[AU]Shatter the silence...

Roleplay Library Archive: Pre-2009 TEP Evolved
1

Semi-OOC: Virtual history or counterfactual history is a strange thing. It is an interesting way of trying to figure out what would’ve happened if history had developed in a different manner. I have personally enjoyed reading “More What If?”, edited by Robert Cowley. It is an interesting read and I would suggest it to those interested in history.

Anyway, you may remember that Dannistaan went through a period of civil strife from 1982 to 1989. It ended with the loss of 2.34 million lives and many more injured. It also resulted in the decline in the power of East Dannistaan. It is considered a turning point in Dannistrian history. However, what would’ve happened if the war ended differently? If East Dannistaan’s last gamble paid off…?

31st December, 1986, Somewhere on the border between East and North Dannistaan
Nearing midnight, in the jungle on the east side of Mount Dannistaan

“Sir! Sir!” a soldier ran towards the East Dannistrian officer responsible for his unit.
“Yes?” asked the officer, amidst bullets richoting over his head.
“We found the entry hatch! Please hurry!”
“Entry hatch? Is it to what I think it is?”
“Yes sir. Please hurry! It is just over here!”

The officer followed the soldier into the undergrowth away from the frontline. They pushed there way through trees to a small hatch built into the ground. It was open.

“Hurry! The North Dannistrian army is starting to appear from everywhere! We only have one chance!” shouted another soldier.
“Try and hold them off for as long as possible! Hal’vo hav’nar!” the officer shouted back.
“Hal’vo hav’nar!” replied the other soldiers. Then the firefight intensified.

The officer ended up in a dusty control room. It was full of old 1970’s vintage computer equipment. But it still worked. The officer pressed a switch and all the lights and computer equipment came to life, illuminating the room. A large wall screen displayed the world map with several orbit paths criss-crossing it’s surface. The officer smiled.
“East Dannistaan will have it’s day!” he whispered.
He took out a small keycard from his pocket and inserted it into a slot in one of the computers. Two other officers appeared behind him.
“<HAL’VO DAA’NHTH SAFETY KEY NUMBER ONE, DISENGAGED>” a computer announced flately.
“Quick! The other two keys please!” said the first officer to his two colleagues.
The second officer produced a keycard and inserted it into another slot on the computer.
“<HAL’VO DAA’NHTH SAFETY KEY NUMBER TWO, DISENGAGED>”
The third officer did the same.
“<HAL’VO DAA’NHTH SAFETY KEY NUMBER THREE, DISENGAGED>”
“<ALL HAL’VO DAA’NHTH SAFETY KEYS DISENGAGED>”
“<LOCAL COMMAND CENTRE OVERRIDE NOW ENGAGED>”
“<WARNING, HAL’VO DAA’NHTH NOW ARMED AND READY>”
“<PLEASE INPUT TARGET>”

The officers looked at each other and smiled.
“Hal’vo be with us on this last leg of our journey!” said the first ED officer. He then leant forward and typed some arcane commands into the computer.

“<TARGET ACCEPTED>”
“<HAL’VO DAA’NHTH WILL FIRE IN 2 MINUTES>”

The map display showed one of the orbit tracks shifting towards Dannistaan…

The firefighting had intensified still further in the last few minutes the officers had spent in the underground bunker. The East Dannistrian Army was loosing badly and now were contemplating surrender.
“This is it…it was all in vain! The Northerner are now going to slaughter us!” shouted one of the East Dannistrian soldiers.
“Oh quit whining and keep fighting!” shouted another.
The gunfire continued to intensify. The East Dannistrian army’s overconfidence seemed to have been their undoing once again…

Then it happened…
A large flash brighter than the sun emerged from the sky.
In a few seconds, large parts of North, West and Central Dannistaan were simply evaporated, leaving nothing more but some powered remains of what once stood, if they were lucky.
The war had ended…

OOC: Felt I had to do this just for my curiousity. Feel free to join in/put criticisms etc.

2

Presidents Office, For’af City, East Dannistaan
New Years Day 2005, the Republic of Dannistaan

President Ma’veigh Aom’ani looked straight into the camera with his piercing gaze. It was his yearly New Years broadcast to the nation and he was determined to put his message across.

“Citizens,” he began, “today is the 19th anniversary of the end of the 1982 Civil War. We stand here today thanks to the sacrafices our people has made to unite this once divded land. I thank you for your patience as we try to rebuild our nation into one that is strong. It has taken many years to get to where we are.”

He pauses for a moment before continuing.

“However, there are people amongst us who still do not believe our way is correct. These people are nothing more than traitors and terrorists! This is a democracy. We are happy to allow people to question our opinions, that is allowed. What isn’t allowed is using violence against innocent people and then saying that somehow we are responsible for it! That is not acceptable and must be dealt with swiftly! We must fight for justice and liberty! And we must defend our values to the death!”

Everyone applauded at the presidents words as he continued. The rest of his speech followed the same theme. He was refering to the “Dannistrian Resistance Movement”, a group of insurgients who were unhappy at the corruption within the Government. Despite the presidents words, the Republic of Dannistaan wasn’t really democratic. Only two parties were allowed to exist and they were both “Far Right”. Often elections results were already decided in advance and the Neo-Conservative, Neo-Liberal policies of the Government has made life difficult for low income families.

The Republic of Dannistaan was established after the Confederacy of Dannistaan was dissolved on February 27th 1986. A Federal Republic structure of Government was put in place to replace the Central Confederal Government. An “elected” President was head of state and along with 12 appointed “Advisors” formed the Executive branch of the Republic. The Legislative branch consisted of the 400 member National Assembly, which eventually became little more than a rumber stamp legislature and the 200 seat National Senate, which had little more power than the National Assembly. The Judicial branch was little more than a group of judges in the National Justice Committee, which would frequently be overruled by the President.

This lead to the formation of the “Dannistrian Resistance Movement”. So far the conflict was limited to the northern and western ends of the island. However the Government used this as an excuse to restrict the freedoms of its citizens. This caused further resentment and disillusionment with the Government.

The international community was becoming increasingly concerned with the rather unstable views of the Government and lack of real Democracy. Already, the Republic of Dannistaan had performed nuclear tests in the international waters around the island. And in 1998 it launched multiple satellite weapons as part of it’s 5 fold defence budget increase. All the time, the resistance grew and grew…

3

The People’s Republic of Free Pacific States - Faramount
The Linkrem
“Happy New Year, Premier Kresnov.”

Boris looked up from his work, regarding the Cheif Ambassador. “Thank you, Matt. You too. Heading home for the night?”

“Indeed. Oh…by the way, our ambassador to Dannistaan wanted to know if he should send Vodka to their leader, or just flowers?”

“Go with the vodka. We want to keep our friends rather close.”

4

Somewhere in For’af City, East Dannistaan
2nd January, 2005

For’af, previously only the State Capital of East Dannistaan, had now become the National Capital ever since Dannistra Onn was destroyed in the 1982 Civil War. For’af now stood like a set of towering monoliths over the ruins of the surrounding land, scroched by the Hal’vo Daa’nhth weapon. It was mostly busy rush hour traffic screaming by the gleaming highway into the city and not much was going on…

That was, until a group of pick-up trucks screamed over the highway into the city. The men onboard opened fired at any sign of authority. The Police. A few Army soldiers. The Central Bank branch. Everything to do with the Governments authority was shot up. Then the vehicles made their way to the National Assembly building. There was no turning back now…

One of the men onboard the leading truck got out. It was a weather beaten face many recognised…P’aanil F’orrlason-Smith, the resistance leader…
“My brothers!” he shouted, “It is time we stood and fought back against the Government! Fight back against the torture, the pain, the misery we have been subjected to for so long! We must take a stand now! Or forever be swept aside as this decadent Government stiffles the few freedoms we have left! It will not be an easy path…it will not be a peaceful one…but one think is assured…it WILL be the right path! For Hal’vo! And freedom!! WHO’S WITH ME?!”

There was a loud cheer as many people stood forward, took the arms these strange men were giving out, and charged the gates of the National Assembly. The guards looked on in horror as they shot at the increasingly angry crowd, only to have them return the favour in kind. The gates finally gave way and the crowd rushed forward…

5

Holding orbit over and a little to the left of Dannistaan

“It’s as good as any.”

Aleksander Vilmar, de facto Admiral of the Kandarin Rogue Navy, looked at the smallish island nation on his monitors. He looked, to the side, at his too-small fleet. By pre-overthrow standards it would be impressive, but compared to the forces Azrael had pursuing them, it was miniscule. Ten squadrons, four of the wall, three of them pod-fielding, none of them intact. All that was left of the loyalists after most of the Government was murdered.

“We need a place to hide and resupply. It’s as good as any.”, he repeated to the smallish group of officers gathered around him. “We’re far enough from Malev that it should be a safe port. Maybe it won’t be like last time.” They all remembered last time.

“A few more dry holes, my Lord, and we’ll have no choice but…”

Vilmar was visibly annoyed. “No, Ajatasutra. I am not going back to work for that psychotic little doll, and that’s final! I don’t care if we have to ditch the fleet and hide out on the ground! I don’t care if we starve! My loyalty is to Lady Panteleimon.”

“Lady Panteleimon is dead, my Lord.” the assassin’s words were swift and cold.

“I know. I try to tell myself otherwise, sometimes. It just hasn’t sunk in yet. The overthrow was all so fast, and…” He shrugged. “We’ll move on. We’re not in bad enough shape to need to land, and we’re not in good enough shape to leave orbit and flee the system. Azrael’s far away, but she’s not far enough, and she’s sure to have another fleet in this region somewhere. If we get into an open battle, we’d have no choice but to abandon ship even if we win.” He patted Ahra on the shoulder. “The government here, it is very sneaky. You’ll love them. All we need is a place to hide and to buy supplies. We’ll do fine.”

6

East Malaysian Empire - Eastrovia - Empress Hall

“You want this government to support an island that we have no ties with and have no use for? Is this correct Mr. Ryan?” Said the Empress as she stood from her thrown and started to walk down the steps

“Yes Ma’am, it is correct” Said Mr. Ryan

“We are a government that is hired to assassinate for other governments and conquer…and you want me to help another nation that makes me sick with the way they are. You are lucky, Mr. Ryan, for it is your job to suggest things like this, and not get assassinated.” said the Empress almost to the bottom of the steps

Mr. Ryan just stood quietly until he was allowed to speak

“Ms. Ward, please escort Mr. Ryan…out” said Jung looking over at Jennifer Ward as she moved towards him

He looked at Ward and back at the Empress, “I will keep you informed,” he lowered his head and turned

“Thank you Mr. Ryan, and you do that.” said the Empress putting on a fake smile and walking back up the stairs. “MJ, when Ward gets back, please inform her that i want to…help the people there from there government… with the East Malaysian flag, naturally.” Jung said

“Yes Ma’am, I’ll catch her before she gets back, Maxia Zeta Intelligence Affiliates? Correct?”

Jung turned, “Yes, they are the best,” then she continued to her thrown

7

The People’s Republic of Free Pacific States - Faramount
The Limkrem
“Mr. Premier, we are talking about a rebellion of the people.” Matt said, taking a sip of his vodka. “The fact is that it is our duty to support them in their rightous crusade to overthrow the overbearing capitalist dictatorship that rules it.”

“Capitalist dictatorship? I thought they were a republic?” Boris asked as he looked down the shirt of the woman sitting on his lap.

“Only in name.” General Field Marshall Chris Herfeld stated as he played with his medals (as usual).

“Well, then, I see no reason not to support them.” Boris said. He began to open his mouth to dismiss the meeting, but was cut off.

“But, sir, we must consider the situation from the alternative perspective, as well.” Commisar of the Interior Charlie Zimmers spoke up, hastily writing notes as he did so. “We’re talking about a group of rebels attempting to overthrow a government. Do we really want to support civil disobediance? If not for the sake of supporting it, then for the sake of the support it would give those who disagree with our leadership style?”

“Um…I see.” Kresnov eyed each of the men, before finally turning to the one closest to him. “What do you think, Prime Minister?”

Henrik Kroidrik shrugged. “For the time being, I suggest we investigate the matter further, but take no action. The last thing we want to do is make a hasty action, only to find out we were wrong later.”

The premier nodded. “Wonderful. I agree completly…heck, I couldn’t agree more. Joan, you’ll look into that?”

In the corner of the room, Joan O’Conner, the Commisar of the People’s Security Commision (PSC) nodded. “Of course, Premier.”

“Very good. Well, then, I won’t keep any of you any longer.” He glanced at Kroidrik. “Unless there’s another matter of importance?”

Henrik shook his head. “No, Premier.”

“Wonderful.”

PRFPS - Zalebano
Portside Warehouse
“I don’t know, Chris. It is very risky. God knowns the PSC has been out in force lately…attempting to do this right under O’Conner’s nose would be a real risk.” Penn Star, head of operations for the FPS Democratic Party (a rebel group in the eyes of the government), jotted down several notes in his notebook (which he’d set on the small wood table in front of him), before looking up. “Don’t you agree?”

“I do.” Chris Noe, head of the same movement, nodded. “But we need to investigate further. Fact is, if these people share our ideology, and we help them get into power, they could help us in the future.” He smiled. “Besides which, if they share our ideology, we should be trying to help them simply as brothers in arms and beliefs.”

“Getting someone to Dannistaan won’t be easy.” Penn said. “We’ll need someone young, innocent looking, but still well trained.”

“I’ve got the perfect person.” Chris said. “Jill, why don’t you c’mon out?” Jill Ronin walked out, smiling at the two older men. “Penn, you know Jill Ronin.”

Penn nodded. “Indeed, I do.”

8

National Assembly Building, For’af City, East Dannistaan
12:30 EPT

The group stormed the building and rushed up the marble staircase, shooting and crying out “LOBO’NOS DANNISTRA!!” The security guards could do nothing and called for backup from the FCF (Federal Constabulary Force), the police in charge, in theory, of policing serious crime and the capital. In practice, it interfered whenever it can…

As the protesters forced the Members of the National Assembly out in fear, several police vans arrived. Heavily armed and armoured troopers emerged from the vehicles and started shooting at the protesters. The protesters in return shot back at the police, causing casualties on both sides. P’aanil F’orrlason-Smith was not fazed.
“Stand firm people! Fight for your freedom! We will not allow ourselves to be trampled on!! Fight! FIGHT!!”

There was a loud cheer as the people fought on despite the odds. More police arrived and the chaos got worse. Someone fired an RPG at the vans, causing a massive explosion…

9

For’af City - PRFPS Embassy to the Republic of Dannistan
Lobby
The ambassador looked across the panicked group of FPS citizens below, before turning to his head of security. “Luiftenant, should we not close the gates?”

“It is unnecesary at this time, comrade ambassador. Should we see any danger approaching, we will, of course, lockdown. But until then, we should give safety to as many of our people as possible, do you not agree?”

“I do.” The ambassador said, after a moment. “Let me know when you lockdown.”

“Yes, sir.”