The Comeback

[DaveIronside]

Chaudhuri was thankfully devoid of many people, less than a few tens of thousands. It didn't take long though for the news of KASA and the Morelanders arrival to have spread. People began approaching the cricket stadium seeking news. Meanwhile Suraj Kumar, a man who had been left behind by the Bachchan administration to act as a kind of mayor, had a problem. He was almost universally hated. He had been in charge of making sure that the small amount of required work in the capital was carried out. Beyond that he had been the one to say whether an individual could stay in the city or had to leave for some far flung commune somewhere in the countryside. Families had been split up, children left behind in the capital to receive an education for future administrative roles while their parents had been sent off to work the land. As a result it had only been the vast numbers of the armed forces that had been around his residence that had stopped people seeking him for vengence. Those troops had melted away now and as a result Kumar was isolated. He'd already runaway from a mob that had gathered outside the palace, only around 40 people but they had all been carrying guns and knives. Now he was scurrying around the city trying to find a way to the cricket stadium or bump into some of those Morelanders that he'd heard of. He'd all but made the stadium when a group of people spotted him and yelled at him, two men began chasing him. He ran as fast as he could towards the stadium yelling for help.

Meanwhile KASA had made a decision. They would bring as many people as possible in their contingent to the capital and while Bachchan had once kept a ring of steel around the place to enforce his will they would do their best to enforce a kind of quarantine. Their people out in the country had already estimated some 150,000 people were packing up and heading back towards Chaudhuri. The "troops" as they were would try and encourage people to submit to only heading into the North of the city where they had yet to find any outbreaks, meanwhile they'd try and get the Morelanders to set up a testing programme.

Just like every evening there was a briefing at the Cricket stadium. It showed the stark contrast between the three contingents. On the one hand their was the KASA who seemed to be nothing more than a rag tag militia with the exception of the black vests with KASA emblazoned on, they were represented by  Murali Khan who was happy to have his men do what the Morelanders recommended. Then there were the members of the regular East Moreland military, headed up by Major Grant of the Royal Marines. He was always dressed in regulation fatigues and like the good Marine he was carried his rifle with him at every meeting slung across his back. Sat next to him was Captain Seb Johnson of Red Legion, a man who looked more like what you would imagine a war reporter to look like. Had it not been for the sword strapped to the side of his webbing you could have well imagined his pouches filled with photography equipment and notepads not flashbangs and grenades. The only things marking Johnson as a soldier was the blacked out pips on his black jacket colour, a small honeybadger shoulder patch and the East Moreland flag on his left chest pocket. The trio would meet in the evening and discuss the progress, or lack of that day. A map had appeared yesterday and it marked three dark blobs on the roads that were approaching. "We're estimating that the first of the groups will arrive first light. We've had the KASA trying to divert them but its not happening." Khan explained.

"The bad news is." Grant looked at his neatly scrawled notes. "We've got a definite hotspot of the virus over by the shopping preceinct in the North East quadrant. So far 12 confirmed cases, another....33 suspected. The 12 confirmed, its looking grim, we're talking late stage. The 33 suspected they've started treatment just in case but now its a case of keeping an eye on those they had contact with and well that begins it. The plan is that when these people arrive we're going to try and funnel them elsewhere in the city, but our people think it could get messy as more people come in. Some are going to be honest and head home, others are going to try and bag prime spots."

"So what do me and my boys do....seems a little routine for special forces." Johnson asked as he sipped on his chai, something he'd taken to with delight.

"I have a suggestion" Khan put forward. "As you know we had  Suraj Kumar, the former governor, arrive here this morning. He needs to be in custody. Is there any chance you can remove him from the city before the mob get hold of him. We're likely to want to run trials in the future and he'd be on our wanted list. Can we have him taken to the airfield and from there potentially out of Kritamala for the time being?"

"Prisoner transport?" Johnson mused, "Happy to do it, we'll leave in the morning."

[Kritamala]

OOC- Sorry been on my Hols.

"Suraj Kumar is in there I swear it" Hyat Abassi informed the four men armed with assault rifles. "I saw him run in there and we were all chasing him" he motioned to the group behind him who had gathered inside an old cinema on the edge of one of the suburbs that was to the north of the Capital. "We must demand they hand him over."

"Not so fast" a second voice called from the back, a group of around ten men in fatigues and carrying rucksacks and rifles appeared at the doors.  "I am Major Sayfullah Jain. I am in charge of this regionin the North until further notice. I am the most senior member of the nations army in this area." He pointed at the four armed men, "You are either under my command or you will be removed" They saw the armed men fan out behind him and level rifles at the four men who had been rabble rousing. "You are joining us?" He worded it more as an order than a question and the four men willingly nodded that they indeed where, mainly for fear of the next thing they experienced being bullets ripping them apart. Sayfullah jerked his head at a young looking soldier wearing the emblems of a Corporal who lowered his rifle and dropped his hefty pack. He rummaged around in it and threw out four combat jackets showing that they belonged to members of the Soviet Commissar Regiment. These were members of a Regiment that acted as an almost internal police force that ensured loyalty to the old Bachchan regime. They had permission to route out disloyalty and even execute those who opposed them. Now they had appeared in the capital. "Kumar is the rightfully appointed leader of this region. While we understand he has been deficient in his duty it is us who will have the duty of removing him from office and dealing with that lack of adherence. For now you are all to remain in this district, we have other soldiers and anyone not with us outside this zone will be deemed to be a traitor." There were mumours of protests and Jian motioned to two of his sergeants who moved forward and dragged two young children away from their protesting parents. "These are now our Chaiwallah's. They will be paid of course" he tossed a few worthless bank notes towards their family. "We hope you see sense and these can come home soon." The boys had reached him now and he playfully ruffled one of their heads. " Bachchan may be gone but his glory will endure." He said as he left the room.

Later that morning he made his way over to the sports stadium and while carrying a white flag left an envelope tucked under the windscreen wiper of an abandoned car.

From the HQ of the Soviet Commisar Regiment

To members of the KASA and foreign forces

Our nation has been torn apart by an illegal coup. We recognise the way forward is to seek to restore order. This can and will be achieved by members of our Regiment. We shall in the coming days covene a meeting of the Soviet Authorities and selected a successor to the late Bachchan. We then expect you to comply with their orders and for foreign individuals to return to the airport. We shall until then hold the areas to the North of the river. Any individual there will be seen as an attack.

We expect the criminal Suraj Kumar to be handed over in the next 48 hours.

Major Jain

Kanti Abbasi had realised something. The camp may have been in lockdown but those who knew suspected that the base had a few unguarded sections. One was the pipe that took flood water from one of the outfields to the outside of the base. It was large and had a heavy duty internal metal fence to stop people heading out that way. There had even once been remote sensors and CCTV but it was true that it hadn't been operational for the past two years. Abbasi had a key. Utilising it he made his way through, the stench was unpleasant, stagnant water and mud but the potential rewards were more than enough to make him put up with it. As he exited the pipe he kept low and soon found himself away from the base. It was there a road ran through some dead ground and waiting for him was Major Shashi Mhasalkar. "Major" he greeted his senior commander.

"What is the situation?" Shashi enquired.

"They've searched the base and discovered a lot of the missing items but they are allowing us to remove the old shipping container I told you off, we though will need a distraction. Our truck will arrive with a new container this afternoon and then we've been tasked with removing it." Abbasi was nervous.

"And the special items?"

"We've got them well hidden, the Cenneg won't even know they exist. We have two of them and can likely get them out this way." He motioned to the tunnel he had sneaked out from.

"Excellent. I'll make sure you get your distraction" Shashi shook his hand and then disappeared back to his car and drove away.

Later that afternoon a battered old flatbed truck arrived on the back was a cargo container. It was allowed through after a quick check by the Cenneg and made its way down to the far end where it was swicthed with the one there that had a damaged roof and hidden under piles of wet soggy cardboard a few crates of weapons. It would be risk but if the distraction came then they would have a chance. As if on cue it came, the sound of explosions and Cenneg soldiers yelling about mortars. The fire was focused on the far end of the base and while fire reigned in that direction a small explosion rocked the end of the base near the container. Part of the fence collapsed just big enough for the truck to leave. There was some heavily camoflagued gunmen appearing from the long grass and they took the truck and its contents. As far as Abassi was concerned when he reported to the Cenneg their truck had been hijacked by some rebels who were now being chased through the countryside heading in the opposite direction. With luck it would be well on its way to their new friends of the Ares family.


When the truck arrived at where Caprice Ares people were preparing their packages they would have been pleased with the significant amount of fire power they'd just acquired. Along with a few rifles, grenades, rocket launchers, and pistols there were even a few radios and couple of mortars. While it wasn't going to make anyone millions a few more shipments like this would make the Ares family a tidy sum. Hopefully in future they could find easier targets. It was when Major Shashi Mhasalkar arrived that the matters became serious. He found Caprice and then walked with her away from prying ears. "You asked for something exotic, well what would you say if I can offer you two very interesting things. First I can get you five sarin gas canisters, Bachchan had been playing with such agents and I have contacts who can get hold of some of the stock. The second is something from Paracambi, several years ago they had a secret lab making various biological nasties. A rather left learning scientist managed to acquire us some of their work. I have two shells left, one containing a strain of the bubonic plague that hit the Iwi a while ago and the other.....Kaiju Virus. Now if you want those exotic shells I want more money, a vaccine and I want to leave the nation"


 The workers in the port were now more welcoming of the Lodjains. They had to laugh when the men came looking for fishing equipment. They didn't have any to hand but they said they knew people who would. "If you can meet us tomorrow we shall take you fishing" the workers agreed. The next day the four workers waited at the gate for the Lodjains and with a small minibus waiting whisked them down towards the nearest village. It may have been early in the morning but already bottles of beer were produced and snacks. It seemed the Lodjains would be treated to a nice day of fishing. They reached the village and a small boat with a little outboard engine was ready to go. A series of fishing equipment was stashed in the bottom and once everyone was aboard they made their way out into the bay. There were several larger fishing boats operating there already and the dockers waved happily at the boats they passed. Soon they found themselves on a collision course with one of the larger ones and the Lodjains seemed a little nervous about encrouching on such a vessel. "Don't worry, that is my cousin, he knows the best spots and we'll stay out of his way." At that point the engine began to splutter and cough. "Hmmm." The Kritan controlling the engine mused as he struggled to restart the engine once it failed. "We better get paddling" he passed a couple of stout oars to the others and pointed towards the cousins ship. They approached from the rear avoiding the fishing nets either side. With a cheerful exchange between the dockers and their cousin the men clambered aboard and then helped the Lodjains aboard. It was only once they were fully aboard that they noticed uniformed men in dark green uniforms.

"You are under arrest" a voice told them. "I am Captain Zulfikar Begum of the Soviet Commissar Regiment. You are both under arrest for espionage." A phalanx of Ak47's were pointed towards the Lodjains who were marched downstairs and tied to chairs in a room with a camera in it.

Amala Anand had found herself surprised by the sight of soldiers, not in her homelands uniform, coming over the hill. She had been out gathering fruit from the trees on the edge of her village. She ran back to the leaders of the village and told them of what she'd seen. The head of the village picked up an old hunting rifle that must have been 50 years old and along with a few other men with similarly aged weapons headed back to where Amala had seen them . They had moved closer to the village and now it was clear they would advance. "Is this an invasion?" Amala asked.

"We can not resist them" the head villagers sighed, "We must inform the Army, Surpeme Leader Bachchan will know what to do, go Amala" he pointed back towards the village. Amala ran as fast as she could back to the village where they had one functioning phone. They rang several of the numbers on the large noticeboard but at each no one picked up. Furtner up the road the head of the village and his men fired shots into the air and then showed a white banner made from one of their shirts. They approached. "You are lost?" They yelled, "On the orders of Supreme Leader Bachchan you must return to your homeland and leave our nation alone."

[DaveIronside]

The emergence of this Regiment calling itself the Soviet Commisar Regiment was something new and to some degree worrying. What had been seen at first to be a simple crisis in humanitarian terms it was now seeming to be something more. It had though taken almost a week for these "Soviets" to rear their heads and until now they had been no evidence of any real support for a continuation of the Communist regime. It was though a concern, how large was this group, how was it organised, was it present across the whole nation. Decisions had to be made and that meant the wait for information to be passed up the chain of command and then to trickle down again. Eventually after a few hours it came back, "Continue the mission, consider Soviets hostile until otherwise" It was a simple set of orders that the senior Morelander officers would know seeing as they had all served in some capacity in one of the two Safraen conflicts. Now though it was important that they gather as much information as possible and that was something that Red Legion lived for, their prisoner transport mission was put on hold and a plan put together for a covert pair of observation posts to be established on the opposite side of the river. That involved Johnson and Forbes making a loop to the east of the capital and there crossing a river, then a trek back into the city itself to find a suitable position from where they could monitor the main road. It was clear that there were no significant forces of this Regiment yet in the city so if they were to push out the Morelander/KASA contingent they'd require things such as artillery and heavy weapons, none of which were seen. Meanwhile Wilcox and Hadden made their way to the west where they set up similar posts and just like their colleagues they saw nothing. Back at the Cricket stadium it was let to Lt-Col Ramsey to organise his manpower there to dig in. He'd made it pretty clear that defensive positions were being set up so that the Soviets would have no doubt the Morelanders wouldn't simply be leaving. High Command had also authorised several close support aircraft from the Air Force to make their way over to Kritamala. Ramsey was a verteran of urban warfare from Safraen, to Marseille and even a small amount in Mavrosia, he knew his men could hold the south side of the river against all but a full on  concentrated attack but even then he was confident that they could, and would, hold their ground long enough for Cenneg and Lodjain support to reach them. Once everything was secured King David had authorised a response to the Soviets.

Major Jain

The East Moreland Armed Forces are supportive of helping restore Kritamala during this period of transitition. Our intention is to support all humanitarian work and create a scenario where the people of Kritamala are free to choose their path forward. That being said our forces will not engage unless subjected to hostile action. Once the Kaiju Virus is under control and stability in law and order ensured it is my understanding that a provisional gathering of people with an investment in the future of their homeland will be convened. I believe it is right that a representative of your Regiment is involved therefore propose that your Regiment work alongside the IHC assets in the area. We shall not abandon the people currently receiving aid so therefore our forces shall remain in positions currently occupied or shall move to positions neccessary to render aid.

As for Suraj Kumar he is currently in our custody and shall be handed over to the new authorities in Kritamala when they are established. Should you require access to him for investigative reasons we are happy to facilitate that.

Signed

Field Marshall Katie Yacobs
Commander of East Moreland Armed Forces

[Libby]

Isaak Menshev and Sergi Ruzniv both felt a cold terror run down their spines as they saw the armed men of the supposed "Soviet Commissar Regiment". They found themselves taken down into the bowels of the small fishing trawler and there strapped into two chairs, at first they wondered if this was to be some sort of firing squad but then they saw the video camera. They sat in the dark for a while before a trio of uniformed men appeared, one holding a series of large cards. "You will say what are on these and nothing more." Isaak and Sergi nodded that they understood. They were shown the cards two or three times and then one of the men went and stood behind the camera holding them like a human teleprompt. Soon the camera was running and they spoke to the camera as instructed.

"My name is Isaak Menshev."

"I am Sergi Ruzniv. We are Lodjians who have illegally entered Kritamala. Following our discovery we have been arrested and are being held by the government to await trial."

Isaak was prompted now to speak. " We are currently being charged with the crimes of illegally entering the nation, espionage and attempting to begin a coup. So far we are well looked after. The government will be in touch shortly to give our homeland details of our upcoming trial."

Once the video had been made copies were left at the dockyards along with a battered old mobile phone. It was there that it eventually found its way to Lt-Col Lavr Konstantinov. "Are we missing two?" he asked his junior officers after calling them in for a briefing.

"It appears so" one answered, he was the Captain in charge of Ruzniv and Menshev's unit "Word among the men is that they went off fishing with some locals and haven't come back. We're working on the notion that perhaps some of the dock hands here are linked to this group claiming they've got them. We've issued instructions that none of our forces are to leave the dockyard and we're checking all the locals for weapons when they arrive. We can't rule out stashed weapons within the dock, we saw some when we arrived with that dock workers group."

Konstantinov pondered the situation, they had their fleet about three or four days out now and while the dock itself seemed secure they may be finding themselves surrounded or worse they'd already been infiltrated. Meanwhile he needed to worry about getting his two missing soldiers back. For now though that was something for the higher ups to worry about. After a conversation with HQ back in Gaia he'd been instructed to make contact via the mobile phone. His briefing over he returned to an office in one of the warehouses where they'd been preparing for supplies to start coming in. He sat down in a rickty wooden chair and dialled the only number in the phone's memory. Someone picked up relatively soon, "This is Lt-Col Konstantinov....and this is who?" he asked unsure who exactly he would be dealing with.,

[KrisNord]

Brigadier Darcy Hendricks and Major Shinfields were just about to tuck into their beef stew from their ration packs when the sounds of mortars landing halted their meal. Calmly they waited for words to come over the communications network. A squad of soldiers near who had been out patrolling the fence line reported two squads some half a kilometer away launching mortar shells into the base. "Cheeky sods" Hendricks said as he collected his webbing and rifle. Shinfields followed him out as the muster orders came over the network directing different units into defensive positions they'd prepared for just such an eventuality. The hum of armoured vehicles firing up their massive engines filled the air as Hendricks slid into the rear seat of one of the APC's which served as a kind of mobile command post. Shinfields meanwhile headed off to his infantry unit near the fence. "Longbow 5-1 I have a clear line to one mortar team. Can I take the shot?" it was a team of marksman stationed in a position close to the fence.

"Roger 5-1 engage and mark positions. All callsigns are weapons free." Hendricks confirmation was like releasing a wave of lead. Most of the Cenneg had a clear view of at least one of the mortar teams and now small arms fire and heavy machine guns opened up. The main gates were opening as one of the IFV's lead two others out to engage with heavier weapons. Soon one of the mortar teams was silenced, its crew ripped apart. The other attempted to flee but their vehicle was damaged allowed the IFV to get a clear shot off causing the vehicle to explode. By the time the mop up teams had arrived it was clear that no-one had survived the brief but bloody encounter. But more importantly during the hail of fire and din of battle the weapons being sneaked out through the underground tunnels were unnoticed. Hendricks sent patrols out around the area to check they wouldn't be getting a second lot of incoming. The corpses of the enemy were brought back to the base. "Recognise them at all?" Hendricks asked the Kritamalan officers who had remained at their posts. All shook their heads. "What about this?" He tossed a cap badge to them.

[Achkaerin]

Achkaerinese aid supplies and a small number of personnel had hit the ground as part of the IHC effort and then the very Safraen themed deja vu had overtaken the situation. As far as the command level officers back in Valtheim along with others were concerned this had to go down as some sort of record, but the similarities between Kritamala and Safraen were there for all to see - broadly speaking humanitarian crisis potentially turning violent and with soviets to boot, the feeling of nostalgia was palpable. The senior officer as far as the Achkaerinese were concerned was Kara Dyer and she wasn't happy this had been intended to be a supply run, establish a working relationship with the locals, facilitate the supplies and if necessary make use of experience and expertise to provide treatment and vaccine programs in respect of the Kaiju virus, and now here she was standing around an airport with a sat phone in hand while the shot callers in Valtheim decided what course of action they were going to take.

"Captain Dyer this is Command." the voice came over the phone
"Go ahead." Kara answered
"Defensive posture, treat soviets as hostile until further notice." the voice said
"Understood." Kara said, she hung up the phone and put it away, she wasn't anticipating actually getting into a fight with the soviets after all as far as she knew they weren't close by. Looking around she spotted her squad's second in command Holly Burrows "Keep rolling out the supplies as per normal, don't let the medics go off on their own and let's have a checkpoint about three hundred yards down the road, fortify the supply entry point."
"And if the Soviets come knocking?" Holly asked
"We try not to cause an international incident" Kara said "Treat as hostile."
"Simple enough." Holly said
"That doesn't mean we go hunting them down." Kara said.
"I'll sort that checkpoint out." Holly said, Kara sighed she didn't know what she was more worried about - being stuck in a potential combat zone, what Holly might do if someone lit the match or Holly's recent life experience causing her to set the whole thing off.

[Kritamala]

Major Jain of the Soviet Commisar's had expected some kind of statement after giving his own to the Morelanders and if truth were known it was largely what he had expected. He knew if they were to preserve some of what they had built under Bachchan there needed to be some kind of power move they could make. Now Jain didn't expect to preserve Bachchan's style of government, he didn't even really support his policies but what he did like was the power, wealth and luxury one could get being in Bachchan's inner circle. That was why Jain had put feelers out across the Rodinan Sea and now had received his reply. It gave him enough time to craft a response, not just for the Morelanders but for the world.

Following the unfortunate death of Imtiaz Bachchan the governing Soviet of the nation has meet alongside President McPherson of Kaitaine and President Artemiy Klepakhov of Rodina. With promises of support from our Soviet neighbours it has been determined by the Kritamala Soviet that Mr.Ganga Das is to act as interim leader. We recognise that a small group of individuals outside the Soviet have declared a leader and we urge them to cease such claims to power. Currently the situation in our country, brought on by the mourning for our beloved chairman's death, the disease outbreak and pockets of foreign interference, has brought chaos. We would urge the KASA to co-operate with us and once the virus is under control take part in a Soviet Constitutional Committee meeting as an invested party in order to ensure the future of this nation is strong. We have promises of aid from Kaitaine and Rodina and once we have been granted access to ports currently under foreign occupation will be able to bring this in for the betterment of our people.

Major Jain

It was hoped that the small number of ships carrying food would now be leaving ports in Rodinha and heading to Kritamala, mainly to the ports currently under Lodjain control. A small contingent of military ships escorted them keen to make Kritamala waters before the approaching Lodjain fleet.


 "Hello  Lt-Col Konstantinov." The voice on the other hand of the line replied. "Allow me to introduce myself, I am Attorny General Shakir Ibrahim. Its sadly my job to proceed with the case against two Lodjain citizens on grounds of  illegally entering the nation, espionage and attempting to begin a coup.....sadly there may be need to add more charges. Now I'd like to discuss how we can sort this out as sadly as I look over at the ports there I can see several hundred....maybe thousands more Lodjains who should we manage to arrest them would be on similar charges. You're a nation we have had little contact with so I think this is a chance for us to help each other. I propose a kind of plea deal. They have confessed on film to illegally entering the nation. We shall accept that as a guilty plea and they'll be sentenced to two years inprisonment, for a guilty plea they'll serve 3/4 of that sentence and be home in 18 months assuming they behave in prison. In return we'll say they were corrupted by the KASA propaganda and that our new Chairman, Ganga Das, has pardoned them for the naivety. Now this deal would also only work if one of two things happens alongside it. Option one you return home and leave Kritamala with our thanks for your help with attempts to stop the virus. Option two is that you may stay if you hand over command of the ports to the Soviet Commisar Regiment and disarm yourself within the port facility. We'll say that we've negotiated that you offered to support the aid efforts of our friends from Kaitaine and Rodinha and we have thankfully accepted  your generous offer. Now if we need to proceed to trial I find it highly likely they'll be found guilty and sadly starting a coup would be a capital crime and I suspect the new chairman may like to set an example. I'm sorry we had to meet this way but I've now placed my cards clearly on your table."


In the aftermath of the Cenneg repulsed attack a handful of Kritamalans examined the cap badge they'd been thrown. It didn't look that familiar to any of them but then an oldish looking sergeant spoke up. "Sir I can't say for sure but that looks similar to a regiment I saw in Kaitaine once. I was sent there with some others to get extra training, but that was a long time ago and I can't say this is the same. It does look similar though but you'll forgive me for saying this perhaps, but many Soviet badges look a like." He shrugged.


At the airport the arrival of Achkaerin forces had been welcome. With the KASA largely holding the proverbial fort they'd been forced to let a few tasks potentially slip by. Now though there was an important task that had the potential of going extremely smoothly or ending up as a major incident. Yousef Arif, a young man who had been a former member of a Soviet army regiment but had passed information to the KASA had been tasked with trying to organise this. He approached Kara Dyer, he would normally have saluted but his uniform had been replaced with a blue t-shirt and a biege pair of trekking trousers, a bright blue rucksack held his kit but his AK-47 and pistol were immaculate. "Captain Dyer, we have a favour to ask." He said after introducing himself. "We have word that a small group of Bachchan supporters are heading through the province of Ladkui in the South West of the country, its about a day and half drive by road at the moment. Now we wouldn't be worried by this normally but we've heard reports that they've visited two prisons and basically opened the doors to people willing to join them while either shooting those who won't or just leaving them to starve. We have no idea if the prisons have virus outbreaks too. Now while normally we'd likely think about catching up with these guys once we've brought a bit more stability we've two concerns. First is that province has the Vikrampur Prison, its our highest status prison and held the most dangerous criminals, the second is it also has Mankund Military Internment Centre where many opponents of the regime have been taken over the years, if these are loyalists to Bachchan they may see this as a chance to rid themselves of some old enemies. We're going to try and see what is happening but this is perhaps a situation for nations with cohesive military structure and frankly more training than some KASA members have. Would your government let you loose on this?"

[DaveIronside]

Admiral James Thompson hadn't expected any involvement in the Kritamala situation save some logistical support. The fact he had now been asked to send some 300 sailors out to Kritamala was something he'd never imagined. "I'm not sure what you're going to find when you get to Kritamala. The KASA have told us that the vessels are in good order but low on supplies, their crews largely melted into the countryside, most returning home likely worried about their families. We'll be over staffing the ships but that'll be OK." he informed Yacobs who was overseeing the whole operation.

It was the first time any of the crews could remember such an order, being ordered onto planes at such short notice. They'd always taken their own ships with them wherever they went but today that was going to be different. With news that it was likely the Rodinan navy was likely to be putting to sea on an "aid run" of their own it was important that some friendly ships got into the neighbourhood of the ports the Lodjains were aiming for first. The Lodjains were likely to arrive shortly after the Rodinan's and if somehow they could hold up those ships it would give them a potential edge. As such the Morelanders would be tasked with getting the three 1960's frigates out to sea as soon as possible. Kritamalans had already begun stocking with more food and weapons but it would be around ten hours before they were good to go.

[Achkaerin]

It was a scene the likes of which the Round Table room in the Marble Palace had never seen before, Serenity was wrapping Life Day presents at the briefing went on, for the simple reason that she needed as much time as she could find to do them. That didn't mean that she wasn't paying attention to the information she was being given and it was a very familiar feeling, this had just potentially gone beyond a humanitarian matter. Ten years earlier the CIS's humanitarian operation in Safraen had encountered the complication that had been the then USR's involvement and now in Kritamala Rodina were at it again, but truth be told it wasn't Rodina's involvement that was most worrying, it was the possibility that Kaitaine were getting in on the act because that brought far more dangers into play.

"When we sent troops in with aid supplies I also ordered a small number of ships to head there so that we had an isolated off shore medical facility in the form of a hospital ship for serious cases of the virus." Serenity said "Where's the Discovery's task group?"
"On their way towards the Emerald Strait." Admiral Jackson said "Still about forty eight hours out from there but once through the strait they can be on station within twenty four hours. The problem is that the Strait is a bottleneck and a half, in relative terms for naval operations it's not that wide and we're talking about Kaitaine so if they can block that off the whole strait is within range of well you know what."
"Adam?" Serenity asked as she finished putting a little bit of Sellotape on a present before looking at the Minister of Defence.
"This is in Rodina and Kaitaine's backyard." Adam Sheppard said "Right now the issue getting what we need in place as fast as we can."
"Ok tell the Discovery to make all speed for the Emerald Strait with a bit of luck they beat Kaitaine there and get through without trouble." Serenity said "Tell me about the request we've had."

"Your Majesty" General Andrew Culshaw said "As you know we presently have a small number of personnel at the airport that has been used as an entry point for aid supplies on a daily basis by the IHC effort." he was highlighting areas of a map on a wallscreen as he spoke "KASA forces have asked us if we can send some troops to the province of Ladkui in the south west of the country, the locals say it's about a day and half by road to get there. They're concerned about a group of supporters of the previous regime roaming the countryside down there, they've reportedly visited two prisons and recruiting anyone prepared to join them while either executing or leaving those who won't."
"The complication is that prisons are high up the list of places that could be breeding grounds for the virus." Sally Westbrooke said, her voice coming from a wall monitors speakers, she was flying to Kritamala with medical teams and supplies and so was joining the meeting via video conferencing.
"And then it gets worse." Andrew said "Also in the area is the Mankund Military Internment Centre, this is where opponents of the previous regime are locked up and then there's the Vikrampur Prison, which holds their most dangerous criminals. Their version of Coral Rift."
"So let me get this straight we've got a militia that may be loyal to the previous regime roaming the countryside, recruiting dangerous criminals to their cause and murdering those that don't and right in the area they're roaming around in is a facility that holds people they may want dead?" Serenity said
"Pretty much yes." Adam said
"Ok." Serenity said "Sally when you touch down take over the airport detail the scouts are currently doing, General relay to our people on the ground they're authorised to go and deal with this problem, get people to safety first and then hunt down this militia." she took a breath "Let's hope this doesn't get any worse, but be ready if it does."

Kara had relayed the information up the chain and had been waiting for a response and was happy when she got back the authority to go, she looked around and spotted Corporal Nia Snow coming back from picket duty "Nia rustle me up a couple of Lionesses, a Hellcat and a Liger. We've got a job down south to do."
"Boss." Nia said before going to grab the vehicles
"So what's the plan?" Holly asked
"We head down south." Kara said "We're going straight for the Mankund Military Internment Centre, drive in shifts, we go through the night, we need to get there before this roaming militia gets there."

It wasn't long before Nia had the vehicles Kara had asked for the two Lionesses were rugged off roaders when needed, they were one of the scouts preferred vehicles of choice, the Liger was a backbone vehicle within the Achkaerinese military, it was tough and flexible, this one was a shield variant giving it a little extra punching power. Normally the Liger would have been the headline vehicle but then there was the Hellcat, the new kid on the block, fast, light and armed.

"KASA forces can travel in the back of the Liger, but I'll need a guide with me." Kara said she suspected that what she had available was likely to be more protected than what KASA had available to them under the circumstances and if they were both going to be checking this out then it made sense to keep the KASA force alive as best she could, she waited while everyone who was going loaded up before climbing aboard the Lioness she was going to ride in and getting on the radio "Ok everyone keep it nice and simple, be alert this is bandit country. Move out." she nodded to the driver and the small convoy began its journey south. As the urban backdrop of the city yielded to the countryside the Hellcat moved up to take point, it was only a day and a halfs drive but it was going to feel a lot longer than that, it always did when the stakes got raised like this.

[Beatrice]

The Kingdom, while not a party to the IHC, cannot in good conscience ignore the position faced by Kritamala. By my Royal Decree, and the acceptance of this offer of aid, I wish to offer the assistance of the Royal Clysperi Armed Forces through the distribution of humanitarian aid, the services of our medical personnel, and by offering the use of Clysperi airspace and airfields for all nations directing assistance toward Kritamala. To support our aid operations I am authorizing a release from the Royal Clysperi Reserves upwards of 5,000 tons of food and medical stock in addition to a deployment of 2,500 members of the Royal Clysperi Armed Forces, again with the acceptance of this offer of aid, to assist in whichever capacity they are most needed, in full coordination with local and international forces already operating in the region.

Our own lands were touched by the Soviets long reach, with their influence on our nation and society very much felt into the present day and I remember conversations with my father, the great Pharaoh Ra, that if their ilk were to rise again to challenge Ma'at Clysperis would not bow and stand to the side, but take a decisive role in supporting the will of any people staring down their reincarnations. We now see a moment where such reanimated incarnations are attempting to rise again, and I will not allow the plights faced by the Clysperi to be faced by any other people. The Kingdom of Clysperis states its full intention to support the voices and wills of the people of Kritamala, to assist them in their time of need, and share the burdens of a fellow Aranye nation, meet the moment before us, and ensure that the arcs of history are aligned with Ma'at and her perscribed truth, balance, order and justice.

I will also take this opportunity to echo Consul Michael Williams of the Holy Empire and implore Her Imperial Majesty Asuna to not only speak with her own voice, but to take action in this moment. The young Empress has before her an opportunity to change the narrative most of us in the world hold; a capable First Empire that elects not to act when, in times past, it once led the charge. To the voice which led me to change course in Kalasain I say this to you, once again may the capable capacity of the First Empire act towards the betterment of Mundus and not merely sit on the sidelines.

With that being said I look toward the acceptance of our offer of aid so that we may get to work as soon as possible.

Akasha Di-‘nh-mi-Re, Sovereign of Sovereigns, Divine of Appearance, She of the Two Ladies, Flourishing of years, Joined with Amun, Foremost of Noble Ladies, Chosen of Re, Lord of the Three Lands, Ruler of Justice like Re, High Priest of Every Temple, the Eye of Horus, Satisfied is the heart of Re.

[Beatrice]

Upon my word the Imperial Rokkenjiman Armed Forces have been directed to enact a comprehensive aid operation to assist the People of Kritamala. Aircraft of the Imperial Rokkenjiman Air Force will disperse humanitarian and medical assistance, utilizing airfields under friendly control as well as Clysperi airfields, in an operation coordinated by Rokkenjiman and Clysperi officials to ensure that aid reaches those most in need. Furthermore, I have authorized a deployment of 5,300 soldiers to supplement ongoing operations coordinated by our partners in the International Humanitarian Corps. These forces will liaison with Achkaerinese forces on the ground, upon the acceptance of our assistance, and will act in coordination with Achkarinese and Morelander operations moving forward given their presence on the ground prior to our arrival.

I am also directing that the Imperial Rokkenjiman Navy will dispatch a Carrier Strike Group from Queen Katenka Naval Base to the Rodinian Sea, centred around the Meishō carrier IRN Elsa, with an indefinite operational schedule. These assets will be in place to support the Rokkenjiman contribution to international efforts as well as to support the safety and security of the seas in question and, finally, assisting in resupplies when needed for the duration of the mission before us. Finally, the Imperial Treasury will be open to providing financial aid to Kritamala to support those steps which take place after this time in history and ensure that Kritamalalian voices dictate their future wholly, and, fully.

In this moment of medical and political turmoil the First Empire has spoken; we will act, and we will act decisively.

Respectively;


Empress of the First Empire of Rokkenjima
Princess of Littlebrook
Viscountess of Valanore