Coupcoupstan

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1

0245,300km west of Coocoobad

Three An72 transports lumbered through the dark night. They flew as per normal, reporting to air traffic control, which wouldn’t think anything of a flight from Coocoostan’s exclave to its capital. The flight engineer chatted up a Naval Infantry Junior Lieutenant. “So why are you guys headed west so late?”
“We’re not too sure, all I know is that the CO of our regiment showed up and took charge from our Captain Lieutenant, so it’s something important.” It certainly sounded that way. Little did anyone on the three planes, except for Captain First Rank Mishkin know that two Su-33 fighters from the Air Defence Command were roughly 15km away making sure the transports got to where they were headed. The fighter pilots had been told that there had been a rebellion by Vityaz(presidential guard) and that they might send some Air Force fighters to shoot the transports down. When the three transports landed in Coocoobad, they had BTRs waiting for them, along with Mishkin’s briefing.

“Troops! This evening, an arrest warrant was issued for Andrei Pakhomov for tax evasion.” He waited for the expected chatter to dull. “This will be a very dangerous mission, Vityaz does not know we are coming, the Police Forces will not be involved…”

A Junior Lieutenant cut him off. “Why not?”

Mishkin had thought of all possible grounds to question the mission and knew his lies only had to hold up long enough to get Pakhomov out of the city.

“Because there are co-conspirators in the National and Regional Police. They will be arrested by other military units later.” He refocused on the briefing. “We will be moving in ten BTRs from the local inventory. We will arrive at the front door and my section will walk in to search the house. The other nine will surround the building, secure the entrance and detain any person they come across. Questions? Our no move before time is 0500.”

2

Orgolsk, 5 km west of Downtown Coocoobad

Vityaz Senior Sergeant Janikin stood guard in the gate house of Andrei Pakhomov’s new house. He heard the distinctive rumbling of armoured vehicles and picked up the phone. One of his comrades inside answered. “Yurik, I think we need to wake up everyone, I hear what sounds like a column and it’s getting louder.” Yurik answered, “should I wake up Pakhomov?” Yuri Kudrin was a Senior Sergeant as well, so the decision was made together. “Yes Yurik, wake him and the kids up. Are they all there?”
“No, Alex is at the University dorms and the missus is in Aubrey on business.”
“Right, I’ll call Alex’s handler and get him moving. I’ll notify the Aubrey Federal Police as well.”
“No, call the watch centre and get them to do it.”
By now the first BTR was on Pakhomov’s street about two blocks away. Inside the house, both Pakhomov and his daughter were being dressed and moved into the basement. Janikin locked the guardshack door and moved his chair away from the hatch it sat upon. He unlocked the padlock on it and turned the latch so he could pull it open.

Mishkin’s BTR was the first to pull up, the side doors opened and him and his section rushed the gate. “Somone get that guard!” Mishkin was ambivalent as to what that meant. When a Senior Seaman tried to get into the guardhouse, Janikin used a hand gesture other than waving and descended the ladder into the tunnel under the house.

Mishkin came to the front door and found it unlocked. Thinking nothing of it, he and his section entered the large foyer as the others began to surround the house, taking up position on their bellies. The foyer was wood panel, with several large and old pantings leading up two staircases. Doors led off on either side, plus straight ahead. Mishkin was just beginning to delegate orders when a piercing alarm and strobe lights began. Before he could even say anything, smoke began rushing out of openings all over the room and the three ground floor doors were covered by a lucite panel. Within 15 seconds, the smoke cloud was as tall as them. Mishkin was unable to give orders over the noise and the lights made it difficult to gain any sense of direction. Just as Mishkin found his warrant officer and yelled for him to take half the section upstairs, a loud bang and bright flash was heard. Then another. Just as Mishkin was trying to get back onto his feet, he felt a hand stroke his beard, then a rifle butt in the face. As he lost conciousness, he felt himself dragging up the stairs. His warrant officer heard someone taking Mishkin and yelled. “LET’S GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE!!” Before he could, he tripped over someone’s leg. Troops began coming out of the front door, much to the bewilderment of their colleagues. “What in the hell is going on in there?” One of the troops outside asked. At that moment, just as Pakhomov was being swept out by Vityaz through the basement, a Vityaz guard turned on the sprinklers. "Goddammit! The naval infanteers were somewhat distracted, which was the idea. A Master Sergeant drawled on. “Come on then! You’re in the Naval Infantry! You’re used to being wet!” At that exact moment, two of Vityaz’s red berets could be seen on the roof. “What the hell are they doing?” he asked. Suddenly, the lead man held up a fire hose and knocked the Master Sergeant to the ground with it. The hose then passed back and forth over the prone soldiers, who waited for the order to go back to their carriers. But it didn’t come.

Senior Sergeant Janikin spoke through a megaphone. “This is Vityaz! Explain your actions immediately!” The problem was, nobody could. Mishkin was already being interrogated in a secure room in the residence and his story was falling apart. The second problem, was that the 7th infantry had already been ordered to the capital to deal with the rebellion, which was supposedly in full effect.

3

Embassy of the Republic-Khanates of Dovakhan
Avenue of Heroes, Coocoobad

The sun had only just begun to peek over the edge of the horizon, but the ambassadorial staff were already buzzing away at work around 0730 local time. Rumblings of political instability had put the whole chancery on high alert. Informers had called the secure line speaking about significant troop movements towards the capital and suspicious activity near the Orgolsk residence.

«Have you ever noticed that coups are quite popular in the summertime?» chimed the fresh new officer sardonically.

«Nature controls man, not vice versa. Too bad, really, liberal democracies are falling across the region. I would know, I was stationed in Tasman before coming here.» grumbled his grizzly old colleague.

This recent turn of events would not be well-received in Tkanatdovakhiastaat. The rapprochement project with the liberal Pakhomov government had been the dearest darling of the Department of Diplomacy. Indeed, it was unlikely they would simply allow the fall of such a key ally.

Department of Diplomacy - Meeting Room 4A
Esplanade of Khanates, Tkanatdovakhiastaat

Several hours later, the day began for the Director of Diplomacy. He called an early-morning confidential meeting to discuss the developing Coocoostan situation, joined by the Department’s own Assistant Director for the Coocoostan Affairs Division and ÊspîöDöv’s Assistant Director of the Covert Operations Division.

«Pending new information, what are our options?» asked Êvrâs Âlîât.

«We can’t afford to lose the Blok government. They’re the only thing holding together this ethnic mosaic and, need I remind you, potentially powerful ally. To that effect, I briefed the Assistant Director of the Covert Operations Division and here he is to give you his opinion» stuttered the foreign service veteran.

«Our agency has concluded that there is significant division within the military and security forces, with some supporting the government and others opposing it. Of course, the Vityaz are loyal, as are elements of the federal police. We feel that we can militarize them using covert funds, if the Khagan-Chancellor will approve it. Meanwhile, we’re in contact with Blok party offices and the relevant military apparatus.» asserted the terse ÊspîöDöv bureaucrat.

Undisclosed Location
Metro Coocoobad

A slight young woman walked into a branch bank in a drab superblock in the capital. Showing her credentials as a temporary at the bank, she sat down at a secretary’s desk with a fax machine. Out of her purse appeared a strange box with phone jacks, which she would plug into the fax machine to encrypt the origin of the typed message she was sending.

— Begin quote from ____

TO: Simonov-Pakhomov Blok; Office of the President
FROM: Mr. Y

Dear Sir,

A loyal foreign ally is setting up an overseas bank account to wire money for the protection of the Coocoostani state and its present government.  Please reply by telex through the contact in Rillanon at +231-485 using the following encryption codes (…).

I will be your caseworker, you may call me Mr. Y.  We’ll be in touch

— End quote

Chez Françoise French Bistro
Auburn Street, Rillanon, Christie Island

The telex number described in the message belonged to Françoise Duteil, a plump Provençale with a ruddy smile and perpetually sullied apron. When she was alive, the discount bistro she ran in an industrial district of Rillanon served as a focal point for the French and Francophone communities of Christie Island.

Her lover, a Franco-Jewish Dovakhanese foreign service officer, hard-wired the illegal telex connection for their personal use. After her death, this same old gentleman donated the hidden line to the service of the Dovakhanese state, with the couple’s illegitimate son none the wiser when he took over the restaurant after both his parents finally died.

Little did Joseph Duteil know that his loyal old customer, Mr. Jean-Baptiste Renault (Jân-Bâtîstâ Rênöl), was actually a Dovakhanese operative that used his regular visits to check the telex hidden away in a secret cupboard of the restroom. This week, Mr. Renault would be checking more frequently, having been told that a critically important message was expected.

4

Coocoobad - Embassy of the Federated Alliance
Office of the Ambassador
“The communications department has sent out a mass email, a text message, and its working on calling everyone on the list.” The Deputy Ambassador didn’t bother to explain the reference; he was clearly referring to the list of Free Pacificans in Coocoostan. “They’re being told to stay put for the moment until we’ve a better grasp on the situation.”

The Ambassador nodded. “Has anyone shown up anyway?”

“Yes,” the Deputy Ambassador replied. “About a dozen Free Pacificans plus a couple Kelssekians along with a Dannistrian. We’ve contacted each respective embassy. Any news from Liberty City?”

“Nothing yet,” the Ambassador replied, “but the President is supposedly in a meeting now. Given the situation, though, I’d be prepared for a declaration of neutrality.”

“Even if that is the case, sir, I’d recommend remaining at Condition Two.” The senior marine officer at the embassy stated. “Its only prudent given the violence.”

The Ambassador nodded. “Agreed. Anything else?” He waited a moment. “Alright, then. You both have work to do as do I.”

5

Pakhomov Residence, Orgolsk

Now that everyone had been thoroughly soaked, communications had been established between the Naval Infantry Company and the Vityaz guarding the house. “This is Senior Sergeant Janikin of Vityaz, what is the meaning of this attack?” Janikin spoke into the telephone in a very concerned tone.

A Junior Lieutenant answered. “We have been ordered by our battalion CO, Captain 1st Rank Mishkin, to arrest the president for Tax Evasion.”

“Thank you.” Janikin turned to Mishkin, who was shackled to a chair.
“You hear that, Sir? That’s a pretty simple explanation. But you and I both know there is no warrant. Now then, who arranged for the flight to Coocoobad?”

Mishkin spat on Janikin’s boot. Janikin went into a rage. “I was in the Soviet Military too A$$hole! I know all sorts of ways to MAKE you tell me, or better yet, teach you some manners!” Janikin got a 10 litre jug of bottled water. “I’ll dump this all down your throat if you don’t tell me.” Mishkin just stared. “You’re dead anyway Captain, you must realize that your treason is going to get you shot. It’s a shame, when a dedicated military man turns into some commodity to be bought like yourself.”

“You red hats are the traitors.” Mishkin spoke up. “Pakhomov is going to let this whole country be overrun by the hive and you fools are going to keep him in power. He’s cracking, you have to have seen that.”

“You know what I remember seeing? Kaygorodov sign the constitution, which says that snotters like you don’t get to decide when the president gets removed from power.” Janikin was finished.

Coocoobad City Hall, New City

Coocoobad Regional Police Service Chief of Police Vyacheslav Arkatov walked into his office to fine two assistant deputies looking over a map. “Residents started calling in about an hour ago, saying there was an armoured column parked on Schastlivyskaya in Orgolsk. They heard explosions and saw soldiers dousing other soldiers with a fire hose.”

Arkatov paused. “Have the units on the ground reported back?”

“Yes, Orgolsk precinct reports that the armoured drivers were saying that they took Naval Infantry from the airport to the residence. Said they were authorised by the garrison commander.”

“Degtaryev?” Arkatov knew Degtaryev from several security related meetings regarding the small garrison dealing with the police. “Alright. We need to surround the garrison, especially the one gate. Just block the overpass they use and nobody can get out. Anything else?”

“Yes, there’s a large convoy moving up the A-10 towards the city. It’s the 7th infantry, they’ve also likely been given bogus orders regarding the coup. How do we stop them?”

“Well,” Arkatov asked, “how do we stop anyone?”

A-10, 30km west of downtown.

The T-90 leading the column spotted it first. “Looks like a police roadblock. There are some signs, but I’m too far away to read them.”
The vehicle commander looked through his binoculars. “Oh good lord, its a drink drive checkpoint. Can we get around?” he asked.

“No, if you turn around they always have another car to chase after you.” The driver knew this a little to intimately.
“This is true, we’ll just have to go through.” The gunner agreed.
“What’s going on?” Asked the loader.
“We’re getting stopped by the police.”

By then the tank pulled up to the checkpoint. About ten police officers, plus some Anti-Gang Unit operators were there as well. The driver opened his hatch.
“Good evening. Any alcohol this evening?”
“Um, no. I’m on duty…” The driver replied
“Really we don’t have time for this.” The vehicle commander interjected.
“Excuse me sir. I’m speaking to the driver of the vehicle right now.” the officer turned back to the driver. “Now, where you all headed?”
“I’m not sure, we’re going to put down a rebellion, but I’m not sure where it is, have you seen one?”
"I’ll be asking the questions here lad. Why are you being so difficult?
“No, It’s just that we have to follow…”
The officer cut him off. “Ok, that’s it, everyone out of the tank.”

About 40 vehicles back, the senior brass were getting mad. “What the hell is going on up there!”

“There’s a police roadblock, I think they’re arresting Tokarev and his crew.”

“We don’t have time for this s*it! Take the Silver Lakes exit and go around the roadblock.”

About 10 other vehicles were too far ahead to exit, but the rest continued on their way.

6

FûbâDöv Broadcasting Studios
Tschmuschaboumtopolis

«This is Dâvîd Örîm with the English Language Broadcast of FûbâDöv International. The Department of Diplomacy in Tkanatdovakhiastaat has just issued a press release declaring a state of political unrest in Coocoobad, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Coocoostan. In the release, officials openly suspect a military coup in progress against President Andrei Pakhomov.

The Director has called on international partners to condemn this usurpation of democratic institutions and to act with due speed to support and bolster the President and his legitimate government. ‹Coocoostani democrats at home and abroad have the full support of the Republic-Khanates› said Director Âlîât when queried about the release.

For its part, this station will provide news and information about troop movements and political developments as they are made available. As a representative of the Republic-Khanates’ mission to defend democracy across the world, we will do our best to aid and abet all friends of liberty. Those present in Coocoostan should stay tuned as we expand our broadcast to include a wider range of frequencies to better serve you.»

Because of the special occasion, the report was rebroadcast in Arabic, Coocoo, and Russian.

7


Embassy of Kelssek | Ambassade du Kelssek
347 D Street, South Coocoobad, Capital Oblast, 97-35-23

The government of Kelssek is extremely concerned with the situation in our closest neighbour and trading partner. Kelssek and Coocoostan share more than a border, we share common aspirations and goals. In this light, recent events are highly worrying and the government of Kelssek is monitoring the situation closely.

We call upon all parties in this conflict to exercise maximum restraint and we strongly condemn acts of violence. It is our hope that order, peace, and constitutional government will quickly be restored.

Kelssek is willing to work with those who have the interests and rights of the Coocoostan people at heart.

Mary Jomarc
Ambassador of Kelssek to the Democratic Republic of Coocoostan

“And since when did Dovakhan dictate our foreign policy?”

“Well, Mr. Coakson, it…”

“It’s just too easy to knee-jerk ‘oh no, democracy!’ in these kinds of situations, especially when you’ve never experienced anything but functional liberal democracies.” Peter Coakson said, waving his hand dismissively. “In my career I have worked and lived in nations with all kinds of systems. You must always assess them carefully before you try to impose your own assumptions on them.”

The aide looked quite stung at the rebuke from the Prime Minister.

Foreign Minister Sinéad Jones added, “I don’t agree completely with that, but you’re right in that Coocoostan is our closest neighbour and trading partner. Anything that affects them will affect us. We must be very careful and pragmatic in approaching this situation. We still have no idea how this will turn out and we cannot afford to alienate whomever ends up in control of the country.”

“The worst-case scenario is that no one ends up in control of the country.” mulled Coakson, reading through his intelligence briefing again. “A democratically elected government, excellent. A dysfunctional, corrupt state, the world’s full of them. A military junta, we can deal with with a nice long pole. But a lawless anarchy of eighty million on our western border…”

“Should we try to annex Aubrey, then?” joked Defence Minister Maurice Leblanc.

8

Cabinet Offices, Number 10 New Downing Street, Dannistra Onn, Central Dannistaan
12:30 EPT

P’aanil read the report regarding Coocoostani unrest carefully. He gritted his teeth as his eyes scanned the page. The rest of the cabinet sat quietly, looking nervously at him. Finally, P’aanil put the paper down.
“So, they think there is some unrest going on in Coocoostan?” he mused, “So, Tr’valis? Any more info?”
Tr’valis, the Foreign Secretary, cleared his throat.
“Nothing so far. I get the feeling though we need to be careful what we do. Bai Lung was pretty much the same thing. Communist-esque nation. Breakdown of established Government by coup. Mass confusion ensues.”
“Recommendations?”
“Remain neutral. Don’t support the coup. There isn’t any particular thing that says the attempted leaders of the coup are any better than the current administration…but keep some troops ready in case things hot up. But we should stay out of this…”

RDAF Hal’von, East Dannistaan
12:45 EPT

Several soldiers arrived at the AFB in East Dannistaan, ferried in mostly by bus, ready to move out at a moments notice. They were originally meant to deal with rioting in For’af, but some were instructed to be ready to be deployed elsewhere in case the situation in Coocoostan deteriorates…

9

Hangar, New Coocoobad International Airport

A Major hung up the phone. “Well, Tereshkova(Prime Minister) wants nothing to do with us. We should call Tyupkin.”

Fedoryshyn was unimpressed. “He’s the goddamn health secretary. The only way people will know him is from the tainted meat scandal.”

The Major hung up the phone. “Mr. Tyupkin was…irate, says we’re standing on our own graves.”

Fedoryshyn spoke. “What about Mishkin?”

“Arrested by Vityaz at the house. His company know what’s really going on, so it’s just the 7th that’s in the dark.” An aide was blunt.

“But the foreign media are making the situation out to be something more complex. If we take advantage of the scenario we can have everyone running around in the dark. Does Mishkin still think we are for intervening against Packilvania?”

Colonel-General Degtaryev spoke up. “Well, that’s what I told him, he’s a real steppes type, always about acting first. He probably still thinks that way. What about the 7th infantry, what should we have them doing?”

Fedoryshyn answered. “They should guard parliament,city hall and the Pakhomov house from the coup. Every government building they can cover. They should block the freeways and shut down the airport. All this will be under the guise of stopping the coup that Mishkin started.”

“So you’re going to let Mishkin take the fall for all of this? People are going to figure out that Mishkin, a mid-level Naval Infantry officer, can’t order planes on his own. They’re going to figure out I told them to fly his men here.” Degtaryev was worried.

“Just do as I say Degtaryev, it will all be well in the end. Now we need to find a civilian to head the government long enough to stop the troop movements against the hive.”

Residence of Lee Murphy, Coocoobad

A knock was heard at the door. It was still early, about quarter to six, but Lee Murphy, recently retired head of Coocoostan’s military had never cured himself of the soldier’s tendency, or obligation to get up early in the morning. He went to answer it in his bathrobe and slippers, to find Police Cheif Arkatov and Vityaz Major General Clouston standing on his doorstep. “We need your help with something Lee. Can we talk?” Arkatov asked.
“Sure, but come inside, I’ll catch my death out here,” Murphy answered.
“Now just what’s going on?”
"There’s a coup in progress…"Clouston spoke, but was cut off.
“And you need a figurehead? Well you can forget…!”
Arkatov intervened, “no, we’re trying to stop it. But we don’t know who’s leading it. We need you to call some people and figure out who gave some orders.” Arkatov explained the raid on Pakhomov’s house and the movement of 18,000 soldiers who were now settling into the capital.
“Well christ. I don’t know who could orchestrate a thing like this outside of the CMS’ office. But Fedoryshyn loves this country, why would he do such a thing?” Murphy was confused.
“There was a meeting at Pakhomov’s house a few days ago regarding what to do with Packilvania and he opted to move soldiers into that conflict. The Naval Infantry Captain we captured at the residence said the coup was in support of that aim, so we think whoever’s in charge fed him a story.” General Clouston spoke for the first time.
“Where is Pakhomov? Is he ok?” Murphy asked.
“Pakhomov’s whereabouts are a need to know item. He is safe and we’re moving him elsewhere.” Clouston’s phone rang, after a pause, he spoke. “Ok, now you need to know. I was going to fly him out of here, but the 7th infantry are already at the airports. I need a landing zone for a helicopter to get him to another airport.” Cloutson was unsure.
“Well, the plan when I was in was to take him to National Stadium, but it’s being knocked down. What about… Schultz Credit Union Tower? Konrad Schultz will help us.” Murphy wanted to call Coocoostan’s richest man and ask to use his rooftop helipad.
Clouston interjected. “My Helo is an NH90, it won’t fit on the roof.”
Arkatov knew what to do next. “The national police helicopter will fit, it’s a Pzl-2. I can get them moving. They’ll only be able to take maybe 4 or 5 more people and only as far as another airport. We need to figure out where they’re going after that.”
Murphy began working the phones, calling his former subordinates to ask them to arrange an aircraft for Pakhomov. Then he started calling within the 7th infantry, to see what they’d been told. Meanwhile, the residents of Coocoobad awoke to fine 18,000 soldiers, plus every regional and national police officer in the city telling them different things.

10

Liberty City - The Blue House
Press Briefing Room

“John, what can you tell us about the situation in Coocoostan? Does the President have a comment?”

“It appears that a group of military officers attempted this morning to launch a coup in Coocoostan. It remains unclear at this time who is leading this group and its difficult to determine the success of this action. The President is very concerned regarding the ongoing events and urges restraint to all involved parties. He wishes the best to the Coocoostani people. The Federated Alliance Embassy in Coocoobad is recommending all Free Pacificans in that country stay put for the time being; the Department of International Affairs has issued an official travel warning given the current instability.”

“John, you’re saying an unknown group has launched a coup using an unknown number of forces with unknown success?”

“Essentially, yes.”

“Is there anything you do know?”

“That I’m very happy I’m not in Coocoostan right now.”

Coocoobad - Embassy of the Federated Alliance
Office of the Ambassador
The embassy had gone to full alert the moment military forces deployed into the city. Every shade in the building was closed; every marine holed up in a defensive position in the compound; most of the staff hiding in the basement. Despite the recommendation that Free Pacificans stay put, over sixty had already showed up to the embassy, asking for shelter amidst in the unstable city.

It was this part of the job that Ambassador Karl Exten did not enjoy. He’d joined the Diplomatic Corps to make peace not to oversee a bunker in the midst of a potentially hostile state. The worst part wasn’t the instability, though, it was the lack of information. Sure, the staff of the mission had spent plenty of time building relationships, but no Coocoostani government official was answering the phone right now. It made sense: coups tend to make people busy.

Taking a breath, the Ambassador picked up the phone, and went back to calling friends in the government. It wasn’t likely that any could tell him more than when he’d called an hour earlier, but, it wouldn’t hurt to try.

11

Coocoobad Airport

Fedoryshyn and Degtaryev were at their wit’s end. “It’s beginning to look like there are NO civilian leaders willing to even associate with us. The more we call the more who know who is really running this coup.” Fedoryshyn was beginning to look dishevelled. Degtaryev spoke up. “How about a figurehead? We could just tell him…” he was cut off.
“Look. If everyone knows we’re telling this figurehead what to do, because he’s such a nobody, why not just tell everyone ourselves? If we wait too much longer, we’re going to get crushed by the police, or Vityaz or the units of the military that aren’t included. I am going to the Capitol now and will give a speech assuming the presidency temporarily. Once I’m running the show for a few weeks, then maybe a civilian alternative will emerge.”
“Or maybe not.” Degtaryev replied.

Schultz Credit Union Tower, Coocoobad

The Pzl-2 lifted off. Two National police aircrew, Janikin and another Vityaz member and Andrei Pakhomov were on board. The pilot spoke. “It’s a 10 minute flat out run to the border from here. Once we’re in Kelssek airspace, I’ll put out a pan pan saying we’ve got unusual vibrations and then they’re legally obligated to let us land.”

Pakhomov didn’t know what to do. He knew the coup had something to do with his stance on Packilvania, but why? The Packilvanians were out to get everyone in the whole region. The Packilvanians were out to get him. Everyone it seemed, was out to get him. First it was the Communists and Boldriev, then Simonov saying that the Blok was going too far right, then leaving the party and starting his own. The cabinet was rebelling more and more and now the military? He’d been a soldier. He knew afghansty within the Coocoostani ranks who he shared a strong kinship with. Could some of them be turning on him too?

Lee Murphy’s residence
With Clouston gone to make sure the President was alright, Murphy and Arkatov worked opposite ends of the same aim. “Well then who the hell told Ragudin? Horses*it. Well obviously it isn’t Ragudin who moved the division because he’s on a beach in the FPS somewhere.” Murphy said as he asked a former subordinate in the 7th Infantry about their orders. Arkatov talked to student activists. “I don’t care what you think of me young lady, this is bigger than my job or your thinly veiled desire to get into politics. You need to get your unshaved mass of friends, get together and rally for something worthwhile for a bloody change. I promise you, the CRPS will leave you alone if you keep them from getting violent. These soldiers are so nervous, they might kill someone though, so keep your people under control. Yes, that does mean the Anarchists shouldn’t get called, what the hell’s the point of bringing people who hate all forms of governments on a counter-revolution rally anyhow? Don’t worry, I can get you a ride.”

Coocoobad University

A crowd of about 500 students waited where Arkatov had told them. All of a sudden a green and white national police prison bus pulled up. “Oh god, I knew the pigs were setting us up.” some of the crowd were unimpressed. The police driver opened the door. “Now I know some of you have your own seats in here, but help out your friends who actually go to class to find someplace to sit.” It was a very uneasy alliance.

12

Capitol Building, Coocoobad

“…this is why, on a temporary basis, I must assume the presidency of our nation. Elections will be held within six months.” General Fedoryshyn had finished his speech. There were no reporters present, so no questions. Fedoryshyn had outlined his opposition to military action against Packilvania and said it was the justification for everything. Outside, members of the Parliamentary Congress and Cabinet were reacting. “No, I don’t think it’s justified.” said Genneday Tyupkin, Health Secretary. “These generals who are supposed to be accountable to the civilian leaders are instead writing their own rules. It is our duty as citizens to refuse to accept them as our leaders.”

Murphy Residence

Lee Murphy had finally made sense of it all “Ok,I got a hold of the Commanding general of the 7th Infantry. He said that once I call him and explain the counter-coup to him, that he’ll turn his troops loose on the putchists. Before I can do that though, we need to find a president. Have you reached Clouston?”

“I have.” said Police Cheif Arkatov. “They have made it to Dieppe intact, but it appears the President has suffered a nervous breakdown. They’re taking him to a hospital for a total evaluation.”

“Well, at least there it’s free.” Murphy quipped. “Who can we call to take the presidency until we can get an election in? What about Simonov?” Yuri Simonov was Pakhomov’s former political ally, the S in the old SPB.

Arkatov spoke. “I’m not sure what he’d say. I know he’s against the coup, just from knowing him.”

They called Simonov in his office in Kalibad. “Yurik. This is Lee Murphy. I’m here with Vyacheslav Arkatov and we’re trying to counter Fedoryshyn here. We need a civilian to take control of the Government until elections can be held.”

Simonov paused and answered. “I cannot do that. I don’t want to take the presidency like this. I will run in the elections, as planned and I will do my best, but I cannot just be installed. To go ahead with my agenda, I must have a mandate from the people.” Simonov abruptly hung up.

“Well, what about Tereshkova?” asked Arkatov, talking about the Prime Minister.

“Same problem.” replied Murphy, “she won’t be as legitimate as if she’d been elected and this could happen again. No politician would want this job, it’s a scarlet letter of sorts.”

“No active Politician.” Arkatov had an idea.

“You couldn’t possibly mean…”

“Yes, I’ll call him and tell him what’s needed. You know he’ll do it, so call your 7th General and tell him to let him into the Capitol when he arrives. I’ll have the Anti-Gang Unit escort him in, in case any putchists try to stop them.”

With that, the counter coup was in motion.

13

Capitol Building, Coocoobad

The three police vehicles pulled up. They were the normal black and white patrol cars, but with a distinctive white thunderbolt with a red and blue border on the trunk. The officers inside belonged to the Anti Gang Unit, or the AGU. The AGU didn’t do so much to counter gangs anymore, but were truly the elite of the now Regional Police Service. The hopes of those who formed the CRPS was that the street-level officers would take more pride in their jobs and be more like the AGU and so far, it was working to a small degree. The AGU men always wore tactical gear, with the ballistic vests, blue combats, always carried western submachine guns and in this case, wore their kevlar helmets, but no balaclavas. Arkatov said that if they wanted, they could show their faces, so in later years, they could point themselves out to relatives, to prove they had been there on this fateful day.

Maxim Kaygorodov, the 1st President of Coocoostan, was helped out of one of the cars. He was 71 now, and far from a young man, but he could make his own way and while he was now the proud owner of a plastic hip, he was as sharp as ever. The AGU officers formed a cordon around him and spotters watched from the lone nearby rooftop. As they approached the line of Infantry and APCs that surrounded the capitol,the soldiers too formed a cordon around the cordon, as they had been told to do. Kaygorodov tensed up as he walked inside.

Fedoryshyn was scrambling, so was Degtaryev. “Son of a bitch! The infantry have turned on us. We have to get out of here!” Degtaryev ran down the hall, headed for an escape tunnel, he was surprised when Fedoryshyn chose not to go with him. He simply removed a pistol from a drawer.

Outside

“My god, there he goes! Take a shot!” A national police sniper responded to his spotter and shot for the top of the pistol grip. The bullet shattered the window of the office Fedoryshyn was in and knocked the pistol about 12 inches forward, as the trigger was pulled, meaning Fedoryshyn was stunned by the blast and his face was burnt.

Down in the tunnels, National Police Anti-Terror members poured in after Degtaryev.

In the building Kaygorodov readied himself to speak.

14

Peter Coakson sat at his desk, making last-minute amendments to his Labour Day address. Despite the tradition of the first of May as a day of protest, the close association between leftist ideology and the nation of Kelssek itself meant that the government was expected to make an effort to acknowledge the occasion, even if the people on the streets might rather throw rotten fruit and vegetables at the government in question.

Coakson was not particularly disliked by the organised labour and red-flag-waving crowd, though, and he did have the United Communist Party in his governing coalition.

He looked up at a knock on the door. “Come in,” he said.

One of his senior aides entered. “Mr. Coakson, we’ve had a development in the Coocoostan situation. It directly affects us.”

“What is it?”

“Well, it’s in Dieppe, you see, and the hospital says they didn’t realise at first because it just seemed so improbable, they get a lot of patients and they assumed it was just someone with the same name, but we’ve been able to confirm that it really is President Pakhomov, of Coocoostan, who was admitted to the Hôpital de Bleury on Wednesday.”

Coakson nodded. Without any instructions otherwise, there would not have been any reason for the average person with a valid Coocoostan passport to have been stopped by the immigration officers. “What’s his condition?” he asked.

“The hospital would only tell us that he’s stable. Medical confidentiality. However, an agent managed to get a junior doctor to tell us that he was dehydrated and suffered from physical exhaustion… You can imagine hiding in a car fearing for your life all the way from Coocoobad to the border…”

“Well… That certainly is interesting. What do we do with him? We certainly can’t just send him back. Let me think this one over. In the meantime, make sure we keep tabs on him.”

“Yes, sir.” the aide said, and turned to leave. Coakson went back to his speech.

15

Coocoostan Capitol Building

General Fedoryshyn had been led away in handcuffs. Besides trying to take his own life he had been every bit the soldier, or in his case, pilot, while in custody. He knew everyone in contact with him was following orders and understood the value of duty.

Maxim Kaygorodov moved without missing a beat. “Who sent cables while the coup was underway?”

An aide(of Pakhomov’s went through the list). “Dovakhan, FPS, Dannistaan and Kelssek.”

“Ok, cable all of them back that we are in control temporarily, are planning elections for…June 1st and will need civilian monitors. I want these elections to be the most transparent and open ever. That’s part of the reason this happened at all.” Kaygorodov looked out the window. “Someone please get these soldiers the hell out of here? Get the whole lot of them back to their garrison. If they want to bother citizens, it can be the citizens in Marcy L’Etoile. What of the putchists? Are they all captured?”

Arkatov spoke up. “Not all of them. Degtaryev escaped. They found his uniform stuffed in a drain in the sewers. They’re unsure where he is.”

Clouston spoke up. “Degtaryev…is calculating. He won’t stay quiet for long.”

4 Hours Later
Yost Power Station, Ondakastan, Coocoostan

The two Interior Secretariat soldiers guarded the lone entrance from the highway access road to the station. The lumbering #2 reactor in its sarcophagus sat ominously, while #1 reactor hummed away.

A would-be martyr of the Coocoo Liberation Front sat waiting in the thin vegetation outside the guard house. As the clock struck 0200, he got up and stalked as close as he could to the window, before running around to the door, hitting a detonator repeatedly as he ran in. His counterparts saw a bright flash and heard nothing else.

“The guardhouse is clear, move in.” Degtaryev’s voice was clear on the radio. The CLF fighters couldn’t beleive him. He was a Colonel-General in the army for god’s sake, yet here he was, offering independence to them if they were to help him take the power station. The gunmen moved into the control room. "Get out of here! Degtaryev shouted at them. The two men in the orange coveralls who were running the plant got up and moved towards the door slowly. “I meant now!” The two men ran. Degtaryev picked up his phone and made a page. “Attention. All plant personnel still inside the plant in 15 minutes will be taken hostage. Leave while you are still allowed.” There were only about 17 employees in the plant overnight, but they left in a hurry. Even the nearly 300 pound lunchlady managed to move with a purpose.

Within 5 minutes, the employees were long gone, headed for the highway. Mukhtar, one of the CLF, spoke to Degtaryev. “We could’ve used those hostages.”
Degtaryev spoke. “Hostages? You want 17 hostages? They ARE hostages. This whole Oblast is our hostage. We have 80 million hostages here, plus nearly a billion others all over this region. They will give us what we want.”
“Or else what?” One of the fighters not in on the plan was unsure.
“I’ll put the reactor into a full-fledged meltdown.”
“You know how to do that?”
“You know what happened to Reactor #2?”
“Well, yes. There was an accident.”
“And the city had to be evacuated for 2 months. Imagine what would happen if someone had done that on purpose? Now, time to tell Kaygorodov the good news. Then we’ll tell Coakson and see what he thinks about his western territories glowing in the dark.”

16

Cabinet Offices, Number 10 New Downing Street, Dannistra Onn, Central Dannistaan
16:00 EPT

P’aanil mused over the new wire from Coocoostan.
“Civilian monitors huh?..Tr’valis…do we have any people to send out there?”
“We have teams ready,” the Foreign Secretary replied, “However, my main concerns are whether or not Coocoostan is stable internally, is this coup the right thing and where Pakhamov is.”
“Agreed,” P’aanil murmured, “But is there much we can do about it?”
U’nid, the defence secretary spoke up.
“I think we need to get some forces in the area and get ready to deploy at 24 hours notice to be frank, Mr. Prime Minister. We had this situation before in Bai Lung and look what happened. Plus Coocoostan is helping administer the Bai Lungese Mainland territories. If and when this coup goes wrong, we are going to be left with a big mess to pick up. I’m not keen on sending more soldiers out but we need to be prepared for the worst.”

P’aanil at first said nothing, stroking his beard several times before speaking again.
“OK then. U’nid. Get one of our carriers ready to go. Have them head out towards the general area but don’t enter anyone else territorial waters yet. Tr’valis, see if you can find a route where we can get permission from other nations to enter and head towards Coocoostan just in case. It’s going to be difficult as it’s effectively landlocked. Inform me of any other developments. I’m going to meet with the Governor-General to discuss the situation with her. Meeting adjourned.”

HMDS Prince Edward, Nimitz type carrier, currently docked at HMDS Hal’vii naval base
18:00 EPT

The Prince Edward was something of an oddity. It was the second of the original Nimitz class carriers the Americans sold to Dannistaan a while ago. After the embargo and economic problems caused by the 1982 civil war, it, along with her sister, HMDS Hal’vo, lay rusting for years in a dockyard. It was only until about 3 years ago the two ships were rebuilt into brand new condition and they could be used again, along with being joined by a new build sister, the HMDS Dannistaan.

This wasn’t the strangest thing about the ship though. One of strangest thing was that this particular ship had a particularly eccentric crew, most notably demonstrated by Captain Ni’wehl, a relative youngster of only 27 yet already showing wisdom and cunning well beyond her age. She was the considered to be too young initially to command such a large vessel but proved her worth during the Bai Lungese campaign. The other two carriers had more conventional crews. The Hal’vo was manned by the elite of the navy, the still new Dannistaan inhabited by newbies. The Prince Edward seemed to be where all the sailors cable of lateral thinking (Read: troublemakers) ended up in.

Nonetheless, it had a good combat record and the willingness of the captain to try new weaponry and tactics meant the Prince Edward is often used as a naval test bed and had several non-standard modifications made to her since her relaunch, which also made her stand out from the carriers. This included various anti-ship missile launchers and cruise missile launchers not part of the original specification and not to be found on her other two sisters, giving the Prince Edward the ability to directly attack targets, something that isn’t normally done given the aircraft carriers usual role.

After some frantic activity characteristic of the crew, the ship cast away the moorings and slowly left the cold, icy wasteland of her current berth and started heading northwards on it’s latest mission…

17

Office of the Khagan-Chancellor - Executive Tower
Heart of Khanates Complex, Tkanatdovakhiastaat

The Khagan-Chancellor was sifting through Labour Day greetings and petitions well as the other papers that had piled up over the long weekend when the Director of Diplomacy came to brief him.

«We still don’t really understand the motivation for the coup?» inquired Ânâtöl Êfösêbâd.

«No, Khagan-Chancellor, but we’re using all possible means to gain access to the minutes of the last cabinet meeting before the coup began.» responded Director Êvrâs Âlîât

«So, what if we discover, for example, that President Pakhomov ordered the invasion of Packilvania. We know that they’ve felt the brunt of the recent expansion…» pontificated the Khagan-Chancellor.

«I assume you’re playing the devil’s advocate, Khagan-Chancellor, because you know as well as I that the Republic-Khanates cannot stand for the illegal usurpation of power. Indeed, it is a matter of national principle. If it turns out that the President ordered something out of order in our minds, then we will duly condemn it. However, we cannot support the foment of tyranny and keep our moral high ground» quickly retorted the Director.

«I suppose you’re right. I must admit, Director, I was never comfortable with my predecessor’s [Jân Drâpö’s] ideological foreign policy. Then again, what is a nation that doesn’t defend its values? We’ll stick with the party line, for now.» murmured Êfösêbâd.

Office of the Director of Diplomacy Êvrâs Âlîât
Esplanade of Khanates, Tkanatdovakhiastaat

— Begin quote from ____

To Whom It May Concern,

The Republic-Khanates has been dismayed by the events unfolding in the Democratic Republic of Coocoostan.  The usurpation of democratic institutions is never in order.  To that effect, while the Republic-Khanates applauds the end of this coup d’état, it cannot support anything but the restoration of President Andrei Pakhomov as the rightful, democratically-elected leader of the Coocoostani state.

Therefore, the Republic-Khanates regrets that it will not participate in interim elections, as they have been deemed wrongful and unnecessary in view of present circumstances.  In any case, the Republic-Khanates reiterates its support for the Coocoostani people and the spirit of democratic kinship that exist between the two nations.

Cordially,

Êvrâs Mârtînâ Âlîât
Director of Diplomacy
Republic-Khanates of Dovakhan

— End quote

18

Coocoostan Capitol Building.

“Blast. It appears the Khanates won’t recognize the interim government.” Maxim Kaygorodov was upset. “They’re mixing us up with the Putchists I guess? I don’t really know. All they want is Pakhomov reinstalled. How is Andrei Segeyvich doing?”

Prime Minister Nadia Tereshkova spoke up. “I talked to him this morning. He sounds much better. The best I’ve heard him sound in months. Now that he’s had his breakdown and hospital stay, he sounds ready for the election that’s to come.”

“This is good.” said Kaygorodov. I will write a letter to the Khagan-Chancellor explaining our position.

— Begin quote from ____

Dearest Khagan-Chancellor

I feel that our positions are more similar than you may realize. I too wish to see nothing more than the democratic will of the Coocoostani people put into action. However, it has become clear that President Pakhomov has lost his mandate to govern, based on his inability to deal with this crisis. President Pakhomov will run in the elections and I have it on good authority that he is more than ready to fufill his duties.

Should the President wish to retake his office prior to these elections, he may do so, but I fear it will be at his own peril.

Sincerely,
Maxim Kaygorodov, Interim Administrator

— End quote

Hopital de Bleury, Dieppe

“I’m telling you, that weedy looking kid in the suit is a badge for sure.” Senior Sergeant Janikin leaned against the door of Pakhomov’s hospital room, looking at a man of about 21, dressed in a suit, reading a newspaper and periodically looking at him. “Yeah, because nobody would just stare at two foreign head of state’s guards wearing flora b and pistols in a hospital in the most gun-shy country ever.” Junior Sergeant Nelson was not so sure.
"I’m telling, you, the NMP will take anyone now. Look at what happened to that Bai Lungese guy at the airport. Janikin wouldn’t stop talking and felt vindicated when the man in question scoffed, put down the paper and left.

At that moment, Pakhomov walked out of his room, dressed in a suit his wife had one of the finest haberdashers in Outineau sent for him. “It’s from a place on Maisonneuve and Peel. It’s without a doubt my favourite city in this country, I may as well have something to take back for my trouble.”
“Dieppe’s not a bad place either. The university here is supposed to be amazing.” Nelson passed his comment on the situation.
“It’s true Derek, half the Parliamentary Congress’ kids go there. Mostly the ones who don’t speak English.”
Pakhomov made an observation. “Look at this hospital.” They did. The building wasn’t the newest, but it was new enough, it was kept very clean. “The staff are second to none I imagine. They’ve certainly helped me a great deal.” Pakhomov paused, ready to pass one of his presidential ideas. “I see no reason whatsoever that every hospital in our nation can’t be like this one. I know some of the newer ones are good buildings, but the staff are…the same as the old hospital. Still, Tyupkin only knows so much about hospitals, he’s a product of the Soviet Health system.”
“You should talk to Patrick Clarington.” Nelson spoke up. “He runs the hospitals in Aubrey and they’re amazing. My little sister was in there a lot when she had cancer and they were always there for her. She would have…likely not made it in another part of the country.”
“I will have to do that. Do you know the last time I was in a hospital overnight?” Pakhomov asked. The two men paused before Janikin took a guess.
“In Afghanistan?”
“Pretty much. In Tadjikistan. I got sepsis in my wound and body lice. People went into that hospital healthier than when they came out. We were only kept there as long as it took to get a bed in Russia, or Ukraine, somewhere white. The Central Asians however, stayed.” Pakhomov stopped and his two guards knew what that likely meant. “Still.” Pakhomov said. “Let’s head to the airport and get the Police helicopter back to the city. Are the soldiers gone?”
Janikin spoke. “According to General Cloutson, the 7th started pulling into Marcy L’Etoile three hours ago. The coast is clear. He says Kaygorodov is letting you chose whether you will retake control, or wait until you win the election.”
“That’s a tough choice. I will reserve judgement.”

Yost Power Station

Six hours had come and gone with no response from Kaygorodov, or anyone else. Degtaryev was desperate and sent an e-mail to the inbox of Prime Minister Peter Coakson.

— Begin quote from ____

To: “Peter Coakson”
Subj:Nuclear-related threat from Coocoo Insurgents/Military Coup

Prime Minister Coakson,

I am one of the leaders of the movement to rid Coocoostan of the administration of Andrei Pakhomov. We have seized a nuclear reactor, along with members of the Coocoo Liberation Front. We intend to release nuclear material into the surrounding area in 72 hours if our demands are not met:
-Resignation of Andrei Pakhomov
-Removal of Maxim Kaygorodov as administrator
-Independence of Coocoo Autonomous Oblast.

This is a matter of your concern, as the prevailing winds are currently to the east. It is our estimate that fallout could reach as far as Mazinaw, with elevation radiation levels clear to the ocean. For the sake of your countrymen Mr. Coakson, do your best to ensure compliance.

Colonel-General G.I. Degtaryev

— End quote

19

Cabinet Offices, Number 10 New Downing Street, Dannistra Onn, Central Dannistaan

No sooner had the last meeting of the Cabinet been adjourned that a new one was called when the latest developments came in. P’aanil browsed over the latest set of wires, news bulletins and rumours. He winced at one particular set of unconfirmed bulletins doing the rounds in Dannistrian media.

“So, some of the coup members have managed to gain control of a nuclear power station?” he mused, “And they essentially plan to blow it up unless Pakhomov resigns?”
“It seems so,” remarked Tr’valis, “This is not looking good. We already have enough problems in this region with that recent war in the Listonia area, the Pax invading other lands and now this. Potential for nuclear meltdown.”
“Lovely,” P’aanil remarked sarcastically, “Any ideas ladies and gentlemen?”
“I can only see this going one way,” U’nid remarked, “I think we should get more troops ready just in case.”
“Agreed, but bear in mind we have the For’af and Bai Lungese affairs already on the Armies plate.”
“I can call up some reserves to be ready in 72 hours. I can also get the Invincible class VTOL carrier, the HMDS Ark Dannistra, to join the HMDS Prince Edward.”
“…OK…do so but I don’t want any deployments yet until they ask for them. And ensure the two battlefleets only stay in internation waters at present…Tr’valis, do we have a response to the coup leaders yet about this and do we have permission to use Kelssek airspace?”
“Not yet on both. I think Kelssek may not be amenable to that yet. I’ll wire off something to Coakson to see. As for the coup leaders, I’ve got a statement ready, just need to wire it,” Tr’valis answered as he waved a piece of paper. P’aanil examined it and nodded.
“Get it sent ASAP. I will go and discuss the situation with the Governor-General again. Meeting adjourned.”

Telegram sent to coup leaders in Coocoostan

— Begin quote from ____

To whom it may concern,

We are highly concerned at the sudden usurping of power from President Pakhomov. The nature of this particular incident is cause for concern for all Dannistrian citizens and certainly the region. Although we may not have seen eye to eye with all of his decisions and policies, we do not feel it is right to deny the people their choice of leader. If Pakhomov has been duly elected in a previous election, he should be either allowed to serve out that term, or otherwise removed through legal means, not a sudden coup d’etat. With this in mind, we ask you, the instigators of this incident, to find some form of peaceful reconciliation so as not to trigger further conflict in this already war blighted region.

Also, it has come to our attention that someone, either a breakaway faction of your group or otherwise, has seized control of a nuclear reactor somewhere in Coocoostan and threatens to release nuclear material from it. We do not know if this has anything to do with your plans, but we warn you now, if it does the environmental impacts would be far reaching beyond the borders of Coocoostan and Kelssek. Therefore we plead with you not to go ahead with this plan of action, otherwise we may consider bringing in contingency measures in order to contain the spread of radiation. Again though, we ask for all sides to put down arms and settle this peacefully. If not for ourselves, then for future generations.

Hal’vo hav’nar
-Tr’valis No’oonsoko
Foreign Secretary of the Royal Confederacy of Dannistaan

— End quote

20

Coocoostan Capitol Building

“Now the Danistrians are confusing us with the rebels.” Retired General Lee Murhpy spoke to Maxim Kaygorodov.

“We should cable them then as well, clear the air.” Kaygorodov was still handling the situation he’d been thrown into quite well.

— Begin quote from ____

Foreign Secretary,

Please make the distinction between our group and the group of military officers who attempted to usurp the lawful government. The position of our counter-coup is to provide leadership in the absence of the President, as well as to prevent the coup from succeeding. As I have stated previously, President Pakhomov is more than welcome to retake his office prior to elections being held, but I fear a new mandate from our people would be best for all involved.

The seizure of Yost Power Station is obviously not connected with our group in any way and I am dismayed you would make this connection. We are attempting to resolve that situation as peacfully as possible.

Sincerely,
Maxim Kayogorodov, Interim Administrator

— End quote

Jacques Carierre International Airport, Dieppe

Pakhomov’s rented car pulled up and he and his two Vityaz guards got out to find the two aircrew talking to two pilots of an NMP helicopter, which was parked next to theirs. “Time to go you two.” Pakhomov felt like he was talking to his children, trying to get them to leave the playground. The pilots exchanged cards and scurried off to their machines. “Nice people.” the Pilot said as he buckled in. They were talking like we could learn a great deal from them." As the Pzl2 took off, the NMP helicopter flew beside them, disappearing with a wave about 5 km short of the border. The plan was to land in a park near the capitol, so Pakhomov could go back.

Coocoostan Capitol Building

Maxim Kaygorodov waited on the front steps, knowing that Pakhomov was about to arrive. As Pakhomov exited his vehicle, Kaygorodov knew what he would want. “Maxim Andreyvich. I want my job back.” he said bluntly.
“Are you sure that’s wise? There are people waiting for the next big issue to do this again. An election would silence them for now.”
“I understand that, but I am ready.” Pakhomov was firm.
“Alright, but before I have to put my things into a cardboard box, I have an idea about how to solve this situation at the Power Station. Without violence.”