[Democratic Republic Of Eiria]

Lights up on a pair of ENN anchors, sat at a slightly curved table. One begins to speak in Eirian, as the other nodded and smiled at the camera.

"Good Evening, everyone, and welcome back to ENN. Right now, Chancellor Lancaster is beginning a briefing regarding the arrests of Lauchenoiran diplomats in Mallacaland. Let's go live to the Manor, and take a listen."

Cut to Chancellor William Lancaster, standing behind the briefing podium, clearing his throat. "Given that this briefing is a matter of International significance, I will be giving tonight's briefing in English. I apologise for any inconvenience this may cause."

He paused, continuing after fidgeting with something on the podium. "Earlier Today, Lauchenoiran diplomats in Mallacaland were rounded up and detained by Mallacalandian police, under orders of the King, who is but nine years old. This is an inexcusable and shocking act, and we stand in solidarity with our Lauchenoiran friends."

"This stunning event has demonstrated that the safety of our own diplomats cannot be ensured while they remain in Mallacaland. If the Lauchenoiran dignitaries are not returned unharmed within forty-eight hours, we will withdraw all diplomats we have in Mallacaland. And if any Eirian is harmed, tourist or official, the Mallacalandian government shall be met with swift action."

"This new incident has revealed the unpredictability and danger of the Mallacalandian Monarchy. From dubious elections, to arresting peaceful protesters, lately Mallacaland has exhibited very undemocratic and almost hostile actions to its own people. I urge every Eirian in Mallacaland to leave immediately, for their own safety. Thank you for your time"

Cut to Commercial

[Slokais]

Prime Minister stood a podium, in front of the most pro-govermeant reporters ever.
He then began to speak
"Yesterday, some Laucherioans were captured for the own safety they are being treated well and are being protected as well believe the false king's supporters were trying to attack them"
"I support the king's leadership on this issue, and despite his age is still fit to rule"
"I also thank my supporters for voting for Muslim Union, we see you and we support you, you are true patriots"
A reporter stood up and asked Mohamed Karif a question: "Why do you think other nations are bullying us for protecting their citizens"
"I don't know, why maybe because we are doing a job, they are too afraid to do, protect their citizens"

"What do you think, the meeting between our glorious king and his good friends the King of Serriel," asked another reporter
"Glad to see the 2 monarchs are talking with each other, I think leaders should do it more with each other, thank you"
He walked off the stage with a flurry of questions from reporters

[Lauchenoiria]

Situation Room, Fleura House, Lauchenoiria

President Emilia Obando and Prime Minister Josephine Alvarez sat next to each other, both incredibly tense. Grainy footage of Lauchenoirians being rounded up in Mallacaland, taken on a poor-quality mobile phone, played on the screens. They had spoken to their ambassador, who was trapped in the Lauchenoirian embassy alongside his staff and a pair of unfortunate tourists who had been inside when the building was surrounded.

“This is an act of war,” Obando stated, taking a deep breath. Alvarez closed her eyes.

“What do we do?” Alvarez said, looking up at the gathered military and intelligence officials.

“We have a number of options, ranging from sanctions to military action, if you wish to go down the latter route, we can prep for targeted missile strikes, or…”

“Or assemble an intervention force?” Alvarez said sharply. “I’ve read the reports. I know this has been a topic of hypothetical discussion. I’m not there yet, I can’t justify putting troops on the ground in a foreign war when we’ve only just finished rebuilding our own nation.”

“Are they safe?” Obando asked. “Our citizens? Their… hostages?”

“We have been unable to ascertain their safety, but we have received a request for 40 million dollars from those presently in control of Mallacaland.”

“I didn’t realise the mafia had their own country,” Obando responded drily. “Ransom, really? We need to ascertain where our citizens are being held and whether or not an extraction operation is possible. I will be speaking to Mallacaland’s ambassador. We are not looking at missile strikes or ground forces yet… but prepare reports just in case.”

“Yes, Madam President.”

“We should give them a deadline,” Alvarez suggested. “Release our citizens in 48 hours or we will take further action against you. Sanctions are a given at this point, there’s no situation whereby this government remains in power and we don’t implement sanctions, but we can threaten them with more.”

“You’re right that sanctions are a given,” nodded Obando. “But my concern is that if we implement them now, our people in Mallacaland will be harmed. I don’t trust that boy-King not to order something against them.”

“Everyone is condemning them, we’re not alone,” Alvarez countered. “If they continue down this route, they will need to detain almost all foreign nationals, and if that happens there will be a very brief war that they’ll lose in under a week.”

“True,” Obando conceded, standing up to leave. “Very well, we will implement sanctions and threaten to take military action if our people are not released and permitted to leave the country within 48 hours from the time we make the statement.”

[Laeral]

Muharrem II, the septuagenarian king of Serriel, kept his expression warm and welcoming as the guards at the Mallacan royal palace swung open the doors to the receiving room. The doors opened, revealing an elaborately decorated room with a broad window looking out onto the port of Mallacaland City, and King Hassan, the nine year-old potentate of Mallacaland, sitting in a cream-colored armchair that looked entirely too large for him, kicking his legs against the seat.

"Hassan, my boy!" Muharrem boomed. "Come on over, give me a hug!" The two monarchs weren't related, but Muharrem had gotten along quite well with former king Abdin I, and so he'd seen the boy a few times when he was younger. The young king stood up and ran over to hug him around the waist. This was a good sign; at heart, the king was a nine year-old boy, and if Muharrem played the role of the doting older relative well enough, he should be able to win him over.

"So, my boy, how have you been lately? I heard that you're the king now, that's wonderful! Just like me. It's a very important job, you know."

"Abdin had to go away," Hassan said. "He was very bad, and so he had to go away. And so now I'm the king."

"Yes, and that's a very important job, you know. Lots of people throughout the kingdom are counting on you to make good decisions and keep them all happy and safe."

"I know," Hassan said. "I've made a new law that will make everyone happy, because now everyone will be able to skip school. And no homework, too!"

Muharrem chuckled, although inside he was praying that some adult figure, someone in this palace with an ounce of sense had taken the reins to stop this from happening.

"The emir, Nizam from Permang, said he would get it done right away." The young king scrunched up his face as if he was thinking about something. "But I think he's kinda dumb. He never does any of the things I tell him. Except yesterday, I guess. When he got rid of all those yucky old advisors and put all the foreigners under arrest."

"Well, you see, my boy," Muharrem said. "While I'm glad you got rid of your old advisors, I'm worried that putting the foreigners from Lauchenoiria under arrest is going to hurt people. Because a lot of them have families back home, and they want to go see their moms and dads and pets back home."

"But they're bad people," Hassan said. "Bad people belong in jail. And these bad people wanted to take me, and Mohammed, and everyone out of power."

"Well," Muharrem said, "how about we send all these people back home. Then they'll be far away and they can't do anything to you."

"No," Hassan said. "I don't want to."

"Well, you see, my boy, in Lauchenoiria the prime minister is very angry that her people were arrested. And because she's a good leader, who wants to keep her people healthy and safe, she really wants them back home."

"No," Hassan said. "I won't. Even if they send all their soldiers and tanks and guns they won't get them. We'll beat them!"

"So, Hassan, I'm not sure if you know this, but I was in a war myself. I was a Lieutenant Colonel, in the Sixth Royal Armored Division, in Serriel when there was a war with Iskiram." Muharrem reached into the pocket of his robe and withdrew a leather-bound book of pictures. "You see, there's me, with some of my friends, sitting on this tank."

"Wow, that looks fun!"

"I thought it would be fun too," Muharrem said. "But it wasn't fun in the end." He flipped to the next picture in the book, which showed the ruins of a bombed-out building in a village in Iskirami territory. "This was someone's house, and because of the war, they lost their home and all of their things. And if there's a war here, it'll be just as bad. War is fun to pretend about, and watch on TV, but it's not fun in real life."

"You're right," Hassan said. "But that was back then. This is now. They think they can send their soldiers here from across the ocean and blow up our homes? They're wrong! We'll kick their butts and send them back where they came from!"

"Hassan," Muharrem said, trying to keep his frustration hidden. "If a war happens, people will die. Think about your responsibility to your people, my boy."

"It's like you said," Hassan said. "I'm the king. My job is to keep them safe. And so I'll just make sure that we win the war."

"Hassan, my boy, you have to think about-"

"I'm not your boy!" Hassan said, stomping his foot. "Don't think you can come in here and boss me around like that! This is my kingdom! I'm THE KING!"

Muharrem stared at the younger king for a moment, wondering how his old friend Abdin I could have raised such an immature boy.

"Guards!" Hassan shouted. "Take him away!"

"That won't be necessary," Muharrem said to the royal guards who emerged from the doorway. "I'll be on my way."

---

"It went poorly," Muharrem said to his Chief Counselor, a wizened old man named Coşkun Celal. "The boy is a brat. He won't listen to reason. We need to find the adult around here."

"The boy grew up without a father for nearly all his life," Celal said. "His mother hardly sees him these days. He's never had a parent-figure to rein him in."

"What about the regent?" Muharrem asked. "The emir of Permang?"

"We can't trust him," Celal said. "He's a piece of work. Power-hungry."

"The prime minister, then," Muharrem said. "Mohamed Karif."

A short while later, the two were sitting in Prime Minister Karif's office, sipping from teacups the office staff had brought them.

"Ah, your majesty!" Prime Minister Karif said, walking from the doorway. "It's such an honor. What can I do for your esteemed selves?"

"You need to get the king under control," Muharrem said firmly. "He's about to stumble this country into a war with Lauchenoiria, a war it will most certainly lose."

"I assure you, your majesty, the government has everything under control."

"The Lauchenoirians aren't playing games," Muharrem said. "Sanctions are coming from every trading partner. Their navy could sink your entire fleet and bombard the harbor in a matter of days. People will die. Civilians will starve. You need to do something."

"Your majesty, I'm in a difficult situation here. But I will find a way to get the king distracted, and to agree to the Lauchenoirian demands. Their nationals will be released, within their deadline."

"It's good to see that there's someone in charge here who can be an adult and see reason," Muharrem said. "Thank you, mister prime minister. You've done a service to your nation."

[Xiomera]

Haven House
Huānoch, Milintica

Matōchmizalo turned off the television, shaking his head. The President, and his cabinet, had just watched Mohamed Karif's speech on television. "For their own safety....protecting them....either Karif and his kiddo king are stupid, or think we're stupid."

"I think it's both, actually," Ihanga Wati said in a dry tone. The Minister of State sighed. "Either way, they're more full of crap than the National Cavalry Stables after the stable hands have taken a three day weekend."

The President chuckled at that, before turning to Atzitlan. "General Tlehuaque had briefed me yesterday, but I assume you have more current info. What is the status of our PFM forces?"

Atzitlan was in charge of the Ministry of International Outreach, the almost tongue-in-cheek name that Milintica had given the government agency in charge of raising "volunteers" to push for change abroad. "Cadre No. 1, which is now known as PFM Timalpantl, has completed training and is being deployed in Xiomera even as we speak." The PFM Timalpantl drew its name from an ancient Necatli warrior who had become famous for fighting Xiomeran incursions into the Necatli homeland prior to the Xiomeran conquest. The name was a particular source of pride for Matōchmizalo, who had chosen it. It was also the President's way of giving the Xiomeran regime a subtly raised middle finger.

"Since they're all Huenyan in ethnicity, it will be easy for them to blend into Xiomera until we need to activate them. The assistance we received from the FIS* in prepping them helped a lot to speed up the process," he said. 

"But Cadre No. 2 will not  blend in anywhere near as well, in their destination," the President said. Atzitlan nodded. "They certainly won't. But we didn't expect to go under the radar everywhere we went. Cadre No. 2, once deployed, will be a good initial test run for how well the PFMs will work in other places."

Matōchmizalo nodded. "Have we chosen a name for them yet?"

Atzitlan nodded. "They picked their own name. PFM Free Mallacaland."

"I like it," Matōchmizalo said with a smile. "Let's hope they can live up to the name. Start the process of inserting them into the country. In small numbers, twos and threes, to avoid suspicion. For now, they're just your everyday peaceful democratic activists seeking to help the Mallacaland Rising movement. But once things in Mallacaland reach critical mass....the people seeking freedom in Mallacaland won't be alone."

*FIS: Federal Intelligence Service, the Huenyan Federation's replacement for ASI

---

Palace of Flowers, Xiomera

Empress Calhualyana, and her own Prime Minister and Cabinet, had just watched Karif's speech as well. "That was....a great deal of words," the Empress said finally, not quite managing to hide how unimpressed she was with how little was actually said in the speech.

Prime Minister Toquihu laughed. "A lot of words indeed, but not the right ones - we're releasing the Lauchenoirians immediately, we'll leave the embassy alone, please don't invade us and hammer Hassan into the wall using his own crown for the nails - really, any of that would have been better."

"I am glad this is amusing to the Prime Minister, but with all due respect, your Majesty, this puts the Empire in a very bad spot," Toquauhtli said with disdain. The Minister of State shook his head. "Being associated with such an unstable and frankly ridiculous regime - who in the world lets a nine year old tell them what to do? - is very bad for Xiomera. It makes us look ridiculous as well, being friendly with such a regime."

"I am, personally, not as concerned that this debacle makes other countries take us less seriously, although it does," Chuanacoyo grumbled. The Minister of Defense raised a single finger in the air. "No, I am more annoyed that Hassan, Karif and his government don't seem to be taking us seriously. We've been sending clear signals up to now that Hassan needs to reverse course. We've invested a lot in Mallacaland, and they are rewarding us for that with contempt for our concerns. We should pull everything out now and let the child king and his regime fall."

"Those investments are exactly why we should not withdraw," Cuālincōcatle interrupted. "Mallacaland is a highly profitable outpost lately for us in trade, and after the war, we need that more than ever. We can't just afford to pull everything out now - we have to maintain our presence there."

The Empress raised her hand to halt debate, turning to look out the windows of the Chamber of Whispers while she thought. After a moment, she turned back to the table. "Toquauhtli, I will draft a letter in my name - and in the name of the Empire. You will then have it delivered to King Hassan and Mohamed Karif. I want it on their desks no later than the end of the day. I think we need to make it a bit more clear that we expect an acceptable resolution to this situation - acceptable to Xiomera, and to the world, not to satisfy whatever tantrums a nine-year-old who was not raised properly decides to throw." Calhualyana shook her head, astounded that Hassan was so unruly. My parents would have left me feeling it for days if I had acted even half as uncontrolled as he does as a child, she thought, remembering the firm discipline of her youth.

---

The following letter would be personally delivered to the Prime Minister of Mallacaland by Xiomera's ambassador to the country, with the clear expectation that it be delivered to the King and its message made plain to him.

To his noble Majesty, King Hassan, as delivered to his Excellency Prime Minister Mohamed Karif,

On behalf of the Xiomeran Empire, as one monarch to another, I greet you warmly and hope that this message finds you well.

I would like to, first and foremost, extend my congratulations to you on your recent enthronement. Like yourself, and your nation, I believe that nations are best ruled by those of the nobility and power to exercise leadership. This is also true of the Xiomeran Empire.

As a nation of like mind and governance as the great state of Mallacaland, it has been the pleasure and privilege of the Xiomeran Empire to support and befriend your nation and people, through diplomatic relations, trade and political support. Recent events in Mallacaland, however, have caused it to become difficult for Xiomera to maintain this support. We believe in you, and in your government and nation. But the detaining of Lauchenoirian and Slokaisian civilians, and the threatening of diplomatic personnel and facilities, is simply not the way to ensure and protect the future of Mallacaland or its people.

As I value your friendship and that of your nation, I must now be honest with you, as friends do: if this situation continues, or deteriorates, the Xiomeran Empire will have to reconsider its current ventures and relationships with Mallacaland. This would not benefit either of us, or our nations. It is therefore my hope that, in your wisdom, you will reconsider and reverse these recent undiplomatic actions and restore relations with Lauchenoiria and the world to a position of normalcy.

In the event that this genuine and heartfelt message of mine goes unheard, Xiomera will need to take the appropriate steps to protect its own status and reputation, as well as its economy, and curtail our investments and involvement in Mallacaland. As we are one of your nation's largest current investors, this would be highly undesirable for both parties. In addition, if any Xiomeran nationals, or Xiomeran investments, are placed at risk in Mallacaland, the Xiomeran Empire will be bound and obligated by its duties to its own people to take all possible measures to protect them. This would, also, be most regrettable and undesirable for all of us.

However, I am confident none of this will come to pass. Your Highness, being a wise and noble personage, and with the sage advice of your esteemed Prime Minister, will undoubtedly make the right decision, enabling the warm and mutually productive relationship between Xiomera and Mallacaland to continue uninterrupted.

I look forward to hearing of the satisfactory resolution of the current unpleasantness.

With respect,

Her Imperial Majesty Calhualyana, by the Mandate of Huītzilōpōchtli, Empress of Xiomera, Protector of the People of the Sun, Sovereign of the East

[Slokais]

Once again Mohamed Karif got up on stage in a press room inside the Capitol Building.
"Hello, I would like to announce that we will be releasing the Laucherioan citizens, as long as their home county says they will do protecting their citizens and arrest those linked to terrorism, they can leave if they want to or they can stay here in Beautiful Mallacland, also the Slokasian Govermeant says they were deal with there citizens, here in Mallacaland, so they will not be allowed to leave if they want to of course."
A reporter stood up "why release the foreigners" asked a reporter
"Because other countries have pressured us and I think they have gotten the message that they should protect their citizens"
"Thank you, you lots of work to do," he said as he ran off stage as the reporters kept yelling questions.

[Slokais]

King Abdin II climbed the last steps and reached the top of the mountain
"you made it," said, Master Kan Loo
"yes, I did," he said out of breath
"You have earned, your sword," Master Kan said
"why, here" he asked as he looked around
"Do, you feel the wind"
"Yes, I do it's very windy"
"I Know, become part of the wind"
"How do I do that"
Master Kan spread his arms and closed his eyes and grabbed his sword, he began to move his sword in a smooth pattern
"That is how"
The King closed his eyes and began to feel the wind, then he began to move his sword, it felt like he was one of the swords
"That is it, my friend," Master Kan said

Master Kan has been a friend of the King, yet he had done lesions with him in years, he had come here a few days ago, at his home in the remote mountains of Mallacaland, every morning King Abdin ran a 5k then spent time focusing his mind, but now those two things were coming together in the way of the sword. He had also been doing work around the area to get some muscle.
At some point, he would be ready to fight, yet not yet, not for some time.

[Slokais]

In the Early Morning in the middle of the 1st Ward at the center of a small park, surrounded by Public Housing, a few members of Mallacaland Rising set up tents, however, they were not homeless, they were here to protest, by dawn as people began to head out to the Industrial District, they saw the group of tents, with a banner that read "What: The Peoples Protest When: Until Change is Done"(Translated from Mallacan). Some locals began talking with those camped there, and a lot of them stopped and joined them, some even gave speeches to passers-by. At 8:00 a message was put out by the United Building Workers to all their members that they would go on strike and join the demonstration in the 1st Ward. Soon almost a Thousand people were gathered around a small stage.
That's when the Police showed up
"This is unlawful, gathering," they said, however, they just seemed to move to one side.

Soon more and more people gathered at the park, by now there was a small city of people, by a large tree there was a makeshift mosque, where many were praying. There was also a stage as well some vendors as well as many tents, people intended to stay here for a long time.

[Slokais]

"I want them gone" yelled King Hassan
"But, my king other nations will be after us again," said the Regent Emir
"No, I want them off our streets," the king said
"As your Regent, I say no"
"Guards" he yelled
The Royal Guard entered the room
"If you do not do as I say, these guards will deal with you"
"Okay, I will tell the Prime Minster"
"Good, and get it done" the king yelled as the regent left the throne room

The Regent rain into Mohamed Karifs office
"Hello, how is it going," he asked
"The King wants the protesters gone"
"And you agreed to it"
"I was surrounded, there was nothing, I could do"
"No, I will not if we act, the whole world be on us"
"Look, if I don't get this done the king well kill us both"
"Could, we get rid of them, without causing such death"
"I think, he meant we kill some of them"
The Prime Minister said a silent prayer
"We could get someone else to do," the Regent said
"Hm, I know just the person for that"

Back in the 1st Ward, another day of protests began, but this time there was a makeshift barrier, that was made guarded by a local gang
"What is the meaning of this," said Thiamin Mohamed, a leader of Mallacaland Rising
"We don't want your violence in our community, anymore," said one of the gang members
"What, do you mean," he asked
But he had no answer
"Okay, we can play your game," he said

A few minutes later, someone was pouring some liquid on the barrier
"What are you putting on," he asked
"This," a gang member said as he enlightened his lighter
The whole barrier burst into flames, some ran back, as suddenly bullets rang through the streets
Some protesters grabbed rocks and threw them over the barrier
If the protesters fell back, they would get into the camp, and cause more death
Right next to him, a man covered in blood, from another protester said "This is the first blood of the revolution, this is the blood of martyrs"
Finally, the fire died down, as the protester surged through the barrier, but to meet them was the Police
"Our King has betrayed us once again" a protester yelled
The Police responded with a high powered water hose, that forced everyone behind the barrier.

At the Makeshift Hospital, many people were being treated for bullet wounds
Some looked liked young children as young as 8, some even had tarps over them, Thiamin looked away from those but he helped out grabbing medical tape and other equipment.

[Xiomera]

Mallacaland City

Taiaho Waaka helped tend to victims of the gang action and the police crackdown at the makeshift hospital. From his calm demeanor, and his deft and precise aid, one would have no idea from mere observation that he was furious. But he was.

Not many people in the IDU knew much about Milintica. This was for many reasons, its marginal place in the economic and political power games of the IDU and its distant location in far south Caxcana being the biggest. What people did know about Milintica tended to be about the island's Huenyan-descended population, as they tended to be the more outspoken of the two peoples who shared the island.

The Paora, by contrast, tended to be viewed as quiet, humble people who didn't share the militant streak and the warlike tendencies of the Huenyans. Ever since the Paora had agreed to share their home island with Huenyan refugees centuries before, the myth had developed that Paora were kind to the point of being passive. Their cooperative and communal preference for governing and organizing society only built that myth more.

But like any myth, there was a lot behind it which few really understood. In the era before the Huenyan refugees had arrived, the Paora had indeed developed a culture that utilized ritual fighting, coupled with dispute resolution and cooperative governance, to solve disputes and organize themselves. They had developed such a culture because before that, the various Paora iwi had fought wars amongst each other so vicious that they had nearly wiped themselves out. The Paora "pacifist" culture had thus developed out of necessity as much as any great measure of enlightenment.

The Paora were usually pacifist, but that was by choice. They could choose to not be pacifist as well - and when they did, they were capable of a level of violence that made Huenyans look like children playing army in comparison. The apparatus that was propping up King Hassan would soon find that out, if Taiaho Waaka had his way.

A sharp whistle made Waaka look up. Xoacoca, his fellow Milintican and another activist with the PFM which had been sent to Mallacaland, gestured him over. Waaka handed off his medical equipment to a Mallacan to continue treating patients, and walked over. "We just got word back - we're cleared for direct action," Xoacoca said.

Waaka smiled slightly. That was what he had been waiting to hear. "Let's go meet with the protesters. They've been getting pushed around long enough. It's time for them to start pushing back. Are our supplies en route?"

Xoacoca smiled as well at the word supplies. "The first shipment has already arrived." He pulled a tarp off a wooden box, pulling a key out of his pocket and unlocking it. Inside the crate, several rifles gleamed darkly. The MR-1 was the standard rifle favored by Milintican soldiers and guerrillas alike. It was easy and cheap to mass-produce, even by unskilled workers. It was incredibly durable and reliable, even under the worst conditions. The running joke was that it was Milintica's most valuable export.

It had now arrived in Mallacaland, but not as the actual export. It was instead the tool of Milintica's truly intended export - revolution.

[Slokais]

The Streets of Mallacalnd City were silent, police patrolled the streets, On 16th St, a group of protesters reached a police station
"Hey, no protests allowed until further notice," said an officer
"For the Revolution" yelled one of the protesters
He and the others fired into the police station with their MR-1 rifles, from behind them another protester in a gas mask ran up and threw a home-made explosive cocktail into the building.
Soon, more police had arrived but they vehicles were stooped by a buffet of explosives.

"Let the Revolution, burn on" the protesters said as the police ran from the burning vehicle, the group grew until there were about 100 of them armed with MR-1s, they killed any policemen they saw and burned any govermeant building. Then a man in a makeshift iron suit ran outside, in his hand was the flag of Mallacaland, except the center, was replaced with Red Star, he has flamethrower attachments in both hands.

Soon, they reached the gates of the Miltary HQ in the Middle of the Wards, before them, the military was in full riot gear, guns drawn
"Turn, back or die"
"We shall die fighting"
In the center of the Street, the protesters began burning every Mallacaland Flag and raised the flag of the revolution on an iron pole.
"The Royal Guard has defected, give up" yelled one of the protesters

A man ran into the throne room
"The Royal Guard has defected" he yelled
"What" the King yelled
Gunshots rang out through the Palace, from the left side of the room, Royal Guard burst in, the king and his advisors fled through a back door as they came pouring in. In the Throne Room, the commander of the Guard, Hassan Ahmar sat on the throne
"Capture, the child, I want him alive"
"Yes, sir"
"Sir, we have captured, the Emirs," said guardsmen as he and some other guard surrounded the Council of Emirs
"You, have poisoned this land," he said
"You, will never win," said the Regent
"Yes, we will, enough is enough," he said
The Regent spit at his feet "Never"
A Guardsmen, grabbed him by the neck and threw him to the ground
"Fine," he said struggling through the pain
"I now pronounce you, King Ahmar"
"Thanks, take them away," he said as the guards forced the council out a door

[Slokais]

"Sir, the Mallacans, are contacting us," said Petty Officer Wills of SIS Victoria City
"Open it up," said Captain Cho
"Allow, us to leave the harbor"
"Let, them leave"
"Excuse, me sir, we have orders to not let them leave"
"Do, what I say"
"No, you will not be allowed to leave," Petty Officer Wills said to the Mallacans
"So, you are disobeying an order"
"But, we have been ordered from the Presient, himself"
"My, ship, my rules"
The Mallacans fired a warning missile just over the top of the ship
"Do not respond" said Captain Cho
"I was just going, to ask them to stop"
"Okay"
This time they fired at a smaller Coast Guard Transport, damaging the control tower
The Small ship fired back with its small machine guns, but it was small compared to the destroyer, peaking out of the harbor
'Fire" said Officer Wills
"No"
"What the, they fired on us"
"Arrest Officer Wills, for treason she is working against us"
"No, You should be arrested for, treason," said Officer Zhang,
The crew grabbed Captain Cho, and held him back as Officer Zhang gave the order to fire the main guns of the destroyer, they ripped through the hull of the Mallacan Ship.
A few minutes later after the second shot, the ship hosted the White Flag
"Alright, let's take them in"

A message came in from President Chavez, himself
"Victoria City, General Halman has declared war on Slokais, orders are to fire on anyone he supported King Hassan, do not engage with the Royal Guard or protesters"
"Yes, sir"
"Alright, let's prepare for combat," said Officer Zhang

[Slokais]

Copy, this is fighter 0-87, we're approaching the base" said Victor Juarez a Slokaiasian pilot to the rest of his fighter squadron
"Got, it once we in we return to the Southern Isle," said Ahmar Victornevez
The Miltary Base was a large airstrip with a number of buildings, there were a few fighters on the runway, as well a few surface weapons
"Watch, the ground guns," he said
"Alright, let's drop em," Victor said
They dropped the bombs on the main hangar and the airfield, just to make sure, they could not scramble fighters
they climbed up once they reached the mountain, just past the end of the runway
"Watch, the surface, weapons," Ahmar said as a volley of missiles came from the ground.
"All, good deploying chaff"
"Hold, up one is still on me"
"Shake, em"
Ahmar then turned up just in time for the missile to just hit the nearby mountain.
"Alright, let's drop another round"
This time they hit the various buildings around the runway
Soon, the base was a burning wreck
"Alright, our work is done here, let's go"
"Close one, but Mallacaland should not be able to launch fighters for a long time"

Back in Mallacaland City, Mallacaland Rising was talking about moving forward
"How, can we force the Royal Guard, out of power"
"I think, we have bigger forces, yet fewer weapons"
"I think we should make sure we get to the Govermeant weapons stash before the Royal Guard does, that would put us in more of a position"
"There is an armory, up the Coast, in Kasana if we get there first, we could use those weapons"
"Okay, let's contact local forces, we also could get the Slokasians to help"
"Ok, its go time"

[Slokais]

Kasana, despite being the third-largest city, was quiet, the city known for cheap goods and nearby marble mines was quiet except for the boots of soldiers, patrolling the city.
The Royal Guard had already begun launching attacks, however, without real firepower, there was much they could do against the Ancient City.

Above the city, The young King Hassan was with his advisors, in a 300-year-old citadel. However, almost no one knew he was up there.
"Repair the Walls" the King yelled
"Yes, your Honor"
"Your Highness, repairs have started at the Airbase after yesterdays raid by Slokasian Fighters"
"Good, we need it up as fast as possible"
"Are, you sure you don't want to flee"
"We can hold, them here, right" he yelled
"Yes, we can but the long term"
"Prepare an escape plan if we need to escape into the mountains outside Mallacland"
"Yes, I think the warlords, would be happy to take you in"

Meanwhile Below, the City, forces of the Republic of Mallacaland, reached an underground courtyard under the Armoury. The 40 or so soldiers, with MR-1s, climbed the stone steps to the roof of the room. They then bust through the doors and walked through a small tunnel then into the back of a large, storage room.
"Alright, guards on left and right, lets split and quickly take them on my command," said Ibrahim Abdin the leader of the group
They were quickly taken out, then they all split up.
The Command Center was just off the main storage room
"Man, where all the way down here, they can never get to us"
"Oh, yes we can," said Ibrahim as he took out the entire command room with his MR-1.
The Alarms began to blare through the facility
"Oh Great," he said as he ran into the next room
For the next few minutes, it was a blur of fighting

Soon, they have controlled the building, for some reason, no reinforcements had arrived, They then found out why, the entire building was underground, and the above-ground building was gone. Soon, more fighters were in the building grabbing weapons. From the building, they spread out across the city, so they could pop out from underground when the time was right.
In total there were around 2,000 rifles and many other weapons, even a tank and some machinery to make more rifles.

[Xiomera]

After the seizing of the armory, the Milintican "advisors" were quite pleased. The capture of rifle-making equipment, along with additional equipment snuck into Mallacaland by the Milinticans, would allow them to begin making and repairing rifles, reducing their dependence on whatever the Milinticans could smuggle into the country. Along with the local revolutionary fighters, the Milinticans had managed to sneak 50 members of the PFM into the country. Their purpose would now be to help the revolutionary fighters learn to use the tank and the weapons they had acquired, and to grow their numbers.

During this effort, the Milinticans would also be doing their best to teach and encourage the Mallacans to adopt a more socialist and democratic agenda. The goal wasn't to make Mallacaland a carbon copy of Milintica, but to encourage the Mallacans to develop their own local flavor of socialism that suited their culture and their needs. In time, the Milintican leaders back home hoped, Mallacaland would possibly even become a member of the ANAN, further strengthening their efforts to promote a "third way" to the often bi-polar dynamics of IDU politics.

But for now, their purpose was simple: help the Mallacans learn how to fight, and to free themselves from kings, royal guards and any other signs of crowned tyranny. The Milintican "advisors" would continue to train the Mallacans, and join them in raids, while seeking to sneak more "advisors" and weapons into the country.

[Slokais]

King Hassan and his advisors reached a sign
"Mallacaland Border"
"Good, we can now find a local warlord" from here the former king said
Outside Mallacaland, it was a wildland of warlords and settlements, even some kingdoms centered around small cities. The King would then regroup, and maybe head over to Xiomera if they let him in.
In fact, the king's government was collapsing, most of his forces has simply joined another group or just surrendered their units.

Back in Mallacaland City, Republic of Kaijan forces were prepping for an assault on the palace, They now had much more weapons, however when King Abdin II arrived there was a disagreement
"I don't want to end the monarchy," said King Abdin
"Well, I do," said Ibrahim Abdin
"I think its best if we still have a monarch on the throne"
"No, it's not the people who rose up because they did not want this any longer"
"I think, we should transition, I don't think this country is ready"
"We have been waiting so long for this, if you want to make a monarchy then you can leave"
"Hold, or we could still have a monarchy with the power in the hands of a govermeant"
"We shall discuss this, later," he said as he walked away

[Lauchenoiria]

Cabinet Meeting Room, Lauchenoiria

Josephine Alvarez and Sandra Pavía held back as the rest of the cabinet left the room following a tense discussion about drug smuggling in Aeluria, the minutiae of proposed amendments to the Non-Binary Gender Recognition Bill and the appointment of a new ambassador to Shuell after the last one broke down begging them to replace him before his family ‘all die of lung cancer from the constant smoking’.

“The civilians are all home, which means we can withdraw our ambassador any day,” Pavía informed Alvarez once the last of the stragglers had left. “Especially if we’re going to involve ourselves in the war.”

“Diplomatic relations with Mallacaland are impossible right now, but that doesn’t mean we have to issue a formal declaration of war, no matter how many drafts you have sitting in your classified files folder,” Alvarez chuckled grimly. “Withdraw the ambassador, let them choose whether or not to reciprocate. No expulsions just yet, we’ll watch and see what transpires.”

“Slokais would’ve backed us if we’d been forced to go to war,” Pavía countered. “And we can’t guarantee that they won’t do something once they realise our diplomats are leaving. I don’t believe they care one iota about diplomatic immunity.”

“Less than two years ago, we had a civil war here. I could go to the local nursery and ask a four-year-old, and they’d know that. The foreign interference made things a thousand times worse for ordinary Lauchenoirian citizens. As much as I dislike the varying governments of Mallacaland, I cannot do that to their people unless we have any other choice.”

“It’s already happening, whether we’re there or not,” Pavía waved a newspaper and threw it onto the table, gesturing at the headline. “Milintica and Slokais are involved, despite the repeated denials of the former. If we join them, the pro-democracy side will be victorious rather quickly.”

“Sandra…” Alvarez sighed, pulling out a chair and sitting down, rubbing her temples. “We’re not going to war unless we have to. First, what I said before. Second, the pacifists will withdraw from the coalition and cause a domestic crisis. Third, we don’t have the budget. And fourth… it will encourage Milintica.”

“Aren’t they our sort-of allies? Or at the very least, a fellow force against the various Xiomerans and Huenyans that have threatened us in the past.”

“Xiomera, Mallacaland… there’s a pattern forming and I don’t like it. Civilian volunteers… pull the other one. Milintica are attempting regime change in various nations. They’re socialist; we don’t know what side they’d have chosen had they been involved in our own civil war. The enemy of my enemy is not necessarily my friend, and I don’t trust them. No, we don’t have nearly enough information yet. Withdraw our ambassador, and then we watch and wait.”

“And if our ambassador comes to harm?”

“Then we will revisit this question in the situation room. No war unless there is no other choice. In that situation, I fear we would indeed have no other choice. But it hasn’t come to that yet. Watch and wait, Sandra, watch and wait.”

[Slokais]

A small truck with the flag of the royal guard drove into the Capitol Square
"Weapons, delivery," said a guard
"Yes," said the driver
"Head into the entrance tunnel," said the guard
The Truck drove into a small tunnel just below the Palace on the hill
The tunnel kept going into the hill until they reached some large doors
"Let me get the stuff out of the back," said a guard
"Hold, up," said the driver
Then an Alarm began to go off
"There had been an attack stay here," said the guard
"Okay, I can get the stuff," said the driver
A minute later from the back of the truck came a man in military gear, he fired and took out all the security cameras.
"Move, Move," he said
Out came 10 more soldiers, they were armed to the teeth with gear and even a patch with the flag of the Republic of Mallacaland.
They opened the large door and went inside. Inside was a massive warehouse with a large roof above. Then they ran into some Royal Guards. However, they were cut down as the squad moved forward as more guards ran into the room. Then as a whole, the squad launched small hooks to an upper balcony of the chamber.
On the balcony was a door to the surface.
On the top of the hill, they could see their comrades fighting with Royal Guards on the ground. It looked like they had gotten everyone they could to fight and they were quickly pushing Royal Guards back.
The Squad then just walked in through the front doors of the Palace, they were meet with a squad of guards. They all got out their gas grenades, the best they could get from the Armory.

Soon, the room was clear and they could enter, behind them there comrades had pushed them back onto the Hill. It was now a slow push to get to the throne room. Unlike last time all exits were blocked.

[Slokais]

King Abdin burst through a side door of the throne room, his sword covered in blood
"I am here for what is mine the throne of Mallacland," he said
The Royal Guards pulled out their swords and ran at him
He blocked all of them and moved like the wind using objects in the room to help him. He then cut through the first few guards.
Then the King's Champion appeared, he was 6,8 and very muscular he blocked the King's attacks and pushed him back with the force of his size and then brought his sword down, he was then blocked just inches from King Abdins face. He then rolled away and landed a quick hit on the Champions back.
"I have been training as you can see"
"Yes, I can"

The Battle ranged out for several minutes until King Abdin got around a quick jab and got a deep wound across the Champions chest. He fell back in pain and was out of the fight. He then turned to the King.
"It's over," King Abdin said as pressed a button and the main doors opened letting ROM forces rush in
"No it's not," King Ahamar said as he jumped out the window
He however landed on a lower balcony instead of the rising helicopter.
The Helicopter opened its guns spraying right through the walls, it then moved away as ROM forces grabbed the former king's broken body.
"Looks like a few got away," said, King Abdin II
Finally, King Abdin II was the king once again for time being at least.

[Slokais]

King Abdin II walked into a meeting room where the new constitution was being discussed
"Speak of the devil, there is the king now" Ibrahim Abdan
"You should step down right now," said Mohamed Dalman
"Easy, now we should work together on this," said Ibrahim said
"Alright, let start," said the King
"First, Monarchy or No Monarchy"
"I say get him out of this room, he should leave govermeant altogether," said Mohamed
"I think, maybe we can compromise," said Ibrahim
"What do you mean"
"Maybe, the king can have a ceremonial role, no power yet he acts as a sort of ambassador to other nations"
"If that what it takes to unite, I will do that," said the King
"No, in fact, we should destroy this whole palace," said Mohamed
"Okay, let's vote on it"
11 of the 13 people in the room voted yes
"Alright, thats going in"
"What about Religious standars," said Kasib Saber the leader of Islamist Party
They had been banned for many years, and in 2020 King Abdin II tried to end it, however, it failed to pass the Council of Emirs.
"We have been fighting for years, we deserve to have our ideas put first"
"Look, people have the right to love who they want and do what they want," said Ibrahim
"No, we shall not be pushed over by you"
"What will it take for you to agree"
"Nothing, let's leave-"
"Fine, Can we legalize Alcohol as well as abortions"
"As long that could be changed later, then yes"
"Good, glad we come to something"
"And don't add anything saying that Homosexuals should have the same rights," said Kasib
"Look, I think most of the people here think that all people should have the same rights," said Ibrahim
"No, what's happening in society, soon people are going to be marrying their dogs"
"Fine, leave if you want, you will however not be part of this process"
"Fine," said Kasib he said stood up and walked out the door slamming it behind him

[Slokais]

Another day of negotiations began, King Abdin could already see how there could be tension in the future. Once they had taken over, the alliance between the group broke down. Islamists vs Seculars, No Monarchy vs Constitutional Monarchy, Left vs Liberal. He realized this would be a painful couple of days.

All Parties had agreed how the govermeant would work, howver the conflict was over the preamble. Islamists wanted to mention how Mallacland was "a state with the ideals of Islam", while others wanted "A state with the ideals of rights for all, regardless how they identify"
"No, This was founded as an Islamic state and it will stay that way," said Kasib Saber
"We can still have Islam in our society, rather we could just not mention it here," said Ibrahim Abdin
"You are just like the Muslim Union, wanting Religion and State to be different things, Islam is part of aspects of daily life"
"What's so bad about being like Muslim Union," said Mohamed Karif
"Why is he even here," said Kasib
"Because again they are still are a political party in Mallacaland," said Ibrahim
"They arrested us for years, they outlawed us, they have no right to sit here," Kasib said with anger
"I dont like them either, but we must unite as a nation, its bigger than all of us," said Ibrahim
"You are traitors to your Nation," said Kasib.
"In fact, come on Islamists, let's leave this place," said Kasib
"However if you leave you will have no say in the constitution"
"Oh, we will win when the Election comes, then we will change it," Kasib said as he left the room along with a few others
"Good, Riddance," said Mohamed Karif
"Aright, let vote on the preamble," said Ibrahim
7 of the 7 people in the room vote to approve the preamble.

[Slokais]

King Abdin II stood on stage inside the Palace
"Live in 3,2,1," said a cameraman off-screen
"Hello, My fellow Mallacans and those watching around the world"
"We have come to a new constitution that will now be soon but up to vote by the people"
"Here the Preamble to it" he said

"We the People of Mallacaland set out in the new constitution the basic rules that shall govern this nation.
We Believe that every Mallacan has the right to support who they like, love who they like, believe in what they want.
We hold these things to be true and hope this document shall last for a long time, yet also that things change over time so the things stated here may not be appropriate or true in future times.
Either way, this document lays out how the Republic of Mallacland shall be run yet also that things can be changed to this document in the future"

The King paused for a moment
"We hope that you approve of the new constitution and that it shall guide us forward into the future"
"I hope Inshalla that you stay safe and Long Live Mallacaland"

The King walked off stage and looked around the Palace, things were being moved as the head of government was being moved across the hill to the Parliament Building. Even though he would remain here his role would be one of ceremony and diplomacy.

[Slokais]

King Abdin II second sat in the Parliament building watching as members debated various issues, the last few months had been filled with chaos and confusion as the country tried to rebuild, the interim govermeant had decided they would not focus on laws but getting things set up for the election as well as rebuilding efforts. This had caused conflict in regards to rebuilding the Royal Museum that had been destroyed in the fighting. Radicals had called for it to not be rebuilt, however, the majority agreed it housed many pieces of history and that it should be rebuilt but as a free museum for the people to enjoy. Every day a new political party had been declared, there were so many that the upcoming debate would be split into 2 separate debates, One for the left learning parties one for Right-leaning parties.

Leading in the polls was the National Values Party, it was lead by Kasib Saber, the man who stormed out of the debate over a new consution that promised new freedoms and an end to the moranchy while keeping with Islamic ideals. The Islamic party had manifested in this new party. Even though they were the leading party they looked like they could not form a majority government. Either way, the Mallacaland Parliament would be very split.

Behind them was the New Future Party was a Secular Center-Left party that wanted to end the monarchy that wanted social reforms throughout the country, they were behind NVP in the polls, but looked to have some political power and the ability to work with other secular parties and those on the left, they were lead by Ibraham Abadan who had been a key player in Mallacaland Rising.

Then there was the For the People party that was a Leftist party that wanted an end of the monarchy and a full Socialist state, they had been the key players within Mallacaland Rising and wanted to nationalize the nation while keeping personal freedoms.


After that was the Mallacaland Citizen Party that was the renamed party of Mohamed Karif, as there party had been banned there supporters regrouped under this party, they wanted a return to the Monarchy with some social reforms.
Then there a number of small parties, some memorable ones were the Green Nation Party that had existed before the revolution, they were seen as working with the regime and were hated by some. There was Jariza Island Party that wanted an independent Jariza Island and an island that has cultural differences from the mainland. Then there was Shining Light Party who thought NVP was not Islamist enough.
Etiheway the elections would have many parties and no clear winner in terms of seats once it had finished in May

[Slokais]

The Square of Panati City was filled with people as they gathered for a rally, Many waved flags some of Mallacaland some waved the flag of the NVP. There was a stage set up were speakers for the NVP spoke, behind the speakers were the local NVP candidates, then in the front Kasib Saber sat watching the whole thing his blue suit and tie flapping in the light breeze coming off the nearby ocean. Finally, it was his turn to take the speaker's spot. The whole crowd chanted with approval, this was the main event of the rally.

"Thanks, you Pantai City for showing me your strength and unity," he said over the crowd, his voice coming through the speakers at full volume
"This is a moment in history an election that can shape our nation for many years, and yet our religious values may go out the window if we don't succeed, this is our moment to take the next step forward for our nation"
"Long, Live the NVP," said someone yelling from the crowd
"Yes, long live the NVP," he said
The crowd gave its approval
"This party is about real change while holding on to the true values that hold our nation together, vote like your life and religion is at stake because it really is at stake. The Liberals and Progressives try to take these away, they want a govermeant they say that "works for everyone". In that case, then vote for NVP we are the ones who really are creating a govermeant for everyone" he said
Then the music started up from behind him playing an upbeat song, then from the stage of the stage singers came out
"We shall stand United as a nation, and a people"
"Again and again, say this, my friend"
"Whoever confronts us will be crushed, whoever stands for our nation shall rise up"
"Whoever wants unity should vote for us"
The crowd got into the song and kept singing along, Kasib Saber stood off to the side clapping along with a small smile on his face. This was the song he would play at his rallies and it had become a staple of his campaign, You knew you were at an NVP rally when you the song, it was known as the People Rally Song or PRS. If you walked around you here sometimes PRS playing from a radio, sometimes people would gather, some would come to debate the values of NVP you either hated the song or you say it as a rallying song.
The crowd was finishing the song, it clapped faster and faster as the song reached its peak.
"Thank you," he said
"Just make sure to take the energy to the polls, and make sure to vote for these fine candidates behind me," he said

[Slokais]

Today was the day of the Liberal Parties Debate, on stage where the various candidates, the crowd was filled with undecided voters who said they would vote for liberal or leftist learning parties.
There was the New Future Party was a Secular Center-Left they were lead by Ibrahim Abadan who had been a key player in Mallacaland Rising. He stood on stage in his tie, he was talking with his wife waiting for the debate to start.
Then there was the For the People Party a Leftist party that wanted an end of the monarchy and a full Socialist state, they had been the key players within Mallacaland Rising, and their candidate Tariq Bin Hitam who was young, so he was checking his phone while talking with his team.
An older lady in a suit and with glasses was Dr. Samid Ihaab of the Green Nation Party that had existed before the revolution, they were seen as working with the regime and were hated by some.
There was Jariza Island Party that wanted an independent Jariza Island, the Emir Madu Bata stood on stage in his traditional tribal suit, with a chain of flowers around his neck. There were also a few people on the various ends
"Welcome, everyone to the Liberal Parties Debate," said the Moderator
"First, every candidate shall give a quick statement on the ideals and their issues, lets start with Ibrahim Abadan"
"Thank, you for holding this debate, first of all, we need change, we need a more secular nation that holds Social Liberal values, we need a nation where all can succeed and a nation that shall grow into the future, that is all," he said as drank some of his water.
"We need a nation that not only works for everyone but gives back to its people as it should, a nation that should do away with Capitalism and move to a hybrid that will better benefit the poor and the working class of this nations," he said as he put on his Red Rose pin.

Soon, they were talking about what values the nation should hold
"We need an independent Jariza Island, a place that is so different from the rest of the nation, it would be wrong not to grant that freedom to us, in fact-"
"Let, I speak it is not good to divide ourselves more," said Dr. Ihabb
"Dr. Ihabb, thank you lets move onto Mr. Abadan," the Moderator said
"It is crucial that we rebuild our economic system that way it was, however, this system shall work for everyone-"
"Capitalism had failed we must return to a truly free market," said Safaaa el-Hashim of the Natural Values Party
"No, we need a Socialist system that shall work for everyone-"
"Can we please keep-" said the Moderator
"If you interrupt me I shall put a curse on you," said Safaaa pulling out a crystal
Then her mic cut off
"We must maintain order, we are united by one thing," said the Moderator
"This is a waste of the voters time, get him off the stage," said someone from the crowd as he threw his shoe, a big insult in Mallacaland
The Police ran towards but the people around him stood up they took off their shirts to reveal Shining Light t-shirts underneath
"Religion over all" they yelled as they were carried out by Police