[conterniasgloriousleader]

Donna Barrow understood people remarkably well for someone who didn't like being around them all that much. She'd always had a keen eye for the behavioural patterns of others, for figuring out why people acted how they did, what they wanted, and how they could be used to predict their actions or get them where she needed them to be. This had given her a rather cynical view of others for much of her life, as she found it rather dispiriting how consistently, predictably self-interested many of them were, but had lead her to great professional success - first as a private investigator, then as a field agent and later an analyst with the Conternian Intelligence Service, and now as the service's director, a position which she had been serving in for sixteen years. These were jobs where the ability to read the motivations of others - in the starkest, most cynical terms - and predict their next steps was a key skill, and jobs where she'd excelled. That was what had brought her here, to the back of a black car now pulling up outside Mirrel House, the residence of Prime Minister Ezra Griffiths. Griffiths and she had never quite seen eye to eye: he'd never made it a secret that he found her agency's methods distasteful, and in turn she'd never been euphemistic about the fact that she found him too idealistic for his own good and for that of Conternia. But today he needed her, needed those 'distasteful' methods. She knew that. He would too.

"It can't go ahead now, it's out of the question"

The Conternian Prime Minister's tone was utterly adamant as he addressed his cabinet from across the desk in his office. The results of the Lauchenoirian Parliament's vote had come out hours ago, and Ezra Griffiths had hastily called together his cabinet to discuss just what in the hell they were going to do about this. The vote on military action in Lauchenoiria he had cautiously decided in favour of on the advice of his Minister for Defence Klara Stein was meant to occur in two days, when suddenly Chaher's government had become legitimate and any move against him an act of war against Lauchenoiria

"But Prime Minister, you yourself said -"

Griffiths cut off David Falange before he could begin.

"Yes, I remember what I said. When I said that, the act of sending troops to fight Chaher would have been a military strike against a dangerous revolution, in support of a legitimate, democratically elected government. And now', he paused, the reality of the situation again sinking in, "it's an act of war against a crucial ally. It would be suicide, plain and simple. Even if we did get a vote in favour, and manage to overthrow Chaher, who the hell's going to take power - Moore and Walker's government is no longer legitimate in the eyes of the Parliament!"

There was a rap at the door. "Come in", the Prime Minister said wearily. A security guard opened the door.

"Director Barrow for you, sir", the guard said in a clipped tone. On cue, the read-haired CIS director walked briskly into the room, flanked by two men in suits, sunglasses over their eyes, guns holstered by their hips. Barrow had arranged to meet with the Prime Minister almost as soon as the outcome of the vote was made apparent, and he'd been thinking of the meeting with apprehension all day.

"Good day, Director", he greeted her as she stood against the opposite wall.

"Good day, Prime Minister", she returned. "I would appreciate it if we could speak privately. I'm about to tell you things that would be...", she paused, considering her next word carefully, "harmful for your cabinet to take home with them."

"Very well." Looking at the ministers, engaging with them fully as if Barrow wasn't there, he uttered formally, "dismissed". They all quickly shuffled out of the room.

After the last of them had gone, shutting the door behind them, Barrow began to speak. "As I'm sure you're now aware, the Lauchenoirian Parliament-"

"Indeed I am aware, Director", he cut her off. "What do you want me to do about it?"

"Publicly or privately?", she responded cooly

"Let's start with publicly"

"Publicly, call off the vote", she said as if it was the simplest thing in the world. "Say that the changing circumstances forced your hand. Let your Minister for Communications take care of making sure no one calls you a coward." Griffiths glared slightly at that, while Barrow's expression didn't change.

"And privately?"

"Privately, you let me care of it", she replied, her tone and expression inscrutable, betraying no hint of what 'taking care of it' entailed.

"Take care of it?" the Prime Minister queried gingerly.

"There are people in my employ, people's who's names and histories you're safer not knowing, who specialise in...disruption", she responded.

"You propose that we 'disrupt' Chaher's government? How?"

The CIF director's response was curt and matter-of-fact. "I can have these people smuggled into Lauchenoiria overnight. From there, they can do what they do best: disrupt communications, intercept transportation of vital resources, kill whoever needs killing. They can bring Chaher's government to it's knees in a day and no-one will be any the wiser as to who did it."

The Prime Minister paused for a moment, considering what he'd just heard. When he spoke, he was blunt and abrupt.

"What if they fail, get caught? Conternian agents operating covertly on foreign soil, how on earth will we explain that?"

"They're not affiliated with Conternia in any official capacity, if they were to fail there would be nothing to suggest they were anything other than lone wolves or hired guns brought in by the rebels." As if anticipating Griffiths' next question, Barrow continued: "And in the unlikely event that they are captured alive - which I have asked them to avoid at all costs - I assure you they've all been through worse than whatever Chaher and his cronies can think up for them. They won't break. Say the word and they're on Lauchenoirian shores by this time tomorrow."

For the second time in days, Griffiths was at a crossroads. Barrow interrupted his brooding swiftly, however. "Before you get too caught up in the moral hemming and hawing I know you're so fond of, I'd like you to remember that your only other choices are war with a close ally or crossing your fingers and hoping this doesn't get too bad. Unless you've been performing a miracle of foreign policy in your head since you went quiet, I'm your best option right now."

The Prime Minister sighed and averted his eyes from the veteran CIS director's. "Have it done", he said, quickly and clinically.

She nodded. "Understood. Good day, Prime Minister"

"Good day, director".

*

Joaquin Swanberg was sitting in one of the small cafes in downtown Lynnberg he spent most of his free time frequenting - they were cheap and air-conditioned, and coffee was better for him than most of his other habits - when he felt it. The sensation that always heralded a return to that dark place: a single tap on his shoulder. Swanberg looked up and saw a hooded young man - he looked no older than 21 - holding out an envelope.

"Letter from home for you", the young man said.

"I've been expecting this. My brother's getting married.", he responded, the call and response that confirmed trust between them. He took the envelope as the man hurried out the door. Joaquin soon followed, going to his car to look at the envelope's contents. As he sat down in the vehicle, he took a deep breath to prepare himself for what was inside. He opened the envelope and found four pieces of paper inside.

"15 Kiwi Bird Street" read the first

"23:15" read the second

On the third was printed an image of a boat and a gun

And on the fourth was the thing that made his stomach sink: a picture of a butterfly

[Laeral]

Tanvi Misra, Prime Minister of Laeral, looked over the message from the Laeralian ambassador in Buttercity again. Agent C-02 had made contact with PM Moore, and she'd shown interest in freeing the prisoners at Ginsnap. Excellent. She hadn't listed any specifics in her offer of assistance, partially to cover up that she didn't have many. She was certain that she could manage providing support to the Lauchenoirian resistance for the operation, either by carrying it out under Nicholas's nose or by persuading him to accept it, but despite having given the National Security Council over a day to formulate a plan, they hadn't finalized it yet.

The Laeralian source regarding conditions in Ginsnap was Agent C-28*, who worked for the catering company supplying the prison with its (supposedly inedible) food. A plan the NSC had been discussing involved spiking the guards' food with a poison to dull their reactions, while telling the political prisoners to stage a hunger strike so as not to ingest the poison. Another approach considered involved tunneling into the prison and freeing the prisoners into the countryside. Either way had the advantage of simplicity, making it more plausible that the Lauchenoirian rebels could have pulled it off on their own without foreign assistance. But once the prisoners were broken out, the problem of preventing recapture remained. Were Lorentonia a seaside city, smuggling the prisoners onto a boat which could then rendezvous with a Laeralian 'fishing trawler' in international waters would be easy enough. Given Lorentonia's inland location, however, the prisoners would need to be snuck to the coast before that could happen. Complications, complications. She needed a contact who knew the situation on the ground before she could make any solid decisions.

"Excuse me?" her aide said. Tanvi turned, and accepted the tablet in her outstretched hand. It was displaying a shaky video, only about thirty seconds long, evidently from a low quality handheld phone camera. It showed the First Minister of Melissa province fleeing into a crowd...
A few seconds later, the video abruptly ended with the violent death of Darí­o Vega. Tanvi thought it over. A video, posted online, showing obvious human rights abuses in Lauchenoiria. She smiled. "Everything those bastards do digs themselves a deeper hole."

*The Bureau of External Action has a system for classifying its agents. The region is divided into sectors assigned with a letter; Laeral and its neighbors are A, while the Lauchenoiria-LOM region is C. An agent from the BEA's central headquarters assigned to a certain sector is given that sector's letter and a number starting with 0. Mateo is C-02, the second Laeralian-born agent operating in the Lauchenoirian region. Foreign nationals recruited for the BEA are assigned using their sector's letter and a number that doesn't start with 0. To avoid confusion, 1-9 are skipped, so the first agent recruited in the Lauchenoiria region would be C-10.

[Lauchenoiria]

Anael Noguera sat in the back garden of Julena House, the First Minister of Aeluria's residence. His wife was in the parliament chamber, debating the austerity measures proposed to compensate for Chaher's increased military funding. He had cut funding to all provinces to pay for it.

A man appeared, standing under the trees, his face hidden. Anael checked behind him then walked over to join the man.

"Anael, how are you? I'm so sorry about Walker's plot, we never thought she'd pull something like this!" the man patted Anael on his back. Anael moved away.

"You reek of smoke," Anael wrinkled his nose.

"You Lauchenoirians, all the same. Obsessed with not smoking."

"Chaher tells me you were smoking the first time you met, on a beach on this island. When he handed you the money and information needed to set off this whole thing."

The man chuckled. "Ah yes, our first meeting. I believe we discussed the riots in Melissa City and the smoking laws of Lauchenoiria. But you are mistaken, he gave me no money."

"He gave you a USB, the contents of which directed you to the drop off. You all think I have no idea what's going on here. That I'm just a pawn. But I'm the one who told you where to find Keitha. I'm the one who gave you the votes you needed to make Chaher's government legitimate. And all I ask is that you give me one thing in return."

"And what is that, Mr Noguera?"

"I want out of this country. Before she comes."

------------------------

Leanna Walker stared at the ceiling in her hospital room. She was aware of all the people coming and going, and talking to her but she wouldn't - or couldn't - respond. Daniel was there now, sitting in silence. Eventually he spoke.

"I need to know, Leanna. I don't know what I believe any more, but I need to know. Whatever happens, I will be by your side and we will fight. We will take down Chaher's government and we will protect Lauchenoiria."

Yes, it was me. I'm so sorry. I have done something terrible, that can't be fixed. And I don't want forgiveness, Daniel. I don't deserve it.

She did not say the words aloud.

------------------------

Josephine Alvarez sat opposite Rayna, the woman who had provided her with the note the previous week. They sat in silence, eating and did not speak or acknowledge each other's presence.

To someone who did not know the finer nuances of Kerlian sign language, the two women did not communicate at all. Yet Josephine had learned Kerlian sign language to communicate with a close friend of Sonja's, who had passed away some years ago. And Rayna's gang used it as communication.

KSL was much subtler and unnoticeable than most sign languages, as the Kerlian government had outlawed it during their eugenicist phase, and it had adapted in manners that made it an excellent choice for covert communication.

Josephine noticed Olivia Quirós out of the corner of her eye, and signing goodbye to Rayna, got up to approach her. Olivia was still shaking, and wouldn't say much to the others apart from Kathy and herself.

"A week, and then we're out of here, okay?" Josephine whispered to Olivia as she passed.

She hoped Rayna's information was correct.

--------------------------

Yasin Zaunq sat in the window of the building opposite the Ecanta Province Parliament in stillness and silence. He was waiting for the change in shift of the security. The parliament building was dark and near empty, half the Members were in hiding and the other half too afraid to rebel against the party line. It made for quick and pointless debate.

Yasin knew that all across Annatown, others like him and his team lay in wait but that didn't make what came next any easier. He steadied his hands and looked at his watch. Two minutes to go.

Annatown was neither the most valuable nor the best tactical location for such actions, yet he knew the Lauchenoirian military were stronger on sea than land. And he damn well hoped that Chaher would be unwilling to rely on foreign support.

"Now," said Sonja's voice over his comm.

Yasin signalled his team and they burst from the building towards the parliament, as all across Annatown, various other groups did the same to their targets. In the noise of gunfire and the chaos of battle, he forgot all about where he was and why he was doing this - he remembered only his target.

He couldn't be sure how long the battle lasted, but at the end he stood at the top of the parliament, looking out over Annatown. A fire was burning in the direction of the army barracks. Emergency alarms were being silenced as their control over the city was solidified. And once the dust settled, Sonja's voice broadcasted to the world.

"People of Lauchenoiria, my name is Sonja Viratnen-Alvarez. Today, forces loyal to the true and democratically elected government of Lauchenoiria have taken control of the city of Annatown. Suleman Chaher's so-called government are in violation of the Constitution of Lauchenoiria, and the actions taken today are a step towards reclaiming our democracy and preventing this would-be dictator from taking over our country. I urge the international community to reject Chaher's government and support Laura Moore."

-------------------------

Chaher sat in his office as Charissa Clarke hovered over him. Unusually calm, he cleared his throat and turned to Charissa.

"Call Gonhog. Call Kerlile. Tell them it's time."

-------------------------

Kerlile

"He's going to call," stated Lucia Casci, Kerlian Minister of Defence.

The phone rang. Joanna Greenwood, President of Kerlile, laughed.

"If I didn't know better, I'd say you had psychic powers, Casci." Greenwood said, gesturing for her nameless aide to pick up the phone. The boy did so, then handed it to Greenwood. She took the phone then swatted the boy away like a fly.

"This is President Greenwood, Supreme Leader of Kerlile. To whom am I speaking?"

"This is Charissa Clarke, Lauchenoirian Defence Secretary. I am calling on behalf of Prime Minister Chaher. He has requested military assistance in retaking Annatown from rebels."

"Happy to." Greenwood ended the call before Clarke could give her specifics. She didn't need them. "Casci, the moment we have been waiting for has arrived. Chaher is so predictable, like all men. And Viratnen is predictable, like all traitors. But their foolishness will be our victory. Get ready. And if Gonhog gets in our way, well, I doubt anyone will care what we do to them."

[Slokais]

Henderson Long was not in Laurel for travel he was there to kill. Henderson had Was a Lauchenoirian Man who has seen to much of the propaganda filled News. He Believed that Chaher was the son of God. And When he learned about Nicholas Brennan and his actions he was angry so Angry that he went to Slokais to gear up to Kill Brennan. He had then obtained a Nc 84 Machine Gun at a Arms Dealer then crossed in to Laurel by boat. Now he was in a hotel gearing up with some Friends for the atack.

[Laeral]

Mme. Alyssia Simonine, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Allied Provinces of Laeral to the Federation of Lauchenoiria, was busy overseeing the evacuation. Per orders from Laeralsford, all nonessential diplomatic personnel were being evacuated from the post, which was now considered a hazard posting. This meant that over half of the embassy's personnel were packing their bags and recalling their families for the flight home to Laeral. Yesterday, a helicopter carrying personnel Alyssia hadn't recognized had landed at the embassy's helicopter pad, showing Alyssia signed orders from the BEA that they were to be listed as official diplomatic personnel, and that no one at the embassy was to know of their presence or activities. It was all very shady, as had been the sealed cargo they had unloaded. Alyssia had had suspicions for a while now that one of the "cultural attaches" transferred there recently, Jingyi, was in fact up to more than promoting Laeralian cinema. Speaking of Jingyi the "cultural attache", Alyssia could see her through the window, sprinting down the city street towards the embassy gates as fast as her long legs could carry her. Running only a few paces behind her was a Lauchenoirian police officer, shouting for her to stop running. Oh, no. The two Laeralian Gendarmes, guarding the front gates to the embassy building, turned towards the chase scene. As the attache approached the gates, with the gendarmes beckoning frantically at her to come inside, the police officer stopped and pulled out his gun, pointing it at the fleeing diplomat. Before Alyssia could do any more than gasp, she saw the gendarmes pull their sidearms, and heard the sound of multiple shots. The police officer fell backwards in a spray of blood, while Jingyi slumped against one of the gendarmes, bleeding from the back. Screams broke through the streets. From inside the embassy, someone yelled, "they shot her! Those bastards shot her!" Alyssia rushed downstairs.

____________________________
The report of the Laeralian diplomat (actually an agent for the BEA, acting as a coordinator and a contact for Laeralian spies in Lauchenoiria) shot by Lauchenoirian police after she placed a message in a dead drop in Buttercity, was in fact overshadowed by the reports of the Lauchenoirian resistance having expelled the coup in Annatown. The BEA quickly determined from the ambassador's report that the police officer had been killed, meaning that there were no living witnesses of Agent C-01's act of spycraft. Jingyi herself was reported to be in stable condition at a nearby hospital, but Chaher's government's response was still awaited.

Seeing footage of Sonja Alvarez's forces declaring victory in Annatown made Tanvi Misra's heart soar, and she let a smile appear on her face as she watched it in her office. She picked up the phone and dialed Marie-Claire Beringer. The Foreign Minister's phone was turned off, so she left a voicemail:
"Marie-Claire, how are you? I assume you've heard the news that the resistance has taken Annatown. This is the start of a civil war in Lauchenoiria, and the president wants us to have sound international support before we lend our strength to the rebel cause. I'd like you to look into Moore's other allies- the Catholics, Libertas, and even Skoden and the Separatists if they'll listen to you- in order to get their support. If Gonhog or Kerlile intervene militarily, we'll need assistance."
Tanvi hung up and gave herself a few seconds to consider the thought of Laeralian warplanes flying over Ecanta province to launch missiles for the rebel cause. She smiled again and began to gather documents for the meeting of the National Security Council in a few hours.

__________________________
A small rowboat painted in dark colors pulled up near an isolated stretch of shore in Lauchenoiria's Ecanta province. With a final heave of the oars, the boat pulled onto the stony beach and lodged aground. The passengers, eight Laeralian men and women in clothing typical of Lauchenoirian civilians, carrying backpacks containing the means for all sorts of bloody mischief. They quickly drew the rowboat up on shore and concealed it within a patch of bushes. They then shouldered their backpacks and split into groups, each heading a different direction. They had very important work to do and only a very limited time to accomplish it.

[Nordic Republic of Skoden]

The Skodenian Prime Minister stood on the podium in a crowded room, the skodenian flag to his right and coat of arms to his left. It was the first time the Lauchenoiria crisis had been publicly adressed in Skoden. He cleared his throat to speak.
"My fellow Skodesmen. I'm sure you have all been waiting eagerly for our response for the ongoing situation in Lauchenoiria. The defence committee has been discussing this highly complex issue since it developped. We are proud to announce that the Skodenian third and fourth airborne divisions have already mobilised for immediate military intervention against the illigitimately-empowered radical anti-Skodenian governing body. We would like to note that, as an illigitimately-elected government, Lauchenoiria is no longer considered a legitimate nation by the Republic of Skoden, but rather a militant state, and we will respond as such. Our top priorities will be evacuating Skodesmen within the state, both incarcerated and free, utilising military means if necesary, and placing power of the nation back into legitimate hands. We call upon other nations, as well as loyalists within Lauchenoiria, to provide us aid in this unstable sitiation, and to prevoiusly mentioned loyalists, I have this to say: Skoden stands with you. We will not waver until this battle is won. And to the newly-empwered government, hear this: you have experienced far from Skodenian fury. In less than two hours, two divisions of the best military force in the world will arrive in your country. More will follow. If you do not step down, the order will be given to advance on your military installations, your government institutions, and your borders, and unleash hell upon them. I suggest you make a wise decision."
The prime minister walks down from the podium, and is swarmed by media as cameras flash. Skodenian secret service shove them away as he exits without a word.

-----------------

It's half an hour past midnight, Lauchenoirian Time (LCT). A fleet of dozens of Klotmastare cargo planes cruise near the eastern border of Lauchenoiria, each full of a full company of Airborne soldiers.
"Thirty! seconds!... Check! gear!"
Yelled the company leader above the loud roar of the propellors. The soldiers all shuffled a moment as they checked their gear, consisting of Battle belts, Holsters, Plate carrier vests, Steerable parachutes, Backpacks on their chest, OpsCore helmets, and assault rifles.
The company leader would speak again. "We're gona HALO into the DZ! Clear the area for Third Division to bring in the rest of the troops and supplies at Oh Three-Hundred! We shouldn't encounter much resistance, but if you do, DO NOT, repeat, DO NOT fire unless fired upon! Rules of engagement still apply! We'll push further into Lauchenoiria tomorrow morning! Stay on Comms, frequency Zulu-Foxtrot!"... he'd pause for a moment.
The red light near the door turned green
"GO! GO! GO!"
One by one the soldiers leapt out the door above the Lauchenoirian wilderness, as a full-sized attack force followed.

[Lauchenoiria]

"... looking more and more like a war by the hour. Meanwhile, Leanna Walker is nowhere to be seen and President Kieran McKenzie is signing Chaher's bills into law without question. People are asking when this crisis will be over, or if this is the end of democracy in Lauchenoiria."

Leanna Walker sat up in bed, startling the nurse who had been filling out paperwork nearby. As if nothing had happened, Walker stood up, and pulling off the monitors, grabbed her clothes from out the drawer, and ignoring the protestations of the nurse, walked into the bathroom and changed into a trouser suit.

When she exited, her entire security team, her former chief of staff Daniel Garza, and three nurses were staring at her.

"Leanna, I really think you should stay in bed, just until we find out..."

"No," she interrupted Daniel, This has gone on long enough. Our democracy is dying, and I need to do something. At any cost."

Ignoring the various mingling protests of the gathered crowd, she pushed past them and walked towards where the thinning mob of media were gathered. As they saw her approach, they scrambled to pick up the cameras, recorders and microphones they had left scattered around the waiting room.

"Suleman Chaher is a dictator, and Kieran McKenzie is his puppet. They are not, and never will be, part of the legitimate government of Lauchenoiria. Their time in office is limited, I make that assurance to the people of Lauchenoiria. And I promise that I will no longer sit on the sidelines and let our democracy be destroyed. To Chaher and his allies, I say this: your time is limited, and you will face justice for your crimes."

Walker turned away from the cameras and walked towards the elevators. Daniel and the security scrambled to keep up. Once safely inside away from the media, Walker turned to Garza.

"We are going home. And you can tell me how dangerous it all is, but I'm doing it anyway. This must end."

Disconcerted, Daniel tried to object, but Leanna held her hand up to silence him.

"Find me a way into Lauchenoiria that won't attract the attention of Chaher. And do not let anyone know when I've left Laeral."

------------------------------------

"I strongly condemn the attack upon a Laeralian diplomat carried out by a member of the Lauchenoirian police. This action was not condoned by my government, and I'd like to assure Laeral that an incident such as this will never happen again. To this end, we are dispatching extra security personnel to watch the area around the Laeralian embassy 24/7, so that embassy personnel can feel safe and secure as our highly trained personnel keep watch on all activity that could be detrimental to relations between our two countries."

Chaher stepped out from behind the camera. He was quite sure that Laeral would get his meaning. No member of staff at that embassy would be able to set foot outside the door without his forces recording their every move. Now, he only had to deal with the traitor, Rowan Martin.

"Good afternoon, Mr Martin," he greeted the traitor as he met him in the corridor. Martin was still blissfully unaware that Chaher knew where his true allegiance lay.

"And to you, Prime Minister. Now, what did you want to speak to me about?"

"I need you to do something for me. It is highly important, and very sensitive. We better wait until we're back in my office."

Martin nodded, and they walked in silence back to his office. When safely inside, Chaher began:

"I'm sure you've heard about the Skodenian invasion. Well, I'm going to make them regret it."

"Um... may I ask how?"

Chaher smiled and leaned forward on his desk, making pointed eye contact with Rowan.

"The Kerlians have offered to provide us with the means of destroying much of Skohlm. And I assure you, nobody will ever track it back to us."

Rowan froze and for a split second his facial expression gave him away. "You don't mean...?"

"I will need you to condemn the attack and offer Skoden assistance after the attack. We must avoid suspicion at all costs. The Skodenian forces will withdraw, and we will defeat the rebels. Now, it's late, go home to your family."

"But..., I mean, yes, sir."

Still visibly shocked, Martin exited the room.

"Have him followed, and when you find who he meets, kill them both." Chaher ordered the Lauchenoirian Intelligence Service agent standing in the corner of the room. He nodded in response, then exited.

Chaher wasn't surprised Moore had kicked Martin out of her Cabinet. The man was clearly incompetent. Like the Kerlians would ever just give someone a nuke. Skohlm was safe. But whoever Martin tried to warn about the nonexistent threat, well, that was another story. He would find the resistance, he would frame them for Martin's murder, and all would be well.

-------------------------

Colonel Chloe Conde of the Kerlian Army sat on the plane to Lauchenoiria. She could hear the nervous mutterings among the young conscripts huddled together at the back of the plane. Conde went over the plan in her head.

They would land in the eastern side of Ecanta province, almost at the boundary with Ulinaria. From there, they would make their way to Annatown, and with the Lauchenoirian and Gonhogian militaries, they would destroy the resistance. Conde felt the adrenaline rush of the coming battle and smiled. This is what she lived for.

She was somewhat concerned, it had to be said, about Chaher's capabilities as a leader, but she trusted in President Greenwood. She was sure Greenwood would not allow an incompetent man to be in power for long. And regardless, this was the opportunity they had all waited for to track down Sonja Viratnen. The Lauchenoirians were clueless if they believed she was a peaceful democrat. Conde knew the truth.

She pushed these thoughts out of her head. Only one thing was for it now: she would have Sonja Viratnen's head. And she would present it to President Joanna Greenwood and be the hero who ended the threat of the greatest traitor to the Matriarchy of Kerlile ever known.

[Nordic Republic of Skoden]

The minister of defense walks into the Prime Minister's office with a stack of paperwork.

"There have been some developments, Prime Minister... "

Prime Minister Hansen sets down the newspaper he was reading. "Go ahead."

"Stage one is a success, Third and Fifth Airborne have made landfall and have setup a base of operations, MOB Beachhead. 1st Special Operations brigade will touch down within the hour, and seventy fifth armored is mobilising as we speak. Once 1st S.O.B. arrives, they will march towards the city of Summersea and evacuate it. A federal prison is present in the city, which will be raided for potential incarcerated Skodesmen. Local law enforcement may resist, but this should be easily dealt with."

Hansen nodded, pleased. "And the bad news?"

The minister presented Hansen with a war-map of lauchenoiria "There's an armed installation directly north of Summersea, and it won't take long for them to realise we've taken control of a major city. Our forces will likely be forced to repel a sizeable enemy retaliation strike. They'll need to set up a foothold within Summersea and defend."

"Is this a threat to our operation?" Hansen asked, concerned.

"No, sir. Our forces outmatch theirs in number, training, and technology. This is merely a nuisance. It will do little to slow our progress."

Hansen would sigh "and the real bad news?"

The minister would pass him a file, pausing before responding.

"Our informant has informed us that he has heard rumors of a potential nuclear terrorist strike on Skohlm, orchestrated by the new Lauchenoirian government."

Hansen looked concerned. "Do they have the capability?"

"They have the connections." The minister said, sincerely.

"Rumors?" Hansen inquired.

"He overhead a conversation between two government officials discussing the possibility."

"I see..." Hansen responds. "This could very well be no more than gossip. Enforce the national curfew. Tell media there was a convict breakout. The last thing we need is a national panic. Notify the peacekeeper chief, tell him to stay vigilant." Hansen would say, calmly.

"Very good, prime minister."

Hansen would hand the minister the war-map. "Tell the task force to proceed with the operation."

The minister takes the map, nodding respectfully. "So it begins" he says.

"So it does." Hansen responds.

---------------

MOB Beachead was bustling with activity. A CH-47 Chinook helicopter landed on the helipad. It's cargo doors openned to reveal a full platoon of Special Operators. As they unload from the helicopter, they are approached by the commander of the task force, designated Task Force Arrowhead.

"Are you guys with First S.O.B.?" The commander inquired.

"Yes, sir." Said the platoon sergeant, the first to exit the helicopter.

"Good to have you on board. Welcome to Operation Poison Dart. Don't get too comfortable, we're briefing for an offensive in thirty minutes."

The special operators looked at each other in relative surprise.

"We'll be there in ten." The sergeant responded.

----------------

Over a hundred men stood in a large briefing room, each a squad leader. In the middle of the room is a large diorama of the area.

"Alright, listen up." Said the commander. "Summersea is currently divided, northwest and southeast. Northwest is pro-coup, southeast is pro-former. We're gonna hoof it to Summersea from the northern side, push through, and show the southeasterners we're capable of protecting them. Rules of engagement apply, if a cop starts popping off at you, light 'em the fâ– â– â–  up. Same goes for civilians. Alright, so here..." he points on the map "is a federal prison. Higher-ups think Skodenian citizens may be held there. First platoon will go in, check inmate logs, and get any Skodesmen there may be-" he points his thumb behind him "outta there. Third and Fourth platoons, provide security for first." Some of the squad leaders nod in acknowledgement. The commander points on the diorama again. "This is a law enforcement station, approximately three blocks from the prison. S.O.B. squads one and two, move in, see if they're on our side. If not, clear it out." Two S.O.B. operators nod their understanding. "The rest of you, push through the city, eliminating or driving off any resistance you encounter. After that, you'll be covering our northern flank. There's a military base directly north, here." He'd point again. "Expect a retaliation strike. At 12:00, I want everyone covering our north with the following exceptions: Seventh platoon, Twelfth platoon, Ninth platoon. Seventh and twelfth, you'll be patrolling the north-western half of the city. That'll be your post throughout the operation. Ninth, you'll take the southeast half of the city, show the locals we mean business. We hold until Armored divisions arrive in the AO via Chinook, ETA 14:00. Expect some exchanges. Any questions?"

The room is silent.

The commander stands straight to leave. "We move out in ten."

[Laeral]

The crisis in Lauchenoiria, now seeming to be a civil war in the making, was quickly becoming the subject of one of the largest foreign policy discussions in recent political history. As the news broke of the shooting at the Laeralian embassy and then Skoden's surprise military intervention, newspapers, radio, and TV news channels began reporting on the crisis. After coverage of Foreign Minister Beringer's staid statement on Attache Jingyi's shooting, the immense focus of the media swiftly switched to Legislature Hall, where President Brennan announced that he would seek the permission of the National Assembly to launch a sustained military intervention in Lauchenoiria...

"The most important question is, do we have the votes?" Nicholas Brennan asked. He was riding in his personal limousine for the short trip from Republic House to Legislature Hall, with Prime Minister Misra sitting beside him.
"We should," Tanvi replied. She pulled up a diagram of the Assembly of Commons' partisan makeup. The 2016 elections had delivered a remarkably split lower house of the National Assembly, with 10 separate parties represented in a body of 386 Representatives.
[floatright][/floatright]
"We only need a simple majority, and you deliver the tie-breaking vote if necessary. 193 votes, that's all we need." She sighed. "Despite my best efforts, the Socialists are refusing to vote aye. Their party whips are weak, but most of their members will probably vote the party line. That gives the other side up to 75 votes, probably 75 exactly."
"I didn't exactly foresee needing to write in support for foreign military interventions in the coalition agreement we signed," Nicholas said. "But go on."
"I've made sure," Misra said, "that no Progressive will vote against it." She didn't elaborate. "The Conservatives have also given me their word that their representatives will vote in favor. I do not expect any defections there. That gives us 170 votes, nearly enough. Moving through the small parties, the Communists will all vote against, the Greens all against, and Laeral Unbowed! probably all against. We need 23 votes from somewhere."
"What's the LPP's stance?" Nicholas asked. The Laeralian People's Party was a major right-wing party, with 63 representatives.
"They haven't announced it," Tanvi said. "If they swing for us, then puts us over the line, with the 2/3rd's majority in order for you to bypass the General Assembly."
"And if not, what are our options for the last 23 votes?" Nicholas asked.
"The United Right will likely vote against," Tanvi said, "but they haven't officially decided yet. That leaves the Centrists and the New Democrats."
Nicholas waited carefully. He knew Tanvi's feelings about the New Democrats, who had splintered partially from their own Progressive Party, bringing with them almost a dozen Progressive representatives.
"If both of them vote in favor, we have enough. If only one of them, we will be close, but we will need to rely on rebels from other parties."
"I'd prefer to avoid that," Nicholas said. "Do what you can to persuade those two parties to come out in favor, and try to get some of the more moderate Socialists to vote in favor. Once this reaches the General Assembly, it'll be all sewn up, but we can't have any missteps here."
___________________________

As Prime Minister, Tanvi Misra held the gavel during deliberations in the Assembly of Commons; the upcoming vote was set to be the most important in months or perhaps years. She had just introduced the official text of the Lauchenoirian Intervention Resolution of 2018, giving the President the authority to deploy soldiers to Lauchenoiria. Now, she began to discuss the official procedure for the debate, which she had agreed on with the President on the drive over. "Ladies and gentlemen of the Assembly," she said. "In accordance with the rules of debate, 40 Representatives shall be given the opportunity to speak before the Assembly on this resolution. Each parliamentary party will be given a number of speakers equal to one-tenth of their representatives in this house, rounded to the nearest ten. Speaking time will be set at 15 minutes per speaker, and the speakers will proceed in the order in which the chair of each parliamentary party sends me a note listing their party's chosen speaker. Debate will resume in one hour." She then motioned to close debate for that period of time, dismissed the representatives, and went off to talk with the leader of the Centrists in the Assembly of Commons.
__________________________
With debate expected to last for up to ten hours, the assorted staffers and aides within the Assembly hurriedly prepared for a long night. Cots and sleeping bags were brought in, and staffers and Representatives themselves hurried about to organize remarks or discuss the upcoming vote. The news media, as well, wandered through the halls, seeking a quiet place to broadcast from or an unfortunate subject to interview. Soon, however, the names of the speakers were received, and the first speaker, Representative Zhang Shi-han, of the Green Party (Laeralian Ecology), began to speak.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the Assembly, I rise today to urge our members assembled to choose the path of compassion and vote against the resolution for Laeralian soldiers to be sent to the battlefields of Lauchenoiria..."
Debate went slowly. Prime Minister Misra enforced with an iron fist- or rather, gavel- the rules of debate, silencing cheers and boos and at one point bringing down her gavel violently to drown out the voice of an unfortunate Socialist representative who went over his allotted time. The ensuing hours of debate proceeded slowly, with the media and the assembled representatives watching stoically as points were raised and attacked. All of the Laeralian People's Party speakers came out for the resolution, surprisingly enough, while the Centrist speaker and both of the New Democratic speakers coming out in favor of the resolution. Nicholas Brennan, sitting at the President's reserved seat to the left and slightly below that of the Prime Minister, breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed as if the only question was whether the resolution would gain the requisite 2/3rd majority to be accepted immediately with the signature of the president, rather than proceeding through the General Assembly. At last, debate drew to a close with the final remarks from a representative of the Conservative party.
"We will now proceed," Prime Minister Misra said, "to a roll call vote on this resolution." As the vote proceeded in alphabetical order, each representative stood and said either 'aye' or 'nay'- abstention was forbidden on military force resolutions. To Brennan, it seemed as if there were more 'ayes' than 'nays'- and the continuously update vote counter reinforced that belief. When Prime Minister Misra banged her gavel to signal the close of debate, she read: "By a vote of 264 in favor and 122 against, the Lauchenoirian Intervention Resolution of 2018 is hereby passed. Ladies and gentlemen," she said, breaking from her script, "pending the signature of the President in favor, the Allied Provinces of Laeral is now at war."

[Kvask]

Sebastian ÄŒí­Å¾ek, Political Journalist/ Elected Officer of the Liberigo Militia
"People's Concerns" Office, 2025 Main Street,
Liberigo, Kivasek

Sitting in a desk by a window to leading out to the street, Sebastian sighed softly. His eyes scanned the cloudless sky. He hadn't been given an assignment to work on for the past few days with most politics in Kivasek being local elections, none of which were taking place. He longed for something to do that was so... pointless.

Then, as if sent by a divine being, with the corner of his eye, he saw a paper slide onto his desk. Sebastian, filled with apathy, picked up the paper and began glossing over it, pretending to car. He was close to tossing it into the recycling when he caught the word WAR at the bottom of it. He took a double take and re-read it, more diligently in order to get a better understanding of it all.

---

Sebastian ÄŒí­Å¾ek,

There is a situation developing in the southern region of the continent that is very important. In the nation of Lauchenoiria, there is what seems to be a political uprising of great proportion. A small island of the coast named Aeluria has announced their independence from the mainland. In the spirit of spreading sovereignty of all people, the Liberigo Militia Officers will be going to the meeting hall in 2 hours to vote on whether or not to assemble and go to guarantee Aeluria's independence. There may be war; there might not be. What is sure to happen is Aleuria will remain free from imperialism should we go and fight.

Good Will to You,
Officer Corps of the Liberigo Militia

---

Setting the paper down, Sebastian sat back in his chair, taken aback by the suddenness of it all. He'd been told before about the real risks of war and how he could potentially come home in a pine box, but this was hear and now. He could do something that contributed to a better world. He could be a part of something bigger than he could ever imagine.

"I need to go." After muttering this, he stood up and said it louder, " I need to go." With the vigor of a man on a mission, Sebastian shoved all the papers on his desk into the recycling bin, save for the volunteer notice he held onto with an iron grip. A quick gesture of his paper, he notified his supervisor that he was off to important business regarding the commune. Sebastian was busy, but he wouldn't be an a**hole.

---

Later that Day

After going home to explain the situation to his spouse Zuza and collecting his tan-trimmed maroon trenchcoat with his officer's patch on it, he caught a street train to the City Hall where he recognized a few other officers onboard with similar maroon trenchcoats. The entire ride, they all chatted about what might happen should the militia be sent to the island; what if the transports are shot down, will there be enough room, is Aeluria even going to accept a volunteer force? So many questions floated among them, that they almost missed the call for City Hall.

Upon entering the City Hall, there was a dull roar throughout the hall as there were small groups of officers talking amongst themselves, each one with the same curiosity as to what the volunteer force actually implies. Sebastian took a seat near the far left of the hall near a group of officers that were not as loud as other groups. Minutes passed and Sebastian was getting anxious with the lack of any official word on what was going on. He was thinking about leaving when a young woman with a red beret walked onto the stage, tapping a microphone.

Leaning forward, she spoke confidently into the microphone, "If everyone could sit down, that would help us get to a decision faster." After a small murmur of trying to figure out who she was, the room followed her command. "Thank you," clearing her throat, she looked around the room as she spoke, "I am Elective Commander Biskop, and I have the honour to address all of you today. As most of you should hopefully know, there is a great situation involving the sovereignty of a nation in Lauchenoiria. While we have no prior conflicts with Lauchenoiria, an island named Aeluria has declared it's independence in the midst of a political upheaval. With the ideals of leading people to independence, the Liberigo Militia has been called to contribute to the volunteer force that will be going to Aeluria. Now the question is... will you answer the call?"

With a few seconds of silence, an officer stands up and answers proudly, holding his fist up high into the air, "I will answer the call."

Soon after, a woman stands and does a similar motion, "I will answer the call."

Then, as if a spell hit the room, more and more people started standing and proclaiming that they will answer the call. Sebastian himself cannot contain his own sense of swelling duty as he pledge himself to the call. The whole room chants, "I will answer the call" as the woman on stage tried to hide an obvious smile.

From that second onward, the Liberigo Militia would know be known as the Liberigo Wolfhounds. Over the next few days, militias will gear up and get ready to set off towards the island of Aeluria to protect the freedom she requests.

[Sancti Imperii Catholico]

Gonhog

Jacobi stood behind and to the left of Glorious Leader's chair, a TV broadcasting the news from Lauchenoiria as the camera panned over Annatown embroiled in chaos. The phone on the desk began to rang, Jacobi picked it up.

"All hail Glorious Leader! How may I help you?"

"This is Charissa Clarke, Lauchenoirian Defence Secretary. I am calling on behalf of Prime Minister Chaher. He has requested military assistance in retaking Annatown from rebels."

Jacobi nodded, "Of course, the Third Army Corp is already en route to Lauchenoiria. We will redirect them to Annatown and will retake as soon as possible," with that, Jacobi hung up.

Glorious Leader raised one eyebrow inquisitively, "Did we really need to send a whole Corp?"

"Ken, I got this. We're just fighting a bunch of rebels. Who will stop us?"

"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”

The next day

The two men seemed to be in the exact same position they were yesterday. Ken sat at his desk, propping himself up with his elbow and biting his knuckle as the TV broadcasted the Parliament House in Laeral. The vote to join the war had passed, officially making Laeral an enemy.

"Ken, don't worry, Laeral is one of the weakest nations in the regions."

"Not them I'm worried about. Skoden has us beat. Maybe if we can get some other support." Ken thought for a moment, then continued, "Whoever gets the CDSP the war. We could convince Chaher to try and sway the Separatists over to our side."

Jacobi nodded, "I'll send a message immediately."

"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”

That same night

The briefing room was full of the corp's colonels, as a projector showed a war map of Lauchenoiria in the front of the room. Lieutenant General Kris Herman entered the room, leader of the corp, and the room was silenced before Herman spoke.

"All hail Glorious Leader! Now, I'm not here to give specifics, but we will be advancing into Annatown in a few short hours. Remember, shoot all armed individuals, and do not, I repeat, DO NOT, let any of these rebels escape alive. Understood? Good. Your respective Major Generals will brief you on the specifics, however, know that 1st will be on the north, 2nd on the south, and 3rd on the west. We will penetrate from all three sides and march towards the town center, with artillery bombarding the inner city until we get there. From there, each brigade will be given a certain objective to be completed, whether that's inner city control or maintaining order. You are dismissed."




O.O.C: sorry this is late, busy with summer job, this isn't a very quality post and I tried to fit in as much as I could, which is a couple of days worth. Will try to do better.

[Lauchenoiria]

Leonie tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear as she walked along the streets of Usera, along with thousands of others. After the government had announced schools would be closed for the 'foreseeable future' (for no apparent reason), she had headed there with some friends to the massive anti-Chaher protest due to take place. The idea was that the government literally did not have enough prison cells to fit them all.

So far, the march had been completely peaceful. Local police officers were there but were passively watching what went on, while the federal police were nowhere to be seen. Leonie took a sip from her water, the hot, sunny weather drying her throat, and almost dropped her "Democracy is a human right" placard.

Suddenly, she heard a scream. Her heart skipped a beat, but it didn't happen again, and she continued. Only to almost be trampled as the crowd suddenly surged to the right. The noise level rose considerably as people pushed together. Leonie tried to move with the crowd, more confused than frightened.

She knocked against a set of public recycling bins, and decided to climb on top and have a look at the situation. As she stood and peered over the top of the heads of the crowd, her blood ran cold.

To the left of the crowd was a line of Lauchenoirian soldiers, pushing and beating people on the march. She watched as a man ran out of a nearby restaurant with a knife and went for the soldiers. A gunshot rang out and the man fell. Suddenly, angered, part of the crowd surged forwards towards the soldiers, while the rest tried to flee.

Leonie watched as people fell as the crowd tried to push in two opposite directions. She couldn't see the friends from school she'd come with any more. Suddenly, from the underground station near her, an armed group identifiable as part of the same resistance movement she was emerged, and yelling at the crowd to move, surged forwards, returning fire. Leonie watched, not really aware of herself... until she felt a sharp, searing pain.

She fell backwards off the bin and hit her head on the pavement. She clutched her ribs and felt something wet. She moved her hand, and seeing the blood dripping off she screamed, louder than she ever had before.

[Laeral]

"My fellow Laeralites," President Nicholas Brennan said, sitting behind the presidential desk and looking directly at the cluster of television cameras facing towards him, "last night, the Assembly of Commons voted by a greater than two-thirds majority to declare war on the junta which has overthrown the democratic government of Lauchenoiria. Only six weeks ago, Suleman Chaher seized control by forcing an illegitimate vote in the Lauchenoirian Parliament, sending assassins after the legitimate Prime Minister of that nation, Laura Moore. When President Leanna Walker refused to name him as Prime Minister, she was forced to flee to Laeral, where she remains today, under threat of death. Since then, he has engaged in a campaign of abuses and repression against the Lauchenoirian people by willfully violating the Lauchenoirian Constitution, denying civil rights, and imprisoning without due process political dissidents. Chaher himself has committed a horrible crime against our own nation by detaining every Laeralian citizen in the country for no other reason than their nationality. My fellow Laeralites, I promise you that we will not abandon our countrymen in the depths of the prisons of Lauchenoiria. Instead, we will join hands with the forces of Skoden in seeking to liberate our citizens, and the citizens of Lauchenoiria, from the cruelty of the junta, and we will restore democracy and human rights to Lauchenoiria. Thank you." His aides signaled the television cameras to stop filming, the footage was taken to television and radio stations to be broadcasted.
_______________________________

From the great port of Althea in Loiraine province, the Laeralian fleet charged with transporting soldiers of the Laeralian National Security Force to Lauchenoiria assembled. The core of the fleet would be a cluster of four amphibious transport ships, carrying a total of over 2200 soldiers and their equipment. Their escort would be a minesweeper, three corvettes, a submarine, an older frigate, and two of the new Defiance-class frigates, including Captain Claude Ameline's Consulaire, the ship at the center of events during the Northeastern Sea Crisis. The flotilla would take an expected five days to offload its cargo in Lauchenoiria.

By contrast, however, a small force of around 160 Laeralian Gendarmes was rapidly being assembled. They would fly the distance to Lauchenoiria overland, in four transport planes defended by fighter aircraft, and land the next morning in Summersea to reinforce the Skodenian troops there. These men and women would be the first Laeralian soldiers to set foot in Lauchenoiria, and the hopes of the Laeralian government and much of Laeral's people rested with them, and with the soldiers who would follow by water.

[Separatist Peoples]

"It's bullshit, Chief. It's fucking bullshit."

Senior Chief Corscón squinted in the inky dark at the whisperer. Petty Officer Third Class Pietersen was relatively new member of Raider Team Charlie, but not so knew that he wouldn't speak up to the senior NCO. Military discipline was relaxed on Raider teams; a necessity for special operations work. Pietersen drew the long straw and got to keep look-out with the Chief for this run while the rest of the team ferried heavy crates out of their landing rafts and up the beach. This was the third run of too many.

"Pietersen, shut up."

"Raiders ain't delivery boys, Chief. And RDVs ain't supposed to haul crates, neither. Sure not when it means we gotta leave half the team in the sub for weight."

He was right, Corscón thought shrewdly. The Raider minisubs were designed to move Raider teams loaded with small arms. They were not designed to move cargo, even cargo full of small arms. The CO had peeked; against protocol technically, but you absolutely cannot move mystery cargo in these conditions and expect to do it right. The contents were as odd as the mission: Marche Noiran man-portable rockets systems weren't as good as honest C.D.S.P. models "“ the fire and forget locking system wasn't as reliable "“ but if you fired enough, it didn't matter. And the Marche Noirans had the market flooded with inexpensive, simple arms.

The necessary space and weight meant that no minisub could be loaded with more than half strength. Which made wrestling the crates out of the minisub and onto landing rafts in choppy waters and in the dead of night even harder. But it was probably the only way to get those weapons on shore without getting caught until something else could be set up. Which was the point.

Two and two and two makes six. Corscón knew that the Lauchenoirians had been part of the group that threatened C.D.S.P. borders earlier that year. As were some of the nations involved here. And dumping light rocket artillery into a civil war was just going to pour oil onto the fire. Payback, certainly. An opening, perhaps. And probably no way to prove C.D.S.P. involvement definitively, if the Directorate of National Intelligence was involved. This had to be a DNI operation. This wasn't how the Naval Special Operations Command would design a mission. DNI just doesn't have a sub.

Not that it was any of his business.

"Raiders are whatever they gotta be, Pietersen. That's the job."

"This fucking war was over before it started. Bunch of countries jumped in on one side. So why are we here giving anything to the losing side?"

Corscón sighed internally. New guys handled being in Harm's Way differently. Some got jumpy, keeping their heads on a swivel. Others wouldn't shut up. At least the Chief knew how to deal with the latter.

"Orders. Just like this one: Shut. Up. Man your post, or I'll let the Jig toss you in irons. Or just shoot you and pretend it was an accident."

Pietersen muttered something to himself that sounded a lot like "bullshit." As if Chiefs did anything by accident. But he resumed his post.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Official Diplomatic Communique
C.D.S.P. Embassy in Lauchnoiria

Ambassador Connell,

You are empowered and directed to negotiate with the new Lauchnoiran government to broker limited C.D.S.P. involvement: C.D.S.P. aircraft will enforce a no-combat flight zone at or above 10,000 feet to prevent foreign involvement of close air support or bombing efforts. This should be enough to permit limited rotary wing aircraft support. This screen is intended to prevent widespread civilian casualties.

C.D.S.P. aircraft will also offer electronic warfare communications interdiction to ensure that humanitarian directives to civilians are disseminated and not interfered with. IDU regional authorities for humanitarian aid will have access to this interdiction effort.

The C.D.S.P. will offer to dispatch the CDSN Epione, a hospital ship. As a show of good faith, the Epione will not have any combat screening vessels as escorts.

Concurrently, Ambassador Chen in Laeral, will offer the same, emphasizing the aerial interdiction efforts to limit Lauchnoiran operations. Laeralian diplomatic efforts suggest that the Laeralians have an open line of communication with the ousted Lauchnoiran government. The C.D.S.P. maintains that limited aerial combat operations is ultimately best for the Lauchnoiran civilian population, and the C.D.S.P., as an uninvolved party, is ideally suited to enforce it.

Ideally, it would be best to wait until either the parties agree or directly ask how the C.D.S.P. will base aerial interdiction forces to inform them that those aircraft would be supported by an aircraft carrier task force. The Foreign Ministry believes it would be better to have C.D.S.P. military assets seen as a necessary part of the interdiction efforts and not as part of the humanitarian relief task force.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
WKSB, national news broadcast

"...there were no survivors, but the lingering smell of toast is still present. One local called it "eerily delicious." In politics tonight, WKSB will broadcast President Solomon's speech regarding the proposed C.D.S.P. involvement in the Lauchnoiran Conflict. Previous statements from executive press secretaries indicated that the President had met with IDU ambassadors to discuss the C.D.S.P. response. Let's tune in:"

"Citizens of the Confederate Dominion, I watch the growing conflict in Lauchnoira as many of you do: as a spectator. Many of you would prefer the C.D.S.P. remains aloof from the conflict. Some have even expressed vindication that a neighbor once intent on interrupting our internal affairs is subject to the same. But the C.D.S.P. lives in the world, not upon it. We cannot ignore a regional conflict and expect anything but the same were we to fall into trouble. And it never hurts to turn an enemy into a friend.

I have spoken with the ambassadors from the involved nations of Skoden, Laeral, and Lauchnoria, and while they are not able to speak for their national leaders on this, they nonetheless believe their governments will be amenable to our offer: as an impartial entity, we offer neutral ground aboard the CDSN Epione, a hospital ship being deployed to offer humanitarian aid. The C.D.S.P. will send a mediation team and invite the representatives of all involved nations. It is our hope to hammer out an agreement whereby our neighbors might limit their actions and preserve civilian lives.

We call upon the members of the conflict to accept our offer: Permit the C.D.S.P. to enforce a universal no-fly zone over the conflict area for all combat aircraft over 10,000 feet, and allow non-governmental and C.D.S.P. humanitarian aid organizations to distribute supplies and medical care as needed. We only hope to protect the civilians in this affair, and limit indiscriminate attacks. The eyes of the world are upon you, neighbors. Do what is right."

[Nordic Republic of Skoden]

Clip from Skodenian Executive Conference, Prime Minister Alexander Hansen, 6/4/18, 8:30 pm, SKT

"-is still under investigation. Regarding the recent request from the Confederate Dominion of Separatist Peoples to establish a no-fly zone within the pseudo-nation of Lauchenoiria so as to further establish a humanitarian operation in wake of the recent conflict, we fully support their humanitarian goals, however we will not endorse the proposed no-fly zone, as aerial transportation of resources and personnel is essential to Operation Poison Dart, and as such, transport aircraft, along with their respective armed attack escorts, will continue operations as normal, and any attempts to force-ably remove such aircraft from within our area of operation will potentially be met with lethal force. Regarding the-"

[Kvask]

Sebastian ÄŒí­Å¾ek
Yopas Harbour
Shashka, Kivasek
2100 WKT (Western Kivasek Time)/ 2200 LZT (Lauchenoirian Zoned Time)

With the sun setting in the West, the harbour was a hive of activity and noise. Crates of ammunition, rations, and medical supplies were loaded up onto the transport ships one at a time, making sure there is as little space used as possible. Weapons were kept on each militiamen's person, wrapped in a plastic bag to prevent rusting to the gun during the voyage. The guns were unloaded to ensure safety, but stripper clips for their SABRs (Semi-Automatic Battle Rifles) and magazines for their Poskha Sidearms, both chambered in cartridges with the same bullet diameter as to make production easier.

All of the militiamen were outfitted with olive drab uniforms and a maroon beret with the insignia of the Kivasekian Flag on the front of it. The only thing distinguishing Sebastian as an elected officer was a pair of burgundy stripes that adorned his tunic's collar. Sebastian looked around his uniform to make sure everything was properly secured, from the beige gaiters around his calves to the matching webbing straps across his torso. Finding everything in order, he sighed a breath of relief that at least one thing was in his control.

A voice shouted from far behind Sebastian,"Wolfhounds!" Softly startled, he gave a small jump as he looked in the direction of the voice. It was the same woman from the City Hall , now standing atop a large pile of crates labeled with black ink as ammo. "Tonight is the night we begin our journey to Aeluria, to secure the sovereignty of a nation! As many of you know of the situation's degenerating stability, us getting to the island is paramount to its survival," she paused as there was a loud roar from the militia before she continued. "Even though we are not the strongest force, the most advanced force, or even the force with the most firepower, we are the force with the largest spirit; the spirit of independence!" The cheering was louder than before, with Sebastian contributing to the noise. "Now board up and let's go kick some imperialist ass!" To a wall of whistles and yelling, the woman stepped down as waves of the militia loaded up onto large transporters, some of them already spray-painted with the Iapetian Wolfhound on the bridge.

---

Ivona Kiska
Foreign Relations Office
Liberigo, Kivasek
2100 WKT (Western Kivasek Time)/ 2200 LZT (Lauchenoirian Zoned Time)

In a dim room with thee only light being from a computer monitor, Ivona had her head hung low in exhaustion before snapping awake to finish the letter to the Aelurian leadership

"To the Esteemed Leaders of Aeluria,

We have heard of your plight in the south against the Lauchenoirian government and wish to give you support to your cause. Knowing how hard it is to fight against a power of great magnitude alone, we wish to make the fight easier on your people. At the time this message is sent to you, the Commune of Kivasek is preparing a large volunteer force comprising of 4 militia brigades, nearly 10,000 fighters, to be sent to Aeluria to defend your shores. There is no ulterior motive in this action that would see Kivasek exploiting Aeluria. You may have your commanders direct our forces where and when you need them. From the training they have recieved, we know that they are best used as defense in urban areas and as saboteurs within forested areas. We trust you will use the trust we have entrusted into you wisely.

With the Best Hope,
Foreign Office of the Commune of Kivasek"

With typing the final line, Ivona sent the message to the appropriate server before falling asleep at her desk, the night melting away in her mind.

[Sancti Imperii Catholico]

Northeast of Annatown, 0400 hours

Private 07011 readied his military gear, checking his rifle and backpack for what seemed like the eightieth time. As part of the 1st Division, his job was to march into Annatown, hopping from house to house, until they met up with the 2nd division outside the shopping district, Cuadrado de Mariposa. There, they would wrap around the shopping center to the north, while the 2nd division wrapped around south to the Parliament building. While this was going on, the 3rd Tank Division would move from the south, attempting to cut off the rebels from escaping through the bridges. After all was said and done, the rebels would be surrounded and Annatown would be in government hands.

07011's sergeant entered the tent where the squad was situated, "Alright squad, captain is outside right now, he'll tell us what's happening."

The team exited the large tent to where a crescent was formed around the captain of their platoon. The grass beneath them was trampled further as they walked over to the group, which was loud and bustling. The captain, seeing that the last of his platoon had walked over, raised his hand to silence the crowd, then spoke, "Alright, listen up. We'll be heading in with the rest of the division to the local hospital where the division will split up. We've been given orders to go with Command Group Alpha
and a couple of other platoons to go to the shopping center, where we will infiltrate the rebels main force. We'll also be with some other platoons from the 2nd division. Are we clear?"

The group responded unanimously, "Crystal."

"Good. Prepare to depart at 0500 hours."

"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”

East of Annatown, Gonhogian base of operations, 0530 hours

"General, sir!"

Lieutenant General Herman turned away from the projection of Annatown to face the messenger.

"Yes?"

"Almost all of Annatown is in our hands. All divisions have completed their objectives, however they have yet to take the shopping center and the parliament building."

"Excellent. Order the 1st and 2nd divisions to assault the two areas."

"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”

Cuaadrado de Mariposa, 0620 hours

As the General Herman's Jeep drove through the somewhat destroyed roads of Annatown, he breathed in a deep breath, the turned to one of his aides.

"Nothing like the smell of gunpowder, eh?" Taking a moment, he continued, "What are the casualty reports?"

"1,051 Gonhogians dead, around 2,300 wounded. An insignificant amount of rebels escaped, however almost all were killed, including one of the ringleaders, Yasin Zaunq."

"Great. Glorious Leader will be pleased to hear of this victory."

"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”

Jaken City, Gonhog

"Glorious Leader!"

Glorious Leader looked up, his brandy in his hand.

"Jacobi, come in. What is it?"

"Annatown in Lauchenoiria has been recaptured with low casualties."

Glorious Leader grinned, "Good. Our men are getting to work. Skoden will be a challenge, but these rebels will be easy to crush. Victory certainly will be ours."

[Nordic Republic of Skoden]

Skodenian-lead Coalition Task Force Arrowhead, city of Summersea, Lauchenoiria, Skodenian 3rd Airborne and 1st Special Operations Battalion (S.O.B.), 10:01 hours LCT, 6/15/18

The huge mass of Skodenian soldiers approached Summersea from the northeast. They set up a roadblock on one of the main roads leading into the city, redirecting traffic away from Summersea. Leaving behind a platoon to man the roadblock, the strike force continued eastward towards the defensive line they were meant to establish, establishing more roadblocks at key roadways into the city. One of the platoons broke off towards the Federal Prison as the rest continued.

----------

1st Platoon, 3rd Skodenian Airborne Division, Summersea Federal Detention Facility, 10:13 hours LCT, 6/15/18

1st Platoon approached the checkpoint in front of the federal prison. Seeing the heavily armed soldiers, the guard manning the checkpoint quickly got to his feet and exited the checkpoint.

"What is the meaning of this?" Demanded the guard.

"You've been relieved. We're taking command of this facility." The Platoon Sergeant explained.

The guard notices the Skodenian flag sported on the soldiers' plate carriers.

"I think it would be wise if you leave." the guard raises his weapon. "Immediately."

The Skodesmen immediately raise their weapons in response.

"Son, you don't want to do this..." the sergeant pleas. "Just tell your buddies to cooperate with us, and nobody has to go home in a box. You can walk away, just like that." He snaps for emphasis.

The guard ponders for a moment, coming to the conclusion that he could never do much to impede their progress if he chose to fight. He takes a deep breath, and suddenly makes a dash for the alarm.

The skodesmen unanimously open fire, and the guard's blood splatters onto the checkpoint as his limp body falls... straight into the alarm button.

The sirens blare and the federal police nearby begin catching onto what's happened, raising their rifles at the Skodenian soldiers.

"So much for smooth and easy..." the sergeant muttered. "Lock and load, boys! We're going loud!" He yells, as his men begin moving to cover while firing at the federal policemen outside the facility.

-----------

Skodenian-lead Coalition Task Force Arrowhead, city of Summersea, Lauchenoiria, Skodenian 3rd Airborne and 1st Special Operations Battalion (S.O.B.), 10:13 hours LCT, 6/15/18

Three Summersea police cruisers skid to a halt in front of the mass of Skodenian soldiers marching eastward through the city. The skodesmen raise their rifles, prepared for a firefight. The officers exit their vehicles nonthreateningly, with their weapons holstered.

"We're on your side." The officers explained. "The force unanimously decided that we'd rather cooperate with your occupation than risking potential loss of civilian life by fighting you. We'll have everyone stay in their homes, and make sure nobody gets in your way."

The special operators among the task force sigh in relief, their job effectively done for them. The task force express their gratitude, and move on eastward, placing more roadblocks as they go.

----------

1st Platoon, 3rd Skodenian Airborne Division, Summersea Federal Detention Facility, 10:14 hours LCT, 6/15/18
[CONTACT RECIEVED]

1st platoon had fought their way to the entrance to the prison with no casualties. One of the soldiers quickly places a plastic explosive breaching charge on the entrance door, getting clear of the blast before yelling "Charge set! Detonating!" He squeezes the detonation trigger, and the entrance explodes inward, instantly killing a federal policeman unfortunate enough to be on the other side of the door. Another Skodenian soldier tosses a Flashbang into the entrance, and it explodes shortly after, shaking the earth.

"Breach and clear! Breach! Breach!" Yells a Skodenian soldier as he charges through the entrance, followed by a dozen other soldiers, quickly dispatching the disoriented policemen. The rest of the soldiers stayed outside, providing security.

"Room clear!"

"Johnson, Ramirez, Thompson, check for inmate logs! The rest of you, provide security!"

Three men began rummaging through paperwork while the rest cover various entrances of the room. After mere seconds of rummaging, the soldiers providing room security begin taking contact, as they fire on policemen advancing towards the room they occupied.

"Better find those logs quick, we've got contacts!"

---------

Skodenian-lead Coalition Task Force Arrowhead, city of Summersea, Lauchenoiria, Skodenian 3rd Airborne and 1st Special Operations Battalion (S.O.B.), 10:29 hours LCT, 6/15/18

The task force approach the starting point of their defensive line, and begin dropping off a platoon every block to defend and placing more roadblocks at major roadways. Halfway through establishing the defensive line, the task force is approached by a group of a dozen or so men in their early twenties, wearing what look like college sports-team hoodies, carrying pistols and hunting rifles.

"'You guys local resistance?" Asked one of the squad leaders.

"Yeah, uhh, we're with the Summersea rebel cell, from the University just south of here. How can we help?"

The rebels, the Skodenians noticed, were very ill-equipped, and held their weapons as though they had never so much as played a game of Duck-hunt in their life. It was best, they decided, if they stayed as far away from the action as possible.

"Patrol the streets, the police are on our side, work with them to make sure everyone's well away from the action here. We're expecting things to get pretty hot."

The rebels nodded in acknoedgement, turning and running off in the opposite direction. The Skodenians continue forming their defensive line, eventually running out of platoons to dispatch, exactly where the end of the line was originally intended. Pre-mission planning at it's finest. The defensive line hunkered down, and prepared for an impending retaliation strike from the nearby Lauchenoirian military base to the north. All they had to do was hold out until 75th Armored arrived in two hours to wipe the enemy clean out.

-----------

1st Platoon, 3rd Skodenian Airborne Division, Summersea Federal Detention Facility, 10:20 hours LCT, 6/15/18
[CONTACT RECIEVED]

"Got it! I got it!" One of the soldiers held up laminated sheet sheets of paper held together by a clipboard with the title reading 'Summersea Federal Detention Inmate Roster'. The sergeant snatched it from his hand, reading through it.

"We've got... mother of Odin, we've got nineteen incarcerated Skodesmen here, as well as two VIPs, Luis Delaney and Felipe Moore. Let's get moving, people! Double time like you got somewhere to be!"

Two soldiers were wounded, ready outside being treated by a medic. The decrease in enemy attempts at attacking their room implied Federal Police within the facility were diminishing. The team of Skodenians soft-breach into the detainment block, quickly killing five policemen inside- likely the last ones left. The sergeant consults his clipboard, as one of the soldiers retrieves a pair of bolt cutters, breaking the locks on the cells listed off by number by the sergeant.

The ten Skodenian soldiers walk out of the prison entrance, along with twenty one inmates in orange jumpsuits. The sergeant amasses his men, and the soldiers previously providing external security approach the sergeant. "Mission accomplished, boys. Let's get these guys back to Beachhead and get them a helicopter ride home." He gestures to the inmates. The soldiers nod, and begin the long march back to MOB Beachhead.

Image reference:
http://imgur.com/xSoezAR

Legend:
Red= Path of task force
Red circle= Prison firefight
Blue= Established roadblock
Green= Defensive line

[Lauchenoiria]

Annatown, 0535 hours

Yasin Zaunq watched from a high window as the Gonhogian troops approached the parliament. He turned away, back to Jae Chung who stood there, waiting.

"Take this," he said to her, handing her a USB stick, "and get out of here."

"I can't just abandon you! Or this city," she protested.

"We can't win this battle, and everyone here will die. But, and I cannot stress this enough, the contents of that USB could put an end to this war. Jae, I need you to do this for me. Get that to Sonja, she'll know what to do. We will buy you time."

"We are surrounded, on all sides. How exactly am I meant to get out of here?"

"You have lived in this city all your life, you will find a way."

"And now you expect me to abandon it?"

"Jae... in war, we all have to do things that we don't like. I trust you, more than any of the others. I need you, Lauchenoiria needs you," he turned back to the window to see the rapidly advancing troops, "now, go!"

She hesitated, then turned and ran out the door.

Yasin picked up his rifle, and headed downstairs.

"We will hold this building for as long as we can, is that understood?" he addressed the resistance fighters.

"Yes, sir," they chorused, slightly out of time with each other. Yasin looked over their faces, then turned away.

The battle was over much faster than Yasin had hoped. He and a few others were holed up inside what appeared to be a committee room, with the Gonhogians pressing against the door outside. As the door burst open, Yasin took aim, and blew the head off the first Gonhogian to enter. He fired until he was out of bullets. The last thing he saw was the face of the soldier that killed him.

--------------------------

Buttercity, 1030 hours

"Gonhog has taken Annatown from the rebels, but Skoden has control over Summersea," Charissa Clarke informed Chaher. He looked out of his window over Buttercity as he swore.

"We have an army base north of Summersea. Have our troops engage the Skodenians. What's the situation in Usera?"

"The rebel group has taken control of part of the city, we are still engaged in fighting."

"Get the Kerlians to back us up there. Tell Gonhog to secure Carville, keep the Skodenians isolated in the south-east. Have you heard from the men following Rowan Martin yet?"

"Not as of yet, he seems to be making his way towards Melissa City."

"Do we know where Sonja Alvarez is?"

"She has vanished completely, but some of her cell is in Usera."

"Find her. Have our troops secure Fleura and Melissa provinces, don't let any foreign soldiers set foot in either. Keep the Kerlians and Gonhogians to the south. They may be our allies, but don't tempt them. Keep them occupied down there, and secure the boundaries."

He stood up, as Clarke nodded and left. He walked over to the window. Buttercity was at peace, since the resistance cells operating there had vanished off to other places. He wondered how long it would last.

------------------------------

Usera, night

Leonie gasped as she woke up. There was a searing pain in her ribs and she couldn't stand. She cried out in the darkness, and a man she didn't know rushed over.

"It's all right, you're going to be okay."

"What... what happened?"

"You were shot, at the march."

Suddenly it all came rushing back to her, the soldiers and the fighting and the sharp pain as the bullet passed through her. She turned to the side and vomited. The man took a step back from her.

"Careful, I'll go get someone," he turned away, but Leonie stuck out an arm and grabbed him.

"Wait, where am I? Who are you? What, what happened after...?" she gestured to her wound.

"You are in the Useran Resistance headquarters. My name is Oliver. We are still fighting Chaher's troops. I know you've been working with Sonja's group, we're trying to contact her, but she's gone off the grid completely, even to us. Don't worry, we have several medical professionals on our side, you're going to be fine."

An explosion nearby rocked the building and Leonie let out a yell.

"Fine!? This place is a warzone, right? In what universe is it going to be fine?"

"Try to calm down, Leonie. I understand how scary this must be. As soon as it's safe to move you, we are going to get you out of the city. We have places you can recover, places Chaher can't find. I know it looks bad. You don't even know the half of it. But this will pass, we will be fine, I promise."

"Nobody can promise that, not in these times."

"All of history is littered with terrible times. It always passes, eventually. But I know how you feel. None of us saw this coming, not here. We see the bad stuff, but we always think it will pass us by." Oliver stared off into the distance at nothing.

Leonie was silent. She had a feeling Oliver's words had some deeper meaning, that he'd seen something, experienced something that she didn't particularly want to know.

"I need to go, you should rest," he said, standing up to go. Leonie nodded, suddenly aware of how exhausted she still was, and fell back asleep.

[Lauchenoiria]

"Kivasek are sending volunteers to assist us in defending ourselves. I'm not sure how to feel about that," Keitha Noguera remarked, turning away from the computer and walking over to the couch to sit beside Anael.

Anael choked on his biscuit, and Keitha jumped up, patting him on the back.

"Are you okay, darling?"

"Yeah," he coughed, "just went down the wrong way. Are... are you sure that's such a good idea?"

"Well, it's not like they asked... are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes," he wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, "only, will this not just antagonise Lauchenoiria? You have a deal with Chaher, we can still get through this peacefully. Having foreigners with guns... well, we can see how that's going on the mainland."

"The deal with Chaher?" Keitha laughed, "you didn't honestly think he was going to stick to it, did you? Honey, you're not a politician. I took the deal because if I hadn't, I'd probably be dead and Aeluria under military occupation. He has no intention to stick to it once the mainland conflict is over. Having someone here to assist us when he eventually turns his attentions this way will be very helpful. Seriously though, you're looking awful pale."

"I, I'm sorry, I forgot, there's an event at the university I am required to attend, please excuse me," Anael stood up and hurried out of the room. Bemused, and slightly worried, Keitha picked up her coffee and curled back up on the couch. She had perhaps been foolish in declaring independence at this time, she knew. Yet, she also knew that if she hadn't, then Aeluria would be suffering in the same way as the rest of Lauchenoiria right now. Oh well, she thought, there's never a right time for these things. And perhaps, with this, we can actually succeed.

[Sancti Imperii Catholico]

Annatown Parliament Building, 1200 hours

"General!"

The messenger walked up to Lieutenant General Herman, saluted, then began to speak.

"We've received orders to march to Carville to take out resistance located there."

Herman bit his lower lip and nodded. The whole corp wasn't sent in to battle; he could send the fresh brigades to Carville- which was a majority of the corp- while those who just fought could hold Annatown until they recovered.

"Alright. Tell them we'll have Carville under siege and artillery fire by 1800 hours."

Then, picking up the phone, Herman called for another aide, who quickly walked up and saluted.

"Yes, sir?"

"Call the Major Generals. Tell them to spread the word that the brigades that fought are staying here and the rest are easy to Carville at the double. Bring the whole 3rd Armored Division too. We'll need them."

[Lauchenoiria]

Costeno Province Parliament, Carville, 1300 hours

"Please just let me leave, I'll go to the islands or out of the country entirely. You know what happened to Vega, please," pleaded Joshua Wright, former First Minister of Costeno Province, until Chaher and his puppet president had suspended the constitution and shut down the provincial governments.

"We're not the ones keeping you here," pointed out Nico Alfaro, the local resistance leader, "that would be Chaher's navy ships preventing anyone from leaving the mainland. You go further inland, you'll run into the Gonhogian or Coalition armies, you go to sea and you end up at the bottom of it. You're welcome to try, though, we won't stop you."

Wright groaned and sat down with his head in his hands. He was young for someone in his position, and at this moment he regretted not listening to his mother when she told him politics was a stressful and dangerous career.

"Alfaro?" a voice said, accompanied by a knock on the open door. "We have news," said the young woman, rifle slung over her shoulder. Alfaro gestured for Wright to exit and he did so, in the slow manner of a teenager asked to clean his room.

"What is it, Martí­nez?"

"We have word that Gonhogian troops are headed this way, from Annatown."

Alfaro swore loudly. He'd seen the videos from Annatown, he did not want to be in the middle of that. He glanced down at the desk in Wright's old office that he'd commandeered. Wright had left a bunch of pictures of his family on there, all of whom were living in this city. Breathe, he told himself, but he knew they couldn't hope to match Gonhog's strength.

"Sir?" asked Concha Martí­nez.

"Can we contact the Coalition? Ask for assistance? Preferably soon, and without Gonhog knowing about it."

"We can try, sir."

"Good. Get it done."

----------------------------

North of Summersea, 1300 hours

The line of Lauchenoirian soldiers marched towards the city. They had come across a few cars of stray civilians parked on the road, trapped outside the city by the invasion. They had quickly sent them north, towards one of the small town. Every southern city seemed to be a battleground these days, no point in sending them to any of those. As they reached the river, they could see the Coalition troops ahead.

"All right! Listen up! You all have your orders, you all know what we have to do. We will recapture Summersea, at all costs."

"Yes, sir!"

"We will halt the so-called Coalition advance into our country here! Is that understood?"

"Yes, sir!"

"Good. Now, do what needs to be done."

North of Summersea, 1420 hours

A Lauchenoirian soldier tripped over a dead body in his rush to get away. They had seemed on the verge of victory when a whole new mass of Coalition soldiers appeared, overwhelming them.

"Retreat!" came the voice again, more insistently. The soldier clambered up the riverbank, drenched. He was almost on his feet when the bullet hit him.

General Sanchez stood on top of the hill, looking out over the battle. He saw his troops dying and, not for the first time, regretted his actions in assisting Chaher. But it was too late for regrets. He would push on.

"Call the Prime Minister. Ask... ask him to send the Kerlians for backup."

----------------------------

Buttercity, 1430 hours

"Yes, divert your forces south, to Summersea. My people can handle the rebels in Usera, we need the Skodenian Coalition stopped, now... yes, okay... yes, I understand... okay, thank you."

Chaher got off the phone with Joanna Greenwood. He hated talking to Joanna Greenwood. She was liable to take offence at every little thing, and it was exhausting. He lay his head down on his desk and groaned. He couldn't remember the last time he slept. He closed his eyes...

He jolted awake as Charissa Clarke yelled his name.

"What?" he moaned.

"The Kerlians are almost in position. Sanchez is asking if they can go ahead."

"Yes, yes," he wiped his eyes. "Tell Sanchez he's authorised to use the new weapons we have... acquired."

"Yes, sir," she said then turned to leave. He stopped her.

"How long was I asleep?"

"Three hours, sir."

He groaned once more.

---------------------------

Usera, 1700 hours

"Well, you will be pleased to know that we are no longer in the middle of a battle," grinned Oliver at Leonie.

"And how's that?"

"We won!"

Leonie looked at him oddly. "Seriously? A bunch of students with little guns against an army?"

"Is it so hard to believe? You're so cynical for one so young."

"'One so young'... you're only three years older than me. Seriously, how did we win?"

"There was barely any Lauchenoirian army here in the first place, and they were only holding on because of the Kerlian troops heading here. We all thought we were dead the minute they arrived, but then they vanished. Turned away, went somewhere else. And, well, the army didn't hold out for long after that."

"Kerlian troops? What Kerlian troops?"

"Didn't I tell you about those?"

"No," Leonie growled accusingly.

"Didn't want to worry you..."

She groaned, exasperated.

"Hey, all's well that ends well..."

"You are a walking cheesy movie, Oliver," she shook her head, trying to hide her grin, "besides, it's not over yet."

Their eyes met and they both fell silent. Usera was under Resistance control. For now. But with all these foreign militaries involved, things definitely weren't over yet. Leonie was recovering from her wound, Oliver was tasked with watching over the injured, unable to fight himself due to his health. For the moment, they were safe... relatively. But they both knew that likely wouldn't last.

Fleurian Forest, East of Lorentonia, 2200

Laura Moore hummed to herself as they sat in the forest clearing. She was trying to distract herself from the thoughts of the animals roaming around in the trees at night. It wasn't her favourite place to be camped out, but it wasn't very accessible to Chaher's troops, so she supposed that was worth it.

"Laura?" a voice said tentatively. She jumped and looked around. In the pale moonlight, Rowan Martin was just visible.

"Rowan," she said, taking a carefully neutral tone. She'd been expecting him, their rendezvous all prepared, but she still wasn't ready to forgive him for siding with Chaher at the start.

"Oh thank goodness you're okay! I was so worried... Laura, I've made so many terrible mistakes! I beg of you, forgive me," he knelt down beside her, "I was so foolish, I really, truly, believed I was doing what was best for this country! I love Lauchenoiria, I only wanted... I... and now there's this war, and foreign armies, and people are dying. Oh, Laura, I wish so dearly I could make it right! Chaher, he's... there's something dark in him."

Laura was quite taken aback by his outburst. Before she could reply, he continued.

"I thought that what I was doing was protecting this country. He made such a persuasive case that you were a foreign spy. I know now that's nonsense. Chaher... he will say anything to get power. I..."

A gunshot rang out and Katya leaped across the clearing to get in front of Laura. Rowan crumpled to the ground and a second shot was heard. Katya fell to the ground in front of Laura, a hole through her heart. Before she knew what she was doing, Laura took out the gun she'd been given and fired it repeatedly in the direction from where the shots had come. She heard a thump, and turned the flashlight in that direction.

A man in nondescript clothing lay dead on the ground. Laura rushed over and rifled through his pockets. Nothing. One of Chaher's spies, she supposed. She turned back to where Katya and Rowan lay. Peter was crouched beside them. He turned to Laura, and shook his head.

She looked at the three dead bodies in turn, then at the gun in her hand, and tried to feel something. She exhaled. She wasn't quite sure who she was any more.

[Sancti Imperii Catholico]

Statement from SIC Department of Foreign Affairs

To the Coalition and Resistance at war with Chaher's Lauchenoiria,

Sancti Imperii Catholico, although supporting the cause against the illegitimate communist governement, is pulling all funding and officers away from this war, per orders of the people and the Church. Instead, we will be sending humanitarian aid, along with the hospital ship SIC Sana to operate alongside the CDSP's own ship.

Regards,

Alvon Russo
Minister of Foreign Affairs, SIC

[Slokais]

Henderson Long was tried as he got back to his hotel room. "Hey boss" said one of friends. Who was going to help with the assanation plot. "You need to see this" he said as he pointed at the screen. On screen Joseph Chavez the leader of Slokais Islands was making a speech. " I believe that we should work with Laurel to end this crisis in Launchoriea". "I believe that the tyrannical government in Lauchenoiria should end now". Hendersion was stemmed he could not believe that someone else had attacked Sulmar Cahair. "Would should end this now" said Henderson. "When should we atack" said one of conspirators. "Today at his Daily Speech to the people"said Henderson as he picked up a gun.

[Laeral]

Upon reaching the coast of Lauchenoiria, the Laeralian transport planes, all tilt-rotor aircraft, and their fighter escorts split off into three groups, after receiving new orders from Laeralsford. The first set down in Summersea, where the Skodenian troops had held the port city against an attack from Lauchenoirian junta forces. The second flew north across enemy-held territory toward the beleaguered city of Usera, to aid the rebels there. The third and fourth, meanwhile, sped westward towards Carville, another segment of the front line, to do what they could in aiding the city against advancing Gonhogi troops.

Summersea
The Laeralian transport plane set down in a public square at the south of the Skodenian lines, and the large door at the rear of the aircraft fell open. As bewildered locals looked cautiously at the aircraft, a crowd of soldiers, mostly men, emerged, wearing tactical vests and shouldering assault rifles. With a wary look around, a man who must have been their commander said something in a language one of the onlookers faintly recognized from high school as French, and the soldiers began to carry crates of equipment with them down the street as their leader consulted a map and pointed northwest. The soldiers followed, trooping off into the distance through the quiet city.

As the soldiers continued down the street, they noted that there were few civilians outdoors. In the distance, they could hear intermittent gunfire and explosions. Finally, they reached a small building, flanked by Skodenian soldiers. They pointed their guns at the Laeralites as they approached. "We're Laeralites," Lieutenant Darras called, pointing to the flag patch on his shoulder. The Skodenians stared blankly at him. He thought for a second, trying to recall his high school English. "We are Laeralites," he called to them in English. They didn't respond. This could take a little while, he thought.

Around twenty minutes of confusion later, Lieutenant Darras turned back to his men, speaking once again in French. "The Skodenians want us to stay behind the front lines, to react if the junta forces break our lines and plug in any gaps. We'll take up positions on the motorway north of the education department. Forward!" This was partially a lie. As the Skodenian commander had phrased it, the gendarmes would patrol occupied areas for peacekeeping duties. Darras had scoffed under his breath at that. Peacekeeping? His men were the tip of the spear, the finest that the flower of Laeralian man- and women-hood had to offer. They wouldn't stand by and let their allies relegate them to duties behind the line. No, him and his troops would be in the thick of the action, the better to prove Laeral worthy on the international stage, regardless of what the Skodesmen wanted him to do.

Usera
The Laeralian transport plane and its cargo of 40 Laeralian Gendarmes arrived to find the rebels jubilant. They had thrown off the junta occupation, and they were excited to see foreign allies to aid them in their struggle. Lieutenant Bao, commanding the Gendarmes, had tried to stay professional and aloof at first, but after he was cheered and offered yet another glass of Lauchenoirian wine, he conceded and joined the cheering crowds, telling his soldiers to stick to a strict limit of two glasses each.

Carville
As the two Laeralian transport aircraft swooped low over the city of Carville, the passengers could see in the distance approaching Gonhogian troops. The more eagle-eyed among them could even make out the dark shapes of tanks and armored vehicles advancing inexorably towards the city, alongside soldiers on foot. "We'll hold them on the city outskirts," Captain Tsai announced. Once they landed, the gendarmes met quickly and urgently with Nico Alfaro, the local resistance leader. Emerging from the room, Captain Tsai quickly called a conference with Lieutenants Huang and Quere. "It's not going to be pretty," he said to them. "The rebels report there's most of a corps, with heavy armored support. We don't stand a chance unless we get reinforcements. We'll try and make them wait by making it appear as if there's more of us. Get everyone out into the streets, and dig as many trenches and make as many barricades as you can, far more than we need. Hopefully we can delay the Gonhogian attack. When they attack, we'll pull into the city quickly, avoid their main force. If we can't hold the city any more, than we pull out. You understand?" They nodded. "Put on a brave face for your squads," Tsai said, "but make sure they understand that we don't intend to make a last stand here."