Collateral Damage

[Chryse]

UPRISING.DAY 1.


Present Day.
Kollat, Capital of the State of Orion, Abruzicstan.

A cool wind crept down the sleeping streets of the city. It was just before dawn, the sky a faint purple color as the sun had not yet awoken from it slumber. Apart from the occasional morning driver and the faint sound of the rail humming to life in the distance, the city was dead and dormant. The structure that was Capital Plaza sat dark and towering against the early morning sky. The atmosphere seemed restless here, as police forces and security held the patrons of the Plaza tight from a brewing danger that lurked from all angles.

The plan had been set in motion from all around the state, Resistance fighters from various regions of the country had set into motion the war that would be fought against their countrymen. A dissatisfied group of rebels eager to take the power back from a new oppressive Government had gained momentum and were ready to release the first strike. The sleeping capital remained ignorant to the threats and growing danger. Nobody would believe civil war would come, let alone begin in Orion. The news of the uprising from all over the state had not reached Kollat yet.

The temperature grew colder through the streets, the sky beginning to glow a soft pink as small hints of morning crept into view. Shivering softly under a massive coat, a man appears around the corner of the main road. Accompanied by no one and taking the time to be sure he would remain unnoticed, he strolled silently down the street until taking a sharp turn into an alley facing Capital Plaza. He disappeared into a veil of shadow and stone down a hidden corridor one of the buildings housed. Snaking down the stairwell, he was greeted at the bottom by two men dressed almost as identical to him. He paused, pulling his right coat sleeve up to reveal a symbol tattooed on his wrist. The two guards stood aside, and a doorway opened into a massive room lit by only a single lamp sitting above a large conference table that seemed to continue into the infinite expanse of the dark rooms unlit back. Seated around were men of the same attire as their visitor, offering not welcomed glances but cold stares. A low raspy voice emanated from the shadows down the table.

"Welcome H. I'm sure you bring pleasant news?"

Being addressed, the man only referred to as "H" took an open seat at the table and nodded as he sat stiff in his seat. He paused, then finally began to speak.

"Ground forces have begun their assault around the state's edge, the Uprising is proving to be a success. Word has yet reached the capital of the surprise attacks. Though that will not remain for long sir...."

He was interrupted by a cough or something close to a chuckle from his counterpart. A chair creaked aside and footsteps were closely followed, as the presence of a tall stout man came into view from the lamplight. His facial features remained cloudy in the absence of light in the room. The man only known as "M" hovered over the side of the table and began to speak again.

"It will not matter gentleman. The capital will be ours by the end of the day."

 

[Chryse]

UPRISING.DAY 1-CONT.



Later that morning.
Governor Molko's office.

The golden rays of the morning sun illuminated the hallways of the Capital. The buildings patrons began to stir, Orion's Government always rising early to begin their duties of the day. Despite such a beautiful morning, a cool and gloomy atmosphere hovered over Capital Plaza leaving many feeling on edge. Governor Molko felt more unnerved than anyone, the stresses of everyday life apparent on his facial expressions as he sifted through stacks of paperwork and documents scattered about his office. His long time friend and fellow colleague the Secretary of State Resnor sat in front of his desk fixated on the Governor, a smirk across his face.

"You know, if your ass wasn't connected to your body you'd lose that too."

Molko violently slammed the drawer to his desk shut, obviously disgruntled by the comment and the absence of what he was looking for in his desk.

"If it's not one damn thing its another! Ive seemed to have lost my sanity in this room as well. The state of things has driven me insane, and leave my ass out of this by the way!"

Resnor chuckled and stood, patting his friend on the back for comfort. He glanced out the window, a soft fog had developed over the morning hours. Molko sighed and massaged his forehead. He of all people knew of the dangers lurking under his watch. He seemed to be the only one that was afraid of it that sat in the room. Resnor took notice.

"Your going to give yourself an ulcer stressing over this. You've spoken to the President numerous times and the situation has been assessed just as many times. Everything seems to be in order friend, what would you have Chieti do..?"

Brian sneered. The Executive Office and Chieti had barely given any notice to any of the concerns he had often voiced. He was lucky enough to have been rewarded some form of tighter security, despite the overwhelming evidence that his life and the life of thousands in Orion were in danger. He reached into his coat pocket and took out something, holding it up to Resnor.

"They have given their final demands and are ready to strike. It's only a matter of time before they actually act. I received this days ago, relayed the message to Chieti and got nothing in response. We are on our own."

The color in Resnor's face drained slightly, his mouth opening to speak only to be interrupted by a massive jolt and a loud explosion emanating from the courtyard outside. Molko jumped to his feet and peered out the window, both of them entranced on a battle that had now spilled out into the street and encompassing the facing walls of Capital Plaza. Another massive blast forced the two men off their feet, smoke now billowing out of the building like a massive chimney. The doors to the office flung open as security poured in, snatching both of them from their spots and leading them out to a safer location.

On the ground, militants stormed the streets in all directions. Culminating on Capital Plaza, the object was to infiltrate the Capital and take control. The resistance had begun.

 

[Chryse]

RESISTANCE.DAY 3.


Executive Mansion, Chieti

Rain pummled the asphalt surrounding the courtyard to the Presidential Mansion. The weather echoed the mood of the entire facility, a grim cloud hanging over the President and his staff as they sat scattered about in the Executive office. McVeigh lit a cigarette, a gesture not normally encouraged by those in the Mansion but currently ignored by everyone in the room. He exhaled producing a soft cloud of smoke that puffed out of the corner of his mouth, the stresses of the worsening news in Orion still apparent in his eyes. He turned to his Security Advisor who stood off to the side, anxiously awaiting a response from the President after news of Kollat falling was received just moments ago.

"You would have me abandon the city? Let the resistance win? I refuse to let Kollat fall, and soon the state of Orion to rebel militants. There must be something that can be done..."

He was interrupted. "Sir, the city is lost. The surprise attack has left much of the capital in chaos and hundreds have been reported dead. The right thing to do is to retreat, run now and fight later. If we wish to save as many lives as we can now it must be done. We were lucky enough to get Governor Molko out when we did."

There was silence. President McVeigh took another drag of his cigarette and extinguished it, breathing out slowly enjoying the smooth release of the burdens that lay on his shoulders. He knew it had to be done, but the thought of abandoning the city to the resistance lay heavy on his thoughts and heart. Abruzicstan's military would be ready to strike once it was able to regroup and accurately access what lay before them. He sighed and stood, facing everyone in the room who had been waiting on the edge of their seats for some form of response or order from him.

"So it be it then. I want all our forces out of Orion, save as many people as we can from Kollat. We will lose the state for now but we will not lose this war. I want to regroup and gather as much strength as we can to be ready for a counterattack as soon as possible."

His attention was diverted from those around him to the television as news stations covering the crisis had broken into regular broadcasting. A message had been received from Resistance forces inside Kollat. The screen faded to a recording, a figure of a tall man came into view sitting around what appeared to be the Governors office which looked damaged and smoldering from constant bombardment. He wore all black, his eyes dark and sunken in with age and a scar stretching from his neck to his right brow gave him an intimidating feature. He began to speak to whomever wished to listen.

I relay this message to those in power in Chieti. For months you knew of our existence, taking the time to ignore our threats and our promise of retaliation if our demands remained unnoticed. This is the fault of the leadership in Chieti, leadership powered by greed and ignorance. We promised a fight, destroy the spineless in Chieti for turning a blind eye towards our threats. Your brought this on yourselves, and now you must pay for your arrogance. The state that was once Orion that you have abandoned now belongs to the Resistance, seceding from the corrupt Abruzicstan is now the Free State of Kultram. Let this not be a civil war, for we no longer recognize Abruzicstan as our birthplace and home. We desire nothing more than to be free and independent from the clutches of oppression in Chieti. No form of diplomacy and display of peace is going to solve the problem now. We've displayed our wish for reconciliation for months yet no one in Chieti would have it, not even the the great President Jonathon McVeigh. We open our arms to the international community, or to anyone willing to recognize our new found existence. Let begin a new era of revolution in the world!

The recording cuts out, leaving a stunned silence from the television and the entire room. Having been personally mentioned in the message, President McVeigh shuddered. His mind raced, recalling the message over and over in his mind. His nation was falling apart, and for the first time his life he felt powerless in attempts to stop it.

 

[Chryse]

RESISTANCE.DAY 7.


President McVeigh's Study

The stresses of life in Chieti had aged Johnathon McVeigh significantly since taking office. His once short brown hair had grown into a silvery mop, sitting disheveled and messy on top of his head. His young face now was plagued with wrinkles, outlining his face around his mouth and his piercing green eyes. Stubble had begin to grow over his chin and around his mouth, looking ragged over time from neglect. His youth and stamina brought him to victory years ago defeating President Wolstenholme in a fierce campaign that left the nation talking for months. Now, the troubles of life in Abruzicstan have stolen his youthfulness from him , leaving a tired old man in it's place. His policies over the years have been unpopular he was beginning to understand now. Inheriting Wolstenholme's troubles was not something he would expect, nor were the repercussions of his actions.

Taking a drag of his newly lit cigarette, he closed his eyes and dove into his thoughts. Recalling the years of his Administration caused him pain, almost anguish. Wolstenholme's Cydonia debacle was something he was eager to fix. Abruzicstan's influence in oil research would have been a positive to the country and he was sure to take advantage of it. Scandals were quick to derail the President's ambitions, and the Cydonia project was ultimately dismissed. The first blow to McVeigh's hopes, and obviously not the last. Growing discontent between the people and the Government in Chieti grew over time. The economy fell into a slump, and his Administration wasn't quick enough to stop the bleeding. Job losses skyrocketed to a level unseen in Abruzicstan's history. His unlucky streak tumbled forward as the nation delved deeper into a hole.

He sighed, finishing his cigarette that he had been longing for all day and laid back on the couch he had been resting on for some time now. He had quit smoking since before the election, but he saw fit to take up his unhealthy habit again recently. He closed his eyes again and continued to recall his past. After more unpopular events continued and came to a point, The Resistance began to rear its ugly head in the south. Groups of men and women, outraged by failures in his Administration, most of them forced out of work, voiced their discontent and began the movement that would spark a series of events leading up to today's crisis. They claimed the Government wasn't looking out for them, ignoring their calls for help. Chieti took no notice, something he regretted greatly. Protests were quick to pop up around the country, and the capital used heavy force to disband any such events. Some would say the measures taken we're unruly and unwarranted, but in his mind it was the right thing to do. Government suppression pushed them over the edge, and that's where things were today.

Beads of sweat trickled down his forehead. Recalling the past remained painful for him. Recently there had been calls for his resignation, possibly impeachment. Over the past few days, he wondered the same himself. Why not end it all now? The troubles brought upon him would be no more, let someone else handle it. His thoughts were interrupted by a bang on the door. He mumbled "come in...", sitting up slowly and facing whoever it was at his door. The Secretary of Defence entered.

"It's time sir."

Off the coast of Orion, Gulf of Kollat.

While the Navy of Abruzicstan was small, it was formidable enough for the task at hand. Constant bombardment from ships into Orion, particularly Kollat, were frequent and growing daily. Aerial attacks were the first in a wave of engagements that would begin the invasion of Kultram, from the sea and from land. Special forces we're already advancing from Kuiper into Orion, and forces off the coast we're in the process of steaming through open water towards the coastline. The forces from the sea would come as a surprise to those onshore, the object to end the situation as fast as possible and disband Resistance occupation within Orion.

Covered from the air, ground forces began to land on Orion beaches meeting no resistance as of yet. The city of Kollat wasn't far, a trek that would be easily covered within a couple of hours. Abruzzi forces numbered small, but adequate enough for the counterattack. Launching a large force seemed unnecessary, for if all was going to go according to plan the Resistance would be defeated within the next few days.

 

[Chryse]

RESISTANCE.DAY 8.


A couple miles outside Kollat.

Shots rang out in the early morning air, simultaneous explosions rocked the landscape as an intense engagement had broken out just a couple miles from Kollat city limits. Abruzzi special forces were successful in obtaining the beaches of Orion and the surrounding areas. They met little resistance early that morning advancing quite steadily into enemy territory. Not a terribly difficult task, since their objection brought some of the soldiers close to home in their own Country. Casualties seemed light, but nobody would underestimate their enemies before them. Resistance fighters we're well equipped to fight. They we're successful in holding their own for awhile, the constant barrage starting to take it's toll it seemed now.

The roar of the Tanks engine overpowered the yells and constant pops of gunfire, as they rolled forward through the brush towards the city. One would occasionally stop, load a shell, and send a shot forward with a massive bang. The side of a nearby building collapsed in a heap of stone and metal, a cloud of debris masking the retreating steps of Resistance militants from the building that once protected them. From behind Abruzzi lines, leading the Special Forces sat Joseph Campanero. Sunglasses shielded his eyes from view, dressed in the traditional light blue/green uniform of the Abruzzi Military. He stood tall, taller than many of his counterparts, though much older than those around him as well. A grey beard painted against his face with sweat gave him an almost outlaw "westerner" look to him. His concentration was broken, a soldier wishing permission to speak. He nodded.

"We've got Resistance militants on the run towards Kollat. We are steadily advancing towards the city as well. Barring anymore engagements, we should reach the city within the next hour."

He gave a snort of approval and removed his sunglasses. Cold icy blue eyes staring back at the one he was about to address.

"Very good. Any news on the advance in the north?"

He wasn't interested in anything else as his question was stern. Campanero was eager to get this over with, and wouldn't accept anything less than complete success. His counterpart responded.

"Reports have been sketchy, as the focus of most of the Resistance force has been concentrated around the Kuiper border. They have taken heavy attacks and reported casualties, but news as of recently has confirmed they are finally advancing southward. Very slowly."

He snorted and dismissed him, pulling his sunglasses back over his eyes. He needed to discuss the situation with Chieti as soon as possible. Kollat was only an hour away, and with it certain victory.


Inside Capital Hill, Chieti.

"Mr. Speaker, Mr,. Vice President, Esteemed Members of Congress. The President of The UNITED States of Abruzicstan.

Thunderous applause arose from the entire chamber of Congress as McVeigh entered slowly through the open doors of the room. Snaking his way down the rows of seats, shaking hands and receiving numerous pats on the back, he found his way up the platform and to his podium. The President was finally going to address members of a unified Congress for the first time since war broke out in Orion. After a few minutes of applause, he waved his hands in attempts to calm the applause so he could begin.

Members of Congress and my fellow Abruzzi's. Our country today remains in grave peril. We live in a time where the voice of discontent was ignored, igniting a firestorm that threatens the safety and future of the entire Abruzzi Union. I take full responsibility for the ignorance, I am to blame for not coming to the rescue of those who needed it most. Abruzicstan is locked in a civil war with militants who would see fit to bring about the end of Governance in Chieti. Corrupt, Greedy, inefficient. Some of the many insults hurled at us from those who think we have wronged them. They come from towns all across the south. Forced out of work, tired of the economic conditions that have plagued the country for years. It is easy to understand why this is happening. Abruzicstan's handling of Government policies I will admit have been unsatisfactory and now obviously extremely damaging. I hope the nation will come to forgive my failures of the past.

Know this though, I refuse to let something of this nature destroy the foundation of this country and possibly bring the end of our Democracy in Abruzicstan. United we can combat this, and hopefully bring about the stability of our Union again. I will not let my country down again like I have before. We will continue to take on our enemy in the south, The Resistance will be disbanded and we will be victorious! Once things become stabilized, the process of rebuilding our shattered union will begin. I will need your help, together we will be able to accomplish this. We must unify and watch the Abruzzi flag ascend in victory.

There was a pause for a moment. Applause slowly broke out again, and Congress was on their feet. The speech wasn't meant to be long, just strict and to the point. The message from Chieti was clear now, the nation will unify to defeat a Resistance in the south and pick up the pieces to fix a shattered union. Success seemed all too close to McVeigh now.

 

[Chryse]

RESISTANCE.DAY 17.


President's Office, Overlooking Lake Pescara.
Nightfall.

The suns glare over the massive lake slowly began to shrink as it disappeared behind the horizon. The Executive Mansion sat overlooking Lake Pascara, perched neatly on the coastline creating a beautiful landscape around the cities edges. McVeigh took in the beautiful sight, happy to be home from being away on "classified business" internationally. He had only been home for a couple hours, and already the stresses he had left behind on his trip were gnawing at his inside's once again. News remained the same from the front lines, Abruzzi forces remained encamped in Kollat in attempts to take the city back from Resistance forces. Success stories we're frequent though nowadays, a surprising and welcoming turn of events so McVeigh thought at least. The tranquil scenery and overall absence of any sound in his office was soothing to him. A knock on the door quickly disrupted his relaxation, beckoning his vistor to enter. He was rather surprised to see his National Security Adviser standing before him, looking as unkempt and stress-beaten as himself. His facial expression struck the President hard.

"Jackson. It seems the weeks of being a recluse has taken it's toll on you. What can I do for you?"

The President wasn't at all thrilled at the man in front of him. His weeks of hiding have caused headaches inside Chieti, and the growing calls of his resignation haven't helped the situation any. The sarcasm in McVeigh's voice annoyed Jackson.

"Mr. President. We need to talk...."

He moved forward and unveiled what he had been hiding behind his back, a stack of folders with the words STRICTLY CLASSIFIED written in bold red ink. They seemed badly damaged, scorched even in what looks like an attempt to destroy incriminating evidence residing inside. He slammed them hard on The President's desk, sending loose paperwork and other items fluttering off his desk. McVeigh's eyes widened significantly, his face draining of color to a sickly pale. His nerves demanded he reach for a cigarette locked away in his drawer and lighting it, inhaling deep. He tried to speak but couldn't find the words. Jackson filled in the blanks.

"A couple months ago you had the problem of dealing with mass protests within the country against the direction in which you were taking Abruzicstan into. Protests turned to riots, and the government responded overwhelmingly against "a threat to national security" or so it highlights in these documents. You we're afraid to let the situation get out of control. Your paranoia drove you to take drastic measures. Any outspoken language towards the Government was seen as treasonous, a mark against Abruzicstan as a nation."

He opened the first folder to McVeigh and held out a document to him.

"You ordered for hundreds of people to be pursued, rounded up, and killed all for the sake of protection against a transparent threat. Your fear cost hundreds of lives, and their blood is clearly visible on your hands. You are the reason for an uprising in Orion, and nothing in the world will forgive you for your sins. The order was carried out, and your Government covered up the situation as if it never happened. Lying dormant was the key to all the events that have transpired over the past month. You've been caught Johnathon. The world will know your truth, and see me not as the failure I was accused of but a hero."

The President was speechless. The nagging fear that he had been trying to quell for months was finally revealed. The evidence was before him, burnt and skewed, but there nonetheless. Jackson was right, his paranoia and overall fear drove him to madness. He ultimately made the rash decision to send special forces into Orion to quell "anti-government" movements he had been fearing since the economy dipped months ago and began to sprout up frequently across the south. His cabinet as well we're connected to the atrocities, only Jackson was the one out of the loop. Bribes and blackmail were enough to keep his Cabinet, and those few outside his staff quiet about the situation. He had been cornered and caught red handed.

"I have no words Jackson. You will never get away with...."

He was interrupted by a pistol being thrust into his direction, pointing directly over his heart. He was stunned, freezing and stopping mid sentence as Jackson cocked the gun. The sleeve to his shirt folded back, revealing a fresh tattoo engraved on his wrist of the letter J. A sign of one of the Resistance, a secret of his own. He grinned and spoke softly.

"Aim..."

"Shoot..."

McVeigh flinched, but the bullet had found his mark over his chest. His dead body slumped over and rested on top of the table.

"Kill your leaders."

His grin faded, the President was dead. He paused taking in the magnitude of what he had just done. He brought this on himself he thought. He tossed the gun off to the side and turned away, walking out of the President's office as if nothing had occurred here at all.

 

[Cortona]

President Sal Cipriani sat down with Defense Minister Leonardo Basso, Foreign Minister Aria Milano, Chamber President Paolo Rossetto, General Giorgio Rossini, and lieutenant colonel Vito Moretti in the situation room of the Executive Mansion. President Cipriani called the meeting to discuss the situation in Abruzicstan, and whether or not involvement is necessary. As soon as all the men arrived, the President called the meeting to order and the party seated themselves.

President Sal Cipriani looked as though he was in his fifties, but in reality he was sixty-two. He had jet black hair that was beginning to gray around the ears. He had a face that drew your attention. He would also wear the most expensive clothes and made sure that his appearance was always top notch. His critics have always criticized him on his thousand note suits. He never paid attention to that. He looked like the right man for the role of President, and the people saw and respected that, it was partly why he won the election of 2008 with no problem.

“Gentlemen,” the President began “Recently, our neighbors in Abruzicstan experienced a revolt and the declaration of a nation known as Kultram. To date, our Government has refrained from making a statement on the matter. I was unsure of how severe the situation would become. I requested to be continuously briefed on the situation; I wanted to leave it at that. However, today the world was told of something grave. President McVeigh was discovered dead. We also learned of atrocities committed in Orion. However, I am sure the majority of you know this. The reason I called this meeting is because I want to discuss the possibility of sending troops into Abruzicstan to aid in quelling the revolt and bringing stability to the region. Stability in Abruzicstan affects us in many ways. The death of President McVeigh has pushed me to request 1,000 troops. Mr. Chamber President, I will make the request to a joint secession of the General Assembly, should Abruzicstan accept our offer of aid. I called you all here because I want your opinions.”

Defense Minister Basso was the first to respond. “Mr. President, I too have been watching the news coming from Abruzicstan. I was disturbed when President McVeigh was pronounced dead. It is no secret that their stability is a concern of the nation. Due to this Kultram being in full revolt, I find it necessary to aid Abruzicstan in bringing stability back to this nation. Mr. President, I will give you my full support in the military action.”

Foreign Minister Milano seemed a lot more concerned over the talk. “I don’t know how the international community would react to Cortona sending troops into Abruzicstan, especially after the events in Orion have been made public. It might look bad on our part to support a nation that has done that.”

“With all due respect, President McVeigh is dead and his cabinet was taken into custody. President Loddi has denied any involvement in the event and the documents don’t point to him. I believe if we throw our support behind him, no negative impact to our reputation should come to our nation,” Defense Minister Basso replied.

“True, but if Loddi is also found guilty of the deed, then a negative impact will hit this nation,” Milano answered.

“Judging by the amount of troops and my rank, I am to make an educated assumption that you wish me to command the battalion going into Abruzicstan. I don’t mean to boast, but I do find my experience in commanding troops to be sufficient for the task. If my assumption is correct, I do accept the position,” lieutenant colonel Moretti chimed in.

“Your assumptions are correct. I chose you because I do believe you’re best suited for the mission. It’s good to hear that you accept the position,” President Cipriani said.

“In the interest of our trading, it is essential that Abruzicstan is a stable country. We must do what we can to secure this. It has been our foreign policy since ’64. I find this to be nothing more than the Cortonan Republic protecting its interests,” Defense Minister Basso stated.

The debate continued on for another half an hour. It was eventually agreed that Cortona should intervene in the affair on the interest of Cortona and in the interest of the Abruzicstani People. Foreign Minister Milano dropped her concerns and put her support to the President. President Cipriani felt he had more leverage when he requested the deployment, having a General and the Chamber President’s support. President Cipriani called the meeting to a close and drafted the official offer to Abruzicstan with the help of Foreign Minister Milano.

Dear President Loddi,

We give our condolences to President McVeigh in the news of his death. Abruzicstan and Cortona have kept good relations for over four decades, and today, a serious situation has developed in Abruzicstan. I have decided to give an official offer of 1,000 troops to go to Abruzicstan to defeat Kultram and bring unity and stability to Abruzicstan.

Should your nation reply with approval of our offer, I will address a joint secession of the General Assembly and officially request the General Assembly to mobilize and deploy the mentioned number of troops to go to Kultram to end the revolt. These troops will be commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Vito Moretti, a man we have confidence in.

Should you wish, the troops will remain in Abruzicstan until your Government sees their presence no longer necessary and request us to remove them. We thank the Abruzicstani Government for their time in advance. We again send our condolences to the nation and the people, and we give the best of wishes to you to restore stability in your nation.

With Regards,
President Sal Cipriani
President of the Cortonan Republic

 

[Chryse]

The Executive Mansion wasn't as bustling with movement today as it usually was. The death of former President McVeigh hung like a cloud over the entire establishment, and nobody felt it more than the man who was sworn in the day before to take his place. Loddi, who was extremely younger and generally believed to be more handsome and well kept than his predecessor, sat alone in his chair surrounded by large windows and bookcases that lined the walls of the circular room inside the Mansion. Loddi usually wasn't one for allowing his emotions to be shown so easily, to directly affect his decision making process. These abilities and his strong presence of leadership always worked to his advantage in the world of politics. He didn't expect to be the Commander in Chief of his country so soon though, and he was doing his best to keep a level head during the current environment that has plagued the capital for almost a month now.

As of lately, Loddi had begun to delve into the possibility of reaching out to allies internationally for some help. McVeigh never liked the idea of asking for outside help during an internal struggle, he believed it was the job of the country itself to fix the problem. Loddi didn't see the advantage in McVeigh's approach, and decided it was time to break away from such a position and reach out for help. It seemed though that longtime friends in Cortona felt the same, and the message he received this morning from President Cipriani was comforting news. 1,000 troops was generous indeed he felt, though to pass up on the offer would be disastrous. They needed all the help they could get, fighting will still rampant in Kollat and the effort to rebuild and bring stability back into Orion was going to be tough work. He felt relieved finally, drafting the response to those back in Cortona over their proposal for help that was long needed for the past month in the south. His response didn't need to be long, just direct.

To President Sal Cipriani,

Concering your proposal for allied troop deployments into Orion, I will gladly accept such an offer. With Abruzzi and Cortonian forces working together, it will only be a matter of time before peace and stability will overlook violence and hostility that currently plagues the people of the south of Abruzicstan.

 

[Cortona]

Lieutenant Colonel Vito Moretti was sitting in the control room of the CDS Aliseo. The frigate was considered the flagship of the task force being sent to Abruzicstan. He looked out the window and saw the four transport crafts, carrying 1,000 troops and various vehicles and equipment. Transport aircraft would be annually flying in, resupplying the troops and delivering whatever Moretti could get from the homeland.

Soon, Captain Letterio Panicucci walked into the control room, and saluted the Lieutenant Colonel. “Good day to you, sir.” Moretti turned to him and said the same.

“We’ll be in Abruzzi territory within a few hours sir. We’re getting numerous reports from Abruzzi Military officials. The fighting doesn’t seem to be letting up. Our assistance is greatly appreciated,” Captain Panicucci said.

“I want to spend as little time in Abruzicstan as possible. We don’t want to overstay our welcome. Plus, we need to maintain a good image, the longer we stay there, the harder that task becomes. I don’t want Collateral Damage. Reports coming out of the region tell us that they have enough of that, we must make sure we don’t increase it. We need to make sure no civilian is hit; we’re in a tough situation as soon as we land. I hope we don’t suffer too many casualties. I also hope that Cipriani can keep the homeland supportive of our efforts,” Moretti said.

“Relax, Lieutenant Colonel, this conflict will be over quickly and we’ll be able to come home with a whole new respect, hopefully from Abruzicstan and the world at large,” Panicucci replied.

“I do hope you are right,” Moretti finished.

 

[Chryse]

The phone lines buzzed. It seemed the Executive Mansion and the fields of Orion were always in contact with one another as of lately. President Loddi frequently phoned his Generals on the ground, more so was he in contact with the man in charge of Abruzzi Special Operations in Kollat, Joseph Campanero. Their relationship seemed to have grown from being strangers to one another to close friends over weeks of communicating between them. Roberto was anxious, sitting as his desk on the line waiting for at least someone, some human voice to answer. His anxiousness subsided when, finally, the voice of Camponero broke in on the other line.

"Joseph,Great to finally hear from you my friend. I was beginning to worry things were going sour once again down there. Please tell me you have good news."

The President spoke in a hoarse voice, strained as of lately by frequent amount of public speaking he had partaken in. Joseph was quick to notice.

"The only thing that sounds sour to me is your voice Mr. President, though not surprising with the way Chieti has been running lately. In all seriousness though, things remain relatively calm here. Skirmishes have diminished as of lately and oddly enough the city has been quiet, though too quiet. We aren't taking any risk though.

You could tell of the overwhelming concern in Campanero's voice. Abruzzi forces hadn't seen action the last day, Resistance forces weren't well known for remaining quiet for extended periods of time, especially since fighting was so rapant only a couple days ago. The silence in violence was worrying, as they should be.

"No matter Joseph. Ive spoken with leaders in Cortona, you should be accompanied by Cortonian forces soon enough. I have specific instructions for you to rendezvous with Lt Colonel Morietti within the next few hours."

The phone line went silent as the connection seemed to have been lost. Loddi sat in silence for a few minutes, switching back and forth between directories trying to figure out why he had lost contact with Joseph on the ground. Back in Orion, smoke filled the air around Abruzzi forces. An explosion had rocked the area next to them followed by gunfire. A Resistance counterattack was in full force, with Cortonian forces only a few hours away.

 

[Thaumantica]

En Route to Abruzicstan

Three taxing hours of jetting headlong through a devastating seaststorm left both the younger an older enlistment men exhausted. Where the stress from turbulence ended, near bottomless concessions of the alcoholic variety were passed out to seal the deal on over a hundred Commissioned Officers rest. Podmarešal Kaminzki sat wide awake, shuffling and glancing over a seemingly endless stack of paperwork, compiled by a tenderfoot team of intelligence analysts back in the Union.

"Those boys would have to hide behind the bushes to get away with this unprocessed shit! Not even Sjadnbrdo would smear this crap across the pages like these analysts did." Kaminzki swirled half melted cubes around his tumbler of whiskey, near startled when two finely polished loafers halted beside his airline seat. Loafers easily helped draw the conclusion that this man was not an Officer, who wear a cattle hide boot with a dark brown dye. Following from the back of the shoes, Kaminzki's visitor was wearing a pair of casual but modest blue pants, covering what were likely skinny thighs - with little muscle tone. A soft grey dress shirt, with enough wrinkles to put a senior to shame, clung tightly around the mans biceps and chest. Massive biceps and pectorals left Kaminzki wondering if this new visitor of his had ever considered building up those chicken legs of his, while pumping iron with his gargantuan upper half. Finally the two mens eyes met, Kaminzki recognized who he thought to be 'The Diplomat', as titled by the spotty intelligence report.

"Can I help you sir?" Kaminzki asked, adding the sir out of courtesy to whom he might be speaking to.

His oddly proportioned friend smirked, and with a sarcastic tone he remarked "It'll be myself who has the opportunity to help you, judging by those reports you are reading. I have a slightly better idea of what is going on here." The man extended a hand towards Kaminzki as a greeting shake, "Bojnik Konavle, Herald for the Union" he said, with a fairly strong grip for a diplomat, "I am here to smooth things over verbally, if it can be done."

"Podmarešal Kaminzki, and the sleeping giants around you lead this unit, under my command of the Treci Zaktrupa Divizija - od Wilkidrewna (Third Air-Trooper Division, the Timberwolves)" he responded, appreciating a decent handshake from his civilian counterpart. "Mister Herald, I understand we're not here to raze villages; hearts and minds will likely be the priority?".

Konavle nodded "Hearts and Minds, you could say that over and over until your tongue fell out." Bojnik knelt down to level himself with the Podmarešal, "This is a twenty-first century conflict, and our Abruzzi friends are treating it otherwise. Private Industry from the home country views this as a promising opportunity to get this country working, not just for us - hopefully for themselves. With the natural resources they are sitting on, there is no excuse why a profit cannot be earned. . .And that is just the private side of the house, politically this may be our fountain of youth!" Konavle giggled to himself at the comparison "The old 'we took down Communism in the Great War' is a decrepid old pride that only textbooks are taking seriously."

"So what you are saying is - military involvement here, no matter what the extent, will be a significant political trophy for us to flaunt at home and a broad?" Kaminzki asked, already aware of the obvious solution to such a simple question.

Konavle wiped the grin from his face instantly, "That, and it can't be a Cassiopeian, a Francophone, or worse yet a Communist who gets the gold at the finish line of this conflict. Let the Commies worry about Batavie and Ratomkira, the Union will worry about preserving liberty in Abruzicstan first." With that the Herald stood up again "We'll talk more on the ground, so much that you'll be sick of me by the end of the week".

Consulting his drink again, Kaminzki swallowed a gulp of something fierce, enough to make him squint and exhale with a strong sigh. More then ready to discard those faulty intelligence reports, the Podmarešal threw his colossal stack of nonsense down in to the lap of an officer asleep an sitting next to him. Perhaps now with his mind at rest, Kaminzki could get in a generous nap before touching down in Kaminzki.

 

[Cortona]

The Cortoran Force had arrived in Abruzicstan in the evening, the sun was setting and it was a nice sight. Lt Colonel Moretti’s helicopter was preparing to take off and land in the meeting place of him, military advisors and Abruzzi military officials. Moretti had also received word that supply planes landed in the Canal Zone and were ready to fly supplies to the battle, by request of Moretti.

Naval forces were docking and unloading their troops. The men were given orders to get accustomed to their new homes, for hopefully they would be heading into combat early the next morning. Cortonan Air Power had arrived earlier and was now refueled and fully prepared to run support missions at the request of Abruzzi Forces.

In Moretti’s helicopter, his personal advisor, Asad Achmed, was talking to him about the situation. Moretti was informed of a rebel counterattack five minutes ago, and it was a good thing that Cortonan Forces had finally arrived. Due to the counterattack, Moretti asked Achmed to do everything that can be done in order to get combat troops to the battlefield by the morning. There was no debate over the reason the forces were here, that wasn’t the concern of Moretti, he was here to fulfill orders from Firenze.

In Firenze, however, Capriani had a goal of maintaining a sufficient budget for the troops. An increasingly regretful Assembly wanted to spend as little money as physically possible on the campaign, and Capriani wouldn’t hear any of it. Capriani’s recent increase in anit-mafia programs was put on hold to continue the war effort. Capriani continuously told Moretti to pay no attention to what was coming out of Firenze and that he would contend to it. Moretti felt as though he was being secretly rushed by Capriani to end the conflict.

Regardless, the helicopter landed and Moretti stepped out.

 

[Serenierre]

Base 23
Somewhere in Abruzicstan

The first of the Belmontien forces arrived in Abruzicstan at dawn that day. Under the command of Lt. General Marie Sant-Pierre, twenty five thousand of Her Majesty's Armed Forces would be deployed at a number of bases close to the Orion region in the coming weeks. Several units of the Royal Air force had also started landing at the air bases in the region and a naval task force had come in the region. The aircraft from the carriers had already started conducting raids on Orion targets and already the full extent of the Belmontien firepower was becoming apparent all.

In Parliament, the government MPs had defended the deployments vigorously and had won in the end. They had succeeded in tripling the money allotted for the entire operation and public support for the operation was high. This was a fight which the Belmontien people and Parliament believed in. Premier Martinique was certain the Belmontien involvement in the situation would help bring about a sound success for the Abruzzi efforts, turning the tide of war in their favor.

Lt. General Sant-Pierre stepped out of the jeep and briskly walked towards the entrance of her new office building. It was austere, nothing like the comforts she was sued to back in Belmont but this was war. The woman looked at the sea of deputies organizing the final stages of the deployment and the sound of shooting practice, from afar, showed her that her troops morale was high. That was good.

While the majority of the forces were busy getting settled into the new territory, the deployment was, in no way, complete. Several armoured regiments were still existing only on paper, as the transport was being slowed down due to the Batavie crisis. But apart from that the Belmontien deployments were going well. Sant-Pierre picked up her phone and told her secretary to call the Abruzzi High Command and to tell them that she would like to hold a meeting with them and the other foreign commanders. Victory here depended on communication between all allies.​

 

[Thaumantica]

Abruzzi Airstrip
Hours after touchdown of Union Forces

Gathered in a relatively impressive circle, for what could have otherwise simply been an unorganized mass or gaggle, Officers and important Non-Comissioned Officers exchanged whispers between each other. Podmarešal Kaminzki approached quietly, shuffling carefully through tufts of thick grass with his worn in boots. Kaminzki found an opening inbetween a Kapetan and his junior Poručnik, the junior seemed to be using this opportunity to observe without pushing many words in edgewise.

"Listen up Gentlemen" Kaminzki called out while waving the human circle on in to tighten around him. "Considering the time difference here is minimal, and nearly all of you spent the flight knocked out on Kryobaijani Vodka - I think it is safe to say we're all prepared to hit the ground running here." Kaminzki nodded intensely until he could see the majority mimicking the nod, or hear the rest verbally agreeing. "Right now is the ideal time to act if we plan on getting any piece of the action here, considering the backlash from local nationals against the rebellion, and the clusterfuck of Cortonan and Belmontien Troops in Chieti."

Kaminzki smiled, and took a moment to look at a few familiar faces - "Gentleman, we are the shocktroops of the Blue Union. As shown by our rapid deployment here to Abruzicstan, we are prepared to bring the fight to any enemy, anywhere in Europe. With this comes a great burden however, I'll let you all note that myself nor Mister Konavle are being included in allied planning of counter-insurgency operations. Worse yet, back home the Union Army has thrown a loud enough temper tantrum, that they too will be deploying behind us." Particularly the Non-Comissioned Officers hissed and grunted at the idea of sharing this conflict with the Union Army. "To our advantage, we have perhaps the clearest window of opportunity that any Commander could ask for. . .The Rebel Insurgency is not aware of our numbers, that we are equipped with superior fire power, or most of all: where we are going. What the enemy knows of us is unclear, though it is safe to say that their leaders know as much about us as we know about them, very little. Though I find it safe to assume, that my strategy to defeat them - is one that they would not expect from a foreign armed task force."

"From the moment we touched down here" Kaminzki began again, this time with a slight sense of urgency "we began to hire local nationals, who will act as interpreters and guides. These men and women will all be civilians, meaning we will not accept local experts from the Abruzzi Government. Our guides will work for us, and us only. From the top, my orders to the Treci Zaktrupa Divizija are to treat these interpreters and guides with the utmost respect, as I mentioned already: they work for us, and us only." Various Officers scribbled upon freshly drawn notepads, taking note to remind their Air Troopers to take it easy on the guides.

From his rear, one of Kaminzki's junior Officers began dishing out very small pieces of paper to each Soldier and Officer Present. "This right here" he said, holding a copy up in the air over his head "is a list of individuals, and the type of people we will be looking to find, detain, or contact in the coming days."

Task Force Abruzicstan Mission (TFAM) is to hold Town Hall Meetings to streamline the political process, and to hold Key Leader Engagements with Živ representatives and:

Religious Leaders
Regional/Local Leaders
Racial Leaders
Economic Leaders
Business Leaders
Police Leaders
National Guard Leaders

"It is assumed by modern scholars of war, that you have to fight on the insurgencies terms, that by using their hit and run tactics they dictate the tempo of strategic operations. While this may be a reality for a conventional occupying force, I'd like to believe that I command an unconventional Division of Air Troopers, who will not let a rag-tag collection of rebels to bring the fight to them. We bring the fight anywhere or anytime in Europe." Kaminzki stated loudly. "What the rebels will not expect, is an enemy who gets involved in local villages - where I believe most of our insurgents are from. By engaging in networking opportunities with local leaders, we should hope to take more rebels from the fight then we would with focused fire missions. Be that as it may, our weapons will get hot if the rebellion should seek to deny a resolution of communication." He paused for a moment, preparing for the finish "More directly to the point: we understand that these rebels are not from Chieti, so we are not going there. Our Division sized element will split in to several separate TFAM Engagement Units. Tonight they will all sleep in their trucks or choppers, early tomorrow morning we roll out in different directions towards the core objective of neutralizing the hometowns of our enemy."

Kaminzki looked around again for reciprocal nods, and vocalized concurrences until he was content enough to dismiss them, causing the nearly perfect circle to erupt until a complete divergence occurred, leaving only Podmarešal Kaminzki and his junior Officer alone in an open field.

 

[Thaumantica]

Union Forces Camp
Southern Abruzicstan

Dull scents crept slowly beneath the thin flaps that separated an olive drab tent from the elements of late winter in Abruzicstan. A bursting gust of wind tore its way in with ease, baring the distinct aroma of Standard Grounds - Union Coffee.

Pozornik Radzinkzy squirmed uncontrollably, a natural reaction to the wretched stench. "Who the hell is brewing that shit?" he asked, forming a disgusted facial expression.

"I am, shit stain" Bojnik (Major) Lagerstaan responded furiously, parting the tent entrance with one hand, and wielding a coffee mug in the other.

Transforming from disgust to sheer horror, the junior Pozornik snapped to attention. In the process of straightening his body he managed to turn over a flimsy old table, throwing parts of Radzinsky's weapon every which way.

"Sir, I..I..I..Sir?" stuttered out feebly.

With the only exit blocked off, Lagerstaan took a sip of the placid black brew, no fear coursing around the veins like a terrorized jackrabbit. Over a decade of service in the Air Corps separated the Bojnik and his embarrased junior enlisted soldier.

"By the time I get back from this mission, I expect you to have downed at least five pots of these Standard Grounds" Lagerstaan ordered before swishing his beverage around in his mouth, sighing contently after a labored swallow. "And don't think you can sip and spit a few times to get the stench in your breath; your Narednik (Sergeant) will supervise along the way. Maybe that'll teach you some manners, little savage".

Lagerstaan piloted a bomber in the Union Air Corps. Not too long after this war he would be retired or sitting behind a desk in Sjadnbrdo, the military capitol of the Blue Union Captaincy. During the Intervention of Volga (IoV), Lagerstaan was garrisoned for 'assaulting' a superior Officer - the same superior who later slotted a rookie pilot in Lagerstaan's stead. Infamously, the young pilot arrogantly pushed through enemy lines alone before being shot down in an urban metropolis - killing several people including himself. This afternoons mission was quite similar to the one he had been removed from in the Intervention of Volga, but the Bojnik was not going to flop on this simple mission. shower southern Abruzicstan with

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[Chryse]

Basking in the ambiance of his surroundings, Campenaro stood alone on the outskirts of one of the many Abruzzi outposts surrounding the city of Kollat. Gazing at the cityscape before him, an icy wind enveloped him as a sigh escaped his lips as the soothing feeling of the cold was welcoming to him. Like aloe to a burn, the cold numbed his bruises that now dotted his face including a jagged cut that ran from his eyebrow down to his cheek. Injuries recieved from the recent counterattack just a few days ago.

"So peaceful..."

His words were carried with the wind, dying out slowly as the absense of any form of sound from the night overtook him. It definitely was peaceful, and he cherished it deeply. The first time in months he was able to enjoy time to himself in a peaceful and serene environment. He was taking advantage of it indeed. Deep inside though, his emotions were locked in battle. He was anxious, not yet meeting with militant leaders from allied forces now inside Abruzicstan.

It was important to him that he meet with them as soon as possible, more importantly with the leaders in Zivotinje. Together Abruzzi, Cortonian, Belmontian, and Ziv forces would be enough to successfully rid the region of Resistance insurgency and bring democracy back to the country. His mind raced, the outcome of such a meeting was uncertain. Other things continued to plague him, including the fact that he has had no contact with President Loddi since the attack days ago. He shook his gaze off, his thoughts causing him to stare blankly out into space. Regaining his composure he began to walk off, preparing to phone allied forces of his invitation.

To all allied forces now residing in Abruzicstan, I welcome you. Being in charge of Abruzzi Special Forces inside Kollat and the surrounding areas I, Joseph Campenaro, request militant leaders of allied forces to converge onto the outskirts of Kollat within the next day to discuss the situation and plans regarding the Resistance insurgency. Full cooperation is anticipated, and a response is expected immediately.

-JC

 

[Thaumantica]

SECURITY STATUS: Designation Gray, Utmost Secrecy

CONCERNING: Abruzzi Special Forces
HAILING FROM: Podmarešal Kaminzki, Treci Zaktrupa Divizija

SUBJECT MATTER: Allied Brief Op

Under the circumstances of our visit to Abruzicstan, myself and the Command Team are never the less pleased to report how inspired we are by the landscape an demographic of citizenry we have encountered in Southern Abruzicstan.

Reiterating past statements passed between Union and Abruzzi sources, our commitment to the mission here is undying. Operation: Trumpet of Democracy can be a signal that stirs a generation of productive Abruzzi allies, when the architects of liberty yearn for associates who share the call to the promise land of hard earned justice, independence, and pleasure.

Operational capacity absolutely must be maintained along our 'frontline', or in rural villages and townships where our intelligence service suspects the insurgency hails from. As ground Commander of Union Forces, my presence cannot be facilitated for the proposed "outskirts of Kollat" allied brief. With Allied cohesion in mind, Kapetan Zyrvodk of a rather prestigious Air Assault Company has been tasked out to fill the void of Union involvement. His expertise in the elements of tactical warfare on the modern battlefield is unprecedented, furthermore I am personally confident in his loyalty to his country - and this mission.

SIGNED:
Freedom First,
Podmarešal Kaminzki,
Treci Zaktrupa Divizija

 

[Cortona]

[FONT=”Palatino Linotype”]

TO: Joseph Compenaro
FROM: lieutenant Colonel Vito Moretti
CONCERNING: Gathering of the Allied Forces’ Leadership
MESSAGE:

We are very happy with the progress of this campaign. We believe that this conflict will come to an end soon and peace and prosperity can again reign in Southern Abruzicstan. I too find that a meeting between the Allied Leaders is necessary to discuss the conclusion of this conflict and better reinforce the unity between our forces.

Again I shall state that I, my troops, and my country are all committed to restoring peace and stability in Abruzicstan and we will not withdraw until peace is restored, we remain committed to the cause, always.

With Regards,
Vito Moretti
Lieutenant Colonel of the Cortonan Defense Forces

[/FONT]

 

[Chryse]

REDEMPTION/SALVATION

Rain soaked the rolling fields of the Cemetery, marble headstones and massive angelic statues dotting the hillsides in an elegant display just outside downtown Cielo. A hooded figure stands alone, his weight causing his feet to sink into mud amidst the downpour that has plagued the region for some days now. In front of him, a massive monument towers over his being. President Loddi pulls down his hood, allowing the rain to soak his dark hair leaving it sleek and matted against his forehead. He kneels, placing a hand over the plaque of an elegant marble statue only honoring those of one great importance and rank within the country. His hand glides over the sentences "In an eternal sleep, here lies the body of Jonathan R. McVeigh. Loving husband, father, and President of a Country to which he adored so dearly."

Loddi bit his lip, reading the last line of the plaque with a grimace. He'd never felt so much rage, yet so much loss at the same time. McVeigh was a friend to him, a true friend. Yet the atrocities carried out under his rule made it hard to forgive, his friend now forever a mass murderer in the eyes of the world and his Country. To forgive though, is what he came to do. His term was coming to an end, the Country moving forward away from a time of turmoil and confusion. The Southern Region was stabilized, a new Government elected successfully by the people to Govern the southern states. Cooperation between allies helped propel such a success, and the aide was to continue, to be expected even. Violence remained subdued, any sign of a past Resistance almost forgotten. Loddi knew now that the only way to fully move forward, was to forgive. An ultimate closure that brought him there that day, in the pouring rain just hours before the Inauguration of a new President that would take his place. He sighed, placing a small blank envelope against the statue's base filled with what seemed to be a letter and other folded pieces of paper stuffed inside. Taking a moment, he spoke a few silent words to himself and turned to leave.

"This is our last chance to forgive ourselves..."


Hours later, Chieti:

The Capital Building stood looming over the cityscape, large banners adorning the national colors along with thousands of flags and other Abruzzi decor draped along the steps and pillars alongside the building. A massive platform jetted from the steps of the Capital held an audience of hundreds of Government officials from all branches. They sat facing out, with a view of thousands of civilians who had gathered to watch the event that was to unfold. The weather was a a nice change from what was experienced in the south. The beams of sun reflecting off the windows of the building, not a cloud in the sky with a gentle breeze. It was a calming change to the dreary scenery in Cielo, of which Loddi was thankful. He arrived spot on time, in new attire and a feature not of what it was a few hours before. He seemed light, more airy than usual. Greeting everyone as he walked past to his seat.

All the greetings and chatter were set aside, as the President-elect took the stage for the Oath he would take. An older man, almost an elder to Loddi, appeared over thunderous applause to everyone in the surrounding area. Silvio Merlotte stood shorter than almost everyone around him. Soft wrinkles lined his face, topped with brownish hair turning almost silver. A traditionalist, he seemed perfect for the job as new Head of Government in Abruzicstan. For his age, he was not soft spoken. His impressive ability at public speaking earned him respect amongst many for inside the country, like his counterpart before him.

The President –elect began, wooing as he spoke, as if he were singing a soulful lament to a crowd of onlookers. He connected with the people, speaking of the past and looking on towards the future with pride. He expressed change, but vowed to focus on the mistakes of the past and learn from those missteps as to not make the same again in the future. Soon his speech began to draw to a close. He had touched on numerous issues including the future, national pride, and security at home and abroad. He concluded the day with words that touched the many thousands there, including Presiddent Loddi.

“Above all, we must learn to forgive. Coming into this new Administration, a new Chapter in Abruzicstan’s history, to forgive is what is required to move forward into the future. To dwell in the past sets us on a course for more dark and bleak days. We must see past this, through the dark tunnel and into the light. Only then will we reach beyond Redemption and into true Salvation.”