Serenity had been on Seaforthian soil all of five minutes, when the phone had rung and she found herself on an impromptu conference call with her brother Simon, her cousin Sakura and the rest of the Round Table Conference, which was the emergency committee that consisted of the Achkaerinese leadership across military, intelligence, politics and so on.
"What's happened now?" Serenity asked
"Well apart from RBC apparently not doing their due diligence, the ASDN plan is reportedly getting traction." Simon said "At least that's what Cheryl tells us."
"Is that both parts of the plan?" Serenity asked
"Yes." came Cheryl's voice
"Well if they're prepared to go that far then we'd better put wheels in motion." Serenity said "Which carrier is in Gowu right now?"
"The Intrepid." Simon said
"Deploy it and its group." Serenity said "Hang them outside Marseilles waters and then come the cut off they move in."
"Will do." Simon said
"Sakura." Serenity said "Regardless of what Andrew says this referendum needs to happen, remember the position is that Troyes is Marseilles territory, the Marseilles government doesn't need Seaforth's permission to hold it."
"I'm on it." Sakura said
"I'm just waiting for Evanthe to turn up and then we're going to see Andrew." Serenity said

Fusan showcased an arsenal of advanced weaponry in a military parade on Wednesday, rolling tanks and missiles down the streets of its capital as aircraft streaked overhead. The parade, held to mark the 106th anniversary of the end of the Ardian Continental War (1914 - 1918), comes amidst the backdrop of both recent conflicts in the Rokkenjiman Sea and Kalasin as well as the ongoing crisis in Troyes, where insurgents recently claimed control over the city and declared the "Republic of Troyes." The day's festivities commenced early in the morning with performances and ceremonies at Joint Base Koshu, just outside of Shinkyo, where Prime Minister Sadazane Konishi delivered an address urging vigilance in the modern world and calling for the neutralization of the PAFK's leadership.

"As we stand here, on this most hallowed of days for our Armed Forces, we are reminded that our enemy, Thaksin Prateung—a war criminal who has aided in perpetrating the wholesale slaughter of his nation—remains in hiding. Today, as we celebrate the storied history of our armed forces, I come before you, the nation as a whole, with this, my solemn vow: We shall not yield, we shall not rest, we shall not tire until that day comes, and let me assure you it is coming soon, that he and all his ilk are made to face justice for their crimes, whether in this life or the next." The Prime Minister said in his speech.

The military parade—the centerpiece of the day's festivities—followed around 10:00 AM, with troops and equipment passing through the heart of Shinkyo, passing by both the Imperial Palace and the Imperial Diet Building. The roads were lined with spectators, many of whom were waving small flags or shouting patriotic slogans. Several thousand Fusanese troops marched during the event according to a spokesman for the Ministry of War. Other performances included a military band and flag-bearers from each unit which participated. On display was a variety of homegrown equipment, including drones, tanks and armored personnel carriers, further highlighting the large  arms industry of the nation. Soldiers in the vehicles waved to the crowd as they passed by; several vehicles had the Fusanese flag affixed to them. Of course, as has been the case since the first parade held on the 17th, a number of dignitaries and other important persons were in attendance, including both Prime Minister Konishi and Emperor Eijirō as well as members of the legislature, Imperial Family, and military. Also present was Sergeant Eisuke Nakao, a medic in the Army risked his life to protect several wounded soldiers in his care near Samut Prakan, Kalasin, and was awarded the Order of the Golden Kite earlier this morning as a result.

At around 4:00 PM, the festivities moved to Yura Bay, just southeast of Shinkyo and adjacent to the larger Shinkyo Bay, where the annual fleet review was performed, with the Emperor serving as Chief Inspector, leading the battle line from the bridge of the IFN Jun'yō alongside Rear Admiral Jiro Nakajima, the commanding officer of Carrier Strike Group 4. More than thirty vessels participated, including the Onna, Katsurō Satō, and Akita, as well as the newly delivered IFN Barakuda, which is set to begin its sea trials starting tomorrow alongside CSG-4. Also present during the review were flyovers by aircraft belonging to Carrier Air Wing Four, which is currently attached to the Jun'yō. Durring a press briefing following the review, the Emperor was questioned about a possible response to the ongoing crisis in Troyes, where he alluded to the possibility of deploying forces to the region in support of the nation's ADSN allies, however, he stressed that diplomatic measures had to be pursued with great vigor as well.

Neu Uburzis Stadt, 12.4.2024



The Elder Senate has decided to release a statement on their current position in the conflict surrounding the City of Troyes. According to the Elder Senate, while Marseille does have a claim on the city, this claim should be staked and discussed through the regular diplomatic channels and not open the possibility by force. The Elder Senate also states that the so called republic does not exist, and urges the armed assailants and gunboats to stand down and allow an orderly conduct.

They also wish to clarify that while Marseille has a claim on the city, it would only be to be expected that Marseille would have to make concessions to Seaforth for years of building infrastructure, security and amenities. The Senate states that anything less would be straight up theft at gunpoint.

Following consultation with the Imperial Palace the RBC cannot verify the authenticity of the statements alleged to be made by the Empress in prior reporting. While information was transmitted to the RBC holding credentials it does not bear any verification from the Imperial Palace, which has stated it will be investigating the origins of the the message. It is expected that the Empress will make a statement on the matter in the coming hours, with the Imperial Palace presently stating that "the tone of the message relayed by the RBC is clearly out of step with how the Empress conducts herself. We appreciate the cooperation of the RBC on this matter as we move forward with our investigation."

We can verify that Cecelia Anselmo remains in port, with officials speaking off the record pointing fingers toward Kōketsu, an organisation recognized as a terrorist enterprise which last saw prominence in some manner of involvement of a Rokkenjiman ocean liner eight years ago.

Donna stood, "As merely the representative of the Empire here I can not order our navy to do anything, that is for the high command to determine. If you'll then excuse me I'll take your concerns to Empress Serena." With that she left her deputy to sit and listen should any further discussions begin while she was out the room while she headed down the corridor and had a quick chat with the Empress. She had been half expecting Donna to make the call and had half expected this kind of thing to become a point of contention. She did though have a plan that now she would adapt on the fly. "Having spoken to the Empress I have the following to say, this is not word for word her response but she will not mind the paraphrasing. The purpose of Aosta's actions was to ensure the Seaforth's control of Troyes ended and that the aims of the Reunion Party, who have dominated Troyes political landscape by calling for reunification with Marseille, were fulfilled. The Reunion Parties aims, along with those of the residents of Troyes was that their city is viewed, and treated as the territory of Marseille. While you have not agreed with our methods it is now true that for the first time ever we have a group of us willing to say the truth in public, Troyes is Marseille. With that in mind, so long as each of you stand by the words you have given here that Troyes is Marseille, the Empress will issue orders that in 24 hours time the Aostan ships will make their way to international waters. The Empress thanks each of you for recognising what Aosta has known for a long time, that Troyes and Marseille are parts of the same whole and that now the international community has no choice but to see it that way. Now we must focus our task on ensuring the illegal squatting of Troyes territory by Seaforth must be removed. With that in mind I believe we should, with immediate effect publish our Action Plan but stand ready to support further actions."