Author Topic: RS BS  (Read 8735 times)

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Offline KrisNord

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RS BS
« on: January 02, 2019, 11:02:35 PM »
OOC - A joint Dave and Kris post

It was another chaotic day in the Celtic Protectorate, Lt-Col Isaac Mulligan had already had ten new problems to deal with before even getting to the council chamber. He felt his time here he was more like a primary school teacher dealing with naughty children than actually helping run the area. He was handed another two letters by councilmen as he made his way into the room they used for their meetings. He politely thanked the two men and promised he'd examine the letters once business had been concluded for the day. He suspected he knew the contents, more of the council giving its expert legal opinion on the request by one of their kin to extend the Protectorate, a legal review was ongoing and expected next week, why couldn't they just wait?

Isaac made his way to his desk and proceeded to get himself settled for what would no doubt be a rather long session. Around half of the twenty council members were already inside, some discussing things in small groups, others patiently waiting with a cup of the strong local coffee. Around ten minutes later and everyone was present and Isaac started the meeting by informing everyone of the measures they'd be taking following the locust swarm. "Food will be in shorter supply for the next week or so, its my hope we can get some help from Ui Cenneslaig in the meantime, however we are instigating limits on price, and asking shopkeepers to voulentarily ration." he explained.

"You can not do that. Fixing prices is not within your remit" a Councillor called Raban Shoma protested, he himself was in the food business and it was likely that he'd be able to make some profit off the recent disaster. "You must abide by Seleucid law."

"Yes I am aware of that Mr.Shoma, however" Isaac put on his thin spectacles and read carefully. "In times of national crisis the King may assume full control over material deemed neccessary for the needs of the people." he receited, "The treaty in place gives myself the powers of the King for the Protectorate, the locust swarm is a national crisis and I deem food is a neccessity for the people. So I expect you to conform to my orders in this matter." He removed his glasses and placed them back on his desk.

"In that case then I look forward to these supplies arriving soon." Shoma huffed.

"So any other business?" Isaac asked looking around and sadly seeing a forest of hands. "Very well, Mr. Macaral, the floor is yours." He looked at his watch, he supposed he wouldn't get away anytime before 5pm today.

"Sir, I wish to request Councillor Rifat Saib be suspended from the Council for bringing it into disrepute." Saib was the lead of the Cultist group on the council and it had been his petition that had caused an outbreak of fighting within the chamber only a few days ago. "The man has spent the night in prison cells and is not an example to the youth, he must go."

"It is you who should go" A voice called from the opposite side where the five Cultist members were sat together. "It was you and your kin who tried to kill us. It was you and your kin who murdered women and children. How can you blame us for wishing to escape you." Shouting and counter shouting began streaming back and forth and Isaac feared a repeat of the scenes of a few days ago. He picked up his phone and began dialling the number of the Military Police at the desk of the building but as the phone rang so did a shot. Isaac was familiar with the sound but here in place of debate and politics he had never expected to hear it, three more in quick succession and then he saw  Macarel levelling another shot towards the Cultist, two of them already lay on the ground motionless as the next bullet hit one square in the chest, Isaac had instinctively gone for his sidearm but he remembered how he had elected to not carry it to council as it gave "the wrong impression." Macarel was about to fire another shot when two Cenneg Military Police burst into the room rifles levelled, Macarel spun and began to take aim at them but the soldiers responded far quicker than the aging man and fired a burst into the man who fell.

"Get medics in here." Isaac shouted as more Military Police piled into the chamber, "Put everyone under guard." he bellowed as he made his way over towards the Cultists, out of the five who had been in chamber that day three were now dead. "Fuck" Isaac muttered before turning back to the doorway where more military folks where gathering, along with journalists. "Shut the door" he ordered as he noticed a few journalists taking pictures with their mobile phones. "Get those phones." he pointed at a sergeant but it was too late several had live streamed the scene to their affiliates around the world. As they sealed the chamber Isaac picked up his mobile and made a call, "I want leave cancelled, everyone is on high alert" he issued orders to the HQ a few hundred meters down the road.

Offline DaveIronside

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Re: RS BS
« Reply #1 on: January 03, 2019, 11:41:25 PM »
Robert Grant had come to Seleucid because of a woman 20 years ago. He smiled at that thought as it seemed like something from a movie but the truth was much simpler. His wife Michelle had been diagnosed with terminal cancer yet somehow managed to beat it, the incident had changed their life. Michelle had determined she wanted to dedicate her life to the Gods and so had entered the service of the Cult's Priesthood. Her marriage meant she could never become a Priestess in her own right but she could become one of their staff and so she had been offered a chance to be the Curator of the Temple of Marissa in Royal Seleucid. Robert at the time had been a Sergeant in Red Legion and had opted to come over here with her and 17 years ago they had their son, Jack. The family had survived the first genocide by taking to the hills alongside several other families but since then Robert hadn't stood around waiting for Round Two of the killing.

"Jack, grab you boots and pack" Robert peered into his son's bedroom. He'd been busy doing some reading preparing for his upcoming exams at the private school he attended. Without a word Jack spun to reach under his bed and removed a pair of well looked after combat boots and then an olive green rucksack from his cupboard. "We're going up to the lodge" he called up as he put his own boots on sat on the bottom step.

"Be careful" Michelle kissed her husband on the cheek as he prepared to leave and then hugged Jack as they pair headed out the house.

"If anything happens before I get back you know what to do right?" Robert asked and Michelle nodded, one advantage of being married to a special forces soldier was he was always prepared. The two men headed out and off towards the edge of town, it wasn't uncommon for the locals to see the two heading off into the hills and a few said hello as they walked by. As they reached the edge of town and it gave way to the scrubby countryside they began to climb into the hills and soon the town was a mere dot in the distance. Robert knew the route well, he'd probably mapped every ditch, fallen tree and hollow between home and here. The pair pulled back the scrubby brush and dropped and then unlocked the hatch they'd put into place. They crawled along the narrow entrance and down the steel rope ladder they'd installed. It was their danger-room, not just theirs but the it had enough room for most of Michelle's temple, and they'd stockpiled food, water, batteries and other equipment. It was however the radio they'd come for. Robert placed it on a table, "Go on then son."

Jack nervously flicked a few switches and dials. "Aldfield Barracks, this is Red 4322 come in over." he waited, the aerial hidden in a tree above them sending a signal around the world.

"Red 4322 authenticate over." a crackled voice came back and Jack repeated a code they'd been given. They gave the radio operator a run down of what they'd heard in the local press and other bits and pieces they'd heard. There was a long pause after the operator had said he'd gone to get someone. "Robbie Grant" a familiar voice came on, "It's Redders" Alex Redfern smile was audible.

"Alex" Robert took the handset from his son. "We're sweating like a fat bird in a cake shop here. Tell me you've still got something up your sleeve."

"Robert my man I have sleeves Jekar himself is jealous of." Alex boasted, "You remember Sam from Alpha Team." Sam had been a Red Legionnaire they'd both worked with, Robert as he'd entered the legion and Alex as the man had left. Alex had persuaded him to move to the Celtic Protectorate following the genocide and the East Moreland Intelligence Service had sorted a few things out for him. "Go pay him a visit. Keep your bolt hole secure. You go weapons?"

"Seven assault rifles, a light machine gun, couple of shotguns, six handguns, twenty grenades." Robert had scrounged what he could following the first genocide and he and Jack regularly came up and cleaned them ensuring they were in working order. "You're coming though right?"

"If it goes down the Cenneg will have your back, but we'll be steaming in yes." Alex said reassuringly. "Check in this time tomorrow ok?"

"Roger that." Robert turned the radio off and looked over at Jack, he was a good lad and without being asked had gone over to the gun locker and was stripping one of the assualt rifles, a Morelander one that the Red's had let him keep following their operations here when they'd steamed in and saved the day. "Good to know" he said to his son regarding the radio call as he began oiling the bits his son had already taken apart.



Further up the valley was the Samuel McCullen Dragstrip, an innocent business capitalising on the young Seleucid's love of playing with cars and driving them really fast. An enterprising Cenneg had purchased some land that had once belonged to a now dead Cultist and set about making a boys paradise, a drag strip a mile long that for a few quid anyone could bring their car to and race it in relative safety. He even had four or five nice cars you could rent and race. Truth be told the business was doing awful but thankfully the joint Cenneg/Moreland citizen had a patient and supportive silent partner, a Tanya Bates was seemingly happy to keep pumping cash into the enterprise. Sam had heard the news and wasn't surprised by the call. "Good Morning Alex" he answered his pay as you go phone while watching two Seleucid kids get into their cars to have a drag race.

"Morning Sam, can I just check you got our special delivery?" Sam chuckled as he looked at one of his staff, a young Cultist who was busy bolting together the new weird safety railing they'd install.

"Oh yeah, it's here. Will do the job brilliantly, very safe stuff." Sam looked at the further piles of the large metal plating which was all the be bolted together and placed on the edges of the mile long stretch of tarmac. He covered his ears as the two racers screamed away down the strip their friends cheering them on.

"Good. I'm hoping its something we don't need but better to have it and never use it than need it and not have it. Have a good day buddy." Alex hung up and Sam went down to help his young worker with his construction project.



It was two hours later that Alex found himself in the Northfort Palace briefing room, around the table where various Ministers, General Yacobs who commanded the East Moreland Military and her daughter Grace who was one of three members of the intelligence community present. King David and his sister Freya sat at each end of the long table. "Thank you for coming" David began the meeting. "As you know we've had members of the Celtic Protectorate Council shoot and kill Cultists in cold blood in public. The Cenneg have upped security but I'm still concerned, gun ownership in Seleucid is pretty relaxed and all it takes is some nutter from either side to kick off and we've Genocide Two. I want us to hope for the best but prepare for the worse."

It was a standard meeting, the King outlined his concern, the senior Yacobs outlined various options and then Redfern came in with some more off the wall thinking. General Yacobs consulted her pad. "We've the REMNS King Robert heading that way along with an escort, if no shots have been fired by the time they reach the Kyne then they'll park themselves somewhere around 300km off the coast. If shots have been fired they'll ignore the FSC and head directly into Seleucid waters, they've the Portworth with them and they've a package of targets we're going to hit. Meanwhile the Air Force guys are keeping five of Jekar's Chariots fuelled and crewed and one airborne in the Karifan Ocean region. Second the first Cultist gets so much as a nasty look we can hit targets. As you know the Army have gone on standby." The King nodded his approval, "We intend to once again begin evacuations, this time however the Iwi are a likely safe haven, I'd also like Your Majesty to get in touch with Socram and Slava Lavosk at the first sign of trouble and see if they'll accept evacuees. " The King nodded and scribbled things down on his pad before looking at Alex.

The Kings brother-in-law smiled. "Now ladies and gentleman I'd like to introduce you to operation "Fast and Furious Seleucid Drift".....we'll work on a name later." he saw Grace Yacobs, the only other person in on this shake her head with disapproval. "As you know once a Red always a Red and we've used veterans who go and live abroad as an unofficial intelligence network. That being the case I reached out after the last genocide. That is Robert Grant, a former Red Legionnaire, he's living in Seleucid in the Protectorate, did a great job keeping people safe during the last one, especially with his son. I'll come to him later." Alex scribbled a note to himself. "We should have given him some medal or honour but I kept him a little secret just for cases like this. He's built a kind of panic room and got armed, if it goes south he's the first line of defence. His son is 17 and applying for University, General Yacobs I want him to get into the Ostlake Military University, he kicked ass in the first genocide." Yacobs nodded at the recommendation. "Now, the other image is Sam Harlow, left Red Legion two years ago, used his retirement money to buy a shitty boy racing adventure on the edge of the Celtic Protectorate.....or at least that's what the Seleucid think." The King looked puzzled.

Grace Yacobs took over, "His business enterprise is essentially a mile long strip of tarmac with safety barriers." She showed the King pictures of the barriers and could see he was trying to work something out, he was a fan of car racing but something didn't quiet look right. "The question you should be asking who uses safety barriers with holes in them? Followed by where have I seen them before?"  She slid another photo of an airfield in Lakhzovia and then one of Mavrosia. "That's right Marston Matting, enough safety barriers for a mile long strip of tarmac. All Sam has to do is lift out the supports, lay them flat and bolt them down. We estimate it'll take about 32 guys an hour to convert a drag strip to a runway assuming they get all the safety barriers put together."

Alex took back control of the briefing. "Biggest problem we had last time was getting an airfield to operate evacuation out of, no one knows about this one. Last time the Seleucid bastards just went to each airfield screwed up the runway and essentially cut off access anyway. This way we've our own airfield, and he just happens to have some high spec cars that run on......aviation fuel." The King laughed.

"So I own a race track in Royal Seleucid and never knew it." He thought for a second, "I like it, we're getting bases covered. I'm about to throw you another. Bakkermaya's Grand Duke Lascelles has been in touch, he's said whatever support they can give he'll get it for us. His Commander of their Horseman will be here within 12 hours. I want him briefing in and I want none of you more than ten seconds away from a telephone." David concluded the meeting and headed back to his office.

Offline DaveIronside

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Re: RS BS
« Reply #2 on: January 07, 2019, 10:22:05 PM »



OOC- Post agreed with Kris


The trucks had driven through the night from the warehouse on the edge of Ordib towards the Celtic Protectorate, it was a vital convoy as food in the region was becoming scarce and as such prices had been climbing. Despite the government trying to step in to control central stocks and prices all it had done was create a blackmarket. The drivers rounded a corner in the road taking them through one of the rocky canyons that made up the region when an object burst through the windscreen of the lead truck sending the driver out of control and spinning across the road, behind him the food convoy of six trucks stopped and out of nowhere a wailing gaggle of people sprang, each carrying a blunt object like a baseball bat or hammer. They smashed the padlocks off the trucks, dragged the drivers from the cabs and began passing out the food to those swarming over the vehicles, small vans arrived and people began filling them to the brim, their suspension groaning under the weight.

An hour later when the convoy hadn't turned up a patrol from the Seleucid army found the trucks and their shaken up drivers, no one had been killed but a few of them had bruises and cuts from their rough treatment. Word was sent down the road to the Cenneg Logistics Corps who were awaiting the supplies.  Lt-Col Isaac Mulligan had put in place stricter controls than the rest of Royal Seluecid regarding food supplies after the Locust disaster had decimated the countryside and stores that hadn't been protected. "How much have we in reserve?" the commanding officer asked his staff, "About three days until we start seeing shortages, and no supplies from central reserves until next week. It's going to be time to tighten the belts." his second in command responded.

"We need to get word to back home and speed up the resupply then. We'll have riots if people start running out of food."



That evening the faithful of the Cult of Helus trickled into temple for services. As usual outside was a presence of Cenneg soldiers, however this time they were far more and the normally relaxed feel was gone. While the Priestess performed the usual rituals the noise outside grew louder and louder and as the service came to a halt a Cenneg soldier entered, he apologised for his intrusion and carrying his firearm, "I'm afraid its a bit tense out the front. We need you to either wait here or we can take you out the back." The Priestess looked out one of the windows and a crowd was gathered many shouting and yelling towards the temple.

"Look at the Cultist scum. We all run out of food and everyone knows they horde it." An old man with thinning grey hair yelled from the front of the crowd. "I bet even now as children cry with pains of hunger they still waste food to their false Gods. You want the food its in the temple." There was a surge towards the doors.

"Everyone out the back" The Cenneg officer gave people no choice and he and his men began to usher the congregation out the back and through some of the side streets, they saw in the distance the crowd surge past the soldiers and into the Temple. Just as the man had told them there on the alter, on a small plate with a candle was a small loaf of bread, some salted meat and cheese.

"See." The ringleader yelled as Cenneg soldiers tried to pull the rabble outside, They have food to spare, find it, it's here." The crowd was whipped into a frenzy thinking food was to be found, statues were pulled over, doors kicked in and boxes of objects scatted everywhere, apart from a few bits of bread, smoked meats, cheeses and nuts nothing substaintial was found much to the crowds disappointment. "They've hidden it in their homes." The ringleader yelled but was cut short as the Cenneg Rapid Reaction Force arrived and using bean-bag guns, rubber bullets and tear gas retook the temple arresting twenty of the crowd in the process.

Offline DaveIronside

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Re: RS BS
« Reply #3 on: January 12, 2019, 09:35:50 PM »

The city of Hafthar was the largest settlement within the Protectorate and had a majority Cultist population. The news of Task Force Eloise had reached them in the morning news and a sense of relief was washing over the city. Surely with a joint East Moreland and Bakkermayan fleet on the doorstep in addition to the Cenneg forces it'd be insane for the non-Cultists of the city to try anything. The city was also under the control of a Cultist mayor who had taken steps when the Locust had come to secure the cities food supplies, while not 100% successful it had meant that unlike many major cities the people weren't on the brink of supplies running low.

The surrounding countryside however wasn't that lucky, the farmers had lost everything and now made their way into the city looking for whatever they could find, almost like a wave of human locust. The made their way to the cities warehouses where the Cenneg security forces where overwhelmed by the few thousand farmers and labourers who began taking away whatever they could find. The local Cultists heard about what was happening and took to he streets, they hadn't taken the measures they had to allow some less well prepared people to take their bounty.

Chaos erupted on the streets as pitch battles broke out between the Cultists desperately trying to stop vans and trucks from the country folk. As more and more Cultists came out onto the street the food thieves began using farm tools and machetes to defend themselves as their vans were pelted with bricks, rocks and anything else they can find, it didn't take long for the Cultists to get their swords from home and take them into action, as machete meet sword the clang of metal filled the air as the Cenneg Rapid Reaction Force arrived. "What the hell?" A Cenneg Corporal exclaimed as the scene of running battles filled the streets, "It's like the bloody middle ages?" he added as he watched two men swing at each other and sparks fly from their weapons.

"Get them running." His commanding officer instructed as they began firing rubber bullets and tear gas into the crowd. Soon APC's arrived and drove aggressively down the street making the people run rather than stand in the way of several tonnes of incoming vehicle.



STATEMENT FROM THE CENNEG MILITARY
[/center]

Today we have seen clashes on the streets of Hafthar, riots broke out between the Cultist who make up the city population and the non-Cultists from the surrounding rural area. The riots were caused because of rumours of Hafthar stockpiling food in the run up to the locust swarm and these warehouses were raided leading to Cultists trying to protect their supplies. In total 12 Cultists were killed while 18 non-Cultists died, around 68 people have been injured and are receiving medical care.

In order to try and end the current tensions we are establishing roadblocks around areas considered sensitive in Hafthar. These will require photographic ID to pass and vehicles will be searched. We appeal for calm across the Protectorate and in the Sea of Kyne.



STATEMENT FROM HIGH PRIESTESS SKYE MADDIX

Today in the Celtic Protectorate I have heard that Cultist have taken their swords onto the streets and fought battles against non-Cultists taking stored food from warehouses. I have mixed feelings about this. The Cult has a history in Royal Seleucid of being persecuted and denying a people food is just as much a genocide as putting them against a wall and shooting them, but on the other hand I would hope that a Cultist would share what they had with the starving at times of crisis. Marissa herself said "One who has no love in his heart will try to possess everything for himself. One who has love in his heart is ready to sacrifice everything, including his own body, for the benefit of others." I therefore ask the Cultists of Seleucid, and the world to share with those less fortunate than themselves whatever they can. The world must start pouring supplies of food into the Seleucid people, regardless of their faith. It is not surprising that tempers in Seleucid are running high, empty bellies make for short tempers and so work must be done to feed them, by doing so it is my hope the situation shall be calmed. I call upon the Seleucid government to send a clear message to their people that acts such as that seen today in Hafthar are unacceptable and I thank the Cenneg military for their swift actions.



STATEMENT FROM THE ROYAL SELEUCID GOVERNMENT
[/center]

Today we have seen Seleucid citizens fighting on the streets, this is something that should never have happened. Seleucid are brothers regardless of their faith. The current conflict has been exasperated by various weapons in recent days. As such King Akakois has passed the Decree for Safe Streets. The Decree will, until further notice make it illegal to carry a weapon of any kind out of your own home, furthermore should a person be suspected of intent to use a weapon or have been seen in or around any incidents such as that in Hafthar any weapons they own will be confiscated. This has been a trying few days for the Kingdom and the threats of military fleets from four nations arriving is having no positive impact on people's fears at this time. It is our hope this new decree will do what East Moreland, Bakkermaya, Achkaerin and Rokkenjima have failed to do.




Offline DaveIronside

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Re: RS BS
« Reply #4 on: January 16, 2019, 08:40:10 PM »
6 am , City of Ordib


Lutfi Kader could hear a series of sharp knock from downstairs, he wasn't sure whether it was from his front door or that of a neighbours. He opened his eyes and could just about see that the sun was up if not yet fully daylight outside. The knocks came again, seemingly more urgent this time and Lufti peered through the thin curtains, he could see a group of people gathered close to his door and so quickly put on his jeans that were folded on a chair next to his bed. He slowly opened the door enough to peer out. "Good Morning" the black uniformed man looked at his clipboard, "Mr.Kader" there was a flash of an ID badge, "I'm from the local Security Forces, I'm here to require you under the Decree for Safe Streets to surrender your sword."

"What?" the young man was rather surprised, he'd converted to the Cult along with the rest of his family when he'd been five years of age and had only been granted his sword six months ago and now it hung in pride of place on his living room wall.

"Your sword sir, we need you to hand it over. You'll be given a receipt naturally and when the Decree is reversed you can come and collect it." The officer seemed to be loosing his patience, he had another thirty of these to do today and a further five teams where doing similar visits across the city under the orders of the Mayor. The incident in Hafthar had worried the old man and as a result he'd instructed action to be taken. Yesterday his security forces had walked into the cities Temple of Jekar and without asking simply picked up the Register of Swords, a book going back 100 years stating who had taken part in a sword ceremony. It was only when they were half way out the door that the Priestess of the Temple had noticed and demanded they bring it back, even going so far as trying to physically take it back, she was now sat in a cell at the local police station but the document gave them a list of who owned swords in the city and as the mayor feared more clashes he'd ordered them confiscated.

"No" the half dressed Lufti said as he began to close the door but it shot towards him hitting him in the face breaking his nose. As he fell backwards onto the floor three men entered, one heading straight for the sword. He felt gloved hands slide him across the floor and into the corner, he could hear cupboard doors being flung open. "What are you doing? You've bloody got it!" He whimpered as he mopped at the blood gushing from his nose.

"Bastards like you always have more stashed away" they searched his house, for a good twenty minutes they went through everything he owned checking for other weapons. All the time two burly officers stood over him keeping him in the corner. After a while the officers began to file out, he noticed one or two carrying objects wrapped in bags and Lufti demanded to know what they were. "Nothing is being taken apart from that sword" one of the officers watching him said. Soon he was left alone and as he went to get some ice and find his medical card to go get his nose fixed he noticed they'd taken all his kitchen knives, his IPad and his bluetooth speaker. He naturally phoned the local Security Forces to make a complaint but was told they'd simply "Look into it." Meanwhile he headed to the hospital to get treated noticing another of his Cultist neighbours a few doors down being dragged out his house by a different group of officers before being thrown into the back of their car.



In Ipsus the first Cenneg shipment of food had arrived, a huge cargo ship full of bags of rice, wheat and various other long life products. The ship cruised into the dockyard and saw a group of soldiers waiting for them. As soon as the gangways were put in place to allow offloading it was obvious why the military presence was in place, all hell broke loose groups of civilians rushed the fence of the civilian port facility and then the military group on the quayside, for two hours the military tried desperately to hold back the human flood but a city running low on food and rumours of troubles in other cities gave the people a desperation that could only be solved by becoming human locust. Soon they gave up as the boat was ransacked and within an hour the majority of the food had found its way into either pantries or onto the black market.

Offline Achkaerin

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Re: RS BS
« Reply #5 on: January 16, 2019, 11:56:54 PM »
Trinity House, Gowu (4am VMT)

The home of the Chief Councillor of Gowu was usually peaceful, especially at such an early hour of the morning, but in the early hours of the morning a ringtone rang through the house, the mobile phone that was ringing belonged to Claire Callaghan, she wasn't part of the Tsu family (the family that lived there) biologically speaking but she was the known partner of the daughter of the Chief Councillor Kirsty Tsu, who lay next to Claire in the bed. The ringtone woke Claire initially, she looked at the caller display and answered it.

"Hello Aunt Louise." Claire said, the call was coming in from her Aunt Louise she was from the Cultist side of the family and along with her husband - Alexander 'uncle Alex' to Claire, still lived in Royal Seleucid having like Claire survived the first genocide "Whoa...hold on tell me exactly what happened."
"What's going on?" a still slightly dozy Kirsty, she noticed the ever evolving look of shock and concern on Claire's face and woke up a whole lot quicker something was definitely wrong.
"My Uncle's house has just been raided by the Seleucid's." Claire said "They've put him in the hospital."
"It's going to be ok." Kirsty said she wrapped her arms around Claire resting her chin on Claire's shoulder "Everything's going to be ok."
"How?" Claire asked
"Because there's always the magic word." Kirsty said, sliding out of the bed and going to the door, she opened it "MUM!"


Marble Palace, Valtheim (4:20am VMT)

"You are frakking kidding me." Peter said, he was on the phone with Kirsty's mother the Chief Councillor of Gowu Xiaoling Tsu. He was walking, still in pyjama's and a dressing gown down the stairs to the Round Table Room, while someone ran around the various bedroom's waking up everyone who was needed this was going to be one of the weirdest meetings in the history of his reign. As he made his way through the ground floor of the palace to the room he could hear a chorus of people behind him on phones waking up yet more people.

"I wish I was." Xiaoling answered "But I just heard this from Claire."
"How's she taking it?" Peter asked
"Pissed off and then some." Xiaoling said "You know what she's worried about."
"I do." Peter said "We're on it. I'll keep you informed."
"Thank you." Xiaoling said.

Peter hung up just as everyone else who was required walked into the room, it was as expected a scene of pyjama's, nightclothes and dressing gowns
"What's going on?" the Chief of Staff Kumiko Arkwright
"Earlier this morning midaranye time Royal Seleucid security forces forced entry into the homes of Cultists." Peter said
"How do we know this?" Nettie Taylor asked
"One of the families whose door was kicked in was Claire Callaghan's aunt and uncle." Peter said "She's shaken up and he's in the hospital. They took their swords which is cultural insensitivity at its finest but the aunt thinks that there's more missing."
"Well that's not good." Prince Simon said

"And that's an understatement." Peter said "We all know what the fear is. But let's do what we can. Roslyn."
"Yes?" Roslyn Williams the Royal Liaison Officer asked
"I want to talk to the Cabinet as soon as possible." Peter said
"Understood." Roslyn said
"Celine." Peter said, looking at his military advisor Celine Tyler "Military and Intelligence briefing, coordinate with Roslyn on timing."
"Got it." Celine said
"Nettie summon the Seleucid ambassador please make it about the Callaghan's and not the broader issue at the moment." Peter said "Kumiko open up the communication lines with Northfort, Claith, Edwinstone, Eventide, Pyrena and Sarajevo I don't want to be caught out if this is the beginning of what it looks like it could be."
"Give me half an hour." Kumiko said
"No problem." Nettie said "What about our embassy in Royal Seleucid?"
"Arrange a time for me to call our ambassador." Peter said "Let's get on with it and I'm making breakfast."

Offline DaveIronside

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Re: RS BS
« Reply #6 on: January 21, 2019, 12:24:45 PM »

The Briefing Room underneath the Palace of Northfort was especially busy today. In addition to King David, his cabinet, military high command and intelligence experts he also had been joined by Dominic Atkins of the Horseman of Jekar. Everyone was sat waiting when the final person arrived, a rather uncharacteristically nervous Tim Carpenter. “Tim, come in and take a seat” King David said warmly. “You know everyone on this side.” He said as he guided the former Chief Councillor and CTO Secretary General to an empty seat. “The man opposite you is….” Before the King could make the introductions the man had stood and leaned over the table extending a hand.

“Brigadier Dominic Atkins sir. Horseman of Jekar and honoured to meet you.” The Bakkermayan said with a beaming smile. “I know you’ve not been a frequent visitor to our nation Mr.Carpenter but we have a great respect for a man such as yourself who is a member of the Court of Canley, so very honoured” The man seemed almost star struck and Tim didn’t know what to do other than turn red and give a polite thanks before taking his seat.

“Tim” Brigadier Kelly began, “You’re here because I asked for you and so it should be me who tells you why” The veteran of Red Legion began, he had an affection for Tim, after all he was the son of a fallen Red Legionnaire who had died heroically and the boy himself had lead a near suicidal charge into Northfort Palace during the regency crisis. To the Brigadier Tim may look like some kind of hippie social justice warrior but the military man knew that Tim was as brave man and often let his heart rule his head, something they needed now. “Very simply put I need you to become the Ambassador to the Seleucid. The people there who follow the Cult know your role in the last genocide, you got word out and saved thousands of lives, they’ll listen to you. Second when things start getting nasty you’ll stick the course rather than weasel your way out of it like a politician would. No offence….” The Brigadier turned and offered an apology to the cabinet who simply smiled. “We want you based in the Protectorate, the Celts and you have a good relationship on a personal level and that could be useful. It also sends a message we’ll not leave the Cultists there.”

“The Bakkermayans are going to re-open our embassy too and likewise move it to the Protectorate” Atkins interjected. “The Celts have even helped us find a nice building next door to the new East Moreland one.” He grinned. “We intend to have it up and running in a week.”

“So you see it’s a popular area” Kelly smiled at his Bakkermayan counterpart. “The other reason we want you there is the fact it sends a message that we will not tolerate the murder of the Cultists and I suspect when the order comes to hold what you’ve got you wouldn’t cut and run. At least that’s our hope.”

“Oh he won’t run will you Tim” a new voice reached Tim’s ears, the gnarled and grizzled God Jekar walked along behind Atkins. “Anyone would think the Gods knew this day was coming” he ran a calloused hand along the dark wooden table. “A man who is not a soldier asked to go and stand ready for battle and hold back a tide of evil.” Jekar moved behind the King, “Unasson’s great-great-great-great-you get the idea grandson, is readying his defences for what could be the Cults final stand in the Seleucid, the question is are you part of the darkness or the light.” Tim found it odd that everyone was ignoring these comments and sat silently for a moment.

“Tim!” the King said loudly dragging Tim’s attention away from Jekar. “SO what do you say, will you be our man in Royal Seleucid, will you help us pull this off if it goes south?” Tim glanced from the King back to where Jekar had been standing, he was gone now and so Tim thought for a few seconds.

“I’ll go” He said, “But I want to be allowed to do two things” he leaned forward and prepared to present his demands, “First I want to trigger JET, Gods alone know why no one has when the root of all this is food.” It made sense and so King David simply nodded his approval. “Second thing I want Melissa Lusk to come too. We’re going to have refugees soon and I want her to help me get them moving before this thing heads South. I think history has shown that certain areas of the world aren’t hospitable for the Cult, Seleucid being one and I’d like to have a system like the Alanders, any Cultist can come home, they can come to East Moreland.”

 

“That’s three things” Atkins said from across the table, “JET, Lusk, Right to come home.” Atkins counted them off on his fingers while grinning. “As for Bakkermaya we can agree to 1 and 3, Lusk is your lots call” he said knowing he had the full backing of Lascelles over the course to take this action.

 

“Maths was always my worst subject” Tim shrugged, “Do I get my three things Your Majesty” he said addressing King David.

David thought for a moment before turning to Quinn Germaine his Chief of Royal Household, “Tell our JET contingent to get ready for operations inside the embassy, if we can’t get permission for the whole of Seleucid we’ll at least do that. Get the Air Force to get a helicopter to Lusk yesterday and get her briefed in, Tim if she says no I hope you’ll still go? She’s not military so I can’t order her. As for the last one any Cultist who can prove they follow the faith can come to East Moreland.”

 

“Hunter’s Vale is full” Chief Councillor Thomas More said, “The Lakhzovian refugees are still there, we can maybe take a few hundred but I think we’ll get thousands.”

“So we need to start looking for other accommodation” David said to his cabinet. “Plan by Wednesday please”

“Bakkermaya can maybe help with that one” Atkins said, “We’ll do what we can and be in touch” Atkins scribbled down a few notes.

“Back to the plan” Kelly cut in, “The embassies will be staffed by Red Legion and the Horseman, no civvies, everyone will be wearing them except the guards but they’ll all be military. There is a common wall between the two buildings that I want gone so should one embassy be attacked we can move between the two” he explained, “Each also has an underground car park. I want those connecting.” Atkins had agreed all this with Kelly earlier.

“I’ll be sending Major Claire Munroe, she’s a good officer and will be our lead. We’ll also be sending a group of our female NCO’s to your embassy. It’ll be a massive give away if your place is just full of the unshaven uncivilised lot from Red Legion, they’ll never pass as a legitimate embassy civil service.” The two military men laughed, Red Legion did have a reputation for perhaps not being the most disciplined when it came to uniform and decorum but they were a fearsome fighting unit, meanwhile the Horseman where not quiet Special Forces to the same extent but were highly trained and in many ways more devoted as their religious loyalty was part of their entrance requirements. “Brigadier please tell you guys to keep their hands to themselves too. I know they don’t see many ladies.”

“Okay” David cut in again sensing the military banter about to take over. “So this is what we’ll have on the ground, a covert military force looking like an embassy, a fixed position within the Celtic Protectorate that can if need be become a fall back position. We’ll have teams on the ground helping sort out immigration and hopefully JET can get some food in. For now that’s the best that we can do.” The table nodded, “Tim or should I say Mr.Ambassador, we’ve a helicopter waiting and Ironside Two will take you to your new home.” The King approached Tim, “Good luck and you need anything, anything at all you ring and it’ll be there.”

“Good luck Mr.Carpenter” Atkins came and shook the man’s hand. “It’s truly an honour to meet you.” Atkins was the older man but there was a sense of awe in his eyes.

“Good luck” another hand came his way, this one rougher and bigger than the others as Jekar grasped Tim’s hand in his own two. “Don’t worry, I’ve spoke to Helus, he’s coming too” the tall God of War said as he headed out the room seemingly unnoticed by everyone else.

 

 


Offline DaveIronside

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Re: RS BS
« Reply #7 on: January 23, 2019, 11:17:21 PM »
The Locust had obliterated the Seleucid agricultural industry and in some ways this played into the hands of the fishing vessel Marissa's Pride. It had been constantly out fishing since the disaster struck and now was returning to port in the Celtic Protectorate. Its crew where looking forward to getting back ashore, checking up on their families and of course making a tidy sum from their haul that was packed in their hold. The crew where enjoying fish and rice in the crew room when the Captain called them on deck as a pair of small boats approached. At first they assumed they were fishing inspection teams or something coming to ensure they were permitted to be entering Seleucid waters of the Protectorate. It was only as the first bullet began flying that the crew realised that the occupiers of the boat had bad intentions. They circled the ship as the crew took cover behind the numerous solid objects on the ship. Suddenly a rope and hook was thrown onto deck and then a hand appeared as someone hauled themselves up, a young crew man reached out and unhooked the rope sending the climber falling with a splash, it didn't matter much though as a second then third hook appeared and machine gun fire forced everyone to seek cover.

"Get to the bridge" came the captains voice over the intercom. They could lock the doors and hatches ensuring the gun men were kept at bay and the twelve man crew ran inside the last man pulling the door shut and locking the hatch before wedging the locking wheel so it couldn't be undone. They hurried up the flight of stairs and locked the next door before entering the bridge and shutting that. They were releived they had such a modern boat as the vast majority of the fishing ships in Seleucid where older and wooden but the Marissa's Pride had done well over the years and been upgraded just a few months ago.

Then gunmen slowly appeared on deck, twenty of them in total each dressed in black and carrying assault rifles and a variety of knives. One of them yelled up. "Come down" he yelled, "We don't want to hurt you." The crew looked at each other they were safe at least for now, around a minute later however a burst of gone fire sent the glass from the windows flying but the crew kept low and avoided everything. The voice came again and clanging could be heard as the men tried to gain entry.

The Captain reached to the console and removed the radio and broadcast a distress signal. Within seconds a voice came back "Marissa's Pride this is the East Moreland Aircraft Carrier REMNS Ostlake, state your emergency." Over the next few minutes messages where exchanged back and forth as the gunmen tried using equipment from the deck to batter down the door. It would eventually give but it would surely slow them down significantly.

Around 100km away till in international waters was the Ostlake and the East Moreland crew, "What do we do Sir?" an officer asked Admiral Briggs who mused with his cup of coffee. Technically the ship was in Seleucid waters but no response had come from the Seleucid Navy and the Celts confined their patrols to the coastal areas rather than open sea. "Advise them to stay hidden, we shall assist" He said believing no Seleucid help would come based on the ships name. Briggs blurted orders to several men and within a few minutes ten Red Legionnaires appeared on deck and piled into a helicopter while around twenty Marines piled onto the second, the ships rapid reaction teams had certainly lived up to their names. "Get the fleet patrol fighters to follow them and launch the reserve." The Dragonskin fighters that had been circling the fleet diverted now to fall into a formation with the helicopters as they headed towards the besieged ship.

Thirty minutes later the crew of the Marissa's Pride had already heard one of the doors burst open and the banging begin on the second, the sound of a fast jet overflying diverted their attention. "Strike Team this is Dragonskin One, we have eyes on target. Heavy prescence on deck, looks like assault weapons only, two fast looking boats on the starboard side."

"Roger that Dragonskin One" Sergeant Olly Thomas picked up their tablet and had the images from the aircraft transmitted. "OK gang" he said over the intercom, "We'll stick down on the very nose, these box things will give us some cover. Meanwhile I'll have the Marines helicopter provide covering fire, once we're down and pushing forward the Marines will drop in behind us."

"Is it safe having those Naval fuckers behind us......I've heard long times at sea send you....well......funny." Corporal Barks remarked as he double checked his gear.

"You'll be safe enough" Olly said calmly "You're an ugly bastard and no one would want to shag you no matter how desperate" the Legionnaires laughed as the ship came into view. "Right, get ready for fast roping, we'll pop some smoke down and flash bangs, chances are they'll shit themselves." The helicopters swept over the target, the feint ping of small arms fire audible just before a Naval Loadmaster manning the door guns opened fire raking the deck with fire. The helicopter carrying the Reds moved to the bow of the ship and two ropes where kicked out and each Red dropped down them onto the deck as the Marine helicopter went parrallel to the ship and continued raking the ship. "Grenades" Olly yelled and half the Red's unclipped smoke grenades throwing them onto the deck before moving towards objects providing cover. The gunmen's aim was poor, the noise, gunfire and smoke shaking them badly. The Red's appeared through the smoke slowly short disciplined bursts of fire moving in pairs, one moving forward the other covering. In small jumps they began pushing the gunmen into the ships tower complex where they were now trapped between the door they'd yet to open and the waiting guns of the Red's who were now joined by the Marines. "Barks, get a rope up there" he pointed to the bridge and Barks dutifully unhooked his rope and yelled up to the crew throwing them his line, they grabbed it and tied it off. Barks shimmied up joined by their new officer Lt.Tristain Rowe They began checking the crew over and apart from a few scratches from the glass they were unhurt. "There are about ten of them left, they've pushed some nets and shit up against the hatch so we've kind of got them trapped." Thomas' voice told them.

"Excellent." Barks said as he moved towards the bridge door, he pressed his ear to it and heard nothing he carefully opened the door and made his way through the corridor to the stairs, outside he could hear gunfire and couldn't work out if anyone had climbed the steps. The door had a bit of a dent in but was secure enough, he back tracked. "Everything secure but no idea where they all are."

"I do." Rowe said pointing to a line of monitors that gave the Captain a view of every part of the ship. They counted the figures it seemed everyone was on the lower level grabbing whatever they could to barricade the Red's out. "I'm on it" the new guy said heading back the way Barks had just returned from, he unclipped one of his flashbangs and a fragmentation grenade. "Clear the hatch" he spoke into his radio and waited for confirmation. He quickly opened the hatch to the upper level of the tower and with a smooth rapid action first dropped the flashbang and then the grenade before diving back into the hatch he'd just come from. A second later he heard first the blast of the flashbang and then immediately after the thud of the grenade followed by screams. He stepped out sub-machine gun ready. "Put your guns down." he yelled as he and Barks made their way down the stairs, bleeding and broken men did exactly that as two marines hauled gear out the way to enter through the bottom level. Five of the gunmen survived, probably though only three would survive the night. Arrangements were made for the ship to get back to dock in the Protectorate while the Morelanders airlifted their team, prisoners and dead from the ship.



"This is an invasion" Prince Heydar yelled banging his fist on the table.

"You mind how you speak to me." King Akakois said firmly. "Yes this is not ideal but the Morelanders in this case have done us a favour, the land has failed us the sea must be our salvation. That boat could be very useful." the Seleucid monarch said. "And how would it look, our own navy was incapable of doing anything so we scold the Morelanders for offering aid against common criminals to people in danger......and to make it worse bloody Cultists, one of them stubs their toe and their King calls it a genocide. It was not an invasion but I do not wish to provoke one." The old man sat down.

"We must strike their fleet, we have reason to now, they have effectively kidnapped Seleucid citizens." the youngest of the two adult Princes demanded.

"Now we may be able to do something there." Akakois mused. "But you shall say nothing son, now go and rejoin your Squadron." the King insturcted his Air Force serving son.

As Heydar left the Palace the media where waiting demanding some comment about the rumours going on. The Prince looked at the Palace to the room where his father would be and then back at the TV Camera. "Please" he held up a hand waiting for the reporters to calm down. "Moments ago an East Moreland special forces team entered Seleucid EEZ territory and boarded a Seleucid ship, all without our permission. Thankfully they prevented a hijacking of the ship but they failed to co-ordinate with our own operation which was inbound to the scene, their stubbon actions could have lead to great loss of life because they flaunted international law. Now they have a second crime against international norms. Five or so men where arrested and taken into East Moreland custody, they where in our waters, on a Seleucid ship and are Seleucid citizens. They have now effectively been kidnapped. They must be handed over immediately as I fear for their lives. The ship was owned by a Cultist owned company and all the crew were Cultist, they had been out fishing when attacked by some individuals who we know nothing of yet. For all we know the Morelanders have not handed them over as law demands to hide the fact they are agent provocetors intent on giving the Morelanders an excuse to invade our nation once more. What we must do is get these alleged criminals into our care as soon as possible before the Morelanders either make their agents disappear or take their frustrations about the tragic incidents involving Cultists out on the men. I call upon the international community to take action to bring East Moreland to heel before they create more death."

With that statement beamed around the world the Prince entered the waiting car and headed off.

Offline Yolotan

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Re: RS BS
« Reply #8 on: January 29, 2019, 07:40:58 PM »
Saburi, Cabinet's House

It was the first meeting of the new Ministry of Defense (because of the elections) and there already was a lot to discuss. Prime Minister Aaron Kaalit stood up "So guys, its good to see you all, i believe we have a lot to discuss." he said while looking at his Minister of Defense, Military Adviser, Commander of Tenagri Legiona and the 3 heads of the Armed Forces (So the Navy, Army and Airforce). "Yes sir, as you probably have already seen on the news, there is a humanitarian crisis going on in Royal Seleucid and it is not going to take long before there are going to be a lot of deaths, the issue that this all brings is that Cultists were better prepared for a crisis like this and considering their position in the country isnt that loved already, this is creating some tensions, like a street fights with, yes, swords and machetes *sigh* Cultists,  which killed 30 people, so you could say shit is getting out of hand here." the Minister of Defense said. "Sir, as a country that has also lived through horrors of war and knows what a humanitarian crisis looks like, i think we should do something to help these people, the problem is we cant just sail into their waters. " Admiral Viviano De Bernardo said. Aaron was now brainstorming and thinking about what to do "Viviano, where are the closest ships to RS right now?" "Phuebra sir, the HMS Zion, HMS Zulu, HMS Flumon and the HMS Timotia." Again Aaron was thinking... "Ok here is what we are gonna do, we are gonna move all the ships from Phuebra to the Sea of Kyne apart from the HMS Zulu, furthermore, i ask the Air Force and the Army to go to High Alert, we want to be on stand by if shit is really about to go down, from the moments there are shots we will enter their EEZ, i also want the Tenagri in Phuebra to go together with the navy to RS, so we can react fast."  Aaron said. "Understood sir we gonna make work of it right now, and we will inform the Achkaerinese and the Morelanders."



Phuebra

It was getting dark in Phuebra so the hot temperatures were finally cooling down, the crew of the Vaguzian Navy had just heard that they were gonna move to Royal Seleucid which was gonna be a trip of around 3-5 days, they were also loading up the ships with food that they would use to help the people in Royal Seleucid if necessary. "Well at least it isnt as fucking hot in RS as here right?"  Warrant Officer 2 Winston Alejandro said while he was making up his bed "They have deserts in Seleucid you dumb fuck!!" Sub Lieutenant Jonathan Orwell reacted "Oh, well fuck."

Meanwhile at the bridge, Captain Fabio Elmo of the HMS Timotia was talking the mission through with Major Fabiane Segalla of the Tenagri Legiona "Okay so i was given orders to transport you and your men to Royal Seleucid, and i have been told that at the time of our arrival, stuff already could have gotten horribly wrong, and we have given orders to protect the Cultists at all cost, so be ready to see some action. " he said, "I'm a Tenagri sure, i'm always ready."

Offline Achkaerin

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Re: RS BS
« Reply #9 on: January 29, 2019, 08:46:23 PM »
At the Marble Palace the atmosphere was tense, Peter now had his advisors, members of the cabinet as well as military and intelligence officials sat around the round table, in what was referred to as the Round Table Conference - some might call it the emergency committee or some such in other nations but in Achkaerin that was what it was called, the name obviously deriving from the shape of the table that those present sat around. Peter had his elbows on the table his fingers interwoven as the National Security Advisor Mark Sharpe finished updating everyone on new events since the phone call Peter had received.

"Thank you Mark." Peter said "Mr Attorney General what's the legal standing of the Seleucid accusation against East Moreland?" he glanced towards the man in question Samuel White
"Taking it as what Royal Seleucid state then it's a problem, a ship operating under a Seleucid flag equates to Seleucid territory, boarding it without permission is tantamount to an incursion into another nations sovereign territory and an act of war." Samuel said "However it appears they prevented a hijacking which puts the vessel in a state of distress and for East Morelanders to be there at all there was presumably a distress call in which case East Moreland has rendered assistance as per the Fair Seas Concordat."
"Admiral Stapleton what's our present position in the region?" Peter asked

"Your Majesty." Admiral Joseph Stapleton said standing up and going to the large screen that dominated one wall of the room, it displayed a map of Midaranye and was zoomed in on Royal Seleucid "We presently have the INS Anezaki Ayanami on station in the region as well as the INS Rhyth Icerider, INS Sovereign and INS Hyperion" he indicated the groups position on the map "We have en route to join them the INS Intrepid, INS Excalibur, INS Stardust, INS Iona Azurewind, INS Athos Mishima, INS Amazon and INS Hope. In addition to ourselves we have the joint East Moreland and Bakkermayan task force of fourteen vessels, the Rokkenjiman group and we've had information that the Vaguzian's are going to be sending some ships along and then there's Seaforth as well. All in all it's one hell of a fleet."

"We shouldn't really count on the Rokkenjiman's at this point though." Consul Michael Williams, the leader of the elected government, said "And not for the usual reason this time. President Kravec has demanded a Rokkenjiman withdrawal from the gulf of Auraxis I don't imagine a Rokkenjiman presence in relation to this potential Cultist Genocide is going to be distant enough in the geographical sense to ease that particular tension."
"Who's on the Athos Mishima?" Peter asked
"Wyvern Legion troops and associated personnel." Joseph said "General Fuji."
"Rion what have you got?" Peter asked he looked towards Rion Ayanami

"I've got a pair of agents en route to check on the Callaghan's as requested." Rion said "Hopefully that can be accomplished before there's further escalation of the situation. I recommend embassy security be increased and that we have everyone ready for action should this go south."
"Tighten it up as best you can, troops if necessary." Peter said "JET?"
"As per Your Majesty's instructions we have supported East Moreland's request for food and aid to ease the situation in Royal Seleucid." Achkaerin's JET representative Katya Ascot said "We expect our first flights and personnel to be touching down within the next twenty four hours."

Peter nodded, he was going over everything in his head it bore all the hallmarks of previous genocides, still at least this time it wasn't just Achkaerin and East Moreland looking at it, the Slava Lavosk/Rokkenjima situation was little more than a sideshow at the moment but he knew how quickly that could change especially now Tamora was flexing muscles Midaranye was certainly proving how much of a powderkeg it was.

"Are we still recommending Guardian Angel profile?" Peter asked
"Yes sir." Stapleton said, Peter looked down the table to where an unusual attendee sat Antonio Gliss
"Antonio how many of your companies ships can you spare?" Peter asked
"I'd need to consult with the admiralty on that but if it comes to it they'll be there." Antonio said

"Ok for the moment continue as we presently stand, have the ships link up, get the Callaghan's out if you can assess the situation on the ground, and get the JET aid moving." Peter said "See you all again in six hours if not before should something happen." 
« Last Edit: February 12, 2019, 03:32:33 PM by Achkaerin »

Offline DaveIronside

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Re: RS BS
« Reply #10 on: January 29, 2019, 10:08:03 PM »
9am Ipsus

In one of the many Pagoda's that littered the gardens of Ipsus Royal Palace the temperature of the day was yet to reach its highest. The temperature still made the air shimmer in a heat haze and that had lead to Prince Heydar going for a dip. As he entered the pagoda to lay out his towel and t-shirt he felt someone grab him round the waist pulling him close. "What took you so long." The woman whispered in his ear before kissing his neck. "You didn't come to my room last night" she added as Heydar turned and locked lips with her.

"No, sadly my father wanted a meeting about the raising level of tension. Like he always does he waffles on about this and that, worrying more what nations like Bastardmaya and East Whoreland think rather than doing what his people need him to do." Heydar said critically bringing chuckled from his step-mother Queen Katerina.  She may have been his step-mother but she was five years his junior and while Heydar may have disapproved of his fathers policies his taste in women was exquisite. He let his hands slip down to her bikini bottoms and began to undo them as she reached back and pulled the door closed behind them. They'd been carrying on like this for years now and as far as they were aware no one had any clue as to what was happening.

"I think we need to put into action what we've spoke about" Heydar said as post-cortially he gazed at the roof while stroking Katerina's hair her head resting of his chest. 

"When do you think is the best time" she picked her head up allowing her to look him in the eye.

"Tonight?" He asked unsure whether it would be possible.

"That's possible" she said as she slid on top of him. "You better be ready" she said as she leaned forward kissing him once more.



11am, Celtic Protectorate

Tim had to smile to himself. Here he was sat in one of the royal aircraft with five others onboard, two Red Legionnaires and three female Bakkermayan officers of the Horseman of Jekar, lead by  Major Claire Munroe. The Bakkermayans had left their military uniforms behind to allow themselves to blend in as civil servants from the East Moreland diplomatic service. It was a rather strange gathering and it kind of made him some kind of military leader, something he thought he'd never do. "When we land Sir." Munroe began. "We'll be expected to meet Lt.ColLt-Col Isaac Mulligan and present your accreditation." she said reading off a ticklist of tasks they'd have to do.

"Claire, its Tim. Not Sir, Not Mr.Ambassador, Not Mr.Carpenter.....I may occasionally answer to "Hey you" but never Sir." Tim was still leaning back in his chair eyes closed. "Isaac's cool." Tim had meet him when he was the first governor of the province before the Celts had merged the military command and the governor role. "He'll be pretty laid back about the admin but he'll not be too happy if he see's you with that missy." Tim pointed at the pistol he spotted under Claire's jacket.

"I promise I'll remove it when we land." She said as she jotted down a few thoughts on a notepad.

"Come on" Tim opened his eyes laughing. "There are six of us, two pilots and an Air Force steward, I'm pretty sure no one is going to be hijacking this bird" he chuckled. A few hours later the aircraft had touched down, it had been guided in by two of the Cenneg Air Force fighters and Lt-Col Mulligan was on the ground waiting for them. Tim didn't wait for people to grab his belongings and picked up a battered leather briefcase and his backpack with a skateboard strapped to it. "Lets roll" he said as he almost leapt down the steps. "Isaac, nice to see you." The two men exchanged handshakes as Tim slipped his bag from his shoulder. "Now I know" Tim began as he unzipped his bag, "It's not Cenneg but its good." Tim produced a bottle of Moreland whiskey from his bag and handed it over. "I thought we could have a drop or two tonight while you tell me what's been going on here."

"It'll taste like rats piss but your on" Isaac said as Tim began introducing him to the rest of the team he had brought across with him.



2pm, Hafthar, Celtic Protectorate

Robert Grant had suspected what was going to happen outside the Protectorate, word came in of hundreds, maybe even thousands of Cultists having their swords seized in areas where there had been trouble. Robert had driven an hour east to Hafthar where Alex Redfern had told him an old friend Sam Morgan was living only all his neighbours knew him as the eccentric Sam McCullen, a race car enthusiast who had moved over post genocide. "Robbie mate" the two old friends embraced in a tight man hug, they'd served together in Red Legion and while Robert had officially cut ties with his old unit Sam was still effectively on the chain. He may have retired from military service but as they said, once a Red always a Red and many of them reported regularly back to HQ in East Moreland with little bits of information.

"Good to see you." Sam pulled away and lead him into the office. "It's secure here" he sat down in his office seat and pulled two glasses from his draw and poured some of local Arak. The pair necked it and began coughing, "Smooth as a Legionnaires ball sack" the two chuckled. They caught up on various bits of gossip and news before getting down to business. "Redfern is calling it Operation Sheppard Dog, essentially this place is a secret airfield" he stood and pointed to his glorified drag strip. "Its off the records of the Seleucid military but we've got it up to military spec. We can reinforce it by putting the safety barriers down, its that matting stuff." Sam began to explain. "We've got therefore a mile long runway, plenty of room for the Air Force jocks to get in and out on. What I need is people, so when it kicks off your task is to get people here and I've got some toys if you need them." Sam motioned for Rob to follow him and headed across the car park to a large metal container, he moved an old tarpaulin and on the floor was a combination locked hatch which he tapped a code into. "Welcome to my underground lair" he said proudly, a rack of about fifty assault rifles was bolted to a wall, a mixture of different heavier weapons also there. "If there is anything you need take it." All Robert took was a few radios and a couple of handguns, he could hide them in his car easily but he wasn't so sure about the rifles. With the weapons securely hidden he made the journey back to his own cave hide out where his son Jack was busy securing a few swords, some of the local Cultists had brought them for safe keeping to the Temple but Jack's Mum had insisted he take them and hide them out of town.

"Is it going to happen?" Jack asked as he checked out one of the pistols.

"50/50 son....50/50" Robert said as he checked the other.



7pm Ipsus Royal Palace

The King was in his office dealing with various requests from the military and various mayors for aid across the nation. Some limited supplies had got in via the protectorate and the first of the JET people where coming in. There was still issues across the nation as gangs attacked the food trucks, he'd even heard how the boats landing at the Celtic Protectorate had been ransacked. He didn't even hear the door open or the click clack of high heels as they crossed the Palace's marble floor. "Good evening my love" Queen Katerina saw him nervously jump in his chair, his surprise making her giggle. "Sorry darling" She kissed him on the cheek as she perched herself on the desk. "I thought you'd like some company" she placed her hand on his.

"I have work to do, but maybe in an hour or so we can have a drink together." Akakois admired his young wife's beauty, she even smelt incedible no doubt some fancy foreign perfume that had cost more than a Seleucid peasants annual salary but in the King's mind Katerina was worth every penny. She had been his trophy wife, but since with Oksana on the scene and younger, and pregnant Katerina felt rather worried about her position in his affections.

"I can't wait an hour" She stood up slipping the straps of her dress from her shoulders leaving her standing dressed only in the King's favourite lingerie. ""You need to forget all this for a while. I'll do that thing you love" she purred as she sat on his lap. She helped him take off his trousers and soon they were making love on his desk. "Wait" Katerina said quickly untangling herself from him and taking his leather belt from off the floor. "You want me to?" she asked and with almost child like anticipation the King nodded. At first Katerina had found it very strange, the King liking to be treated this way during their bedroom time but she concluded that the man's extreme power in public made him wish to hand over the power in the bedroom. She slipped it around his neck with a practiced motion having first put one of her silk stockings around his neck to stop it digging in too much. "Say Judas when you've had enough" she said and the King nodded enthusiastically as they began making love once more, this time as they progressed Katerina pulled on the belt harder and harder. Soon the King was gasping as Katerina made love to him she knew from experience they'd soon be at the end game.  "You know anything about Judas" Katerina said as she groaned, "He's a Christian figure." the King was nearing his usual point of uttering their safe word. "He betrayed his Jesus for a handful of silver."

"Judas" the King whimpered the lack of being able to breath taking over from his desire for his wife. Usually Katerina would relax the belt but instead he felt it tighten around his throat.

"I did it for much less" the King's eyes widened as his wife said the words a mixture of a lack of oxygen and terror at what his wife was saying. "I did it for the man I love." She was really yanking on it now the belt almost cutting into Akakois throat as she used her body to hold him down as he began to thrash. "I did it for Heydar" she smiled as she told the soon to be dead King that she and his son had been having an affair. "Just one more death after this and Seleucid will have the King it deserves, not some dirty old man collecting young woman to keep his bed warm." The King's eyes were closed and Katerina continued to strangle him for a few more moments, she placed her head on his chest and checked for a heart-beat, she couldn't hear one as she loosened the belt, climbed off the desk and headed for her handbag she'd dropped as she entered. She removed her small make up mirror and held it over the mouth, nothing, Akakois was dead. She began performing the worst CPR known to mankind as she screamed.

Almost instantly the two guards outside the Kings office who had been joking moment earlier about the old man dying on the job burst in. They saw a naked Queen performing CPR on the King. "He just collapsed" Katerina explained. Twenty minutes later and the Royal Physician pronounced Akakois dead, the doctor ordered the room to be cleared as he needed to help calm Katerina down who was doing an award winning performance of a grieving widow.

"You OK?" Malik, Katerina's cousin asked her as he began handing her the clothing she'd discarded.

"I'm perfect" the Queen said as she got dressed, the hysterics of the moments earlier immediately evaporated. "Now, you need to go sort the body out" Katerina said. "Do you have them?" she waited as Malik reached into his coat pocket.

"They'll knock you out really quickly, they'll keep you down for a good 24 hours. By that time I'll have everything taken care of." Malik handed over the sedatives that he'd tell everyone he'd been forced to prescribe for the distraught Queen. He left and began briefing the guards as Katerina went next door to the Kings bedroom, poured herself a glass of water and took one of the pills. The palace was soon filled with the whails and cries as family member after family member heard the news and broke down.

It was the new King, Crown Prince Hadi who seemed strongest. "We have to get word to Heydar, he's gone on duty with the Air Force this morning. We need him back here." the new King heard his servants instantly call him their Majesty rather than Highness and it was only then that it sank in that he was now the King of a country in crisis.

Offline Markus

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Re: RS BS
« Reply #11 on: January 31, 2019, 08:11:40 PM »
The locus swarm that devastated Royal Seleucid agriculture sector did not affect Tamora that much. That is not to say that Tamora agriculture sector was unscathed. More than twenty counties, totaling an area of about a third of RS, had been devastated and this year agriculture production was expected to be the worse in 20 years but compared to calamity Royal Seleucid was expecting, Tamora’s problems paled in comparison. Still, its own economic problems and especially the ever rising tensions with Slava made Tamora to react slower to the RS humanitarian crisis than perhaps expected. However, that didn't mean RS situation went completely unnoticed in Tamora and now finally help was being provided.

Firstly, the various religious communities, of which the most active was by far the Anahitaist one, organized fund raisers around the country in order to raise money to buy food for the population of RS. However, because Tamora had its own problems in the affected counties and because it was significantly poorer than RS, the funds raised were not extraordinary. Furthermore, the fact that war seemed to be looming also made Tamorans less willing to donate. If that wasn't bad enough, since RS’ agricultural production had been wiped out and Tamora was having a bad year, it meant supply of food was significantly lower than in previous years and prices surged. Despite all these obstacles, the first ten trucks full of food were now crossing the Tamoran-Seleucid border and heading for Anjir, a major city in RS that was relatively close to Tamora’s border. From there the food will be distributed by the local authorities as they would see fit. It was hoped that more trucks would follow as further funds were raised.

Secondly, the government of the federated kingdom West Seleucid (ooc: one of the provinces in Tamora), which shared many cultural connections with RS, decided to offer assistance to RS to help stop crime that seemed to be rapidly increasing. It took some time but the authorities managed to make available one thousand policemen to help RS restore order and were now being sent there. Most of them were expected to help police the region that laid between the Tamora’s border and RS’ main river but that was subject to change should RS authorities decide the officers would be needed elsewhere. The fact that the policemen were either native speakers of Seleucid or at least spoke it well would be an important asset when trying to police the areas. And since this was Midaranye, the fact that many of them were also Anahitaist didn’t hurt either. Tensions were high in the region and having foreign law enforcement agents that spoke the local language and knew the customs would alleviate some of the concerns of the local population.

Lastly, the Tamora’s imperial government, which was publicly known to be friendly towards RS, also closely watched the developments in RS. Since Tamora had no food shortages (though the prices had more than doubled on average) made it a magnet for the Seleucid citizens that had the money, means and were close enough to Tamora to make the trip and supply there for food and then take it back to their homes. It was a phenomenon that was steadily increasing as each day passed. More buyers in Tamora’s food stores, while good for the stores, meant higher prices for consumers which didn’t go well with the local population. To make matters worse, the recent ultimatum given by Djerb to Slava, put the nation on a path towards war which lead many people to buy food and stockpile in case of an emergency. All this lead to almost daily increases in food prices in Tamora and especially in West Seleucid. This didn’t go unnoticed by the population and protests started to take place with people demanding that the Tamora –RS border be closed. Despite the pressure, Djerb went the opposite way and decided to easy access to the Seleucid citizens that wanted to get in Tamora to buy food.  This furthered angered Tamorans which lead to bigger protests which so war were peaceful. In normal times, the Emperor could deploy the army as a show of force but since the army’s focus was now on Slava, that was not a possibility. Furthermore, the protests demanding to close the border threatened the unity of the Tamoran people at a time when that was needed more than ever. That put Djerb in a difficult spot but for now it seemed that it was firmly committed to helping RS.

Offline Yolotan

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Re: RS BS
« Reply #12 on: February 02, 2019, 12:33:10 AM »
The Vaguzian Navy had now arrived in the Sea of Kyne and joined up together with the Achkaerinese ships "Well this is quite a big fleet in this sea right? If stuff goes wrong, you've got the Morelanders, Achkaerinese, Bakkermayan and the Rokkenjiman" Captain Fabian Elmo said, "Sir, i wouldn't count on the Rokkenjiman tho, they will probably be forced to pull back because of the whole Slava-Tamora situation." Cadet Ladislao Buffo replied "Huh, whats happening in Tamora and Slava?" "Well the Slavans crucified some lass and apparently she was very loved with the Tamorans who have now called out Jihad on Slava. ", "Mighty Izra, we did come to the right place didnt we?''

Fabian was now looking at the radar to look for any possible treats but luckily couldnt find any, "So, this is what we gonna do, you gotta fetch the Tenagri now and tell them to help loading the food into our helicopter, dropping it into real RS territory is obviously a risk we cant take right now because we dont wanna trigger a war here, so what we are gonna do is fly the Helicopter to the Achkaerinese Embassy and drop the food there so they can give it to the starving, because else i am afraid we are gonna see some ugly scenes, we want the Tenagri with the Helicopter to secure the safety of the Achkaerinese Embassy and the Helicopter crew, oh and inform the Achkaerinese Embassy now, understood Cadet Buffo?" "Yes sir!"



Major Fabiane Segalla and 4 other Tenagri sat in the Helicopter that was transporting the food to the Embassy of Achkaerin. Some of these people had not eaten in days, which makes a human desperate, so Fabiane knew that he couldnt be cautious enough. One of the Tenagri, Sgt. Deacon Morgan, who was also a Cultist was rather sad during the whole travel, when asked about it he answered "Well you have to understand that these people feel like family to me because we are all Cultists, it is just hard to hear about the things like their swords and other properties get stolen, i am really afraid that there will be another genocide on my people." "Well, let's try to prevent that yes?" Major Segalla replied.

After a trip of around 1 and a half hour, the Helicopter finally arrived at the Embassy, the People of Ipsus saw the Vaguzian Helicopter flying over the city and of course had drawn their conclusion, a big chaos now broke out in the city of people trying to get to the Embassy first, Fabiane now jumped out of the helicopter and yelled through a megaphone "Everybody, please stay calm!! We will have enough food for everybody, so please don't panic or do things now you will regret, because you shall achieve nothing, we have a ship close to your coast, which has enough food, we just cant give it to you all at once, so please the children and the old first!!"

Offline The Young Pope

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Re: RS BS
« Reply #13 on: February 02, 2019, 09:10:48 AM »
Royal Palace of Krimeon
Everyone was pretty much on high alert within the Krimeonite government. It had after all been some time since Krimeon participated in an international aid campaign and to remain focused on the task at hand was of primary concern. "I believe that if we don't do this right, shit's going to hit the fan pretty quickly, another genocidal is kreeping right up the corner and of course I'm also referring to the situation going on between the Slavans and Tamorans." Prince Rodrigo Gough sighed as he slumped back into her chair, having his weekly meeting with the Prime Minister. Mundus once more went into this bizarre episode where Heads of States were seemingly blown to pieces or dying of so-called 'natural causes' even if they never displayed any physical weaknesses, and throwing humanitarian disasters and genocides in the mix created a deadly cocktail.

"Your Highness, for now we've sent one of our C-5 transporting the desperately needed food and water; Our fleet is on standby in case the expected notion of genocide pops up." Prime Minister Berenberg said, the fleet she was referring consisted of 1 Amphibious Assault Ship, 1 Amphibious Transport Dock, 1 Destroyer, 2 Frigates, 1 Attack Submarine as well as support vessels, carrying a small expeditionary force intended to strike the RS territory if needed, including the elite Royal Marines, Foreign Legionnaires and the dreaded Special Warfare Unit, which was Krimeon's version of EM's Red Legion.

"I think I'm getting too old for this shit…" the Prince could only reply back, although was confident in Krimeonite abilities to make a change.

Halfway through the Sea of Kyne
Little Krimeon could only provide so much as it wanted to despite its large encompassing heart that wanted to do so much more. The Krimeonite government had ordered the royal air force to prepare, few days in advance, a C-5 Galaxy Aircraft loaded with more than 120,000 kilos of humanitarian supplies, the majority of it consisted of prepared meals, dietary supplements and water bottles, as the locust outbreak truly crippled the Celtic Protectorate's ability to feed its own citizenry. It was only a matter of time before it arrived in Royal Seleucid territory and could descend at Ipsus International Airport, from which the food would eventually be transported to the people in crisis. As long as the coordination between all involved parties could be met, it didn't need to turn out more complicated than it needed to be.
« Last Edit: February 02, 2019, 09:51:56 AM by The Young Pope »

Offline Achkaerin

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Re: RS BS
« Reply #14 on: February 04, 2019, 01:44:42 AM »
Sea of Kyne

The INS Intrepid, the flagship of the Achkaerinese Navy was sat around 350km off the Seleucid coast, the other Achkaerinese vessels around her and then of course those from other nations. On the bridge of the carrier stood Commander Carmen Webb, she was standing near the back of the bridge at what was called the 'command table' which was basically a piece of equipment that allowed the senior staff to observe satellite imagery, fleet information, intelligence and other such information all from the perspective of strategy in the situation that presented itself whatever that might be. What was more annoying was that the sideshow of Rokkenjima and Slava Lavosk trading barbs was getting more problematic, they had to be certain that whatever happened there did not in any way compromise the capability of the others to do what they might need to do in relation to the situation in Royal Seleucid.

"Admiral on the bridge." an ensign said, Carmen turned to see her commanding officer Admiral Lucas Harper stepping onto the bridge
"Sir." Carmen said
"Carmen." Lucas said "Situation report?"
"We're on station, Vaguzian's and Krimeon have reportedly begun funneling aid into the country." Carmen said
"Commander Sterling." Lucas said turning to Commander Patrick Sterling the JAG officer for the Achkaerinese vessels assigned to the effort "Does anything to do with the Seleucid allegations against East Moreland affect my orders?"
"No sir." Patrick said
"And the Slava Lavosk situation?" Lucas asked
"No sir." Patrick said
"Ok then let's get started." Lucas said he glanced at his watch "Call Captain Sherwood to the bridge and green light the aid deliveries."
"Yes sir." Carmen said


Achkaerin Embassy, Ipsus

Jake Green was starting yet another day in the midst of the crisis, things had only gotten more tense with the death of King Akakois but the arrival of aid supplies courtesy of the Vaguzians was welcoming and the Achkaerinese aid supplies were now on the way, the plan was simple enough airlift the supplies into the embassy and distribute from a position of safety. Jake had been on the phone with Valtheim at regular intervals keeping the Emperor updated. He heard the next helicopter touch down on the roof and shortly afterwards take off, a sure sign it was a transport job, must be the extra security he'd been told was coming. A minute later and Colonel William Yates a veteran of the last cultist genocide was standing in front of the ambassador.

"Colonel what can you tell me?" Jake asked
"Mr Ambassador I have my troop and another ASF troop here right now, there are two standard army squads due later in the day with more supplies our responsibility is to tighten up your security and assist in the distribution of supplies." William said
"I see." Jake said "I've initiated stage one of the sunstrike protocol as a precautionary measure." the sunstrike protocol was a chain of events that if seen all the way through resulted in the abandoning of the embassy building, the evacuation of personnel and the destruction of all sensitive materials. Stage one was preparatory work in the main but did begin evacuations of non essential personnel, in this case the members of the embassy staff had been flown out of Ipsus airport twenty four hours previously.

"Understood Mr Ambassador." William said

Offline The Young Pope

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Re: RS BS
« Reply #15 on: February 04, 2019, 03:40:23 PM »
Ipsus International Airport

The Krimeonite C-5 transport plane had been travelling through the sea of Kyne for quite some time, braving through the rough, bad weather that kept plauging it, although it wasn't much of a hassle otherwise. The crew onboard knew what was at stake as they took their dedicated mission seriously to deliver the well-needed aid in the form of food and liquids; Besides those belonging to the plane, the one in charge of securing the food from unauthorized persons were a few members of the Special Warfare Unit, whom had the pleasure to later on distribute the aid like with their foreign counterparts.

"You think they're so desperate enough to swarm the entire field and engulf the aircraft?" The Young co-pilot and first officer asked his older, more experienced captain.

"Who knows, it might end up like in that Zombie movie if the worst comes to it." the old Aviator replied before giving in for a small laugh, whilst reassuring he colleague that everything was going to turn out fine, giving him a tap in the progress.

"Can't wait to get this over with and go home to be honest, there's so much shit going on recently from climate change to terrorist bombings and genocides, just wanna relax and have a cup of cocoa or two, lying there on that couch and overlooking the bonfire, tucked in with the babe..." the youngling said with the typical idealistic tone of optimism, stopping himself before he would become more intimate with the details.

"Please don't stop there, I want to hear all of that salacious stuff." the Captain replied. "Anyway more or less everyone thinks so but we got to bite this through; both you and I signed up to this job once upon a time, to actually make a difference and serve our nation and mankind, helping out those in need, I haven't given up about that and neither should you." The Old man said as he once more gave a tap on the back. "Alright, we're soon there...".

A few minutes later...

As the aircraft neared its destination, it was handed off to approach control. Approach control informed the aircraft as to how it would be landing at the airport and got them in a position to perform the landing.

"Solidarity 8, contact Ipsus approach on 118.1."

"Going to 118.1, Solidarity 8, good evening."

"Ipsus approach, Solidarity 8, level fifteen thousand."

"Solidarity 8, Ipsus approach, turn left heading three two zero, descend and maintain nine thousand."

"Left to three two zero, down to nine thousand, Solidarity 8."

"Solidarity 8, turn right heading zero six zero, descend and maintain five thousand, slow to two two zero knots."

"Right to 060, down to 5,000, slowing to 220 knots, Solidarity 8."

"Solidarity 8, intercept the localizer runway two eight right, cleared ILS two eight right."

"Cleared ILS two eight right, Solidarity 8."

"Solidarity 8, contact Ipsus Tower 118.7."

"Going to 118.7, Solidarity 8."

"Ipsus Tower, Solidarity 8 with you on the localizer two eight right."

"Solidarity 8, roger, cleared to land two eight right."

"Cleared to land two eight right, Solidarity 8."

"Ipsus Ground, Solidarity 8 off runway 28R at alpha six."


Now it was the moment of truth whether everything would go according to plan...or not.



« Last Edit: February 04, 2019, 04:53:11 PM by The Young Pope »

Offline DaveIronside

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Re: RS BS
« Reply #16 on: February 11, 2019, 09:07:00 PM »
Hadi was nervous, it was his first televised address to the nation as King and despite having been interviewed many times by the media this was different. He sat at his desk which overlooked the lush greenary of the Palace gardens and watched as the buzz from the TV crew went on behind the camera. "Thirty seconds Your Majesty" a director called across the room as they watched the second hand on the clock tick down. Soon everyone went silent as the director began counting down showing Hadi five fingers, then  four, three, two, one and then pointed. Hadi blinked and watched as the red light on the camera turned green indicating that every TV channel in the nation would be beaming him live into his people's living rooms.

"People of Seleucid I am honoured today to address you as your King, but also saddened as this honour has come far too early. I shall begin this address by thanking everyone who has sent their messages of support and prayers for my father. To many of you he was a proud King who ruled our nation wisely but to me and my siblings he was always our father, kind, wise, sometimes harsh but he knew that harshness was needed to make us the adults we have become, adults ready and willing to follow the path set before us. He has prepared us well for it and I am confident that given time we shall make him as proud of us as we all were of him.

As for the current situation I can confirm that as we speak together supplies of food from Krimeon and Neu Urburzis are seeping into our nation. The location of these supplies are currently a military intelligence matters as we need to ensure their security. Rest assured that we shall in the coming hours begin distributing it as far as we can. In the next 48 hours plans are also afoot to ensure a more stable food supply situation. Each citizen may collect from their local Temple of  Anahita a booklet, each dedicated for every citizen in Seleucid. This booklet will be their ration booklet and as supplies are brought into settlements only those with the booklet may be permitted to claim a ration. This will ensure a fairness in the distribution and allow the army to take steps to distribute it in an orderly manner.

As for the international situation I wish to inform the Cultist fleet in the seas just off our coast that we mean our Cultist brothers and sisters here no harm. I will be ordering no action against them. I would however urge you to remove yourself as your prescence in what I must now call the Great Kyne Parking Lot is inflamming international tensions. You have emboldened fanned flames in Midaranye that have been dormant for years. There is no need for your prescence as Midaranye has many differences but have always solved them ourselves, now for the first time in living memory foreign fleets dot the horizon and the drums of war are beating. We sit sandwiched between Tamora and Slava Lavosk and I do not wish our neighbours to go to war, but measures must be taken to de-escalate the situation. That however does not mean I will foresake my fathers friends. Tamora's royal family were close friends to my father and he made promises to them that we shall keep. With that in mind I shall be speaking to our Navy in the coming days to ensure that our western neighbours are, if they require it, supported in ensuring that their waters are kept peaceful from all aggressors. Our military have now for some time been on  high alert and I intend to keep them there. I will say once more to the nations of Rokkenjima, East Moreland, Achkaerin, Vaguzia, Bakkermaya and anyone else foolish enough to be sat in the Kyne go home you are not needed nor wanted here.

Finally I can confirm that I will be accepting the crown officially only once the supplies of food for our nation have been replenished. It would not be right for the Palace to feast in grandeur while the smallest child in the villages that ring the desert feel the pangs of hunger. I personally shall be conducting fasts during sun rise to allow the Palace to conserve what food we have and distribute this to the needy of Ipsus. I urge all those healthy enough to do likewise, at this time of hardship those of us blessed with strength by the Goddess must do what we can to help those less fortunate, no matter how small. Share your last crumb with a neighbour and show the whole of Mundus the unity of our nation. Thank you for your continued support and may you be blessed."

The light on the camera blinked then turned red and the TV crew clapped.



As the new King was making his first announcement Brigadier Homaniaz was bidding farewell to the airship from Neu Urburzis, they'd meet it at a point about 10km into the desert to avoid crowds and now several convoys of large trucks were heading back towards civilisation as each member of the airship crew was thanked personally by the senior officer with warm handshakes and hugs of brotherhood. As they waved them back into the air Homaniaz smiled, "Have a a third of the trucks go to Memek Barracks, ensure each soldier gets 72 hours worth of food. The rest is to be given to Albanus Ares." The smuggler had a rather useful network across Aranye and that included in Royal Seleucid, normally he traded in drugs, weapons, a few people even had slaves brought in from Tamora for various illegal means but that was a very small but lucrative part of his network. It was not therefore surprising that Ares was happy to turn this situation of a famine to his advantage and along with a group of trusted senior military officials he had turned his drug network into one now selling bags of rice for vast mark ups and now he was about to get access to some free supplies thanks to Neu Urburzis.



There was a crowd watching the aircraft touch down, they had been their days watching every aircraft touch down. Things however had got more orderly, mainly because raher than drive the supplies out a fleet of heavy helicopters waited ready to take the supplies off and out. "Welcome to Royal Seleucid" a Major shook the Krimeonite crew by the hand. Already soldiers were unloading the supplies onto the helicopters.

"PLEASE! PLEASE JUST SOME RICE!" a voice from the fence drifted across the busy airfield.

"Please pass on our thanks to your government from King Hadi" the man stepped aside to let a forklift into the C-5 to speed up the loading. "I am sure the people will be ever so grateful" he turned his eyes to the fence where a chant had begun.

"FOOD! FOOD! FOOD! FOOD!" came the chorus.

"If only they'd return to their homes they'd make things so much easier." the Major said shaking his head as he saw a military vehicle head towards the fence. The first helicopter took off and headed out low over the fence, the Major wished they'd hurry up and load the rest as he never felt confident that the process would go smoothly and only once the food was off site did he feel he could relax. A minute later the second helicopter lifted off and headed towards the fence, the Major however spun with shock as he heard the sound of small arms fire followed by the sight of smoke pouring from the helicopters engine. "SHIT!" he exclaimed as he completely forgot about the C-5 crew he'd been engaging in small talk. The Helicopter coughed and spluttered its way in an arc clearly trying to get back to the airfield but it was obvious it was going to fall short and land in some nearby small woodland. The Major could see the crowd already hurrying that way clearly intent on getting the supplies. "Get the Rapid Reaction team there now." He barked and men scrambled towards various vehicles some still struggling to put on their webbing and slinging rifles. He turned back to the crew of the C-5 as the gate to the base had opened and a group of civilians still thinking the C-5 must hold supplies sprinted for the aircraft. "Take off.....get out of here" the Major unslung his own rifle and without warning fired a shot just over the onrushing people's head as he stepped off the loading ramp of the C-5. "STOP!" he yelled hoping the Krimonites would get going. The crowd didn't sensing they had just a few seconds to get into the rear and grab supplies. They wouldn't get close as the Major flicked his weapon to automatic and began gunning the civilians down. Two of his men seeing his action did likewise and even before the C-5 could turn their engine on the threat was gone. The Major ran over to check the bodies they all seemed to be dead, two where carrying swords tucked into their belts. "Sergeant go get the C-5 crew" he pointed and the man did as instructed. "Gentleman I apologise for the panic, but as you can see we had armed threats, Cultists by the swords, they should have been handed over as we called them all in two days ago. You see we can't be safe even trying to get supplies in. Please if you bring more supplies you must bring an escort OK.....I'd hate to think what would happen if they had reached you. Dead at the hands of a Cultist sword I suspect as they robbed the food......who knows maybe even worse we've heard rumours of canabalism in some areas. What do you think sir" he placed a friendly hand on the pilots shoulder, "Krimenoite Air Force steak sandwich, what a way to go" he laughed, "Please pass on my thanks" he watched as he saw beyond the fence his men enter the woodland and the sound of gunfire as they tried to secure the food supplies. It was just a mess.

Offline The Young Pope

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Re: RS BS
« Reply #17 on: February 11, 2019, 11:20:42 PM »
A major of the SWU being tasked to ensure the safety of the C-5 crew members was the first to shake his Seleucid counterpart, after they had vacated the plane. "A pleasure Major, we don't mind the extra security at all." he greeted, before letting the captain and the rest of his crew greet their hosts. It didn't even need to take a few minutes for the Krimeonites to settle down; as the crew members took the opportunity to rest, the SWU members helped the Seleucid soldiers to load their helicopters with the aid supplies, whilst some took up their guard roles and payed attention to their surroundings, hearing the cries and screams in the background from the desperate cultists simply wanting to fill their stomachs and silence their cravings.

As expected though, the situation got temporarily off-beat and a diabolical mess arose from the erupted chaos; gunfire, a transport chopper suddenly got downed and cultists managing to enter the area of the base and making their approach to the plane, the crew didn't hesitate to ready the plane and get the hell out of the there, the SWU members gripping their weapons tightly guarding the plane from all directions as the aircraft engines were busy warming themselves up; one of them started to secretly film the intense scene at hand, and even managed to capture the moment when the Seleucid Major seemingly had no choice but to shoot dead two cultists running towards the plane, having their sheathed swords tucked in their belts.

From then on, the C-5 crew and the SWU unit could for a moment breath properly; The aircraft's captain proceeded to have a status report with the Seleucid Major and joked their way out of the intense anxiety. "Hehe Major, indeed if only mankind could for once act sensible enough, we wouldn't have needed to experience this mess." the Captain commented as he took a glance at the two corpses being expected by some other Seleucid soldiers. "Oh and I almost forgot, please Major I do insist..." he gestured towards the SWU Major and some of his men bringing crates filled with Krimeon's finest Vodka. "This ain't a joke Major, Krimeon Vodka is best Vodka in Mundus, it literally cures anything." he laughed in the process. "As you may be aware, in Krimeon we tend to say that everything is done in the opposite way. You drink Vodka in other countries, but in Krimeon Vodka drinks you!" he made that cheap joke, returning a pat on the Seleucid Major's shoulder.

After a few minutes of chit chat, the C-5 crew as well as the SWU unit took farewell of their hosts and prepared to leave this place as they run out of supplies to hand over. The captain and the SWU major's faces turned into seriousness as they sat and discussed in the cockpit what had just transpired in front of their sight. It was decided that they would need to report this to their own government, as based on this situation, things could get worse as soon as the word was leaked out, and the bigger question behind it was; when exactly? "We need to report this to (Foreign) Minister Leonidovich, I have a bad feeling about this one." the old Captain said as the Krimeonite C-5 lifted up towards the sky.

THE GRAND RINCIPALITY OF KRIMEON

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

To (Crypted Message):- East Moreland, Bakkermaya, UC, Achkaerin, Vaguzia (OOC: anyone else relevant I missed, pls notify me)

Normally I wouldn't send a message such as this, unless it was absolutely urgent and dire to begin with, so I'll simply cut to the chase. As all recipients may be aware of, Krimeon recently sent a C-5 transport plane delivering supplies in terms of food, making its way to Ipsus International Airport, before returning shortly afterwards home. However, a truly serious incident occured as of the aftermath of this written message, when desperate Cultists stormed the base area and attempted to hijack our plane and steal any available food onboard, as it was being loaded unto Seleucid helicopters for later aid distribution; prior to this gun shots errupted which more than likely resulted in the downing of one of the Seleucid helicopters, making a crash landing into the nearby woodland area.

Going back to the C-5 aircraft, our SWU unit managed to safely ensure that the crew onboard could attempt to leave the base, though what truly ended the situation was when the Seleucid commanding officer shot two cultists dead as they attempted to reach the aircraft, both of them carrying sheathed swords, which further identifies them as cultists per tradition. Even if we're grateful that no further blood was spilled, our crew is safe and that the SWU didn't need to fire off a single shot, what is more troubling and concerning is that as soon as this news is spread far and wide across the kingdom, the streets will flow with endless amount of blood, as either side would use it for their own agenda, justifying the killings on each other; the Cultists could blame the Seleucids for killing innocent citizens simply desperate for food, whilst the latter would accuse the other of being greedy, murderous and only themselves to care about.

Whatever may be the case, the notion of genocides is without a question a reality that will likely come into fruition if we don't somehow manage to contain the aftermath of the situation properly. The Krimeonite government would appreciate any response from your respective governments in regards to what has been presented in this sincere message of further cooperation to once and for all solve this mess, including recommendations on possible steps to take. On an additional note, my government has decided to continue with the food supplies and one can expect more transport aircraft to be sent until it's no longer feasable for us to be of any use and that the situation in RS will improve. I would like to thus thank the recipients of this message for taking the time to read this.

Take Care, God Bless and until then,

Somov Leonidovich
Minister of Foreign Affairs





Offline KrisNord

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Re: RS BS
« Reply #18 on: February 15, 2019, 09:30:36 AM »
NOTICE OF INTENDED NAVAL CHECKPOINT
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Thanks to a uprecidented naval build up the region of the Sea of Kyne near Midaranye is becoming an overcrowded mess. Tie into this the claim of the Vaguzain and Achkaerin fleets of creating a 70km exclusion zone around themselves and we have added issues. This exclusion zone itself creates an effective bubble in the region at least 140km across assuming that the ships are all parked on top of each other, which will not be the case as standard naval doctrine dictates separation, therefore this bubble is likely to be 200km across in a region that is experiencing a humanitraina crisis and needs ships to freely navigate this area. These matters mean that the UC navy will militarising the Celtic Protectorate EEZ. Every ship entering will be challenged by sea or air and unless on authorised humanitarian operations will be ordered to leave the area. The world must take responsibility for their actions in this region and the impact it is having on vital shipping lanes.

We further call on Slava Lavosk to remove their mines as the concern of these in the region is also adding to this tension.

This process shall begin in 12 hours.

King Finley of Ui Cenneslaig

Offline Beatrice

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Re: RS BS
« Reply #19 on: February 15, 2019, 10:15:45 AM »

A Private Message To King Finely

Your Highness,

I wish to recognize the contributions Rokkenjima has made to the mass of vessels presently in the region, as well as the undue difficulties this may unintentionally impart upon operations in the region. With present difficulties before us I wish to approach you and ask for the protection and cooperation of the Ui Cennselaig Navy to ensure the safe operations of the following vessels:

1. IRN Guardian, a hospital ship of the Imperial Rokkenjiman Navy, which I have dispatched to be of assistance in cases where local hospitals may be overwhelmed.

2. IMS Poseidon, which has been pressed into service for humanitarian operations. She is presently loaded as full as possible with shelf-stable foods, grains, rice, as well as cured and canned meats. These may be distributed through whatever distribution systems are in place to help in alleviating the food shortages presently faced.

In the coming hours I intend to announce a transition of the Enterprise Strike Group to more southern waters to alleviate broader concerns in the region and to ensure tensions within Slava Lavosk do not pose any further difficulties in regards to the situation within Royal Seleucid and the Protectorate. If there is any other manner in which I may be of assistance I shall look to your guidance first.

The above mentioned vessels shall be arriving in less than twelve hours time, having been dispatched with the intent of linking up with the Enterprise Strike Group. I feel, however, that coordination with Ui Cennselaig would provide for more efficient and swift operations. Furthermore, if we may explore more efficient means of delivery I have further ideas to dispatch more food and supplies.

I shall await your reply.

Respectfully;


Empress of Rokkenjima
Princess of Littlebrook

Beatrice Anselmo
Grand Chancellor of the Independent Order
Empress of the First Empire of Rokkenjima

Factbook of the First Empire of Rokkenjima - Kingdom of Clysperis

Offline Markus

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Re: RS BS
« Reply #20 on: February 15, 2019, 09:42:11 PM »
After recent reports about how dangerous it had become to send aid across the border, authorities of the federated kingdom West Seleucid (ooc: the Tamoran province bordering Royal Seleucid) decided to open, in cooperation with the NGOs, a series of aid centers near the Seleucid border. The aim was to be able to distribute the food without risking violent incidents from the desperate population. For the security of the aid centers, the authorities mobilized part of the reserve force by declaring a state of emergency.

However, Tamora’s own problems meant that raising donations to buy food to give away to the Seleucid citizens crossing the border to Tamora was in short supply so there was little food available in the aid centers. That all changed once the Quintelian fleet arrived and docked in Tamora. They brought food for both Tamora and Seleucid*. For their part, the imperial authorities had its share of the aid distributed to the main religious organizations of Tamora to use as they fit. While some of it was kept to help the Tamoran population most of it would be distributed to the Seleucid citizens though the aid centers near border.  The approximately one thousand Quintelian aid workers that arrived in Tamora were also given a couple of aid centers to distribute their humanitarian aid to the Seleucid coming in the country. According to Tamoran norms, each aid center was staffed with volunteers and aid workers from the same religious organization so giving the Quintelian their own aid centers was not unusual.
Spoiler:  the Tamoran-RS border • show




More and more Seleucid citizens are crossing the border to Tamora to buy food or receive humanitarian aid


So far there haven’t been any notable disruptments at the border. However, as traffic increases that might change, especially if the humanitarian aid runs out.


While the aid operation provided some relief to the Seleucid population, not everyone in Tamora was happy about it. Some Tamorans resented the fact that they had to pay ever increasing prices on food while foreigners could come to their country and receive free food. Despite the best efforts of the local police, in just one day, over 15 incidents had been registered of Seleucid citizens being robbed of their food by Tamoran citizens. While no serious harm was done to them, the phenomenon seemed to be on the rise and could fuel retaliatory violence.   

*OOC: Agreed with Major Jaws.


Public statement regarding foreign humanitarian aid to Royal Seleucid
   
The Empire of Tamora has taken notice of the overcrowding of the EEZ of Royal Seleucid with various foreign vessels meant to bring aid to the local population. We would like to offer our support in alleviating some of the problems encountered by foreign vessels by offering them the opportunity to dock in our main port and bring the supplies to our aid centers opened near the border with RS. All foreign vessels carrying humanitarian aid, with the exception of those carrying the flag of the Republic of Slava Lavosk, can contact us and upon authorization can enter our territorial waters, dock in our main port and will be provided logistical support to move the humanitarian aid to the already established aid centers near the Seleucid border.

We make this invitation in the hope of alleviating some coordination issues some foreign nations have experienced and allow the humanitarian aid to arrive to Seleucid as fast as possible.

Foreign office of the Empire of Tamora

Offline DaveIronside

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Re: RS BS
« Reply #21 on: February 16, 2019, 10:14:46 PM »
Tamoran-RS Border

"Three planes, Rashid, three planes, we saw them with our own eyes. They came in loaded down with food they even struggled to stay in the sky their bellies were so full with the stuff and where is it now." The two brothers followed the crowd all moving in the same direction. "I'll tell you where its in the Celtic Empire no doubt being stored up for the Cultists party next week."

"But three planes, what about the boats that have been coming in?" Malik asked his older brother who was his source of all information in the world. He was 4 years older than Malik and was currently at University while Malik was still struggling to get out of bottom set Maths.

"And where have they been going bro, I'll tell you the Celts again, their so up the ass of the Cult we don't stand a chance unless we start letting that Helus bloke bugger us up the ass and start wearing a sword. We've got to get this stuff." He seemed to speed up despite the growl in his belly. After ten more minutes of walking they reached the border. On the Seleucid side soldiers did their best to try and funnel those seeking food onto the road which had been lined with vehicles tail to nose forming a physical barrier to try and bring some order. At the far end of the line of vehicles a Lt-Col waved people through a few at a time allowing them to approach the border post. People had been coming for the last hour or so and now the road was a heaving mass.

"This won't work" the officer told his men as he watched another group of those seeking aid wander down the road. He watched as some turned off the road and sent two of his men on a quad bike to try herding them back towards the road. It was a futile gesture as the crowd just split around them. The officer watched as his men fired there blank firer in the air only for the crowd to panic thinking that they were soon to be fired on and so a group of young men rushed the pair dragging them from the bike and beating them. The Lt-Col barked at his men who ran towards the scene of the beating, leaving the checkpoint manned by only a handful of people. Rashid sensed this was their oppurtunity and so jumped onto the bonnet of a car and ran over it getting to the front of the line and sprinting towards the border where they believed their only chance of getting food was. Meanwhile the sound of fist fights, flashbangs and then gunfire filled the fields to the side of the road.


Offline Xaeth

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Re: RS BS
« Reply #22 on: February 18, 2019, 05:58:10 PM »
To His Royal Majesty King Hadi of Royal Seleucid,

Concerning the issues your nation is currently facing as a result of the most unfortunate locusts swarms, the government of Xæth wishes to begin a program of foreign aid to Royal Seleucids. The Throne desires to aid your ailing people with deliveries of basic and necessary foodstuffs directly to Royal Seleucid via air. We require only the agreement of cooperation of the Royal Seleucid government, so that our aid can reach your people safely and efficiently. And once we have done so, we shall begin to send in shipments posthaste.

We await your swift reply.

Respectfully,
Ithana Tyraa, Minister for Foreign Affairs for the Most Serene and Celestial Empire of Xæth

Offline Markus

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Re: RS BS
« Reply #23 on: February 19, 2019, 07:15:07 PM »
OOC: hope I didn't overdo it or derailed the thread. In case of problems, the retcon is at hand. 

Tamoran-RS border


While the federated kingdom of West Seleucid was in a state of emergency with part of the reserve forces mobilized to guard the aid centers, the border was a different matter. As it was an external border, it was a matter for the imperial authorities rather than the regional ones . For Djerb “over securing” the Seleucid border was seen as a political statement that meant a cooling in relations between Tamora and RS, therefore the Tamoran side of the border was inadequately prepared for policing large crowds wanting to enter the country. 

Mj. Djalili knew full well how unprepared his men were for an incident like the one happening before his eyes. He ordered one of his men to call his superiors, inform them of what’s happening and send reinforcements. As Rashid dashed towards their side of the border, his first instinct was to have him apprehended by his men and to beat him like a slave. He wasn’t a fan of Seleucids. He knew full well that the Seleucids were better off than Tamorans. Sure, they were having problems now but those will end and things would return to normal, with them doing better than Tamorans.

As his men apprehended Rashid, he quickly approached him, checked to see if he was carrying any weapons and then motioned him to go along the road telling him that in about 5 miles he will arrive at the aid centers. He then motioned the rest of the Seleucids that were on the other side of the border to come and follow. They were too many of them to check them for weapons so they settled just for shouting instructions to go down the road. His men were not pleased with his decision but followed his orders. Djalili figured that rather than resist and resort to violence, it would be better to just let the people in and thus avoid further escalation of violence. He could potentially lose his job for this but the alternative could be much worse.

Later that day, Tamora - near the Seleucid border.


The Army Reserve force, under the command of the regional authorities, had arrived at the main road and started guiding the Seleucids towards the aid centers as they poured in from the border. The Imperial authorities for their part dispatched troops along the border but they made no attempts to restore check points. They were now content to just have the Seleucid pour in through checkpoints and keep an eye on for any potential violence. Despite allowing lots of Seleucids to get in through at a rapid pace, there was no sign of them slowing down with more and more coming in. 




Royal Palace in the federated Kingdom of West Seleucid

An emergency meeting was taking place about the recent large influx of Seleucids:

-Your Majesty*, at the rate it’s going, our aid centers will soon be insufficient. The Quintelians are bringing in food but that’s not enough to keep up with the demand. As far as the donations in food go they are scarce. More and more Seleucids are coming to Tamora not to buy food but to get free aid.

There was silence in the room.

-We also must begin to prepare for possibility that these people are not intent on going back, at least not on the short term. There’s nothing for them to go back to. Here they have food, while back home only the Cultists enjoy that privilege. 

-What about Djerb? Asked the King.

-They will keep the border open, we are free to use the Army Reserve as we see fit, they have a plan to stop the surge in food prices and they have called the Council of Kings for tomorrow to discuss the measures. Other than this, there is nothing they will do. Their entire focus is on Slava Lavosk.

The king had a close cultural connection with RS, not only was he a native speaker of Seleucid as his family had been since the establishment of the monarchy but they also shared the same faith. He considered helping the Seleucids a moral imperative. After pondering for a couple of minutes, he said to his government:

-Until I go do Djerb tomorrow, here is what you’re going to do. First, a curfew on slaves will begin immediately. If they aren't working, they should be in their quarters. The last thing we want is to mix the refugee problem with a potential security issue with slaves. Second, mobilize the rest of the Reservists, we will need them. Three, have our people do their best to keep the Seleucid out of our populations centers. Forth, begin the process of designating the places where we’ll set up the camps for those that want to stay. I want to have the camps divided in three: single men, single women and families.  Fifth, call the Foreign Office; see if they can get some outside help. That will be all.




Public message:

Addressed to JET and other interested foreign countries:

Request for assistance



Following the recent influx of Seleucid citizens to the Empire of Tamora caused by the food crisis in Royal Seleucid, the Empire requests your assistance in providing aid (especially food) for the increasing number of Seleucids coming into the country. We have so far set up a series of aid centers where we distribute aid to the local population and we are in the process of establishing temporary camps in case more Seleucids decide to stay in Tamora until the situation on Royal Seleucid improves. All the aid centers and the camps are situated in the federated kingdom of West Seleucid (ooc: the provinces West of RS) and it is there that we focus toward helping the incoming people. Aid can be brought by sea via the federated kingdom of Attica (ooc: the southern province) or by air directly to the federated kingdom of West Seleucid. The Foreign office is available to provide any further information or assistance you may need.

Foreign Office
Empire of Tamora


*ooc: the leader of the province. Not to be confused with Emperor Abbas( who's in charge of the whole country).

Offline Achkaerin

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Re: RS BS
« Reply #24 on: February 21, 2019, 11:49:01 PM »
Highwick Manor wasn't normally this busy, usually when Peter and his staff rolled into town it was because they were on holiday, this time it was because Serenity was doing her latest round of rehab which was fine but the lounge of the Manor now looked more like a bomb had hit it, there were piles of papers and reports all over the place, computers plugged in and switched, one of the advisors making near constant phone calls and a dining table which despite having bowls of nibbles on it was more representative of a boardroom table mainly because of who was sat around it but also that everyone had their sleeves rolled up. Peter, Kumiko, Nettie and Celine had been at it for hours what had started out as one crisis in Royal Seleucid was threatening to expand beyond that one nation and onto a more regional level, not something any of them found appetising.

"When do they get here?" Peter asked
"Should be any minute." Nettie said, this was in relation to the one thing they'd worked out so far given the concern over the region as a whole they'd decided to appoint a Special Envoy for Midaranye from the diplomatic staff, it was a simple enough idea but it would hopefully allow them to deal with the situation in a consistent manner. Peter's attention was taken by Celine who was on the phone to the Viceregent of Rokkenjima.
"Well?" Peter asked when Celine hung up the phone.
"Emerson confirms it, the Rokkenjiman ships are pulling out except for the Guardian and the Rokkenjima" Celine said
"Well that took longer than it should have done." Peter said
"Still managed it though." Nettie said
"Yeah only once everyone else had pointed it out." Peter said "Ok Celine let the Cabinet know I'm giving the order to stand the no entry zone down. They'll need to confirm the Rokkenjiman statement, restate the mediation offer and Nettie will provide further details on the envoy."
"Got it." Celine said

"What about the Royal Seleucid situation in general?" Kumiko asked "That Krimeon report is worrying." Peter nodded and sighed he knew the problems and understood them, this wasn't the first major crisis they'd found themselves confronted by but it was potentially the most complex if regarded as a region wide crisis.
"The potential flashpoint is the Feast of Helus." Peter said "Food offerings at temples are a big thing and with the Seleucid's already thinking that the Cultists are hoarding food it's something to be worried about, if it's going to kick off it's going to be then. I want to be ready for it."
"Troops on the Athos Mishima to immediate status then?" Kumiko asked
"Yes." Peter said "Hopefully it passes without incident but if it comes to it I'm not seeing another genocide."
"Never again means never again?" Nettie asked
"Absolutely." Peter said, at this point the sound of a car pulling up could be heard
"That'll be the envoy." Nettie said, Peter nodded and headed for the front door.

Peter walked to the front door of Highwick and opened it up just in time to see a car pull up and park, Peter was quizzical as if his memory was playing tricks on him but then he realized they weren't as he recognized the woman getting out of the car.
"I almost didn't come." the woman said "I must have driven around the same roundabout four or five times thinking about it."
"There are bigger things Scotia." Peter said, the woman was Scotia Conway, she was fair enough a highly qualified individual but that wasn't what the tension was about a good few years earlier back when they'd been teens Peter and Scotia had been dating many people had believed that one day Scotia was going to be where first Iona and now Renee was, it was some twist of fate for this to be where the pair found themselves now "Come in."

Peter led Scotia into the lounge where once introductions had been made between those who didn't know each other they got straight onto business.
"So you want me to what be the ambassador to Midaranye?" Scotia asked
"Not quite." Peter said "Nettie?"
"We want you to be an envoy, we want you to take all your knowledge and all your ability into Midaranye and see what you can do to try and help us navigate through this crisis." Nettie said
"That's not going to be easy." Scotia said
"Kravec wants this on the floor of the CTO General Assembly and it may get there, if it does then we're going to need all the help we can get." Peter said
"Are you saying that if Rokkenjima somehow proposes an approach that adequately addresses the faults of the CTO that Achkaerin identified when it left that organisation that you'd re-sign the Treaty?" Scotia asked
"Possibly." Peter said "Initial thoughts?"

"You need to treat it like two different problems, you have a food shortage and you have a brewing conflict." Scotia said "Keep sending in the aid supplies and eventually it'll level out, at least as far as Royal Seleucid goes. The humanitarian crisis Tamora reports is important but you're the military man would you put JET personnel on the ground in Tamora when you've got a war between Tamora and Slava Lavosk in the offing?"
"No." Peter said "But that's not what you mean is it?"
"Still as sharp as ever." Scotia said  "Treat them as two problems but that doesn't mean they can't be used to help solve each other."
"I get it." Nettie said
"Kumiko you brief Scotia on her travel plans." Peter said "Celine as discussed, but enact the LISA recommendation as well. Nettie get me the Tamoran government."
"You got it." Nettie said
"And next time give me more notice before involving my ex girlfriend in something." Peter said
"And miss the priceless look on your face?" Nettie asked

Offline DaveIronside

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Re: RS BS
« Reply #25 on: February 22, 2019, 08:14:18 PM »
To:- Minister Ithana Tyraa

We thank you for the aid offered, however because of the chaos on the ground at the moment we would suggest that rather than bringing supplies in via Seleucid ports that they arrive via either Tamora or the Celtic Protectorate. This is for the safety of the supplies you are generously providing but also for the crews bringing them to our aid. We thank you deeply and hope one day we can repay your generosity.

Kind Regards

King Hadi of Royal Seleucid.


Spoiler: Map of Seleucid • show


22nd February, Hafthar, the Celtic Protectorate. 3am

Lt-Col Isaac Mulligan looked out at the blurry eyed soldiers before him in the hangar of the Protectorates HQ. Leave had been cancelled and extra troops flown in from Ui Cenneslaig to be ready for the day, teams of medics were busily preparing the armoured vehicles as makeshift ambulances. "Ladies and Gentleman you do not need me to tell you how much of a powder keg today is. We've had some troubling days of late but I'm sure we can get through today and then things should calm down. Remember out on the streets people will make rash decisions, we need to make sure ours aren't among them. No one is to fire their weapon unless loss of life is a real and present danger, I trust you all capable of making that decision. You're all briefed on your duties, stay safe and lets make sure nothing goes crazy out there." There were solemn nods as the various officers headed off to their own units ready for the deployment.

The first APC's rumbled out from behind the concrete and wire walls soon after each heading into the city itself, they'd highlighted twenty important cross roads and an APC would be sat at each of them, its crew keeping a watch on the traffic and ready to shut the thing down at a moments notice. Mulligan had suspected that if he could stop traffic and lock the cities roads down then it would stop gangs forming should things turn nasty. Outside every temple dedicated to the Cult a vehicle was parked and a military presence put on show. Hopefully that would be enough to stop people coming searching for food during the ceremonies that were to come. As the residents of the city woke up the Celts were out and about already, they were not an uncommon sight on the streets since the crisis began but it was obvious there was much more of a presence today.

22nd February, Anjir, Royal Seleucid, 6am

The alarm buzzed and Rosanna Amedi woke from her snoozing, she eased her 82 year old aching bones out of bed and headed to the bathroom. She began singing as she washed remembering what the day was. She may live outside the Protectorate and her shrine to Marissa one of the smallest in the nation but she was always excited for the small Cultist community here to come together and worship on the Feast of Helus. She laid out her freshly cleaned and ironed robes, found her simple rope belt and threaded her sword onto it. She got dressed, looked in her bare cupboards, found a packet of biscuits with two left, snapped one in half and began to eat it. There was a knock on the door, she knew people would be checking about the service at 7:30am but hadn't expected anybody to up and about at this time so was a little shocked. She crossed to the door and opened it keeping it on the security chain.

"Priestess Amedi?" a voice she didn't recognise enquired politely.

"Yes." she glanced at the two men, both very smartly dressed in suits.

"Oh, Good Morning Priestess Amedi" the first man said again reaching into his pocket and removing what looked like a wallet and showed a military ID. "I'm Major Zacharias Floros of the Military Police" he saw Rosanna step back away from the door and he held up both his hands showing they were empty "We are not here for trouble Ma'am" he smiled. "This is my colleague Sergeant Jalil Argyris"

"Good Morning Ma'am" the Sergeant, also dressed in a suit showed his ID too.

"To help reassure the population we thought it best not to be in uniform, gives the wrong impression. I'm afraid though Ma'am that an allegation has been made that you have been hording food, which goes against the decree of the King." The Priestess rolled her eyes, she should have expected this the local non-Cultists making such nonsense. "If we can take a quick look we'd appreciate your co-operation." The door shut and they heard the security chain being removed before the door opened again. "May I ask you to just stand over there please" Floros asked as he and Argyris entered the small flat. "We'll be as quick as we can." The men opened doors of cupboards, had a quick rummage around and looked behind pots and pans. They even checked inside the washing machine. "May I look in there?" Floros said in a tone that was more for information than genuinely asking permission. Amedi nodded and Floros went in, opened wardrobes and draws before taking a quick glance under the bed. "I apologise for the intrusion. Clearly you've nothing much, please make sure you register for some aid though. You should be near the head of the line based on your age. May you have a wonderful Helus Day." The man said completly getting the gesture wrong but at least he'd been respectful. As they left Floros left her a piece of paper saying she'd been searched and found innocent, "Just in case any neighbours are awkward" he smiled as he began closing the door behind him, he stopped. "Oh, yes that reminds me. Our next stop is your shrine, is someone there or will you need to come with us."

Amedi rolled her eyes and followed them down to the car. After a ten minute drive they arrived at the Shrine, already a group of worshippers were gathering outside and called to Amedi as she stepped out the car. She reassured them everything was fine and went to unlock the chain that was used to keep the front doors secure in addition to the normal lock. It clanged on the floor as it slipped through her fingers and Argyris scooped it up and handed it to her. The door was unlocked and Floros gestured for her to lead  them inside.

"Do I need to take my shoes off or anything?" Floros asked as he stopped himself crossing the threshold. "Sorry I've not been inside a Shrine before" he explained.

"It's fine just come in" Amedi waved them in and the two men entered as two uniformed NCO's joined them from the group that had been sat outside waiting for the two senior men to arrive.

"I promise we'll be careful and be gone in just a minute or two" Floros headed towards the alter, there was a small piece of bread in a basket but everything else was non-edible, he then made his way into the room that was apparently the Shrines kitchen where food would be prepared at certain times of the year. He found two packets of biscuits, a paper wrapped portion of smoked ham and two eggs, hardly a feast and nothing outside what the King's decree commanded.

"Sir" a Privates voice called for him and Floros made his way back into the main hall and towards the door at the back where the soldier was stood. "I think we've an issue" there in what was a small office were boxes, hundreds of them each marked with JET emblems and in Celtic, the hijacked supplies from the Celtic Protectorate. They were stacked around the desk from floor to ceiling blocking out the light in the room through any window and almost knocking the ceiling fan down.

"Arrest her, get these out of here" Floros tone had changed now. "You greedy bitch" he chastised her as she begged innocence claiming to have no knowledge of what was there or how it got there. "No doubt your mighty God Helus magiced them there for you on his birthday or some bullshit." he said as he noticed the gathering Cultists watching and felt the tension rise. "Block of the street. No one within 100 meters" he gave orders to the soldiers present who began carrying out his orders while calling in the rest of the towns military to lend a hand, that call also brought in the media as a TV news crew with a radio scanner picked up the news. They arrived just in time to see a military truck being loaded with the boxes of food from inside and within an hour the images were being beamed back to News HQ.



THE GOOD MORNING SELEUCID SHOW. 8 am

"Good Morning and to our Cultist brothers and sisters a joyous Feast of Helus.......(fast forward 15 minutes of various news features)......... We're getting reports coming in of a series of arrests." The camera cuts to video footage of the Shrine being cleaned out of food. "In total police made three arrests and removed 2,000 packs of military style rations. The local military commander has now begun distributing these to the elderly and sick in the area, the groups which the food was originally intended for. There have been other similar searches of Cultist temples across the Kingdom and so far we've no reports of any other arrests.......oh.....we've more breaking news, the Temple of Helus in Ipsus, the nations 2nd biggest temple to the Cult which originates in East Moreland, has been found to be in possession of several hundred ration packs. We'll bring you more throughout the hour."



Tamora-Royal Seleucid Border 8:15am#

It was like someone had flicked a switch pulling the Cultists together. A group of about 150 walked off the road and about 100meters away into a dusty patch of ground that would normally have been a field. They sat on the ground and each placed their bags on the ground, a handful had swords on their hips and a group of children sat in among them. They had formed a large circle, strangers sitting together as several more noticed them and made their way over, at first some in the line to cross the border yelled at them thinking they would be trying to cut the line but then fell silent when it was clear they were not. Soon the group was some 200 people. Soon they became just a spectacle to those making the border crossing, that was until they began to sing, a song of Helus. The song itself sounded sad, almost mournful but the look of joy and brotherhood on the faces of those singing it would suggest the songs deeper meaning was something other than the melody assumed. Once they had finished singing each reached into their bags, rucksacks or even pockets, each person had very little food but broke a minute portion off and took it to the centre of the circle where a woman, acting like a Priestess had lit a candle. The group began sharing what little food they had among themselves and then began to sing again.

"Let our praises remind all the darkness
Of how great and how mighty Helus is
For the battle belongs to him and no one else
We are standing in holy defiance
We're declaring aloud in the silence
That the battle belongs to Helus and no one else"

Suddenly a rock hit the woman sending he stumbling backwards, soon an avalanche of stones rained in as people on the road assumed that the Cultists were having their feast. It was as though the locust had come back as the group was overwhelmed by a crowd desperate for food and unsure what exactly they'd get once they crossed the border. Fists were raining down on all the ground, a handful managed to back away dragging their children with them, these also managed to draw their swords. It was like something out of a medieval war film as the Cultists formed themselves into a shoulder to shoulder line, swords held at the ready as their children ran behind them. As the group of starving people began ripping open bags more and more Cultists scurried behind the group with the swords. It was then that they saw their Priestess lying in a heap in the midst of the jackalesque mob. One man, a tall man with a sword most would need two hands to wield sprinted from the line and into the mob, he swung his sword left and right as he moved through the crowd, slapping people with the flat of his blade, a fate that saw a few cracked skulls and broken arms. He reached the Priestess who was senseless and bleeding from the head. He found his way back blocked and began once more swinging the sword, this time not caring about which part of the blade did the damage, by the time he'd resumed the relative safety of his group he was bleeding himself but several Seleucid lay wounded. It looked like the crowd was about to descend upon the people when a Seleucid military helicopter touched down and twenty balaclava wearing soldiers burst out the back firing tear gas and rubber bullets towards the mob which dispersed quickly, most making their way back up to the line to cross into Tamora. The soldiers then turned on the Cultists demanding that they lay down their swords, their was hesitation before the large man did followed by the rest. They were treated for their own injuries as the soldiers checked those who had fallen under the sword, four dead, three more injured. The Cultists were loaded onto the helicopter, they wouldn't be safe anymore if left here.


22nd February, Hafthar, the Celtic Protectorate. 6pm

Throughout the day there was chaotic scenes across the nation, as rumours, counter rumours and outright lies spread. Three more temples were found to have stores of food above and beyond that issued in a decree by King Hadi, all marked with the Cenneg script and labelled for JET. It was enough to cause tensions to increase and the Cenneg found armed groups of Cultists appearing on the streets ready for trouble, even though the Cenneg hadn't searched any temples. Mulligan was relatively pleased with how smooth things had been going. It was then his APC saw a lone man approaching, tall and pale, clearly not a Seleucid. He had a sword strapped to his hip and Mulligan recognised him instantly. "Good Evening Tim" Mulligan greeted Tim Carpenter, the East Moreland Ambassador.

"Well its Evening" Tim said as the pair shook hands. "I've been getting phone calls from Cultists up and down the country Isaac." Tim began to explain. "Seems Temples that were empty last night were found with food in today, and all that food had Cenneg writing on. You wouldn't know anything about it would you?" Isaac wondered if Tim was accusing him and his men of something untoward.

"What are you saying Mr.Ambassador?" Tim pulled out his mobile phone as Mulligan asked the question. Tim turned the screen towards the man.

"You see when I was in the CTO I learned a few things and I made a phone call to my friend Melissa Lusk. To speed up distribution of boxes JET barcode every box as it leaves its nation of origin. That way they know exactly what should be in each box and never have to open it or need to read the labels. Just scan the boxes and off you go. What it also means is that I know that box" Tim pointed to a screen capture from the morning news showing the soldiers loading the supplies from one of the Temples, "That box originated in Claith and it contained......wait for it.....it contained nappies and baby powder. Now I know people are desperate for food but well.....who eats a Nappy? Don't answer that" Tim flicked his finger on the screen, "I've spoken to Dr.Thern over at JET and he tells me this box, this one here." Tim zoomed in as to underline what he was showing, "Was on that ship you said got done over as it docked, and it contains cooking stoves. Now I think this is a bit fishy" Tim put his phone back.

"Surely its good news, it shows your lot weren't hording food." Mulligan suggested.

"Yes, but why are those people arrested and still in custody and why would a Temple be filled with nappies and cooking stoves." Tim questioned. "I think something is very wrong here and I need you to look into it." Tim spoke that in such a way that Mulligan felt it was as though King Finley himself had issued the order. He nodded and got on the radio to his men.



Palace of Ipsus. 10pm.

The Royal Family had, at Hadi's insistance gathered together on this day. They'd attended a brief meet and greet with a hand picked group of Cultists in the morning and then watched as the video footage from across the nation came across TV. Only Prince Heydar, the Kings brother was excused as he was out on duty with the Air Force. It was as the aftermath of the Tamoran border incident was shown he began wondering what would happen next. He knew several groups of Cultists had been arrested throughout the day because of the violence at Temples during searches, then there were those who had been found with the food, only a handful of non-Cultists had been arrested for their parts in the violence.

"What should we do?" Field Marshall Musa Abbasi asked the King after they'd finished receiving the various reports from the cities. It turned out there had been riots between Cultists and non-Cultists in every city except Hafthar which was under Celtic control. Thankfully they'd been small scale but tensions had been high and demands for vengeance had been heard on both sides of the divide. The curfew he'd established for 7pm was as good as useless and the army had been forcing people back to their homes. The Celtic Protectorate on the other hand had no curfew and no issues were taking place.

"I don't know" Hadi rubbed his temples, "We need to calm things down, look at Mulligan in the Protectorate, he faces hardly any issues, yet we are overrun." the new King voiced.

"That's because the Celts are soft, they turn blind eyes, the people there are fatter than any other place and they get the first call on the aid. We need to set an example to the rest of Seleucid so that people know that going against these decrees is going against their rightful King." The Field Marshall urged.

"What would you do?" Hadi asked the nations most senior military official.

"I would go in hard Your Majesty and smash heads on both sides." There was a pause as Abassi thought. "As its a decree they have committed a crime against the Royal family. I say execute a few people. Show those wishing violence that it will not be tolerated." They discussed the pros and cons for half an hour before almost reluctantly Hadi agreed and ordered three Cultists and three non-Cultists be executed.



Royal Seleucid Evening News, 11pm

"Moments ago we received information that six people have been executed for failing to follow His Majesty King Hadi's recent decrees, thus constituting a crime against the royal family. The King had instructed judges to sit day and night to deal swiftly with those breaking the decrees and these six individuals, three Cultists among them, were dealt with in just a few hours. A Priestess of the Cult was found to have thousands of ration packs stored and was hanged, along with a Cultist who was found to have stolen supplies from the recent Cenneg ship, finally a man who had used his sword in an attack on non-Cultists in Meybad was also hanged. Meanwhile three non-Cultists have been executed for crimes including inciting riot against Seleucids, refusing a lawful order of the King and black market food selling. A Royal Spokesman has said, "We have not executed anyone in Seleucid for five years, however today has been a day of mayhem and unacceptable behaviour across our country. Religious passions, ethnic tensions and outright lies have contributed to carnage and as such this can not be allowed to continue. King Hadi takes it as a personnel insult that someone would endanger the safety of his people, especially on a day held sacred by so many of them. He wishes these three criminals to serve as examples of what will happen to those who wish to unduly harm the peace of Royal Seleucid. Tomorrow the King hopes people will put today behind them or there must be consequences."

Offline Markus

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Re: RS BS
« Reply #26 on: February 22, 2019, 10:22:10 PM »
@Achkaerin:

Empire of Tamora, Djerb, Foreign Office

-Your Highness, the Emperor of the Holy Empire of Achkaerin would like to speak with us.
-Very well. Put him through.

Alya Safavid, the Head of Foreign Affairs, was curious to see what the Holy Empire wanted with Tamora though she suspected it was something related with JET and the recent request by Tamora to have aid brought in to help the Seleucids coming into the Empire.

Offline DaveIronside

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Re: RS BS
« Reply #27 on: March 03, 2019, 07:43:23 PM »
24th February 2019 10am

The tensions across the whole of Royal Seleucid had been high over the last few days. Cultists felt they'd been unfairly targeted and something wasn't quiet right. Several hundreds Cultists across the country knew those Temples had been empty the day before, yet now they'd had people locked up, even executed for supposedly hording food beside if the Cult had so much spare food to horde why were their children starving? Meanwhile the non-Cultists now glared at their Cultist neighbours, more than one had found graffiti on their homes when they had woke in the morning. This was largely avoided in the Celtic Protectorate where the UC military had maintained their round the clock prescence including armour.

Thankfully more and more planes were arriving, and another mass of boats, things had been changed in terms of how the food was handled. Each port and airport had an exclusion zone of around 1km around them and this was being robustly policed, anyone be they Cultist, non-Cultist, even the media were being kept from them by the military. It had ensured that everything was more orderly, no rampaging crowds, no hurried scrambling of soldiers and more importantly no gunshots. Even the Tamora-Seleucid border had got calmer, the army had set up road checkpoints 5km away and slowly let people though in dribs and drabs to ensure no great gathering, they'd even erected thousands of concrete slabs at the side of the road to stop anyone going cross country and cutting the lines. Here the tension still remained but as a flow on the opposite carriageway began people bringing supplies back into Royal Seleucid it reassured those waiting for supplies.

It seemed like the storm had been weathered and then all of a sudden it hit. "Your Majesty" a senior aide entered the yet to be crowned King's office and bowed deeply, "Sir I have some grave news." the man shifted uneasily from foot to foot as though stood on hot ashes.

"Spit it out man" Hadi looked up from his stack of paper.

"Yes Your Majesty" the man gave another bow, "We have discovered that the Free Mundus Network have discovered a warehouse full of supplies, they came from the first boat that came into the nation, the Cenneg one, it's the same batch that all those Cultist temples had food from." the man paused.

"Yes, so the Cultists clearly horded food there and gave it to their people. Now we've found it surely that's good news because we can distribute it." Hadi wasn't yet seeing a problem.

"The Army has already begun preparations for that sir." the man explained, "The bigger problem is that the warehouse belongs to the Stasiuk Corporation." Hadi dropped his pen. The company of his mother-in-laws family, it was strange as she was almost half his age yet he had to refer to her as Mother. The Lodjain bride of his late father still carried his yet to be unborn child in her womb yet now it seemed she somehow had been up to no good. "The Army are calling for her arrest on grounds of profitering, they even have CCTV footage of the companies trucks used at their resort bringing food in and out."

Hadi shook his head, it couldn't be the way it looked. "Have Queen Mother Oksana brought to the Royal Council Room please." he put his papers in his desk and headed down the hall to the large comfortable conference room which served as the venue for all his meetings with anyone of note. He'd often been in the room as an adviser to his father, or when younger just to sit and learn about what was happening and learn from his father. It took a few minutes for Oksana to appear, her baby belly prominent. "Mother" he said formally, "I have something to ask." He spent the next few minutes explaining what he had been told, the look on her face clearly one of confusion leading Hadi to believe she was clueless. "Is this something your Mother would do?" 

"No.....I mean she's sly but she's not cruel" Oksana said in defence of her mother. "We had nothing to do with this." she protested wondering what was to happen next.

"There must be an investigation" Hadi said slumping in a chair. "This news is going to be dangerous." he added.





IS LODJAIN QUEEN MOTHER INVOLVED IN HORDING FOOD?

Over the last 48 hours in Royal Seleucid there have been conspiracy theories, fake news and outright lies about the events of the Feast of Helus. During the day a massive stash of food supplies were found in various Temple of Helus across the nation, there were arrests and even some quickly arranged executions. Since then tensions have remained high as Cultists have come under scrutiny at this time of national disaster. Yet today the conspiracies took another turn for perhaps the worst. A rumour reached us of the Stasiuk Resort Ltd, a Lodjain company owned by Queen Mother Oksana's business woman mother Ekaterina. An undercover reporter posing as a member of staff at the resort discovered a vast warehouse full of food supplies, in clear violation of King Hadi's decree against stockpiling. The boxes all bore the codes and logos of the Ui Cenneslaig contingent of JET and would therefore have been among the first supplies brought into the nation. The stockpiled food in the Cultist temples also bored the same markings. Our website contains our undercover reporters video footage. It would therefore suggest that the Stasiuk family is profiteering from the situation or as some Lodjains have suggested upon us showing us the information supporting the Cultists to earn the favour of East Moreland. There have been strong connections between Lodja and East Moreland,the Cultist homeland, in the last few years and locals here have not ruled out this being some attempt by the Stasiuk family to curry favour with the Morelander government in hopes of concessions on business oppurtunities in the future.



24th February 2019 2pm

The Palace was now a buzz as all Ministers and Chiefs of Staff had been called. Outside the Palace gates a large crowd had arrived as the people of Ipsus demanded that Queen Oksana be arrested for breaking the decree issued by Hadi. "I'm sorry" General Jerrakoais said as he shook his head, "the Queen must be arrested, people are turning their gaze now from the Cultists to this family. If we do not take action then I hate to think what will happen, tensions are already running high, we have people looking for people to blame over the lack of food. At present they blame the Cult, as this news comes out more and more people will blame the Queen, and in turn this family."

"I will not issue orders to arrest my Mother." Hadi said fiercely, he may not be too emotionally attached to Oksana but his father clearly had feelings for her and as such he was now determined to protect her. "I'll speak to the people directly" he said with determination. It brought more shakes of the head by Jerrakoais but the yet to be crowned King had given his orders. The high ranking officer stood, replaced his peak cap and headed off back to check the guards on the fence line were in position.

Moments later Hadi was on most TV screens across the nation. "Good Afternoon. This morning we discovered that a large supply, larger than any supply found hidden so far, was stored in a warehouse belonging to my Mothers company. I have spoken with Queen Mother Oksana and she reassures me that she was unaware of the supplies. I therefore have ordered an investigation to find out who was responsible and what can be done. In the meantime the hundreds of boxes of supplies are being added to the ever growing in coming supplies and we are confident that by the end of 48 hours every Seleucid will have received some food assistance. I call on the people to give us time to investigate this situation before making any uninformed decisions."

Outside on the fence line several people had protable FM radios that relayed the message, having been reassured a little that food was on its way and that Hadi would find who was responsible the crowd seemed to relax, that was until a few voices in the crowd began to criticise. "Look at him protecting this foreign bitch" one man yelled and those around him nodded in agreement. "Lodja, the bitch of East Moreland" another yelled out, "He's probably screwing her, its his baby" another claim was yelled. On and on this went until the tension returned. A group of people began demanding Oksana be arrested and brought out but not a single guard moved, that was until someone tried climbing the fence as people began urging, "Lets go get her ourselves, come on" The crowd was getting out of hand and two of the guardsman triggered the "Enforcer", it was like a landmine mounted at the base of the fence but instead of explosives it contained hundreds if not thousands of small rubber pellets. The boom filled the air causing ear drums to ring and screams filled the air as the first few rows of the crowd, including women and children lay screaming. While none of the injuries would be lethal they would cause broken bones and cuts. A concerned second group of protesters now swept forward checking on the first offering what help they could before hurling abuse at the guardsman, a few began climbing the fence themselves and with no second "Enforcer" the guards levelled their weapons and shouted warnings. Soon helicopters and landrovers arrived bringing more Guardsman to where it looked like the fence would be breached. It was then off to the side they spotted three guardsman run out of the Temple that sat half on and half off the royal palace property. Another two guardsman almost flew out the Temple as the crowd beat them and threw them down the steps. Only a small metal gate seperated the public from the royal parts of the Temple and the massive crowd had overwhelmed the guards.

"Pull back" a Major ordered his men who began to pull back to a second line of defence a low ornate wall that marked a kind of terrace around the Palace. Soon the lawns were full of protestors now screaming of military brutality. "Where are the Morelanders to protect us!" , "They care only for themselves!" the crowd was being whipped into a frenzy. "They kill us, its Oksana's fault!" The Royal Family had gathered near the top floor of the Palace, a helipad on the roof being talked about as an option. More and more vehicles were arriving at the streets outside.

"Daddy" Prince Khorshid asked Hadi, "Why is everyone coming here?" he asked looking out the windows as another convoy of vehicles arrived. At present the crowd seemed content to shout and scream while making threats but more and more people were arriving all the time.

"It's ok son." Hadi responded. "The people will go away in a while." he wasn't so sure. He could see General Jerrakoais outside now in combat uniform, a rifle on his back moving among his men. The sound of a helicopter turned his mind back to their own plight. He watched it make its way onto the roof and moments later a familiar figure emerged from the pilots seat. His brother Prince Heydar walked in through the roof terrace door dressed in his flight suit as though heading off on a combat mission, normally he flew planes but he was qualified on a wide variety of aircraft. "Nice to see you brother, didn't realise you were a taxi driver." Hadi tried to sound relaxed for his family but Heydar grabbed him by the arm and headed towards a side room.

"What the fuck are you doing. That Lodjain whore needs arresting now. Everyone would go home in minutes if they saw her in handcuffs." Heydar snarled at him.

"I'm not arresting our Mother." Hadi said matter of factly.

"She is not our mother, she was some young piece of flesh to amuse our father and keep his bed warm." Hadi was about to protest, "Its true isn't it" he laughed, "They all said back at base you could tell by the way you spoke about her during your speech. You're fucking her aren't you" The irony wasn't lost on him but Heydar stopped himself from laughing, "You're fucking our so called Mother." Hadi was not and protested loudly. " Then arrest her, she's nothing to us, Samira, Yanna, Kat..erina, they are family, Oksana is a bed warmer, nothing more than a hot water bottle. Sacrifice her for the family."

"I will not." Hadi said firmly locking his younger brothers gaze. "The people will not storm this Palace." There was a noise outside as the crowd had begun to move forward, perhaps sensing the helicopter coming to take the object of their anger away to safety. The brothers headed outside and looked down towards the garden where the crowd began cautiously moving forward. The General looked at his men, then the crowd, back at his men and then began yelling. Rifles were pointed towards the crowd, tear gas canisters flew and a handful of "Enforcers" detonated. This momentarily halted the crowd who now angry at the action taken began moving forward again. "They have to stop them." He yelled at a guardsman assigned to the family. "Tell the General to open fire." Hadi was nervous and the Guardsman slowly unclipped his radio and began relaying orders.

"NO!" Heydar yelled throwing the radio of the guardsman across the room. "Those are our people, they are not Cultists. He removed his pistol and grabbed Oksana." The room filled with screams, the only royal not screaming was Katerina, King Akakois third wife and Heydar's lover. She grabbed one of the children and held them close as though protecting the child. "Her life is less important than those people" Heydar began backing away towards the stairs, the guardsman unsure what to do, the King yelling at his brother as though he had gone mad. Heydar reached the stairs and began descending them, outside he heard gunfire as the General had ordered his men to first fire over the heads of the crowd, and then into the grass just in front of them. This dispersed the crowd a good hundred meters or so but still the crowd was far from through. Heydar had now reached the ground floor and shocked guardsman watched him appear walking backwards towards the open Palace door.

"General!" Hadi yelled to General Jerrakoais who was marshalling his men. "Stop my brother. He's going to give them the Queen Mother" he pointed to Heydar. The General reached down to his belt and removed his pistol pointing it towards Heydar. The Prince never reacted just kept making his way towards the terrace. Hadi's eyes widened as the General simply walked up to Oksana and took her from Heydar, pointing his pistol at the Queen while Heydar replaced his own pistol in his holster. "What the hell are you doing?" Hadi beratted the senior officer.

"Well I think this is a wise move." the General said casually. " I heard everything up there." One of the guardsman who had been upstairs with the royal family walked outside saluted the General and then made their way to join the men at the low wall where the crowd seeing something happening kept their distance. "You wanted my men to kill hundreds, maybe be killed themselves all for this bitch" he tapped the barrell of his pistol against Oksana's head making her cry. "One Lodjain exchanged for hundreds of Seleucids, seems a fair deal to me." Hadi wasn't sure what to do.

"Let me explain what will happen brother" Heydar said confidently. "I'm going to have the General shoot Oksana in the head, the only way you stop that is by going on TV again and making a statement I have written for you and if you don't...." Heydar pointed to the window upstairs, several guardsman had Hadi's wives and children at gun point. "You're weak brother and too weak to be King. Do as I ask and I promise your family will be safe." Heydar clearly had the support of the military in whatever he was doing and so Hadi resigned himself to his fate.

Moments later Hadi's voice came on the TV and radio, they even turned on the Palace PA system used for garden parties. "People of Seleucid. I am Hadi, I have a confession to make. The child in Queen Oskana's womb is mine. I have been guilty of betraying my father, guilty of betraying my family and was seduced by a Lodjain. I have allowed that seduction to allow me to put my people second and even considered today fighting the people of my homeland to protect Oksana. My family have voiced their shame in these revelations and as such I am withdrawing my claim to the throne in favour of that of my brother. I shall in the coming days move to my country estate and serve in whatever capacity my brother, the rightful King things best. I wish all people well and pray for your forgiveness. Long live the King." The crowd where silent for a while and then began to cheer.

Heydar had not changed out of his flight suit and made his way outside the palace, he stood on the wall that until not long ago had been the defence the Palace may have been relying on. The crowd cheered his appearence, he smiled seeing members of his squadron spread among the crowd having helped whip them into a frenzy. "Come closer" he motioned and waited for the crowd to be close in. "People of Royal Seleucid, you have heard my brothers dishonourable deeds." As if perfectly planned the helicopter took off from the roof taking Hadi, his two wives and two children to their exile in the family estate at the Palace of the Lake. "as such he does not deserve the honour of being your King. I therefore humbly ask for your support as I assume control of a title I never asked for nor never believed I'd have. My first act as King has been to have Oksana placed under arrest while we investigate what has happened. I wish you to give these soldiers a round of applause, they were given orders to fire upon you and under the wise guidance of General Jerrakoais refused to do so. They have carried out their duties with bravery and honour, true soldiers of Seleucid defending its people against evil." The crowd cheered and began hugging and shaking hands with the soldiers. Heydar bid the crowd farewell as they began to exit back through the Temple and through the fences opening that had been opened for them to exit.

An hour later the disgraced Hadi, his wives Yasmine and Korina along with Princes Zarreen and Khorshid touched down at the Palace of the Lake. They were escorted under armed guard into the courtyard that dominated the Palace, a bright beautiful garden that held many happy memories for the family. They didn't spot the twenty soldiers kneeling behind a knee high green hedge that ran across the garden, each popped up in unison and although the family saw them just in time they never had a chance to say goodbye as gunfire extinguished their lives.