line of mines protecting the coast.

The Cruiser fleet stopped their advance and watched the fleet withdraw. The Admiral aboard the Yukio nodded pleased with the naval action. They would take these islands.

The Speech

The White Palace,
16th June 1940, 11:24 a.m.
Royal Quarters, Belgrade

The King prepares a speech to address the public. The events of the past five days have been rough and unpleasant, filled with political upheaval, riots and law enforcement officers. The dust has mostly settled, but it is unclear what does the future hold for Yugoslavia. No response has been made from the NWO so far, but the neutrality the people so desperately crave is, at least, partly preserved. His tailor is fitting his new white uniform on him, and his hatter is putting his work on His Majesty's head. People, reporters, and other interested groups all assemble in front of the palace to mark his speech. A slight breeze is cooling everyone. The anthem starts playing, and everyone sitting stands up, to embrace the national pride. The Royal Orchestra together with the Royal Yugoslav Choir singing. After the formality, the royal clerk makes an announcement in the name of His Majesty.

"Hereby, in the name of His Majesty, the President-Regent of Yugoslavia, Paul I, I announce that His Majesty will hold a speech that is due to begin in the following minutes. Please, the President-Regent will take questions, but only after he finishes his speech. I want from you, the ever respectible journalists, to hold your temper and to listen to His Majesty without interrupting. Everyone will be able to deliver at least one question to the President-Regent. Thank you for your attention!" - With that anouncement, he retreats back into the palace, where Paul I is almost ready to start. He has a white hat with the Yugoslav greater arms on the front, a white suit with the Order of the Karađorđe Star on his left side, a black armband on the left arm, two red epaulettes with his monogram on each shoulder, navy blue pants and black shoes. The main gates open, and Paul I slowly starts walking down the red carpet to his platform. Unusual joy is going thorugh him, a feeling he hasn't been encountering for over a week now. He gently stops, puts his walking cane on the side and unfolds the paper his speech is written on.

"Dear citizens of Yugoslavia, I need to thank you. I admire your courage, your strenght and resolute actions to bring Yugoslavia back onto the right path. But I am also in deep grieving, as the day on which you took the nation out of the treaty with Vranastrova, countless innocent lives were taken. The Gendarmerie fired at you, defying my explicit orders not to shoot. I would never want to kill my people. I would never try to hurt my people. I dismissed the government, which grew ever so close to the NWO, and the National Assembly, an intitution which was supposed to evolve our political life and bring only the best to the people of Yugoslavia, but those expectations did not materialise. We will stay in this state until the environment calms down a little. The Royal Salvation Council will, with me, manage the country until the conditions become favourable enough for the return of democracy. The Council will consist of Dragiša Cvetković, Pavle Radić, Dušan Simović, Ivan Šubašić, Svetozar Pribičević and me, as President of the Council. In these turbulent times, we need a powerful leadership, leadership that will protect our national interests, assert our neutrality and respect other regional powers. We will cherish our neutrality, we will cherish it for as long as we remain a free, stable and prosperous nations. Who wants war? Who is rooting for suffering, economic and culutral collapse, destroyed fields, factories and cities? Who wants countless lives to be lost, wiped out from the face of this planet never to be seen again? if you do, you are free to leave. We will never fight someone else's wars. Not while I rule. I can guarantee that this temporary state of emergency will uphold the same human and civil rights and political freedoms. Me and my inner circle decided this was best for Yugoslavia in this very moment. We didn't want the riot in Belgrade to escalate into a full civil war, because I am sure the government was ready to start one. They were eager to join the NWO, but recent events showed that our nation isn't planning on joining anyone. If we have let our institutions do their job, the National Assembly would do nothing, as they already showed they cannot function under these kinds of situations, the government would declare state of emergency and use the special powers to get us into NWO, while people, like you, would riot, fight with the police! A civil war! That is what would happen. Bring communists into the mix, and Yugoslavia would disintegrate! I cannot find a bigger joy than seeing a democracy work, but if I see our democracy crumbling before my eyes, I take it as a moral duty to my subjects that I act. I hope I made no mistake. I honoured your needs, and your needs are always noble! You may be my subjects, but I will always be your servant!"

With these words President-Regent Paul I ended his speech. People, upon hearing this, started cheering "Long live the King! Long live Yugoslavia!" and clapping. Paul I was filled with pride, and people were filled with happiness, knowing that Yugoslavia will continue with it's policy of everlasting neutrality. But, just as the people started celebrating, the jounralists were preparing questions for the President-Regent to answer. First, a journalist from the official national gazette, Narodne novine, got to ask.

"How will you guarantee that all laws, declarations and rights stay the same and unchanged, now that the Council has all the power?"

"We, as said before, will honour all of the valid legislation that was passed up to this point. We will not changed any of that legislation, unless seen completely necessary. We will open a Public Relations Board to which any citizen of Yugoslavia will be able to send a suggestion that will be reviewed and, if deemed as helpful, will be forwarded to the Royal Salvation Council. We will also have weekly conferences open to the public and the journalists on which you will be able to question us or any new legislation passed by the Council, to which we will then answer. Thank you fo your question."

A reporter from the Hrvatski glasnik was up next for the question.

"Now that Yugoslavia withdrew from the treaty with Vranastrova, how will our relations change and do you think will Vranastrova take some measures against Yugoslavia?"

"I cannot possibly comment on this matter as the Vranastrovan government nor any of their responsible officials gave any opinion or comments on the withdrawal, and it is for that reason I am unable to speak on any potential changes between our two countries. So far, we had decent and respectible relations and I want that to stay the case. I am sure that, if there will be any disagreements we will resolve them diplomatically and in a civilised manner."

The questions continued on into the early afternoon. They went smoothly and generally in a very positive tone. By 2 p.m. all questions were answered, and the reporters left the White Palace front yard. The President-Regent was tired and hungry, and he went inside to eat. After eating a plentiful dinner he went to his room to relax, into a hot tub and a glass of wine. On the gramophone the greatest works of Vivaldi, Salieri, van Beethoven and Wagner, but as well as some domestic ones like Jakov Gotovac and Ivan Zajc, were playing. He deserves to relax, he thinks to himself. The week was long and tiring, but at least the stability remained high. There will be more convincing to do, not everyone is in. Before he could start thinking deeper, however, he fell asleep.

Changing of the Guard
The Unit stood firm as a wall in the courtyard, all holding flags of the old Federation.
This was the second burning, a symbolic end of the old state that had failed to keep itself together while circled by vultures.
Every line of soldiers threw their flags and artifacts in a manner that was so distainful, as if they just picked up a rotten apple.
They then removed their pristine white gloves, throwing them down aswell. None of them wanted any dirt of the old on themselves.
Then the line stepped off.
Rinse and repeat for multiple units.
Before the Commander himself stepped up, with a bottle of kerosene and a matchbox.
He poured it over the Dirty flags of the past, before setting them alight, staring into the flames.
Bentram had done nothing but betrayed the people with his apathy and failure.
Now, they could Clean the nation into a ruthlessly efficient state, at all costs.

Coronation of Duke Zigmas

The palace gates have been swarmed for days, so packed with people, that the sheer force of them attempting to squeeze their bodies through the minuscule gaps of the iron bars was causing them to bend. It moved like a wave, and every time they smashed into the great barrier of the palace, each and every guard held their breath, fearing the gate would collapse in front of their eyes. They were not here to witness the coronation of the king, but instead came for the feast that would come shortly after. Children stuck out their arms through the tight pockets of the gate, grasping at the feat of the many guards. Women begged to be let in, “We just want a loaf of bread” they would garble, before their voices became drowned among the horde. Men attempted to haul one another over the fence, only to fall to the ground cracking a nose or arm. The snapping of bones echoed across the palace garden.

Whilst the outside of the palace resembled more of a riot than a gathering of people, the rear palace entrance was devoid of all life. An army of guards stood by, nervously awaiting for the blaring howl of an accordion. The tension was palpable, sweat dripped from each one of the guards, eventually forming an aroma of moisture around them. But then they saw it. Deep in the distance, the royal carriage. Its presence was obvious, for it sparkled in the sunlight like glazed pork. Each guard immediately snapped out of their self induced heat stroke and let out a salut. As the carriage continued to approach, soldiers fired into the air, to signal to the people that the new Duke had arrived. As the palace gates opened to reveal an assortment of noble men, servants and guards, they slowly began to gather around the carriage. An ancient looking man, draped in the most formal scarlet cloak approached the head of the carriage, and announced the Duke's arrival, “Our glorious leader, we welcome you to the great palace of Goya. It has housed the Jutvingas for generations, and it is our pleasure to host you during your coronation.” The carriage doors open, and Duke Zigmas takes his first
steps of what will soon become his home.

As Zigmas made his way to the great palace doors, the nobles examined him closely. For many it was their first time even seeing the new Duke, and they were not impressed. Whispers spread like plague among the nobility, as everyone nit picked almost every and all aspect of the king. From his scarred hands, deformed nose and plump stomach, nothing was spared, and soon enough the Duke's very own guards were spreading rumors among themselves. This intended celebration soon became a festival of rumors and schemes, the Duke himself even growing nervous as the nobles began to further gaze at him, no longer fearing him. In an attempt to ease the tense atmosphere Zigmas requested that the coronation should be rushed, and the convoy of Bishops and priests agreed. Guards soon assured the nobles into the palace chapel, to await the arrival of Pope Soren.

The chapel had been packed fully. No chairs or empty corners remained unoccupied. Camera men stood by attempting to position themselves to capture the first real photos of the soon to be Duke Zigmas. The group of Bishops situated around the head of the Chapel, whispered among themselves, attempting to figure out why the pope had taken so long to arrive, “Did he get stopped by the guards ? Could the Remonas have something to do with it ?” they thought to themselves, before the guards assured them of their positions. As the loud blaring of accordions filled the room, Zigmas made his way down the ancient carpet. It was stained in the footprints of multiple generations, and he felt immense pride being able to walk upon it. As he approached Pope Soren, his eyes visibly twitched, and the paste at which he walked became ever slower. Nevertheless he continued to walk. Once he reached the altar, the various instruments died down, giving way for the harsh voice of Soren. “Today we gathered to coordinate a new Duke. Through the word of god alone they conquered all of Aestia and united us through their sheer power and might . I crown thee Zigmas as Duke Of Aestia and Earl of the Goyas.” Soren places the crown upon Zigmas’s head as the sound of horns echoes across the chapel. The guards salute and the nobles let out an endless applause. A slight tear fell from the newly crowned Duke, for he knew the upcoming year would be hell…

The Aestian throne remains filled once more, time only tells for how long...

Ministry for International Affairs

Wientemn Har, Secretary of State Josiah Willingwood, President Hans JF Rowzer amongst other politicians and military commanders were meeting over a current dilemma. Miklozia was now making his way through all his neighboring countries. Those who stood against them were promptly destroyed. Like Mozaka, Hans was worried. As his predecessor was about NWO uprisings. It seems to run in the throne. "What if they turn their attention towards us?" General Jamie Harding leant forward and circled his finger around Iserk. "I'd be more concerned if Boross were to turn his attention into Authrasia altogether. None of Authrasia's armies with the exception of ours are ready to combat the lethal machine of Miklozia." The room burst into conversation, Jamie was pointing to places on the maps where the four main armies were located. Hans called for silence and he waited for the room to calm down. "Jamie, is it possible to move the four armies away from the border with The Dynasties as Calarim has now surrendered?" Jamie looked at one of his commanders, "Yes, it is possible, but I advise leaving one highly mobile unit ready to move in case an attack does come from the southwest. The rest of the groups can move to the border with the Miklozian colony." Josiah Willingwood held up his hand, "Now now, we don't want to show Jan Boross aggression, if he feels Miklozia is threatened and it won't be long until we find Miklozian warships in Iserkian waters." One of the commanders said "Fine, we just move the armies a little bit away from the border, the only problem with that being that they would have moved through enough territory to sustain themselves." Hans nodded while staring at the lines separating Capital District and Anvictus District. "If they arrive at the capital district borders then their large guns will be in range of the city. I think we should move the border of the District so the Royal Guard can support the army if required." Josiah looked at him, "You know the consequences." Jamie looked up, "What are you saying?" Hans sighed; "There has been some words going around of a coup being planned against us..." Jamie interrupted before he could finish "Why the hell didn't you tell us then, we could have taken him out before the rumors spread." Hans held up his hand, "Yes, but this is only a rumor we do not know for sure. Iserk is a shining beam of democracy in a world full of Tyrants... Alright, moving on, General, you move two armies away from the border and into the new expanded border of the Capital District. The border will be shifted, but make sure it does not go through any towns. Understood!" The whole room shouted in unison "Yes Sir!" before the meeting disbanded. Hans and Josiah left the room last, "Some people will loose their minds after this."
"Not like they had minds in the first place." Josiah looked at Hans, "You are going to lose elections." Hans nodded and walked of, he had forgotten about elections, a month from now votes will be counted and he was in a big position to lose the vote. At least he would be able to hold onto the senate, barley yes, but still the senate. This means that his party will still be able to hold power and Josiah will still be Secretary of State as the senate majority holds or shares the vital role. He looked outside to see propaganda posters up from various other parties. UNF never did this, that's what set them apart from the rest, they make their promises and leave it at that. In a simple country like Iserk, that can make all the difference. Unlike most others that have been in power, the UNF has delivered on it's promises. Most of them anyway. Hans made lead to his office. Ignoring the stacks of paper on his desk he picked up the paper on his desk and began reading through it. A title that read Local Mayor says Hans is not enough leapt out at his face. "Hans JF Rowzer, our 3rd president has failed us according to one man who just happens to be the Mayor of Ortha. According to Enthail Meritious the current cabinet, mostly made out of Greogory von Istrovich's cabinet has spent to much money on the military and are doing nothing with them. They predicted war, They told us war was coming. By this time Calarim has surrenderd and they still REFUSE to pull down the funding. Hans put the paper down and went to his desk and to the large stacks of reports. He opened the first one and began his writing.

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1800

It was the end of a long day, Hans was tired, he had to deal with officials from South Capital Control Zone which were worried about the Mayor who wanted to "Commit War-crimes" according to them. This was also the time when he realised the public still thought that the State Borders were the same when the crown was in control and Ortha City was not in Ortha State. So he had to replan the entire map and release it to schools. This had drained Hans and his Secretary of State who said he will not be coming for beer at the pub because his wife was mad at him for coming home late. Han understood, he remembered his own wife getting irritated when he came home late. Hans got into his car, and began his drive home.

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Naval Headquarters - Dacton

Admiral JS Cassidy looked at Jamie, "I can't do that." Jamie shook his head, "No no, you have to, what if these rumours, they have truth behind them..."
"And what if they don't? Then what, we'll be tried for mutiny!"
"I am almost sure that these rumors are true."
"You have been certain before,"
"But I am dead certain now." THe Admiral shook his head, "Fine, Fine, but only out of my respect towards you." Jamie added "Also one more thing, if this does happen, then I will have to go with Hans to wherever he goes. That means it is either you or the Colonel left in charge. If you can, take the reins." The Admiral nodded and walked of, the next thing, 90 out of the 120 ships in the Iserkian navy were making there way to Reunion City, a UNF stronghold. Including the brand new classes of Dacton, Sierra and Orion.

Thunder in the Jungle. - Collab with Calarim
Coasts off of Indo-Authrasia.
August 2nd, 1940.

A few days following the combat engaged in by the 3rd Fleet, the 2nd Fleet sailed off for Indo-Authrasia. Phase 2 of the plan to claim the Magellic from Aucreasons had begun. In contrast to the other fleets, they had no ships of the new Yukio Class, Carriers, or Submarines. The fleet was entirely surface based and without 18 inch guns. Led by the ever cautious Wakata Moromao, the fleet had orders to destroy any Mozakan naval units in the area to make room for transports to land. He stood aboard the flagship, the ICN Ryosei which was a Kioku class battleship. The only one of it's class present. His eyes looked through binoculars as he awaited his foe.

Upon the other the end of those binoculars lay the capital prized vessel, the Lemare Carrier, a pre-war ship which had successfully defended Mozakan clay, though didn’t have many upgrades for its Great War ship. Admiral De Jouire stood upon to the front of it, catching the sight of the empires ships, glazed in the flag. A smile came to the young admiral, who ushered less senior officers to take a look. A smile came to their faces as well.

“Men, our prey is spotted” He spoke in a classed accent, still keeping his eyes on the prize itself. “Man the guns and prepare for assault. Radio the other ships for full attack”. He ordered the remaining ships of the Mozaka 1st Fleet to enter full assault, as the admiral took his eyes off the calarim ship, seemingly alone in the area. The ships began their advance, as the admiral made his way to the manning area, with officers arranged beside him in combat.

As the Mozakan fleet closed in, the smoke from the fleet rose into the sky. It was not a lone battleship, no it was a modern, entire Calarimian fleet with the exception being the Anzai class. Destroyers formed a screen around the battleships and cruisers, as the Heavies and Lights provided escort. The Admiral ordered the fleet to assume battle positions, the destroyers steaming ahead at full speed. The Battleships formed up in line, raising their guns. Cruisers moved clear of the line of fire.

"Mozakan Fleet bearing 243. Elevation is 4 degrees. Fire at will."

Shock came to the admirals eyes, a brutal mistake had been made, but it was too late. As the ships continued their advance, several cruisers took a drastic turn to the right, attempting to attack through two different approaches. The cruiser ship prepared to the co-ordinates, attempting to fire upon the ships. Signing the more modern ships, admiral Classi of a dreadnought turned back in a way of survival. With no clear command, the majority of the ships prepared to fight to the death, only some directing back to the friendly ports.

“We fight till the death, boys. If we fall, we fall fighting, good luck boys” said the Admiral, as the co-ordinates to two light destroyers were prepared. A bloodbath was expected.

The battleships guns lit up in fire and powder as they sent broadsides screaming at the largest targets. Cruisers and Dreadnoughts. DDs fired off their light guns a few times at the larger ships before breaking to attack the flankers. Cruisers also began their much more frequent fire compared to the battleships, sending shells splashing and scattering around the enemy. The admiral watched his fleet engage, occasionally sending repositioning orders and the such. Shells richocheted off of the Calarimian Ships or inflicted minimal damage.

The Diere Cruiser had taken damage, heavy damage. Their engagement hadn’t been successful, as the ships more likely to survive had managed to remain floating, however, the diere cruiser was in a serious condition, with the boats engine damaged and guns not operational. Now a standing metal ship, the fire of the empire stood to it. Many of the sailors on board jumped, with quite a few seriously injured upon impact. In the heat of the moment, the other remaining cruisers were taking some damage as well, with the front of the vessel the most damaged to the Lemare Carrier and two other treaty cruisers receiving damage elsewhere. With the overall message to carry on fighting, a hope of further support was popular among those still operating, but the battle looked almost lost to this point.

The shells rolled into the battleship guns as they elevated once again. They made necessary aim adjustments and sent their broadsides flying. The destroyers let loose a spray of torpedoes at the cruiser forces, with the ICN's cruisers completely shifting focus onto them. The Battleships would handle the Dreadnoughts, surely.

The cruisers were stuck, no way in, no way out. Admirals were in a complete panic, and the dreadnoughts prepared a last ditch attack upon the enemy ships, they were too late. Many of the dreadnoughts had been heavily damaged through the suprior Calarim Navy, and with engine faulire and guns in a complete frenzy, the treaty carriers remained the only viable option to contiue the fight. As some of the saliors jumped off to avoid the inevitable sinking of the ships in the battle, no help was sounded. As panic arouse in the Mozakan Navy, with the radio's broken and no way of contact to other ships, support was unlikely. As the treaty carriers prepared their co-ordinartes, it was the navies last hope for victorty upon the wars. "Good luck boys" Said a petty-officer upon a local radio.

Light Destroyer Shells battered the Cruisers with High Explosive ordnance. The line of Battleships and Cruisers had ceased firing, their barrels red from use. Shells of 6 inch and lower whizzed and splashed, shattered and broke.

"All ships prepare to withdraw to port. The day has been won. The destroyers will mop up the enemy."

And with that order the massive battleships and average sized cruisers withdrew from combat, their smoke growing shorter and shorter as they cruised off at 12 knots.

As saliors jumped and jumped, admirals panicked of what to do. From the cruisers to the dreadnoughts, most were unusable. The call to carry on was a disaster, and with limited supplies elswhere, more ships coming through off fresh was unlikely. Moreover, admirals began clutching onto the ropes, demanding the life boats to come down. As the few lifboats did come down, only senior officers were allowed upon them, others only allowed to swim or find small peices of the remaining ships still operational to withdraw. Only a destoryer and two treaty cruisers remained operational and would attempt to save as amny as they could. Grasping them with ropes and other objects, they were saved, most of them. The ships unable to move were forced to face the likely struggle of a second wave of attacks, as the shouts and screams of saliors and officers drowning, one to another fighting to stay on to fine safety. It was a disaster, a naval disaster.

Reunion City

Admiral JS Cassidy watched the city form into view. Behind him, 90 of the most powerful vessels of the Iserkian Navy were relocation to Reunion City Naval Base. The ships slowed as they approached the ports entrance. Two guns guarded the entrance to the secluded Naval Base. The first of the ships to enter was the IAV Dacton and her two sister ships IAV Anvictia and IAV Reunion. They were part of the aptly named Dacton class, the two newer classes, Sierra and Orion were yet to have more than one ship. Admiral JS Cassidy watched the mighty fleet slowly slip in to the Naval Port from the decks of the IAV General Mikail von Illon, the lone aircraft carrier of the Iserkian Navy. Her planes sat idle in the hold, the deck empty, for now. One of his most trusted aids, Rear Admiral Woudaugh Griffen, apprached him, "Sir, we took the three ships from the Dacton class but, the other second ship in the Sierra class was left behind." The Admiral turned to look at him, "I presume you are going to tell me that we left the Orion class behind." Woudaugh nodded, "Yes, the ship was close to completion, her name is the IAV Decadent, she is the only concern we might have. Her main power comes from speed, she can do a whole 2 knots faster than the Dacton and Slaughter classes." The Admiral nodded again, "Well, we have the aircraft carrier and the single submarine, the other one would not have been completed by the end of the year, all it would take is a good and well targeted strike from the carrier. Dismissed!" Woudaugh saluted and walked away along the deck of the carrier. He spied Weitfeld Kaan, the Captain of Dacton oversee some shells being placed on the ports. Over the other side, Naval Officials talked with Air Force Commanders about using planes to assist the planes on the Carrier. The naval base extended outwards on both sides, Sailors manning the defense artillery on the grounds. Closing in to the center the base circulated two arms forward about 500 meters apart. Inside the circle, wharfs extended out to meet the ships that would take up the spaces on both sides of the arms. Lights, bright and dim, bathed the base in bright light. On a foggy day, the first thing a lost soul would see is the powerful lights. The entire base front part of the base was elevated 25 meters of the sea floor. The walls were made out of bound iron which cost the iron abundant mines tons of the stuff. Behind the base, mountains rose high into the sky, shadowing the squat buildings at their bases. There were plans to expand the base into and up the mountains but so far, Iserk did not have the recourses to achieve such a feat. The last ship to enter was the IAV General Mikail von Illon, he was guided into a snug space at the dead center of the arms and base that was designed specifically for carriers. The base was relatively young and part of the UNF's military expansion plan so parts of it were not done, Cassidy could see workers erecting support beams on the West Wing and placing strengthening beams beside a cruiser dock. When completed, the base would be the first fully operational dedicated Naval Base in Iserk's history. Previously combat vessels had to dock at either Dacton or Reunion port. Which was not ideal as civilian ships were endangered by badly aimed enemy canons and now, airstrikes. Now, civilians were protected and the Navy had a tactical advantage. The carrier bumped against the floats and gangways were extended to allow the crew to disembark. The Admiral departed the ship knowing Woudaugh had things sorted. He approached a burly man with a thin mustache, "Expect a plane carrying General Jamie Harding to land soon. He wants to talk to be about this transfer." The thin mustache spoke, "Is it anything to do with the rumours, if it is, I am on your side just to clear that up. The mayor at that place is a real piece of work. I went to school with the guy, he was a total and complete bully. Always escaped the teachers." The Admiral nodded, "Good to know." And walked of. He approached the main buildings and looked out towards the water. The terminals were brighter than usual as the ships light added to the already blinding seer of the Terminal lights. He walked the rest of the way to his room. However, he would not be sleeping in it, he wanted to stay out on the ship in case someone attacked. Consistent flashes of light shone over a mountain as a convoy of military trucks brought coal and diesel for the ships.

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Government Buildings

Hans JF Rowzer heard the news of the relocation, Josiah and his cabinet asked him what the navy were up to. He told them he had no idea, he also said he would contact them. He suspected Josiah knew exactly what they were doing, and by the way he was looking at him, Hans knew that he knew that Hans knew what they were doing. Hans later pulled Willing wood aside, "This goes out to no one ok, we have no records of it, we can ask the navy to destroy it if things go bad." Josiah nodded, "Sometimes I wonder what would happen if the UNF were out of power,"
"Well I guess we're about to find out." Hans and Josiah parted, they made there way back to their offices to deal with the onslaught of politicians, lawyers, police chiefs and district representatives. Hans made his way to the office, outside waiting impatiently, was Enthail Meritious. "Enthail, how long has it been?"
"Don't waste my time!" Hans pretended to look offended "Waste your time, Ortha has a population of 300,000. Most of whom, don't seem to like you that much. So about 50,000 supporters. Iserk has 21 million people inside, most of whom seem to like me, that's about 19 million supporters. 19 million to keep happy. So please, tell me how busy you are." Enthail scowled, "I need to talk to you." Hans opened the door to let Enthail in, he rudely pushed pas Hans. Hans sat behind the desk. Hans's chair was a highback, which allowed him to stay lean and straight. Enthail's was a simple armchair, the cushion sank deeply. Enthail leant forward, "Make this easy, just resign." Hans smiled, "And why should I do such a thing."
"Because you failed us."
"In what way?"
"Every way."
"That is not a legitimate answer."
"Like your policies." Hans cocked his head and Enthail continued "You say the economies grown, jobless have fallen, standards have improved, but I see your lies, have you seen the state of Ortha." Hans put his hand up to stop him, but Enthail kept going and it took a death glare to shut him up. "It seems, Ortha's state fell after you came into power." Enthail's burned a deep flaring red, "What? You dare accuse me, accuse me!" Enthail was shouting now. Two guards walked in batons drawn and they dragged probably the most irritating Mayor in the history of the world out screaming. He knew that would a be a blow in the supporters. However, the threat to Iserk's democracy does not come from the pompous mayor. It came from a force from below. Below the stringent policing, below the eyes of the Admirals, Generals and Commanders, and more importantly, Below the eyes of the people.

Colab post between Aestias and Oceascopia

Treaty of Shudas

August 5th, 1940

Irihapeti watched as the boat gracefully moved through the canals of the city of Goya, she was amazed by everything she saw.

She often dismissed the idea that the cities of the old world were somehow a ‘superior’ form then what could be found anywhere else, as the boats winded around the bends of the river a new impressive structure appeared. Churches and other luxurious buildings all put the Presidential palace in Orasablo and Bey-Seye to shame.

She was given the brief by La Granda Prezidanto, he called it the oldest city in the nation, she would call it a beacon to the old world itself. She held the two boxes as tight as she could while she waited for the boat to dock, the last thing she wanted to do was to make this journey all for nothing and waste time she could be spending back home with her family and readying the nation.

As she stepped off the boat she was greeted by a slender man, with blue eyes. She wished to shake his hand but found it difficult to balance the two boxes in one hand. The slender man spoke to her, "Greetings traveller, we have heard of your arrival and we have been looking forward to it for quite some time. We welcome you to the great Nation of Aestia. Do not worry about your luggage, the guards will take care of It."

He signals to a guard, who proceeds to take Irihapeti’s belongings.

"Let me introduce myself. I am Silas Krough, although I'm sure you've heard of me before. We will be heading for the Iron Palace, there you will be able to have an audience with the king to discuss the purchase of Shudas. Follow me please, the walk to the tram station is not too long.".

She tanked Krough and the guards, before they could depart she was adamant to try and shake his hand, as such she enthusiastically threw out her left hand. “Greetings Senor Krough, I am Irihapeti Pihopa, Vice President Representative of Klerepon and the First People”.

Silas looked down at Irihapeti’s outstretched arm. “Sorry but my hand doesn't exactly have much of a grip.” He pulled out his left hand to reveal that it was missing both his pinky and ring finger. “Maybe my right hand will do ?” He chuckled.

She quickly snapped her left arm back, feeling incredibly awkward. She put her right arm out instead waiting for the shake. He shook her hand, though she knew it was a limp handshake at best.

They then moved on to the Iron Palace via the tram, while on the train Irihapeti could;nt help but worry about so much. The war, people back home and her botched handshake attempt...she felt she was doing the wrong thing, she struggled to listen to Krough as her inner voice and his overlapped and interrupted each other.

Krough called attention to The Bridges of Goya, a collection of large stones and and wooden boards that once formed a long bridge connecting the two nearby islands. She had seen the ruins of this bridge, she found it odd that one of their most treasured landmarks would one that had fallen into decay and ruin. Soon they reached the Iron Palace, Irahapeti, Krough and the guards disembarked, she was quick to take the two boxes off the guards in order to present them to the Duke.

They were escorted through the Iron Palace to the room where the meeting was taking place, as she looked around she could see the similarities of the Presidential Palaces of Orasablo and Bey-Seye to this palace. They soon entered a room, already waiting in the room was a tall and bulky man wearing a crown and what looked to be armour. She was certain this was the Duke.

“Greetings Irahapeti of Oceascopia. Your visit has been highly anticipated… Shall we get to it ?

They proceed to enter an even larger room, with a large seat in its centre that was most likely the throne room.

“For quite some time the Island of Shudas has been a handicap to the state. Do not get me wrong, it's a wonderful slice of prisoner paradise, but for as long as we had it we have been trying to get rid of it. Some long forgotten Duke colonised the land decades ago, in the hopes of finding something valuable. Alas his attempts to make the Island useful were futile and the only thing we got out of it is the occasional export of fish that barely covered the costs of maintaining such a colony.This is why it brings me much joy that we can hand over this land to people who can put it to use. I'm sure that your “President” can make great use of it, or at least greater use of it then us.

The Duke points towards an ancient piece of paper on a desk.

“This is the Creed of Narsias, which was the original name of the colony. Now that the land is no longer ours, the Creed of Narsias now belongs to the government of Oceascopia and as such “symbolically” recognises the Island as a part of your nation. We assure you to take it back to Oceascopia as our people are quite fond of relics like these.

The Duke then points to another piece of paper, in much fairer condition.

“This however is the Treaty of Shudas, and dictates that all land in the formal Aestian colony of Shudas is to be transferred to the nation of Oceascopia.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you Duke, thank you for the invitation to the city. Yes, I am sure La Granda Prezidanto’s plans for the islands that should hopefully improve its development.”

She handed the two boxes back to the guards, she was to point out which one was the box of cigars and the box of rum.

“In accordance with the initial payment, these are the boxes of rum and cigars, intended for you Duke.” Irihapeti picks up a pen, before signing the treaty she has a re-read to ensure everything is in order, it seemed to be. She signs her name at the bottom where indicated. “I believe that is everything.”

The duke signs the paper before responding.

“Yes, that is indeed all. I'd love to speak further but sadly I am needed back in the great palace. Silas will escort you to your temporary residence. I do hope your remaining stay with us will be quite memorable, and I simply can't wait to try one of these infamous cigars.”.

Before leaving Irahapti ensures that he will enjoy the cigars before leaving to her temporary residence.

August, 1940 Kremlin

Radio: Good evening, our dear radio listeners, we will immediately move on to the most interesting of the week - the presenter said cheerfully - This week our great leader of the peoples woke up from a coma, he is weak, but he declares that he will put UVCP on his feet again. Georgy Khvastuk also commented on the reason for the sharp drop in wages, rising prices and a decrease in all goods. Quote: My dear residents, you all already know that someone was plotting against me, but God saved my life and gave UVCP a second chance, I promise I will not miss it as well as I will not lose the UVCP advice that led the country to this. Promise . GLORY UVCP.

Georgy Khvastuk turned off the radio and sat down at the table in a warm coat and wrote: 314 out of 500 ministers from the UVCP council give a yellow ticket with a black line

G.Hvastuk

Anchors Aweigh
Fresh from its Conquest of Funfuli, the Amaan Navy Stops by the Homeland to Pick up the Army and several New Ships with more marines before Heading off to its next Target. The naval Invasion of the New Haloria would Enable Calarimian and Amaan Troops to gather for the Invasion of New Halbridge and Kalonian Ocea, the two main targets of Operation Uira te Atua. The Lightning God who was Badly Wounded During the Ancient War between the gods and buried to regenerate and in Amaan Mythology will come again and rise out of the ocean to fight alongside thee Amaans in the final battle between good and evil. In this first, Solely Amaan part of the invasion, The Main Fleet (5 Naval Groups) will carry the Marines and 3 Army groups into battle, two Airforce Groups will provide air support as the landings occur on the Northern Part of the island. Kalonian Resitance will be stiff. But the amaans Expect to win a Pyrrhic Victory. Which would enable the Calarmians to have a jump off point for the invasion of the Main Kalonian South Magellic holdings.
Magna kalonia

Farewell

Alcatz

October 6th, 1940

It'd been a long day for Shiem, made worse by the ever increasing deadlock of the government and the sudden notice from Iem a day ago that he needed to attend to some "urgent family business." For Shiem, all he wanted was to head home and get a good night's rest before the slog that would inevitably arrive the next day. However, when he got home, the last thing he expected was to see a military officer waiting in front of it. The officer approached Shiem with a letter in hand. "For you, sir." He handed the letter to Shiem before walking back to his car. Shiem nodded and checked the letter. The letter was sent by Iem, and on the front of the letter was stamped URGENT. Shiem opened the letter and read its contents.

"I know this seems sudden, but tomorrow morning at 10:00 a military escort will be waiting for you outside of the government buildings. Meet them at that time, and I will fill you in on the details later.
-Iem"

Shiem seemed almost unsurprised, but also worried. He himself also had something he needed to say to Iem, but he didn't know when he wanted to say it, or whether it was the appropriate time to do so. He went to bed thinking about this before he realized he couldn't fall asleep.

Morning came and Shiem was tired. He checked the letter again. "10:00, huh?" he checked the clock in his house. 8:40. He grabbed his stuff and left for the day. At 10:00, he arrived at where the letter had instructed him to be, and as the letter said, a convoy of army trucks was there, and in the middle of it an armored car. Shiem approached the soldiers there, who noticed them and called out their officer. The officer emerged, almost half unprepared. "Ah, Shiem, right this way. He was escorted into the armored car, and the officer moved to sit in the passenger seat. The officer leaned back. "Don't tell Iem, but we were told you'd be 10 minutes late." The two of them had a laugh and set off. Shiem looked forward as they left town. "So Iem sent you... Where are he heading?"

"We're heading to a fort just east of here, it shouldn't be too long."

"Ah, got it." Shiem looked again at the officer, and recognized him as being close to Iem. Shiem felt as though the fact that he was assigned to get him probably was no coincidence, and that Iem probably had some larger plan going on. He continued to think about this as the convoy approached the fort.

Shiem emerged from an armored car, with several soldiers waiting for him. Shiem looked over to another high ranking officer who himself was instructed to wait at the front gates in Iem's place. Shiem also recognized that officer as being close to Iem. The officer spoke. "Iem's been waiting for you. Please, follow me." Shiem was lead into the center of the complex, where a small fort stood. Once in the fort, he was lead to a stairwell at the back of the room, which at the bottom of turned into a small labyrinth. In there, he was lead to a door a few feet down the hallway. The officer opened the door. "Iem's waiting you you, sir."

Shiem looked back at the officer. "Thank you officer." The officer closed the door behind him. In the room Shiem saw a table laid out before him, on it a map of the city with several tokens, and behind it Iem watching the table pensively. He looked up to see that Shiem had entered the room.

"Ah, Shiem, good day to you."

"And good day to you." Shiem's tone suddenly became serious. "Iem, I don't understand what's happening here. First you say that you have to attend some family business then you call me here with less than a day's notice and escort me with some of your closest officers. Something's going on here."

Iem straightened his posture. "Indeed something's happening. Listen, I've spent the last two days holed up in here, that whole family business thing being a lie to hide that I was coming here. Point is, I believe that the long wait is over."

"The long wait?"

"Yes, the long wait." He walked over to Shiem and talked quietly and close to his ear. "I think it's time that we finally deposed of this crooked monarchy once and for all."

Shiem stood stunned. "Deposed? You mean you're launching another coup?"

Iem stepped back. "Exactly."

Shiem thought for a moment. "...But what of the Miklozians and the others in the NWO? They're the ones that installed him and the reason he hasn't been dealt with sooner is for threat of retaliation from them."

Iem grinned. "Do you remember almost 5 months ago when Boross arrived on his airship? At the end of his meeting with the Emperor, he came up to me, and you know what he told me? 'Mara must be destroyed. You have my full support, General.' At first I didn't know what to make of it, but then it hit me: if Mara has lost favor with the Miklozians, then it means that we're free to get rid of him, and what do you think I've spent the last 5 months doing?"

Shiem couldn't believe what he was hearing. What he needed to tell Iem... He knew he had to say it now. "Iem..." He hardened his resolve. "...You need to go."

Iem looked at him for a second before bursting into a fit of laughter, but when he looked back at Shiem, his expression hadn't changed. "...You're not joking."

The room fell silent before Shiem spoke up again. "Iem... Look. Our people need stability and a functioning government. They don't need another era of political instability, especially given how hostile our neighbors have been. You've been running the party on this endless charade of going against the Emperor, and it's been causing political backups for years now. We need to work with Mara her-"

Iem slammed the table with the tokens and began to shout. "Mara... No, Shiem, you're wrong. Mara has been a plague on this country ever since he's arrived into power. Each day, he threatens to strip away more and more of our power, and it's why we need a strongman such as myself to keep this country together against him!" Iem quieted his tone a little. "I know what I'm doing makes me look like and seem like an autocrat. I know that s*** hasn't been getting done for the past 4 years. Look, all you need to do is wait a little longer, then it'll all be over."

"And then what?"

"And then... I don't know. All I know is that I'll oversee a new transitional period after that-"

"'I'll?' No, Iem, you won't, you'll just become Mara all over again, no, you are Mara all over again. This is why you need to go, you'll just plunge Central Aucerosa into another era of darkness-"

Iem drew his pistol and pointed it at Shiem. "GODDAMNIT SHIEM! All that talk is just what Mara and his cult of personality says all the damn time! If his words have seduced you this much then you might as well be working with them. Now tell me: whose side are you on, that of liberty and peace, or that of oppression and autocracy?"

Shiem stood still like a deer in headlights, too stunned to say anything.

"SAY SOMETHING!!"

"...Iem listen to yourself, look at yourself! You talk like you're better than him but here you are pointing a gun at me! If you have any shread of dignity left you'll resi-"

Iem closed his eyes as the sound of a gunshot filled the room following by that of a body collapsing onto the floor. When Iem opened his eyes again, what lay before him was Shiem, having collapsed with a gunshot wound in his abdomen. Iem's hands began to shake as he dropped his gun and went on his knees, realizing what he had just done. "No no no no NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!! Shiem, don't worry, you'll be alright, just let me-"

"...No... Iem..." Shiem spoke quietly, his voice wavering. "It's you... you need to look after. You've forgotten why we're here in the first place... Why you need to... To win this..." Iem began to tear up. "It's not about getting rid of Mara... Or defending the country against our enemies... It's about keeping the democratic dream alive... It's about our people, not us... I can't decide what you will do in these coming days... But please, if anything... Remember that."

Iem began to sob a little. "...I will Shiem... I will."

Shiem smiled. "...Thank you, and... Farewell."

Shiem's body fell limp.

The door swung open as one of Iem's officers entered the room. "Iem, are you okay?" He noticed Shiem's body on the floor. "...Oh my God..."

Iem didn't move. "I..." He stood up. "...He's right, it's not about us... It's about them. Our people... They've suffered for too long. I've lost sight of that for too long now... But now, we need to act. Gather our men, I think it's time we finish what we've started here, and as for Shiem... We'll celebrate his funeral once we return to Alcatz... Once our people are free again."