The Crown Conflict

Cogoria

Cogoria

TNPer
Christmas time was proceeding like it did every year in Cogoria, it was being ignored. factories were still open and people went about there normal days, unconcerned by religious nonsense. That is except for the district of Isletville. The district was still deeply rooted in royalist and religious tradition, every year they gathered for the Christmas street party, every year militsiya were sent to disperse them and every year it turned into a riot. The militsiya had come to expect it, and it was so regular they could nearly timetable the events of the riot.

So it was that the people of Isletville took to the streets on christmas eve, breaking the laws against public religious displays and waving old royal flags. Like clockwork the blue flashing lights heralded the arrival of the riot units. Lining up facing the crowd, they formed a solid plastic wall with their shields. The annual message demanding the gathered crowd go home was blared over a bull horn before the militsiya began their advance. With the years of repetition , the christmas riot had become routine and routine breeds complacency. As the wall advanced, the men beat their shields with their nightsticks, as they did every year, they shouted threats of arrest as they did every year and like every year the crowd shouted back and threw some stones. But complacency is the first step towards disaster, not noticing the crowd was not formed of revellers of all ages, but only young men the wall advanced. At the time when the militsiya would normally receive a firebomb or two, they instead got something very different.

The bullet punched through the plastic shield, the man behind in slowly slumped to the ground as the rest of the militsiya stared in confusion at the gap in their line, the crowd surged forward, tearing at the officers and firing off more shots.

In Cerestis it was a normal day at the embassy, Representative Wrong was expected to return from a meeting in Oktobergrad that evening, so the staff were ensuring everything was ready, a small motorcade left the compound with half of the security detail to collect the ambassador. The 5 men watched the cars leave from their van before making their move. Ramming the gates they stormed the small compound. Inside the alarm was raised and the remaining security went to secure the front entrance. The attackers however got there first, armed with foreign assault rifles they quickly overcame the small lightly armed detail. Within ten minutes they had taken the building and taken the staff hostage. A text was sent to their commanders to confirm the success.

The phone beeped on the table and the young woman let out a sigh of relief, nodding to the team around her they began the web broadcast. "People of the world, I am Catharine Rokotov, the last of the Cogorian Rokotov Royal line. Today my courageous supporters have stuck tremendous blows against those that deny I even exist. In Cerestis we have taken their embassy, to show their weakness on the international stage. In Cogoria the people of the Isletville region have burned the police station and openly riot in the streets to show the weakness of the red oppressors at home. Watch them closely, they will react as they always do, they will brand us terrorists and march their troops into Isletville and slaughter the people until they regain control. I am the true and rightful ruler of Cogoria, The Rokotov bloodline ruled for centuries before the assassination of my great grandfather. I call on all crowned nations, all free nations. Help Cogoria, the people will rise up against these red oppressors, they need only know that there is hope of freedom rather than the fear of failure."

News spread fast in Oktobergrad of the events in Isletville and across the strait in Cerestis. Already a motor rifle brigade was being organised to bring order back to the city, and official announcements broadcast condemning the attacks and labelling them as nothing more than acts of terrorism, assurances were given that the royal family had been wiped out in the revolution, there could not be a viable heir for the long abandoned throne.
 
[img=104,104]http://i.imgur.com/ilMeY34.png[/img]
People's Council on Foreign Relations
"Workers united bring justice to all!"​

Ilamzat condemns entirely the royalist uprising in Cogoria, though admits that bourgeois counterrevolution is never unexpected. Catharine Rokatov, the Traitor of Isletville, claims to be the rightful "ruler" of Cogoria, but only appeals to outdated feudal-capitalist dogma to back up her claim - and when this fails, resorts to violence against the workers she falsely claims to represent.

We predict that, even now, liberal-bourgeois imperialist democracies will call for "peace" and "understanding". Ilamzat recognizes that this petty neutrality favors the counterrevolutionary terrorists wreaking havoc in Isletville. The reactionary monarchists among these imperialists may even openly take their side, heeding the beck and call of this Traitor Rokatov merely because of her alleged parentage. Money speaks for money and the bourgeois for his own - but who speaks for the skin and the bone?

The Ilamzati people do! United behind Cogoria, we condemn these bourgeois traitors and all who associate with them. The People's Council on the Defense of the Revolution has authorized Ilamzati military deployment, if our comrades in Cogoria find it necessary to ask other socialist states like our own for aid. Unlike capitalist republics and monarchies, we recognize that neutrality in the face of autocratic reaction will lead to a world in chains.

It has been written that history is a story of class struggle, and this band of terrorists makes it abundantly clear that class struggle continues after a socialist revolution has captured the reins of the government and established a proletarian state. The Ilamzati people will not rest until all forms of oppression are eradicated!

Long live the Cogorian and Ilamzati revolutions! Uphold Ilamzati Socialist Thought! Towards a future without oppression! Down with capitalist traitors and reactionary cowards!
Click to expand...
 
fvfABLZ.png


Official Statement by the Foreign Ministry:

Due to the recent events that have been occurring in Cogoria, it has become necessary to for our government to release an official statement on the matter. For Goyanes, long ago it was very sad to see a fellow monarchy get tumbled to the ground, and to see it attempt to return stirs emotion in many of our citizens. Although many Goyaneans may be for the return of monarchy, we will not be involving ourselves in the series of events that have happened. We will take this time though, to condemn both factions and their actions. First, the Cogorian government, for suppressing the basic right of religious choice and the right of public protest. No government should assault their people in that manner. We are also condemning the royalists, as they have overstepped the meaning of political dissidence, and have introduced violence into what could have been peaceful political protest.

The Imperial Republic of Goyanes will maintain increased vigilance on the region, and will assess all threats to our sovereignty. We will also be vigilant of all war crimes and atrocities that happen during the conflict, and we vow to bring the offenders to justice.

Long Live the Grand Emperor! Long Live Goyanes!
 
The August Consular Office
Consuls Johanna Jura & Varus Nascorus
​

Opinion by Consul Johanna, joined by Consul Varus

It is traditional for Imperium to take the necessary steps for the preservation of royal heritage in foreign nations. It is therefore not without considerable debate that the August Consular Office has elected to approach the conflict in Cogoria with a view towards supporting the peaceful continuation of the ruling regime.

In terms of longstanding August policy, under the advice of Consul Varus, I have decided to call upon the principle of merit in war to assign sovereignty to the current head of the Cogorian state, representing the Cogorian revolutionary party. Its alternative, the principle of merit in sovereign, cannot be appropriately deployed wherein the preservation of monarchy would destabilize rather than stabilize the state - as it does here, with a significant generational and temporal gap between claimant and predecessor. As a result, the principle of merit in war must be used to guide an August response to the conflict.

Within the powers granted to the August Consular Office, the Consuls therefore have the right to entreat the parties to the Cogorian conflict to undertake peaceful arbitration with the purpose of ensuring continued communist rule in the nation. The August Consular Office has the further right to provide material support to the Cogorian communists in strengthening their bargaining position and underwriting any necessary offers. The August Consular Office is finally empowered to offer the services of Imperium in enforcing any resulting agreement by which claimants to the Cogorian throne choose to abdicate their claim.

The August Consular Office would like to make an opening offer of citizenship within Imperium, and liquid assets at the equivalent purchasing power of 10x the annual Cogorian salary.

By way of addendum, Consul Varus Nascorus wishes to note that failure for the royalist claimants to subject themselves to arbitration would necessitate that the August Consular Office surrender authority to Caesar. The application of merit in war would then prescribe that Imperium fully and wholeheartedly support Cogoria's application of the death penalty to the royalist claimants.

Finally, Consul Johanna Jura wishes to indicate that Imperium is prepared to provide material humanitarian support to the Cogorian state, including but not limited to mental health services, the safe and controlled distribution of antibiotics and essential drugs, peacekeeping forces, and temporary asylum for displaced persons until the end of the war.
 
The Grand Federation wholeheartedly condemns both the violent Royalist uprising, and the suppression of religion in Cogoria, and we will begin actions in the face of a conflict that will inevitably escalate.

We cannot commend any revolution that involves the disgusting waste of innocent lives and damage of property. We will not help Catharine Rokotov or her uprising. Far more peaceful, and frankly effective, means could have been undertaken in order to achieve the goal of restoring the monarchy.

We cannot commend Cogoria's lack of freedom of religion or lack of right to protest, either. We implore the Cogorian government to allow these rights and more, and they ultimately were the reason that this uprising happened in the first place.

Therefore, we are choosing not to support either side in a wasteful, bloody conflict, but instead we are willing to take on refugees. Any Cogorian citizen seeking refuge in Xentherida will be accepted, and rehomed into the many refugee camps across the nation. Also, after accepting permission from both sides, Xentherida will begin to send in buses - guarded by peacekeepers to deter either side from attempting to attack the evacuating civilians - and evacuate the civilians to either peaceful parts of Cogoria, or to Xentherida itself, depending on the choice of the evacuee. The buses to Xentherida will either go to airports, where they will be flown, or to ports, where they will be transported through the Phoenix Strait to the eastern ports of Xentherida.

In addition to taking on refugees, the Grand Federation will also begin to distribute humanitarian aid and peacekeeping. Hospital ships will be setting sail, and will dock close to the Cogorian coast, with patients shipped on and off by speedboat. Next, with permission from both sides, Xentherida will temporarily create a base of operations by an airstrip, from which supplies can be airdropped to before their distribution, and from where aid workers and peacekeepers can be dropped off from.

Aid worker groups and their supplies will each be stationed in a particular town, and will distribute their supplies and operate on civilians and soldiers of either side, with armed guards to protect the workers and supplies, and deter any who try to attack the workers. Temporary shelters will be set up to accommodate the homeless, and hospitals will be set up to treat civilians with medical needs free of charge. However, while we will treat soldiers of either side, we will be billing each side the costs of the treatment, to prevent abuse of the system.

Finally, the Grand Federation of Xentherida offers to host any future negotiations and diplomatic talks in the Xentheridan city of Cosonia, in the hopes that the conflict will eventually die down peacefully.
 
Side story first. Official response at bottom of post.

Since assuming the throne in August, Princess Claidie was beginning to reverse the isolationist policies of her father, Prince Stéphane. She had re-established a working ministry of foreign affairs and was receiving daily briefings of international activities around Eras. For the most part, the early briefings were rather mundane and uninteresting. The briefing on the day after Christmas would not be the same.

As the foreign affairs minister, William Bowers, presented details of the events in Cogoria, a worried look ran across the princess's face. The battle on the other side of the continent presented an opportunity to implement a new precedent on how her government would respond to conflicts abroad. But, while her father's stance kept Sil Dorsett out of international politics, it also provided peace and stability. Citizens would simply go about their daily lives without concern for those in a faraway land.

Claidie knew changing this would not be an easy decision to make. Would she support the standing government regardless of its suppression of religious and political freedoms, or would she dare support a rebellion based on a questionable claim to a throne that no longer existed? Was there a bilateral solution, or was a continuation of pacifism the right way?

Bowers, on the other side of the table, could only sit and wait for the answer. It only took a few minutes of silent contemplation for Claidie to come up with her response. Ultimately, given her youth and, having been on the throne for only four months, her inexperience, the dilemma was too much for her to handle alone.

"Do nothing, and say nothing," the princess told the minster. "Just keep me apprised."

The foreign affairs minister had another idea. "Your Highness, if I may, I believe there is another solution to this that is in line with our current policy of neutrality and pacifism but also does not make us look ignorant or uncaring. May I draft a response? I certainly will not release it without your approval."

The princess nodded in reply. "Go for it. It's why I have ministers, right?"

It was not long before Minister Bowers completed his draft of the response. The response met the criteria he had laid out before the princess, focusing on sympathies to those lost in the conflict and an urging of a peaceful resolution. Regardless, Claidie felt dejected upon reading it.

"Ordinarily, I'd say release this," Claidie told the minister, "but asking for a peaceful resolution would upset those who have taken sides and put us at odds with all of them. Strip that part out. Only comment on the lives of the fallen for now. We'll see what that does."

"And if our response still manages to upset other nations?" Bowers queried.

"If that manages to still draw condemnation, then screw perpetual pacifism. If the international community wants us involved in foreign conflicts, fine. I'll make them all eat the paper on which they write their resolutions," Claidie forcefully replied before calming down. "Hopefully, it won't come to that though. I'm sure most world leaders would be happy we're keeping our noses out of other people's business, for the most part anyways."



SGGLAE1.png

An official response to recent Cogorian events​
The Dorsettian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of Her Royal Highness The Princess of Sil Dorsett, expresses its deepest and most solemn sympathies with the families of those who have been lost in recent conflicts in Isletville and at the Cogorian Embassy in Ceretis. Our thoughts are with all those affected by these events.
 
mWHsWPM.png
On this High Holy Day of all days, a dark cloud has risen over the nation of Cogoria- one which I am disgusted to see.

I echo the statements made by Goyanes concerning the actions of both the Cogorian government and the monarchist rebels. I as well condemn both factions and their actions. First, the Cogorian government. Every year the world has known that the people of Isletville District go out to the streets to celebrate Christmas and that every year the Cogorian government intervenes to stop the festivities and enforce its ban on freedom of religion, displaying of old royal icons and flags, and the right of protest.

Secondly, we condemn the monarchists, who committed a disgusting attack on the Cogorian embassy in Ceretis, seizing the building, killing the security detail, and taking the staff hostage. The Empire deems this a terrorist attack, and thus, I find it appropriate, to declare that the Empire, in light of the actions of both sides, will not declare sympathy for either side in this abhorrent conflict. The Empire wishes to cooperate with its friends in Xentherida in their righteous humanitarian effort, and will be sending detachments of the Imperial Relief Corps. The Empire will be keeping a very close eye on the conflict itself, so that it does not endanger the Phoenix Strait area further.

In addition, I wish to state to the Empire's friends in the Kingdom Republic of Ceretis that should any assistance be necessary in putting down this horrid terrorist attack, the Empire will gladly contribute. Finally, I must say that my thoughts and prayers are with the people of Cogoria as its government and a member of an old royal family fight a senseless war of territorial dominion. I wish the best to the Cogorian people during this dark time for their nation and hope that the darkness may soon flee and turn to light.

May Prajapati bless the good people of Cogoria in this dark hour.

H.I.M. Rajesh III​
Emperor of the Syrixian Empire​
 
The High King Stokes sends his condolences to the people of Cogoria. We condemn the acts of the suppression of free speech promoted by the Cogorian Government. No Government should be able to decide things of religion. We also however condemn the act of extremism in order to achieve the moral right. That is exactly why religions are given a bad name. We will therefore send aid and relief to both factions and may God resolve this for it out of human hands! Long Live the Swamp!
 
Sealed letter:
debceb53ec1cc8eff437661de5b1f2aa.png
confidential​

HEAD OF STATE,


The United Socialist States of Vladimir send you condolences to your proletariat working class.
Under these circumstances, we would like to offer you support in terms of supplies and small amounts of man
power.

Our disapproving attitude towards an aristocracy is strong, but not as strong against untrue leftists. Your filthy
attitude towards keeping yourself rich is no different to that of the corrupted bourgois. For this reason we will not
be interacting with your people or your conflict.

Good luck on your journey, gopnik.

Long live the left,



755fd9fd9ce642625275e250e841bc12.png
Click to expand...
 
Foreign minister Barishnokov stared at the missives on his desk. Various condemnations from the self righteous dens of corruption from around the globe, the only support coming from the comrades of Ilamzat. Curiously there was a condemnation from a fellow proletariat nation, accusing the nation's leaders of using the revolution to accrue personal wealth, suppressing a chuckle at the very notion of the Chairman who had single handedly purged the nation of corruption during his rise to power, living in luxury rather than his office couch was laughable. Penning a response he finished up for the day.

From the offices of Minister Barishnikov,
The Nation of Cogoria formally requests assistance of the Ceretis authorities in resolving the situation in the embassy building.
The Nation of Cogoria welcomes the support of the great Ilamzati nation, the support of a true Socialist nation means much to our people in this time of hardship.
While receiving support from the Ilamzati proletariat, we must jointly mourn the fact that the nation of Leningrad has been so corrupted by the capitalist nations that they have become nothing more than the pawns of the international imperialist agenda.
To the Imperialist nations seeking to use humanitarian aid as an excuse to plant boots on our proud nation's soil, any attempt to cross the borders, enter our airspace or sail our waters will be met with force. And any assumption by the Goyanes that their laws extend across border and into Cogorian sovereign territory are sorely mistaken, the traitors of Isletville will be dealt with as traitors to the revolution have always been dealt with.

The phone lines to Isletville had been cut, the roads leading to the district blocked off, no news was getting in or out. And now a brigade was making it's way to the city to put down the rioters. The column of trucks and tanks were winding their way through the dense trees. The lead vehicles ground to a halt as they came across a number of downed trees. Dismounting from their truck the lead element's engineers began to inspect the blockage, when the royalists launched their ambush. more trees came down behind the column as rockets and machine guns started to tear into the troops. The infantry started to pour out of their trucks and carriers, and sweep into the trees, quickly finding the royalists were well dug in the battle ground to a standstill.
The conscripts started to panic as their numbers were thinned by the constant chatter of the royalist guns. Deciding that his fresh faced conscripts were not going to hold, he quickly ordered his men to scuttle the trapped heavy equipment, and fall back. The original plan to sweep rioters from the streets needed to be changed into a full campaign.
 
fvfABLZ.png


Diplomatic Statement No. 2
The Imperial Republic of Goyanes wishes to inform Cogoria that any and all atrocities committed to its populace will not be tolerated, and offenders will be reported to the IAN courts for hearing. Your blatant violation of all respect to human life, on both sides is atrocious. Maybe your government should swallow its pride, and learn that your citizenry will die before you, as you have rejected the offers of humanitarian aid offered by neutral nations that couldn't care less about your internal conflict.

Long Live the Grand Emperor! Long Live Goyanes!

-Ken Lorge
Foreign Affairs Minister​
 
Chairman Zhukov looked around the table at the assembled members of the politburo, the Minister for defence had just finished explaining the ambush and retreat of the 42nd motor rifle brigade and Minister Barishnikov was up next.

"Comrades, as expected the international community is somewhat irked by the situation, we have yet to confirm the death of a single terrorist and we are being accused of shooting civillians. Luckily they are also condemning the royalists, who we now know, thanks to our comrades in the armed forces, are more than simple rioters. The level of equipment evident in today's ambush shows a high level of material support from abroad though our sources indicate it is blackmarket as opposed to foreign support. We in the foreign ministry have calculated that there will be a high collateral cost to pacifying Isletville, and a cost that will upset certain hypocritical nations, we have all read the STCB's debrief after the fiasco in South Jacksonville after all. As we expect this backlash, our representative in the IAN is currently trying to stall the passage of a war crimes bill, at least until the Council is elected. That gives us three days at the least, maybe more, to achieve the majority of our objectives."
The Chairman looked at the papers in front of him as the minister talked, lining up the events to come in his head before speaking.
"Comrades, at the moment we have four full army corps deployed along our border with SAA Canada. Four corps an hour away from where they are truly needed, almost 200,000 soldiers. I understand we moved them to make the public feel safe, but the reality is the Border Guards can maintain that vigil with a little more air support. Order the 4th tactical air regiment to fulfil this role, redeploy the four corps and attach the revolutionary Guards brigade, get every aircraft from here to Ferrograd to support them and lets send these traitors to their graves. We will push them to the breaking point and when they come beggining on their knees for peace, then we will negotiate. We must get this done before the IAN accepts that bill. Comrade minister I don't care how you do it but those troops need to be beggining operations by 1800 tomorrow."

To the North preparations began, the monumental task of redeploying the army from the border was being rushed and improvised, much of the support equipment was being left behind to follow on later. The sappers were already speeding ahead in their trucks to lay the groundwork for the artillery batteries, and the Revolutionary Guards were mustering out of Oktobergrad, it was the single largest deployment of troops for an actual battle on Cogorian soil since the revolution itself.
 
"911, what is the nature of your emergency?" A whispering frightened voice with a soft foreign accent answered back "I'm calling from inside the Cogorian Embassy, we need help, I heard a loud crash, screams, gunfire and I fear the guards might be dead, wait, someone's coming" the sound of a struggle could be heard on the other end punctuated with yelling followed by a gunshot and then silence.

Sirens could be heard streaming in from everywhere, capital police swarmed the area like bees whose hive had just been kicked. Within minures the area was sealed off completely in every direction even above as a police airship could even be seen taking position. Black unmarked armored trucks and a command vehicle pulled up outside the gates, the Diplomatic Service (DS) had arrived.

The DS captain could see the embassy out the APC's windows, tire marks outside the gates that now lay smashed off their hinges and a smoking wrecked van just outside the entrance to the building. Blood, bullet casings, and shattered glass were scattered near the entrance. Grabbing his coffee he took another sip before exiting the APC into the brisk Ceretian winter and began heading toward the mobile command center. The scene inside the compound was utter silence for the moment, he wasn't quite sure if that would turn out to be good or bad.

Ambassador Wrong's aircraft finished taxiing toward the Cogorian hangar, he was packing away some papers he was reviewing from his meeting in Oktobergrad earlier. Normally he'd have been greeted by his security motorcade, not much more than a couple vehicles but that's not what he saw when they stopped. They had been notified of the attack shortly before landing and that the Diplomatic Service would be meeting them on arrival. Outside there were 10 black SUVs and agents with automatic weapons waiting to take him to a secured location. He was relieved to see his security detail approach the aircraft, at least some of the staff were unhurt.

News crews began to set up as close as they could to the site, the crisis was breaking news across Ceretis, the attack of an embassy, shocking! Broadcasts of the situation in Ceretis hit the air at almost the exact moment news of the Cogorian Christmas Riots had gone gone horribly awry.

Light from the roaring fireplace flickered off the tinsel and ornaments of the Christmas tree in the middle of the room. The royal family's informal holiday gathering with family and friends had been interjected with the sad events unfolding at the embassy. Monitors had been set up to display the news and National Security Service feeds. The monitors glowed nearby as they discussed amongst themselves what had happened and the information they've been receiving from the NSS. The volume on the NSS feed was turned up and the conversations became hushed again as the webcast from a 'Catherine Rokotov' streamed.

"People of the world, I am Catharine Rokotov, the last of the Cogorian Rokotov Royal line. Today my courageous supporters have stuck tremendous blows against those that deny I even exist. In Cerestis we have taken their embassy, to show their weakness on the international stage. In Cogoria the people of the Isletville region have burned the police station and openly riot in the streets to show the weakness of the red oppressors at home. Watch them closely, they will react as they always do, they will brand us terrorists and march their troops into Isletville and slaughter the people until they regain control. I am the true and rightful ruler of Cogoria, The Rokotov bloodline ruled for centuries before the assassination of my great grandfather. I call on all crowned nations, all free nations. Help Cogoria, the people will rise up against these red oppressors, they need only know that there is hope of freedom rather than the fear of failure."
Who was this woman the Tsar wondered to himself. All reports thus far were that the royal family of Cogoria had been extinguished in the uprising some years back, could there be an heir? Why have they never heard of Catherine being alive before? Recently relations between Ceretis and Cogoria had began to open up again, what will happen now, to whom does our support fall? After tossing around thoughts in his head the Tsar's directed his response to the intelligence agents in the room "Find out where that came from and if this is true."

Crowds gathering near the embassy at first were just onlookers but soon others followed after the webcast. Royalist supporters from immigrant and refugee families that fled to Ceretis or were outside Cogoria at the time of the revolution and never bothered to return. With the royalist supporters waiving their flags and shouting their jeers, the situation at the police cordon grew more tense.


N1W5BQw.png
The Palace of Guell​
Office of the Tsar​
Harold Callahan​
Dei Gratia, Emperor and Autocrat of all the Ceretians, St Owhela, Vexhal, and of His other realms and territories,​
Grand Duke of Decem, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith​


H.I.M. Rajesh III; Emperor of the Syrixian Empire,

I and the people of the Kingdom Republic thank you for your kindness, thinking of us during these events, and support your sentiment that this situation is senseless and saddening. The Sion Police forces and Diplomatic Service have the situation in hand but thank you and your people for their offer of assistance should it be needed.

We as well hope that the events unfolding in Cogoria shall not spill over and spread further turmoil in the lands of the Phoenix strait.


Pax Vobis,
Harold C.
Click to expand...






<<Diplomatic Communique>>:
CERETIAN DEPARTMENT OF STATE​
KINGDOM REPUBLIC OF CERETIS​

To The Armed Republic of Cogoria; Chairman Nikolai Zhukov,

The government of the Kingdom Republic of Ceretis will continue to keep you apprised of the ongoing situation at your embassy in Ceretis. Currently the embassy is cordoned off and attempts are being made to contact those inside to ascertain the situation. If your people so desire you may send advisers and representatives to witness the events first hand. Though the situation is unpleasant we do have some good news to report. Currently five security personnel and Ambassador Wrong are safe as they were away from the embassy at the time of the attack. They have been taken to a secured location for their continued safety.

Reports regarding the Christmas Riot events have left us with concerns for the safety and welfare of all involved and the possibility that these events may spill over into other parts of the Phoenix Strait or further as evidenced by the current situation in Ceretis. We can not condone the slaughter of innocent civilians, but as well can not condone the actions of the royalists. If there may be some way we may assist in mediating these events toward peace let us know.

We continue to recognize your current right to rule the nation of Cogoria but as always continue to express our concerns as neighbor and friendly observer.

It is our continued belief, as you know, since the time of your revolution, that the matter of who rules Cogoria is best left to the people of your nation. This debate is best left to the realm of voice and pen to decide the path that is right for Cogoria and made without exertion of force on either side. Which is why we strongly do not condone the actions of the royalists as we did not condone the revolution. As you already know, we continue to support your granting freedom to your people to speak their minds without fear of retribution just as we believe they should have the right to express their choice in religious practice or non practice. As your government has repeatedly stated that your government is of the will of the people, a firm and unified voice, made in a time when the royalists controlled the nation and religious practice was strong. If that belief and will of the people was and is truly that strong under a powerful crown and church, how can the weak words of a deposed government and near non existent church dissuade that commitment and pose any threat to the strength of the people's will? Let them speak their weak words without fear and if there is no change in the people's choice of governance then there will be no resistance from nations that may oppose you when they see the free choice of the people.

Regarding the situation at hand, as during the days of your revolution our nation offers safe harbor for all royalist wishing to remove themselves from the ideological conflict and thus remove a thorn from your side. Furthermore as we had previously offered safe harbor for the royal family, which was so tragically rejected, so too we offer safe harbor for this claimant 'Catharine Rokotov' that more blood may not be shed. We are troubled by the claims of Catherine that the royal line is indeed still alive though we have been led to believe they were all massacred.


Frank Innis
DEPUTY DIRECTOR - DIPLOMATIC CORPS
CERETIAN DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Diplomatic Security Service
Straathgard Castle; Sion
Click to expand...
 
East Jacksonville City, 30th December 2016. Building of the National Assembly.

President Nico Astanov has called for a special session of the National Assembly after hearing from the Embassy of Goyanes that a conflict is going on in Cogoria. The President is preparing to make a statement before the Council of the Republic and the Senate of the National Assembly. The Speaker of the Senate introduces the President before members of the Council and of the Senate. A loud applause rings throughout the room. The President shakes hands with people as he enters and when he gets to the front, everyone quiets down. The President pulls out the paper that his speech is on and he begins to talk.

"Thank you Mr. Speaker. Members of the Council of the Republic and members of the Senate, I come before you today with news that I am even surprised I am speaking on. A few days ago, I was informed by the Embassy of Goyanes that a war had broken out in Cogoria between the government and a group of rebels who are led by a woman who claims to be a descendant of the former Royal Family. As usual, we had heard about the Christmas celebrations in Isletville being crushed by the militisya but we were unaware of what was soon to happen. It led to a full out rebellion. Now what I am about to say comes as a shock. While we do not agree with the Cogorian Governments policies, we do however recognize them as the legitimate government of Cogoria and if they request it, we will supply medical supplies and doctors to help. I call on the government to support my action of offering medical supplies. That is as far as we will go. I thank you all for allowing me to speak before you today. It was a sincere honor. Thank you."

After a round of applause and the President's exit, the Chairman of the Council of the Republic and the Chairman of the Senate call for a vote to approve medical supplies to the nation of Cogoria. The leaders of the Conservative Party make a motion and the Leader of the Jacksonville Republic Party second the motion. The motion is put to a vote and it is approved by the Senate and the Council with unanimous support. The President immediately informs the Cogorian Consulate General that if they want medical aid, that cargo planes will take off from North Jacksonville City with the medicine.
------------
North Jacksonville City. 2 hours after the speech.

Planes at the Vnokorov International Airport are loading up medical supplies to be delivered to Cogoria is the Cogorian Government accepts the help. Over 500 soldiers are helping in the packing and loading of the equipment into the planes and doctors across Jacksonville are being called to aid. The Governor of the State of North Jacksonville, Yuri Nikodemiev is helping load and is talking to some of the soldiers as he is doing so.

"It is truly a great thing that the President wants to do. He wants to help those of a country that once fought against up. He is the first leader to do such a thing since the 50's.", begins the Governor.

"I think it is a good thing but at the same time is it idiotic. Why should we help a country that had done nothing to help us?", says Lieutenant Pavlov.

"You raise a good point Lieutenant, but the President is the one who decides our foreign policy and we will will help him in this. Let us just finish packing these boxes and move them onto the planes so that they can be ready for takeoff.", says the Governor.

The planes are receiving fuel just in case the Government of Cogoria accepts the aid. If they do not, then it will still be there to take off at a later given time.
 

A message from the Chairman of the Cogorian Politburo,
To the leaders of the nations seeking to send aid to our nation, we thank you for your concern, but the civil unrest is localised to a single district. A district that has running water, electricity, functioning hospitals and an abundance of food. The same can be said for the rest of our great nation. The revolution has provided us with the means to support ourselves, and due to the insignificant scale of a riot in a small city, we are more than capable of running this country to the same standard as we always have. We take the offers of aid as an insult, to think that such trivial matters as those transpiring in Isletville could destabilise our nation to the point that foreign aid was required is offensive in the least, and inflammatory at worst. However as it is the time of giving, we will merely recognise such offers as the efforts of overly generous neighbours, and refuse to accept them.
In closing I cannot stress enough that the civil unrest in Isletville shall soon be brought to a close by the authorities who have the situation well in hand.
Nikolai Zhukov


General Tchuikov Stood over the map in his tent as reports trickled in, nearby an artillery battery kept up it's barrage in support of the army, it's fire drowning out the sounds of the distant battle. An aid walked towards him from one of the signals officers and handed him a chit "Sir the 142nd is pinned down at the moment on hill 204, they breached the enemy line but a counter attack has stopped them dead, B battery is already firing in support but the 142nd's colonel believes he's encountered a second ring of defences, I've already been in contact with the 4th armoured but the trees are too thick to get tanks up there in time."
The general was exhausted, ever since the operation had begun it had been a complete disaster, his intelligence officer had assured him that a few insurgents lay between him and the city, but instead he'd run into defences that must have been under construction for years, manned by a numerous well trained force, and his air assets were running into walls of SAMs of some foreign design, he could understand guns from the black market but SAMs were another thing altogether. Had he had his way he would have liked at least a week to plan, but the politicians had given him a few hours to move from the border and attack, and now his men were paying the price. "Very well major, get batteries A, C and D to support the 142nd and move the 31st rifles up the on the double, tell them they are to take that hill and damn the cost, we take that hill and our spotters can direct artillery on anything that moves in those damn trees all the way to the city. Batteries D to J are to answer to commander Zaitsev, tell him to get his Guards and the 3rd Motor Rifles and plough straight down that road, we'll send the 9th sapper battalion to clear any obstacles. But we need to reach that city by mid day tomorrow".

The shelling went on for the rest of the night as the troops doggedly advanced, but the Royalists were not surrendering ground without a fight, more and more of the army reserves were drawn into the push along the main road and the battle for hill 204
 
The leader of the men in the embassy picked up the phone after it rang for the second time "Hello? To who am I speaking?"
While he spoke on the phone the others busied themselves with fortifying the building against attack, the hostages were corralled into the upstairs conference room, explosive traps were rigged on the downstairs entrances and the blinds were all shut to stop the police seeing in. One hostage, who had been shot in the leg as she tried to fight off an attacker while calling the police, was being treated by the embassy's secretary who had done her conscription term as a combat medic. Most the staff had done their terms barring a few who had medical exemptions, but this was the first time they'd actually had guns pointed at them in anger
 
The negotiation team sat around the comms table in the mobile command truck reading information they had on everyone that might be inside the embassy. The police cameras managed to capture only a couple faces of hostages before the blinds were all shut but they at least had the identities of a couple hostages. A lieutenant who just came from outside walked over to the team. "We've isolated all lines of communication and routed them all through our system, you're on." Each of the men put on their headphones as the captain pushed a button that called the embassy. After two rings came a response from inside "Hello? To who am I speaking?"

Two rings, that's a good sign, they're willing to talk "This is Captain Price of the Diplomatic Service, we know there has been gunfire and we'd like to make sure everyone is safe. Whom am I speaking with and what do you seek?"
 
Tchuikov stared at the man before him in awe, Marshal Suvorov was the foremost military thinker in the nation and had even turned down the opportunity to sit as minister for defence in favour of continuing his military career. Tchuikov knew he was there to take command, and he was happy to hand it over. Events had spiralled out of control, that much had been made clear to the general after he trudged back from inspecting the blood soaked heights of hill 204. The enemy had even managed to stall the assault down the road with a surprise airstrike.
Now with the clock ticking down on the Council of Nations election, it was only a matter of time before Cogoria was made sign into law numerous resolutions regarding the conduct of warfare. With this in mind and the ever tightening window in which to act, the new commanding officer gave the order to deploy the army's chemical weapons, and authorised high intensity carpet bombings of the forest and the city of Isletville by the airforce, civilian casualties were second to restoring the security of the state.


"This is Captain Price of the Diplomatic Service, we know there has been gunfire and we'd like to make sure everyone is safe. Whom am I speaking with and what do you seek?"
The man smiled as the voice came over the line, while hundreds and maybe thousands of his comrades were dying in the forests of Isletville, this phoneline was where the true battle was to be fought. "Hello captain price. We are the Children of the Crown, all the hostages are safe, this is all you need to know of us. And as for what we want, all we ask is for you to listen. I want to make this promise to you, I will not lie. Every word I say to you will be the truth. And I want the same from you, every time you lie a hostage will die. Now the Cogorians will send two teams to you, one to collect the ambassador, the others will call themselves advisers. The advisers are coming to kill us, I ask for the sake of the hostages that you stall them for as long as possible. Tomorrow, our Princess will make another announcement, afterwards you are to call us again and we will give you our demands. Goodbye Captain." Hanging up the phone he went to check on the preparations his comrades had made.
Meanwhile at the airport a private jet bearing the Cogorian diplomatic emblem taxied into it's hanger, when the stairs deployed, ten men marched down, five wearing the bulky armour and weapons of the elite revolutionary guards the other five wore overalls and carried large duffle bags, they waited for the embassy security to come collect them.
 
((OOC There'll be a bit of a delay, suffering a bit of writer's block will hopefully post in the coming days))
 
5180d1194313615-trying-figure-out-what-popular-bumper-sticker-logo-means-equality_hrc.gif
A Statement issued by John Smith, President of Lands of Anarchy, on behalf of the Lands of Anarchy Government​

"We, of course, condemn the royalist rebels for their support of the violent protest in Isletville and the takeover of the Cogorian embassy to Cerestis.

However, why do they claim to care about the workers of the world, and then not allow them to receive aid? The usage of chemical weapons and the carpet bombing on their own people are also incredibly appalling. We believe the Cogorian government should realize that of they don't want to have their security threatened and rebellions formed, they should care about their own people, let alone people in general. We also believe that, regardless, the atrocities committed by the Cogorian government must end."

John Smith
President of Lands of Anarchy.
 
Price wasn't sure quite what to make of the call. The message presented a problem, one that made the situation worse. The Cogorians were supposedly sending advisers to help the situation, people who would more intimately know the facts of the dispute and were supposed to help. In reality were the Cogorians sending a hit team? If he didn't take the accusation to be at least a possibility and if it turned out to be true, that would be the end of his career in the diplomatic service or at best a job burred in some records room.

He had one of the men keep an eye on any flights arriving from Cogoria at any of the surrounding airports, he wasn't sure exactly how long he'd have before the Cogorians arrived. About two hours later one of his information officers answered a call and scrolled out a message on a notepad. "The tower at Asimov logged the arrival of a diplomatic flight landing and taxiing to the Cogorian hanger. They were met by members of their embassy security. 10 men total departed in two groups..." Taking the report from the officer's hand he thanked him and slowly made his way over to his seat.

His lieutenants were getting updates and passing out orders keeping the whole operation humming along.
"Jack, I don't know what to make of the situation but until we can discount the claims of the 'Children of the Crown' I don't want those Cogorians to have free run of the area. I also can't have the Cogorians feeling as if they're unwanted... pass word to the men and set up a detail. I want at least two sets of eyes on them at all times. Make sure nobody gets out or IN to that embassy or this could all go off the rails and the world is watching. Remember, when they arrive we give them big smiles and lots of eyes."

"Minato, get teams on the vantage points overlooking the embassy in case we need to take more drastic measures. Also check to see if those breaching teams have ideas for getting us inside."

"Ania, let's speed up getting the rest of those listening devices in place. Can't be sure they'll be chatty where we're listening but you can always hope right? Also see if we've got an updated hostage estimate from the radar motion team."


The helicopters were completely blacked out and flying fast just above the water. It was a dark night with only a couple glints of light flashing off the surface. The gunner could see the nervous look on the passenger's face. They looked like they've never been in a helicopter before, they looked like they weren't a fan of flying, they looked like they were about to throw up. Reaching out he put his hand on their shoulder "Alexei, relax, we're out of range of enemy fire, this is the easy part for us." He offered a piece of gum to chew on. "Thanks... it's my first time flying." A slight smile coming across the gunners face "I could tell. You looked rather uncomfortable." Easing up a little he had a few questions for the crew. "Do you normally fly so low? And there are no lights, how can the pilots see? Why are we flying so fast?..." It seemed like they'd uncorked an endless bottle of questions.

Another voice, one of the pilots, popped up over the headset. "We were beginning to wonder if you'd died or fell out somewhere back there it was so quiet. By the way we can see just fine up here with our night vision HUDs and we're so close to the water so nobody can track and shoot us out of the sky which I'm sure you agree is a good idea." The crew continued to chat for a while which helped ease the passenger's nerves and made the trip seem much shorter. "We're here" Looking out the door he could see the silhouette of a large ship in the darkness. "It's much larger than I expected" Just then night lights came on for the landing pads. "That's where you've been getting your supplies from. The '404' isn't she a beauty?" The '404' was a cargo ship designed to look no different to the casual observer but was designed to move freight and private military contractors into operations too sophisticated or politically incorrect for anyone else and vanish quickly with little trace if something went wrong.

As they touched down Alexei could see his men disembarking the other helicopters and hurriedly being ushered below deck out of sight as cargo was being loaded into the choppers right behind them. Sliding open the door he was greeted by some of the ships officers "Alexei, good to see you, hope the fight goes well. Your men will shortly start training on some of the new equipment we're sending over now and a couple pieces your generous 'benefactors' feel might help you in your cause. More to the matter of why we needed to speak with you in person. We have received a request from an 'interested party' who would like a bit of proof regarding a certain transmission that came out of the north of your country... somewhere around the Ferrograd area... I think you know the one we mean. Sorry we couldn't just radio in this information but I'm sure you understand the sensitive nature of the request. If they can send over some sort of proof then our 'interested party' MIGHT become MORE interested in your situation. Also, regarding your request for NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) suits it's not a usual item to have a lot of on hand these days, and we still need some for out own personnel as you can imagine. We'll be sending along all we can for now which should at least help the troops that are most vulnerable. We've got a line on a supply coming in soon that should take care of the rest of the problem but you'll have to make do for now unfortunately."
 
Official Statement From The Republic of Weath concerning rebellion​

The Republic of Weath finds the developing situation in Cogoria extremely tragic. Other governments claim both sides are at fault. While we see and understand the validity of their stance we respectively disagree. Any government that violates one of the most basic human rights, the freedom of self expression and speech is not seem as a legitimate authority in the eyes of the Weathian people. However, while these rebels have no fault in their reasons for rebellion, they have taken a most inappropriate action of response, violence. Their actions of murder, terror, and hostility in general are extremely unproductive and will only, as this can be seen already, create support for the communist tyrants in power.

What we find most disturbing is this regions seemingly care free attitude for the state of the repressed people of Cogoria. There are people who's rights have been routinely ignored every year for little to no purpose.

While our nation refuses to enter this dangerous situation, we understand that a neutral site for negotiations has been offered, and will be willing to send of diplomats to help represent the rebels, if both sides are able to establish a cease fire and come to the table peacefully.

We understand that fighting was the most effective way for the rebels to shine the light on their oppression, but now that the region is aware of how desperate they are, we need to come together and discuss possible solutions to this growing problem that a morally corrupt communist nation has created.

Our condolences to those who have given their lives to defend their rights, and we hope the violence ends, so that the diplomacy may begin.
 
Grigori Zhukov was an administrative worker, that was how he viewed his position as chairman of the politburo. He rarely appeared on TV, and even then they were quick glimpses of him walking to work, but now he felt the need to speak out, his government was being dragged through the mud internationally and it was time for it to stop. Sitting behind a folding desk with the Cogorian flag draped behind him he prepared to address the nation.
"My people, sons and daughters of Cogoria. Comrades. And to those carrion crows abroad circling our nation with their paper wings. There are those amongst you who question our methods in dealing with the civil disobedience in the north of our great land, and I come before you to put those concerns to rest. First, we are forced to admit the validity of Rokotov's ancestry, it would appear she is indeed the great granddaughter of the tyrant Rokotov deposed in our glorious revolution. It would seem that elements of our own internal security bureau were complicit in hiding her existence, and in hiding the military build up in the Cogadh peninsula. These elements have been uncovered and have been reeducated, we have given them a fresh insight into our cause. Secondly, there has been great concern abroad regarding our refusal to allow foreign aid to cross our borders, our reasoning however is simple. It is not needed. The events unfolding have done little in the way of destabilising the nation, there is no shortage of food or medicine that needs rectifying. And due to the fact the rebellious forces in the north do not seem to lack for them either, along with the fact they appear to have access to foreign weaponry, we refuse to offer any further roots for such supplies to travel by. In this regard, the Red Banner fleet shall be patrolling Cogorian waters and a no fly zone is being imposed over Cogorian territorial waters. Thirdly, the lands of Anarchy have accused our armed forces of utilising chemical weapons, we would like to condemn these baseless accusations. Should you possess any evidence of such actions please present it, and should our forces utilise such weapons, what of it? If it is an effective method of engaging an enemy that preserves life by shortening the conflict then there should be no long term consequences. Fourthly we would like to thank the government of Ceretis for their handling of the embassy situation, and we hope they can bring about a swift resolution. Finally, to the loyal Cogorians of this proud nation, the revolution claimed the lives of the royal family before, and it shall do again. Long live Cogoria, long live the revolution"

Catherine watched the broadcast with a rising sense of anger, her own broadcast had not gone ahead after a bombing raid destroyed the off site server, leaving any future transmission vulnerable to a trace, leaving the team in Ceretis without a signal for their next move. The war on the frontline at least was proceeding well. Years of preperation had given her a well trained and well equipped army, the equal of any other nation's regular forces, and under the guidance of her generalissimo, the Communist forces had been held in check according to a long ago prepared timetable, it was stage three that had her worried for the consequences.

Suvorov listened to the reports, every attack he had ordered had run into a pre prepared position, almost as if the enemy had access to the attack plan years in advance to build the bunkers, on top of that the use of phosgene had next to no effect as the enemy had already had their masks on at the time of the attack. Elsewhere the Royalists were using hit and run tactics to throw the large unwieldy formations off balance. The only possible glimmer of hope for the Cogorian army was the 142nd Rifles, the unit already bloodied after the fight for hill 204 had disobeyed orders to pull back, and charged headlong into the enemy and buckling their line. Suvorov however was unwilling to send them any further support, reasoning to his aides that the position was untenable in the face of fierce counter attacks. But this seemed further from the truth after the regiment began to gain ground. General Tchuikov took the oppertunity of the Marshal going to inspect a unit to send a few reserve battalions.

The five men in overalls presented themselves at the police cordon and requested to be brought to the officer in charge, the leader of the detail entered the command truck and introduced himself to Price "Greetings Captain, my men and I have been sent to assist in any capacity we can, we have been sent from the (Producing a piece of paper the leader read a few words off of it) Oktobergrad Militsiya Special Branch. We have also been tasked with taking into custody, any suspects taken alive. It is the view of our government that the crimes are being committed on Cogorian soil, therefore they shall come with us for a trial back in Cogoria upon a conclusion of these operations."
Inside the Embassy the men were getting worried, the planned broadcast had yet to come from the princess, unsure of what to do, talk soon turned to commencing with the "next stage" however it was eventually agreed that without the signal to go ahead they would wait and nod not take any actions that might provoke a storming of the building.
 
The conflict had dragged on much longer than the given time frame, but with the IAN still in discussions over the Council it seemed time was still on the Cogorian's side. What wasn't on their side however was the initiative in the battle. The Royalists had launched a massive counter attack, overrunning the army HQ and several supply depots. This combined with the fact that all the major cities of the Norther peninsula had declared their support for the Royalist cause had finally forced the Cogorian government to acknowledge the scale of the uprising. With the bulk of three army corps being beaten back and the fourth bogged down with the SAA Canadian border at their backs it was obvious the army was facing difficulties, and with the Field marshal missing overall command once again fell to General Tchuikov who was trapped with the Fourth Corps. This was the situation that faced the Politburo when the Chairman walked in. Walking around the table, he leaned against the recently vacated seat of the head of intelligence. "Comrades, The North is lost to us. The base at Ferrograd is besieged, and the fleet has put to sea. On land our forces are being beaten back at every turn , it seems moral is almost non existent, our soldiers hesitate to fire upon what they still see as their fellow countrymen. The Revolutionary Guard have been gutted and the Airforce has proven ineffective. We need options, the financial strain of the loss of the North's mines cannot be maintained for much longer and the IAN will eventually muddle through their bureaucratic mire, and with so many Imperialist nations in that council of theirs I shudder to think what they will do to us."
Looking about the room Zhukov couldn't help but notice the down turned eyes of the defence minister, obviously there would be few ideas from him. When a voice poke up with an idea however it came from the least likely source, Minister Wren of Transport cleared her throat and addressed the group "Well Comrades, first thing we must do is stop using our chemical arsenal. It is obvious the enemy were prepared for it and so they have had little effect, and the international community has voiced their concern already. While it is unlikely they have any proof, if we simply stop using the gas and stop bombing Isletville we can negate the risk of the IAN, allowing us more time to operate. Secondly, we need to pull back the three Corps that we can, they are fresh conscripts with no experience, that don't want to fire on their own people. Recall the Expedition fleet from around the NWU and deploy all our Naval Infantry from Lupagrad and the Coastal Army, we lose the numerical advantage but level the playingfield in equipment and obviously training. And besides the Black Devils have a revolutionary tradition to uphold, I'm sure they'd like to celebrate the centenary of our revolution by finishing off the royal family" Zhukov grinned. Here was what he needed. Fresh ideas from a fresh mind. Nodding in agreement he sat down and the assembled leaders began to set the plan in motion. While it weakened the nations coastal defences drastically, they were confident that had anyone intended to interfere they would have done so already.
 
The Nebulan government is, as always, divided on their response. The Nebulan Socialist Party unequivocally condemns the monarchist uprising and plans to raise funds to send to the Cogorian government; the ruling Nebulan Democratic Party has condemned both parties and intends to cut all trade to and from the country until the repression ends. The up-and-coming Nebulan Anarchist Movement has planned several demonstrations around the country calling for an end to recognition of the Cogorian state.
 
The 404 had made as many deliveries as it could before the Cogorian fleet began to close in on their location. They'd continued to dodge as long as they could to keep the supply lines open but eventually they had begun to run out of places to hide. The crew were watching the monitors and making their best guesses about how much time they had left. "Captain, the best estimates from the tracking stations estimate a 65% probability of encountering the Cogorian fleet if we remain. I think we've done all we can, at least for now. There might be another opportunity later but determining when would just be guesses at this point." Sitting back in his chair in the center of the bridge the captain took one last look at the estimated positions of the incoming fleet and the distance between the ship and the supply drop zone. "Well those 'little birds' and last couple troop carriers aren't going to be able to avoid detection and make it back in time before we'd be discovered. Radio them and tell them to sit tight and support operations on the ground until we can circle back and pick them up again. Notify all stations to prepare for departure, set the ship to EMCON and make course for the shipping lanes. Oh, and even though we probably won't need it, we should still put on out best best 'we're just a dumb lost cargo ship' routine just in case." The waters churned as the engines came on and the 404 slipped off into the dusk like a ghost.



The five Cogorians stood at the entrance of the command center flanked by a couple of the perimeter officers. Taking the orders from the men he read it over and gave a nod to the officers who then headed back to their duties. "Well it's good to meet you gentlemen, I think for the moment we should concentrate on the bringing this situation to an end first. I would be interested in hearing any information you have on those inside hostage or captor and their interests which might help us to end this quickly and as peacefully as possible. If you'd like we have an area ready for your use over here and information on the hostages we know to be inside. As far as we can tell there are at least 20 in there." Guiding them to the intelligence table there were chairs waiting for them with headsets. The silence from inside the embassy had gone on for too long and Price began to worry things were going sour. So far none of the listening devices were picking up more than garbled whispers just outside their range. The tactical teams managed to get through-wall radar onto the building which helped determine roughly where the hostages were being kept but due to embassy countermeasures their usefulness was dampened and couldn't give a clear picture of what was happening inside.

"They're probably low on food and water and I know there were a few people injured in the initial events. Let's see if we can get them to at least show some good will. Supposedly there was to be another broadcast by their leader but not a word so who knows." Price signaled to the comms officer and the phones in the embassy began to ring, and ring, and ring. "Come on, pick up..." he muttered to himself. Taking a while longer yet there was finally a hesitant answer from inside to which Price replied. "This is Captain Price again, I'm checking in to see how everything is going inside. I can imagine there must not be much food or water in there and I know you have injured persons. We would like to propose a measure of 'Good Will' where we trade food, water, and some supplies for any injured or infirm that may be inside."

Meanwhile Lt. Minato had stopped by the tactical team that was working on getting inside the embassy hoping to have a bit of good news. "Any good ideas?" One of the sergeants rolled out a set of old blueprints of the building and pointed to a room near the north end of the building. "Sir, other than the obvious rooftop entry we're sure they're prepared for, Adams there came across this little jewel. It looks like when the place was first built the original owner was really into 'prepping' and had a shelter built into the hill along the back of the property. As far as we can tell it's still there and so is the tunnel that leads from that bunker to the main building and into whatever is in that room right there. Apparently it's been sealed off before the Cogorians arrived, but not so much that we don't think we can break through."



The light from the television still flickered but the sound was now muted following Zhukov's transmission. "So a Rokotov lives!?" Leaning back onto a desk the Tsar recalled how the people of Ceretis tried as best they could to save the Rokotov's long ago from their bloody fate at the hands of the rebels and were unsuccessful. All negotiations collapsed that sad fateful day, followed by rumors of how the family died that were most undignified and avoidable. Certainly the two ruling families had disagreed on the course for their respective nations but did they deserve THAT fate? Harold was sure the advice his family gave the Rokotovs would have averted disaster saving them from the grave, but that is the past.

"It looks as though we have been given a second chance to try and save them. Let's not let Catherine meet the same fate as her family. Also I'd like to prevent a war across the straits with Cogoria and decades more icy relations if possible if all we manage to do is save Catherine herself. But at least for the moment we need to get a message to her that she's not alone."
 
The following article was released in Collective Consciousness, a populist and radical periodical that is a collaborative publication between the Nebulan Anarchist Movement and the International Worker's Union, a popular radical union headquartered in Nebula.
The Public Schizophrenia
Not since the Revisions of the late 1960s has the Nebulan government so divided against itself. Ever since the midpoint of the Great War Nebula has shown a great rift in its policy and politics, between the liberal Democrats and the authoritarian Socialists. Such a divide has split Legislature down the middle and created a partisan divide so strong it inspires violence, as seen in the infamous brawl that occurred during the Cronaal interventions. The hawkish Socialists have called for violence en masse to prop up dictatorship after dictatorship, while the Democrats stubbornly refuse to take any action to put pressure on such powers abroad. Both parties are guilty of this partisanship.
This deep divide on one hand weakens the authority of the government and at the same time makes it difficult for us to find those receptive to our message of peace and liberty. Democrats refuse to see dissolving as a viable solution, as it is the vehicle of their power and most likely will be until a generation has passed and Malachit's abuses are forgotten or until the Socialists have tempered their inflammatory rhetoric to the point where the youthful generation can accept them as an alternative to the snail's-pace reformism of the Democrats. Neither party represents the interests of the worker in government and no party can effectively do so in a society that is still unequal in terms of class issues. The mere lack of massive poverty does not mean that there is not a ruling class. We must be ever-vigilant in constructing institutions to replace the state, be it union, commune, or collective.
On the current foreign issues, we as workers must be willing to step up and speak to the international community in the way that our government refuses to. We must call for an end to the brutality of dictatorships such as Cogoria, but at the same time we must also condemn any state and system that refuses to act in the best interests of the people. Any state in which a capitalist system can be allowed to thrive is fundamentally flawed and in need of replacement with something better.
This writer hereby calls for a series of protests to be had across Nebula, Galacta, and the North Pacific in two weeks' time from the publication of this article against the oppression of the state and of the corporate system it supports.

Workers of the World, Unite!
Click to expand...
 
6:00 AM

The sun was inching up the Cogorian horizon. The transport airplanes "Nårdenstad" and "Konstantin" had flown overnight, accompanied by a squadron of Rafale fighters. They had flown a route that the War Office had deemed safest for the squad of planes to go. As they reached the drop point, the back doors opened, and the launch officer signaled the release. Several crates full of rifles, ammunition, medical supplies, and money. The crates were all unmarked. The crates slowly floated to the ground, where upon touchdown, the people inched closely to them. The transport aircraft turned around, and booked it back to friendly airspace.


Contents of the Crates

Nårdenstad:
Food
Water
Medical Equipment
Medicines
Money

Konstantin:
AK Ammunition
AK Rifles
Rocket Propelled Grenades
RPG Ammunition
 
5180d1194313615-trying-figure-out-what-popular-bumper-sticker-logo-means-equality_hrc.gif
Another statement issued by John Smith, in response to the Cogorian condemntion.

"The international community could have been privately questioning our accusations of Cogorian chemical weapon usage. However, anything else would be considered illogical.

First, you are assuming we DON'T have sources in your country, that are acting as spies. Further, preventing ALL information from exiting a country is strictly impossible. We are willing to admit this outright, because this country, in relation with all dictatorships, those who place a will on the people without giving the citizens any will at all,be our enemis. Citizens are the most important people in a country, as without the there would be no country, and we will not tolerate any country who does not at least let citizens voice their dissent, let alone elect their leaders.

Secondly, you say it yourself that there is no reason not to use chemical weapons. If there is no reason for you not to use chemical weapons, why would you not be? Would you not use chemical weapons, even though there is no reason to restrict yourself?

Thirdly, you are making the assumption that in politics, risks cannot be taken. Assumptions have to be made, because facts cannot be gained. Just as if you can't figure out how a cookie tastes if you can't get it out of the jar, you can't get the evidence if your Government blocks us out of it outside of unconventional means. I propose an international investigation to show that the Cogorian government has nothing to hide, about chemical weapon usage or otherwise."

John Smith
President of Lands of Anarchy.​

​
 
Admiral Makarov watched the coastline in the dim dawn light, the Red Banner Fleet had just returned to home waters and was already preparing to land troops behind the Royalist controlled frontline. The Naval Infantry from the assault ship Sickle were already making their way towards the shore when an ensign rushed onto the bridge wing "Admiral, multiple aircraft detected, coming straight out towards us". Makarov walked back onto the bridge of the Oktobergrad where a number of blips were displayed on the radar, were they Royalist planes? How did they know about the attack? Who they were was unclear, but what was obvious was a formation of planes were coming out of Royalist territory making them enemies. "If they're Royalist bombers they could slaughter the NI before they can even land, contact the fleet, tell Iron Pride to get her fighters in the air. Every other ship is to fill the sky with enough hate to bring down the moon, do I make myself clear? With that many loud bangs we'll lose the element of surprise, tell the Gunnery Officer he can begin with fire plan 3" Within moments of the message going out the horizon lit up as the fleets SAMs began to engage the distant Goyannes formation. The Iron Pride's fighters formed up above the NI as the Oktobergrad's massive guns and missiles began to pound the coast, softening it up for the assault.

With Suvorin missing, command of the North Front fell back into the lap of General Tchuikov, but this time he had a real army at his disposal. Gone were the fresh faced conscripts, and in their place the rugged Naval Infantry of the coastal army. His numbers were less now, but at least he could trust his men to not run and his equipment to actually work. He even had some ground attack aircraft working at long last. But even as he got new troops and equipment, so too had the enemy. The armoured regiments of the Guards had been mauled once again by the appearance of yet more sophisticated anti tank missiles. But now he had a strategy in place. He had one of the Conscript Corps trapped North up against the SAA Canadian border, but if his plan worked they would be toasting the death of the Quennling in a week. In concert with amphibious landings close to Ferrograd he would also hit royalists with an airborne assault with the redeployed 1st and 2nd Guards Airborne regiments right behind the frontlines, in the confusion he'd steamroll his armour straight through and mop up for the rest of the campaign. And there was little that could stop them.
The three destroyers of 2nd Squadron had been tracking the ship for days, but everytime they thought they had caught up, it had vanished. Well there would be no vanishing now, they could not only see it on their radar, but out the window, it was sailing erratically and looked like a cargo ship, but a maritime patrol plane had tracked numerous helicopters ferrying between the ship and the shore. And while the ship had crossed into SAA Canadian waters, the 2nd Squadron moved in for the kill.
Catherine Rokotov again found herself in front of the camera, after the air raids had stopped coming her engineers had repaired the transmitter. "Greetings, I am princess Rokotov. As of this day we have seized total control of the Kordova peninsula, and have the full support of her people. As the old seat of the Rokotov royal line, I declare Kordova a free and independent stat, and call upon the nations of the world to recognise us as such. We are through with the oppression of the Cogorian Communists, we are through having our beliefs dragged through the mud. We demand the freedom to live our lives as we choose, not as a manifesto dictates. We wish for an end to the hostilities that have bathed the sacred solstice in blood, and made what should have been a time for celebration into a time of mourning. However we will defend our new nation with tooth and nail against the foreign aggression of Cogoria. Long live Kordova!"

The men in the embassy cheered as they watched the transmission, at the same time the phone rang. Picking it up the leader of The Children listened in to the Captain. "We are good for water and food, thank you. We will however release the injured prisoners into you care. The rest shall remain in our custody until such a time as Ceretis recognises the nation of Kordova and its sovereign Princess Catherine, we understand this is no easy request to grant, therefore we shall not be imposing any time limit. let you leaders mull it over, we have time." With that the phone line went dead. Less than a minute later 5 injured hostages hobbled out the front door blindfolded and bound at the wrists.

The men stood listening in on the Ceretisian captains conversation with the hostage takers. As the line went dead, the leader spoke up. "These 'Children of the crown' are nothing more than petty criminals. They wouldn't put up much of a fight against a full assault. The embassy staff are all ex military, with a few exceptions. They'll know to take cover once the bullets start flying, and after that, we'll deal with any of the surviving terrorists"
 
As the formation was making its way home, several hostiles showed up on the radar screens. The squadron of Rafales dispersed, placing themselves in secure positions to deploy chaff and other countermeasures. The alarm of SAM deployment started buzzing. The automated voice in the cabin said, "Distribuere Mottiltak!, Distribuere Mottiltak!, Distribuere Mottiltak!" as the computers automatically deployed chaff and sent electronic pulses to knock them off course. Once the SAM's failed, they started firing. The two cargo planes took damage. Their time is limited. They call on all frequencies, mayday, and prepare to ditch in friendly water. The two C130's crashed into the water. The 2 pilots aboard the Nårdenstad were killed, and were the only casualties. The fighters remained circling above until the mayday call was acknowledged, and they returned home. They were all aboard a raft, waiting for help.

((OOC, edited post to fix plot details))
 
As the conflict wages on, many are unaware that a new player might step into the field, with an agenda of its own.

In the nation of Cimmerien, the nation's head of government makes the following statement to the Cimmerian parliament.

"We are now in a dangerous, perilous time. Today, this nation will fix the disaster that is Cogoria. We shall not tolerate the existence of chaos anywhere in the North Pacific region and we must show that this is where we stand. The Kingdom of Cimmerien, under the hands of His Majesty, the King, shall now declare a declaration of war against the nation of Cogoria for the sake of the termination of the Cogorian state and if not to destroy, at least to assimilate Cogoria in order to secure our place in the world. We shall use everything in our power to eliminate Congoria, so help us God".

As the head of government leaves the podium, the speech that he made to his cabinet and members of parliament will lead to events that are soon to come.
 
As Chairman Zhukov read the report on the Cimmerien declaration of war, a smile stretched his mouth. This was the opportunity he had been hoping for, the Cogorian army had shown itself to be a huge waste of funding, with only the Naval Infantry and RGB proving their worth. But as the situation stood, the North was lost. The effort needed to reclaim it would be huge and costly in both finances and casualties. However the party needed to save face, for the party to survive they could not be seen to be on the losing side. But if they ended the war to face a larger threat? That outcome would be more palatable to the public and the party.
Calling in his assistant he laid out the plan "Order the forces in the North to cease operations, and get a message to the Rokotov girl, or her generals. I don't care how you do it but it gets done. I want to meet with her on neutral soil. The old rig we used for talks with Ceretis will do nicely. We are going to recognise her new state, and we are going to defend our lands from this foreign aggressor. After we've dealt with the Cimmeriens, we can consider bashing each other to a bloody pulp once more. Just reword that a bit more diplomatically and make sure she gets it. I'll get a chopper to the rig and wait there however long it takes." Leaving his office with guards in to he went to Fort Pavlov's helipad and on towards the Diplomatic Contact Rig.

Rokotov was concerned, reports were coming in of Cogorian troops breaking contact and pulling back to the old frontlines, even the landings nearby at Ferrograd had stopped, with the troops already ashore simply digging in instead of expanding the bridgehead. As she looked over the bizarre reports, an aide came in and place two more on her desk. One contained the Cimmerien declaration the other, a message from the Chairman of Cogoria offering to give in to her demands for independence, all she had to do was meet him. "Contact our friends in Ceretis, tell them of what's happening. Their government half owns that rig, so I'd like an outside observer there. I don't want to go there carrying nothing but an olive branch if he's planning on killing me in a trap". With that she ordered her own soldiers to cease their attacks, and arranged for one of their few helicopters to bring her to the DCR if she recieved a positive response from the contacts in Ceretis
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top