[Slokais]

Mallacland City had been rebuilding for the various conflicts over the past few months. Many restaurants and spaces reopened. The Ministry of Internal Affairs began clean up efforts. Though in practice these were pure photo ops for the new government. The cafes were once again filled with thinkers and writers writing about the future of the nation. The feeling was that of an uneasy freedom. Women walked around with head coverings, people talked whatever was on their mind. Although there had been a call to keep consertive social policy, authorities in the city simply ignored it and ended local restrictions.


In an office above the street in the Port District, the Green Nation Party leaders gathered together. There topic to truly decide who there was as a party, that had been given generous payment and it was public that they were being paid off. They knew they should only pull out if an event showed how truly consertive the governing coalition really was. There had been talk about Ibrahim Kamza being party leader. He was seen as a centrist who had national appeal, and it can be a good excuse to join his coalition in favor of “change”. The only issue was that some within the party said he was too much of a populist. However some said he could be easily guided by those within the coalition.


At the Airport, the Baseball Team stepped off the plane. The terminal was filled with people waving flags and banners that said “Welcome Home”. Banners held back 100s of people as the team walked onto a makeshift stage in the central atrium of the Terminal. Below the stage people looked up from baggage claim. The whole crowd cheered as a microphone was given to Ibrahim Kamza. He stood tall and began to speak to the crowd.
“Thank you, everyone, you are the ones who kept moving us forward. You were the ones who helped us over Xiomera, you were always behind our team, and I thank you for that! However, looking forward I want to give back to Mallacaland. You were behind us and I will get behind you, it's time for us to rebuild and for Mallacaland to return to the world stage. I urge everyone to help your community, your friends and the nation”

[Slokais]

Parliament gathered once again, this time to hold another vote, this one of no confidence. Green Nation has officially left the support of the governing coalition. King Abdin was getting things ready as a speaker. As it had been a month ago there was always tension in the air. Some may say the nation is so partisan, yet in this building there were people who would beat each other up if they got the chance.

“Everyone take your seats,” said the King
He was almost like a judge holding over a chaotic courtroom
“Let's begin with the most disruptive motion by Ibrahim Kamza, Leader of the Minority”
“Yes, we would like to hold a vote of no confidence against the Government of Mohamed Karif”
“Do you have the approval of a majority of parliament”
“Yes, Mr. Speaker we do”
The King looked over a document signed by everyone who wanted the vote of confidence.
“Very well,” he said
“Once again, rules of voting still apply, please refrain from conflicting with fellow MPs”
For the next few minutes voting began, and the anticipation by those watching and those on the floor grew.

The King was passed a note by the Parliament aide, he read over the note and spoke.
“With a majority of 64 to 56, this motion to remove the government has passed”
“Thank you, speaker,” Prime Minister Kamza said
“I will end this session, as there is a very important matter to attend to,” the King said
“What matter may that be?” yelled an MP
“You should know,” he said as ran off stage

[Slokais]

King Hassan smiled as if he had been gifted a present, he might as well have been. He had just signed a piece of paper he thought was to allow him to live in a private beach home. In reality, he had just given the regency of the Emirate of Mallacaland to his uncle. This was the final piece of the puzzle Hiram Abdin had been planning for months. He had collected the funds to stage the retaking of his Mallacland, his fortune, and lots of power. He was already boarding a plane in Xiomera to take him to a private airfield just outside the borders of Mallacaland. Once there he would meet with the group of loyalists, military members, and mercenaries for hire then the invasion would begin.

Hiram landed a few hours later from Xiomera at a small airfield nestled in the mountains just south of Mallacalands Southern Coast. As his plane landed he saw a makeshift camp by the runway. As he stepped out he was greeted by his Commander, Commander Alanza of Royal Guard. They had taken over from King Hassan just a few months ago, yet he himself had no ill will against Hiram Abdin as long as he was being paid well.
“We have some remnants of the Mallacaland Army and Royal Guard here ready to server you, sir”
“Call me King Adin III”
“But sir, you're not the king yet..”
“Silence my cousin's rule, is illegitimate”
“But, sir”
“Do you want money or not?”
“Sorry your Highness”
“Thank you,” he said as he looked towards the camp
“Everyone is here, si..I mean your highness”
“Good” he smiled

The group gathered that night to plan their attack, 300 or so soldiers, commandos even foreign mercenaries came together.
“Here is the plan,” said Hiram
“We go through a narrow pass to enter Mallacaland, once through we need to carefully take out the small force at the border. Then we move towards the port city of Hanal” Commander Alanza said
“Any plans for those big guns in their harbor?” someone asked
“That's where we send in Delta Squad”
“Who is Delta Squad?” the King asked
“Us,” a man said as he stepped forward in full battle armor followed by a few others
“What country are you from?” the King asked
“That's no of your business, we work for anyone with enough money and good cause”
“Fair,” the King said
“Anyway,” Commander Alanza said
“They take out the troops in the Harbor and we swarm the Courthouse and the Bank”
“What if we find resistance,” someone else asked
“Tell us over the radio, if you can't deal with it”
“Is that all”
“Yes that is all” Commander Alanza said

[Slokais]

The wind blew through Saghir Pass, in the narrow entrance, 2 border agents played cards. Across some barbed wire in the woods, a sniper got ready, he knew he would have to time just right with their vehicle that would come through. A small truck moved down the dirt road through the pass. It reached the gate and stopped, one of the agents went over to talk with the driver.

The sniper took his shot just as the driver knocked out the other agent with the blut of his gun. The sniper stepped out of the woods and into the light of the road. Phase 1 of their mission was done. Soon their entire force had amassed and began to move through. There was still no word from Delta Squad as the invasion force moved through the farm roads around Hanal. Some stopped at farmhouses to secure the areas but most kept moving towards the town's ancient walls. They quickly secured a large farm that bordered the town walls, it has been owned by the Royal Family and often supplied them with high-quality dates and spices. The force marched down the farm rows until they reached the wall. It was a short wall, however, there was barbed wire at the top. So the force set up in the woods surrounding the wall waiting for the go-ahead.

Back at the Farmhouse, Hiram helped himself to some dates as he waited for news.
“Very nice place, sir-I mean your highness” Commander Alanza said
“Indeed”
“This should be your place”
“Commander, we intend to retake the Royal Place itself, soon my friend you shall enjoy the finest things that Mallacaland has to offer”

In Downtown Hanal, as people went through their days, as children played in the street as the Eid al-Adha decor was being taken down. A fiery explosion, then the shaking of buildings. Then not long after distant gunfire. Soon armed men began to run through the streets heading towards the Courthouse and Bank. In 10 minutes it was all over. The coup has officially begun, word has reached the government thanks to videos on Social Media of armed men running through the streets, Screencaps of insurgents burning the new Mallacaland flag, and putting up the twin Saber flag of the Royal Family. All through the coup had taken the town and its important bank and seaport. Something new had begun, this New Republic would have to stand against its past to truly see its future. This was the final straw for many, what had started in January as peaceful protests had become a Civil War. No doubt this would open the door for many factions.

[Lauchenoiria]

Situation Room, Fleura House, Lauchenoiria

As soon as the news reached Lauchenoiria about the latest insurgency in Mallacaland, the full Lauchenoirian Cabinet met in Fleura House. Alvarez, who had been planning to announce a cabinet reshuffle tomorrow, was not pleased with this, but she was even less pleased at the idea of a further coup. She’d only just signed an agreement with the Aurian government-in-exile, and the pacifists were currently protesting outside Parliament. This was inconvenient timing.

Rodrigo Montaña, the Defence Secretary, looked harassed as he hurried here from a meeting with the Admiralty of the Navy about Auria. Given that the Pacifists were members of the governing coalition, it wasn’t a role that anyone expected would have too much work, but things were not working out that way. After King Hassan’s threats to the Lauchenoirian ambassador earlier in the year, Lauchenoiria had been keeping their eyes on the instability in Mallacaland, and this was their worst nightmare.

President Emilia Obando called the meeting to order. “You’ve all seen the videos, so let’s skip the description of the problem. Thank you for meeting again so shortly after our last discussion on Auria, but it seems that we’re going to have to keep an eye on two new coups across the IDU.”

“This is ridiculous,” Samantha Clavell, the Pacifist Party leader and only Pacifist in the Cabinet. “It’s like a plague of coups. They’re spreading, chaotically and more frequently. I oppose all military action but this is… I mean, if this continues unrest will spread and we’ll end up in a war anyways. Look, I can’t vote for military action, I was elected to oppose it, but I… well, do as you feel necessary.”

Alvarez raised her eyebrows at this statement, which was unexpected given Clavell’s opposition to signing the Lapointe Agreement earlier this same day. “Thank you, Secretary Clavell. Now, it’s a little premature to be proposing military action, events are still unfolding and it’s possible the new Mallacan government under Ibrahim Kamza will defeat this latest group of coup-plotters without any assistance.”

“The baseball player?” piped up Pavía. “Forgive my scepticism, but I expect Kamza will turn out like Marwick; that’s what happens when you elect people on their fame who have no political experience.”

“Kamza is untested, yes,” conceded Alvarez. “But so is this new pretender. We have enough on our plate with Auria right now, we need to wait and see. This is premature. We should evacuate all the Lauchenoirian citizens who returned to Mallacaland after the elections, however: we do not want a repeat of last time.”

“We’ve only just sent them an ambassador again,” Pavía pointed out.

“Which, in hindsight, was a mistake,” Obando sighed. “Look, I agree with Alvarez. If these new folks are connected to King Hassan in any way, we need to evacuate every Lauchenoirian in Mallacaland, including diplomatic personnel. It may seem an overreaction to the media, but once bitten, twice shy: we can’t guarantee people won’t be killed next time. It is better to overreact than to remain complacent.”

The debate continued, though most people agreed that it was too soon to commit to any course of action, especially military action, but that an evacuation was a prudent measure given the situation. Lauchenoiria’s experience of coups, both at home and abroad, had left the nation with a lot of collective trauma and domestic voters would forgive caution, even if their allies found it strange behaviour. Obando, who was in the process of scheduling a visit to Eiria alongside Montaña, was beginning to get a headache.

“There better not be any more coups,” Alvarez muttered as the meeting drew to a close. It was the one sentiment that everyone in Lauchenoirian politics, from the far-left to the far-right and everything in-between could agree on.

[Slokais]

The MNS Port Mallacaland approached the harbor of Hanal, 2 days after the coup began. Its guns are primed, yet out of firing range of shore defenses. It would act almost like airstrikes, due to most of the air force being destroyed in February by the Slokais Islands. There was a small airfield near Mallacaland City, but it was small and only had a few planes. The Guns onboard fired right into the Coastal Defences. The goal was to weaken defenses instead of hitting Downtown directly as it was out of range and shots could mistakenly hit residential areas.

In the town of Hanal, loyalists ran around gathering ammo, the assault would only stop if the ship itself was taken or the ship ran aground. A plan was quickly put together that would block the inner harbor. But they would be a distraction to do that, it was once again up to Delta Squad. They would take a small ship close to Port Mallacaland to try and stop the guns or at least distract the crew until another group could purposely sink a ship in the Harbor narrows. This would make the entrance even more shallow, either leaving their guns out of range or running them aground. With some fresh troops from the Warlords of the Western Mountains, the Loyalists were able to secure much of Southern Mallacaland. However, they were held up outside Nabeul by the Mallacaland Army. Numbering around 20,000 troops in total across the country they were more than 15 times larger. Yet many had ties to the rich families who asked them to provide them with full-time security especially with the fears of violence. With some commanders refusing to join up, they were down in the numbers. There also were many military factions that would decide to take the chance to revolt. In the North, Fishermen had created an almost bandit fleet, raiding towns and settlements. They wanted a return to an agrarian state and had proved more quick than actually powerful.

A boat pulled up alongside the Port Mallacaland, onboard sailors shot towards the cabin. Soon the boat stopped. Just as the sailors were wondering what happened they saw hooks appear on the deck. Then a squad of troops in heavy camo armor appeared on deck. Chaos reigned for the next few as the sailors were pushed towards the top deck. In the control room, the captain grabbed his pistol as he moved the ship forwards, hopefully knocking some of their attackers off their feet. Then he saw another boat approaching the ship.
“Great, we got more loyalists incoming”
But then he saw that the people that came out were wearing Blue?
Were these the Laucherorans, that people said could help out, no wait why were they wearing Blue. Whoever they were, they were here to help them out. Soon when the gunfire stopped they heard a knock on the steel door.
“Who is it,” he asked
“Procura, you're ship is secure”
“Oh”
The Captain had heard Procura had taken interest in Mallacaland but why?

[Laeral]

Procura Energy Headquarters
Althea, Laeral

“Events are developing in Mallacaland in a new, and exciting, direction,” announced Gabriel Kieffer, CEO of Procura Energy. “I’ve gotten word from our operations director on the ground that our security forces intervened in a battle in the town of Hanal, when a government frigate came under attack from forces supporting the old royal regime in the country’s civil war. A squad of our security in the harbor saw the fight and intervened, driving off the Loyalists and saving the Mallacan warship. I just received a call from the Mallacan prime minister’s office, thanking me and Procura Energy for our swift action. The question now is what this means for us.”

“Were any of our security injured?” asked Cynthia Yang, the company’s Strategy Director.

“None, thankfully,” Kieffer said. “The point is, we currently have nearly two hundred security personnel on the ground in Mallacaland. These are our best, hired through that subsidiary in High Fells. Many of them had combat experience during the civil war there in the 2000s. The point is, we have troops on the ground right when the government is teetering under pressure from the Loyalists. If we seize the moment, this means we could rule all the natural gas in the country.”

“Are we really ready to go to war in some godforsaken country over the chance of access to their natural gas reserves?” asked Procura’s Budgetary Director. “I see the opportunity, but I also see a lot of ways in which this could be very unprofitable, very fast.”

“I’ve done some research on the situation,” Cynthia said. “I think this opportunity is one we can take. Mallacaland is perched on a knife's-edge, and we have the personnel to be decisive. What’s more, I believe with our operations in the Central Liberalian Republic winding down, we can divert the security from there to Mallacaland. It’s another two hundred highly-trained professionals, on the ground to fight for the prime minister.”

“I like it,” Kieffer said. “And my decision is final. We’ll evacuate all unnecessary civilian staff and have our security on the ground coordinate with the army in defeating the rebels. But I want to be kept in very close contact with the forces on the ground. Cynthia—” he turned to Director Yang “—can I trust you to supervise our security in the fighting?”

Cynthia had never been to a war zone before, but she was never one to turn down a request from her superior. “You can count on me.”

[Slokais]

The new M-3, a new highway built by the central government in 2019 had been turned into a massive migration path. People going one way towards the city with them carried most of their belongings, as cars were a thing that only the rich could afford. Going in the other direction the Mallacaland Army advanced towards the front, every few minutes they would hear the sound of distant combat. Over the last few weeks, a mass exodus of thousands began, all heading towards Mallacaland City, and eventually traveling elsewhere. The Army had split as some joined the Loyalists, who now called themselves the Army of the Emirate, they fought under the old flag and were quickly securing much of the country. The Army fell back to hold a defensive position just outside Mallacaland City.

Prime Minister Kamza ran around all day, in what had become a military headquarters, all though they had secured help from Procura they were no match for the AOE. Although the central government still controlled the skies, their air force was small and made up of older fighters given to them by other powers. Many had advised the PM to leave the country yet it would be seen as a sign that he had given up the fight. The spirit of hope of last month had been snuffed out by the reality of the Civil War.

At the Port of Mallacaland, ferries to Dolphin Isle, Slokais were being loaded up with people. 1000s of the tickets had been sold yet the ferry could not fit all the passengers, Roman Gonzalez the Ambassador to Mallacaland ran into the office of the Port Authority of Mallacaland. He walked through the office
“Alright, we are getting those people onto ships” he yelled
Everyone in the room did not move
“Oh, it's because you already sold them tickets, is it?” he said
“We simply thought the ship would be larger”
“Then you should have your other ships come and pick up the rest” he yelled
“Fine, you can do that if you want,” one of the officers said

A few minutes later, a horn blew within the harbor, at the helm of a ferry was the Ambassador along with some dockworkers. The Port Commander looked in shock as the ferry exited from its dock and into the harbor. As the first ferry pulled away the second one pulled back into it. Hundreds of people rushed the gates as the ship dropped anchor. It looked as if everyone would be able to leave at least for today.

[Slokais]

Ibrahim Kamza had gathered his cabinet into the National Palace of Mallacaland, as the Parliament had been damaged during the coup attempt by the so-called "King Abdin III". For now, he held meetings in the same room where 8 months earlier a new constitution was written for Mallacaland by a transitional government. Today his government that was made up of various left-wing parties was meeting to ratify a deal with Procura Energy, which was helpful against the Mid-2021 Coup and wanted to extract natural gas from offshore deposits in Mallacaland waters. Since then the country was stable though outside of Mallacaland City became dangerous and basic services were lacking in many places. The country was at a point, where their funds would run out causing famine and another collapse. Stores were re-opening but costs were high as many goods were rare and had to be imported from elsewhere. Most people were still in poverty as schools and universities remained closed due to a shortage of teachers. Mallacaland needed this deal for their future.

"Good day everyone, please have a seat," Ibrahim Kamza said.
“Well, I am all for this Procura Deal,” said the Minister of Defense
“Though we must consider the environmental damage,” said the Minister for Environment
“Indeed, although I agree fossil fuels are harmful, we will not only gain a new source of revenue but an important economically,” said Minister of Treasury,
“Personally, we must balance interests,” said Ibrahim Kamza
“In what way?”
“We agree to their contract, but leave the ability to renegotiate it in future,” the Prime Minister said as he for a paper with the contact on it.
“Were letting ourselves become a banana republic with this contact” said the Minister of Labor, said shaking his head
“Again, we need to have limits, we still want control over what they do,” said Ibrahim Kamza, putting the document into a projector
“Here is the whole thing,” he said

This contract details the agreement between the government of the Republic of Mallacaland and Procura Energy Corporation in regards to Procura’s extraction of natural gas in the Mallacaland Sea.

The rest of the 12-page document detailed some working and profit agreements with the government, but overall it was clear on the boundaries. However, one line stuck out “Procura has the ability to grow their production to other areas”.
“What do other areas mean?” said the Labor Minister
“Yeah, we’re going to have to clarify that it means other natural gas reserve areas,” said the Prime Minister
“So I guess we sign off on this version”
“I see no objections,” said the Minister of Defense

Ibrahim Kamza looked out over the city, the streets were quiet, checkpoints and security were everywhere, the Port of Mallacaland remained quiet with only the few relief ships coming with supplies. The call to prayer cut through the silence of the city, the Muezzin’s voice coming from various loudspeakers through the city. Hopefully, this deal would bring prosperity and hope to a country that badly needed it, and maybe this whole situation that had begun a year ago would end. Whatever this was for better or for worse had changed Mallacaland for good.

[Slokais]

King Adin III, for a brief period the name was on the tongue of thousands of those loyal to the Emirate of Mallacland. Now the boy originally known as Hamza Maroun Abdin sat in the house owned by his uncle Hassan Abdin. Yet the boy who was now 13 years old had grown from a spoiled child to a young tactician. From his private resort in Lao Sansong, he was planning his return, as his uncle had tried in the early days of the new Mallacaland. This time, he wouldn't even have to leave the peaceful resort town of Inami. Hamza watched on TV as results began to come in from Mallacland. A middle-aged Sansongian man entered the room guided by one of his servants
"Sir, Mr. Tongashi"
The man bowed to him, he was dressed in a designer shirt with a traditional floral print, a samurai sword strapped to his back.
"Are your teams in place?"
The man seemed to be taken aback by the young man's straightforward approach. A clear sign that Sansongian social norms had not taken hold.
"Yes, we made contact with the source in the elections board"
"Perfect"
"Forgive me for asking, But I normally don't give our resources to young boys, especially those who have little respect for our way of doing things, prove to me to I can give you resources to do so"
"I see...You don't explain chess moves before they are given, however, soon the people of Mallacland will come. The country is currently not living in the real world, the so-called "democratic" foreigners have placed the people in a trace, I shall wake them up by showing them how weak their dream world is"
"This is what social media does to your mind... I see your vision, however"
"Very good, now please leave"

[Slokais]

Azim Shahid had set up his campaign headquarters in Mallacaland City in the National Museum, which had formerly been the Palace where the Kingdom of Mallacaland had been ruled. The location was intentional, a respect for the history but also symbolizing the rebuilding of the country. The politically powerful of Mallacland had been invited, former royalty, natural gas tycoons, and resort owners. Guests feasted on lamb meat on a bed of pomegranates and rice. Every so often, the room would cheer as another seat would be announced for Our Force or a emirate gave favorable results for Azim Shahid. So far 5 seats had been won by coalition candidates a close victory in suburban Kondar.
Backstage, however, Shahid was in coalition negations. Currently, he was trying to convince Jediah Ben-Nevin of the Jewish minority party, the Blessed People's Party to join the right-wing coalition.
"Jediah, you and I both know your people have only survived for all the years of the generosity of the Abdin family"
"My people shall remain as long as the sun shines over our homeland"
"There are people within my party who have talked of radical actions to remove you from Kersa. If you remain with Kamza, not only are you working with communists and Kerillans but you will become the target of those who hate your people"
"First, I shall not accept the name Kersa, it shall always remain Mohlehdet. Second I know your friends in Shining Light would never accept our alliance"
"I know of a plot to destroy your people, you are forfeiting the knowledge"
"Our people have fought for hundreds of wars against those who wish to destroy our way of life, we shall stand"

Across town, Ibrahim Kamza watched on edge. Almost all the seats had been decided, the two remaining seats in Kersa and Terouba. Kamza who grew up in a rural mining community in Terouba was busy calling friends back home in the local dialect. The margin between Oasim Karimi of the NDF and Jahwar Mansori of Our Force was less than 150. Kamza had known Karimi from playing baseball and was trying to understand where the remaining ballots would come from.
"Remember, that town that had their fields by the coal mine?" Karimi asked
"Yes"
"That's where I think the remaining ballots will be coming from"
"That town seemed pretty socially conservative"
"Yeah, although organized labor is always a factor"
"Keep me updated"

At a ballot box in the village of Steroah on the southern coast of Jariza Island, an island situated off the coast of Mallacland. A long line of people stood outside a local school. Noya Baraq stood in line, she was hoping to vote for once in a free and fair election. Noya who in her 60s had voted every election since 2000, back then only one name was on the ballot, the government-approved candidate. Yet, still in Jariza Island the same political family who now preached for Jariza's Independence still was in control. A younger woman asked her "Who shall you vote for"
The woman was uncovered a clear sign of a political liberal.
"I shall vote for whoever the best candidate is"
"That being.."
At that moment a police officer walked over
"Please do not talk while voting"
"Well excuse me, sir"
"Where is your husband?"
"If that is your tone, then I am voting for whoever Open Mallacland endorses"
He paused, before talking louder "What are your doing here without your husband after sunset, especially without regard for modesty"
"I am attempting to vote"
Noya already knew what was going to happen, a Jariza Island Party thug beating up another dissenter
"You are under arrest for being un-modest in public," He said as he handcuffed her.

When Noya got inside, she looked at the ballot. She knew JIP would win again, what was the point?
She marked the box next to the non-JIP candidate.

[Slokais]

General Yardun Rauf knew that was just the beginning, the new President Azim Shahid had given him free rein to pick his lieutenants. He had brought many of his comrades out of early retirement, most had served in the Kindom of Mallacland. General Rauf had also brought back his mentor Khaliq Idris, former head of the Mallacan Intelligence Agency the secret police of the Abdin regime. Rumors had spread, that it was Idris who had called out a hit for King Abdin II. He was a treasonous snake, he destroyed and disrespected his family line. The Abdin had long ago fought for control and his disregard was a disrespect to all those past and present who gave their lives for the throne.

Idris had already assembled a list of enemies of the state, General Rauf had no intent to kill, yet at least. A couple of broken windows and constant surveillance would be enough to make them fold. President Shahid had given the go-ahead as he intended to have his slate of judges for the Supreme Court surpass the 2/3rds needed. General Rauf also intended to eliminate extremist groups, a number of radical communists had been active in many cities.
"Many of these groups are in cities led by liberals, I assume you have a way, Yardun?" asked Khaliq Idris
"Of course, I have already confirmed with President Shahid to declare a State of Disorder in those cities"
"Very good, A good general should understand the government"
"Indeed, you taught me well back at the Academy"
"Shame we can't the witch hut being conducted by those NGOs into our election"
"God willing, the natural order shall be restored"

Nadir Hassan had been elected in 2023 on the New Democratic Front party list. Nadir had been a university professor and had been arrested in the initial protest that started the Mallacland Civil War, over two years ago. Nadir lived in a middle-class development across the canal from downtown Mallacland City. Low-density houses surrounding a central park, although the houses had been built in the past decade, they had a detailed traditional sandstone design.

As he ate dinner with his wife, he saw something in the window. He stood up and walked onto his deck.
"Where are you going, Nadir?"
"There seem's to be someone out here"
"Hello," he called out to an empty street. Then he saw a car, its windows tinted, an old model. Something stuck out, nobody parked out the street as it would be an easy target for thieves. There seemed to be shadows inside the car looking right at him. Naidr then turned around and walked back inside, he knew it was trouble and Nadir had seen so much over his lifetime.

[Slokais]

In the hills of central Mallancaland, Sarmana rose the tall spires of the Grand Mosque standing out of the high desert landscape. Sarmana was the traditional winter place of the King of Mallacaland. King Abdin III had spent summers here when he was younger when he still said he was a year and a half. His cousin, Abdin Hussein, better known as King Abdin II has taught him falconry, his later cousin's equipment still resting in some high tower of the Winter Palace. Hassen Abdin had been unable to visit his cousin's gravesite after he was assassinated by one of Azim Shad's agents in New Liverpool last year. This left, King Abdin III unopposed for the role of heir to Mallacaland, royalists had quickly come to his side. Even a few years ago, Hassen Abdin would have been thrilled at the distinction of having such power, but at what cost? His forces had established a few footholds across rural Mallacaland, collecting what little tax was left remaining in a land starved of resources. A wise Arikata monk in Lao Sansong had told Hassen Abdin "to exercise justice upon the people, so they will exercise justice upon you".

Light snow fell upon, the dirt streets of Sarmana covered in a dusting of white. The few out were lined up for the humanitarian rations provided by an underfunded aid organization. A woman was currently pleading with the aid worker for more bread.
"How dare you make a scene like this before the King himself, shame upon you," one of the King's guards said
"No, her cries are warranted, please get this woman enough bread," Hassan Abdin said to the aid worker.
"We wish to King, however, we don't have enough food. The roads are being blockaded"
"Dont punish the women for the cruelty of the government"
"But, my king you are the government," the King's guard said
"No, we need to accept that we can not win this war"
For King Abdin III, he has been doing some deep thinking lately. Eventually, even he would run out of food and resources and either be killed or suffer the agony of starvation. However, if he surrendered he would almost certainly be arrested and the wealth and history of the Kingdom of Mallacaland would be lost. Artifacts had already been looted from the summer palace in Mallacaland City and sold to foreign art collectors. At the back of his mind, King Abdin III knew reaching an agreement was his only form of survival, he knew the country was weak and tired of brutal conflict. Could he force himself to be a negotiator?

Baseball unified a country in conflict in 2021. Ibrahim Kamza leading a team of amateurs and unproven talents to a medal finish. Baseball had become a hope for Mallacans everywhere, kids playing on empty fields hoping the sport would carry them away. Investment had also come as well, with Slokasian baseball clubs looking to the small nation as a source of cheap talent. The team going to the IDU Baseball Classic was made of many of these young talents, some had already made a lifetime of earnings with teams in Slokais, and some were playing in their first true test against foreign talent. Ibrahim Kamza was not only the leader of his team but also of the people of Mallacaland. Over 70% of people approved of him in a recent survey, yet still he couldn't govern his own country. President Shahid had already stalled governance for 8 months, with excuses and arrests slowing down progress. Kamza however had a barging chip, his team. If the Mallacaland team performed well, Shahid would lose his base of patriotic Mallacans and would be going against popular will. If the team did not perform well, Shahid could claim Kamza had abandoned his country and his people, and that he did not want to govern. Could he force himself to be a negotiator?