The Flags Fly Black Today

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1

Facist Rebel forces quickly conquered most of the Southern islands off the coast of Setzna using the recent civil unrest and talks of people wanting to separate from the mainland to sway the citizens of the islands over to their side and take up arms. They called themselves the “United Imperial Rebel Front” and were determined to install a fascist government in Setzna by force after the fall of the Imperialist Party which failed horribly to restore the fascist government lead by the Kaiser. Across the islands, people stormed government buildings and tore down flags to replace them with the black flags of the Ancradian Royal Family which formerly ruled over Setzna. Taken by surprise, Concord NAB, and the SINCC fell into the hands of the rebel forces. With two of Setzna’s biggest naval bases under control of the enemy, the Setznan Navy was pushed back into a tight spot. The citizens of the mainland demanded the government to take action and mobilize against the rebels, who were closing in on the beaches of the coastal town of Normanza.

President William Verlhan rubbed his forehead and sighed.

“No jokes here, right Vel?” He looked up at his Secretary of Defense, Velhaus Kranz.

“Unfortunately Will, yes.” Kranz replied as he took his seat.

“Will, we need to push back, at this rate our Navy won’t even be able to stop the fascists unless we take real action, throwing a few ships here and there won’t solve the problem.” He leaned in to face the President, “We’re already at war, and we can’t stop it. I know you want to try and solve this peacefully but these guys are the remnants of the very aristocrats that our ancestors overthrew to create this nation.”

“We can’t stop them unless we mobilize, now. They’re hellbent on restoring this nation back to it’s original state.” Kranz leaned back into his chair, crossing his arms.

William looked down at the sheet on his desk, if which he signed would allow Defense Forces Command Headquarters to mobilize the military. He sighed and picked up a pen from the holder on his desk. He looked up at Velhaus for confirmation and got a nod in reply. In a swift stroke of his pen, President Verlhan wrote his signature and stamped the sheet with the presidential seal, officially throwing the civil war into full swing.

[edit_reason]Forgot to replace reds with Fascists, woops.[/edit_reason]

2

[spoiler]Please let me know if this is unwelcome, but I have a fascist-leaning party in Aelitia and this would be good news to them. I will remove it if you don’t want others in the thread![/spoiler]

“The Honourable Leader of the Opposition,” the Speaker of the Chamber of Trustees announced, signalling David of his turn for members’ statements.

“Thank you, Mr.Speaker. I rise today in support of the ongoing revolution in Setzna, where The United Imperial Front defends the homes and islands of their compatriots against the forces of evil forces of populism. They stand to restore their nation to the natural form of government, something which my party wholeheartedly endorses.” David Franz, leader of the fascist One Aelitia party and the Official Opposition, proclaimed.

“Their actions must be supported, and that is why I shall be tabling as business a motion to authorize the use of force in the liberation of these peoples, should they accept.” David sat to a chorus of jeers from the government backbenchers, as well as many other leftist Trustees.

The speaker called upon the Prime Minister to address this motion- “The Right Honourable Prime Minister.”

“Thank you Mr. Speaker. The government has no current intention to become an active aggressor in yet another civil war. With troops still stationed at the Radaslavic border, the government will not at this time dedicate more forces outside of Aelitian territories.”

[hr]
During lunch, David Franz requested a meeting with the Prime Minister over which he persuaded him to allow a free vote on his motion, in exchange for the Opposition’s support for the creation of the National Network of Organ Registries. As David left, he called his assistant to inform him of the news and to get on the whipping of votes for this motion.

3

— Begin quote from ____

It’s fine, this thread is open. I want to see where it leads to.

— End quote

“We need to activate some of our reserve units and special ops, is what I think” said Velhaus Kranz.

“These people aren’t just your regular terrorists and rebels, a lot of them have military training and are training others as well at this very moment” As he sat back down, some of the members of the socialist party would jeer at him quite rudely.

“We don’t enough money for you to play soldier, Velhaus! I think we should ignore these rebels and focus more on our infrastructure! Let foreign forces handle it, or we could give them the islands and leave them be!” shouted the Socialist Party chairman, who was against the Republic mobilizing it’s forces in the first place. Secretary of Defense Velhaus Kranz stood up and looked at the chairman.

“Do you think we have anyone from the outside who could help us? If so, please state your answer!” he shouted angrily. The Speaker of the House called for both of them to sit down or be escorted out of the Senate Chamber. Both Secretary of State and Chairman sat down, giving each other glares. The socialist party was never on good terms with the rest of the Senate and was on worse terms with the military.

“Now, we do have a few people we can consult with, Aelitia is one” said the Speaker of the House, answering Velhaus’s question.

“But they’re just a bunch of fascists!” said Kranz, crossing his arms. Many of the senators sitting around him nodded, and discussed with each other.

“Mr. Kranz, please, fight fire with fire and maybe it will just work” replied the Speaker of the House. Kranz crossed his arms again, with a look of disbelief on his face.
[hr]
President William Verlhan watched the Setznan News Network on his T.V. in the living room of the Presidential home. Sitting on his lap was one of his daughters who played with a toy. Velhaus came into the room, greeted William and then sat down in the armchair to the right of the President.

“How was persuading congress?” William asked the man, one of his most trusted secretaries and long time best friend.

“Not good in any way, I swear those socialists are too annoying and hear this! Congress wants to get Aelitia or another nation to send in foreign troops to help with our civil war” he replied, putting his feet up on the coffee table in front of them.

“Oh Will, Vel came over and you never said anything? Would you like to have something to drink you two?” said First Lady and Brigadier General Marlene Verlhan.

“I’m surprised you can act like a housewife even though your a high ranking officer, but yes we would like some water” said Velhaus and William in unison.

The two discussed the current situation of the war, which seemed to be in favor of the Imperialist side rather than the Republic’s. The news then switched over to live coverage of the war in “The Line” which was the supposed drawn line between the two belligerents where fighting seemed to be in an eternal stalemate. “The Line” was the last line of defense for the Republic defending the beaches which were miles away. Meanwhile, in anticipation of attack, the SSDF (Setznan Armed Forces/Setznan Self Defense Force) deployed troops and set up defenses on the beaches near Normanza where the rebels would most likely attack. The citizens residing in Normanza went over evacuation of the city with the SSDF if an invasion were ever to occur.

4

4:40 PM : Executive Administration Building, Aura

Nimona Poole leaned back in her chair, watching over her nation from the 256th floor of the building. The sun had long since passed by the building, and the shadowed downtown thronged with light in the peaceful Wednesday mid-afternoon hours. Just then, her Chief of Staff came in with a report pulled up and floating in front of her.

“Hey prez, something new in the West.”

“Toss it.”
Ms. Marianne Conway obliged, tossing the holographic report in a gravity-mocking trajectory towards the president.
She flashed her eyes over the document for a few seconds. “Uh-huh… And this is all recent?”

“Yea. Most of that was from the briefing I just got out of.”

“Civil war…” She muttered as she read. “Democratically elected… opposed to fascist aristocrats… Seems like an internal matter for them, Mary.”

“Keep scrolling.”

“Oh.” Her face turned dark. “But what to you propose we do? All I think we can do is drop some aid, and render some naval protection to refugees…”

“A revolution for freedom is about to get reversed by dictatorial lords.” Mary insisted. “It’s the moral thing…”

Nimona cut in. “Take it to the Assembly. But don’t get us into promises we’re not equipped to keep. You know that even a month of full-on fighting could put Defense in the red for years, not to mention leave us open to attack. This is Aelitia we’re talking about.”

“But they haven’t even…” Nimona broke out her trademark presidential disapproving look. “Yes, Madam President.” She sulked. She always got formal when they argued. It’d be fine, though, Marianne and her were good friends. They both just wanted what they thought was best for all involved.

5

New Dolitz Reichstag, 7:25 PM

In the throne room of the Reichstag, Luchwitz Ancrad sat and listened to his Chancellor as he told him the current situation of the war, taking into consideration the usual advice the Chancellor gave him occasionally.

“We should enlist the help of Aelitia, your Serene Highness! For they are another nation with the same ideals as ours, the Aelitian people would be a great help to our movement against the heretics in the mainland!” boomed Klaus Reinz, the former Vice Chancellor of the Imperial Ancradian Empire and now Chancellor to the current Crown Prince, Luchwitz Ancrad.

“It sounds tempting, Klaus, but how will I be sure that they won’t turn their backs to us and run off, or help the Republic?” replied Luchwitz.

“I am quite young and unexperienced, I place my trust in you for a reason, Chancellor”

“Why your Serene Highness, why would they, a nation that shares the same ideals as us turn on one of their own? If they turn on us, we can always resort to removing some of their people” replied Klaus in a cruel tone.

“I wish to start no war with any other nation Klaus, my only wish at the moment is to restore this ‘Setzna’ back to it’s original status and leaders” the Crown Prince replied, a look of concern fell on his face.

“Also, I give you permission to contact the Aelitians and see if they may help our cause”

“As you wish, your Serene Highness” the Chancellor left the room and gave the order to contact Aelitia to discuss politics.

6

[spoiler]The Northern Gondwana Union is very sympathetic to fascist leaning political forces, hope a few arms and goods shipment on the downlow will help.[/spoiler]

Ronald Tusk sat in his office in Cape Hope. The white haired male thumbed through a few pages in his book. On the maroon cover, a gold text read, “The Legions of Stone.” A novel written so many years ago by ancients. It was a classic, describing the various features in the ancient Felidae tribes and empires. Before the 1700s, the felidae tribes were shattered. Broken up by the falling of their empire and petty squabbles in the year 500 AD.

The President of the Northern Gondwana Commission, Lucius Breggan walked into the office. Lucius mainly took care of domestic issues regarding the economy, development, and future goals for the Northern Gondwana Union. It helped that having a few years of running a business translated well into his position. The room was decorated in various military memorabilia; firearms, hats, and even a chunk of the Veridian Empire’s battleship Rhodesia of the Gerdi class. Fearsome behemoths of a age so far back. It served faithfully to the Veridian Empire for years, launched in 1940. The battleship sailed until the late 70’s when carriers became the new symbol and beholders of naval power.

Lucius sat down in a leather chair opposite of his military counterpart, “Ronald, how’s the novel?”

With a grunt, Tusk placed a bookmark into the book and closed it. Setting aside he answered, “Good, not the first time I read it. Trying to read previous examples of what not to do. What’s up?”

“Well, we are starting to get ideas within the Commission to support those with similar political leanings…”

“The rabblerousing in Kashinko?”

“Yes,” Lucius replied.

With a grunt of discontent, he leaned forward to begin the coordination within the Military Council. He didn’t really care much for interfering in other’s affairs. But when the job calls for it, he answers. The old codger was nearing the end of his term. It was to be a nice and steady retirement, but the shit filled up his hands faster than wishes.

After fifteen minutes of talking on the phone, Tusk hung up. He stated, “Council is being convened as we speak. In advance, we will start sending supplies and a few Special Activities Division advisers to help the fascists. Keep in mind, this is small scale, whether or not we want to scale up will start with the council and the committee. The rest is up to you to coordinate with the Committee and work the political aspects out.”

7

The Tretridian Foreign Minister, Bartholomew Smith, was holding a conference with Defense Minister Kyle Johnson and the President of the National Council Matthew Irvine.
Foreign Minister Smith said, “Here is the situation. In a nation named Setzna, there is a civil war. The legitimate government is under attack by the fascist United Imperial Rebel Front, or UIRF for short…”
President of the Second Republic National Council Irvine (his title it way too long) replied, “How are you sure the Council will support this alliance?” Smith replied, "Well, they have a very similar ideology to us, and none of the members of the Council like fascists. Johnson, I ask you that you make preparations, but not to the point of mobilization.
⁂
A few days later…
Matthew Irvine stood in front of his chair on the chamber of the Council. “All in favor?” He watched most of the hands rise in unison. The votes were counted. The proposal was passed 87%-13%.

Irvine sat in his office. He picked up the phone, dialed the number to the Foreign Minister’s office, and waited.
Bartholomew Smith said on the other end, “Hello? This is the Tretridian Foreign Minister speaking.”
Irvine said, “This is the Council President. I would like to let you know that the proposal to help the government in Setzna passed.” Smith replied, “It seems like our allies in Emberwood Coast are also expressing interest in aiding the government. If one of us helps, the other has to. That was what the treaty said, along with opening borders and lifting tariffs. I’ll contact the government at Setzna and see if they accept out help. Then we will pass it. Assuming Aelitia doesn’t support the fascists.”
[edit_reason]Added some dialogue, further roleplay hasn’t occurred yet[/edit_reason]

8

In congress, a meeting was held to discuss the Tretiridian’s proposal to help Setzna in it’s ongoing civil war. The Director of Foreign Affairs was the main center of attention, as he spoke for most of the time.

“This is great, with the help of Tretrid we may actually be able to start pushing them back from ‘The Line’” announced the Director of Foreign Affairs.

“If congress allows it, I will propose talks with Tretrid and see what we can do”

Over 90% of congress voted to accept Tretrid’s help and the Director of Foreign Affairs left immediately to plan his trip to Tretrid.
[hr]
William Verlhan sat in his office looking over paperwork until the phone started to ring. He picked up the phone and on the other end was the Director.

“Yes? This is the President speaking” said William.

In a fast response from the Director, “Mr. President, it’s the Director of Foreign Affairs, we’ve gotten a proposal from Tretrid to assist us!”

“Bret, thats great news! I’m also going to give you permission to contact any other nations as well, try Emberwood after you talk with the people from Tretrid” the President responded with a slight hint of excitement in his voice.

“Aye, Mr. President” the Director hung up on the other side, busy with packing for Tretrid. After packing, he contacted Emberwood Coast to see if they would also aid Setzna along with Tretrid.[edit_reason]I miseplled Tretrid… I am so sorry…[/edit_reason]

9

“You’ve reached the Department of Foreign Affairs, this is Harmond Cass speaking… Oh, of course sir… I’ll put you through right away!”

Caroline Dean jogged to the president’s office from the elevator. “Nim. News from Setzna…” She passed a report to the President.

“An official request for help? Normally we’d have embassy exchange and military agreements before getting into something like this… But I guess that settles it.”
The president pulled up a map and some military reports alongside the news. “I think we can spare some of the cruisers and destroyers for selective blockading, and get the air force doing aid drops and some target elimination.” She swiped the military window closed. “Get the Assembly updated, and ask Lance if they think now’s the time to launch the Dawn.”

“On it. Anything else?”

“Call the Setzna representative back and get them up to speed.” The president thought about it for a bit. “And tell everyone to take it easy. This still isn’t our fight.”

“Will do, Nim.”

10

3:05 PM, Linzberg Royal Palace

Crown Prince Luchwitz Ancrad, only 19, looked out from the old Palace window that used to be the vacation home of his ancestors which was just converted from a museum into a home for him and his family. Hearing the door open and close behind him, he turned around and saw the Chancellor standing there.

“Serene Highness” he bowed.

“Raise your head Chancellor, what news do you have for me?” Luchwitz sat down at one of the couches flanking a very nice table and set down his tea.

“Oh, please sit down and have some tea” he added after, signaling the maid standing by the door to leave and get confectioneries and more tea.

“Thank you, your highness” the Chancellor sat down and talked about the Veridian Empire lending a helping hand to the movement.

“Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful! Accept their help immediately Klaus” a smile broke out on Luchwitz’s face as the maid came back with the confectioneries and tea. He thanked the maid, who then returned to her post by the door.

“Has Aelitia responded yet?” he asked the Chancellor.

“No, i’m afraid not yet your highness” replied the Chancellor, “But we are still trying, at least we have one ally in this war, we’ll be able to push the heretics back to the very beaches by December!”

“I hope thats the case, Chancellor” the Crown Prince leaned back into the couch.[edit_reason]Forgot to put have in between you and for me[/edit_reason]

11

Prime Minister Adam Wilson was relaxing in his office. Then Foreign Minister Bartholomew Smith walked in and put the proposal on his desk. “You need to sign this.”
Prime Minister Wilson read it closely. “Hmm…” He then said, “How are you sure that Aelita isn’t going to support the fascists?”
Foreign Minister Smith replied, “We’re not sure. Our allies at Emberwood Coast are showing some reluctance to join, but treaties are treaties.” Wilson noted, “They might not take it very well.”
Smith replied, “The MSR (Military of the Second Republic) might be able to tip the scales.”
Wilson said, “Okay.”

He signed it.

12

In the Department of Foreign Affairs, Director Earl Scharn was giddy with joy. He informed the President of the news and then sat in his office for the rest of the day sorting paperwork. Meanwhile, the civil war still wasn’t progressing for either side, with the “Line” only changing slightly every day. The SMDFS Arcadia [CVN-51], pride of the Setznan Maritime Defense Force was deployed to the front with the 2nd fleet following behind her to help with anti-rebel operations. The 2nd Fleet was Setzna’s most decorated fleet and among it’s captains were some of Setzna’s best.

13

UNV Syng pushed through the sea. The Emberwood Coast Flag was emblazoned on the side, as well as its serial number, 034. After a friendly stop-off at Weyrcliff to drop off an ambassadorial delegation, it proceeded toward the eastern horizon at full speed.

“Nima, if we’re going to do this, we have to put our full forces behind it.”

“I know Lance, but I can’t just leave us open like this, not with Aelita involved. Plus we have to reserve something for ourselves and Tretrid if worst comes to worst.”

It was late in Aura now. The sun had dipped below the horizon almost an hour ago, and the president and her defense secretary sat in the presidential office alone. “How about this. Keep the A-30s here. We’ll fly the A-44s out there, base them on the Dawn, but keep her out of range in international waters…”

“You think it’s a good idea to unveil the ship now? It’s a foreign civil war…”

“Face it. This is becoming a proxy war. We have to exert democratic pressure, or nowhere will be free. Imagine how the World Assembly would be then…”

“Point taken. But be careful. Get a scout force, take the Syng, Miriam, and the Reliant out first. Then send whatever else you see fit. Don’t engage yet, and get in contact with Tretrid’s admirals on this. Our most valuable asset is still intelligence.”

“Okay. I’ll signal to send out the fleet.”

14

Imperial palace in Aeternum, Lord Governors office

“Lord Governor Fredrik, i have disturbing news about a distand nation called Setzna”, Lucas Brom, leader of the CIB (Caltharusian intelligence bureau) said.

“Just tell me how anything happening as far away as Setzna would really move us?” Fredrik answered sounding uninterested.

“Well a rebellion has broken out and some rebels, appereantly mercenaries, have been seen wearing Caltharusian flag in their uniform. It’s also common knowledge that Caltharusian soldiers use two flags in their uniform, the flags of Caltharus and Staynes-Caltharus.”

“Lucas, even though when i complited my compulsory military service we only wore flags of Staynes-Caltharus, it didn’t go unnoticed by me when our own flag was added to the uniform.” Fredrik felt awkward, it was clear that he wasn’t respected because he originated from house Barbarossa and not from house Hessex or house Constantine like most Lord governors before him. Then he forced thoughts of uncertainty from his head and spoke:

“Contact goverment of Setzna and ask if they have evidence of these soldiers. If this information is true, we’ll have to form a response and help the goverment of Setzna anyway we can. If it’s not, it means that someone is trying to turn our eyes away from Caltharus. For what reason i have no idea.”

Firm response from the Lord governor had impressed Lucas. Maybe Fredrik wasn’t such a bad Lord governor. Still he knew that only time would tell.

“Well in any case i’ll find out who sent those mercenarys or who tries to turn our eyes away. You can count on me”, Lucas said but in his mind he thought:
‘It must be those damned Acceronians and their plots. They are losing their power and status as a great house so they are getting desperate. Desperate enough to support a rebellion in far away land just to forward their own goals.’

15

Ground Forces Command, Arcadia.

“Mercenaries dressed as Caltharusians?” Brigadier General Marlene Verlhan said.

“Yes ma’am, apparently those so called ‘Caltharusians’ that attacked FOB Phoenix were actually mercenaries” replied Lieutenant Zeinler.

“And the real ones contacted us to confirm this?” she questioned.

“Yes ma’am” replied the Lieutenant.

“Alright, respond to their message and confirm that there are mercenaries dressed as their soldiers” Brigadier General Marlene Verlhan stood up, and walked out of her office followed by the Lieutenant to the comms room.

16

PHYANG 12 drifted slowly through space. The lenses of the satellite gently clicked and shuddered, focussing on a small conflict in a distant land, watching men run around fruitlessly like ants under a magnifying glass. The reaction wheels whirred slightly, reorientating the satellite and pointing it towards a small naval vessel steaming away from Emberwood Coast. The lenses clicked again, taking an image so clear and accurate you would think it was taken just 100m away from the ship.

Back on Urth, an Axdel reconnaissance operator studied the images on a large screen, typing down several descriptive notes about it on a keyboard. He tapped a few keys, saving the images onto the unknowingly large archive of satellite data, and logged out of the terminal, having finished his shift for the day. Another operator walked up to him as he gulped down the last few dregs of his coffee.

“Hey mate, anything interesting today?” the other operator questioned.

“Well, you know,” he replied, picking up his cup and tossing it into the trash can behind him. “There’s a civil war or something going on in some far away messed up land I’ve never heard of, but that’s about it today.”

“Interesting, you sent it up to high command?”

“Course, but they haven’t replied or anything so I doubt they’re interested.”

“Yeah it would be surprising if they were to be honest. Well, busy night ahead so seeya tomorrow mate! have a good one.”

“You too”

17

Lieutenant Colonel Jeremy Peterson received his briefing on an air force troop transport plane bound for Setzna. A general, who would rather have the world not know his name, gave the briefing. “In Setzna, there is a civil war. The fascist United Imperial Rebel Front has taken over a substantial amount of land. Your job is to follow my orders to stop the UIRF.” (OOC: I’ll just call the general-whose-name-is-confidential the General).

The Lt. Colonel saluted the General and said, Yes, Sir.

18

On board the SMDFS Arcadia, a new aircraft was unveiled as it was lifted up to the flight deck. The wings of the Aircraft unfolded and the words “NAVY”, the emblem of the SMDF, and the number 29 would be clearly visible on the side of the aircraft. Two more of the same aircraft were lifted up to the flight deck, but the numbers 01 and 22 replaced 29. All three were black. The three new aircraft shot off of the Arcadia using catapults and were supposedly heading towards the island of Luzen, where most of the fighting was taking place.

Petty Officer 1st Class Julius Waltson looked up at the planes from the flight deck, “There they go, hopefully they don’t destroy the lab coat’s pride and joys.”

“Jules, their top NAE pilots, they can handle the mission” said the Lieutenant Jr. Grade behind him.

“Lets hope thats true…” the two walked back inside the island of the Arcadia.

(An island is the bridge on an aircraft carrier, not to be confused with the actual land form)

19

0200 Hours, 178.72W x 26.081S. The UNV Dawn sliced through the water toward the Syng.

“…And call them and tell them we know where it’s pointed. Yes, we can see it. It’s within radar range of Myriad, how couldn’t we… Oh, hold on. Call on the other line.”
Caroline hung up and sighed, before picking up again. “Yea? What’s up Nim?”

She paused and groaned. “They convinced you!? Crap. I’ll be right there.”

20

The rumbling of jets could be heard as the 3 unidentified aircraft shot through the sky towards the Emberwood fleet. Black little dots moving in the dark sky, nearing the fleet quite fast with every radar blip the 3 aircraft seemed to be getting closer by at least 1 meter.

“We’re passing by the UNV, you want to give em’ the good ol’ hello?” said the pilot of Viper-01.

“Sure why not, I mean can’t hurt right?” replied Viper-22 in a mischievous tone.

“I swear the lab coats are going to get all nervous and anxious about the safety of the Viper’s if we do this…” replied Viper-29 with a hint of concern in his voice.

“Man, screw the lab coats, they already have 27 Vipers made and going through testing right now, what’s wrong if a few get lost?” Viper-22 responded with irritation.

Viper-29 replied with a lecturing tone, saying that the three Vipers they were piloting were also taking part in tests, specifically combat tests. If the Vipers were also lost, then Setzna would be basically giving valuable technology to the enemy or possibly another nation.